WKBK’s Dan Mitchell Discusses City Council Drinking Game
Filed under: Audio, Keene, Noncooperation, Personal Freedom, Response, Video
I called into the morning show here in Keene to discuss last nights Keene City Council drinking game and the Anti-Free Keene hecklers that showed up to disrupt filming. Keene City Councilor Pam Slack called in to announce that Heika’s letter would be addressed on Wednesday at 6:30.
Grab the Archive here to get my perspective on this video:
Here’s an Update based on the comments:
I’m currently editing the video for the event. The full footage from this incident is shown in the beginning. This version seems to have cut two previous occasions where he was disrupting my interview by holding the cup in front of the camera. He was repeatedly asked to stop interfering.
He then went over to Puke, and said I think I’ll just stand here. I asked him what his cup said, and what it meant. He read the cup and said he wants to “get you morons out of here.”
That was fine with me, and I started the interview. When he saw that he was unable to prevent me from interviewing Puke, he then again started putting the cup in front of Pukes face. This is Disorderly conduct. That’s when I walked over to him (and this video starts) to again ask him to stop interfering with my business.
He did hit me in the face with the cup; He was obviously hostile and engaging in name calling. I didn’t know what was in the cup, and he had a lid on it. When he hit me with it, that was assault, and I honestly didn’t know if he was planning to throw something on me or hit me in the face while I can’t see past the cup.
I felt threatened by his actions and took steps necessary to ensure my personal safety.
That said, I was also frustrated that there were no Keene Policeman around to inform him that his behavior was disorderly and causing alarm. I was also under a time crunch to get the interview before the meeting started.
The second time when he hit my camera I again grabbed his arm because the camera is very expensive, and he has already shown hostility towards me. He apologized, and unfortunately because of his attitude and demeanor, I did not believe it was sincere.
James was warned about his behavior, and told that he attacked me and my camera with the cup. I informed him that if he touched me again that I would take him down. Meaning remove him from my space because he was threatening me and my equipment with unwanted physical contact while interrupting my interview.
He then went and stood behind Puke (after I repositioned him elsewhere), and as the video will show,the interview was completed, while James was acting irrationally in the background causing a scene. (but not interfering with my interview)
I do agree that in the situation I was angry and did move in close to James after he was warned to stop. I certainly could have responded differently, and apologize for my aggressive behavior. I also apologize for escalating the situation, as I could have handled it better.
I do not feel I owe you a new cup, as it was a closed container you shoved in my face, the writing shows you planned this, and I truly felt threatened.
However, I would invite you to sit down and talk about real issues related to Free Keene, and the Liberty Activists here in Keene. If you want to do this on camera, I think this would make great footage, and would be happy to film this in front of your coffee shop. This would be great advertising or the people that support your viewpoint. I’ll even buy the drinks.
I think this would go a long way to help you understand some of the changes that are happening in Keene and around the state. You seem to be suffering from the rumor mill which has fed you a lot of mis-information.
You reference a girl stealing my sign at the middle school outreach event. Did you know it was a parent who first stood in front of my sign? I had no problem with this, and simply held it over his head. It was another parent who then came up and attacked me knocking the sign down. Cody (a boy) who was encouraged by the juvenile behavior of the adults, then ran up to rip the sign from my other hand, run off, and destroy it.
So James if you would like to set that up on camera or off, please let me know.
Sam
Comments
79 Comments on WKBK’s Dan Mitchell Discusses City Council Drinking Game
Ok, I’ll post this here: I don’t think the man in the video was behaving very nicely, but I don’t think Sam’s response was appropriate either. It’s important to be able to “turn the other cheek” as they say, and not let yourself be taken over by anger.
I do hope Sam apologizes for this, and hope the man does too (and the decision to apologize does not require an apology from the other individual, it can and should be done unilaterally)
I also agree that Sam should replace the man’s cup.
Paul, I did apologize that evening to the war veteran. I told him I intended no disrespect to him or his service to this country. We shook hands, and he accepted my apology. Sam, however, deserves no apology from me. I heard his comments on WKBK, and he even admitted that my touching his nose and camera was by accident. He was right in my face, and people I’ve talked to say I showed quite a bit of restraint. That was a public space. If he chooses to film there, then he has to accept whatever legal thing someone else wants to do there. And I was within my legal rights to be there. If you want to film your interview in a private space, then do so. Was I disruptive? Certainly. But Sam was the one who brought it to the level of violence, both by getting in my face and destroying my personal property. I expect a full apology and replacement of my property. Oh, and just in case you don’t remember what it said on the cup, it was FREE KEENE FROM THE FREE STATERS. I will expect a reply today before I decide to file charges or not.
why didn’t my comment post here? it’s over on the post w/heika’s video interview…Ian???…did I click the wrong button, or what? Sorry for the confusion…
The rage displayed by Sam after getting a dose of FK tactics is very telling. Sam was clearly “in the man’s face” in a effort to creat an excuse to lash out at him, IMO.
