July 15, 2003

Judge Rules: Pappageorge Statements Untrue

West Bloomfield, MI—Judge Michael Martone ruled in Troy District Court yesterday that Cristina Pappageorge's February 12th statement regarding the Libertarian Party's stance on the War on Drugs was untrue-affirming what Libertarians had been claiming since she made the statement.  Judge Martone dismissed the case, however, ruling that the remarks were non-actionable political hyperbole protected under the First Amendment.

"In one sense, we got exactly what we wanted—a public declaration that Mrs.  Pappageorge lied," commented Libertarian Party of Oakland County Chairman Nathan Allen.  "It's worth noting, that the judge also concluded that lies are protected political speech under the first amendment," said Allen.  "That means that future elections, at least in Troy, will be a free-for-all.  Now more than ever, voters need to investigate everything a candidate says and take nothing at face value.  No wonder so many voters are turned off by politics and don't even bother going to the polls.  With politicians like Bill Clinton, L.  Brooks Patterson and Cristina Pappageorge, people shouldn't be surprised."

"It's one thing to accuse a politician of lying.  It's quite another to prove it in court," said Libertarian campaign consultant Barbara Goushaw.  "You can be sure that any opponents Cristina Pappageorge might have in the future will point to today's ruling: On July 14, 2003, Judge Michael Martone ruled that Cristina Pappageorge lied to voters of Troy during the February 12th, 2003 candidates debate.  That's the kind of thing that follows a politician around for a long time.

"For my part, I will continue to advise Libertarian candidates—in both partisan and non-partisan races—to stick to the issues," Goushaw continued.  "The vast majority of voters share our positions on the issues: fiscal responsibility and smaller, less intrusive government.  We consistently find support from both conservative Republicans and Reagan Democrats.  So when our opposition cannot compete with us on the issues, they resort to outrageous lies and personal attacks," Goushaw noted.

LPOC Chair Allen concluded, "The ruling is a good thing for the Libertarian Party.  Our candidates stick to the issues and tell the truth.  We have a long history of holding politicians and government officials accountable for their actions and their statements.  Disillusioned voters who are tired of liars and political schemers, find their political home with us."