This content was originally posted to CopBlock.org.
Below is the transcript of my video with relevant links.
Below that is the embedded Crimethinc document mentioned.
Here’s a related write-up by fellow CopBlock.org contributor Ademo Freeman: Phil Christiana – (FBI Agent) It’s Not My Friends You Should Be Looking At
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A couple of days ago Crimethinc published the pamphlet Bounty Hunters & Child Predators: Inside the FBI Entrapment Strategy.
The document outlines tactics used by FBI employees to frame individuals, which is then leveraged for political gain to vilify entire groups of people and ideologies.
Having long advocated for complete liberty – that is, 100% freedom and 100% responsibility, where each of us is free to act, so long as we don’t initiate force, I am aware of many situations that fit the entrapment model described – where no one is acting in the wrong until a FBI employee infiltrates, advocates violence and in almost every case, supplies the money or ordinance on which the arrest and headline hinge. And through which another claimed usurpation of rights is “justified.”
This scenario became a bit more real for me after I learned that a friend had been asked by an FBI agent to wear a wire.
Yesterday just before 4pm Rich Paul – an activist known for his advocacy for self-ownership – was picked-up by Keene Police employees, ostensibly on a warrant. Rich was brought to the Keene police department and led into an interrogation room where he had an exchange with a man who identified himself as Phil.
Phil inquired where Rich had been immediately prior to the arrest. Rich said “at the club” and Phil gave the address of the Keene Activity Center.
The Keene Activity Center, or KAC, is one a side of a duplex that’s billed as
the community center, heart of operations, and meeting space utilized by liberty-oriented individuals based in Keene. The KAC is a comfortable environment to be yourself among friends working in concert to advance the peaceful evolution.
Phil asked Rich to return to the KAC, wearing a wire, and to share with those present a completely fabricated scenario – that he’d been snatched-up for a crime that he hadn’t committed. Rich was told by Phil that he wanted to see who questioned the story and at what length.
Rich invoked his right to remain silent and noted his desire to speak with his attorney before deciding how to move forward.
Phil gave Rich his business card – after he’d tried to scratch-out his last name which was still readable as Christiana- and told him to keep their exchange confidential and be in touch by 5pm today.
Instead, at 5pm Rich’s attorney gave Christiana a call and myself and others are working to make this situation transparent.
After all, we have nothing to hide. No one associated with the KAC advocates violence.
A quick Google search turned-up Christiana’s bio:
I am a CPA (accountant) by education from Rutgers University in New Jersey. I have been a special agent with the FBI for 20 years. I was stationed in the Boston field office as a new agent in 1992. I spent five years as an operator with the FBI Hostage Rescue Team at Quantico, VA (1996 – 2001). I am currently assigned to the NH joint Terrorism Task Force at the Bedford (NH) Resident Agency as a special bomb technician. I am also responsible for security related issues at the Manchester Boston Regional Airport and Seabrook Nuclear power plant. I have also served as the primary firearms and tactial instructor for the Boston Field office.
But there’s more to this story.
Back in 2005 DadaOrwell shared on NHUnderground – then the most-popular forum in the ‘shire – that he received a call from Phil Christiana, who sought to “maintain a dialogue”
He wrote:
He says he wants to have lunch with me or something along those lines in about a month. I assume he is trying to do intelligence, find the next tim mcveigh or determine for sure that this movement is the wrong place to look. This is not something I object to in theory, but I do feel uncomfortable doing anything that would cost taxpayer dollars, such as sitting down to lunch with these guys for an hour at taxpayer expense.
[UPDATE – it was brought to my attention that “dadaorwell” was the forum handle used by Dave Ridley, so the above is from the same interaction attributed to Ridley immediately below]
Longtime ‘shire-based journalist Dave Ridley, who, based on his entertaining and informative videos, has gained a following from many in the area – including LEOs who’ve told me personally that they watch and respect his channel, noted that he too was visited by Phil Christiana.
Ridley wrote about their exchange:
My experience with him was that he was more or less polite and professional…but creepy. He came to the same Keene house when I lived there, to learn more about Russell Kanning’s plans for civil disobedience at Manchester Airport’s TSA checkpoint. That was in 2005.