What harm would a cup held up in a camera shot cause? Holding a cup next to an interview subject is a peaceful means of demonstration. Sam flew off the handle and agressively rushed into this man’s personal space. Later in the conflict Sam grabs the man’s arm while someone yells “Sam don’t touch him!”
Sam, as a “leader” in this FK movement you should practice what you preach. Yes, I know you claim there are no FK leaders but you are one of the most visible FK activists and should be held to a high standard. Perhaps more cameras will be on you now, Sam.
Sam you need to relax bro. I understand it’s a stressful situation, but you come off looking like an a** hole in this video, and the guy with the cup looked like the calm, reasonable person.
Keep in mind that I’m a big supporter of you and your work with OTN in general.
James, I agree that based on what I saw in that video, your behavior did not rise to the level of violence, and unfortunately it was public property, so there was no owner available to resolve the conflict. But, that does not mean your behavior was appropriate. Being intentionally disruptive, or trying to get in the way of someone shooting a scene is inappropriate behavior.
There are all sorts of ways a person can be boorish without being violent, or breaking the law, as I’m sure you know.
I do agree that Sam escalated the situation, and also acted wrongly, however, and I do agree that he should replace the cup.
There’s obviously some strong disagreements here, or even anger. I hope a real dialogue can be opened, rather than petty sniping from both directions. I don’t feel that the behaviors of either party in this video advanced such a dialogue. Hopefully it can happen in the future.
Someone logged in to the forum, and I thought did an excellent job of opening such a discussion. Whoever that was is the only one deserving of praise in this situation, so far, in my view.
Thanks, Paul. I don’t know why you think it is ‘unfortunate’ that it was on public property. That’s where he chose to do the interview. Was I acting inappropriately? I’ve already admitted that. No different than many of the tactics they (you?) choose to use. Too bad if he didn’t get the shot he wanted. And by the way, was his camera rolling? I don’t know why someone else’s video can be up on youtube, facebook and the Keene Sentinel in just a few short hours. But someone with “professional” equipment has a hard time posting to his own website.
Yes, I deserve an apology, and replacement of my personal property. But I fear that tough guy Sammy will have no response. He sounded all cool and collected on the radio. Even joked around a bit. Assault and battery is no joke.
Great work Sam, years of peaceful civil disobedience brought to naught when someone does the same to you.
If you want other’s to step up and have a civil discourse over differing opinions, you need to do the same.
And rule #1 when you represent an organization and F-up publicly is to take full resposibility and and apologize immediately. BP and Toyota recently screwed that up, so you are among big company.
Now your oponents have a video of your inappropriate actions, and an audio of you feeling justified and taking no responsibility for in what was obviously poor activity for an activist.
Here’s the way I see it.
James was disrespectful of Sam’s space. I understand James feels threatened by the FSP and he has a right to speak his mind in non-violent fashion.
Sam was not wrong to confront him, but he could have been more polite (as James should have been from the start).
James was wrong to touch the cup to Sam’s face. I know this is far-fetched, but it isn’t an impossibility: the cup could have been laced with poison or any other thing. Yes, I admit it again, it’s highly unlikely, but it IS possible.
Sam would have no way of knowing whether or not the cup was benign or toxic, especially when it was being wielded by an obvious adversary. Therefore, Sam is completely within his rights to strike the cup away. James is guilty of assault.
Obviously all this went too far and it is unfortunate it happened.
“the cup could have been laced with poison or any other thing.”
Are you a cop because I’d expect them to use something absurd like that to justify their aggression, not anyone that has half a brain.
If the guy wanted to harm Sam he would have shot him, hit him, stabbed him, or run over him with a car since he was near the road. Get out of here with that “cup laced with poison” bs.
I’d like to see Sam apologize for his anger and lashing out and in return James apologize for rudely interfering in Sam’s interview.
I think Sam should replace the cup by buying one at James’ coffee shop and both of them can sit down and talk. That would be ideal, in my opinion.
