State Senator Calls Real Newspaper Fake News, Earns A Lawsuit Threat

[Stonepounder]

From the "About Damn Time" dept.

Colorado state Sen. Ray Scott (R) last week accused his local newspaper of publishing “fake news” about him.
...
“Claiming The Daily Sentinel is ‘fake news’ is a provably false assertion of fact stated with malice,” said Seaton, who used to work as a lawyer. “This industry has taken a lot over the last several years. I think it’s time for us to stop taking it and stand up for what we do and our First Amendment mission.”
...
“We have our own fake news in Grand Junction,” he began, adding:
The very liberal GJ Sentinel is attempting to apply pressure for me to move a bill. They have no facts, as usual, and tried to call me out on SB 40 know as the CORA bill. They haven’t contacted me to get any information on why the bill has been delayed but choose to run a fake news story demanding I run the bill. You may have a barrel of ink but it just splashed in your face. @foolstask@fakenews.

...
The Newspaper replied:

I don’t think I can sit back and take this kind of attack from an elected official. We are brokers in facts. Words have real meaning in this business. Sen. Scott has defamed this company and me as its leader.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/state-senator-fake-news-lawsuit_us_58a23002e4b0ab2d2b1830b0?7u8p9enudrisbgldi&

Seems to me that other news outlets should begin using the same tactics. Calling a news story, either print or broadcast, when the story is either provably true, is defamation. And bear in mind, that a sitting President is immune from arrest, but he is not immune from civil suits. Just tie Trump, Kellyann, Spicer, and the rest of the gish-galloping fake-newsers up in court. Trump is much more comfortable there anyway.

[procon]

1. Now that's the way to turn the tables on these lying Republicans.

When they start yelling about every article that calls them out for lying, sue the bastards! If they label legitimate news media as "fake news", take them to court and make put up or shut up.

[ProudLib72]

2. I'm amazed

GJ is one of the most backward, conservative cities in CO. At least it was when I lived there. Maybe things are changing on the western slope.

[oasis]

3. See you in court, fake senator. nt

[AJT]

4. I just hope a lawsuit can make the high bar set for slander

If so more news outlets should start suing for slander.

[arthritisR_US]

5. I applaude the newspaper, the depositions will be revealing. nt