{"id":31434,"date":"2024-07-04T12:00:28","date_gmt":"2024-07-04T17:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/?p=31434"},"modified":"2024-07-04T12:01:54","modified_gmt":"2024-07-04T17:01:54","slug":"4th-of-july-the-farewell","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/?p=31434","title":{"rendered":"4th of July: The Farewell"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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WLBOTT: <\/strong>I’m conflicted. On the one hand, today we celebrate the US Independence Day. On the other hand, recent news and Supreme Court decisions suggest a decline into fascism. What’s your feeling?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elder G:<\/strong> It\u2019s understandable to feel conflicted given the current climate. Celebrating Independence Day can be a time to reflect on the values of freedom and democracy that are foundational to the country. At the same time, acknowledging the challenges and struggles, such as concerning Supreme Court decisions and other political developments, is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balancing patriotism with a critical eye toward ensuring those foundational values are upheld is a delicate but essential task. It\u2019s crucial to stay informed, engaged, and advocate for the principles you believe in.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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Due Diligence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Okay, before WLBOTT <\/strong>gets sued by the Supreme Court (6-3), let’s do do some due diligence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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WLBOTT: <\/strong>Can WLBOTT <\/strong>be sued by a Supreme Court Justice?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elder G:<\/strong> Creating and sharing satirical or critical images of public figures, including Supreme Court Justices, generally falls under the protection of free speech, especially in the context of political commentary or artistic expression. However, there are a few points to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Defamation Laws<\/strong>: Public figures have a higher burden of proof for defamation (libel or slander) compared to private individuals. They must prove that the statement was made with “actual malice” \u2013 that is, with knowledge of its falsity or with reckless disregard for the truth. Artistic or satirical works are usually protected, but it’s important not to make false statements of fact.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. First Amendment Protections<\/strong>: In the United States, the First Amendment provides strong protections for freedom of speech, including political commentary and satire. Courts have consistently upheld the right to criticize public officials.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Parody and Satire<\/strong>: These forms of expression are often protected under the First Amendment, especially when they target public figures or address matters of public concern. The intent to humor or criticize, rather than to assert factual claims, is a key factor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Fair Use<\/strong>: If your work incorporates elements of other works (like recognizable imagery or symbols), fair use doctrine may apply, particularly if the new work transforms the original content for commentary, criticism, or parody.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    To minimize any legal risk, it’s wise to ensure your work is clearly identifiable as satire or artistic expression, avoid making false statements of fact, and focus on broader social or political commentary rather than personal attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you have specific concerns or the content is particularly sensitive, consulting with a legal professional might be beneficial<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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    WLBOTT Statement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This post, which should be immediately obvious to the most casual observer, is a parody. It is protected by the 1st <\/sup>Amendment (if still in force), 2nd<\/sup> Corinthians, 3rd<\/sup> Base, and the Hippocratic Oath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    [a note from Elder G: Leave me out of this. You guys are on your own.]<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    4th of July With the Supremes!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Judge Amy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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    Backyard w\/Judge Brett<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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    Judge Clarence<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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    After a Few Beers at Brett’s<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    After a few beers at Brett’s, Clarence reveals his hidden desire to be a White Karen. We are not judging (they’re the judges, after all).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Rumors are Swirling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Do Clarence <\/strong>and Amy <\/strong>really have matching tattoos? WLBOTT <\/strong>wonders!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Their shared love of poultry is an open secret at “The Bench”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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    Celestial Disapproval<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Just to make it clear, God thinks you guys are idiots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    And Everyone Else Thinks You Are Moral NumbNutz<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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    Past Supreme Court BBQs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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    Elder G Offered Some Sage (but Ignored) Suggestions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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    Elder G:<\/strong> That sounds like a thoughtful and timely theme for the WLBOTT <\/strong>blog. Here are some topic ideas you might consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. **Historical Perspectives on Independence and Democracy:**<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    • Explore how the ideals of the American Revolution compare with the current political climate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Highlight historical struggles for democracy and how they resonate with today’s challenges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      2. **Voices of the Elders:**<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      • Share perspectives from the WLBOTT Elders on what Independence Day means to them in the current context.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Include personal stories or reflections on how they navigate this conflict between celebration and concern.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        3. **Symbols of Freedom:**<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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        • Analyze the symbolism of Independence Day traditions and how they can be reinterpreted in today’s context.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Discuss the significance of the flag, fireworks, and other symbols in light of recent events.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          4. **Balancing Patriotism with Critique:**<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          • Offer a balanced view on how to celebrate national pride while staying vigilant and critical of political developments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Provide suggestions for constructive actions readers can take to support democracy and justice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            5. **A Call to Action:**<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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            • Encourage readers to engage in civic activities, such as voting, community organizing, or advocacy work.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Highlight organizations or movements that align with the values of freedom and equality.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              6. **Cultural and Social Reflections:**<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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              • Examine how cultural and social dynamics have shifted in recent years and what that means for the future.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Feature voices from different communities to provide a diverse range of perspectives.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                7. **Creative Expressions:**<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                • Invite readers to contribute poems, art, or stories that reflect their feelings about Independence Day and current events.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Share some of your own creative work or that of the Elders to inspire and engage your audience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                  WLBOTT: I’m conflicted. On the one hand, today we celebrate the US Independence Day. On the other hand, recent news and Supreme Court decisions suggest a decline into fascism. What’s your feeling? Elder G: It\u2019s understandable to feel conflicted given the current climate. Celebrating Independence Day can be a time to reflect on the values […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[113,43,101],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-31434","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-collapse-of-democracy-civilization-etc","category-heros-not","category-the-criminal-justice-system"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31434","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=31434"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31434\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31543,"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31434\/revisions\/31543"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=31434"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=31434"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=31434"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}