worried about potential libel suit

[Rosie04]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? DC

I have been following a local political controversy and, in anger, without thinking it through sufficiently, sent an indelicate 3 sentence email message to the lawyer leading the charge for the side I disagree with. I indicated that I was disgusted by his communications with some of opponents of the issue (friends of mine who he threatened to sue) and that he should be ashamed of himself and that his colleagues should be embarrassed to be associated with him. I called him "ignorant" and "unethical." To make matters worse, I copied the board members of the organization he directs.

While there are specific, documented matters of fact that one could point to which demonstrate that he has disregarded the truth in pursuing his objectives in this controversial matter, I worry that using those charged words and copying the message to his colleagues leave me vulnerable to a libel suit.

Thanks in advance for any feedback.
- Rosie

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? DC

I have been following a local political controversy and, in anger, without thinking it through sufficiently, sent an indelicate 3 sentence email message to the lawyer leading the charge for the side I disagree with. I indicated that I was disgusted by his communications with some of opponents of the issue (friends of mine who he threatened to sue) and that he should be ashamed of himself and that his colleagues should be embarrassed to be associated with him. I called him "ignorant" and "unethical." To make matters worse, I copied the board members of the organization he directs.

While there are specific, documented matters of fact that one could point to which demonstrate that he has disregarded the truth in pursuing his objectives in this controversial matter, I worry that using those charged words and copying the message to his colleagues leave me vulnerable to a libel suit.

Thanks in advance for any feedback.
- Rosie

My response:

While it would have been nice of you to actually copy and paste the e-mail message to your initial post - - thus allowing us to comment directly on its verbiage to give you a more exacting response - - you should basically be free from a Libel lawsuit. The attorney knows you're protected by the First Amendment to the Federal Constitution.

IAAL

 

[Rosie04]

Thanks - more

Thanks very much for your quick response. Ok, here is the embarrassingly stupid message verbatim... (the reference to messages copied were earnest ones from an acquaintance, trying to reason with the guy, along with responses from him, tossing out half truths and warning her that he'll sue *her* for libel once he has won his court case against a cause acquaintance & I feel deeply about)

"Mr. X:

I am appalled by your messages to Ms. Y (copied below). You should be ashamed of yourself, and your colleagues and the Board of (Z organization) should be embarrassed to be associated with you.

Sincerely,

Rosie Q
(one of thousands of DC residents who now knows you are a supremely ignorant, unethical man)"

Would appreciate any additional feedback. Thanks again, R.

 

[Rosie04]

One final inquiry for peace of mind

Would one of the libel gurus be willing to take a quick look at the text I provided above and reassure me that IAAL's original response would still apply? (or warn me if it doesn't?)

[Sorry for the piecemeal postings.]

Thanks,
Rosie

 

[JETX]

Based solely on the contents of your post, you have no worries about a judgment being rendered against you.

You have the right to be appalled ("I am appalled by your messages to Ms. Y").
You have the right to say he should be ashamed.
You have the right to say that his colleagues and board should be embarassed.
And finally, you have the right to say that you know (opinion) that he is both "ignorant" AND "unethical".

 

[HomeGuru]

I agree with JETX.
signed,
Home&Libel Guru

 

[Rosie04]

Many thanks

Thanks *so* much, IAAL, JETX, and HomeGuru. I'll be able to sleep tonight!

- Rosie, who intends to try to avoid being such an idiot in the future

 

[HomeGuru]

sweet dreams Rosie.