To My Captors

by | Nov 23, 2008 | 21 comments

I spent the entirety of last weekend in the Cheshire County jail. I want to thank the Sheriffs who cuffed and transferred me as well as the Corrections Officers in the jail for their professionalism and courtesy. I made it clear that I did not intend to resist and you made it clear that you did not want to hurt me. I respect you for the level of humanity you treated me with, considering the system itself is inhumane. There may be a few bad guys among you, but I could not identify them during my brief stay. Also special thanks to Lieutenant Kevin Clark for allowing me a personal phone call when the in-cell phone wouldn’t work with my girlfriend’s cell phone.

Unfortunately, while I’m sure you all do your best to do your job as instructed so you can keep food on your family’s table, you should know that what you are doing as part of your job is wrong. Many of you already know this. In fact, the superintendent of the jail, Richard Van Wickler, is a member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. (more…)

Charges Dropped Against FreeKeene’s Toby and Ian!

by | Nov 23, 2008 | 10 comments

Radio TowerThis just in from KPD’s Sgt. Eli Rivera: He is dropping the unlawful assembly charges against Toby and I! Here’s some speculation as to why. Perhaps they realized they had no case. The regulations clearly state that permits are only for those that intend to exclusively use certain “public facilities” like electricity for a specified period of time in a specific location. Therefore, even under their own rules (and ignoring the pesky Constitution, of course) it’s quite clear that simply assembling in a public place does not require a permit.

Perhaps another reason they decided against it was because they felt as though too many activists might come out and refuse to stand for “justice” Burke in protest of his recent crackdown on courtroom sitters. (more…)

Couch Court Audio & “ORDERS”

by | Nov 23, 2008 | 19 comments

If you have been following the freedom couch situation, you may be interested in the following information. First is “justice” Burke’s explanation for his triple contempt of court ruling against me, called an “ORDER ON DEFENDANT’S CONTEMPT” (.PDF) Second, is his “FURTHER ORDER ON CONTEMPT: FINE PAYMENT ORDER” (.PDF). Despite the fact that I just spent the weekend in jail, which was originally supposed to be in lieu of fine payment, he still demands payment of a $120 fine or 10 hours community service. I have decided that the final card I’m going to play in all of this is to make one last offer. I will offer to pay $240 to the Keene Community Kitchen if Burke’s agency will accept that as satisfaction of the fine payment. Will he be feeling charitable? I’ll let you know what he decides.

Finally, here is audio from the majority of the behind-closed-doors trial that was forced upon me. Sorry I didn’t get the entire thing. I began the recording as the couch enforcer/prosecutor was testifying. By this point, Burke had already slapped me with a second 30 day sentence for “contempt of court” for refusing to answer a question about my “legal name”.

Thank you again to everyone who supported me in so many different ways! To those who would critique me saying I didn’t go far enough for their liking, to them I say, “I look forward to your arrival here in New Hampshire so you can show us how it’s done.” I’d say the same to those complaining I should have picked a better battle. (Of course, I didn’t pick this, the government people did, but I digress.)

Feel free to discuss on the Free Keene Forum!