On Wednesday, January 25th the LA affiliate of CBS posted a story about the LAPD doing joint helicopter exercises with military special forces.
The reporters initially seemed a bit surprised to be witnessing the tactics, but promptly resorted to their usual filter: don’t-question-the-government
They rationalized to themselves and their listeners that they were watching “trained professionals.” And that similar police-military exercises were done in Boston and Miami.
Yay! LA public officials can now give themselves another checkmark in the game of security theater.
What would happen if I had the time, money and aptitude to learn how to pilot a helicopter and I engaged in the same behavior? What if a handful of friends joined me? What if we told everyone else they couldn’t fly near us because the area was “restricted.”
So why is it ok for others to do so? Because they wear a badge? Do they have the right to take your money to buy such hardware? Do you even like how such an item will be used?
A sky full of helicopters and more militarized police will not grow our freedoms and security as claimed, it will grow the surveillance and police state as history proves. That’s not the kind of community I want to live in.
Think about it – in some places, the police are flying around in helicopters. Here in quaint Keene, NH, where Ademo and I call home, the police may soon have a Bearcat – an armored vehicle provided by the Department of Homeland Security due to “terrorism” threats. What a joke.
Are you watching the watchmen? Just who are the terrorists?
Unplug from the lamestream media. Don’t buy into the security theater.
Recently I was found guilty in my Chalking 8 trial, while highlighting those bogus charges we (Pete and I) met Frank and Mike, who took this video of Manchester Police Officer Murphy. The video went viral and received attention from several news outlets. Instead of taking a serious look at the actions caught on tape the city went into defense mode.
The Police, school and local government officials sought to criminalize Frank, Mike and myself. They expelled Frank from school, charged Mike as an adult (over a teenage fight) and charged me with three counts of wiretapping. Crimes the state says justifies caging me, at your expense, for 21 years.
I’ve been through this before in Greenfield, MA and am confident I can present my case, logically. The problem I face in Manchester that I didn’t have in Greenfield is the personal vendetta those in Manchester seem to have for me. After all, I was given the max sentence (with 10 months of it stayed for 2 years good behavior) for ‘resisting’ my arrest.
With that in mind I’ve thought long and hard about how I’d like to tackle this case. I’ve done all the homework, reading up on New Hampshire’s wiretapping law, talking with lawyers, brainstorming ideas with fellow activist and more and it’s come down to one thing, funding. Which is why I made this video asking for your help.
As stated in the video, I think a lawyer would be beneficial to ensure I have fair pre-trial hearings and ‘proper’ (in their eyes) procedure during trial. Considering this will be an expectation of privacy trial – and that public officials have none – it will be more difficult that my Greenfield trial. Yet, a win here could do wonders for activists in the “Shire” attempting to change coercive government actions.
That being said, I also know, and appreciate, the offensive tactic as well and when done properly, is mightier than the current justice system. In terms of risk, I end up taking more with this tactic, as these actions will be done outside the court room. The best part of this strategy is that the actions the government is trying to distract you from – excessive force, deletion of evidence and criminalization of those who question government – will be front and center. As this issue goes further back than just one phone call, the Manchester police have gotten away with murder (literally) for a while now.
Regardless of how this fund raiser goes, I’ll be in court, speaking the truth and defending my position on filming, recording and monitoring public officials. I would greatly appreciate you donating to either cause as it would help me (and other activists) further the message of police accountability. You can also buy CopBlock.org swag, which help funds our CopBlock activities, or contact me for video intro/outro’s and power post. For those unable to donate, sharing CopBlock.org content and social networks is just as good as FRN’s and I need/appreciate your support as well.
On December 21st, 2011 Bob Tebo, a bailiff at Cheshire Co. superior court in Keene, NH aggressively arrested two individuals who chose to remain seated when a man wearing a black robe entered the room. One of the two arrested was dragged across the courtroom floor by his handcuffs.
As cameras are “banned” from supposedly “pubic hearings” per a order signed order from Edwin Kelly, the sole footage of this latest example of double-standards is possessed by the bailiffs and those employed at the Cheshire Co. Sheriff’s Department (which has their office in the court building).
