Integrity in a Threatening Situation

August 25, 2010 by Ian
Filed under: Audio, Question, Response

Brewbaker’s owner James Callaway aka “the cup guy”, has called me out for having “zero integrity” for revealing a detail of a conversation with him I had agreed to keep private. (I did this in the comments here, number 104.) Here’s the voicemail James left me this morning where he calls me out and makes a vague threat against “you guys”, (presumably Sam and I, or perhaps all liberty activists) “You guys really like to play games, and unfortunately you’re gonna learn. Goodbye.”

One of the fundamental tenets I live by is to honor my agreements, so why would I reveal a conversation I’d agreed to keep private?

Before I answer, I’d like to give you a little more detail. This weekend, I received a message from James via facebook:

I just had an interesting talk with the Keene PD. You may want to talk to me privately. Send me a phone number where I can reach you.

I gave him my number and a little while later he calls from an undisclosed phone number. He asked that I keep our conversation private, and I agreed. I also agreed with him that Sam was out of line in how he behaved and that James should receive a new cup to replace the one Sam damaged. James insisted he was assaulted and was very careful to say in one breath that he didn’t want to see Sam go to jail, while in another breath talking about how he believes Sam would go to jail for a year if he was arrested and that he has a full year in which to file charges against Sam. His “suggestion” (he denies it was a demand) was that Sam work 50 hours at the local battered women’s shelter in addition to his earlier and more reasonable demand that his cup be replaced. He wanted me to pass this info along to Sam and play mediator, and as much as I didn’t relish that role, I agreed as I wanted to help the two of them come to an amicable agreement. Despite James’ veiled threat against Sam, I felt I should keep the conversation private in the hopes that an agreement between the two could be reached.

By the time I talked to Sam about this he had already had time to reflect, with the help of attending the local Quaker meeting, on his previous refusal to replace the cup. He had changed his mind and was willing to replace the cup for James complete with writing the phrase “FREE KEENE FROM THE FREE STATERS”, as per James’ original request. He wrote to James and expressed his willingness to provide this restitution and requested a sit-down with James where the restitution could be made and a conversation could be had. Here is the message I sent back to James from Sam:

I have been discussing this with friends and at the Quaker meeting this morning. I would be happy to replace the cup that was damaged … I’ll even rewrite the message he wrote on the cup, provided we can meet to discuss the situation. Again, this can be private or public, on camera or off.

If the meeting is without cameras, I will require a witness to accompany me, and this person can be agreed upon in advance. Let me know if this works, and of course James can contact me directly at contact at obscuredtruth.com.

This was James’ reply, sent directly to Sam:

Sam, you really don’t seem to get it, do you. The Keene Police are chomping at the bit to lock you up for a year. And they would laugh till they piss their pants if it is for something as minor as this. But make no mistake, the assault occurred when you got in my face. I don’t think you are in a position to set conditions on an apology. If I were you, I would admit guilt, apologize and offer something to show you are serious. I suggested 50 hours community service working at a battered women’s shelter. That would go a long way to show sincerity. But you decide. I have a year in which I can file charges. If you want to have a short conversation about this instead of email, send me a number where you can be reached.
James

You can clearly see what James is up to. He is not interested in building bridges via a private conversation with Sam or even accepting the original restitution that he himself suggested. He’s interested in having Sam do what he wants, or else.

Having given James the opportunity to remedy this outside of public view, and considering the threats he is making, it is clear his request for privacy was to cover for his tacking on an additional demand (I mean, “suggestion”) and his threatening of Sam. His image as merely the annoying cup guy would be tarnished further if people knew about his shenanigans going on behind the scenes.

The irony is that in his voicemail to me he accuses us of being the ones playing games! Sam apologized, but James wasn’t happy with the apology as Sam did make an excuse at the time for crushing the cup. That’s understandable on James’ part as Sam didn’t own up completely. However Sam reconsidered and agreed to make restitution if a conversation could be had. James refused, because he wanted Sam to do all that he’d “suggested”. I think it’s clear who is playing the games here. James was the one fooling around and interfering in Sam’s interview, tacking on increasingly absurd demands (first it was replacing the cup with the words on it, then it was having Sam write the words in front of James, and then the 50 hours), making veiled threats, and being unwilling to sit down and talk when presented with a reasonable restitution offer.

