Crackdown Planned Against 4:20 Participants During Pumpkin Fest

October 16, 2009 by Ian
Filed under: Issues, News, Police

Crackdown The Union Leader is reporting that in the name of the children, Keene police and prosecutors plan to make arrests in Keene’s Central Square, a piece of “public” property. Will tomorrow’s Pumpkin Fest event be a tragedy of the commons? “Public” property is allegedly owned by everyone, which also means it’s owned by no one. While ideally all property should be owned, as long as the concept of “public” property exists, any peaceful individuals should be allowed there. Because of the children though, Keene’s armed gang has decided that smokers of cannabis will be kidnapped while smokers of tobacco will be left alone. Sure, this is completely arbitrary, but that’s how they roll.

Cannapumpkin What will happen tomorrow afternoon at 4:20pm is anyone’s guess. Remember, no one is in charge. Will the tokers stay away that one day? Will they show up and be arrested? (If they are arrested, will they take jail time and cost the gang, or will they pay the gang?) Are the cops bluffing? If both sides show up, how many will there be?

“What about the children?”

Why not tell your kids the truth about cannabis? You do know the truth, right?

Child: “What are those people doing over there?” (Points to people standing in a circle, passing a joint.)
Parent: “Well, those are cannabis users. They are altering their state of conciousness. It’s a time-honored tradition and a very social occasion. Many people look down on them for it, but that’s because they’ve been lied to about what cannabis is.”
Child: “What is it?”
Parent: “It’s a plant with special properties. For some people it helps them cope with illness, for others it makes them feel different than they normally do.”
Child: “You said before that smoking is bad”
Parent: “It’s true that smoking is a poor way to deliver a chemical, but there are better, healthier ways to consume cannabis.”
Child: “What are those policemen doing to them?” (Points in alarm at police handcuffing the peaceful smokers.)
Parent: “They are arresting them because they’ve been lied to about cannabis. They think it’s okay to kidnap people who use or sell it.”
Child: “Is it OK?”
Parent: “No way – it’s never appropriate to kidnap someone who hasn’t hurt anyone. Many cannabis users are upstanding members of society, but they are frightened of being hurt and put in a cage. So they hide their use of it. Can you imagine what it would be like if your mom/dad and I were taken away and couldn’t take care of you guys?”
Child: “That would be awful!”
Parent: “You’re right. They call it the “Drug War”, but it’s really a war against our family and friends.”

Here’s the Union Leader article about the crackdown, thanks to Melanie Plenda:

Thousands of lighted, frightful-looking jack-o-lanterns will be crowding Central Square and Main Street tomorrow. Police are worried about something else that may be lit up.

For more than a month, dozens of people have gathered daily at Central Square to light marijuana joints and pipes at 4:20 p.m. to protest drug laws. They do so at the spot where organizers of the Keene Pumpkin Festival locate their signature tower of pumpkins, which casts a goblin-like glow over the entire festival.

Up until now, police have held off on making any drug arrests during the smoke-ins. But an estimated 40,000 people, many of them children, are expected for tomorrow’s event, which earns the quiet Monadnock Regional city its 15 minutes of nationwide fame.

So what will happen if the smell of a pot party wafts over tables of pumpkin treats and hot apple cider? Lt. Steve Russo said police have discussed how they will respond, but he would not divulge details.

“We wouldn’t want (plans) in print,” he said. “But we’ve considered the issue; it’s been discussed with staff and prosecutors.” Russo said police talked with prosecutors in the event there are arrests.

“If there are arrests, then you want to make sure that everyone is on the same page for the initial arrest, post arrest and for the investigation and eventual prosecution,” he said.

County Attorney Peter Heed said his office has been talking with police.

“They obviously are aware of the potential of whatever could happen,” Heed said. “Anytime you have a lot of people in one place and then the potential for pot protester or other protesters there are lots of things that could happen . . . Anytime you have a big crowd you look at all the eventualities.”

Heed said that in past years there have been problems with parties and drinking, which the police have been able to handle.

Suzanne Woodward, director of Center Stage, the nonprofit putting on the Pumpkin Festival, said she’s not worried about protesters affecting the festival.