He also requested to have lunch with me and indicated, not in so many words, that he wanted me to be an informant. I told him I would be interested in having that lunch but would report everything we said to the public. He decline to interact with me after that
not included in video: Phil Christiana had an hour-long conversation with then Keene-based activist Russel Kanning:
In early 2011 Christiana visited the home of then-Keene-based activist Kurt Hoffman. After Christiana identified himself as “Phil” who worked with the FBI Hoffman shut his door and declined to talk.
Christiana later called Hoffman twice from a number later determined to be his cell phone – (603) 365-8098 – and visited Hoffman’s dad in Mass, during which time he inquired about his knowledge of activities in Keene.
Later that summer, after the conclusion of the Porcupine Freedom Festival – an annual, week-long event held at Rogers Campground that was attended by over 1,200 pro-liberty people, FBI employees stopped-by and questioned the owners about those who attended, though they claimed to be concerned about vendors selling alcohol without a license.
A couple of months back Brad Jardis – who himself had worked in law enforcement before quitting his job due to his unwillingness to arrest those who use marijuana medicinally – confided that he had been asked to sit-down with a FBI employee. That conversation too was focused on learning who at the KAC advocated the use of violence.
In no uncertain terms Jardis told the inquisitor that such a line of questioning was totally off-base because no one at the KAC advocated such things.
More-recently, after friend Josh Nilsson was picked-up for not checking in with his probation officer as dictated, he too was questioned along a similar vein. While caged at the Cheshire County jail, Josh was asked if he was aware of any violence advocated by anyone associated with the KAC. He laughed at such a statement, knowing full-well that it was completely without merit.
Should we be surprised by Phil Christiana’s snooping-around here in Keene or that of his colleagues in other areas where individuals freely associate and advocate for an alternative to the system that today bestows upon some extra rights?
No. In fact, it’s to be expected due to the perverse incentives inherent in the institution for which they work.
The way Christiana and other employees of government agencies justify their taxpayer-funded salaries is to create issues where none exist – something economist Bob Higgs has deemed the ratchet effect. Manufactured and trumped-up Incidents and arrests are given as justification for a greater police state and the expense of your rights.
There’s no internal check on government as it exists today. No matter the “leadership” the trend is always to grow in size and scope simply because the goods and services its actors provide – in this case “law enforcement” – are provided in a vacuum, absent mechanisms for real accountability. Services rendered are either unwarranted – such as victimless crimes – or done inefficiently.
The Crimethinc write-up mentioned at the beginning of this video seeks to instill in readers the need for a security culture to mitigate risks. The best way that can be done, in my opinion, is to be transparent. To not let threats scare you into complacency or even worse, partnership. Especially if you’re not doing anything wrong. That’s the purpose of this video.
As the size and scope of the liberty-oriented community grows in Keene and around the world, those who seek to maintain the Statist Quo are rightly worried. Not due to the threat of violence – at least from this community – but due to the fact that the bad idea on which they subsist is being seen and thus is eroding.
I know I and the people with whom I choose to associate – diverse as they are – advocate peaceful tactics. FreeKeene.com – a group blog where some who patron the KAC blog – has the tagline “peaceful evolution.” That’s not just a phrase but an idea. And ideas have consequences.
It’s not about a revolution – violent or otherwise, as whatever form that takes, it still revolves around the bad idea of a “leader” but about an evolution – moving past that outdated concept to a free society where we each govern ourselves.
I’m glad Rich and others approached by Christiana have spoken-up. Just like in the schoolyard, it is the bullies, those who initiate force and who act in the wrong, who rely on threats to censor their misdeeds, knowing full-well that were their actions known, they would not be tolerated.
Transparency is key. The curtain is being pulled-back and many are seeing that the emperor wears no clothes. Authority once unthinkingly granted is being retracted.
To me, the means don’t justify the ends. The means are an end in themselves. Live not according to fear, but according to your own conscience. Be led by love.
