March 7, 2008 -
As GamePolitics readers know, controversial Miami attorney Jack Thompson has been involved in a protracted legal struggle with the Florida Bar and the Florida Supreme Court.
The Bar, which placed Thompson on trial for allegations of professional misconduct in December, is pursuing discipline which could ultimately see Thompson stripped of his license to practice law.
The Florida Supreme Court, meanwhile, has grown weary of Thompson's many filings, which it terms abusive of the legal process. Based on a recent show cause order, it seems likely that the Supreme Court will soon refuse to accept anything submitted by Thompson. The Florida Supremes also have a hand in Thompson's troubles with the Bar. The Supreme Court, for example, appointed the referee, Judge Dava Tunis, who presided over Thompson's Bar trial and will soon issue a ruling on her findings.
That's the backstory. Late Tuesday afternoon, Thompson sent GamePolitics an e-mail which contained a new filing with the Florida Supreme Court. The document (MS Word) was CC:'d to numerous attorneys, Florida Bar officials, and even state prosecutors. For the most part, it was standard-issue Thompson bluster, but we took note of the final sentence:
The picture is that of a devastated building, possibly from World War II. Given Thompson's contentious history with the Bar, we found the sentiment expressed by the picture somewhat questionable, so we asked Thompson about it in a series of e-mails:
GP: ...if some kid sent you that picture and said that’s how your house would look, figuratively, of course, I gotta think you’d say it was a threat, no?
JT: You know what the word "figuratively" means, right? Also, the notice was sent to the court sans the image. that was to gig the bar governors getting it. you have to have fun at times.
GP: Do you remember those kids a few years back who made that cartoonish instant message icon that had a big rock rolling over a little stick figure of you and you called the NYPD because you said it was threat? Weren’t they just having fun? What’s the difference?
JT: Dennis, I know you are challenged by life and by reasoning, but the pleading says "figuratively." Check yourself into a mental health facility.
GP: So, do you really think that instant message icon [back in 2005] was really a threat? Do you think anyone will consider [your e-mail] relating the FL Bar office to a picture of a bombed-out building [a] threat?
JT: Uh, Dennis, I really think you have lost your mind. I'm not posting threats anonymously. If I had intended these people harm, I would have done that quite sometime ago. The notice to the court was sans the picture. Get a grip, Dennis. You're so intent on destroying me that you have lost it. You understand what "figuratively" means, or don't you? Stop bothering me.
GP: What do you suppose would happen to a high school student who sent that pic to his school with the “figurative” comment that this is what the school would look like if he didn’t get his way?
JT: You're boring, Dennis
GP: That’s not an answer to the question.
UPDATE: Some readers have informed us that the picture is of Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Dome.
UPDATE 2: Some of Thompson's other legal theatrics are getting some crossover mainstream attention at Slate...
UPDATE 3: Someone apparently e-mailed Thompson with some rather disgusting "figurative" comments. That kind of thing, frankly, does nothing to help the image of gamers. But, in any event, Thompson and I had this exchange concerning the "figurative" e-mail he received :
UPDATE 4: 1PM, Sunday... another e-mail from Thompson:
The Bar, which placed Thompson on trial for allegations of professional misconduct in December, is pursuing discipline which could ultimately see Thompson stripped of his license to practice law.
The Florida Supreme Court, meanwhile, has grown weary of Thompson's many filings, which it terms abusive of the legal process. Based on a recent show cause order, it seems likely that the Supreme Court will soon refuse to accept anything submitted by Thompson. The Florida Supremes also have a hand in Thompson's troubles with the Bar. The Supreme Court, for example, appointed the referee, Judge Dava Tunis, who presided over Thompson's Bar trial and will soon issue a ruling on her findings.
That's the backstory. Late Tuesday afternoon, Thompson sent GamePolitics an e-mail which contained a new filing with the Florida Supreme Court. The document (MS Word) was CC:'d to numerous attorneys, Florida Bar officials, and even state prosecutors. For the most part, it was standard-issue Thompson bluster, but we took note of the final sentence:
Below is what The Florida Bar will look like if [the Florida Supreme] court acts affirmatively on its show cause order, figuratively speaking, of course:
The picture is that of a devastated building, possibly from World War II. Given Thompson's contentious history with the Bar, we found the sentiment expressed by the picture somewhat questionable, so we asked Thompson about it in a series of e-mails:
GP: ...if some kid sent you that picture and said that’s how your house would look, figuratively, of course, I gotta think you’d say it was a threat, no?
JT: You know what the word "figuratively" means, right? Also, the notice was sent to the court sans the image. that was to gig the bar governors getting it. you have to have fun at times.
GP: Do you remember those kids a few years back who made that cartoonish instant message icon that had a big rock rolling over a little stick figure of you and you called the NYPD because you said it was threat? Weren’t they just having fun? What’s the difference?
JT: Dennis, I know you are challenged by life and by reasoning, but the pleading says "figuratively." Check yourself into a mental health facility.
