Mann subsequently demanded that CEI retract the post and apologize for it.
CEI declined. CEI general counsel Sam Kazman wrote:
Shortly after that post was published in mid-July, CEI removed two sentences that it regarded as inappropriate. However, we view the post as a valid commentary on Michael Mann’s research...In response, Mann filed a lawsuit against CEI and Rand Simberg, as well as National Review and columnist Mark Steyn (who quoted portions of Simberg's piece).
And regardless of how one views Mann's work, his threatened lawsuit is directly contrary to First Amendment law regarding public debate over controversial issues. Michael Mann may believe we face a global warming threat, but his actions represent an unfounded attempt to freeze discussion of his views.
In short, we’re not retracting the piece, and we’re not apologizing for it.
CEI has stated they will defend their "First Amendment rights". They've also posted their legal defense of Simberg's blog post.
CEI is accepting donations to help them on this issue and their other work. I've gladly donated.
(BTW, their website notes, "CEI is a non-partisan, educational and research institute operating under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. CEI accepts no government grants or contracts, nor do we have an endowment. Contributions to our efforts are tax-deductible.")
If you want to support CEI, you can donate here.
I'll also be staying tuned for updates on Rand Simberg's blog, Transterrestrial Musings, and will pass them along as appropriate.
Update #1: Welcome, Instapundit readers!
Update #2: ScienceInsider reports, "Climate Scientist Mann Faces Obstacles to Winning Libel Lawsuit, Legal Experts Say" (10/26/2012).