Kelly has stonewalled inquiries that seek to uncover his motivations for implementing the draconian camera ban. And despite requests, the footage from Tebo’s latest incident has yet to be provided and complaints made against him remain “under investigation.” It’s probably not a stretch to guess that that’ll go no where. And why would it? When there’s no competition there’s no reason to even attempt good “customer service.”
Instead of being thankful and acting on information provided by those concerned about double-standards, “public officials” have remained standoffish. They haven’t just refused to converse about the situation but have actively compounded the harm by levying additional threats of arrest, should those commanded not move off public property, most-recently going so far as to “ban” one person from the public parking lot without explanation.
It’s as if the legal land of the courtroom spilled outside. These sorts of incidents will not end until authority is no longer granted to Tebo and his colleagues who have acted and continue to act in the wrong.
If you'd like a CopBlock.org Power Post - as seen above - contact us.
Much love to JJ Schlessinger who’s latest video Judge Burke Victim Reelinspired me to cut-up this compilation of clear unaccountability by “public officials” at superior court.
Several months ago Ademo Freeman was arrested outside Keene District Court in Keene, New Hampshire. Initially there was a lot of mystery surrounding the circumstances and what he did to get arrested. Early reports indicated that he had simply been asking Judge Burke some questions and the idea that asking questions could get you thrown in jail was too absurd to accept.
Ademo was released roughly two weeks later and his video of the incident was available shortly thereafter. After watching the video and witnessing myself Judge Burke’s abuse of power I felt inspired to cut up a compilation video of the people who have been victimized by Burke. Ademo was literally caged for asking questions. No foul language or threats were heard from Ademo, only three questions.
This is not a complete compilation by any means.
This video contains the arrests of the following individuals:
Ian Freeman
Dave Ridley
Pete Eyre
Beau Davis
Ademo Freeman
Derrick J Freeman
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I was arrested on January 24th, 2011 and held for half a week. A week after that I wrote and saved (but never published) a post I titled “Pete’s Story.” Seems pretty fitting to share it here:
The below is my account of what happened two weeks ago when I was sitting in Keene district court and the following days. It’s pretty thorough, but if you have specific questions that aren’t addressed let me know.
BACKGROUND
Just before 10am on Monday, January 24th, Ademo, Ethan Lee Vita and I braved the subzero temperature and walked to Keene district court. We did a Qik update on the way. We went inside and up the steps to the second floor, where a few people were milling around, including two bailiffs doing security detail.
Lance Walton, one of the two bailiffs and the administrator of the court, spotted me and told me to take off my hood (I had my hat on with my hood over it). I told him I was cold but after his second request I pulled it down, figuring it’s not worth the fight. I was there to support my friends, not deal with petty bs. Lance wanded and patted me down and looked inside my hat. He gave the all clear. I put my hat back on and strolled down the hallway into court.
ARREST
I walked toward an empty seat. Before I had even sat down another bailiff – Pete Macy – told me to remove my hat. “Why?” I asked. He told me it was policy of the court. I told him that I hadn’t signed the policy and that I wasn’t hurting anyone. He reached for my hat and I leaned back and advised him not to touch my property. My voice was calm and my hands were in the pocket on the front of my hoodie staying warm – I did nothing aggressive.
Moments later Keene police officer James Cemorelis barked “You’re out of here!” and yanked me to the ground. My friends whipped out their cameras and started recording. For no reason, Keene police officer Matt Griffon, who had been sitting in the front row, put his knee at the base of my neck as he assisted Cemorelis in the handcuffing (read a letter sent to Cemorelis about his actions). I tried to express just how uncalled for was the treatment I was receiving. I was roughly carried out of the room, down the hall and into another room. Another bailiff, apparently undeterred by the “Do Not Block Door” sign bolted to the door, stood in front of the door in an attempt to block Ademo from filming the scene through the door’s narrow vertical window.
From the ground, I asked the officers why they felt the need to utilize such a level of force. I glanced up and posed a question specifically to Griffon (his name was embroidered onto his shirt). Apparently he didn’t want to have a conversation. Griffon and police officer Chris Simonds (?) carried me toward the back staircase. As we approached, one of my captors commented, “I hope you don’t fall on your head”. I asked why, if that risk exists, would they choose to transport me – a peaceful person – in such a manner. Didn’t seem worth the risk…
Outside I was set on the ground in the snow as a cruiser door was opened. My bud JJ was there, camera in hand. I was shoved across the police crusier’s plastic molded bench seat and transported to the Cheshire County Jail.