GP: So, do you really think that instant message icon [back in 2005] was really a threat? Do you think anyone will consider [your e-mail] relating the FL Bar office to a picture of a bombed-out building [a] threat?
JT: Uh, Dennis, I really think you have lost your mind. I'm not posting threats anonymously. If I had intended these people harm, I would have done that quite sometime ago. The notice to the court was sans the picture. Get a grip, Dennis. You're so intent on destroying me that you have lost it. You understand what "figuratively" means, or don't you? Stop bothering me.
GP: What do you suppose would happen to a high school student who sent that pic to his school with the “figurative” comment that this is what the school would look like if he didn’t get his way?
JT: You're boring, Dennis
GP: That’s not an answer to the question.
UPDATE: Some readers have informed us that the picture is of Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Dome.
UPDATE 2: Some of Thompson's other legal theatrics are getting some crossover mainstream attention at Slate...
UPDATE 3: Someone apparently e-mailed Thompson with some rather disgusting "figurative" comments. That kind of thing, frankly, does nothing to help the image of gamers. But, in any event, Thompson and I had this exchange concerning the "figurative" e-mail he received :
JT: Dennis, I'm sure you deplore the [nasty e-mail], which you're responsible, for, right?
GP: Actually, I do deplore that. Responsible? No. Everyone is, of course, responsible for their own actions. You know, I’m trying to remember who created that e-mail about the Bar Building looking blown up… and who sent it to me knowing that I publish things… And who answered my several follow-up questions about it…. Wait – it was you!
UPDATE 4: 1PM, Sunday... another e-mail from Thompson:
Wow, that "Jack Thompson threatens to bomb The Florida Bar" has gotten tremendous traction, hasn't it? Apparently you're the only vendetta-obsessed loon who wanted to take it that way. Poor Dennis, captured by your own industry agenda.
Comments
http://www.geography-site.co.uk/pages/physical/glaciers/images/titanic.jpg
Figuratively speaking that is.
But think about it. Grandiose claims (The Titanic is unsinkable! The Florida Bar/Take-Two/Dennis has made their last mistake!), followed by epic failure.
Which is exactly why I never communicate with the douche with my real name.
I used to hunt down spammers up until a few years ago. Some of them are WAY nastier than Jackhole is, but employ much the same tactics he does. I learned how to protect myself then.
Not that Jackhole would ever actually win a suit against me, but I just don't need the distraction and trouble of defending myself against baseless crap from him or his ilk. And I definitely don't need him calling my employer, even if they laughed at his face (one spammer, from Russia no less, actually called my employer once...it was a lot of fun).
"JT: You know what the word 'figuratively' means, right?"
Dennis knows. I know. The public at large knows.
But does the law know? Does the law draw a distinction based on the word "figuratively?" After all, if I sent you a note saying that I was going to do something which was "figuratively" akin to dropping a nuclear bomb on your house, that single word would not preclude a threat of bodily harm. In fact, based on the imagery accompanying the statement, it would potentially inspire fear for physical safety.
Granted, I wouldn't run for the bomb shelter, but "I'm going to figuratively reduce your place of business to a bombed out building," could mean a lot of things, including a threat of physical violence, and even a death threat. All the "figuratively" would indicate is that you're not going to do "exactly" as you stated, but close enough for hyperbole's sake.
The answer to question has something to do with the Bar not wanting to invoke the kind of response from Jack which they're now seeing. They've know all along that any attempt to rid themselves of the embarrasment to the Bar that Jack's been for many years now was going to be a long and costly uphill battle. So, I suspect that all their cost-benefit analyses, until recently, have turned out the result that it's better to live with the cancer than to surgically excise it (figuratively speaking), the cost of suffering being less than the cost of surgery. But it now appears that the analysis isn't quite shaking out in Jack's favor anymore. Things done finally changed.
This is where he'll be squeezing himself out of, in the fetal position, naked and crying and screaming. Unfortunately, he's so bloated on ego, he might get stuck.
"Figuratively speaking."
I could easily blast him(verbally) for saying what he said and the picture he used to describe what he intends to do, but doing so would be far to easy and be an utter waste of my time, energy, and just about everything else. Heck it is always easier to Verbally attack someone that you don't like which is kinda what everyone here is doing now(not that I am chastising anyone for it). While I will not defend Mr Thompson's actions, I refuse to pick apart his choices in phrasing what he SAYS he will do(even though the picture he used was a bad choice). Everyone should know by now that he is really just talk and that he would never do anything that extreme(which is a good thing for him). He has never taken a swing at someone despite the fact that he essentially says(not literally) that he hates and will destroy anyone who disagrees with him.
Again and again I come to the same crossroad that appears whenever Jack Thompson is involved. I was taught as a child to treat others as you would have them treat you. Whenever I see him say or do something nasty, I try to find something honorable, noble, good, or even slightly decent about him, but I am always coming up short. It saddens me greatly. When the guys at Penny Arcade sent him those flowers in hopes of opening a dialog with him in regards to gaming, I was shocked and disgusted as a person and a Christian to hear his response. I am disheartened(and mildly amused) whenever Mr Thompson adopts that childish demeanor and insults(poorly) the person he is talking too when they are being civil.
