Gangsters in Blue

After robbing a store at gunpoint and being chased by some area folks who wear badges, Larry Bohannon was shot and killed by police employees of Wahpole and/or Alstead, small towns in southwest New Hampshire, this past Friday.

That incident happened near to my location, as documented in a short video I posted YouTube.com/TheCopBlock about my attempt to learn why a number of vehicles with police decals had sped past my location. At the time, I concluded that the response was due to a bad traffic accident.

Larry Bohannon

While that was true – there was a pickup truck on its side – the cause of the accident only later become evident: the vehicle had been involved in a police chase after its driver, Bohannon, had robbed 75-yo Nancy Staniszewski, who was managing Snow and Lear/Newton Business, an office supply store, a few miles away, across the Connecticut River in Vermont.

After the accident Bohannon was shot dead by a still unnamed shooter(s) for not complying. He allegedly remained in his vehicle for some time – I’ve been told at least 10-mintues but can’t verify.

Michael Delaney*, the New Hampshire “attorney general”, who has controlled the release of related information has not yet weighed-in on the number of shots fired or whether Bohannon fired.

Was Bohannon combative? Did he shoot at those with badges? Did he ditch his gun during the chase? Does any documentation exist to show either?

When I made my way to the scene it was almost 6pm – at least an hour after the gunfire was said to occur. One neighbor has noted that they heard a few shots, then a pause, then a number of shots. We’ll soon see what becomes the “official” story.

What I do know about Bohannon doesn’t bode well. A couple of years ago he was partly responsible for the caging of a Bob Constantine, a friend who grew marijuana on his Grafton, NH property to help treat his pain.

Constantine’s actions had harmed no way, yet Bohannon, his neighbor at the end of a dead-end road, snitched him out to help himself (Bohannon had again found himself under the sites of those in the “criminal justice system” -  he’d previously been convicted of kidnapping, an action that does have a victim, again, reinforcing the point that he’s not a character with good integrity).

Here’s an except from Constantine’s trial coverage, where Bohannon’s testified:

And Bohanen [sic] denied ever having taking pictures on Bob’s property and sharing them with those who wear badges. Bohanen [sic]was very evasive, replying most often with “I don’t remember” or “I plead the fifth” (referencing text on a piece of paper that some believe is magic). Yet even the man in the robe noted that the he couldn’t “pled the fifth” since it wasn’t applicable since answering Bob’s question “didn’t expose him to criminal liability.” Thanks to Bohanen’s [sic]flip-flops Bob asked him “Are you aware of the penalty for perjury?” which only caused him to squirm even more, at one point even asking to speak to a lawyer.

Pierce’s follow-up of Bohanen [sic]was nothing but distraction. She essentially brought up every piece of evidence (which, except for some seeds in a pill container, was never shown outside it’s evidence packaging) and asked the snitch if they belonged to him. Hopefully the jury wasn’t impressed because I wasn’t. When Bohanen [sic] was dismissed, the bulk of us in the audience stood up and turned around – communicating our appreciation of his actions.

Did the Alstead and/or Walpole police employees who took Bohannon’s life act appropriately? It’s tough to know with the information available.

What I do know is that I can’t personally dig into every police shooting and that I’d much prefer to allocate my scarce resources to helping someone I know to be a good person, rather than someone who has proven to be a kidnapper, snitch, and armed robber.