I honor my agreements, but only with those who act honorably. James Callaway is not one of those people.

So, should I have protected James’ threats and kept them private or did I do the right thing by revealing his true nature? Please post your thoughts.

Rob wick

I hate to say this, but I have the feelings that everyone involved here is acting like little children.

This complete issue probably arose from James being fed up with the civil disobedience thing that "all" them free-keeners do.

I see his cup being the same as the brown bottles for an example. At the time it sounds like a good idea, after all, we are never wrong, are we?

Then when it all comes down to it, like said on todays show "time to get a ruler". There are sometimes two rights but, they equal a wrong when both think they are in the right.

Does this even make sense?

Just lock them in a room together till they kiss and make-up.
Don't call it a

This soap opera is so bad it makes Family Matters look decent in comparison. The cast is complete trash, full of bad actors, every single line sounds fake and the storyline is not believable. I mean paper cups, really? My dog could come up with something better than that. My advice: Fire the writers, the crew and the whole cast and start over from scratch, because this is just horrible.
Peacemaker/aka Marku

In a 100% Honest and Open Free Society, would James have taunted Sam like that? (w/out tthe protection of our Masters violent monopoly of Monkeys?). I think not.

Unless he wanted to get his head beat in; then I'd say yes. Because in a totally Free Honest Society, you deal DIRECTLY with the People you're screwing with and anything goes w/ everyone being responsible for their actions.

Envy, Jealously, Hatred of Freedom and the love of Power and Violence over peaceful people who disagree – are what steer the Cup Guy. Now we wants Sam to kiss his Ass because he's in Power when this "Adult" acted like a "CHILD" and initiated taunting. All I can say is: Got Dishonesty and Cowardice?

But the realtiy is, we ARE NOT FREE and we have to deal and live with a very DISHONEST and Corrupt System. For example, in a totally Free Society, MOST of what the our GOVERNMENT does now would be CRIMINAL.

So with that said, I'd say give the Clown 2 Cups (what a deal, 2 for 1!), and this action will fix the damages and then we can get back to real deal; spreading Honesty and stop wasting Time with wannbe Tyrants.

Again, would "The Cup Guy" have done this in a Totally Free, Honest and Open Society?

I think not (unless he was looking to pick a fight.).
james

So, Ian, Mr. integrity, why is it you didn't publish the correspondence I had with Sam about this so called threat? He and I exchanged emails at least 2 hours before you decided to publish this. You know full well that I was in no way threatening or putting a condition on anything. I was trying to give Sam a way to save face. You are a total liar, who, it seems will do anything to spin the truth. Sorry to bore your readers with this, but in the spirit of full disclosure, here it is:

On Aug 25, 2010, at 1:26 PM, Sam wrote:

Hi James,

Who at KPD are you talking to about this? I will not admit criminal liability where none exists, and

I resent the implication that you would implicitly threaten me by suggesting community service and filing charges in the same breath.

I apologized for aggressively walking up to you. I clearly could have acted in a more peaceful manner. The offer stands to redo the cup tht was damaged when you hit me in the face with it. If you would like to set up a time and place to do that, please let me know.

Sam

On August 25, 2010 2:21:04 PM EDT, James wrote:

Sam,

I do not need to reveal any names at the KPD. They spoke to me on a purely informational basis, and no confidential matters were discussed. There was never any threat, either implied or real, or a condition that you do anything or I will file charges. If that is the way it came across to you, then I did not communicate it well. I was offering this as a suggestion, and in no way a threat to file charges. I was trying to give you a way to save face, if you will. I feel you have some serious anger management issues. And, from reading all the recent blog posts, it seems like others in your community feel that way about you as well. I don't care about admitting criminal liability. When I said "guilt" I meant coming clean about what you have done. Not in a legal way, but in a no excuse, this is what I did way. And I would much rather not have the headache of having some trial. The community service was intended to give you the opportunity show you were sincere about regretting your actions. The community at large would benefit, and your group would benefit by showing the community you are willing to work to solve problems. There was never any quid pro quo, and you certainly could decide to do something else, or nothing at all. But if you were to choose community service, in my opinion, it would be best to do so in a way that serves others interests, not your own.

