Shaheen Joker Poster

August 15, 2009 by Ian
Filed under: National, Outreach

Inspired by the Obama-as-Joker posters being put up across America, FreeKeene.com would like to present the Jeanne Shaheen edition! Please note, this is not some partisan hack job – we’d have done the same thing if there were a Republican in her position.

This is dedicated to her underling’s refusal to hear constituents’ questions during recent “office hours” in Grafton and Keene. Plus, she has now “postponed” all “office hours” for the next several days!

Click for the .PDF and do as you please with it. Thanks to Johnson for the brilliant graphics work.

Zeus

Now THAT is scary.
http://OnLifeAndLiberty.com Erik Voorhees

Scary propaganda is one of the favorite tactics of the state, and of those who are unable to present their arguments more professionally. At best such tactics are childish, and at worst they do considerable damage to the intellectual and moral reputation of the author.

There are better ways to critique people than to smear them, even if they may indeed warrant such smears.
charley hardman

Scary propaganda is one of the favorite tactics of the state, and of those who are unable to present their arguments more professionally.

implied fallacious conclusion: therefore, all who use the tactic share the same weaknesses.

note the standard bullshit use of the word "professional", which is simply cover for "manner of which my stick-up-ass self approves".

At best such tactics are childish, and at worst they do considerable damage to the intellectual and moral reputation of the author.

more "you wish" absolutist nonsense not demonstrated in life.

There are better ways to critique people than to smear them, even if they may indeed warrant such smears.

you don't like it. got it. now fuck off with your argument-by-assertion attempt to have everyone conform to your apparently inherent timidity. sometimes skewering people with humor and derision is the best angle — especially when it regards someone treated as a demigod by an audience on the margin.

note the word sometimes, then slink off and write a long wannabe-highbrow letter no one gives a shit to read.
http://OnLifeAndLiberty.com Erik Voorhees

Hello Charley,

It's unfortunate my comment made you so angry. I'd imagine some readers may come to the conclusion that it is not me suffering from the "stick." Regardless of your hostile and unwarranted tone, please allow me the opportunity to respond to your criticism.

The purpose of my comment was simply to suggest that painting the senator as The Joker is a smear tactic, and as such it is unbecoming of a movement which prides itself on intellectual honesty and a sincere desire to win hearts and minds. It is unwise to adopt such behavior if we wish to be taken seriously – although perhaps that is not our goal?

Such tactics are used too frequently in political debate – they cloud the discussion and undermine the legitimacy of ideas. Are we so devoid of alternative avenues through which to convey our distaste for the State? Must we resort to painting faces and drawing devil horns? Do we believe our antagonists, upon seeing Shaheen's grotesque portrayal, will become more open to the ideas of liberty, to which they are already hostile and combative?

The freedom movement in New Hampshire is going to be an intense struggle of ideologies, and peoples' perceptions about the FSP in general and FreeKeene in particular are an important component of this struggle. It is often said that in a voluntary society, reputation is fundamental. What do we want our reputation to be, and what are the most prudent mechanisms through which to ensure such a reputation is earned? I submit, humbly, that clown faces and angry commentary are not prudent means to such end.

You may say this joker photo shouldn't be taken so seriously, that it was simply for fun and jest, and to the extant that's true then fine. But FreeKeene.com will increasingly become a mouthpiece of the freedom movement, and my suggestion is that it speak eloquently.

-Erik
AnAmazedReader

A well-reasoned, well-written post, Erik. Fine job.
http://www.patrickscottshields.com Patrick Shields

I think one of the fundamental principles of the movement is doing your own thing and generally ignoring the peaceful actions of fellow activists that you don't agree with. Liberty activists in Keene are free to not associate with Ian if they think he's too eager to appeal to emotion with propaganda.

Liberty activists are a diverse group. I think activists' time is generally better spent acting in whatever way they feel is right, than trying to convince fellow activists of their own path's rightness.
http://freetalklive.com/ Ian

The poster isn't a smear – it makes an intellectual point. Unlike the Obama poster, this one explains itself.

Johnson felt inspired to make it – I think he did a great job.