So, we are supposed to believe Sam though I was holding a poison laced cup in my bare hands. Someone needs to put the fantasy novels down for a while. How long did it take for you to come up with that one?
I agree with Ian.
I’d like to see video of the events prior to what we saw transpire on this currently published video.
Jacob: ad hominem will get you nowhere. (\”Are you a cop because I’d expect them to use something absurd like that to justify their aggression, not anyone that has half a brain.\”)
What I see in the video is James touching Sam first. End of story whether you like it or not.
nevermind- I just self-moderated myself. Not worth it.
CertainQuirk,
Your response about the poison makes you sound quite paranoid – maybe you should keep thoughts like that to yourself.
What I saw was Sam getting angry and invading James’ personal space. You can say James invaded Sam’s interview, but Sam was interviewing someone on public property, so James was well within his rights to insert himself into the interview area, as Sam does not own that property. James may have been annoying and/or rude by doing so, but he did not deserve to have Sam get up in his face like that.
Put it this way, if James had put a cup of something near my face he would have lost more than cup and I would have been completely within my rights.
CQ, Sam had already invaded James’ personal space, so anything James did at that point would have been near his face, because Sam put himself there.
James may have been an annoyance, but Sam is guilty of escalating the situation unnecessarily.
Sam blew it. I believe it would be best to treat other members of the public as if they were the police at all times. Sam would surely never do that to a policeman. Why should he have done that to this guy?
Secondly, could whoever runs this site consider changing the expiration cache for registered users? I’m tired of always having to log in to post. Increase the expiration date to a month or something.
Violence? Assault? Battery? Charges? Quit being a bunch of pussies and man up.
We don’t know what happened just before this. Was James already interfering? I am a professional camera operator and if someone refused to get out of my shot I would likely act in a similar manner.
James, those “Free Staters” living in Keene are now Keene residents and have every right to be there, they are no longer outsiders, deal with it.
James put the cup up to his face to provide a barrier because he probably felt threatened by Sam. Sam’s face was so close to James’s face that it touched Sam. Sam invaded his personal space to threaten and intimidate James just like the police do. Making an absurd accusation that Sam might have thought it was a poison-laced cup is just as absurd as the cops claiming that someone filming them might have a magical camera-gun.
Everyone might think that James was being rude, but Sam was aggressive. Like Ian said, maybe the best option would be for Sam to buy coffee at James’s store and talk this out.
I’m a free stater and this just reeks of hypocrisy and turns me off to Sam’s future videos.
Seth, I never have that problem. Have you tried logging in via the link in the middle column of the site? There’s an option to stay logged in there.
I realize I’m coming across clinically, however facts are facts.
Yes, very true, I agree (Ian): “Sam had already invaded James’ personal space, so anything James did at that point would have been near his face, because Sam put himself there.”
Nonetheless, Sam did not assault James. The same cannot be said of James. He DID touch his face and ‘paranoid’ or not, the damn cup could have been full of drain-o.
Both need to apologize to each other because both behaved badly.
After watching the video I will say that Sam probably should have reacted to the disturbance in another fashion, I do wonder what occurred before the video started. The question I have is did Sam request once or multiple times that James not interfere with the interview before the video started.
As for the idea of assault charges I see enough blame all around. The first assault I see was the cup striking Sam in the face, I cannot tell if Sam when he got close to James if he did strike or touch James. James in a earlier comment said that striking Sam with the cup was a accident, from the video it does not appear to be a accident from my point of view that strike did not mean to cause injury.
One idea would be next time Sam decides shoot footage on Public property would be to cordon off the area where he is shooting to minimize the chance that someone is going to walk through the shot or get close enough to the camera to damage it.
I don’t know why you think it is ‘unfortunate’ that it was on public property. That’s where he chose to do the interview.
All I meant is that if it had happened to have been on private property, the owner could have either told Sam he’s not allowed to do the interview there, or he/she could have told you you’re not allowed to interfere. It would have helped resolve the conflict, is all. Kind of a “tragedy of the commons” situation, as is.
No different than many of the tactics they (you?) choose to use.
You’re right, that in some cases activists have unfortunately used methods I would consider inconsiderate. I hope those individuals reform their actions. Much is spoken here about emulating Gandhi and MLK. Perhaps truly examining their methods and manner would help improve this.
Gandhi said,
It is the acid test of nonviolence that in a nonviolent conflict there is no rancor left behind, and in the end the enemies are converted into friends. That was my experience with General Smuts. He started out being my bitterest opponent and critic. Today he is my warmest friend.
