Mike ----- Truth IS a defense. And, the statement must be one of fact (that is, a statement of opinion can NEVER be defamatory because it can never be false <g> -- wrong, perhaps, but not false!!). As I mentioned in an earlier post, however, there are some caveats: Even a true statement may constitute an invasion of privacy (separate cause of action from defamation). And it is sometimes difficult to separate a statement of opinion from one of fact. E.g., if I say, "In my opinion, Joe Blow is a thief because he stole chips at the convention," that's NOT an opinion, but a statement of fact. If false, Joe Blow could win a libel/slander case. (BTW, "Joe Blow" is a made up name, not intended to refer to any real person! <g>)

In any event, never fear. I am not bashful about speaking my mind and will continue to do so (sometimes treading over the line into unpleasantness, though never untruthfulness). I feel fairly certain at least one other regular poster here will continue to speak his mind as well. ----- jim o\-S