“If they try to protest in the square they won’t be able to because it will be filled up with pumpkins,” Woodward said. “I mean, they may try to integrate into the crowd, and there’s nothing we can do about that. But it will be completely filled.”

Rich Paul, one of the regular 4:20 protesters who apparently started the rallies, did not immediately return a call for comment.

Russo said police aren’t sure if protesters will even show up.

“I would just hope that they would realize that this is a family event, there will be people with their kids out there,” Russo said. “I would just hope they would show some respect to that. Whatever their beliefs are, they need to respect the fact that there are people out there who have other beliefs. And like a lot of small towns, people are getting unhappy with what (the protesters) have been doing.”

http://ringingliberty.com Paul

Or, if you oppose drug use but are not also a tyrant, you could have something like the following conversation (assuming some people do show up to the cannabis event):

Child: “What are those people doing over there?” (Points to people standing in a circle, passing a joint.)
Parent: “Well, those are cannabis users. They are altering their state of consciousness. Altering your consciousness can be a very dangerous thing if it is not done responsibly.”

Child: “What is it?”
Parent: “It’s a plant with special properties. For some people it helps them cope with illness, but others sometimes abuse it.”

Child: “You said before that smoking is bad”
Parent: “It’s true that smoking is a poor way to deliver a chemical. Also, chemical use itself can be dangerous."

Child: “What are those policemen doing to them?” (Points in alarm at police handcuffing the peaceful smokers.)
Parent: “They are arresting them because they don't understand personal rights. They think it’s okay to kidnap harmless people, because those people don't live exactly the way the police want them to"

Child: “Is it OK?”
Parent: “No way – it’s never appropriate to kidnap someone who hasn’t hurt anyone. Drug use is bad, but the war on drugs make things far worse, costing great deals of money and forcing drugs to be supplied by violent, dangerous men. Many people would get help quitting, as alcohol abusers do, but they are frightened of being hurt and put in a cage. So they hide their use of it. Can you imagine what it would be like if your mom/dad and I were taken away and couldn’t take care of you guys?”

Child: “That would be awful!”
Parent: “You’re right. They call it the “Drug War”, but it’s really a war against our family and friends.”
JJ

I am not going to participate in smoking in public at Pumpkin Fest. I do this as a concession to the Keene Police for showing discretion during so many other days. A thank you of sorts. I encourage others to do what ever they feel is best for their own self.

I will however be on hand to report on any arrests.
Zeus

“Anytime you have a lot of people in one place and then the potential for pot protester or other protesters there are lots of things that could happen . . . Anytime you have a big crowd you look at all the eventualities…”

"What eventualities does Mr. Heed mean, Officer Friendly?", the reporter asked, turning to a sociable, unidentified policeman.

"Oh, you know, beating, maiming and killing 'em. The usual for bigger cities. We don't do a whole lot of it down here in Keene but hey, it'll be great for the kids to see that the law is the law. Mace a couple of these hippies, knock 'em around with a baton for a bit and that'll get the others scared sackless. Sure, we'll get a lot of press, both good and bad, but eventually it'll blow over and these mopheads will leave town one way or another."

Should such a conflict occur, sources state that the police will tell the children that the protesters are zombies.
http://www.dooms-day-device.com Puke

Always the stupid fucking children.
http://www.myspace.com/aminorrevolutionnh statelessandhateless

A Minor Revolution welcomes any protesters who want to spark up at 4:20 to do so at Robin Hood Park during the show. Chances are, we're lighting up anyway
http://soundclick.com/thinkliberty thinkliberty

Gross the police are conspiring to kidnap peaceful people.

I wonder if all the police officers are willing to kidnap peaceful people on their own or if they have been ordered to do it.

Do cops and/or prosecutors lose their job, if they don't go along with the kidnapping(s)?
http://ringingliberty.com Paul

I think JJ's position on this is wise. I say put the 420 event on hold for a day . Of course, if the property were private these kinds of conflicts could be avoided in the first place, because the owner could choose what event(s) he/she wanted to occur. In the mean time though, let's all do our best to get along, and respect each-other's events.
Stay Away

PUKE – "stupid fucking children" nice comment. You can fuck off, yes this is about the children and their families enjoying a night together. They do not need an asshole like you in the picture, you fucking loser scum.