But again, make no mistake about it, the evidence is fairly clear according to the people with whom I have spoken . My actions were annoying, but well within my rights on a public sidewalk. As soon as you got in my face, the assault occurred. And still, after all that has been said in the last week, putting a condition on replacing the property you destroyed(a 10 cent cup, I know) and saying I "hit" you in the face with it, shows how little regard you seem to have for your own stated principles of nonviolence, peaceful resolutions of conflict and truth. Why do you think I would want to talk to someone who is not being honest with me? I confided in Ian and with you about this not on the blog, but in private. And Ian agreed it would be confidential. Then he goes on the blog to say I am "demanding" community service. Bullshit. Never happened. I made no demands. You both twist things around for your own benefit. You can choose your own path from here. Honesty, or continue on with the same old bullshit. Your choice.

James
outsider

It would sure look more respectable if the PD or the Mad-Cup-man simply planted some childporn or explosives or heroin on the activists to lock 'em away in rape-rooms for years (hope I'm not giving anyone any ideas) and to twist them into obedience.

Instead of this whole pathetic whining; the results are the same.
Rob wick

I think that it is still just like my dogs problem.

In our backyard he has his pissing rock (coffee shop) that he uses every morning and night, it is his. When our friend brings over her dog, stability and the way of life are broken and thrown into chaos! What's the dog to do but to put his tail up higher in the air and then mark that stone once more.

Sam and the Free State people are the new dogs in town and James just wants to order in his little world. many of these people might feel threatened.

It would be good for the civil disobedience to go onto the back burner or just down to a simmer for some time and then get some of the locals involved through outreach and don't forget to invite them to the parties. Just inviting them, personally, is a strong open hand. And it might be good to have a couple coffee parties at James' cafe. When he sees everyone coming in and not trying to take over, he just might calm also.

As for Sam and James. This can't be repaired at this time. Give it a couple months and it will cool down.

Though James did assault Sam first and it does appear that he did commit battery with the cup. At the least it was harassment. Sam did commit battery also and from my experience would be able to claim self defense. If James keeps pushing the issue and escalates it more, file a cease and desist or simply a restraining order.

But then, by the look on James' face, that will cause even more issues in the future.

Bottom line is that this needs to be completely separated from the FSP and made a civil issue between the tow of them so that the natives don't get too restless.
bil

What is overlooked in much of this discussion is the fact that,even though it is a free country and folks can move wherever they want,this is also a community that has residents that have been here a long time.They have worked hard to build up what they have,and are fairly comfortable.Now there is a bunch of folks that decide to change it to suit themselves.Yes,some were already here.From the posts,some have NEVER been here,yet want to tell folks here how to live.Don't you think it may piss off some people?? I agree with much of the protests,but some still piss me off. How would you like it if some people from somewhere else showed up and decided your town was the ginea pig for social change,and you just have to put up with it,too bad for you.And if it doesn't work,well,the new folks can just move on,and leave the mess behind. So maybe think about it before you condemn the locals that may not be ready to jump on the bandwagon.

Keep pissing on their rocks,and more may decide they aren't too happy,either. —bil
KEENENATIVE

Nice try, James, but no dice. After watching more of the video "evidence", it's very clear that you were TRYING TO PROVOKE Sam. You did provoke Sam. Bad Sam! Bad James! This is no more than a couple kids playing childish games. GROW UP! Yes, Sam was a dickhead. &You, James, are equally being a dickhead. You don't remember me, but one morning last year, you gave me a bunch of crap in your coffee shop. Thankfully, another of your employees was there to keep things from escalating. You were very rude, unprofessional, and not at all "business-like". I had already pegged you as what I call an "asshole", before I even knew you owned the coffee shop! Now, a year later, I am very disappointed, but not at all surprised, to see your little-kid temper tantrum…That's what you're doing, James, throwing one looo-oooong TEMPER TANTRUM! LET IT GO!…like, you got nuttin better 2 do???…
bil

KEENENATIVE-off topic-I have your royalties in the form of a GC from Fritzs-how do I get it to you? Are you over on the forum? Thanks. —bil
Che

Ian, You're dumb.