I learned later that minutes after I was arrested someone else present in the same room donned a hat. Yet for some reason they received completely different treatment – some claim that was due to their different attire.
TRANSIT I asked Simonds if he felt the level of force used against me was just. He responded in the affirmative since that was the law – he had his orders. I asked if he would use deadly force against me for similar allegations. He said that was ridiculous. “Well what if you were so ordered?” I asked. “Of course not” he responded. “So, at what point between the force you used against me today and shooting me would you say “No!”? At what point would you stand up and do what’s right?” He didn’t respond.
Soon we pulled into the sally port at the jail. I could hear men talking. The door by my feet opened. I was told to sit up and get out. I explained that though I would not resist, I would not assist in my caging since it was I who had been victimized. I was dragged out feet first, carried inside and placed on the floor of the closest cell in the booking area. My hands were still handcuffed behind my back. I remember looking to my right, seeing a forest of black combat boots and thinking “There is no accountability for these guys. They could just beat the hell out of me right now and claim that I was aggressive.”
My handcuffs were removed and the gang of grown men yanked off my hoodie and workout pants. The cell door slammed shut. I lay on my stomach on the cold concrete floor in my thin gym shorts, t-shirt and socks, replaying the previous 30-minutes over and over in my head, trying to figure out how someone could possibly try to justify the treatment I had endured by “public servants”.
BOOKING I was asked to provide my information for processing. Why would I willingly provide my private information to strangers who kept me caged? I was asked what name I wanted to go by in their system. I responded, “I just want to be free to go man. I haven’t hurt anybody.” “Ok”, came the response, “Free to go man” is your name. I didn’t laugh.
After a while I sat up and faced those who carried me into the cell. I figured that if I were out of sight my captors could more-easily put me out of their mind, thus allowing them to belittle or rationalize the force they used against me.
At 1pm, 4:30pm, 6:15pm, 8:15pm and 10:45pm correction officers approached my cell and pressured me to process. The 3/4″ Global Security Glazing glass muffled our communication. During later visits the correction officers opened the door to talk with me (presumably it took half a day for these folks to realize that I was not violent).
My cage was constructed of institution-white cinder blocks, each about 18″ long and 8″ tall, making the interior dimensions of my cell about 9′ 9″ deep, 8′ 3″ wide and 7′ 4″ tall. The front wall facing the elevated booking area was primarily made of glass and the heavy steel door. When it was light out I could catch glimpses of the stars and stripes flying outside. Land of the free, huh? A narrow elevated slab of concrete along one wall, painted red, served as the bed. There was a steel comode/sink with three buttons. One flushed the commode. The other two both ran cold water. I was told if I were thirsty the sink faucets doubled as a “bubbler”.
At one point I noticed a gentleman talking with the correctional officers manning the front desk. He stuck out to me because in lieu of a silly costume he wore slacks, a black turtleneck and a light blazer. I later learned he was Rick Van Wickler – the superintendent of the facility.
After explaining to one correction officer who stopped by my cell – J. Richard – that I hadn’t harmed anyone and that my caging only compounded and exacerbated the harm already inflicted, she noted that what I had done was a “victimless crime”. I followed-up on her statement by noting that when arbitrary man-made legislation conflicts with natural law one must side with the latter. She didn’t agree. She was just doing her job after all.
No snowflake in an avalanche ever feels responsible. – Stanislaw J. Lec
Night came. It was cold. I sat on the floor, legs pulled to my chest with my t-shirt over my knees and my head tucked inside to maximize warmth. I was still damn cold. I wrapped toilet paper around my exposed legs (I learned this tactic from Ademo, who turned himself into a toilet paper mummy when being held in a cold cell in Las Vegas earlier in the year). My feet, with layers of toilet paper under white ankle socks, looked like bloated marshmallows. And they were happier. The heat-sapping concrete now had a couple of layers of toilet paper to get through. Sleep came in short 30min snatches.