RELATED

• State Informant Larry Bohannon killed by Police after Armed Robbery & High Speed Chase from SpiritOfArcadia.org April 1, 2013
• Man shot and killed by police had warrant out for arrest from WMUR.com April 1, 2013
• Man killed Friday was a fugitive from SentinelSource.com April 1, 2013
• Free e-Book “Rats! Stop Snitching” from Clarie Wolfe from CopBlock.org December 5, 2012
• Got Five-Minutes for Freedom? from CopBlock.org April 22, 2011
• We Could All Learn a Thing or Two From Bob Constantine from LibertyOnTour.com April 14, 2011
• Day Two of Bob Constantine’s Trial from LibertyOnTour.com April 13, 2011
• Bob Constantine to Jury: Vote Your Conscience from YouTube.com/WatchTalleyTV April 13, 2011
• Free Farmer Bob! from LibertyOnTour.com April 12, 2011
• Free Grafton’s Bob Constantine to be caged by New Hampshire for growing a plant from YouTube.com/WatchTalleyTV on October 11, 2010

*Delaney is the same individual who, in May of 2011, said that the four individuals who beat-up Chris Micklovich weren’t to be charged. Those four individuals happened to wear “Manchester Police” badges, which caused myself and a few dozen others to attend a police accountability rally. After a friend chalked on south side of the then-Manchester headquarters, “How many has Manch PD killed?” individuals wearing “Manchester Police” badges, including one involved in the beating of Micklovich, stole cameras and phones (lost mine) and caged eight people calling for accountability. Apparently though, Delaney can’t always set the reality about a situation as a couple of weeks ago a it was announced that a 200,000-FRN settlement was to be given to Micklovich by the “city of Manchester” (aka residents).

Larry Bohannon – Some Might Call it Karma is a post from Cop Block - Badges Don't Grant Extra Rights

From ABC7-KGO San Francisco

VALLEJO, Calif. (KGO) — The ABC7 News I-Team has uncovered a new complaint of excessive force against Vallejo police — the incident, caught on camera. The department is already reeling after a violent year, including six people shot and killed by officers.

The more I dig, the more questions I have. This story began when a package arrived in the mail from someone inside the department. It was a DVD, a police report, and a letter complaining about a “cowboy attitude” by officers and command staff.

Imagine you’re a police officer on patrol. It’s a warm summer day when the call comes in — a 22-year-old complaining his roommates beat him up and kicked him out of the apartment.    Read More…

Feel free to Contact Vallejo PD at their non ER number

Non-Emergencies
(707) 648-4321

“Officer” Mustard Punches Man for “Failure to Honor cop” is a post from Cop Block - Badges Don't Grant Extra Rights

According to articles linked by Facebook Page:  Justice for Big Boy the Boulder Elk,

and dailycamera.com

Allegedly, some cops in Boulder CO conspired (one took the night off) to harvest a friendly beloved neighborhood Elk which area folks referred to as, “Big Boy.”

I’m personally speechless.  Comments are always welcome.

Boulder CO Cops Accused of Executing Neighborhood Trophy Elk with Shotgun is a post from Cop Block - Badges Don't Grant Extra Rights

According to articles linked by Facebook Page:  Justice for Big Boy the Boulder Elk,

and dailycamera.com

Allegedly, some cops in Boulder CO conspired (one took the night off) to harvest a friendly beloved neighborhood Elk which area folks referred to as, “Big Boy.”

I’m personally speechless.  Comments are always welcome.

Boulder CO Cops Accused of Executing Neighborhood Trophy Elk with Shotgun is a post from Cop Block - Badges Don't Grant Extra Rights

I’ll soon be kicking-off The Cop Block Tour – connecting with Copblockers and like-minded individuals in a number of cities in an effort to advance the police accountability movement. Ideas have consequences and I truly believe that through the introduction and incorporation of better ideas, we can quite literally, change the world.

Here’s the current overview from CopBlock.org/Tour:

Kicking-off from Keene, NH in mid-January and ending a month and almost 4,000-miles later at the Liberty Forum in Nashua, NH, The Cop Block Tour seeks to facilitate local, on-the-ground connections, brainstorming and the sharing ideas and tactics, and collaboration, to grow and make more effective efforts for police accountability.