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Boston Field Office of FBI
Phone: (617) 742-5533
Fax: (617) 223-6327
E-mail: Boston@ic.fbi.gov
Bedford Satellite Office of Boston Field Office of FBI (covers Cheshire County)
Phone: (603) 472-2224
Fax: (603) 472-9419
Phillip “Phil” Christiana
(603) 365-8098
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Inside the FBI Entrapment Society [pdf for reading]
Inside the FBI Entrapment Society [.pdf for printing]
Don’t want to be arrested? Don’t trespass. The city owns the playground, and the city has the right to shut it down due to public health concerns. Pretty clear evidence of property rights being violated here. Go play on your own private playground.
Wow. You libtard weirdos always come up with the best con jobs, don’tcha Karl? I mean stealing money from hard-working people – with the tacit understanding that the city will use it to build and maintain a playground meant for everybody – and then later on just saying fuck it and telling everyone it’s the city’s and get the hell off of it or else. God you guys are so awesome. I mean you guys just go around everywhere imposing your will on everyone and it’s like you don’t even give a shit what crummy assholes you all are!
So I’m too special!!! Pls help me show being disrespectful is ok we all hated the COVID-19 rules or whatever you want to call them I hope no one shows up
It’s communal property governed by the city, Silvia. Don’t like it when the city shuts it down due to a public health crisis? Then elect leaders that agree with you. Since the majority of voters chose representatives that wanted this property shut down, you don’t really have a leg to stand on here.
Oh, in your libertard utopia there would be no public playgrounds anyway, so I’m not sure what your hissy fit is all about. Just pretend that’s how we’re living now. lol.
Got it. “Owning stuff is for boojies. Communal property is the only path to salvation.” Karl 3:16
“Pretty clear evidence of property rights being violated here” – The problem is the cities playground was acquired, built, and maintained through theft, and if it was a private entity then you’d be 100% right. The problem is it isn’t unreasonable that a parent whom supposedly is being provided a service in exchange for the monies taken (almost certainly without her consent or at least via threat or force) receives said service. If they don’t then that agreement isn’t valid and she should be refunded the monies stolen by government. Ultimately you don’t get to dictate to me what I… Read more »
“So I’m too special!!! Pls help me show being disrespectful is ok we all hated the COVID-19 rules or whatever you want to call them I hope no one shows up” This isn’t about COVID or rules. This is about officers demands respect they don’t deserve and utilizing violence to achieve “respect”. I’m not a fan of the COVID rules, nor am I a fan of mandatory masks, but I don’t have a problem with other people wearing masks. You have the right to wear a mask, and I have the right not to. I have the right to use… Read more »
“The problem is the cities playground was acquired, built, and maintained through theft..” Great. Assuming that you in the United States, when are you leaving the country? After all, the land we sit on was stolen from the indigenous peoples. I’m sure the tribes would like their land back. Or is theft okay when it happened a long time ago? Anyway. private ownership only exists in the context of the state. Assuming you own property, the deed you bought was originally sold by the government, and it was never sold as an allodial title. That means the government kept the… Read more »
“Assuming that you in the United States, when are you leaving the country? After all, the land we sit on was stolen from the indigenous peoples.” Are you saying you’re okay with the theft from indigenous peoples and that’s why you choose to stay? Or you don’t consider it theft? Not following you here. “private ownership only exists in the context of the state. Assuming you own property, the deed you bought was originally sold by the government, and it was never sold as an allodial title. That means the government kept the right to tax, govern, and even take… Read more »
Intrigare, the person I was responding to started with the premise that because the city’s playground was “acquired, built, and maintained through theft”, that their property rights are illegitimate. To be logically consistent, then the only people that have property rights here are indigenous peoples. I’m taking a stab in the dark that he/she doesn’t actually think that and wants to stay here anyway, hence their position is inconsistent. Like most libertarians, they want to do whatever they want, and justify it later under muh rights. “Most things I own don’t have any deed… but I still own them. The… Read more »
“Intrigare, the person I was responding to started with the premise that because the city’s playground was “acquired, built, and maintained through theft”, that their property rights are illegitimate. To be logically consistent, then the only people that have property rights here are indigenous peoples.” Sorry, I still don’t get it. Don’t you make the same logical inconsistency by saying that people who help scammers should have their ill-gotten gains taken from them? So when are you leaving the United States, Marx? “That sounds like quite the stretch of the imagination to me. Real property has never worked like that… Read more »
More BS. They knew there was a ordinance yet they proceeded to break the law and were busted by the PD. They decided to act like little children when the PD showed up. These people should have been locked up for being disorderly. They were insulting the officers and calling them names. These people were acting so childish, it was causing their children to cry. I would suspect they were at the park with their kids for their kids. When they decided to act like immature children it was no longer about the children. It was about them and their… Read more »
“After all, the land we sit on was stolen from the indigenous peoples.”