After a long, uncomfortable night, I was asked to process. I declined. Hours passed.
ARRAIGNMENT M. Willis asked if I wanted to speak with the judge. “Sure”, I said, “but I’m going to tell him the same thing I’ve been telling you” – that I haven’t hurt anyone.
I was escorted through the facility and instructed to sit in a chair while the video link connected with Keene district court. Initially there was a technical delay. I largely remained silent, not too keen to be buddy-buddy with someone willing to place and keep peaceful people in cages against their will. He was adamant that his policy, which does not investigate whether someone deserves to be caged, is best.
Why would someone unthinkingly take possession of another human being and place them in a cage without having more information? As I told Willis, the system does not result in “checks and balances” but unaccountability. Every individual involved – legislators, bailiffs, cops, correction officers, judges – claims that they personally are not to blame for your predicament but that you can fix it if only you talk to someone else.
Once the video link was made, Burke explained that he needed two things from me – 1) to identify and 2) for me to indicate whether I planned to apply for counsel. “Well, frankly,” I noted, “what I’d like to see is for the bailiff to apologize to me for using aggressive force” but Burke cut me short.
Burke claimed that I was “presumed innocent,” causing someone in the audience out of my field of vision to laugh. Burke ordered them removed.
I told Burke that they day prior I felt like the victim (i.e. tackled, carried, caged). Then Ademo spoke his mind for about 40-seconds (~4:00), ending with: “One of your men assaulted him! Assaulted him!” and “Get a life!”
Burke wasn’t too fond of what he heard and ordered those doing his bidding to handcuff Ademo and remove him from the room (note that Ademo had been walking out of the room on his own accord, and was only feet from the door). He was brought across my field of vision and into the room to Burke’s left.
Burke told me it was “up to me” to comply to gain my freedom. I told him that he had “the ability to throw this out and say there shouldn’t be a charge. I didn’t hurt anybody.” Burke said “Ok. Alright. I guess we’re not going to get anywhere. Thank you” and left.
Willis led me back to my cage, informing me not to breath deeply when in the lobby area as his colleagues had had to “deploy mace”. Against a lady.
I worried about Ademo. I hoped they cut him loose. I watched the sliding door that opened into the booking area, hopeful that I wouldn’t see him.
I was told that I was going to be moved since I’d reached the 24-hour-maximum stay in booking.
Then in came Ademo carried by a group of men wearing badges. We exchanged glances. He was placed on the floor of a cell two away from mine. He held up six digits and mouthed/yelled that he had been given a 60-day sentence. “What the hell!?” was all I could say as I was being led away.
I was told that I had to first take a shower. I stripped, lifted up my scrotum and spread my cheeks for Willis. Then I took a quick shower (which helped to warm me up) and put on jail duds. Fun fun. As I was led to my new cage other inmates looking through the window on their doors yelled down to my captor, “What’d he do?” Why is he going in there?”- the “there” being segregation.
SEGREGATION I was told I would kept in the cage for 23-hours a day. I eyed the thin, plastic-covered mattress sitting up on the metal frame bed bolted to the wall. I laid down. A short time later a correctional officer brought me blankets and some toiletries. I turned myself into a human burrito and tried to sleep.
I didn’t eat. I was told that if I continued not to eat I’d end up in a hospital being fed via an IV. Days later I questioned my stance – if I wasn’t eating because I didn’t want to burden taxpayers wouldn’t ending-up in a hospital defeat that principle? Hospital tends to be damn spendy after all…
I chewed on the few options that I had any control over.
I called Lance. It was around 11am. I told him about my last 24-hours and he updated me on the activity happening on the outside, specifically mentioning the Chipin George Donnelly created to help pay for a press release distribution.
Correctional officers peered through the window in my cage door on their rounds (hourly?), sometimes shining a flashlight my way. During mealtimes I was offered food. I declined.
On Wednesday Van Wickler stopped by my cage in the early afternoon and asked if I would like to speak with my mom. “Of course!” I responded. We walked to the phone, Van Wickler read her number while I dialed, then he left. It was good to talk with her.
