At the time, Justice of the Peace Tom Gillam was suing Klein over his defamatory statements concerning a fictitious incident in the Judge's chambers. Another blogger, PG, at the de Novo blog commented on Philip's lawsuit.
I mentioned this in the first of many open letters to Philip R. Klein, which sparked a three-way dialogue between Klein, PG, and me.
Open Letter to Philip Klein
Posted by Gus Pillsbury on Monday, May 7, 2007Dear Philip;
I heard the portion of your weekly radio show devoted to me and the Decline of Kline this past Saturday. Based on the number of local commercials that I heard during your two hours on the air, I'm guessing I'll probably pick up at least 5 or 6 new readers from that mention. Thanks!
While I certainly appreciate the mention, it's not necessary. Word is apparently spreading about this site. As an example, this blog was also mentioned on MegaDump last week. Who knows - maybe I'll even show up in Mr. Sluggo's Top 30.
Some observations on your statements:
Calling your radio show "the area's only radio blog" is an oxymoron. Since a blog is short for a web log, your radio show is really a radio show about a web log. This is typical of your basic misunderstanding of most issues, but in the greater scheme of things, this one is no big deal. More importantly, that claim is a blatant falsehood. Drudge has had a two-hour show on KLVI for the past 10 years or so. I bet Drudge's ratings are better than yours, too.
Attributing the reason that I'm not displayed on your front page to the anonymity of this blog is another lie. The Trog Blog (Beaumont Underground) is anonymous, yet you regularly comment on that blog in Tidbits and a link is included on your front page. I really don't care if this site is displayed on your front page or not, but at least have the integrity to admit the truth: your ego is too fragile to allow regular criticism of your confused opinions.
I had to laugh when you claimed that you've only briefly looked at this site once or twice. I know you check here frequently - you are as subtle as a 9 pound hammer: "That's funny, no matter who you are." According to my own anonymous sources, this blog has become one of your daily stops while combing the Internet looking for any mention of your name.
As an example, I particularly liked your recent exchange on the relatively unknown legal blog, De Novo:
Break Another Little Piece of My Door by PG
Oh, to be writing an exam about press rights again...
[Port Arthur Precinct 8 Justice of the Peace Tom Gillam III] will be seeing a different side of the bench on April 23, as he makes an appearance as the plaintiff in a case filed against a local blogger.Gillam filed a legal case Wednesday morning in the 58th District Court against Philip Klein, said Brent Coon, one of Gillam’s two legal representatives."Philip Klein recently stated on the website 'Southeast Texas Political Review 2007' that Gillam recently engaged in an inappropriate sexual act with a woman at the (Port Arthur) courthouse," a statement released Wednesday by Coon and Beaumont attorney Gerald W. Eddins on Gillam's behalf, read.
[Question: what would be an appropriate sexual act in which to engage at a courthouse?]"
Klein further stated in the same article that an employee walked in on Judge Gillam during the alleged act, became upset and left the courthouse in a manner that caused a glass door to break. This story is patently false, malicious and defamatory."Coon said Gillam is seeking unspecified damages from Klein and Klein Investments, Inc. of Nederland for the "damage done to his reputation and good name of his family."
The judge's version of how the glass door broke is reported here.
Personally, I just want to sue SETX Political Review for inflicting emotional distress through heinous web design...To which you replied:
Ouch - you do not like our design?PG's reply was priceless:
Philip R. Klein Editor
Posted by: Philip R. Klein at April 20, 2007 11:52 PM
I think you have a great concept with regard to focusing on local politics -- many commentators have said that this is really what "citizen journalism" is supposed to be about. In particular, having mp3s available of the last radio show you've done is excellent. And clearly you're successfully annoying the area powerful.Bear in mind that PG's take was based on a one-time visit to your site. He obviously doesn't realize that no permanent links exist because you don't want anyone keeping track of past statements for accountability. Nor does he realize that any confusion between news and opinion is purely intentional. That is, if you truly know the difference between news and opinion.
But yes, the web design is terrible. Unless the website is solely intended as advertising for Klein and Associates Political Relations/ Klein Investments, Inc., there's no reason to have that and the PO Box and phone number be the first thing that a visitor to the site sees.