Funny, tough guy Sammy hasn’t chimed in yet. Like I said, he sounded all cool and collected on the radio. But now he seems to have lost his voice. And CertainQuirk, did you watch the video? Who was the one who got in the other persons face? As for what happened before that, I had just walked up about 20 seconds earlier. Sammy saw my cup and thought I was a supporter. He gave a quick glance at the message and smiled, then he realized what it said. You could see his demeanor change. That guy is unstable. And he is one of your leaders? And where is his video of the situation? I guess it shows the same thing. Rude and inappropriate, to my understanding, isn’t illegal. Assault and Battery are. Paul, what part on non-violent don’t you understand? I think I showed the utmost in restraint. Sam? Not so much.
And Slim, I think if Sammy wants to cordon of the public sidewalk for his own use, he would need a permit for that. They should be available thru the city council.
I don’t know James (and others I’ve heard) insist on claiming the movemnt has “leaders”, like we’re a bunch of sheep.
We don’t need leaders, the liberty movement is de-centralized, try being a leader of a group of people that reject leaders, hello!
Yes, James, I watched the video. I feel for you as well because (as I stated above) it was inappropriate for Sam to invade your space and confront you like he did. Nonetheless, he did not touch you and you had room to move away if you felt threatened (and this would have ended it all right then with Sam looking pretty stupid). However, you chose to touch your cup to his face. That is what is in the video and there’s no denying it.
@james Leaders? Someone doesn’t quite understand. There are no leaders here. You were dealing with an individual. You need to let go of the centralized model and understand a distributed network of people doing things independent of any commands or plan.
Are all coffee shop owners rude and condescending to people they disagree with? Or is it just you? Should all coffee shop owners be cut from the same cloth as you are? Are you a collective or an individual? Do you speak for yourself or for everyone in your general vicinity? Were your actions typical of your every day dealings with customers, people on the street, family, or just the ones you are politically polarized against?
I came here for several reasons: I got a great job, the Free State Project appealed to some of my core beliefs, I love the scenery and general feeling of NH and the people, and I have ancestry going back centuries here.
I am not a label and you, too, should avoid the same propensity to categorize yourself and others.
Just some thoughts
(p.s. I do not involve myself in protests generally because I work full time and have children.)
And Sammy, on the cup, it’s spelled “FREE KEENE FROM THE FREE STATERS” All in capitals. And I would like to watch and film you writing it, so I am sure it if of your hand. And CertainQuirk, it was an accidental brush, Sammy even admitted so on the radio. I was in no way threatening.
And Nealaus I speak for myself. I was not there as a representative of my business. I can have separate dealings outside of my place of business. And he was not my customer. I and my staff offer fantastic service, and people can have what ever opinion they want in the store. Stop in sometime. You will be welcome. Just keep your violent friends away. I still reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.
“You can say James invaded Sam’s interview, but Sam was interviewing someone on public property, so James was well within his rights to insert himself into the interview area, as Sam does not own that property. James may have been annoying and/or rude by doing so, but he did not deserve to have Sam get up in his face like that.”
By the same logic, Sam was well within his rights to “get in the face” of the cup holder…it was after all public property.
Both were well within their rights. Both acted like jerks. James started it. Sam escalated it. Sam could have used this opportunity to act calmly and perhaps impress even James with his restraint, love, and kindness. Unfortunately, he let anger get the best of him. It’s understandable and it happens sometimes. However, Sam still has this opportunity if he apologizes….a *sincere* apology is one of the best ways I know to win hearts and minds of people. Even if James doesn’t apologize himself.
This episode DOES provide a nice contrast, however, to how the government operates. While Sam was out of line, what would have happened to James if he had done this to a government person? He would have had a lot worse done than have a crushed cup. Sam did show restraint (many people would have punched James in the face)…but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough for on camera.
You don’t even know do you? If you can’t see the puppet master. You are the puppet.
sam, you know you’re better than this. i mean, i had to deal with you in “this mode” for so long…
maybe now everyone can understand why i am frightened of you.
can someone please help sam? i personally can’t be around him anymore, but i don’t want him to be suffering from this much pain and anger. and he never understands how he is acting… he did this kind of shit to me all the time behind closed doors, and never saw it as ‘inappropriate’.
well, at least now people won’t think i’m lying about his anger and aggressive nature.
but please… someone help him.
