Considering I am about to EXPOSE these rats via distribution of the Larkin Chronicles, with their REAL NAMES, accurate descriptions of their appearance and hangouts, plus some PHOTOS:

What do you think are the odds of them retaliating with a lawsuit, in order to lock me up for slander, false witness and perjury? After all, what I actually witnessed was NOT witnessed by anyone else...of if they did, they are aligned with the scumbags (not me), and will LIE against me. Also, all other evidence I have is CIRCUMSTANTIAL, thus most difficult to prove in court, even with legal assistance. And the onus of proof would be upon yours truly, for making accusations that Gypsy et al deals drugs, threatened me, etc.

IOW: their word against mine.

Furthermore, should the goons take me to court, I would INSIST on a jury...that their ugly souls be exposed to the Proverbial Light of Day. Do you think it's likely they'd be willing to risk such exposure, just to get back at me? After all the confrontations I've had, none has gone out of his way to kill me, burn down my building, or have me arrested. They seem to draw the line with gossip, and an occasional anonymous mugging. Beyond that, they know their schemes could then backfire and THEY'D land in prison.

I am counting on Larkin to do the right thing...I put my life in his hands by exposing myself to danger. I don't think this is a mistake.

It is my belief that Larkin is actually my ALLY, who has infiltrated the enemy ranks in order to flush 'em outta here. It is possible he's a narc, or some other kind of agent. Either that, or he's owned by drug dealers who despise me, and they could make his life VERY miserable if they ever catch him (again) protecting me in any obvious manner.

For there is this to consider: whenever we are under the same roof (meaning, a gay bar) he will NEVER let anyone harm or threaten me. He's proven that SEVERAL times in the past 11 months. If someone starts to get belligerent over me, sure enough: Larkin will appear right behind the cur, hovering over him like a warrior angel, ready to strike him down at the least provocation towards me. They are quickly driven away, never to darken my view again. Yet during such scenarios, whenever I turn to Larkin to say thanks, he'll turn tail and disappear from my presence, like I had leprosy!

Anywayz, you know my Larkin Chronicles are already out there on the web (my site and blog, as well as posted to Usenet groups). My next step is this: Wednesday I drop off a printout of my chronicles at Larkin's workplace (tacqueria on Folsom & 8th), where I'll leave it on a table when I exit. The envelope will say "Larkin Kelsey" in large, bold letters (like the other packet I left him for Halloween).

Then about two weeks later, I plan to post a brief e-mail to two key characters who are most likely NOT my allies: bartender Ron, and customer Dennis Wallo (who I befriended for several months). Both seem to be very good friends w/Gypsy. Subject header: "The Larkin Chronicles". Message body will simply contain the URL. They'll know what I mean by the title alone, for I jokingly told them some months back that I'm considering changing my stories from "True Tales from South of Market" to "The Larkin Chronicles".

They associate with drug dealers/business people who possess extensive networking, powerful connections, and copious wampum. IOW, they can EASILY afford the best attorneys.

So: you know my story pretty well. And the hard-drugs are NOT my focus...it is the general corruption and consequent death and misery their antics create. I am, after all, 100% in support of decriminalizing all hard drugs. Be that as it may, dealers are PARANOID, and do NOT grasp my reasoned, balanced spin on the matter. They are scared...and I'll probably make them even MORE scared by this further advancement of my chronicles.

If you have any time to reflect on this matter, I'd MOST appreciate it. But I respect your own busy life, and would never begrudge you if time does not permit that luxury. Regardless of your opinion (if any), I intend to go through with this no matter what. I believe I'm on a Great Odyssey, which includes rigorous tests of both courage and scrutiny. I could NEVER live with myself, if I don't speak out in public--one way or another--about egregious wrongs that I have both witnessed and suffered. Remaining silent, I'd become a partner in crime!

Okay, 'nuff said. Thanks for your consideration. No matter what your response, I will seriously regard those words as ONLY arising from the best intentions.

From: Eleanor C.
To: Zeke
Date: 17 Nov 2007, 02:15:41 PM
Subject: Re: Important Question!

You're definitely stepping into serious territory when you name names, post pictures, and so forth.

I'd be more worried about them doing you physical harm than about them going after you with a lawsuit. You've said you know the details of your own demise, and if you're confident that it won't be at the hands of these characters, and if you have the stomach for the ratcheting-up that may very well follow, then go for it. Remember, though--lawsuits are expensive. If they decide to sue you, then papers will be served and you MUST respond. You seem to be brave and dauntless, and I'm sure you've thought all of this out, but be ready!!

From: John H.
To: Zeke
Date: 17 Nov 2007, 04:56:07 PM
Subject: Re: Important Question!

If Larkin's cronies have criminal records, go for it.

In that event they can't afford to file any suits.

If not, I might be hesitant, but considering their playground, the Judge would most likely throw such a case out.

Internet complicity is hard to prove anyway.

From: Peggy C.
To: Zeke
Date: 18 Nov 2007, 12:57:29 PM
Subject: Re: Important Question!

Hello, My Shamanic Warrior!

I don't think you are likely to be sued, but I do think you are putting yourself at risk of other probably worse kinds of retaliations. I am wondering what the result of the expose will be:

• Fewer drugs in the SOMA?
  
• A better relationship with Larkin?
  
• Behavior changes in the bad guys?

I don't know the answer to your question I am afraid, but I hope you stay well cuz I like having you around and healthy so you can continue your good work.

From: Thomas K.
To: Zeke
Date: 17 Nov 2007, 08:34:45 PM
Subject: Re: Important Question!

I am not a lawyer, but I know that courtrooms don't really have complete predictabilty- there is an element of chance, with little that is so cut-and-dry that the outcome is certain.

One key to avoiding litigation is to make sure to give your own personal feelings, not assertions of factual matters that can potentially be disproven. Eg., if you were dissatisifed with a work that a contractor did, and want to complain publicly say "I was not satisified with his work", not "He is incompetent". The first statement is making a statement about your own feeling, which is definitely true. The second statement could be challenged with examples of other satistified customers, or state licensing, etc, etc.

I suppose that the second advantage is that if you don't have a lot of savings, their own lawyers will cost more than it is worth for them to pursue you. The natural advantage of not being burdened with wealth.