I Sued the Sheriff …

We have discussed the situation regarding the anonymous blogger who complained about the salary and perks of Pastor Mac Brunson, here. Detective Robert Hinson of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office got a subpoena and forced Google to reveal the blogger’s identity. Hinson also worked for the church as part of the pastor’s security detail.

The anonymous blogger, identified as Thomas A. Rich, filed a federal law suit claiming the government violated church-state separation and his free speech rights. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office wisely decided to settle the case. Rich will get $50,000.

I applaud Rich. He could have easily just considered the matter too much trouble to pursue. But he filled suit and stood up for church-state separation and his first Amendment rights. Government officials count on the apathy of the citizenry when they overstep their bounds. It is the courage of individuals like Rich that helps protect our freedoms.

H/T AU.

-David Drumm (Nal)