Re “Law enforcement resisting pot bill” (Sunday Monitor front page, April 29):

Enfield Police Chief Richard Crate was quoted as saying the pending medical marijuana bill is “looking for a potential solution when there’s not a problem out there.”

Many people endure needless pain and suffering because of the prohibition of this medicine.

Others risk losing their money, their liberty, their houses and their kids if they break the law to stop their pain.

Some people with cancer or other serious ailments succumb unnecessarily to the symptoms of their illness or its treatment such as chemotherapy, dying months or even decades sooner than they would have had they been able to use medical marijuana.

Untold numbers unnecessarily suffer from the worst diseases and ailments known to mankind. Others unnecessarily risk everything to escape their suffering. And some people are unnecessarily sent to an early grave – and there is no problem out there?

I do not know whether Crate is blinded by the conflict of interest as his salary and benefits derive in part from this prohibition, or whether it is the lust for power that corrupts him, or whether it is just old-fashioned ignorance of the overwhelming scientific and medical evidence that proves marijuana is the safest and most broadly effective medicine ever discovered.

But I do know he is without any factual, moral, legal, constitutional or practical basis for imposing criminal sanctions on the sick and dying. Anyone so incompetent is not fit to hold any office or to determine the law.

PAUL O’DAY

Spofford

I wouldn’t say that there is not value in “NVC”. People are excited by it for a reason – who doesn’t want to be a better communicator? It’s certainly true that empathizing and being able to understand what someone wants is critical to productive communication. It appears NVC has these goals in mind, which is certainly good. However I encourage people to be cautious, as it has the hallmarks of a self-improvement cult.

I think it’s great that people want to improve their communication skills. However, having been involved in network marketing (which also has similar cult hallmarks) at a much younger age, it’s pretty easy for me to spot this stuff. One look at the NVC website makes it pretty clear that it’s just another self-improvement cult. Browse the seminars, costing as much as hundreds of dollars, and don’t forget to order audio and video (cassettes!) available with quantity discounts.

I like the intentions of NVC, but not how it mixes wants with needs. You need food, water, shelter, and air. Most other things are not needs. They are wants and desires. Because of this, NVC screams “jargon”. Caution is advised. You’d think someone ostensibly focused on language (the NVC creator) would have noticed he was using a term incorrectly.

Besides, who would want to be seen as needy?

Easy suggestions for better communication: Approach others from a point of compassion. Ask questions. Listen. Repeat back what they said to you in your own words, so it’s clear you are paying attention. Spend less time talking than you do listening.

Pick up a copy of “Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion” and “How to Win Friends and Influence People“. You’ll probably get as much out of them for a few bucks, and without the jargon, possible brainwashing, and lowered bank account, you could from many self-improvement cults.

You have been warned.

Hey Monadnock students (& others) – I hope to see you at the Keene Starbucks at noon this Saturday, March 31st!

On December 13th I went to Monadnock Regional High School with the intention of offering Who Owns You? cards to students exiting the building. Most present were receptive or indifferent, though a handful of individuals – those ostensibly seen to be “educators” – were a bit hostile.*

As I noted in the video I later published from our exchange: “I just want to share ideas. And I would hope that you and your colleagues, being in the field of education, would support that.” The response I received: “Well in general we do.” Really?

Merriam-Webster includes as a definition for the root of “educators” (educate): “to provide with information.” Not only did this educator, by his own actions, fail provide information, but he actively tried to prevent the free exchange of information between consenting individuals. That sets a terrible precedent.

Eventually some students – who are likely well-intentioned but motivated to some extent by the tacit support received from vocal school employees – formed the “Remain Respectfully Silent” crew. In addition to hanging posters in school that encouraged their classmates not to “remain respectfully silent”**, they literally stood in (mostly) silent opposition to outreach activities. Cool, that’s their choice, but their actions coupled with those of school employees chilled the receptiveness of others probably on the fence. I  concluded continued visits to Monadnock to do outreach weren’t the best use of my time.

Others returned, unabated. Their actions violated neither (arbitrary) man’s law or natural law, and I think the end-goal (sharing ideas/education) worthy, but I personally didn’t think the tactic the most-effective due to the pushback***. That itself isn’t insurmountable (in fact it’s vital for a healthy, productive conversation), but it is very difficult to overcome in such short window – seconds or at most minutes. I advocated instead for a different approach****.

