Elizabeth Warren
The Kentucky MAGA teen who was vilified after a viral faceoff with a Native American activist last month is striking back with a threatened libel suit - with his high-profile lawyer sending "preservation demand letters" to U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and a long list of media outlets and commentators who disparaged him.
"The Sandmann Family was blindsided by the mainstream and social media mob accusations and threats against Nick," Lin Wood, who represents 16-year-old Nick Sandmann, told the
Boston Herald. Wood said civil lawsuits could encompass libel, slander, invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, cyberbullying and cyber assault.
Sandmann's faceoff with activist Nathan Phillips, 64, in Washington, D.C. in January was initially reported as a "smirking" confrontation - which prompted widespread denunciation of the Covington Catholic High School students.
Warren tweeted on Jan. 19: "Omaha elder and Vietnam War veteran Nathan Phillips endured hateful taunts with dignity and strength, then urged us all to do better."
Comment: In both the behaviors mentioned above, what is missing from the equation is common courtesy. Technology likely has something to do with the rise of these now-common behaviors, but in the end it comes down to the individual and how much value they place on being courteous. The golden rule applies here - if you don't like being 'ghosted' or having unrealistic expectations of availability placed on you, then don't do this to others.