Some area activists plan on doing much more over time to make fun of the state and its processes. Laughter is deadly to the gang's sense of legitimacy.
Zeus

"You must be the change you want to see in the world." – Mahatma Gandhi
JJ

Well done Johnson.
Justin

Erik – part of selling a message is getting people to pay attention.

I see no force or fraud in putting a mask on someone's image to draw attention to a message – in particular that Shaheen is a criminal of the ilk of the Joker.

Childish? maybe. But are you more likely to reach a bulk of America using the medium of academic journals and long-winded forum posts or through pop culture that glorifies Comic book movies and Prime time adult cartoons?

If you think there is a better way to spread a message – do it, or start a marketing company. All you are doing here is acting as an obstacle to someone else's efforts. Either help, or mind your own business.
http://festersden.blogspot.com fester

Are there any politicians who are not jokers? Just like the joker, they create chaos wherever they go and often do it even when they get no financial gain for themselves personally.
Lpviper

Erik,

If you don't like the way FreeKeene presents the freedom message, then go start your own, nicey-nice blog, and see how popular you are.

From everything I have heard about Shaheen from the LibertyConspiracy audios, she indeed IS a joker who would look at you like an idiot if you asked her to explain 'federalism' to you.

Like 99% of the Congress, she is a criminal who routinely votes 'yea' on measures that are unconstitutional and should be removed from office.

The scorn she receives, she earns. If she wants respect, she'll have to go out and earn that too
outsider

Sure, almost every member of the ruling class is a psychotic liar, but this — a smear? come on..
http://www.freetalklive.com Johnson Rice

I believe Charley and Justin have eloquently spoken exactly my thoughts.

I appreciate that Erik has loaned his opinions to the discussion here, and that those who visit FreeKeene.com upon viewing the poster will see the discussion and see that at least some concern was expressed for the personal 'image' and dignity of Mrs. Shaheen.

I hope then those same readers will understand that while such consideration was made; that a very conscious decision was also made to intentionally desecrate that image with derision and laughter by creating a picture to mirror the character of these politicians and bureaucrats. (An idea which I borrowed from Alex Jones and InfoWars, which I thought would be far better applied on a more local scale where it's much more personal)

I hope those readers understand that there are some of us who very strongly believe that the ONLY attention these bureaucrats deserve IS that of childish insults, and "drawings of devil horns". Most politicians don't even deserve being engaged in eloquent intellectual debate.

Speaking of being deserved of engagement in intellectual debate; this brings me to your point attacking intellectual honesty. Well, I think that Charley's comment of "Fuck off" might have gone over your head Erik, becuase out of one side of your mouth you speak of intellectual honesty, but then out of the other side you speak of a necessity for eloquence. People speaking honestly and from the gut often speak in frank & adult language, and those who demand eloquence are frequently dishonest people shielding their REAL thoughts and feelings out of fear of hurting the delicate egos of others, and then develop feelings of moral superiority for their sacrificial act of social altruism. That is crap.

Make no bones about it, I have no problem with embarrassing and annoying any bureaucrat. It brings me a great deal of amusement.

I think Charley's use of "fuck off" is actually the most intellectually honest and succinct way for what Justin later tried to explain to you about doing what you suggest yourself rather than trying to control the behavior of others.

It's also a very clear way of letting someone know that you don't have a great deal of time or respect for their ideas.

Charley was quite elegant when he said "implied fallacious conclusion". You made the CHOICE to ignore that becuase of his later use of "hostile" language, and I think that fucking sucks.

Some people swear casually. I think it's childish to run from that, and to try to control others, in fact it's exactly the childish type of thought control that is attempted by churches and religion.

Get over it, some people swear, and some people draw devil horns. Some people use the word "fuck" while making an intellectual argument. Ever seen the show "Bullshit"? It's probably one of the most intellectually honest shows on television these days. I think it's time to get over programmed social mores and expectations, and communicate honestly first letting the intellectual part follow.

Emotional expression often gets more thought and attention than pure intellectual debate. Intellectual debate is useless when ignored, and expressions of emotion are generally useless unless coupled with understanding. Balance is important, and I think you've become a bit unbalanced in this.
http://OnLifeAndLiberty.com Erik Voorhees

Hi Johnson – I'll respond to your comment since many of your points cover those of other individuals who posted prior. However, my use of the word "you" below refers to the FreeKeene group in general.

