Police arrested and soon released a protester named Evan downtown on Sunday afternoon. He was let go after the police realized he wasn’t actually in possession of marijuana.
Lt. Shane Maxfield continued his undying urging of activists to “work within the system.” I was taught in school that democracy was defined as “Majority rule with minority rights.” When the rights of minorities are stripped by the majority, democracy falls apart, and the time, money, and effort needed to win back just one measly right is so extreme and so costly, that activists often burn out before one victory.
The system is broken when it proves is has unlimited purview in controlling the private lives of citizens. The system is broken because it has no restrictions. The system is broken because 1000 people stealing from or enslaving 100 is not moral, even if they voted.
The system is broken, Shane. Stop following immoral orders.
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.
I didn’t hear the conversations myself, but my understanding is some police were complaining about the lack of respect they were receiving at a recent protest regarding cannabis in Keene Central Square. I have some thoughts for cops who don’t understand why you are becoming so universally despised.
People again lit up for marijuana legalization in Keene’s Central Square Friday in a protest that’s given new meaning to the word “grassroots.”
Drivers honked. A sign proclaimed pot safer than prison. Even the soldier statue in Central Square got into the act with a sign that read “4:20 Everyday.”
During the ganja-happy gathering that’s recently become a daily event downtown, people congregate to smoke at 4:20 p.m., a number identified with the marijuana subculture.
“It started as two guys just smoking a joint every day. … I’m ecstatic about the way it’s turned out,” said Richard G. Paul, 40, of Keene, who said he was one of the event’s originators.
Surprised by how quickly these lone tokers multiplied this week, Paul said the rally’s purpose is “to point out to people that the war on drugs is a war on peaceful people.” (more…)
