By accident, I found out that Trend-Micro, my Internet Security and Virus protection "suite" had reclassified Justanothercoverup and categorized it as a "Malicious Site." This appears to be one of many ways that the government is attempting to stifle free speech, and it's being accomplished behind-the-scenes with few if any people becoming aware of how "Big Brother" is attempting to stifle free speech in America.

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A funny thing happened to me as I attempted to access my site to post an article; like any savvy Internet user, my virus and malware protection, as well as a software firewall compliments my home system. I don’t need down-time because of viruses and spyware, and there have been several instances where my home computer was hacked, as well as this site. Imagine my surprise when I attempted to access Justanothercoverup – and my security suite responded that Justanothercoverup was a dangerous site and wouldn’t allow me to access the site.

At first, I was only mildly perturbed, but after entering that it was a safe site, approved of by the site administrator, the program still would now allow me to access Justanothercoverup. The only way I could get to my own site was to disable the firewall feature completely – which is one of the reasons I chose this particular suite to protect my system.

If this was a new product I had just installed, I’d chalk it up to a setup error; however, it’s not, and has been operating in the background for approximately three months. This “change” occurred with their last update, and I question how a site which is hosted by a premier web hosting company which is prominently displayed on my site could be a “dangerous site.” If other customers are receiving this same message, will they take the additional steps necessary to enter a so-called “dangerous site?” How many other Liberal/Progressive sites have been determined to me “malicious” by our software vendors – and where are they receiving their information from?

This is the message I received from Trend-Micro:

Dear William,

This is Madelyn from Trend Micro Consumer Support.

I have reviewed your case and I understand that your site has been tagged as malicious by the Trend Micro program after downloading the latest update on your computer.

First of all, I would like to apologize for all the inconveniences that this had caused you. Rest assured that we will correct this problem by reclassifying the website. But in order for us to do that, you will have to submit a feedback and a summary description of your site. Please click on the link below on how to submit the form:

(Link deleted.)
(Note: If you cannot click the link, you can copy and paste it on a new window)

Note: We would appreciate a response from you within five (5) days from the date you receive this email. After the given time frame, your case will be temporarily closed and you will receive a feedback form from us to help us serve you better. Should you still have concerns with your case, please simply reply to this email.

Madelyn V. Aboy
Consumer Support Team
Trendlabs HQ, Trend Micro Incorporated

This was the original memorandum I sent to Trend-Micro, and hopefully, the situation will be resolved in a matter of a few days. The issue as I see it is that I discovered, quite by accident, that Trend-Micro was blocking my site. How many other companies are doing the same thing to other Liberal/Progressive sites? I’m unaware of how to find out if this practice is wide-spread, and I invite other Op-Ed News investigative writers to do a little digging and see if this is an isolated incident - or if it’s another way the GOP and the Department of Homeland Insecurity are working to marginalize and block what I believe is an assault on free speech - something that should concern us all.

To Whom It May Concern:

I am a residential customer, however, I am also a political commentator and own and operate http://justanothercoverup.com/ . While I’m certainly not at the top of the heap, I do have an international readership. Further, on this year’ Political Blog of the year, OpEdNews.com, I am a featured writer and this is their assessment of me meant for general publication:

“William Cormier writes for www.opednews.com, an internet only media site that has grown to become one of the highest traffic news sites in America, reaching more traffic, according to alexa.com, than all but thirty largest daily newspapers in the US. William Cormier is one of the 500+ liberal pundits who, each month, are published in what has become one of the top five Liberal/progressive media sites in the US.

Contact The Author: wjcormier@bellsouth.net

My articles are also cross posted on numerous high-profile Internet sites throughout the web, and those names are some of the largest in the political spectrum of “web politics.” I am new to Trend Micro, and this is only the second time I have purchased your product in over a decade. I’m also a retired computer store owner, Service Manager, A+ Certified since 1996, so I am not the “average user.”

I only purchased your product a couple months ago and it was operating seamlessly and I was satisfied with its performance. Then an upgrade came in, and all of a sudden (last week) my own site was identified as “dangerous” and your product would not allow me to access my own site. I entered it in as a safe site to no avail, and now I have had to run my system with the Home Network and Firewall components disabled, not a healthy situation for my personal system, however, this slap in the face has far greater implications. How many people is Trend Micro prohibiting visiting my site since this newest upgrade that has labeled my site as “dangerous?” Why was my site labeled as dangerous? This appears to be political in nature, and I intend on pursuing this matter and possibly alerting the public that Corporate America is engaging in politics in ways that are highly suspect and skew people surfing the web toward other sites, most of which are right-wing in nature.

Justanothercoverup.com is hosted by BlueHost.com, a hosting company with a stellar reputation - and my site is virus free. To make matters more absurd, my site doe not allow profanity, from me or other writers, and that includes comments that are inbound. We are read regularly by hundreds of educational facilities, so the only time profanity occurs is when it’s uttered by a public official.

I am also very non-violent and shout-down those who call for revolution or other illegal and violent action. In short, even though I do not agree with the Bush administration, my site and my general writing style has been well-accepted and I enjoy fairly good traffic, however I have been getting messages that it’s not only you that is listing my site as dangerous, but other software makers as well.

I view the above mentioned facts as a violation of my right to free speech, an attempt to lower traffic to my site, and to make matters even worse, this change in assessing my site was contained in one of your most recent updates. I don’t look for trouble and don’t want any; however, I am adamant that this issue be addressed immediately. It’s illegal for third-party companies to block political material, especially when my Internet Host has such a stellar reputation. I’m hoping that I haven’t inadvertently uncovered the tip of the iceberg, but that’s what I do, investigative reporting with a definite Progressive/Liberal stance.

Anyway, I’m sure that you can see this is a serious matter to me, and if it’s taking place on other Liberal/Progressive sites, this is in effect an illegal prohibition against free speech. I am aghast that my own Security Company would suddenly declare my site as “dangerous, and I would like to receive a response that is honest and goes directly to the point without any spin or generalities. I feel very offended, and I am worried this practice that has been brought about by government pressure - something I’m sure will never be admitted.

Anyway, my product isn’t working right, and I believe it should be fixed, not just for my system, but anyone who wishes to peruse my site.

Best Regards,

William J. Cormier

When respected Internet Security companies begin to list political sites as “dangerous” without any reason other than a re-classifying of the site - which was obviously brought-on by pressure from “someone” - it’s imperative that we delve deeper into the situation and attempt to find out if this is simply another page out of Carl Rove’s playbook that is designed to keep the truth out of the hands of the average American.

William Cormier

Authors Bio:

My Bio is as varied as my life. In 2012, my twin sons murdered a Journalist in Pensacola, Fl., for 100K worth of "Magic The Gathering" playing cards and buried the body in my backyard. I was once a regular writer here, but PTSD from my son's actions took their toll. First, I lost everything I had. Second, I lost my fiancee. Third, I almost lost my life. Recovery has been a hard and lonesome road, and it isn't quite over yet. I will overcome this disaster as I have others, and return to college to resume my quest to receive a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism.

Admittedly, I have chosen to get back in the mix and do my duty to help destroy any chance that Trump may have of being elected to a second term.