1. I am a supporter of many actions taken by FreeKeene. I am not here to deride or undermine the efforts of those on this site. I greatly respect the work you do and the principles you extol. Your filming of Pam Slack was excellent. Your painting of the church was generous. The Robin Hood parking meter idea is brilliant and probably very well received. And your Copwatch initiative is extremely important (if perhaps contentious to some). These projects do a very good job presenting the ideas of liberty to those who are otherwise deaf to it. I applaud you.

2. With that said – and as a future Free Stater – I am concerned that certain other tactics are not as effective, and in fact may do serious damage to the message you otherwise so genuinely present. It is unfortunate that, upon presenting this concern in a polite and reasoned manner, I receive half a dozen responses to the effect of, "if you don't like how we do things, you can get out." That phrase sounds eerily familiar.

3. My critique of the Joker tactic is not to be construed as a defense of Jean Shaheen. I despise her and those like her, and restraint for the sake of her reputation is inappropriate. She does indeed deserve such portrayal as that of The Joker, or worse. If you think I care about Jean's feelings, you miss my point entirely. I have no concern for Jean's dignity, for she is without. However, I do have concern for the dignity of this site and the Free State Project. I am not, as you claim, "demanding eloquence" for the sake of any "social altruism." I am "suggesting eloquence" for the sake of tact. Throwing darts at an effigy is fun, but others may find it unconvincing as an argument. I question how many individuals were opposed to the tyranny of George Bush because they saw a picture of him with devil horns stuck to a flagpole downtown. No doubt those who already hated him got a chuckle from the portrayal… but they are not the ones who need convincing.

4. I have no problem with people swearing. I love swearing. A well-placed curse can do wonders for effect… but it needs to be well-placed. I don't appreciate being told to "fuck off" after merely posting what seems to be a fairly non-combative comment. Hopefully the FreeKeene activists are not fostering such a culture. Like alcohol or firearms, language is best used responsibly, especially in a public forum (and by public I mean publicly visible and indeed advertised). Does FreeKeene want to actually convince people to start reducing government? If so, telling people with feedback to fuck off is inadvisable. My feelings will repair themselves after I cry a bit, but how many people will be inspired to support such adolescence with their time, money, or reputation?

5. Regarding Charley's "implied fallacious conclusion" comment, I am happy to respond. I stand by my statement that scary propaganda is one of the favorite tactics of the state, and of those who are unable to present their arguments more professionally. This does NOT mean that "all who use such tactics share the same weakness." I did not mean to imply that fallacious conclusion. It is precisely because I believe those at FreeKeene CAN present their arguments more professionally that I made my comment in the first place. My thesis is simply that propaganda tactics may be damaging to the message you're trying to promote.

6. It is true that the only attention many of these politicians deserve is that of childish insults. They deserve no better. However, the freedom movement does. Liberty activists ought to hold themselves to a higher standard of discourse if we seek to convince our neighbors to help us reduce government. I know most members on this site are of the Voluntaryist/Anarchist persuasion and advocate simply to abolish all government… but that will be difficult if we can't even convince the community to stop arresting people for holding a plant.

As the Free State Project gains momentum, the smearing that will occur against it will be immense (we got a taste of it on Kostric's Hardball interview – when Matthews tried repeatedly to link Adam with the "birthers"… Kostric did an outstanding job, by the way). If our movement resorts to the same tactics, it is doomed, for it is up against an organization that smears and derides full-time. This is already an uphill battle, don't make the hill steeper. As such staunch advocates of the right to bear arms, we should certainly understand the concept of ammunition.

It's clear that those on this site have "no problem about embarrassing and annoying a bureaucrat." I don't either. Just be sure you know who you're embarrassing. It's nice that such actions yield "a great deal of amusement," but hopefully FreeKeene's legacy will extend beyond a few giggles.

Again, thank you all sincerely for the great work you're doing. I am inspired -almost- every day by your actions. I'll read everyone's responses except Charley's, because he seems like a fucking prick.