• To view and RSVP for tour stops, check out: Facebook.com/CopBlock/Events
• Donations, to help offset fuel costs and to provide resources to Copblockers, are much appreciated: CopBlock.org/Donate

My ultimate motivation to to live in a society free from the scourge of institutionalized violence. Most of us recognize that the theft of property or the attempt to coerce another person is wrong, yet many still don’t question the foundation upon which policing today is based – a claimed “legitimate” right to initiate force.

The state calls its own violence law, but that of the individual crime. - Max Stirner

Through The Cop Block Tour, I hope to connect with individuals who recognize that the emerging police state we see isn’t the best way to achieve the stated desired conclusion – safety, security, freedom, peace, prosperity. The current means can never achieve those goals. But a different means can.

If one takes care of the means, the end will take care of itself.
- Carl Watner

Police today claim to protect you, but then paradoxically demand the right to steal wealth you’ve created to fund their operations. And they claim such doublespeak fictions as “sovereign immunity” and “acting under color of law” to eliminate repercussions to their negative actions. When any double-standard is allowed for it can only worsen in size and scope. For more on this front watch the video Want to End Police Brutality? Focus on the Institution and the resources at CopBlock.org/Knowledge and CopBlock.org/WelcomeLEOs.

Throughout the tour frequent updates will be made via Twitter.com/CopBlock and Bambuser.com/channel/CopBlock

While I will churn out some polished videos when on the road, due to the quick pace of the tour, it’s likely that most of the over-arching, high-caliber content will be released afterwards. However, during the next month, I plan to upload raw content from each stop to city-specific playlists at the newly-created YouTube.com/CopBlockRaw so it can be viewed and utilized by others in the meantime.

Some background about myself – I went to school for law enforcement, worked in DC’s libertarian think tank world for four years, then hit the road with Motorhome Diaries then Liberty On Tour, and am now most-active with Cop Block, as I see the need for a complete liberty voice in the conversation of police accountability. That is, the fact that badges don’t grant extra rights, where we’re all free to act so long as we don’t initiate violence. For more, check out all my posts made to CopBlock.org.

Note too that it’s not just be behind this effort – many others helped lay the groundwork and are contributing behind the scenes. Much love to them!

Freedom is the emancipation from the arbitrary rule of other men.
- Mortimer Adler

It’s about freedom coupled with responsibility. Despite talking a good game – the “freedom” we’re said to have is usurped by those who claim to be “authorities” while such folks shirk their own responsibility for actions that cause real harm. The Cop Block Tour seeks to be a catalyst to bring-about real connections so that one day, the need for this project becomes non-existent.

I look forward to connecting with many of y’all awesome folks when out on the road!

This video, published in January 2013, provides background about CopBlock.org and identifies three areas, including a short tour, that are thought to be an effective use of resources to advance the fact that badges don’t grant extra rights.

The Cop Block Tour Soon Departing! is a post from Cop Block - Badges Don't Grant Extra Rights

Creating primer resources for active groups, ensuring a couple key components are covered, and funding for a month-long mini-tour are the three areas outlined in the video (script below) that I think will be good investments to increase Cop Block’s impact.

Interested and able to help? Please visit: CopBlock.org/Donate

Any coin is much-appreciated, though reoccurring donations will help provide us with a bit more stability so we can budget accordingly.

Setting-up reoccurring donations is easy. When at CopBlock.org/Donate, simply input the amount you want to donate (in this example I used 10FRNs) and click the green “Donate” button.

Then, on the next screen, select the frequency desired (in this example I choose “monthly”).

If you want to help fund one of the specific areas outlined in the video, just click the text “Include a message with your payment” and in the text field box that then appears, type the associated term(s). 

In this example I keyed “key components.” If you identify more than one area, your donation will be split equally among them.

All donations received without a comment noting a desired earmark will be used to fulfill the asks given in the video (resources for groups, key components, short tour). If donations above that amount are received, they’ll be used in other ways to advance Cop Block’s mission.

When I get a better idea of the coin raised for the short tour I’ll post my intended route and will work to connect with Copblockers.