1) Standard web design would put at the bottom of the page pretty much everything that you've put at the top: the statcounter, sponsor name, contact info, etc.
2) There are no permanent links to the individual articles and editorials. Suppose I want to direct my readers to your editorial "The Offer." There's not really any way I can get them
directly to it. You seem to change the content on the URL http://www.setpoliticalreview.com/edtitorial.htm regularly, so there's no stable way to see "The Offer."
3) Confusion between news and opinion. Today's "top story" on Sheryl Crow is really an editorial, yet it is not categorized with the other editorials. SETPR is not breaking a story here -- it is copying information from the national media and commenting on it.
4) Copyediting slows down the process of getting the message out, but it goes a long way to making a website look more professional and thus more likely to be taken seriously. The Sheryl Crow remarks are rife with grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors. No matter how good a point the writer is making, if I am an educated person who judges others based on their literacy (as most people do -- hence the social bias against Ebonics and other non-standard forms of English), then I am not going to bother reading this article because I will quickly dismiss the author as too careless to be likely to have informed, well-thought-out ideas.
Posted by: PG at April 23, 2007 01:18 PM
I thought his fourth comment was the funniest, however. He apparently doesn't realize that those aren't mistakes in editing; rather, they're quite representative of your abilities, as evidenced by your frequent malapropisms such as "copy write" for "copyright" and "liable" for "libel."
If only PG knew you like we do - I'm sure he'd also have something to say about your fictitious sources, your personal agenda poorly disguised as political commentary, and your truculent attempts at bullying others.
Sincerely yours,
The Gutless Mr. Anonymous
PG Is Impersonated
by PG (posted on May 7, 2007 at the de Novo blog)Having said my last say on the AutoAdmit controversy, I was surprised to find myself getting pulled into a different fight between the named and anonymous: Philip Klein, whose web design on the Southeast Texas Political Review I critiqued in passing while commenting on a lawsuit against him, and "The Gutless Mr. Anonymous" at The Decline of Klein. The latter quoted my criticisms in his blog attacking Mr. Klein, and Mr. Klein replied. As I mentioned in the earlier De Novo post, SETPR's links are unstable, so I've copied his post after the jump. The part that worried me was this, in reference to my De Novo post:
DOK : As an example, I particularly liked your recent exchange on the relatively unknown legal blog, De Novo:Unless I have been sleep-calling radio shows, I never have called Mr. Klein. I am a little disturbed by the thought that someone could have seen my post and decided to call Mr. Klein, pretending to be me, so I'm hoping that his remark about having called him was a joke, or actually intended to reference someone other than me.
Response : I know - I had never heard about that site. He gives good advice. Oh... and he called me. Nice guy. Wanted to tell me what he thought of the lawsuit. Funny thing what others see out there looking into Jefferson County.
"The Decline of Kline" By Philip R. Klein, Editor
And then there were six as it was once said.
What am I talking about? Well, over the last 13 years since I have been doing this site, there have been six sites dedicated to "spreading" the other side of the word. Meaning? Who knows?
So now we welcome #7. It is called the "Decline of Kline and this afternoon we have published the link to our front page. And the site gets it's due.
You may ask - why does he put a site up that is dedicated against him?
I do it for a few reasons.
First, it increases our readership. The more hits the better for us. It keeps interest in what we write and then others run over to the other site to see what the anti-klines (AK's) write.
Second, it is a good insight for you the reader to see the thought process of who and what runs Jefferson County Texas. It can and will get interesting. It is also funny to watch the writers do the same thing they accuse me of!
And last - it gives the AK's a place to go and be heard. Yes, they are gutless and they are too scared to sign their names. That is the reason for the blog - a place to go run and hide. So keep that in mind when you read the posts.
This morning I received an email from a good friend of mine that keeps up with this stuff in Houston for me. A download continues to come from two places - Lamar University and a local lawyers IP address. Thus - we kind of have an idea who is writing it and why. This morning my buddy wrote me an email and sent me a copy of the "open letter" to myself.
