American Politics Journal -- The Art of Character Assassination

American Politics Journal

The Insider
The Art of High-Tech Character Assassination
Shamed Wall Street Journal pundit said to plan online "revenge" against former girlfriends -- will it backfire?
by Morrie Friendly

Feb. 15, 2002 -- WASHINGTON (APJP) -- In a new and bizarre twist in the salacious and disturbing tale of John Fund's collapsed live-in relationship with Morgan Pillsbury and its aftermath, American Politics Journal has learned from a source close to officials at a major free-market think tank that Mr. Fund, with assistance from a well-known conservative webmaster and a former labor official, plans to launch a web page or pages which will, at least in part, attack the character and attempt to impugn the honesty of Ms. Pillsbury and her mother, Melinda Pillsbury Foster.

Ms. Pillsbury and Ms. Pillsbury Foster spoke separately earlier today with one of APJ's editors, and both confirm that what they believed was a good-faith reconciliation with Mr. Fund early last week, in the wake of his breakup with Ms. Pillsbury, was in tatters by the end of a conference call held between the three last night. Ms. Pillsbury Foster has provided APJ with an e-mail sent this afternoon to Mr. Fund, which is reproduced below.

The move by Mr. Fund follows the brief appearance -- and quick removal -- on the popular Capitol Grilling message board earlier this week of an e-mail purporting to be from an internet news writer to Mr. Fund recommending an opposition researcher who herself, in a forwarded mail, offers to "run all sorts of checks on them - litigation, etc.... - to discount them."

The suggestion of oppo research directed at ex-lovers -- a new web site -- is there a relationship? And if Mr. Fund is indeed planning to attack Ms. Pilllsbury and Ms. Pillsbury-Foster, has he considered the possibility that such a move might backfire?

APJ was unable to reach Mr. Fund for comment after repeated attempts.

From: Melinda Pillsbury Foster
To: John Fund
Subject: Last night
Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2002 13:28:28 EST

Dear John,

I am very disappointed with the outcome of our conference call of last night. I had sincerely hoped for a mutually appropriate resolution so that each of us can go on with our lives. My points of concern are as follows:

First, your continued assertion that you have not slandered me, even in the face of written confirmation to the contrary. .I cannot afford to let myself be slandered. I will take all ethically appropriate steps available to me to deal with this problem.

Second, your assertion that you did not continue to have a spousal relationship with Morgan. You did continue that relationship. The sexual aspect is entirely independent. You were serially unfaithful and dishonest; you used your infidelity to enrage her and that is in and of itself proof that you were well aware that the two of you were in a continuing relationship.

That the relationship was very unhealthy is very clear, but that you treated her as your wife is also apparent. Not to say that you accorded her the benefits of marriage; just that you expected her to provide the services of a wife -- without compensation.

As I pointed out last night, your sexually predatory behavior towards other women does not discount your relationship with Morgan. It is regrettable but true than many husbands are very unfaithful and abusive.

Third, Morgan did not assert to either the police or me that you had engaged in a particular form of abuse. She simply described what had happened and independently both the police and myself, among others, recognized your behavior as egregiously abusive and violent.

Fourth, your continued demands that "Morgan muzzle me and then lie for you" are simply outrageous. I do and will continue to tell the truth, as you know to your evident chagrin.

Your entire life has been about evasion, control and manipulation. I am calling you on it, not just for my own sake and Morgan's but for your own sake. Just tell the truth. Lying cannot work any more.

I continue to be very willing to meet with you when I am in New York.

But you must now provide documentation in the form of statements from a list, to be provided my Morgan, that you have recalled your slanders.

I want proof of delivery and they must be notarized.

In regards to Morgan, you must recognize that your present circumstances do not relieve you of your obligations to make her whole.

In hopes of a quick resolution,

Melinda