Also, keep your eyes open for a new innovative component spearheaded by Ademo Freeman that is sure to draw much attention and involvement – hopefully from yourself:)

Script from Video

If you watch the mainstream news or listen only to those who claim the right to control your life, it’s very likely that you have a pretty bleak outlook on the world today.
But recognize that such a reality – the belief that you yourself, can’t possibly hope to address those problems, as they’re so overwhelming – is the very paradigm being pushed by those attempting to usurp your rights.
Uncertainty and fear are peddled to gain your acquiescence.
Their very existence and the scope of their actions are directly contingent on the authority you grant them.
Fortunately many individuals are thinking for themselves.
They realize that though they’re rightfully disillusioned, there must be a better alternative.
If you’re watching this video, it’s likely you’re already familiar with Cop Block.
If not, I encourage you to check out Cop Block’s About page, but briefly, Cop Block is a decentralized project supported by a diverse group of individuals united by their shared goal of police accountability.
We do not hate cops. We believe that no one – not even those with badges – has extra rights.
We live by that fact and seek to share it with others. Both to safeguard our rights and those of future generations.
We choose to focus on police, because they are quite literally, the teeth, or enforcers of the State.
In fact, police claim a “right” to initiate force.
It is that institutionalized violence that is the issue.
Cop Block was founded three years ago this month.
In that time, the project has grown from a Tumblr site, to a group blog, to its current iteration, as a heavily-trafficked resource.
It’s clear we’re having an impact. But I know we can do more.
That’s the purpose of this video. To help get from here to there.
Over the next few minutes I’m going to share some thoughts and ask for your help, so that we can make more likely a reality where the institutionalized violence we see today is replaced by peaceful coexistence.
My hope is for us to so thoroughly change the conversation about policing, that the need for Cop Block becomes obsolete.
I brainstormed components and tactics we could add or grow, and I incorporated feedback received from Copblockers.
What is certain is that a handful of folks can’t do it all.
Key is decentralization and a consistent message.
I identified three areas that I consider low-hanging fruit, and that I think would offer a good return-on-investment, should you have the interest and ability to help defray costs
Firstly, resources for local groups
We house at CopBlock.org/Groups all known contact info for offshoots as well as allies.
This graphic shows the increased number of local groups, from the fall of 2012, until now.
How did this happened?
We’ve created content, such as the /startagroup document, to help lessen the hurdle for proactive Copblockers, who then plant a flag and connect with those in their area to make a difference on the ground.
We’ve created print-ready flyers to help make it easier to share ideas, made available through our store an inexpensive 200-piece literature pack, and make ourselves available to brainstorm and work together where it makes sense.
Just imagine how different – for the better – things will be when the simple act of making transparent the actions of aggressors becomes the norm.
I’m asking for your help to provide active Copblockers with resources, so that they can do more.
Your reoccurring donation, or one-time donation, earmarked for resources, will be used to have created primer resources, like know your rights documents and videos, and crowdsourceable resources, like print-ready flyers, graphics, a better smartphone app, and to provide literature to active groups.
I hope and think a goal of getting 100FRNs donated per month for resources is obtainable.
And if it the coin is there and it makes sense, one idea is to solicit proposals from groups on how they’d utilize it to have an impact in their area, then put the proposals to a vote on CopBlock.org and allow Copblockers to decide which group to award the coin. Think of it as an X-Prize of sorts for police accountablity.
Secondly, compensation for key components
Cop Block is decentralized. We solicit submissions from those who’ve experienced, witnessed, or have commentary about, police interactions.