-Erik
Anton Lee

if the joker picture had been one of George Bush I'm willing to put money down that AnAmazed would be totally in favor of it.

Eh, people can critique other people's decisions. Some can proclaim that scare tactics are unprofessional and whatnot. They're entitled to their opinion but I find that most who talk down a particular style of propaganda usually are those who can't put something like it together. It's like the people who proclaim that sarcasm is the lowest form of the english language are those who have the hardest time interpreting it.
Lpviper

I look forward to reading Charley's posts for the reasons Johnson mentions above.
Zeus

Charley would make a great Santa at Macy's.
elkfart

…well, Charley Hardly-a-man *IS* a fucking prick. So what? As duly self-selected President & Commander-in-Chief of *ALL* FREEKEENE trolls, that's his prerogative. & Ian writes snarky letters to bureaucraps. So what? That's his prerogative. Erik Voorhees *almost* makes me think that I'm reading some English butler dude. I'm surprised that you didn't actually write "f*8k@#*^ff", instead of *FUCK OFF*…Gee, maybe this FREEKEENE stuff *IS* contagious!…and, yes, I have met Jeanne Shaheen. Briefly. She's an excellent politician/puppet. Very friendly and seemingly sincere. But, about as honest as I am Leonardo Da CaprioVinci…& her husband's all mobbed up(as are *ALL* NH politicos…God BLESS our American/Italian/Greek Mafia!…What? You like the tongs/Triads/Yakuza/Russian/Mexican/East European mafia/ *better*???…WTF?!?!?!>..). We have (now!) a Massachussets nigger cop-killer on death row here in NH. (I'm a native NH / native American nigger, myself, so what???…remember boys & girls, "nigger" is *NOT* a skin color) Why? Because then-governor Shaheen just couldn't let the bill pass. The Geriatric Daycare in Concord sent a bill to Jeannie-beanies' desk. All she had to do was *NOTHING*. What *DID* she do? VETOED IT! So, thanks to that one cowardly act of pure mean-spirited political pragmatism, NH *STILL* has STATEMURDER, ("death penalty"), and Jeanne is now a SENATOR in D.C.! Had she *NOT* vetoed that anti-"statemurder" bill, you wouldn't be reading this, *AND* there wouldn't be anybody on "death row"…And still, Mr Erik Voorhees gets all girly-man about some juvenile photocoloring!…So, Erik, rather than hurt the feelings of a woman who believes that the State has the *RIGHT* to commit murder, you'd rather be *NICE* to her???…I stand by that GIRLYMAN slur, dude!…And yes, I'm gonna get all giggly and nervous if I ever get a chance to meet & greet w/Jeannie Shaheenie again. She's very friendly and seemingly sincere. Aren't we all…aren't we all…BTW, Erik, I really think that you over-reacted to the Johnson Rice post above…Also, isn't this the "comments post", and the real serious discussions are on the forum???…HHmmm???…maybe i'll write about "traffic drivers" later…~e~
http://www.freetalklive.com Johnson Rice

…and now if media writes a story about this… it will be described as

"Flyers depicting Jean Shaheen as the character 'The Joker' from the 'Batman' movies, which came from HATE SITE FreeKeene.com which features liberal use of the N-Word have been plastered around town, vandalizing public property."

Sigh. Of course, this is assuming anyone posts them….
http://newhampshirefreepress.com Kat Kanning

Awesome! But I'm gonna have nightmares now.
The Bob

Charley the logician accuses Erik of arguemt by assertion:

<blockquote cite="">now fuck off with your argument-by-assertion attempt

And follows up with:

<blockquote cite="">sometimes skewering people with humor and derision is the best angle

without support, making it — that's right — an assertion.

Classy, Charley.

Allow me to close with an assertion: Charley Hardman must have a tiny dick.
http://www.patrickscottshields.com Patrick Shields

In hindsight, I'd point out that "FreeKeene.com" cannot "like to present" anything. In it's current condition as a website, it cannot feel emotions. If you meant "the people who associate with FreeKeene.com", even that is overreaching, since some people weren't behind it. Perhaps "I'd like to present" would have been more fitting.