Over the two-and-a-half days I was in segregation Van Wickler visited my cell about five times for a total of 45-60-minutes. He’s pressured me to process. He brought two copies of documents that outlined the information that I’d be required to share if I were to process.
During one visit Van Wickler asked his colleague to leave us so he could talk with me alone. He asked if I thought Burke was concerned with my actions in the jail and answered his own question with a single “No.” And, despite agreeing with me that the force that had been used in my situation was uncalled for he was unwilling to let me out. He had keys to the facility. He could act on his conscious.
At one point it was communicated to me that Ademo had processed and was going to be released later that evening. I hoped it were true, but doubted it. Like cops, correctional officers lie.
I thought through potential avenues to gain justice. I had lots of time to think and do some internal creative destruction about strategy, tactics, relationships with people, incidents, etc.
On Thursday I wasn’t able to reach Lance when I tried his number. I only remembered three other numbers – Ademo’s, which didn’t help, Allison Gibbs and Ian Freeman. I called Ian as my ultimate goal was to reach Michele Seven to see about getting picked-up if I did process. Ian was more than happy to help and conference called us all together. I informed them of where I was at and learned that M7 had unfortunately slipped a couple of times when in Keene exiting the district court and wasn’t too mobile. Ian offered to grab me so long as he could get an exemption on his no trespass, which stemmed from the insane arrests last year that became known as the Trespass of Twelve.
I decided I could have a bigger impact on the outside. I decided to process.
At one point when in segregation Van Wickler asked me if I knew “Brandon Ross” who he said had claimed to be my lawyer. I noted that Brandon was “a friend” and Van Wickler commented that a case like ours didn’t necessitate multiple lawyers (since Lance Weber had already been communicating with me and Ademo). Later, after I processed, I learned of the work Brandon did behind-the-scenes for us. At one point he had been told by Van Wickler that he’d be able to see me in segregation. Ross made the drive from Concord and waited six hours but was denied access entirely. I was never informed of his visit.
PROCESSING Thanks to lengthy time delays, sub-par “customer service” and accepted bureaucracy, it would be impossible to not know I was interacting with a government agency when processing. I sat in a chair in front of the counter and answered questions posed by Willis. My picture was taken – each side and straight-on. My fingerprints were taken and checked via IAFAS, the FBI’s database. Willis told me my fingerprints would be deleted automatically if they returned no hits. Sure.
I had questions about some of the stipulations on the paperwork Van Wickler had provided me. “Why was the check-box next to: ‘Is ordered not to drive until the defendant’s license or privilege is restored by the Director of Motor Vehicles’ checked?” I asked. “Or why am I to ‘refrain from excessive use of alcohol, and use of a narcotic or controlled substance as defined in RSA 318-B’?” Willis claims to not have known.
The bail commissioner – an angry man named Frank J. Obuchowski arrived. After getting his paperwork and “official” stamp laid out he barked orders at me. I stopped him and asked him why he thought it necessary to speak with such a hostile tone. Another inmate – who was a big dude – turned from watching the TV to us. Obuchowski quieted down some, but before leaving he made a point to tell me that he spoke that way so there was no question what he was communicating.
I asked him about the two check-boxed items. On the paperwork he brought the drivers license stipulation was not checked. He read to me that I could not have any alcohol or controlled substances. I pointed-out that on the form I had it just stated no “excessive” use of alcohol. He looked it over and, on his copy, angrily wrote the word “excessive” above to the sentence. Then I asked him how “excessive” is defined, and who gets to do the defining. He didn’t have an answer.
My arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday, February 9th at 9am. The paperwork threatened me with increased penalties if I were arrested when out on bail. I thought I was innocent until proven guilty. What if I were arrested by another out-of-control cop for a victimless action?
Obuchowski told me I owed him $40. Van Wickler, who had been hovering around the lobby through this proceeding, had earlier told me when I brought up that the fee was the man’s “bread and butter”. He indicated that it didn’t have to be paid. Sounds good to me. I told Obuchowski that I didn’t have any money (I didn’t), that this fee had not been mentioned earlier and that it was unfair for him and his colleagues to continue to add additional criteria so that I could regain my freedom of movement. He said, “Well who’s picking you up? Maybe they have money.” No dice buddy.