There’s not a lack of such content.
Thus far we’ve received over 2,000 submissions.
The editing and scheduling of these submissions has for most of Cop Blocks existence, been done by a volunteer, or a group of volunteers.
But more-recently I started compensating another Copblocker, to the tune of 150FRNs a month, or about five bucks a day, to tackle this integral task.
Ideally, it’d be great if this cost could be covered by folks who appreciate the work, and who have deeper pockets than do I.
In addition to the editor, another vital component I hope to have better-funded is our IT, which is quite literally the backbone of our operations.
Specifically, the hosting that’s provided by Liberty Web Alliance.
Last year CopBlock.org was taken offline by repeated DoS attacks.
A small team of tech-savvy friends hardened the site, and moved it, as well as local cop block offshoots also based on WordPress, to a dedicated server.
That provided much stability.
Yet recent site-related issues have again necessitated the need to step-up our IT, and with that, comes costs, about 200FRNs a month.
So, for these two key components – editing and scheduling submissions, and IT – I’m hoping we can get reoccurring donations earmarked for key components, at 350FRNs per month.
Thirdly, funding for more in-person collaboration
The Internet has undoubtedly been instrumental for the sharing of ideas that now seem so basic
It’s facilitated connections that ignore arbitrary political boundaries and underscore that we’re not alone, which can only empower others to get involved.
And it’s allowed us to bypass completely those who historically have censored the free flow of information.
Yet not to be discounted is in-person communication, which is unparalleled in its qualitative impact.
Prior to focusing on Cop Block, I spent time criss-crossing the states in MARV, the Mobile Authority Resistance Vehicle, with Motorhome Diaries and Liberty on Tour.
Ademo Freeman, who founded Cop Block, was involved in both as well.
When on the road we created hundreds of videos and interacted with thousands of people – including some who’ve since founded Cop Block offshoots.
This past summer I raffled-off MARV and reinvested the coin into my current vehicle – a 1996 turbo diesel Tahoe.
In mid-January I plan to leave the ‘shire and roll to North Carolina to pick-up my motorcycle.
Instead of just rolling down and back, over a couple of days, I plan to, over the course of a month, meet with Copblockers from the eastern seaboard, Midwest and Rust Belt, especially those who have founded groups, so that we can brainstorm, share ideas, hit the streets, and generate content.
This past August when traveling to visit family and friends, I was able to get-together with the founders of Ohio Cop Block and Minnesota Cop Block.
It was clear that our interaction was of much value, to all involved.
I’m hoping you can help defray my fuel costs, to make this short jaunt more realistic.
This one-month jaunt I’m proposing, which will end in late February in Nashua, NH at Liberty Forum, where I’m slated to speak about Cop Block, will be a good way to prove the effectiveness of this outreach tactic on a smaller scale, and make more realistic a future, longer tour, that could incorporate outreach at colleges, know your rights trainings, and Copblocking.
Coin donated and earmarked for “Tour” will be used to help make this possible.
Fuel costs, which I estimate will be about a grand, will be my biggest expense. Any additional monies received will be used to provide resources to Copblockers met.
So to summarize, if you find any of these three areas compelling – groups, key components, or a short tour – and can help make them happen, that’d be much appreciated.
Any other donations made to Cop Block will be used to do outreach to current law enforcement employees, to compensate Copblockers for creating graphics, for video contests, and much more.
CopBlock uses WePay and Bitcoin.
Thanks for your time. And if you’re not able to donate coin, it’s all good – we appreciate link love and even better, learning of your own peaceful, proactive efforts to cause those around you to think.
Remember, decentralizing is key, feel free to implement any ideas you have.
All content or graphics you see generated by Cop Block are free for you to use or modify.
And I’m always down to brainstorm – just shoot me an email at pete@copblock.org