OH, fuck-you, James, you should have quit while you were ahead…I watched the video. This is what I saw: You did NOT \”hit\”, or even \”touch\” Sams\’ face w/the cup. Close, but, Sam was in your face, not the other way around. And, I saw that you were holding the cup up so Sam could *READ* what you wrote on the cup. Am I correct about that? I think so. AND – \”battery\” means \”hit or strike the person physically.\” Sam could, *COULD*, on a very thin technicality, be found guilty of \”simple assault\”. Probably wouldn\’t stand on appeal…It WAS NOT \”battery\”. Please stop exaggerating. It\’s dishonest. So, James, now I know your name. By face, you were/are no more a stranger to me, than I am to you. So, you wanna come out & play \”fucky-fuck\” w/the freekeenie-weenies???…James, that is a very bad decision on your part. Please reconsider. Come out & watch/witness? Great! Come out & counter-protest? Even greater! But, you wanna come out & fuck around & be a jerk & dickhead, well, dude, Karma\’s a bitch…
James,
You did show restrain, but you also hit him in the face with your cup. I think Sam over reacted, but I think you did too.
I hope you can work out your differences and be friends.
I think it would have been funny if you kissed Sam on the lips when he got in your face.
…and, maybe you do have a darker dark side than you’re willing to admit, Sam…
They’re clearly both guilty, but it’s very disingenuous for James to act like a victim here. He was picking a fight and he got one. Sam made a swipe at his cup, so James could already see that he was upset, but instead of defusing the situation, James decided to escalate it by accosting him again. He knew what was going to happen. At the same time, I agree Sam should have remained calm.
Sam, it does look as though James did disturb your shoot on purpose and then touched you. What James did certainly was not nice but it may not have been hateful. It is hard to tell. However, you were also rude to him. We are all rude from time to time. Live and learn.
“He did hit me in the face with the cup; He was obviously hostile and engaging in name calling. I didn’t know what was in the cup, and he had a lid on it. When he hit me with it, that was assault, and I honestly didn’t know if he was planning to throw something on me or hit me in the face while I can’t see past the cup.
I felt threatened by his actions and took steps necessary to ensure my personal safety.”
~sam
wow. spoken like a true statist thug cop looking for an excuse for his behavior. this is an all time low for you. so sad.
Smeg, sorry to hear his aggression was taken out on you like this. I lost my respect for Sam after this video and I won’t be watching any of his future videos. Kind of puts a bad taste in my mouth watching a peace activist acting aggressively toward a peaceful person.
The guy spent over a month in a cage and it was a stranger with a cup that set him off?
Ah, keenenative, jr. did you see him grab my wrist? Assault and Battery. One is threatened violence, the other is physical violence. Sammy did both. I did neither. He was so close to me, threatening my space. I did not mean to touch him with the cup. He was too close and it was purely accidental. You sound like you could use an anger management class with your buddy Sammy.
Smeg, I feel sorry for you. I have no idea what any situation may have been, but please, get some help. This guy is unstable. Best of luck.
I can’t believe how many people on here act like they never got angry with someone before. Both gentlemen acted douchey, but neither called the police or beat the piss out of the other. Hurray, the problem was solved, or better yet stopped, without the need for kops, handcuffs, or guns. Individuals were able to avoid violence without the state, that is what is being missed here. Kiss and make up.
To those who want to vilify Sam, relax. He obviously lost his cool and needs to be called to the carpet for his actions. I think it is morally wrong to kill the movement, the idea of freedom and liberty, because of one man’s actions. If that were the case, then we could say all kops are bad because of one kop’s actions, or politicians, and so on.
And for the Free Keene haters, look all around you at the world. People everywhere are waking up to the injustice of gov’t. Why do you chose to be on the wrong side of history? Because you are fed by the state? Look at Greece, it won’t be long before the gov’t dumps you too when the people can no longer afford to pay. The parasite will die with the host. You should join the discussion at some level even though you disagree with tactics, so we can make the transition easier and less violent.
I can see where the anger comes from… I used to have the same anger towards statists and the anti-liberty mindset, but ultimately we (Liberty Activists) have to lead by example. If the rumors about Sam having a quick temper are true, then I think Sam could use an outlet.
A great outlet for anxiety and anger is intense exercise. Do some intense cardio interval training or high intensity strength training. Punch a heavy bag. I also listen to a meditation cd called holosync.
