Jonathan Vilma… Federalist?

July 11, 2012 3

Jonathan Vilma-Federalist?
©2012 Mike Church

When Who Dats ask me why I persist in promoting and explaining Louisiana as a sovereign state and the “federalism” that comes along with our voluntary membership in the union, I will now answer: Johnathan Vilma. Vilma, the beleagured New Orleans Saints player is suing NFL commish Roger Goodell for defaming his character without providing proof of the slur. Goodell’s response is that Vilma cannot sue the NFL for such a thing because a federal law and a federal court says so. Mr Goodell should pick up a copy of this [Mike holds up a Constitution] and read Amendment 11.

“The Judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by Citizens of another State or by Citizens or Subjects of any Foreign State.” This was to clarify the Constitution’s Article III power that federal courts would only hear cases arising under the Constitution or the Laws of the United States. Vilma is not suing the United States. Vilma is not claiming a breach of Amendment 1 either. Vilma is suing Roger Goodell for ruining his character by stating Vilma’s guilt in a matter that Goodell refuses to provide evidence for.

The proper place to hear this case is in Louisana if that’s where the slander occurred and Vilma claims residence. Goodell’s attorney claims that under something called the federal “Labor Management Relations Act” that Vilma somehow surrendered his rights under the LOUISIANA Constitution, Article I, section 7 which reads “ No law shall curtail or restrain the freedom of speech or of the press. Every person may speak, write, and publish his sentiments on any subject, but is responsible for abuse of that freedom.”

Goodell has abused that Freedom and Vilma is entitled to a hearing in a Louisiana Court to recoup losses that a judge or jury may award. That makes him a good Federalist in addition to one of the best linebackers in football.

http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2012/07/roger_goodell_files_for_dismis.html