Help Maximize Cop Block’s Impact is a post from Cop Block - Badges Don't Grant Extra Rights

Paul Joseph Watson
Prison Planet.com
November 27, 2012

A shocking video has emerged of a police officer who abides by the oath he swore to uphold the constitution by defending the free speech rights of activists who were targeted by airport officials during the opt out and film campaign.

The clip shows activists Ashley Jessica and Jason Bermas handing out flyers warning travelers about the dangers of x-ray body scanners at Albany International Airport in New York.

Almost as soon as the activists begin to hand out the flyers, they are confronted by an aggressive airport official later named as Douglas I. Myers, the airport’s Director of Public Affairs.

Myers orders the activists to leave the top floor and later takes the unprecedented step of closing off the entire level and preventing families from meeting their loved ones. He subsequently claims the activists need a permit and a $1 million dollar insurance liability merely to film inside the airport, despite the fact that the TSA’s own website clearly states that TSA checkpoints can be filmed at any airport. Read more…

InfoWars.com is where I first saw this article.

If you’d like to contact Stan Lenic, call (518) 487-5400.

Deputy Stan Lenic of Albany NY Sheriff’s Department Defends Free Speech is a post from Cop Block - Badges Don't Grant Extra Rights

Last night,  voters made their voices heard. Those in Colorado and Washington decided they were finished allowing government officials the ability to take money from their household budgets to spend on things like the actions in the video above.

According to republicreport.org,  the top five special interest groups lobbying to keep marijuana illegal are:

1.) Police Unions: Police departments across the country have become dependent on federal drug war grants to finance their budget. In March, we published a story revealing that a police union lobbyist in California coordinated the effort to defeat Prop 19, a ballot measure in 2010 to legalize marijuana, while helping his police department clients collect tens of millions in federal marijuana-eradication grants. And it’s not just in California. Federal lobbying disclosures show that other police union lobbyists have pushed for stiffer penalties for marijuana-related crimes nationwide.

2.) Private Prisons Corporations: Private prison corporations make millions by incarcerating people who have been imprisoned for drug crimes, including marijuana. As Republic Report’s Matt Stoller noted last year, Corrections Corporation of America, one of the largest for-profit prison companies, revealed in a regulatory filing that continuing the drug war is part in parcel to their business strategy. Prison companies have spent millions bankrolling pro-drug war politicians and have used secretive front groups, like the American Legislative Exchange Council, to pass harsh sentencing requirements for drug crimes.

3.) Alcohol and Beer Companies: Fearing competition for the dollars Americans spend on leisure, alcohol and tobacco interests have lobbied to keep marijuana out of reach. For instance, the California Beer & Beverage Distributors contributed campaign contributions to a committee set up to prevent marijuana from being legalized and taxed.

4.) Pharmaceutical Corporations: Like the sin industries listed above, pharmaceutical interests would like to keep marijuana illegal so American don’t have the option of cheap medical alternatives to their products. Howard Wooldridge, a retired police officer who now lobbies the government to relax marijuana prohibition laws, told Republic Report that next to police unions, the “second biggest opponent on Capitol Hill is big PhRMA” because marijuana can replace “everything from Advil to Vicodin and other expensive pills.”

5.) Prison Guard Unions: Prison guard unions have a vested interest in keeping people behind bars just like for-profit prison companies. In 2008, the California Correctional Peace Officers Association spent a whopping $1 million to defeat a measure that would have “reduced sentences and parole times for nonviolent drug offenders while emphasizing drug treatment over prison.”

MARIJUANA PROHIBITION ENDS! (Video) is a post from Cop Block - Badges Don't Grant Extra Rights

Our 2011 Visit to Palmer, MA to Hold Bureaucrats Accountable

Ray Tenczar Kidnaps Ian Freeman for Recording / Questioning Palmer, MA Bureaucrats & Cronies is a post from Cop Block - Badges Don't Grant Extra Rights

While exposing some individuals in my community to the mission of copblock.org, one young man referred to having viewed this video.  He stated he was amazed that the person (Pete Eyre co-founder of copblock) in the video “owned” the cops. I responded that that is one interpretation, another is that he “owned” his rights.

Best of luck Jessie and Jake!

From The CopBlock Archives…(Video) is a post from Cop Block - Badges Don't Grant Extra Rights