Title III of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (18 U.S.C.A. §§ 2510-2520)
david

yada yada yada blah blah blah

blah blah blah

yada yada yada

yappity yap yap

no!

blah BLAH BLAH

I HEREBY DECREE THAT THIS SUBJECT IS DEADER THAN THE DEADEST HORSE THAT EVER DIED EVER

IF JAMES IS GOING TO BE A WUSSY PANSEY WIMP AND "IM RUNNING TO MR POLICE OFFICER" WAH WAH WAH

BECAUSE "MR POLICE MAN I STARTED TROUBLE AND THEY WAS MEAN TO ME"

THEN LET THE LITTLE WIMP DO SO…………..OTHERWISE CRAP OR GET OFF THE POT
david

WAAAAAAAAAAA

"MR POLICE MAN HE CRUSHED MY USED PAPER CUP"
david

unfortunately the kpd will prob call it a felony
david

again :im not a free stater…………..
james

Keenenative, come on into the store. I do not recall any situation, ever, in the 2 years I have been here, when I have been rude to a customer and one of my employees had to step in. I would be glad to see you, and have you refresh my memory on the incident you are claiming. Perhaps you are thinking of the previous owner. I don't believe I have ever mentioned my store on any blog posts, and it is unfortunate that some people want to use this to somehow harm my business. I don't think it will work, my customers are pretty loyal, and the support at the store has been great. Come on in and introduce yourself. We are open to any and all points of view.
VT_Vince

This may be a little off topic but I'll tie it in as a reply to Rob wick's Dog theory.

Rob, for your dog problem, you might consider tying a food reward with every visit from your friends dog, positive conditioning.

Rob may be right about the James & Sam issue. It could have been a bit of territorialism on James' part that caused him to put a slogan on his coffee cup and insert it in Sam's camera shot. Aggression ensued and here we are still talking about it.

The Free Keene folks might use positive conditioning for this, too. Show the local businesses that you are contributing to the economy by stamping something (a Gadsden flag?) on all you dollar bills. After a while your Free Keene money will be in every cash register in Keene including, hopefully, James’s. That’s what the gay community did in Northampton, MA. thirty years ago and they are fully assimilated at this point.
http://www.wheelsoffliberty.com Jamie

It is just a fucking paper cup!
Bradley Jardis

Bil said:

From the posts,some have NEVER been here,yet want to tell folks here how to live.Don't you think it may piss off some people??

Wrong bil!!!!!! People here do NOT want to tell people how to live. They want to remove the ability of others to tell people how to live also.
holy_canole

"Wrong bil!!!!!! People here do NOT want to tell people how to live. They want to remove the ability of others to tell people how to live also."

Maybe in theory, but not the way some people have acted on this forum…
Lpviper

It is manifest that when people are told to stop aggressing against their neighbors, then they are being told what to do, or what not to do, as the circumstance may dictate.

Supporting the state and its violence IS indirectly telling people what to do.

So the activists are upset because their liberties are infringed by the government, which is encouraged by the statists amongst the populace.

The statists get upset when they are told aggression is wrong, please stop.

I can tell you without looking which argument is more compelling…
max allison

have we been allowed to see sam's video of the incident- i think that would show an entirely different angle (physical angle) of events.
Keener

I saw both accounts, both videos. I saw Sam get in this guy James' face. That was wrong. Then I saw James touch him with a cup. If anyone's talking assault charges on sam surely they'll do the same for James.

I'm not going to support either of these assholes. This guy owns a coffee shop? I don't know if I've been i nthere, but I won't go there for sure now.
http://www.dooms-day-device.com Puke

He is apparently the owner of Brewbaker's on Main St.

Too bad, it's a nice place. Brewbaker's was the first coffee shop I went to in Keene. I liked it but I'll never go in there again.
Keener

I was mistaken, I thought Sam owned the coffeeshop not James. I still won't be spending my money there.
Lpviper

1.