Jack Thompson is right that children should not be playing games that are not meant for them, but he is going about the entire matter all wrong, not to mention attacking the wrong people.
So PLEASE, Mr Thompson! Come to your senses and stop this crazy "Crusade" against people that not only have done nothing wrong, but you have no chance of beating mainly because they are not the problem! Doing this may save not only your license, but what is now left of your Name. It is not to late to redeem yourself.
I would love nothing more than to see this man "disappear" while in custody of the FBI and turn up 5 years later in a Serbian prison.
And he's the most recognized name in anti-gaming sentiment. Why am I grateful for Jack Thompson? Because with him in the spotlight, it's like the opposition is being represented by a drunken circus monkey. Gaming has never really been in much danger with Jack at the wheel.
Oh yeh, sorry. Figuratively Speaking. Best Jack Quote EVER.
What I thought: So, Dennis is insane now? How does he reach that conclusion? Jack is seriously flailing now. How does he expect to have any chance now? He is going to end up in a psyche ward, then lets see politicians and the media call him an expert. So long, Jack.
I wonder if losing his license will finally prompt him to leave Planet Jack for a while and face reality?
As much as I think Thompson news is actually kind of fun, in the same way as news of the wierd, this isn't much - it's just him being a hypocrite. Nothing figurative about that.
Who would play Jack? Michael Douglas did a remarkable job in Falling Down of capturing the essence of someone slowing devolving into insanity. Plus, there's a close resemblance. That's my first casting choice.
I sincerely mean this, I'm not joking or spinning this. I'm now hoping he doesn't hurt himself or those he cares about.
Jack Nicholson did a great impression of a lunatic as Joker in Batman. Besides they have the same name (except that Jackhole isn't really Jack, but John Bruce, but whatever).
My vote goes to Jack (N.)!
The only person that can properly fill Jack's role is Gary Busey (he is the only actor out there thats almost as crazy as John Bruce, so it would not be much as a streach).
Nicholson also expertly played lunatics in both The Shining and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. He can to mind first, but I bumped him in favor of Michael Douglas because of the closer resemblance to Jack.
You may have wanted to say "of a stretch." But it's all good. I knew what you meant and ain't got nothing but love for you.
Now THAT'S the proof that Jack is:
- an incompetent lawyer
- a zealot
- a conspiracy theorist
- narcissistic
- egocentric
(the list goes on for an hour)
and most of all...a fool.
The last time I heard a story about a lawyer suing a bar, it didn't end well for the lawyer.
Jack, if you're reading... take a hint:
The animated Gif file wasn't sent to you, and didn't explicitly threaten you... yet you took it as a threat.
The letter with the bombed out picture wasn't sent to the BAR, and says the threat is figurative... yet you don't see the similarities?
The hypocracy!
Figuratively speaking, of course. There, now it's not a threat and no one should be irked by it.
...What?...
Thanks for the compliment.
The main reason I suggested Busey because the way he freaks out reminds me of John Bruce (Before and after this years Oscars [freaking out at Ryan Seacreast and Jennifer Garner, yelling at 10-year old internet blogger], his nonsense rambelings when he was on Cleberity Fit Club).
Its just seeing Jack's hissy fits at the Florida Bar (on Destructoid's video) reminded me of him.
I have to agree with you. It's a shame that his rants and raves have gotten to this point.
You have to wonder what his family is doing about all of this. Are they supporting him? Do they feel that what he is doing is for the greater good? We know that he believes that, but this man seems to have no outside support with any of this.
It's so hard to take him at his word because everything that he tends to say about video games has been disproved. We laugh at him and find his rantings humorous, but something has to be seriously wrong in his head to keep digging this hole he's in deeper and deeper.
If that is so, then his removal of the image from the document he actually sent to the Bar is an admission of his guilt of planning to blow up the florida bar.
Jack Thompson is a sick disgusting scumbag. A pathetic piece of shit. A worthless filth-ridden mound of feces in the shape of a person.
Figuratively, of course.
If that is so, then his removal of the image from the document he actually sent to the Bar is an admission of his guilt of planning to blow up the florida bar.
Jack Thompson is a sick disgusting scumbag. A pathetic piece of shit. A worthless filth-ridden mound of feces in the shape of a person.
Figuratively, of course.
After all, it's not a threat if it says "Figuratively speaking," is it, Jack?
The Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima (instantly recognizable to those, like me, that have been there to visit it) shouldn't be used as a joke. Much less, a "figurative" joke involving destruction of the Florida Bar. And least of all, by Jack Thompson.
This guy is amazingly offensive. GP, has there been any word on what the Florida Bar's comment is on this?
Now someone make the modification of this!
(I am to lazy to do it LOL)
http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3082/1422/200/badassbuddy_com-jacktho...