I agree with Ian, it was public property, personal space was invaded, I think 3 ft is reasonable (unless on public transit for example). So, even if this man were wrong, which he may have been, but to a much lesser degree than Sam, Sam should have taken the moral high ground and ignored the cup activist and it would have made for much more compelling video.
Just my .02.
In this video, I see a person reacting in a quite normal manner to someone being an asshole.
I don’t know Sam personally, so I can’t speak to what Meg is saying, but I certainly don’t view this as evidence of an angry or violent person. 9 out of 10 cameramen would have reacted in a similar manner. Try doing this to someone doing a news story for your local TV station and see what they do (they might not show the restraint that Sam did),
But…whose cup would Ghandi crush?
Meg, I don’t even have to tell you that you shouldn’t associate yourself with men who would openly defend abuse against a woman. I’m sorry that I’m using you to prove a point to others. But you let it it be known, I thank for you for the ammunition against Sam. But please look after yourself above all else.
Freindly advice Sam on the psychology of repentance. You’re close, but all of those paragraphs before your apology will only give the Keene Sentinel and anyone who wants ammunition to villify you. Your free to choose on that.
The best apologies are those that leave zero doubt of sincerity, all you needed was:
“I do agree that in the situation I was angry and did move in close to James after he was warned to stop. I certainly could have responded differently, and apologize for my aggressive behavior. I also apologize for escalating the situation, as I could have handled it better.”
Say that, only that, and the whole deal would have been done in 30 minutes. Oh well, live and learn.
As an eye witness to the event and the person who took the video, there was NOT two previous occasions where James disrupted the interview. James was standing outside of the line of sight between the camera and the person being interviewed, holding his cup in protest. The video starts where James holds the cup in the line of sight. I think the evidence speaks for itself. Though James is clearly antagonistic, he is still peacefully protesting, it is unfortunate that Sam decided violence was an acceptable answer..
Successful provocateur was successful.
i’d like to add that the only reason i commented on this thread (i have been just avoiding everything sam writes/posts at this point) was because 4 different people within the FSP (but outside of keene, so they must have assumed i was still with him) contacted me asking “what was wrong with sam”.
i finally came here and watched the video, and all i can say is:
this is normal for sam. just not normal in public… until now i guess.
James, you never answered Nealaus\’ question: arer we all \”cut from the same cloth?\” Because one person acts a certain way, does that mean everyone within that group acts the same way. Can you really judge honey by looking at the bee? Would it be any more right to judge all black people in this manner? I sure hope not. The idea that you can judge a group based on an individual is ignorant and dangerous.
This Sunday, I will be at McCues at 5PM. I would like to extend a personal invitation to you to join me there. I would like to get to know you better. I hope you will accept my invitation.
I know Sam overreacted, and I\’m not proud of his actions. However, they do not reflect upon me simply because I too moved to New Hampshire for Liberty. I\’m sorry that my friend was a jerk. I promise you that he\’s not always like this. I have lost a little of my respect for him.
Here, I’ll repeat my question:
@ James – Leaders? Someone doesn’t quite understand. There are no leaders here. You were dealing with an individual. You need to let go of the centralized model and understand a distributed network of people doing things independent of any commands or plan.
Are all coffee shop owners rude and condescending to people they disagree with? Or is it just you? Should all coffee shop owners be cut from the same cloth as you are? Are you a collective or an individual? Do you speak for yourself or for everyone in your general vicinity? Were your actions typical of your every day dealings with customers, people on the street, family, or just the ones you are politically polarized against?
I came here for several reasons: I got a great job, the Free State Project appealed to some of my core beliefs, I love the scenery and general feeling of NH and the people, and I have ancestry going back centuries here.
I am not a label and you, too, should avoid the same propensity to categorize yourself and others.
Just some thoughts
(p.s. I do not involve myself in protests generally because I work full time and have children.)
Alright, I’ve been talking a lot about this in the forum, so I don’t want to repeat myself *too* much here, but I will say a few things:
Both James and Sam were aggravated and probably made some mistakes. Obviously they don’t get along, and I don’t think any sort of forced ‘apologies’ will be productive or sincere from either party.
The argument that Sam crumpled the cup because it could have contained a dangerous substance is completely ridiculous. If Sam was worried for his safety, he wouldn’t have gotten up in James’ face and placed himself merely inches from the ‘volatile cup’ and her *certainly* shouldn’t have put himself in further ‘danger’ by grabbing and risking spilling whatever chemical compound he was concealing … *rolls eyes*
Seriously guys, what this comes down to is both men were upset. James probably shouldn’t have antagonized Sam, but Sam should not get upset at someone who choses to to protest in a manner which is really no different than the methods he himself chooses.