Jamie on Thu, 26th Aug 2010 12:01 pm

——————————————————————————–

It is just a fucking paper cup!

Back to at least 3AM for sure…
tommysun

james seems to be filled with hate, a little show of love and compassion might do him some good, and all who is involed. just a thought
holy_canole

Tommy,

I think coming to Sam and Ian in confidentiality, rather than slandering them on the internet as soon as he received the information can certainly be considered compassionate.
KEENENATIVE

YO!, bil! ROYALTIES???…WTF???…Didn't I pardon you from that? "GC"???…You mean "gift certificate", right?…Hmmm…lemme think about it. I'll get back to you. HMMmmm…maybe we should donate them to James? Would that be OK? Forum? Well, I would like to go there, but lately, all my online time has been taken up by the GREAT KEENE COFFEE CUP CONSPIRACY…/////…….JAMES: Please don't lowercase me. My name is KEENENATIVE, all caps…and, I never said one of your employees had to "intervene"…you're overinterpreting…AND, yes, I listened to the tape of your phone message left w/Ian, for Sam. In my opinion, yes, you were threatening Sam with various forms of legal action…And, in the spirit of the free & open society I choose to live in, Ian was very correct in posting his phone message from you. WE ALL deserve to know as much as we can about situations that involve us, or our friends & community members. For example, I believe that the good people of Keene deserve to know EXACTLY what happened regarding Randy Filiault, & the Railroad Tavern Caper. Liquor Commissioner Bodi fought, successfully, to have his Grand Jury testimony made public. Let's hear THE REST of the story…One last thing, James: Please clarify: Was it a *PAPER CUP*, or a *STYROFOAM* cup. I say Paper. Which is correct? Seriously. ///…Isn't assault with styrofoam a D-cup misdemeanor?…(let cooler heads prevail, Lord, let cooler heads prevail…
bil

Styrofoam-cooler heads….now I get it-styrofoam cooler heads-one item! Great invention! Yes,GC=gift certificate! Yours to do with as you please-have lunch,donate,or even write on it and hold it it someones face on TV!! I am sure you can come up with something, you have a great imagination.

Bradley-do you read the posts at all?? Read your quote of my post, then read some more posts. Apology accepted, no conditions imposed or implied.

—bil
bigScrotum

At this point, Ian might spend time arbitrating, judging, rationalizing, and moralizing on the abuse Sam has perpetrated on his former housemate and domestic servant.

Of great titillating interest would be exposition and detail surrounding Sam's coercive and degrading sexual proclivities.

How about it , a three or four part blog series exploring the depths of a free-state male/female relationship: the domination, narcissism, and degrading sex, along with never ending moralizing and state actor blame.
bigScrotum

…oh and if you characterize it as "Quaker", you will be right and pure by simple moral tautology. It will be fucking great.
http://www.homelandstupidity.us/ Michael Hampton

What I want to know is the cash value of 50 hours of working at a battered women's shelter. That will determine if James Callaway is committing a misdemeanor, a class B felony, or a class A felony. (See 637:5 and 637:11.)
Ian Wilson

Behold the cup in all its glory.
lpviper "your cup sir?" Too funny. I laughed for hours over that one. Thank you.
Enjoy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiBbjwtW2OI
Fourdoorchevelle

Ask for 3 estimates for the cups replacement. The cup was of course used, so the estimates should be done accordingly. A mediator and appraisal may be necessary, once he can prove the actual value of the cup then give him his 3 cents.
holy_canole

Stop nit picking. Joking or not. This is getting ridiculous.
david

ian

cool video
KEENENATIVE

bil, you're too, Too, TOO GOOD!…no, i didn't intend " "styrofoam cooler" heads" at all!…It was a serious question about whether THE*CUP is / was paper or styrofoam cup, and a separate plea to "let cooler heads prevail". Only in your wonderful mind, bil, did the two merge to become *STYROFOAM*COOLER*HEADS*! I love it! But, since now "I owe you one", does that not negate your debt to me, or not?…(Just curious – does the GC perhaps cover a Bison Burger at Fritz''s???…that would be yummy-yummy-yummy! That's about all I'd really want there…
NICK

