Dear Dr. Political Science,
If a Famous, Litigiously Inclined Person is referred to in a news publication or broadcast (if he has been accused of such serious offenses as embezzling funds, for instance, or eating at a restaurant that doesn't have four stars), he immediately sues everybody involved in producing the story for a vast sum of money. A whopping great sum. Starting bids in libel chill cases are typically $10 billion.
If successful (ie: the case goes on long enough to bankrupt the news outfit with legal fees), these libel cases have the dual effect of punishing anybody audacious enough to write anything about you (no matter how trivial - or true), and discouraging others from reporting on where you dine. Depending upon who you talk to, these cases are either "my legal right" or "a gross abuse of process." Those who have engaged in suspect libel cases claim that they are exercising a right anybody could exercise.
Well...anybody who can afford a personal army of lawyers, anyway.
Libel chill is not catching; however, purely as precaution, I would suggest wearing warm clothing, staying out of the rain and never questioning in print whether the Riechmanns own more developed property than god (although this may be moot - best to consult a theologian or tax accountant).
And, for heaven's sake, change your acronym! You want to get me in trouble with the union?
Dear Dr. Political Science,The chief of Metro's police force pops his head out of a hole and tells the press the city will go to Hell if his budget isn't immediately increased by whatever amount he believes he can scare people into giving. If the circumstances are right (mainly, if Toronto City Council reads the writing on the snow and grants the increase), it will mean a longer winter for those whose social services will have to be frozen to make up for the difference.
Dear Dr. Political Science,
Now, consider China. It invaded Tibet, which it has pretty much destroyed. China is not a democracy, and it treats its own people horribly. Yet, when three Canadian MPs went to China to point these things out, they were vilified at home for having bad manners.
I don't get it. What's the difference between Iraq and China?Dear Dr. Political Science,
Dear WOW,
Does something on the political scene puzzle you? Are you confused by a politician's behaviour? If you have any questions, write to Dr. Political Science, care of this publication. But, remember: he's not a medical doctor, so don't ask him about the latest finding in the Journal of Herniated Discs.