Then Obuchowski told me that I had to go to the Keene Police Department before 4pm (it was 2:30pm). I questioned why this was added? And at who’s direction? No one gave me any information.
Van Wickler called Ian and “granted” an exemption on the no trespass order. Soon he was on-scene and I was out.
In the five or ten minutes I had been waiting Van Wickler told me about how he’d recently declared three Cuban cigars on his flight back from Canada, where he had spoken to parliament about drug policy (Van Wickler is a speaker with Law Enforcement Against Prohibition). He explained that he’d been barred from bringing the cigars across an imaginary line so he gave them to a taxi driver. If one can see the failures of drug prohibition then why not stand against all victimless “crimes”?
FREEDOM As I climbed into Ian’s car he handed me a meal replacement drink Meg Mclain had wanted me to have. Perfecto! I put out a Keene411 to announce my freedom and to see if any friends in the area wanted to join us for a bite at a Mexican place in town. About 16 did, despite the short notice.
After the hugs, conversation and burrito (thanks Heika!) I was reminded at just how many awesome individuals make up this community. It was exactly what I needed.
THOUGHTS
The support Ademo & I have received has been amazing. Thanks so much! It has not only had very real impacts for us but it shows others that we’re here for each other, which may make them more-likely to stand up for what they know is right.
Does it make sense that individuals who have harmed no one end up in cages? Though I can’t authoritatively speak for everyone I think it’s fair to say that we each are standing on principle, despite the threats levied at us, knowing that failure to do so today will make it more difficult tomorrow.
If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so.
– Thomas Jefferson
Six months after the June 4th, 2011 Chalking 8 incident outside Manchester Police Department I was found “guilty” of a violation and told I owed $248.
Rather than pay the ransom I submitted a letter indicating that I’d sit the time.
In this video I read the text of the letter in the hope that it causes people to think about how deeply flawed is the criminal “justice” system. It’s not something that can be “fixed,” the whole structure must be changed.
Rather than allow for a group of people to exercise an exclusive monopoly on the provision of any good or service recognize that a certain title or costume doesn’t grant extra rights. Then act accordingly, so we can more quickly live in a world where individuals are responsible for their actions, regardless of where they work.
We now live in a country where the government can use Predator drones to track us without warrants, indefinitely detain us without trial, and assassinate us without charges. They do this in the name of security, yet somehow it just doesn’t make me feel any safer. I’ll tell you what does make me feel safer. Americans bought a record number of guns as Christmas presents this year, 25% of them first time buyers and many of them women.
. . .one thing is clear, people lack confidence in the state, and that’s always good news
In 2010 the G20 was held in Toronto. Security theater (police, barricades, weapons, jail facilities) was ramped-up – to the tune of $900,000,000. Over 1,100 individuals were kidnapped and caged.
No one was held accountable, but that’s not too surprising. We’re talking about an association of individuals that claim the sole right to provide protection and security. They have no competition. There’s no reason to care about customer service or worry about being held accountable for actions.
Still, some continue to pander for internal investigations, completely ignoring the fact that everyone involved – legislature, police, judges, politicians – are only interested in perpetuating and growing their claimed authority. At the direct expense of individual rights.
Watch Into The Fireby Press For Truth. Then think for yourself. How can this best be prevented? How can rights-violators best be held accountable?
Join Ademo Freeman & friends January 9th – 10:30AM – Manchester District Court
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On June 4th I was one of eight arrested outside the Manchester Police Department when at a pro-police accountability event. I was alleged to have been “disorderly” – twice. Over six months later, I was told I was “guilty” of violating an ordinance and told to pay a 248 FRN ransom.
Pete Eyre, was found guilty at the non-criminal violation level of one of the two charges. Interestingly enough, the charge he was convicted on was not the reason for his arrest, but was attached later. John Patti, who ordered Pete’s arrest but was my arresting officer, arrested us for allegedly refusing an order regarding a city ordinance violation. Neither the order nor the basis of the order were substantiated in court, yet Pete was, retroactively, in a sense, found guilty of having been in the “crime scene” and having been ordered out of it. The disorderly conduct statute is so over broad that you are automatically guilty at the violation level if you have been given what is considered a “lawful order”. By refusing the order, you are then guilty at the criminal level.