Ok. I'm not from Keene but have been keeping up with the going ons there. It's apparent Sams a hot head. In the future his anger could lead to harmful political situations for the freekeeners. Sam be smart return the cup and dont agree to do anything this pinhead wants. I'm a big Ron Paul fan and feel strongly about not giving up our liberties. Americans are waking up and realizing that whenever the gov. says we need to do something to keep you safe they're preparing another direct attack on our liberties. WAKE UP AMERICA. If one wants to change something vote, vote, vote. RON PAUL. president 2012. I think you guys should look in to promoting militias across the US. We need a minimum of 50k per state to ever stand a chance. The militia is a good thing dont believe the governments negative stigma they paint on any militia. The time has come to educate our fellow CITIZENS, not civilians as they call us, that water may not always come from the faucet and some major changes are taking place in the world that could lead to civil unrest and we need to be prepared for it. I'm not endorsing violence but I am endorsing knowledge. The Constitution means nothing to this administration. I hope America can hold out for 2 more year but i doubt it so band together, research military defense tactics, and prepare yourself. I"m not a fanatic but I'm also not blind. If you take anything from what I'm saying take this. Form a militia, Your numbers starting off may only be 2 or 3 but educate those 2 or 3 and those few can train 30 then those 30 can train 300 and so on. Be ready America, we have worse on our plates than SAM AND HIS CUP. I mean what the crap is this anyway a distraction?
KEENENATIVE

NICK: Well, you might see this as just a "distraction". I won't say it isn't. At least for you. For me, this is good training. Tactics are tactics, & strategy is strategy. Whether beseiged by bureaucraps, nazis, or any other military "enemy", the same thought processes are involved. Just as the Pentagon uses video games to train troops. Same idea. In seeing Sam & James go back & forth over what looks like silliness, we are also seeing it as if it was a type of armed conflict. The best way to win a war is not to get into that war in the first place. And one of the best ways to avoid war is to be 100%TOTALLY PREPARED to wage TOTAL WAR. The more prepared for any form of war that I can be, the more peaceful & peaceloving I become. That's how it is for me, anyway. BTW, NICK, ever been to the Oathkeepers website, for example? I'd be more concerned about things, if I saw things as simplistically as I used to…
Paul

I'm a RP fan too Nick, and I agree the cup thing is silly, and Sam was a hothead.

I'm not such a huge fan of militias at this point, although of course I think they should be free to organize as long as they remain peaceful.
david

I'm looking for "two men and a cup"

or whatever THE PLAY
tacticalchAos

Watching this from North Carolina, why would any liberty supporter (Free Stater, Free Keener, etc) EVER spend another penny at Brewbaker's again and support that whiny little statist bitch?

Man up, dude and stop hiding behind the state after kicking dirt in the other kid's face.
KEENENATIVE

YO! tacticAos: Sure, it's easy to boycott a coffeeshop in Keene, NH, when you're in NC, but that would hurt the employees, and besides, downtown Keene's coffeeshops each have their own customer base, and "vibe"…I won't support or oppose somebody who does choose to do a boycott, but personally, I think most people around here – including "freekeeners/staters/whatevers, really don't want to see this escalate into anything like that. Like most small towns, Keene & the people here thrive best on a steady diet of minor, petty, trumped-up controversy. The Statists here use these "incidents' as a form of *CAMOFLAGE*, to help hide their nefarious deeds…I don't really see James as a "whiny little statist bitch", but I value that you do see him that way…Me? I think he's an asshole/jerk, almost as much so as I'M AN asshole/jerk…takes one to know one, right???…Thanks for writing!…
KEENENATIVE

*STYROFOAM*COOLER*HEADS* of the world, UNITE!!!…
bil

KN-10 bucks worth of whatever you want (waitress not included!) Your posts are well worth that to me!

I am boycotting all the coffeeshops in NC,except that small one on the left,just north of Tryon. Nice spot. Good coffee.Real rednecks. —bil