Court over a Couch, Oct 1st!

by | Sep 26, 2008 | 45 comments

If you’ve been reading this blog for the last month or so, you know that the “City of Keene” has been threatening me over my tenants’ couch in their lawn. First, they sent one of their “enforcers” to threaten me with a $100 ticket. Then, one of the commenters here on Free Keene dug up a little dirt on their “enforcer” Carl Patten Jr. Early last week, my tenants snapped a photo of Mr. Patten snooping around and photographing the couch.

Here is the latest on the situation. The day after Mr. Patten was caught snooping, a letter arrived in my mailbox (more…)

Triple Civil Disobedience Success!

by | Sep 26, 2008 | 7 comments

Today’s triple civil disobedience was a triple success! Watch here at FreeKeene.com for video later, but here’s a quick summary:

  • RidleyReport.com‘s Dave Ridley was informed before the trial that the “judge”, Mr. Burke had reviewed his ordinances and determined his earlier interpretation had been incorrect and that cameras may now be panned by their operator while in Keene “district court”.
  • Additionally, the man in the robe did not publicly acknowledge another major change that occurred today. All entrants are now allowed recording devices. Four video cameras were operational today, as compared to Mr. Burke’s earlier commandment of one camera per court.
  • Free Keene blogger Nick Ryder had an apparent victory in his refusal to pay a speeding ticket. Mr. Burke heard the case, and after Nick made his final statement, Burke said he’d take it under advisement and ended the “trial”. If he were going to pronounce Nick guilty, he’d have done it then.
  • NH Free Press publisher Russell Kanning appeared in front of Mr. Burke to update the “city” on their demand he perform 30 hours community service. Kanning has completed 0 hours and Burke extended the due date out 60 more days.

This morning’s multiple success is still more proof that noncooperation and civil disobedience result in immediate, tangible changes with a large return on investment. Compare this to how difficult achieving today’s successes would have been “working inside the system” by running campaigns and contacting “representatives”, and begging they change the system. How much time and effort would that have taken? Noncooperative activists achieved their goals with a total turnout of 12 activists, a couple hours of time, a few press releases, and some courage.

Please join the peaceful evolution here in Keene. The fun is just beginning! Also, join our discussion on the Free Keene Forum!