Derrick J Signs Plea Deal, Ends Victimless Crime Spree
Filed under: Court, Jailed Activist, New Hampshire, Personal Freedom, Update, Your Evolution
“There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supercedes all other courts.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Today, May 1, 2012 at 9:30am I signed a plea deal. Attached below are scanned copies of the terms. The long and short of it is that I will be going to jail for 60-115 days, starting May 7th at 4:20pm. Even though it will be a tough experience, I feel a sense of relief because I have certainty whereas I had none before.
I was facing 4 trials, with charges collectively totaling about 9 years in jail. Even if I were found not guilty by a jury in each case, I would still serve about 80 days jail time in fines. This is essentially a time-saver. It’s like a bully is forcing me to choose between the unattractive options of being kicked in the shins today or being knocked out sometime in the next year. By signing the plea deal, I’m mitigating my potential exposure to further harm.
Hindsight is 20/20, and while I’ve taken note of my mistakes, I don’t regret my actions because they were always totally peaceful. No one is alleging that I have harmed anybody or damaged any property. The past year in Keene has been an invaluable learning experience, and I’d prefer to take a hit for living free than to allow paralyzing fear to cause inaction.
The Bell Tolls for Plea
For those following, I wanted to keep you up to date on the latest word from the prosecutors. You can read the three latest e-mail below. I’m making the best of this bad situation by planning a cross-continent trip covering exciting activism while I am in exile. More on that project to come!
E-mail the Third:
Dear Mr. Horton,
I am pleased to report to you that Attorney McLaughlin is willing to accede to your request and make the period of suspension on his charges one year, rather than the originally envisioned two. Based on our previous e-mails, and your representation regarding a willingness to plead, the new proposed global resolution is as follows:
Non-Violent Communication with Prosecutors
In the past week, I have been conversing via e-mail with some the men who are prosecuting me. I have copied the correspondence below for public perusal. I am feeling confused because my need to understand and be understood is not being met. It would make life more wonderful for me and meet my need of understanding to receive constructive feedback regarding ideas on how to proceed. Please send e-mails with suggestions to LiveFreeOrDance (at) gmail (dot) com
E-mail 5: (Prosecutors’ “Final Offer”) April 17, 2012
Dear Mr. Horton,
My e-mail to you dated April 12, 2012 and sent at 9:46 AM (see below) constitutes my and Attorney Webb’s final offer prior to trial. Regarding the charges Attorney McLaughlin is prosecuting, you will need to contact him directly.
Should the matters being prosecuted by me proceed to trial, all charges will be brought forward for trial, and, should the State prevail, the State is, obviously, not bound by the proposed resolution below.
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A Year In Reflection
I miss my gays.
At the time I write this, I have stayed up all night, exhausted by the mental energy I’ve exerted negotiating via e-mail with the little boys in men’s suits who are seeking to put me in a jail cell.
I didn’t know what I was getting into when I came to Keene to be an activist. I wanted to stand on the right side of history. I wanted to live and breathe total liberty. I wanted to show the world the limitless joys their imaginations don’t permit them to envision. I wanted to be famous. I dared to dream.
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Free(er) Thanks to You!
Filed under: Civil Disobedience, Copblock, Court, Jailed Activist, Living Free, New Hampshire, News, Your Evolution
On Friday evening, some friends came to the Cheshire County House of Corrections (AKA the Keene Spiritual Retreat) with $500. They gave it to some of the agents working there with an agreement that in exchange, the agents would release me from their cage. I am now out of jail, but I am to be under house arrest.
THANK YOU to those of you who donated to my bail campaign. When it is returned after trial, it will be reinvested to help the next victim of state aggression. Any amount over the initial $500 needed will go toward paying legal council. That donation page can be found here.
Thank you also to those of you who visited, wrote letters, made phone calls, wrote blogposts, and shared links on facebook. I’ve caught up on everything facebook related, but since a lot of the letters didn’t reach the jail before I left, it will take more time to get back to those (since they have to forward them to me).
Thanks especially to those of you who filmed and edited video of the story. I have no doubt that this video helped to introduce the story and get everyone on the same page and resulted in my speedy return.
I have blogged extensively about my experience at LiveFreeOrDance.com/Released-from-Jail. It’s a dream to be a part of a community that is so supportive. Thank you.
Peaceful Resistance News – March 26, 2012
Fr33 Agents Radio News for Monday, March 26, 2012
Stories this week include:
Agent @derrick J reports from FreeKeene in the Shire:
George Clooney Prevents Genocide
Agent @eddiefree reports from the District of Criminals:
Ban To Stop Left-Handed People From Marrying Introduced Into NH Bill
Agent @talleytv reports from FreeKeene in the Shire:
“Chaulkupy” the Police in Richmond, VA
Link to more podcasts here.
Kelly’s Chalking Trial
On January 9, 2011, Kelly Voluntaryist chalked the side of the Manchester Courthouse with the words “Free Ademo” and a peace sign. This past Thursday, she defended herself against Agents of the State who seek to extract money from her for actions which hurt no one. It was decided that Kelly and the persecutor would have 10 days to write to the judge their most convincing cases, and his final decision would be made that way. Here is the video of the trial.
Full unedited video can be found here.
Popularity is No Virtue
The path to freedom is not clearly marked. To me, Liberty means freedom to act. Unless coercion is used, the actions of others cannot impede one’s own pursuits. I value a varied approach to achieving liberty, which is why I am disappointed to see Skeptikos go.
In his parting post, he references 3 bits of activism in which I took part (I made 2 of the 3 videos), and then claims that Ian’s disregard for some people’s criticism is the motivation behind “wildly irrational decisions” (read: “unpopular actions”).
Anyone can point out what is and is not popular. I realize that today violent solutions to complex social problems are more popular than peaceful ones, and that people dedicated to peace will face a chorus of discouragement. However, I’m encouraged by the words of Jack Kerouak when he said, “Great things are not accomplished by those who yield to trends and fads and popular opinion.”
The world is not molded by people who talk but by those who act. Since action reveals confidence in one’s ideas, my hope for Skeptikos as well as anyone with criticism is that his dismay will ignite a flame of action which burns brighter than ever before. Show me how it’s done. May you be guided from within rather than from without. Best wishes.
Peaceful Resistence News in Brief
Derrick J reports:
George Clooney Arrested For Free Speech
Ian Freeman reports:
Thomas Ball Aftermath
Freedom Song Sing-Along
1) Record yourself singing.
2) Upload it as a video response.
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