That’s nice, Karl. Thing is, none of the indigenous peoples encountered by the European colonials had any understanding of the concept of property rights. They were all dyed-in-the-wool collectivist assholes just like you are. Anyway, there’s a moral to this story. Wanna hear what it is, Karl? Oh, and it has nothing to do about slavery. I promise.
Gee Jacks,
If the police cared about about the heath and safety of those kids so much more than their own parents, I wonder why they didn’t lock those parents up straight away instead of waiting until months later to issue arrest warrants? It wouldn’t be because cameras were rolling at the time and they might be held accountable for their actions would it? No, not that….
You see that, Silvia? Jacks would never insult others, call names and like a child in front of his daughter, the deputy. All of those activities he performs here as a forum troll are done out of sight. He sets such a good example of the caring father doesn’t he?
act like a child*
Hi Jacks. Great post, by the way. I especially liked the part where you said “children” six times. Real bleeding heart stuff for the rest of the libtard weirdos on this blog, huh? Oh, and thanks for the warning about the Delta-B and all, but I already bought some extra underwear. I think I have enough until at least the Delta-J comes along. After that, I’ll just have to play things by ear. Anyway, before I go, I have another George Orwell quote for you to chew on. I think you’ll like this one. It’s about how you libtard weirdos… Read more »
He wouldn’t? Oh, I get it. You’re using that sarcasm shit that Karl’s been telling me all about. Nice touch, Intrigare! 😉
“Sorry, I still don’t get it. Don’t you make the same logical inconsistency by saying that people who help scammers should have their ill-gotten gains taken from them? So when are you leaving the United States, Marx?” Pay attention, Intrigare, those were his claims, not mine. “Interesting, it appears its already being used in some countries. Hmm, google is awesome sometimes. Learning something new almost every day.” By NAP abiding voluntaryists, or governments? “Hmmm, how about court? Except one that both sides recognize and isn’t paid for with stolen money (taxes.)” Oh, this will be fun. What happens in your… Read more »
“That’s nice, Karl. Thing is, none of the indigenous peoples encountered by the European colonials had any understanding of the concept of property rights.”
You mean property rights aren’t natural and inherent to mankind? Cool. You’ve just conceded a huge libertarian talking point. I could kiss you, but you’re a libertarian woman, which probably means you aren’t very attractive. Also, I guess I’m gay now?
By the way, what is the deal with making continual references to George Orwell like he supports your worldview? Why don’t you quote somebody from your side, like the welfare queen Ayn Rand?
“You mean property rights aren’t natural and inherent to mankind?”
Property rights is a concept, Karl. Civilized people adopted it because it was the fairest way to arrange society. That’s why savages and mediocrities like yourself hate it so much.
“Why don’t you quote somebody from your side, like the welfare queen Ayn Rand?”
I don’t know, Karl. Why won’t you quote mass murdering commie thugs like Joseph Stalin or Mao Zedong? They’re on your side, aren’t they?
