Is this slander?

[bmer]

What is the name of your state?FL

I recently published an article and forum posts on my website asking people to sign a petition holding someone responsible for their actions. This particular person owes a large sum of money to another, and we have asked him to repay these monies. After promising to handle this, the person has fell back on his word. I published an article asking people to sign a petition stating that unless he followed through on his word, we would then boycott sale of all merchandise of a group he belongs to (this is a very public group).
The petition contains no accusations toward this group, but only states that unless their member does the honorable thing, we the undersigned will boycott sales of products by this group. We are in effect asking them to hold their member/representative responsible for their actions.
I have been contacted by a representative of this group telling me that unless I remove this from the internet and my website by noon today they will have lawyers on me for slander.
I'm far from a lawyer, but doesn't this fall under "Freedom of Speech"?
If anyone is interested in reading the actual petition and/or article, I will be glad to forward you the URL of each in order for you to comment.
I do not want to back down on this, as it is something I believe in, but I have nothing and expenses of lawyers etc are not an option. I believe they are relying on that to intimidate me.
Since I have not made any statement against this group, other than my intentions to not use their product am I liable for this, is it slander?
The only comments made we true ones, that the offender has admitted to.
Your help and comments are appreciated.

 

[BelizeBreeze]

Post the letter here then we'll give you an opinion.

 

[bmer]

The letter I recieved or the petition I posted?
Here is the petition:
To: John Lone Eagle & Brule records
FROM: ALL NATIVE AMERICANS; NATIVE AMERICAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS & GROUPS, TRIBES, NATIONS, & FRIENDS.
We are demanding full restitution of monies stolen by 'Brule' band member John Lone Eagle.
Some time ago John Lone Eagle along with a women named Renae Nailon, took advantage of and deceived one of our own, an innocent native american prisoner, F.VanDyken Long Soldier, a member of the Oglala Sioux tribe from the Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota. Long Soldier was unjustly found guilty in 1984 of the death of a Missoula Sheriff's Deputy. He is currently serving a sentence of life without parole. Long Soldier uses his talents and skills to make jewelry and artwork which he sells to help finance a lawyer that will help him prove his innocence. This is where John Lone Eagle saw his opportunity. An opportunity to not only lie, cheat and steal, but to dishonor all of our people with his greed and deceit. Long Soldier trusted these people when they made false promises to help him sell his artwork for his defense fund. In turn they stole the merchandise (approximately 10K worth) and Long Soldier never saw a penny. John Lone Eagle is also a proprietor himself he owns a store called Native American Legacies located at 40 Casey Jones Lane. Jackson, TN 38305. After searching for and finally locating John Lone Eagle, he admitted to his guilt and promised to make restitution by returning the money owed to Long Soldier. This was in August, John Lone Eagle has yet to stand up and take responsibility for his actions. Now as a last resort we are forced to not only boycott his store 'Native American Legacies', we now propose a boycott on any and all Brule records if restitution is not made. While it is unfortunate that we must take such measures, we see no alternative. We ask you John Lone Eagle to stand and take responsibility for your deeds, and if you refuse yet again, then we shall boycott the sale of Brule Records.

 

[BelizeBreeze]

Yes, it can easily be considered slander/libel and yes, you can have your ass sued for it. I would strongly suggest you take it down and cease and desist.

 

[bmer]

Thank you for your advice.
I guess I am just stupid, because I do not see how telling the truth, something this man has admitted to is slander. The person raising all the ruckus is the owner of the name Brule. I've said nothing defamatory against this person. But, I've no understanding of most of the law.
Seems to me, it all depends on how much money you have....

 

[BelizeBreeze]

We are demanding full restitution of monies stolen by 'Brule' band member John Lone Eagle

Unless the person who is identified in your 'petition' has be found guilty in a court of law, you are accussing someone of a crime without sufficient prove of your claim.
That, in and of itself, is sufficient to prove slander. Take it down.

 

[bmer]

I am removing the info from my site. However, the person named in this has admitted to his guilt, and is not the one objecting, it is his fellow businessmen, as they know the loss they will recieve because of his admitted guilt, and other people have come forward and told of him doing the same thing to them. I thought perhaps this was enough to "protect" me and my "freedom of speech".

 

[BelizeBreeze]

I am removing the info from my site. However, the person named in this has admitted to his guilt, and is not the one objecting, it is his fellow businessmen, as they know the loss they will recieve because of his admitted guilt, and other people have come forward and told of him doing the same thing to them. I thought perhaps this was enough to "protect" me and my "freedom of speech".

And what have these 'other people' done to have him charged with a crime? Nothing I bet.
You would lose in any suit brought by a competent attorney. Why? Because you did not limit your 'facts' to the doer but decided to include the business, which has done nothing wrong.