What this comes down to, Mr holy_canole, is that I was doing a peaceful protest. Sammy was on PUBLIC property. He has the same right to use the public property as I do. I don’t have to move to get out of his camera shot. Would it be polite to do so? Yes. But do I have to do it? No. Since when do you, and yes, I’ll lump all you free staters together, have the right to tell me where I can and can not stand on public property? Wanna do that interview with no chance of being interrupted? Do it on PRIVATE property. In no way did I instigate violence. That was Sammy. I have nothing to apologize for, except to the veteran who was being interviewed. And I did that last night.
James, nobody has a right to tell you where to stand on public property. You are correct. Nobody.
Now lets take the same logic and apply it elsewhere:
When the cops come and shut down, disperse, and otherwise disrupt individuals on public property and tell them they can’t stand there, who’s side are you on?
Or do they need a permit? If so, where’s your permit to stand where you were standing at the time of this incident?
I wonder what Sam would have done if James had a bullhorn and disrupted his interview from 20 feet away . Seems to me he got a taste of his own medicine and ended up looking like a hypocrite .
Sam got violent and that’s that . If he didn’t charge this guy he would not have been tapped by the cup .. not saying James is innocent , just that Sam has finally physically crossed a line he has been tip toeing around for a while.
Not all the protesting / disobedience being done by the Keeniacs is civil and some of the things i have seen in vids is truly violent .. screaming in someone’s ear and such.
I like a lot of the things the Keeniacs do , but reacting to their aggression with violence really turns off the fence sitters that could be involved and makes the group look bad . Way to win the hearts and minds.
I totally agree with you, CJS. It’s a misfortune that sensational media gets more attention.
James, you’re an ignorant bastard. I take back my invitation to meet with you. I have no need for such hateful people. At first I agreed with you, but you let blind hatred ruin your credibility. How can you truly judge me before you’ve actually met me? (And yes, I realize the irony that I have not met you yet, but your words definately turn me off. Like I said, at least the Free Keeners protests have a point, even if they are annoying. You’re just annoying.
Sam, I have no interest in speaking to a liar and someone who makes up such ridiculous excuses. You were in no way threatened. You even admitted on the radio that you felt at the time that my touching your nose with my cup, and the sun shield on the camera were by accident. Your excuses and “apologies” are pathetic. Get some help. I’m done with this for now. I still want my cup back. You need to write on it “FREE KEENE FROM THE FREE STATERS”. Till then, good bye.
Not all the protesting / disobedience being done by the Keeniacs is civil and some of the things i have seen in vids is truly violent .. screaming in someone’s ear and such.
I agree, that stuff is no good, and should not be tolerated.
I like a lot of the things the Keeniacs do , but reacting to their aggression with violence really turns off the fence sitters that could be involved and makes the group look bad . Way to win the hearts and minds.
I agree, on both counts. I support a lot of the activism by Keeniacs, but agree that poor behavior turns people off.
I hope:
1. The individuals behaving this way reform their actions.
2. Others realize that the actions of a few individuals do not represent the whole group.
However, Sam has apologized, so I see no reason to beat him over the head about this. Everyone makes mistakes.
Yes. I always log in under the “other” column in the middle. I even click the button “remember me” but it never does. It only keeps me in until I shut down my browser or computer, then I have to log in again. Any advice?
There is no need for James to apologize to Sam. The Free Staters do not apologize every time they pull a stupid prank downtown. Did they apologize for their rude and aggressive behavior at the middle school? Have they apologized for rudely yelling at residents downtown through their mega-phones? Did they apologize for writing all over the Civil War statue in the square? Have they apologized for anything? No! James… you did nothing wrong, unless protesting and making your opinion known is wrong. If the Free Staters expect more civility then I suggest they start modeling a more mature and civil form of political action…. and apologize for their past behavior.
There is no need for James to apologize to Sam. The Free Staters do not apologize …
But, two wrongs don’t make a right, right?
I’m glad James is a bigger man than you’re advocating he be, and did apologize.
every time they pull a stupid prank downtown. Did they apologize for their rude and aggressive behavior at the middle school?
I’m not aware of the event you’re talking about, but if individuals were rude and aggressive, I am sorry for that.
Have they apologized for rudely yelling at residents downtown through their mega-phones?
