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It also has a chilling effect on journalism (and free speech generally). Even the threat of prosecution for a non-crime serves to discourage others from public

It also has a chilling effect on journalism (and free speech generally). Even the threat of prosecution for a non-crime serves to discourage others from publicly discussing his administration’s errors. This situation is arguably the reason we have the first amendment: so the government can’t bully you into silence and submission when you’ve embarrassed them. When they’ve embarrassed themselves, really.

erulabs 5y ago
I hear what you're saying, but since there is such a zero chance this results in the journalist going to prison - I'm not entirely sure it has any effect - honestly if I was trying to become well-known as a journalist, I'd very much want to be in this spotlight - I'd be trying to find another mess up on Missouri's part to become part of this story. It very possibly has the opposite effect (the "Streisand effect"). The only _known_ effect is that this becomes a hot story and we're all outraged one way or the other.
- elliekelly 5y ago
  Having criminal charges brought against you can ruin your life. Even if you’re completely and entirely vindicated in court it takes a serious toll on your mental, physical, and financial health. And that’s assuming you (can afford to) have a competent attorney and your boss is understanding of the situation enough not to fire you.
- notreallyserio 5y ago
  It’s also somewhat likely, IMO, that this will encourage real hacking, or at least more folks looking for leaked information.
- t-writescode 5y ago
  Are you familiar with Slapp Suits? These actions absolutely have a chilling effect. People just don't want to go through *the hassell* of having to go and fight in court, show up in court, watch their name get strewn through the mud in news articles, and so on.
  - erulabs 5y ago
    Sure, I don't disagree at all - but again, this is a professional journalist and this is all driving _huge_ traffic to their employers newspaper and to their personal twitter (which is great, this is a very hot story - both the original story and what the governor is now doing!). I'm not at all claiming it has no deleterious effects, just saying that _we don't know the net result_. Again, Streisand Effect. The only 100% proof-positive result is that we all now know who Gov Parsons is.

erulabs 5y ago

I hear what you're saying, but since there is such a zero chance this results in the journalist going to prison - I'm not entirely sure it has any effect - honestly if I was trying to become well-known as a journalist, I'd very much want to be in this spotlight - I'd be trying to find another mess up on Missouri's part to become part of this story. It very possibly has the opposite effect (the "Streisand effect"). The only _known_ effect is that this becomes a hot story and we're all outraged one way or the other.

elliekelly 5y ago
Having criminal charges brought against you can ruin your life. Even if you’re completely and entirely vindicated in court it takes a serious toll on your mental, physical, and financial health. And that’s assuming you (can afford to) have a competent attorney and your boss is understanding of the situation enough not to fire you.
notreallyserio 5y ago
It’s also somewhat likely, IMO, that this will encourage real hacking, or at least more folks looking for leaked information.
t-writescode 5y ago
Are you familiar with Slapp Suits? These actions absolutely have a chilling effect. People just don't want to go through *the hassell* of having to go and fight in court, show up in court, watch their name get strewn through the mud in news articles, and so on.
- erulabs 5y ago
  Sure, I don't disagree at all - but again, this is a professional journalist and this is all driving _huge_ traffic to their employers newspaper and to their personal twitter (which is great, this is a very hot story - both the original story and what the governor is now doing!). I'm not at all claiming it has no deleterious effects, just saying that _we don't know the net result_. Again, Streisand Effect. The only 100% proof-positive result is that we all now know who Gov Parsons is.