“Pay attention, Intrigare, those were his claims, not mine.” I was paying attention. Too much, it seems. “By NAP abiding voluntaryists, or governments?” Does it matter? The point is that since blockchain is decentralized, which means it can handle things like property registries so governments don’t have to. So what you may think is “a long stretch of the imagination” or “never worked like that in all of history” is actually already happening in some parts of the world! Cool, huh? Well, cool to anyone who likes to see government made obsolete. “Oh, this will be fun. What happens in… Read more »
“Property rights is a concept, Karl. Civilized people adopted it because it was the fairest way to arrange society. That’s why savages and mediocrities like yourself hate it so much.” Oh good. Your racism aside, I’m at least glad you are more honest than other Libertarians that seem to think property rights are inherent and God-given, when in reality it is a construct of society. We agree here! Now, how are property rights enforced? We have to have a sole authority that we can turn to in order to manage disputes about property rights. Otherwise, if there were multiple authorities,… Read more »
“Does it matter? The point is that since blockchain is decentralized, which means it can handle things like property registries so governments don’t have to. So what you may think is “a long stretch of the imagination” or “never worked like that in all of history” is actually already happening in some parts of the world! Cool, huh? Well, cool to anyone who likes to see government made obsolete.” Well, since your premise is that property rights can be enforced in the absence of the state, I would say that it should matter to you. Maybe not though. The blockchain… Read more »
The thing is Marx, I didn’t make the claim that voluntaryist/libertarian philosophy is a flawless political system. I’ll leave that to political theorists, philosophers, etc. who are much brighter on the subject than me. My only claim that is that its better than the system currently in place, which is a much easier position to argue. Hell, I’ll even go so far as to say Marxism may even be better than the system we have now. Happy now? 😉 So, to continue our discussion, am I wrong? Do you think the system we have now is better than using dice?… Read more »
“Your racism aside…” Ha ha ha. You libtard weirdos and your -isms. “Now, how are property rights enforced?” With guns, Karl. Obviously. “We have to have a sole authority that we can turn to in order to manage disputes about property rights.” It doesn’t have to be a government authority, Karl. Conflicts can be settled through arbitration agreed to by the disputing parties. This is done in divorces all the time. The legal hucksters call this a collaborative mediation. Cool, huh? “Otherwise, if there were multiple authorities, they could each provide a different judgment, which could cause people to fight… Read more »
Sheesh Silvia, this Marx dude wants every little thing broken down for him doesn’t he?
You’d think if really cared so much, he’d hold himself and his own beliefs up to those same standards he expects from others. Am I right?
“My only claim that is that its better than the system currently in place, which is a much easier position to argue. Hell, I’ll even go so far as to say Marxism may even be better than the system we have now. Happy now? ?”
Despite it’s alleged easiness to prove, I don’t think you’ve shown that your system would be a better system. Not being able to settle disputes when both sides can’t agree on a mediator is a pretty big hole.
Marxism isn’t really a system of governance. It’s a socioeconomic analysis. Have you read much about it?
“So, to continue our discussion, am I wrong? Do you think the system we have now is better than using dice? Do you think Marxism is better than the system we have now? Why/why not?”
Yes. I have a lot of problems with our system, but it is better than using dice. I’ve watched a lot of Zoom court proceedings over the past year, and I found that most of the rulings were to my satisfaction.
I think it depends on what you mean by Marxism. I think people (like Silvia) conflate what Marx advocated for with the evils of Bolshevism, which I would say deserves every critique it gets. Marx himself (in my opinion, and I am his ghost after all) was more interested in the critical analysis of Capitalism and less focused on how to transition out. I lean toward a gradual approach myself, which I think was Marx’s approach as well.
Funny about property rights, Silvia. They can be defended by guns, but they can also be taken with guns. What’s to stop a gang or corporation from just taking your property? In your system, who is going to hold them accountable? After all, they probably won’t agree to meet with whatever arbitrator you’ve chosen (or your family, should you get gunned down). Why would they have to? This is the same problem Intrigare is having. What happens if a person doesn’t consent to any court or mediator? Does the dispute just go away? An appeal is asking the same authority… Read more »
Oh, and Silvia, for what it is worth, I am in favor of moving to the European model where court costs and fees are paid by the losing party. It seems we both agree that we should be more like Europe, eh?
“Despite it’s alleged easiness to prove, I don’t think you’ve shown that your system would be a better system.” You haven’t proved yours either. So we’re even? “Not being able to settle disputes when both sides can’t agree on a mediator is a pretty big hole.” So is a system where a representative of one of the disputing parties also gets to play the role of judge. Dice anyone? “Marxism isn’t really a system of governance. It’s a socioeconomic analysis. Have you read much about it?” I haven’t. Rand’s books are over a thousand pages and must be read many… Read more »
You’re right on the money, Intrigare. Hey, ya know what’s even weirder? Karl here actually thinks he’s the only guy in the forum who’s ever read Engels or Marx. What a maroon, huh? And what’s his deal with Ayn Rand? Everyone knows that Bastiat, Von Mises, and Rothbard are where it’s at.
