I am ecstatic beyond words that Webb, Stuckey and Lindsey LLC has decided to drop the lawsuit against you and [letter writer Steve] Brown. I applaud your decision to stand fast on the principles that this country was founded on. Freedom to say what we think is right, and the free flow of ideas that allow for debate of public issues is the cornerstone of our country. This right must be fought for at all costs, because if we lose that fundamental right, we have lost all.

The best example I can find on this issue is in New York Times v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254(1964), Mr. Justice Black wrote in a concurring unanimous opinion: “This Nation, I suspect, can live in peace without libel suits based on public discussions of public affairs and Public officials. But I doubt that a country can live in freedom where its people can be made to suffer physically of financially for criticizing their government, its actions, or its officials. An unconditional right to say what one pleases about public affairs is what I consider to be the minimum guarantee of the First Amendment.”

The Court also wrote, “a profound national commitment to the principle that debate on public issues should be uninhibited, robust, and wide-open.” This opinion was backed again in Hustler Magazine v Falwell, 485 U.S. 46 (1988). The Supreme Court said in this unanimous opinion “At the heart of the First Amendment is the recognition of the fundamental importance of the free flow of ideas and opinions on matters of public interest and concern.” The Court continues in this decision to talk about the absolute necessity of debate, and that speech about public affairs is bound to be critical. Perhaps some need to reread their law books.

I only hope that the “woefully inept” (using Mayor Lenox's words from the letter he wrote the paper) government of Peachtree City has learned a valuable lesson. That lesson is there are people in this community that will not stand for the wanton disregard of civil rights that the Autonomous City of Peachtree City (or so they think), so frequently displays.

From the police to the mayor's office, to the City Council, Peachtree City government needs a class in constitutional law, state open records and meetings laws. This ability of the people to question their government either by a local newspaper or local citizens cannot and will not be tarnished.

Thank you, Cal Beverly, Steven Brown, and The Citizen, for having the fortitude to stand up to Peachtree City, and their representatives, and not back down even when threatened by a frivolous and ridiculous lawsuit, a lawsuit that did nothing more than attempt to squelch the First Amendment.

Also do not worry; the citizenry is not deceived into believing that the lawsuit was dropped because of any article printed in the AJC.

Take comfort in knowing that the Supreme Court of the United States backs the First Amendment, and even a rudimentary Supremacy Clause overrides the actions of yes, the Kingdom of Peachtree City. Even they cannot escape the Constitution.

Glenn Maycumber
Morrow
gmayc@mindspring.com

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