Order of events:
March 3rd, 2010 – Christopher Michlovich is beaten by four off-duty Manchester PD employees (Jonathan Duchesne, Matthew Jajuga and Michael Buckley, and Ernie Goodno). An internal investigation exonerated the actions of the four aggressors. Tom Clark (city solicitor) toed the “official” line.
May 25th, 2011 – Michael Delaney (NH attorney general) states that the Michlovich beating was “not the Manchester police department’s finest hour” but will not pursue charges against those responsible.
June 4th, 2011 – individuals gather outside Manchester PD to voice concerns about the lack of accountability, eight were arrested and nine phones/cameras were seized
October 24th, 2011 – Pete Eyre has court at Manchester District, two class b misdemeanor disorderly conduct threats, ordered to submit “memo of law” to support points argued
November 10th – “memo of law” deadline, document was received days prior
December 27th – William H. Lyons (aka “the court”) says Eyre is not guilty of the two disorderlies but is guilty of a violation. Ransom is set at 248 FRNs.
December 29th – Eyre calls “the court” to inquire how to sit the time rather than pay the ransom
I self-describe as a voluntaryist and therefore don’t want to fund the violence of the state. The state – to be specific – is just a bad idea. Everything its actors do is destructive and if not immoral, inefficient. The initiation of force, censorship, and control are its only tools.
So, I may sit at Valley Street for four days. I’ll have time to brainstorm. Read. Maybe workout. And, unless they keep me segregated, time to have conversations with other individuals harmed due to the belief in the bad idea that grants some a “legitimate” right to use force, as well as those who pretend their costume allows them to do actions wrong for you or me.
The greater the number of laws and enactments, the more thieves and robbers there will be. – Lao Tsu
On the phone Kim even said most people “just pay.” What if everyone didn’t? What if no one took plea deals? What if everyone realized that they have nothing to fear if they’ve done nothing wrong?
The theft of houses isn’t something usually covered by Cop Block but I wanted to give it some attention because the issue today is so rampant and because Bill Bry (the victim of the theft) is a friend.
Last month a few of us from Keene traveled 45min south to Montague, MA* (right next-door to Greenfield) to join others in helping Bill move out the rest of his furniture, welding supplies, and appliances. He had been given an eviction notice, to be “served” by employees of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, based on what Bill considers a fraudulent mortgage issue related to the robo signature controversy.
For over four years Bill, assisted by friend Jeanne Golrick, had successfully won in court (aka mounted an effective defense) to keep his house. He views this latest theft as temporary. His words, written in chalk on a scrap piece of metal on the side of his welding building sums it up: “We are out! At this time.”
Below are two documents Bill shared with me that are related to his situation. I would have shared a third but I wouldn’t upload due to “security” reasons…
Last January when at Keene district court I was thrown to the ground then carried to a cage because I wore my hat. Last Thursday over coffee I had a conversation with Jim Cemorelis, the person who did the throwing.
Over three hours we had a freewheeling discussion that touched on the Keene community, activism, rights, the role (if any) of government, the provision of courts and law enforcement, philosophy, books, families, and single-issues like firearms and drug prohibition.
Some people have communicated that such meetings are a waste of time – almost likening the other party to “the enemy.” While I appreciate such feedback I disagree. As I wrote on a previous post:
There is no benefit to write-off an entire group of people based on their place of employment. . . Don’t you think it likely that some of those individuals [cops] might, once exposed to new, better ideas, shed their old, worse ideas? Like anyone else the average cop has been exposed to a lifetime of pro-State, defer-to-authority rhetoric.
When our conversation kicked-off Jim noted that there was probably only a “minutia” of things that separated our perspectives. With the glaring exception of how we each subsist, I found that statement was pretty accurate. We both want to live in a safe, prosperous community, where individual rights are respected – the question is how is that best-achieved?
In the least our chat allowed for personalization, which means ideas shared will likely be given more weight. And while I haven’t heard that Jim has yet moved on from the Keene police department, based on how we parted ways, I’m hopeful our conversation will continue. .