At one point I spoke on the phone with a Monadnock student. He asked if I’d be interested in sitting-down with him and the school employees depicted on my video. I said that’d be fine, but encouraged him instead to ask if those same school employees would be willing to have a conversation/discussion with me (and a friend or two if that’d make it more palatable) in front of students (perhaps during school or after school for extra credit). I was told the question would be posed and that I would get a response but unfortunately I never heard anything back on that front despite follow-up.

I was hopeful that perhaps a proactive Monadnock student would, through their organization or class, request that such a forum occur. That too has yet to transpire.

Hence, my video invitation to meet with anyone who wants to sit-down and have a conversation. I’ll be at the Keene Starbucks at noon this Saturday, March 31st and again at the same time each Saturday in April.

*which honestly isn’t too surprising. The knee-jerk reaction to censor and block as students walk by is probably done not out of spite or ill-will but to erring on the side of “protecting” the students. While that’s an admirable goal it only reinforces the idea that one person has the right to censor information from another person. That’s just not right. Perhaps this essay,  this video, and this concept will help shed light on what’s really going on?

**aka don’t be receptive to ideas that a third person (school employee) claims must first be approved by a fourth person (another school employee)

***after visiting Monadnock a couple more times (on Jan. 6the & Feb. 3rd) one friend was detained. The week prior police had visited his residence. Think about that: men with guns visited the residence of an individual because he dared to peacefully share ideas. That’s the bad precedent set. Fortunately bad ideas can be replaced with better ideas. Information – ideas – is meant to be free and unhindered.

Books won’t stay banned. They won’t burn. Ideas won’t go to jail. In the long run of history, the censor and the inquisitor have always lost. The only sure weapon against bad ideas is better ideas.
-A. Whitney Griswold

****and yes, we’ve all spoken about this issue numerous times so this post/vid isn’t a surprise. And while I decided it wasn’t my preferred use of time, I obviously support my friends who’s actions are aligned with their conscience and again, don’t cause any harm to person/property

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.

From my response to a critic:

“Don’t forget it was anonymous PUBLIC comments that the University System of New Hampshire used in court to help justify why they needed a temporary restraining order against ME from carrying a firearm on state property (state property I carried firearms on numerous times before as a law enforcement officer).”

Yeah, it feels strange quoting myself like that, but you get the idea.

I know there are lots of people in disagreement with me on this, but, I believe mere threatening violence against another is a violation of the non-aggression principle.

Here is the full response I posted on the NH Underground Forums.

The Mission of Keene High School is to provide each student with the tools to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world. However, one administrator finds it necessary to restrict diversity in the form of rainbow clothing.
Back in December, a senior at Keene High school was in his house office on school business. He happened to be gay, and sporting a rainbow shirt. While in the office, Mr. Thomas Burke asked to speak with him about the shirt he was wearing. It read “Can’t think straight” and a rainbow was featured under it. The shirt was not revealing, obscene, or in bad condition. Burke demanded that he not wear it again, claiming it was “bad for the school environment.” He then wrote him up for a “dress code violation” yet gave no detail on the slip. From there, Burke proceeded to threaten the student with suspension. This student and his friends were very offended by this.

A freshman girl, who is straight, was in the same house office about a month earlier. She had been absent the day before and needed an admit slip. However, while the secretary was writing, she informed the student that she had been reported for her low cut shirt. Mr. Burke then appeared and asked to speak with her. Burke asked her to pull up the shirt, and then noticed her belt, which was rainbow. Burke insisted she take off the belt, again claiming it was “bad for the school environment.” While her shirt may have broken a rule, her belt broke no dress code policy whatsoever. When she refused to remove her belt, Burke eventually gave up, but she felt Burke began watching her too closely. She also happened to be reported for different, false violations for the next three days.

Due to these ridiculous claims, another freshman girl, along with a little help from her friends, created an event that would counter the over authoritative behavior of the administrator. Renee LeBlanc decided to clad in rainbow this Friday, and encourage her peers to as well. The “Hold Your Color” event has gathered an overall positive response from fellow students. Teachers and administrators are in favor as well. Many teachers are encouraging their students to dress out in rainbow this Friday, and are not happy with the stripping of color in KHS. In fact, a green house administrator claimed she’d find it “disrespectful” perhaps “a form of bullying” if this were the case.