Yelling at people through a megaphone is rude, I agree, and I’m sorry if that occurred.
Did they apologize for writing all over the Civil War statue in the square?
I agree that that was wrong. I think you’ll find most people here opposed that. Indeed, there was a poll posted in the forum section, and out of 24 people, only 10 agreed with the chalking, in general. Probably if the statue portion of the chalking were isolated in the poll question, that number would be even lower.
Have they apologized for anything? No!
Sam just apologized for this, you know 
.
I encourage you to remember that “they” is not some monolithic entity. There are many styles of activism that many people here oppose. In fact, the ones you listed are probably the least popular.
James… you did nothing wrong, unless protesting and making your opinion known is wrong. If the Free Staters expect more civility then I suggest they start modeling a more mature and civil form of political action…. and apologize for their past behavior.
Only individuals can truly apologize for their own behavior … but if it makes you feel better, I apologize for the behavior of any person who has yelled at police, chalked the statue, or been excessively loud downtown, with or without a megaphone.
Hi Griffin,
When you are rude to someone, you ought to apologize. That’s what my mom taught me. Intentionally trying to disrupt someone trying to conduct an interview is rude IMO.
“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering”.
I did apologize for my actions. Pure and simple. Without a veiled attempt at a condition for more free publicity. Sam, you are a liar and a total hypocrite. Sometimes when the mirror is held close, the view Isn’t so good. You should seek some professional help. Peace. Out.
James,
You still have not answered any of my questions. I’d be happy if you just read and answered comment #56. You, of course, don’t have to answer. I’ll take your silence on the matter as the answer I expected from you.
Nealaus
James did apologize to Sam on Sam’s apology thread:
http://freekeene.com/2010/08/20/my-apology-to-james-callaway/
James, can you please explain why you keep accusing Sam of having a condition on his apology? He apologized and offered to meet with you and buy drinks at your own establishment, Brewbakers. He said you could have cameras present for the discussion or NOT. It is up-to-you.
Where is the condition?
Meg,
In a rather scathing post on another thread I ran through a few of Sams lesser qualities..I cavalierly mentioned you during my rant..I’d like to apologize for that. I should have considered the probability that this boarderline personality was an abuser. I should have realized my suggestion in the comment was actually accurate. While I dont mind coming off callous and insensiteve when I post here, it was not my intention to make a mockery of any pain you have been living with. I hope you have moved on to greener pastures. While you and I probably sit on different sides of the fence you seem to carry yourself with dignity and respect others would do well to emulate that..
There wasn’t violence here, no one was harmed, lets not exagerrate.
Either Sam is a professional or he is not. If you are reporting, then you must expect this.You see it all the time on television , from the jokers waving, to legitimate political dissent. You report the news, you do not become the news. If you want to be considered a journalist with the attendant respect, then act like one. If not, you are just a guy with a camera, and not a member of the press. —bil
Bill – I think there’s a clear difference between being annoying in the b ackground (which I can handle with a tighter shot) and someone deliberately disrupting an interview by holding objects in front of the face of the person being interviewed.
If you watch the full video, you can see I did this both before and after this incident. Had he stood in the background with his cup, that would have been fine.
Unfortunately when he saw we were able to continue with the interview, James went further to interrupt us.
What’s going on here is very different from most anything a typical news organization would cover. What’s happening in Keene has never happened before anywhere else.
Comments #56 and #67 from Nealaus are the most poignant and point-scoring as the cup confrontation applies or compares to Free Keene’s agenda and positions.
sam- previously you interested me in what i believed to be thoughtful debate, now i regret wasting my words as i regard you as a narcissistic phony. actions speak so much louder than words.
As an outsider watching this video of the confrontation I mistook James as the FreeStater and the aggressive guy as some sort of facsist with a camera. Sorry.
As an outsider watching this video of the confrontation I mistook James as the FreeStater and the aggressive guy as some sort of facsist with a camera. Sorry.
Not surprising. Everyone has apologized, and hopefully will behave better in the future. Nobody here is endorsing Sam’s behavior.
” Whats going on here is very different than most anything a typical news organisation would cover. What’s happening in Keene has never happened before anywhere else.”
WTF?? Where have you been hiding?? Have you ever read a newspaper or a history book?? I would not know how to respond to a statement like that. It must feel good to be at the center of it all while these earth shattering events occur around you. Edward R. Murrow, move over !!! —bil
AGAIN . that guy with the beard is a trouble making little gutter snipe
Sam did fine
PEACE
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