In response to the recent arrest and jailing of activist Michael “Big Mike” Tiner, who has been charged with assaulting a police officer, we have launched the Citizens Resisting the Assault of Police Officers (CRAP) medical aid campaign.
Here are some things you can do to help:
Recently, Ian Freeman met with Keene City Manager John MacLean to discuss the city’s policy on city government employees committing crimes on the job. However, instead of discussing the best way to deal with the inappropriate behavior of city employees who steal and hurt people, this meeting brings up a different problem in local government… lying. Apparently video proof isn’t enough to overrule the word of bureaucrats.
Today I witnessed something that I found so shockingly callus, while at the same time unsurprising.
I went to Keene City Hall to file the asinine “required papers” to capture video of the ‘public trial’ Burke is holding for Sam this Friday. As I came into the 2nd floor lobby, the bailiff recognized me, and I gave him a friendly smile and a ‘Hello’. The bureaucrat behind the window began looking for some information I requested, I noticed a state trooper walking around in the area behind the counter. As he exited through the side door, and entered the hallway that leads into the courtroom, I could no longer see him; however, when he began to speak to the bailiff, I could hear him plainly:
“Hey, remember those Free Staters we got the other day? We just got him again!”
He exclaimed this in a tone of absolute joy, and then began laughing.
During one of the many 420 events held in Keene Central Square this week, a skateboarder was the victim of a hit and run. Although the driver was aware she had hit the young man, she drove off without checking to see if her victim was ok. Keene Police, who were present to observe the peaceful demonstrators rejecting their authority, witnessed the accident from a sidewalk less than 10 feet away. Instead of offering assistance to the victim, or stopping the driver from fleeing the scene, they decided to waste more of the young man’s time and harass him for getting in the way of traffic.
*Note: I am unaware of the validity of the statement that the car had run a red light. I did see the accident, and the skateboarder was crossing the street in a less than safe manner; however, I don’t believe the police did the correct thing in reaction to this accident.
It’s no secret that bureaucrats selectively enforce their laws. There are so many that almost anyone could be accused of “breaking the law” on a daily basis. So when activists are pointing out the violence, unaccountability, or just plain illogical actions of the government, the bureaucrats will search for the normally unenforced “laws” that the activists are breaking. However, judge Burke has been known to simply make up his own rules to expand his oppressive reach.
But just like the selectively enforced written laws, Burke often forgets some of his own rules. In this video clip, 2 such “rules”, which have previously been enforced with arrest or the threat of arrest, are “broken” without consequence.
So enjoy this action packed clip of Keene activists performing these dangerous stunts:
- Wearing a hat
- Panning the camera to the audience
How will the world remain safe with people getting away with crimes like these?
During Sam’s most recent arrest, I was feeling angry and sad at the Keene Police’s actions. I’m sure this came out during the ordeal, because his arresting officer, Lt. Peter Thomas, would say things like, “Yeah, I’m a tyrant and a thug,” or, “I know, I’m a monster.” It was those comments that led me to write this letter, in hopes of showing Sam’s captor that we are caring people who have nothing but love for everyone, even him.
Dear Peter Thomas,
This is Meg, from the Keene area activist group. I am writing to you because I believe anger is the gateway to violence, and I want none of it in my life. I’m sure you can understand the fact that someone in my position would be angry; however, you may not understand my views that led me to that point.
(Read on …)
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