Need proof that the United States is exceptional among nations? Look no further than the First Amendment to our Constitution:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
The following contains the analysis and opinions of the author. The author does not speak for the defendants in the Backpage appeal. Briefs seeking to overturn the convictions of three ex-owners of the erstwhile classified listings giant, Backpage.com, describe a…
Over the Labor Day weekend, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit announced that it will hear oral arguments on Nov. 16 in Phoenix concerning one of the most significant First Amendment cases in recent memory —…
Prisoner Jackie is demure chaos. One half Peruvian, one half Mexican, Jackie’s parents produced a beautiful boy. But Jackie was not satisfied . . . she added breasts. Jackie is a trans cellmate who is also deaf and mute. Dealt…
My cell mate, Oliver Howard, has no visitors and expects to die in prison, not believing he will survive his eight-year plea deal. He is charming . . . though hard of hearing. Guards consider him a good fellow, and…
I went to prison after a 100-count trial alleging that six Village Voice Media defendants facilitated prostitution. I was found guilty of a single count of laundering money; i.e., placing assets in a European bank. The verdict is mysterious. FBI…
It is to be a memorable day. As usual, we are waking at 4 a.m., a foolish and dark time of day. After breakfast, a group adjourns to the basketball court. It is my cellie’s 71st birthday, and he is…
The following contains the analysis and opinions of the author. The author does not speak for the Backpage defendants. On Thursday, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted journalist Michael Lacey’s release from prison pending the outcome of his…
UPDATE 11/21/24, NOON: The Appellate court today issued a ruling denying the motion in regards to Scott Spear and Jed Brunst, but granting it in regards to Lacey and remanding Lacey’s case back to federal Judge Diane Humetewa in Phoenix…
Within the Barred Bunker We watched our friends grow up together And we saw them as they fell Some of them fell into heaven Some of them fell into hell — “A Rainy Night in Soho,” The Pogues I went…
Morgan Loew: Hi everyone. I’m Morgan Lowe standing in for Brianna Whitney on this episode of the True Crime Arizona podcast, Backpage, the tragic story of the founders of the Phoenix New Times. This is the story of the…
