I’ll just quote:
Came on to be considered this day the motion of Tom Freeland, who advises the court that he is a writer for blog Folo and who writes under the title of NMC, requesting that he be allowed press privileges in viewing the presentencing letters concerning the defendants in the above styled and numbered cause.
Mr. Freeland is known to the court as a practicing attorney of high reputation and competence but he does not profess to be a member of any traditional press corps. If the court allowed all persons who write commentaries on blogs to take their place with the traditional, legitimate press in viewing letters such as the ones under discussion herein and sitting in the seats reserved for the press, it is feared there would be not enough room in the conference room of the court for all those requesting access to the letters under consideration herein or enough seats courtroom for the press and bloggers. The court is aware of the debate in some circles concerning the legitimacy and status of bloggers in relation to the traditional new media.
The court has been advised by readers of the blog Folo that the movant herein has been exceptionally thorough, energetic and accurate in his writings on this case and the court will and does hereby make an exception for his status as a blogger and allows him equal credentials with the traditional press in this matter.
Here is the Order.
Updated: Corrections made.
So does this mean the judge has ruled on YESTERDAY’S debate?
Most impressive, NMC. Do you know the identity of the “readers of the blog Folo” who gave such good advice to the Judge?
NMC, I’m not one who usually cries “Awesome!” — but this truly calls for it. Thank you, to Judge Biggers and to you. Wow.
…And herein, it has so shall been decreed, NMC. Congratulations and well deserved.
Good comeback, Paul. NMC, be careful; getting labeled a journalist might require that you get professional help — editorial help, that is.
Shazam!
This is wonderful! Please ensure that you have slander/libel insurance. Please take your computer with you to the meeting.
NMC, could you fix the link to the order, please sah?
Outstanding! Congratulations, NMC.
Way to go NMC.
So let it be written. So let it be done.
Stupendous!
I think the judge made a big mistake.
The standard the judge is apparently looking for is contained in the phrase, “…has been exceptionally thorough, energetic and accurate…”
It appears he is holding NMC to a higher standard than a lot of “professional journalists” currently put forth in the drivel that we have to wade through by allowing them equal access. He could have at least ordered that NMC be allowed first access, based on what I’ve read and witnessed. Further, it appears to me that the judge dissed NMC by allowing him only “equal credentials.” He should be ashamed by not recognizing that NMC has been head and shoulders above the professionals, especially when adding comment and color to the facts.
Where’s that complaint form to the Bar located at?
Brilliant!
I hope you have photogenic memory.
Ive seen photos of NMC…. photogenic??
Nah
And I am a qualified photographer.
Anonymous coward
Like the commercial: DUDE!
Do you know the identity of the "readers of the blog Folo"
Betcha anything they’re his law clerks, if not others as well.
NMC, good job. Nothing I say below is intended to diminish that.
If the letter are going to be made public, they should be MADE PUBLIC. Requiring a motion and an order to see them is ridiculous.
And as for PRM, or MPB, or Mr. Pibb, or whatever Mississippi Public Broadcasting is called these days, WTF are they spending their money trying to be a NEWS organization? They keep saying that they don’t have enough $$$ to pay for programing, and then they spend their $$$ trynig to be a news organization (like we need another one). Go back to playing classical music all day and Grass Roots on Saturday.
Good for you, NMC. You’re doing the work of a journalist, and doing it better than quite a few “professionals” could claim to be.
Why do I feel a bit battered and brusied this week?
Ah well..
Congrats NMC. Well deserved.
And I agree with Observer on the “being made public part.”
Congrats, NMC…but are all the e- letters we foloers wrote on your behalf to be made public? I sure thought there was an assumption of confidentiality when I sent mine, cuz I really can’t afford to offend my friends in the MSM! LOL! Impressive!
Is there any way to scan ALL of them and put them on this blog? I would be happy to contribute to a special fund for that purpose.
Word is out that there are 481 letters in Scruggs file. Sun Herald has the story.
Robert Khayat wrote a letter (big surprise) as did William Winter. No letter found from Lott at this point.
From the Sun Herald:
Khayat, who met Scruggs as a teen-ager, says: "Throughout his adult life, he has been a model citizen . . ."
"It is my belief that any time he spends being incarcerated is an absolute waste of a great deal of talent and ability."
I Love It lotus and NMC. “Three Journalist and A Lawyer Blogger” A quote by Sun Herald “Journalist”…hahahahahaha.
Thanks again, lotus and NMC. I wonder which readers “advised him”.
NMC Kudos! Lotus you should be proud to have such a great collection of contributors. Always an interesting place with great debate!
NMC great work on the Music Posts…..I wonder if anyone at the courthouse is a fan of those? I know I am……
Thank you so much, Hatfield. You bet I’m proud of y’all!