So - to kick off our newly found relationship - I will answer. So let's start the fun with Blog Site NUMBER 7 - "The Delcine" of Kline. His is in black my response is in regular type.
DOK : I heard the portion of your weekly radio show devoted to me and the Decline of Kline this past Saturday. Based on the number of local commercials that I heard during your two hours on the air, I'm guessing I'll probably pick up at least 5 or 6 new readers from that mention. Thanks!
Response : You are welcome. And welcome to our front page where you will be front and center for all to see!
DOK : While I certainly appreciate the mention, it's not necessary. Word is apparently spreading about this site. As an example, this blog was also mentioned on MegaDump last week. Who knows - maybe I'll even show up in Mr. Sluggo's Top 30.
Response : Great! We hope you make it to number one! It helps us. We love success! We wish you nothing but the best!
DOK : Calling your radio show "the area's only radio blog" is an oxymoron (key word read on). Since a blog is short for a web log, your radio show is really a radio show about a web log. This is typical of your basic misunderstanding of most issues, but in the greater scheme of things, this one is no big deal. More importantly, that claim is a blatant falsehood. Drudge has had a two-hour show on KLVI for the past 10 years or so. I bet Drudge's ratings are better than yours, too.
Response : I am not sure how that works. My station does all of the production and commercials as well as bumpers (intros and exits). But I will ask this next week at our production meeting. I was unaware that Drudge does a show. I know - I do misunderstand a bunch in the radio business - but I am learning. We have done about 75 or so shows and each one I try to improve. And as for Drudge - I have never heard his show, but my guess is that you are right - he is better. I would hope so anyway.
DOK : Attributing the reason that I'm not displayed on your front page to the anonymity of this blog is another lie. The Trog Blog (Beaumont Underground) is anonymous, yet you regularly comment on that blog in Tidbits and a link is included on your front page. I really don't care if this site is displayed on your front page or not, but at least have the integrity to admit the truth: your ego is too fragile to allow regular criticism of your confused opinions.
Response : First - yes you do care or you would not mention it. So be honest with yourself - you get your jollies out of it. It is okay. Many have come before you and will after.
Okay - lets test your theory. Okay? You are up and running - go get 'em big guy! Get up on your speakers podium and give your speeches cloaked with your bag on your head! You deserve your chance just like the other six before! But I kind of think it will get old also. You can only call me so many names, call me a liar (three times so far in your diatribe), or talk about my personal life so many times before people think it is just more of the same. Credibility is important - and helping yours might be a good thing if you sign your name. But it is easier for you to hide like a little school boy and throw your rocks. Yes, a couple will hit, but in the end when we face each other - you will lose (ask the other six). But you know that - that is why you hide now. Pride in your work? Never mind - it is your 1st amendment right? That seems to be selective here in Jefferson County. Welcome to the club - once you are in - you are in. And trust me - you are in.
DOK : I had to laugh when you claimed that you've only briefly looked at this site once or twice. I know you check here frequently - you are as subtle as a 9 pound hammer...that's funny, no matter who you are. According to my own anonymous sources, this blog has become one of your daily stops while combing the internet looking for any mention of your name.
Response : Well, I hate to burst your bubble, but I really did not hear about your site until last Monday and started to look at it. Three times in all. I just do not have the time. I wish I had more time. However, to be honest with you, it is kind of boring. The same old crap that the six other sites have put up over the past six year. In fact, I only read your posts and a couple of the readers writings - not much to it. I did like the Friday Fact check. Keying on the stuff you see as wrong is pretty good - but I noticed that the other 75% of the content was not mentioned? Advice - if you are going to do it - spend some time on it. I know you are busy - but if you are going to do it - do it. It helps our readership - and yours.
DOK : As an example, I particularly liked your recent exchange on the relatively unknown legal blog, De Novo:
Response : I know - I had never heard about that site. He gives good advice. Oh...and he called me. Nice guy. Wanted to tell me what he thought of the lawsuit. Funny thing what others see out there looking into Jefferson County.