“An appeal is asking the same authority to take another look.” It’s a different judge, Karl. That makes it a different authority. “Not sure how I agreed to this. Nice try though.” That’s funny, Karl. You of all people should know you don’t get the choice to agree or disagree. You obey. Or else. “What’s to stop a gang or corporation from just taking your property?” Simple, Karl. Whoever has the most guns wins. Say, why are you presuming my gang will be the weakest one in your hypothetical scenario, anyway? It’s because I’m a women, isn’t it? Sexist. 😉… Read more »
Nope. Both judge’s are acting on behalf of the state, so it is the same authority. “Simple, Karl. Whoever has the most guns wins. Say, why are you presuming my gang will be the weakest one in your hypothetical scenario, anyway? It’s because I’m a women, isn’t it? Sexist.” Hey, if you think about it… society is already like that! The government already has the most guns, so I guess they win! I didn’t realize how happy you are with society as is, Silvia! I assumed you were a libertarian, but as it turns out you are a statist. Welcome… Read more »
“Nope. Both judge’s are acting on behalf of the state, so it is the same authority.”
The judge is the authority. The state just signs his paychecks.
“The government already has the most guns, so I guess they win!”
Actually, private citizens account for 393 million of the nation’s guns. Guess who’d lose if push came to shove? I’ll give you a hint, it rhymes with shmovernment.
“Nope. Both judge’s are acting on behalf of the state, so it is the same authority.”
The judge is the authority. The state just signs his paychecks.
“The government already has the most guns, so I guess they win!”
Actually, private citizens account for 393 million of the nation’s guns. Guess who’d lose if push came to shove? I’ll give you a hint, it rhymes with shmovernment.
By the way, Karl.
Didja know that, according to Marx, once s o c i a l i s m is truly realized the state will become totally obsolete?
From that point onward, society will govern itself without the state’s coercive enforcement of law. See? Even libtard weirdos like you believe in self-government.
God this spam filter is sucking a bag of dicks today.
Hey, what happened to your mod powers, Silvia? Someone with more guns take them away? ?
And holy crap, libertarians and Marxists rejoice, we’re all in agreement now ;). Congratulations everyone, excellent debate.
“Actually, private citizens account for 393 million of the nation’s guns. Guess who’d lose if push came to shove? I’ll give you a hint, it rhymes with shmovernment.”
Except for the fact that most people want a government. I guess we at another standstill though, because you are living in a fantasy where everybody wants a stateless society, everybody has the power to change it with all of those guns, and yet the government remains. lol
Yeah, I noticed awhile ago the spam filter doesn’t like the s word. I guess Ian was triggered by it. Poor baby. =)
“Oh, and don’t get me started on the French and their smelly armpits.”
Aw the French aren’t that bad. I personally find some of the French pretty hot. (Women, Karl, don’t get excited.). That language and accent! Voila! … ;). Bonjour.. :)~
Hell where do we think Frédéric Bastiat, Voltaire, and the Statue of Liberty came from came from anyway? And have you seen the news about all the anti-government and anti-forced inoculation rioting right now? Hell I’ll bet France has just as much potential to be a libertopia as anyplace else.
“Yeah, I noticed awhile ago the spam filter doesn’t like the s word. I guess Ian was triggered by it. Poor baby. =)”
Lol. Hmm yeah I’m thinking it may have filtered out one of your responses to me. I guess that means I’m under Ian’s protection. For now anyway 😉
Probably. There’s been a couple of instances where I wrote a reply, it filtered my message, and then I couldn’t give a damn to retype it. I guess the Free Market is watching over you and Silvia against my statist oppression (sometimes) Glory Be to the Invisible Hand! Oh look, It’s like I’m practically a member of that sham church Rich “Nobody” Paul claims to be the leader of.
Ramen.
Look at the bright side, the more the Free Keeners advocate for stuff like this and no masks, the sooner they’ll get the Delta or next variant that comes along and die. The problem of them will self correct and not one corrupt, racist pig cop will have to do anything.