JJ/Paul – Thanks for suggesting you give it a night off.
Sam A. Robrin

“I would just hope that they would realize that this is a family event, there will be people with their kids out there,” Russo said. “I would just hope they would show some respect to that."

If you want respect, you have meet the other person halfway. After harassing innocent people for the past 94 years, and waging actually professed war for the past 40, you've lost any claim to request respect.

This isn't about decdorum, it isn't about the "people," or the "majority," it damn sure isn't about "the children"–it's about compelling obedience from a certain portion of the population that you can get away with oppressing, in order to establish your petty, ego-inflating need for control.
theKINGofKEENE

You're way, WAY *WAY* outa line, "STAY AWAY"…Pukes'a regular poster on here, and that's his style…He's right, you know. Always, it's the fucking kids…Something gets stolen, damaged, vandalized, the cops *ALWAYS* say it's "THE FUCKING KIDS"…Problems at the Keene Skate Cage/"park"???…Blame the FUCKING KIDS! Are you a bureaucrap in need of a good, fool-proof, one-size-fits-all *EXCUSE* for *ANYTHING*, again, it's the *FUCKING KIDS*…///…Paul & Zeus, thank-you greatly for your comments…RIGHT ON!…To the 420 folks: My suggestion is to get some good literature to pass out, some "fakey-bakey", maybe, and chill on the confrontation thing. Yes, KPD *COULD HAVE* played jack-boot on your noggins, and *THEY WILL*, but only if you give them reason to…&Yes, they will have *MORE* than enough "troops" to arrest as many of you as try to provoke a response. My best advice is to look forward to a little story next week about how "the 420 protesters let the Pumpkin Fest have their space & fun"…Yes, that would show a lot of maturity on you guys' parts, and help create some sorely-needed good will on KPD's part…You can always do a "roaming 420"…KPD won't chase you through a crowd, *IF* you do your planning before you do your daily "wake-and-bake"…shit, my watch is stuck at 4:19, but *I* can *ALWAYS* wait another minute or 2…*grin*…
Stay Away

To the KINGOFKEENE, or should I say to the the local town drunk, which is what you are! A fucking loser, how many times have you been pissed on while your were passed out drunk on the street, I am sure to many to count. I do not care if PUKE is a regular, I will still make my comment if I feel necessary. Your words are usless and worthless to me. I do not always agree with all the people that post, but I do respect most of them for their opinion, but not you you are nothing but a drunk who feels the world owes him everything.
LSNL

IMO, it's not the "fucking", or "stupid", kids.. It's the fucking stupid manipulation, "for the children". It's insincere, and quite often so short sighted that it's damaging to kids. If I prove to someone who claims _____ is necessary "for the sake of the children" that they're incorrect, about 1% of the time they agree, and change their stance, and about 99% of the time they change their strategy, and move on to the next empty, emotionally charged, irrational, talking point.

If anyone cared about the children, they'd expose them to the truth, and then listen to them when they told you that you were being a hypocrite.
Chris

Bring all the signs for sure. Hey we might actually get them into the news.
http://bamorris.com Bruce Morris

Once the weed wears off, someof you will relize there are two 4:20s in a day and if you was anykind of PUNKIN POTHEAD like Me you'd have planed your own PUNKIN FEST for the later 4:20 on OLD HALLOWS EVE of WEEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDDDD.

I smoke the FUCK outta dope with or with out my Med card. but I do respect the right of others not to have to teach theier kids how to smoke dope in a multi-use park while We are haveing an outing about something else (Halloween – not Halloweed).

Stupid fuckin shit like this comes up and this is the reason Weed aint stricken for Law already.

but alass the Cops are right and they are right because its right not to have weed around all those kids. I do not advocate the presentaion of Marijuana to anyone under the age of 14.

Yes when there are 4 and 5 year olds running around. I do hide my weed. I dont want them to ask I dont wanna have to tell, and I hate to see the wonderment in there eyes as they pass by ( thinking " WOW that looks so cool") I am a parent and a POTHEAD ya can do both, but Parenting comes first.

no dout some child will jump on here and claim there right to do what ever they want when ever they want.