“2.9 Nondiscrimination Statement
The Keene School District does not discriminate in the administration of its admissions and educational programs, activities or employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation or marital status. This statement is a reflection of the Keene School District and refers to, but is not limited to, the provisions of the following laws:
-Title VI and VII or the Civil Rights Act of 1964
- The Age Discrimination Act of 1967
- Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1975
- N.H. Law against Discrimination (RSA 354-A)
- State Rule: Ed. 303.01 (i), (j), and (k)
See full handbook at http://keene.k12.nh.us/documents/Handbook.pdf
Any person having inquiries concerning the Keene School District’s compliance with the above mentioned laws may contact Paul Cooper, Personnel Manager, Supervisory Union 29, 34 West Street, Keene, New Hampshire 03431, telephone (603) 357-9007. Inquiries may also be directed to the:
U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Region I, J. McCormack Post Office and Courthouse Building, Room 222, Boston, MA 02109-4557, (617) 223-9696.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, JFK Federal Building, Room 475, Government Center, Boston, MA 02201
NH Commission for Human Rights, 2 Chennell Drive, Concord, NH 03301, (603) 271-2767.”

Burke is the only one enforcing his no rainbow policy. The KHS handbook (policies listed below) says nothing of rainbow clothing, and do these clothes break any rules? You can decide for yourself. In the meantime, Burke has denied these allegations, and most likely did not detail these students’ write ups for a reason. No action has been taken against him, nor has anything been proven. Yet no accountability has been taken. If these authoritarians were considered equal to students:

“8.11 Pupil Harassment/Bullying/Hazing
Bullying is a pattern of conduct which subjects a pupil to insults, taunts, or challenges, whether verbal or physical in nature, which are likely to intimidate or provoke a violent or disorderly response from the pupil. Keene High School is committed to providing a safe school environment in which the members of the school community are treated with respect. ‘Bullying’ interferes with this proper school environment. Accordingly, Keene High School follows a procedure intended to minimize and prevent bullying by dealing with such acts of verbal or physical abuse. See Keene School District Policy and Procedure #4125/5148.
“Hazing” is defined as any conduct or method of initiating students onto any student team or organization, which subjects a student to physical or mental abuse
Racist, Discriminatory, Hateful Remarks Directly/Indirectly to Individual/Group
1st offense – Admin. detention/Investigate harassment
2nd offense – Sat. detention/Investigate harassment
3rd offense – OSS/Investigate harassment”

Hold Your Color will be held at the high school tomorrow, Friday 3/ 9/ 12. The goal is to get as many students as possible to dress out in rainbow clothing to develop the high schools diversity, encourage students to be individuals, and support the ideas of peaceful evolution.

Eric Holder’s memory wasn’t failing him today as he spoke at Northwestern University in Chicago. They were likely running through his mind, but there were three names Holder dared not to speak. They were Samir Khan, Abdulrahman Al-Awlaki, and Anwar Al-Awlaki. They are the three US citizens who have been executed by drone missile attacks in Yemen, without so much as the order of a judge to show as a warrant for their death.

The ‘Attorney General’ (military ranking being fully apropos) gave a carefully crafted response to the legal questions the administration has been facing since the September 30 killing of Anwar Al-Awlaki. Holder essentially declared the president to be within his authority (for who is there to challenge it?) to order the killing of anyone deemed an external threat to the defense of the United States. A search of the internet reveals no video of the address. The Washington Post provides some fairly in-depth coverage. Here’s a disturbing snippet from the lawyer-in-chief.

Some have argued that the president is required to get permission from a federal court before taking action against a United States citizen who is a senior operational leader of al-Qaeda or associated forces. This is simply not accurate.

It’s as though an ‘Al-Qaeda Associate’ exemption were written into the constitution some time in the commotion following 9/11. Which is not to say that Anwar Al-Awlaki was a character who is easy to defend. Aside from the administration’s claims from classified evidence that Al-Awlaki had some prestigious title within the infamous Al-Qaeda terrorist network, we know that he also condemned to death participants in Everybody Draw Muhammad Day. But regardless of how crazy and dangerous the disgruntled expatriate may have been, if the government found his actions to be criminal, it is their obligation to prove their claim prior to resorting to the option of execution. It is not only the accused that deserves a trial. Society also deserves to see, before violence is committed in its name, that due process has been followed and that life, liberty, and property are not being unjustly denied. Hina Shamsi of the ACLU commented on Holder’s proclamation,

Few things are as dangerous to American liberty as the proposition that the government should be able to kill citizens anywhere in the world on the basis of legal standards and evidence that are never submitted to a court, either before or after the fact. Anyone willing to trust President Obama with the power to secretly declare an American citizen an enemy of the state and order his extrajudicial killing should ask whether they would be willing to trust the next president with that dangerous power.

