This of course is extortion, plain and simple.
The Mercury's response?
Simply Perfect.
It's very hard to intimidate someone when they refuse to acknowledge that you have any power over them.
I bet LDI wasn't expecting that reaction. But if you read this, and live in Portland, subscribe to the Mercury. Hell, subscribe if you DON'T live in Portland. Independent Media with a spine is rare enough these days, and it should be rewarded.