Anyone who thinks that only big media can fight corruption needs to check out what is going on in Manassas Park, a Virginia burb of DC. There blogger Black Velvet Bruce Li has sought to expose a plan by local officials to seize a local bar in order to allow a state-licensed off-track betting parlor to open up in its place.
Now the blog has received a cease and desist order from local officials, along with a claim that the blog has defamed city officials and police officers. Clearly the intent is to scare BVBL away from the story with the threat of legal action.
BVBL says, bring it on.
Of special interest to Charlotte residents should be the wrinkle that Manassas voters twice shot down attempts to open an off-track betting parlor, ignoring city claims of what a great boon it would be for them. Kinda sounds like a certain June 2001 arena vote, except with a happy ending.
Charlotte insiders are just much more effective and — until recently — hidden. But that all is changing.