Does that not give me the right to kick your ass for being an idiot when ever i want. ??? food for thought.
Vix

Bruce: Is your answer for everything violence? (IMO thats sad)
theKINGofKEENE

Well, my "useless and worthless" words sure got a prompt knee-jerk from you, "STAY AWAY"…actually, I have never been pissed on when passed out drunk on the streets…of course, back in my younger days, I pissed *MY OWN* pants, but hey, a couple of 30-racks will do that to anybody…///…and no, I don't feel the "world owes me everything"…Not at all…*BUT*, the City of Keene *DOES* owe me my stolen house back, & a few more things, besides…but not "everything"…you *ARE* a greedy-minded little fuckface, aren't ya???…I'd be glad to meet you for a bit of pugillistic discussion, if you're man enough…you name the time & place, I'll be there, OK?…flush off, sphincter-licker!…(You can be my *QUEEN*, if ya want, tho….Whaddya' say, stay away???…///…LSNL says it better than me, THNX!!!…
LSNL

Re: Bruce,

"Does that not give me the right to kick your ass for being an idiot when ever i want. ???"

Yes, it does not.

Please educate yourself… for your children.
http://bamorris.com Bruce Morris

I think John Wayne said it best. " Someones gotta do the ass kickin around here"

Oh wait He did not say that I did.

Some of you believe = smoke more pot that ll make it better.

the Cops believe = in kicking your ass.

I believe in a healthy dose of both.

Smoke pot when its time, Respect other when its time.

that is exactly what I said and nothing more.

and after that yes I believe 100% that if you dont respect everyones rights there should be an ass kicking commity.

IMO lol you outta figure out were you stand and quite reading this crap so you can use cliches like Voilence and rasism blah blah.

The Law is wrong and yes ya got lied to

do you have a right to fire up were ever you want HELL NO.

I smoke and just will not stand for that kind of thinking.

Them being stupid about the Law and the effect of Marijuana is an Issue

People that claim they have a right to do what ever when ever in public ( that effects all of us in or daily life) is a bigger Issue.

this country was born for freedom through voilence to obtain peace and happieness.
Sam A. Robrin

"For your children" = FOR MY POWER
http://anarchyinyourhead.com dalebert

I wonder if they're going to arrest the 4:20 Jack-O-Lanterns. Check the latest blog post to Free Keene called "4:20 Jack-O-Lanterns".
LSNL

Re: Bruce

I am not sure what it is you meant in much of your last post, but I am telling you, for the sake of us all, but mostly the children, you don't know what a "right" is, and you should educate yourself.

For example, in your scenario there, you wouldn't have the right to kick anyone, and anyone you did attempt to kick would have the right to use whatever force was necessary to stop you.

You may not care, but you have children. If you don't respect what it is I am telling you, the rest of us, for the good of the children, might have to take your kids away. As a matter of fact, I think Ian should probably step in now, and restrict you from posting anything else. This website is accessible by the children.

I had to come back & edit this.. I feel like I have to take a shower after writing the part about taking away your kids. I wasn't serious.
Stay Away

KingofKeene,

Why would I waste my time meeting with a drunk like you? You have 1 opinion, yours or fuck off.(Plus it would be difficult to understand you as you slur every word)I have had many conversation on this site with others, they did not agree with me or did I with them, but we respected each others opinion, something you do not do. So, Bradford you can call me what you want, "greedy little fuck" no even close, I actually work for a living, have you ever? and "little" again way off. I no longer live in Keene, but do return to see family/friends, maybe someday we will cross paths as you walk down the street, make that stumble down the street, and maybe I will listen to what you have to say. I will read your reply, but will not respond, the topic for me is closed. By the way, I have never pissed my pants when drunk, and you have been pissed on.
http://soundclick.com/thinkliberty thinkliberty

Bruce,

I think it's wrong to use violence against peaceful people, even in front of children, even if someone is smoking tobacco, marijuana or pine cones.
END GAME

I think you all should just fire up….forget the mint chocolate cigs, of the sage. Straight up Mary-ja-juana.Bongs,bowls,steamrollers,joints,spleefs,blunts,

fatties,pinnies, fire them up. It is supposed to be a celebration right. You have and audience of 60,000+ push that cause. Do not waver, stay the course. Activate your activism………Stay away I may have pissed on the king