-/-

I’ve heard rumblings that the hacker group Antisec has been “DOXing” public officials in the Keene area.  I even heard that Judge Burke had been “DOXed” due to the groups displeasure over his interaction with Carlos Miller.

Given the recent threat against Judge Burke, I will make sure the NH Attorney General is made aware of this.

I just happen to be at the AG’s office yesterday making a formal complaint for a criminal investigation into the court orders enacted following a judge being caught on camera committing a crime.  The investigator I met with was cordial, polite, and friendly.  Out of respect to him, I will not repeat anything that he said to me.

I also asked that the investigator relay my request that the Attorney General’s Office should assume control of State v. Jason Talley and dismiss his charges.

Why dismiss his charges?  Because Jason’s charges stemmed from Part II, Article 73-a of the New Hampshire Constitution being abused:

[Art.] 73-a. [Supreme Court, Administration.] The chief justice of the supreme court shall be the administrative head of all the courts. He shall, with the concurrence of a majority of the supreme court justices, make rules governing the administration of all courts in the state and the practice and procedure to be followed in all such courts. The rules so promulgated shall have the force and effect of law.

Bad timing for the New Hampshire Judicial Branch, considering Representative Kingsbury  (Belknap 4) is pushing to take this power away from the judiciary althogether.  I know of five state representatives who are now briefed on what happened to Adam Mueller and Jason Talley and how it could implicate a massive change in New Hampshire constitutional law.

I’d like to publicly state that although I have nothing to do with Antisec, I do not disagree with their premise that public officials (who are supposed to be held to a higher standard of transparency than the rest of us according to Part I, Article 8 of the New Hampshire Constitution) should be publicly identified to their neighbors.  In fact, all of them should be…  “at all times”.  That includes when they walk into a public building and are confronted by a member of the free press.

[Art.] 8. [Accountability of Magistrates and Officers; Public’s Right to Know.] All power residing originally in, and being derived from, the people, all the magistrates and officers of government are their substitutes and agents, and at all times accountable to them. Government, therefore, should be open, accessible, accountable and responsive. To that end, the public’s right of access to governmental proceedings and records shall not be unreasonably restricted.

A person has every right to know if their neighbor is someone who feels wasting taxpayer’s hard-earned money on imprisoning someone for simply wearing a hat indoors is an acceptable way for a government employee to treat a citizen in the “land of the free.”

Furthermore, a person has every right to know that if anyone questions their neighbor about their unabashed disrespect of Part I, Article 4 of the New Hampshire Constitution later that they too will go to jail, in the “land of the free.”

[Art.] 4. [Rights of Conscience Unalienable.] Among the natural rights, some are, in their very nature unalienable, because no equivalent can be given or received for them. Of this kind are the Rights of Conscience.

If I had a neighbor that was doing that, I’d tell him that he should stop wasting that $80ish/day on the backs of county taxpayers to protect his ego when New Hampshire homeless shelters frequently turn people away in the winter.  I’d then tell them until they stop treating people and the Constitution with such disrespect that they were not welcome at my home or welcome to associate with me.

I, of course, would never know that my neighbor was doing such tyrannical things if it wasn’t for independent journalists like Adam Mueller.

In solidarity with Judge Burke, I’ve decided to DOX myself:

Bradley Jardis
42 Main Street #27
Dover, NH  03820
BBradUMA@gmail.com = e-mail
603-205-6003 = phone

Feel free to text me, call me, send me mail, whatever.  Unlike Judge Burke, your asking me questions about this case or bruising my delicate sensibilities won’t end you up in jail.

In fact, if the New Hampshire Courts have mistreated you, I’d like to know about it.

E-mail is best, please.

-/-

I’ve been receiving some anonymous emails from whom I presume are attorneys, giving me suggestions on how to do things better.  There have also been multiple recent discussions regarding getting the ACLU involved.

Jason Talley’s case is about to uncover quite a few things.

I’ll keep you informed.

Robert T. Mittelholzer, Esquire, Executive Secretary
Committee on Judicial Conduct
74 Exeter Road
Newmarket, NH  03857
Phone: (603) 292-1825
Fax: (603) 292-1827
rmittelholzer@nhjcc.com