DOK : Bear in mind that PG's take was based on a one-time visit to your site. He obviously doesn't realize that no permanent links exist because you don't want anyone keeping track of past statements for accountability. Nor does he realize that any confusion between news and opinion is purely intentional. That is, if you truly know the difference between news and opinion.
Response : Thanks....we never had in mind being a news type person. I am and editorialist that gives the story behind the story. A couple of folks in the mainstream tell me that we break stories that are shut down in their newsrooms for some reason. Something about lawyers and worry? Strange? But it is an honor for a mainstream Blog to write about us! Gone national!
DOK : I thought his fourth comment was the funniest, however. He apparently doesn't realize that those aren't mistakes in editing; rather, they're quite representative of your abilities, as evidenced by your frequent malapropisms such as "copy write" for "copyright" and "liable" for "libel."
Response : I know - I have been bad at spelling most of my life. I am getting a little better but it is an uphill battle. Oh...by the way...did you look at your posts? Ah yes - the fun has just begun!
DOK : If only PG knew you like we do - I'm sure he'd also have something to say about your ficticious sources, your personal agenda poorly disquised as political commentary, and your truculent attempts at bullying others.
Response : your ficticious sources / disquised as political - I am not real sure here but should that not read : your fictitious sources / disguised as political - ? Moving on - my personal agenda is to write a political web site and tell the stories that others cannot tell on a low tech bad spelling web site and draw out gutless whining, bad spelling, and most of all whining school boys play your games as we all laugh. Kind of like yours?
And by the way :
My name is Philip Klein - and this IS the Southeast Texas Political Review!
BREAKING NEWS: Philip Klein is Busted
Posted by Gus Pillsbury on Monday, May 7, 2007I couldn't resist the temptation of using Philip's "Breaking News" line in giant font. Here's an interesting blog article reprinted from the de Novo blog:
PG Is ImpersonatedYou can read the entire posting on PG's blog, de Novo, here. Thanks for setting the record straight, PG. I'm absolutely certain that no one called Mr. Klein pretending to be you; rather, this is an excellent example of Philip's manufactured sources. Klein claims to be an "editorialist;" in reality, he's only adept at making up sources to buttress his fallacies and character assassinations.
by PG
Having said my last say on the AutoAdmit controversy, I was surprised to find myself getting pulled into a different fight between the named and anonymous: Philip Klein, whose web design on the Southeast Texas Political Review I critiqued in passing while commenting on a lawsuit against him, and "The Gutless Mr. Anonymous" at The Decline of Klein. The latter quoted my criticisms in his blog attacking Mr. Klein, and Mr. Klein replied. As I mentioned in the earlier De Novo post, SETPR's links are unstable, so I've copied his post after the jump. The part that worried me was this, in reference to my De Novo post:
Decline of Kline: As an example, I particularly liked your recent exchange on the relatively unknown legal blog, De Novo:Unless I have been sleep-calling radio shows, I never have called Mr. Klein. I am a little disturbed by the thought that someone could have seen my post and decided to call Mr. Klein, pretending to be me, so I'm hoping that his remark about having called him was a joke, or actually intended to reference someone other than me.
Klein's Response: I know - I had never heard about that site. He gives good advice. Oh... and he called me. Nice guy. Wanted to tell me what he thought of the lawsuit. Funny thing what others see out there looking into Jefferson County.
For Klein's sake, I hope he's lined up some sources to back him up when Gilliam v. Klein comes to trial. Exercising one's First Amendment rights presupposes certain responsibilities - making up lies about individuals because one disagrees with their politics is not protected speech. Philip's unstable links simply mirror his personality.
I must agree with Philip on one point, however; people who are first exposed to Jefferson County through Klein's distinctly dystopian vision must think we're all uneducated idiots. Actually, PG, Klein is not a native, but a transplant who moved into the area and married into a family business, ran that business into bankruptcy through bad management, and now complains about the politicians and attorneys of Jefferson County. He's not credible; instead he's considered a joke by both local conservatives and liberals alike.
The rest of Klein's response speaks for itself and is as fallacious as this particular point, so I won't waste my time refuting his nonsense line for line.
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