Thank you for supporting freedom of expression
Jim Bergin and Judy Garvey were sued continuously from May 2004 - Nov 2006
by Gentle Wind Project leaders (the Millers et al / Plaintiffs)
to silence us and force the removal of this website that you are reading.
Contributions are still greatly appreciated to assist with our 2 1/2 years of legal expenses
in defending against GWP's federal lawsuit (now dismissed after two years)
and against the Millers' lawsuit in Maine State Court (dismissed November 2006).
For a summary of our defense against GWP's lawsuits,
their dismissal from U.S. District Court,
the lawsuit against them from Maine's Attorney General,
the Consent Decree they signed with the Maine Attorney General,
and their lawsuit's dismissal from Maine State Court,
please read our Home page.
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You can help us with expenses incurred in upholding the right to free speech,
and the right for former members of GWP, or similar groups, to tell their stories,
Please contribute, if you can, to our Protect Free Speech Lawsuit Defense Fund.
"Obviously this is a very important case for Jim and Judy, but I think it also important
for former members of all sorts of groups who speak out against the groups
with which they were once a part." www.docbob.org
"This is one of the worst abuses of the judicial system I have seen
in my 10 years of practice." -- Carl H. Starrett II, Esq.
All contributions -- large or small -- will be used to help with our legal costs.
Thank you!
Jim and Judy
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How to Contribute?
1) Personal Checks, Money Orders, Bank Checks, Travelers Checks: Payable to: Protect Free Speech
Postal Mailing address: The First NA"Protect Free Speech"Account: 3474275 102 Main Street
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
2) Electronic Transfers Bank Routing number: 011201762
Account number: 3474275
Bank: The First NA
102 Main Street
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
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Why Was This Defense So Important?
This defense was important for anyone who believes in an individual’s right to speak freely about personal experiences, and to share information of public importance through the Internet
without fear of being intimidated, sued, silenced, and harmed financially.
1) GWP’s lawsuit could have had very serious repercussions for those who are willing to share information of public importance. Vital knowledge could be suppressed through legal intimidation by any group with the resources to hire a law firm willing to litigate.
"Take a look at the lawsuit itself. . . .As you read it, think about what would happen if the Watchtower Society filed a similar suit against all the former JWs who run websites.
If the Gentle Wind Project prevails in this case it will set a very dangerous precedent."
2) If our money had been depleted, GWP’s lawsuit could have set a precedent whereby any similar group wishing to silence individual voices would be encouraged to use these kinds of legal tactics, thus greatly threatening freedom of speech.
"A highly favorable settlement . . . .Although their financial resources were stretched thin, Bergin and Garvey steadfastly refused to give in to GWP’s demands that the
Wind of Changes site be shut down or their critical statements be withdrawn."
3) Websites like this one could become a thing of the past, if this had been allowed to happen. Instead, our victory in federal and state courts ensures that others have also maintained their rights to speak freely.
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Thank you to those who are/were able to contribute financially,
to those who would if they could,
and for your support in so many ways.
Copyright © 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Wind of Changes. All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer
The information within the Wind of Changes website is being provided to offer accounts to the public of former members’ personal experiences with the Gentle Wind Project leaders.
All the information about the Gentle Wind Project, or other groups or individuals mentioned or included on this website, must be evaluated and judged by each reader, through a process of individual and independent reading and thought. Except for the Gentle Wind Project and its leaders and affiliates, the mention and/or inclusion of any other group on this website does not define it as a "cult" and/or any individual mentioned as either harmful and/or destructive.
The Gentle Wind Project’s own official website, which reflects their views, is at www.gentlewindproject.org; however, their website has been completely altered since the Consent Decree the GWP leaders signed with the Maine Attorney General. A second GWP website www.eyeofthesky.org, was removed by GWP during September 2004. (Versions of websites that change or disappear from the Internet can sometimes be found on archival websites, such as the Way Back Machine: http://www.archive.org/index.php.)
Wind of Changes does not necessarily endorse or support any of the views expressed within the books, website links, and outside opinions listed on each page of this website. They are provided only for the convenience of researchers and those concerned with learning more.
