Tuesday, January 18, 2011

News-Leader: FBI questioning of blogger was over the top

In an editorial today, the Springfield News-Leader criticized the FBI's questioning of "Long is Wrong" blogger Clayton Bowler as a possible threat to Seventh District Congressman Billy Long:

The visit to local blogger Clay Bowler could have a chilling effect on local debate at a time when more talk -- civil talk -- is what we need.

(Greene County Sheriff Jim) Arnott was doing his job in discussing security concerns with staff members for newly elected U.S. Rep. Billy Long.
But based on the information available, it's difficult to see how Bowler could be seen as a threat.
Yes, Bowler has been a thorn in Long's side throughout the campaign, through his "Long is Wrong" blog (now inactive), and through other blogs and online media. And Bowler aggressively pursued Long to ask questions that Bowler and others believed Long was dodging.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

If Billy Long had read the U.S. Constitution that he says he carries with him instead of just carrying it, he would have a clue that this type of targeting of private citizens is out-of-bounds.

I've been to Long's auctions. Enough to question how some of the sales went down.

I listened to Long on KWTO, but not regularly because I did not have the stomach for it. I cannot recall a single time that Billy spoke of the U.S. Constitution in anything other then generalities.

I must admit I had thoughts that I hope this windbag does not run for office because he could charm the balls off of a brass monkey. Well that's what we have in Congress, a balls-less monkey who has pushed the envelope beyond the rights of one individual (or all of us) for what has been referred to as political payback.

Maybe he is just having spring training nerve problems and is going to settle down. I'm hopeful.