Back in October, I was arrested by Palmer, MA police officer Raymond Tenczar for “disorderly conduct”, for the terrible crime of operating a video camera in town hall. In case you missed the arrest video, here it is.
This morning was the “pre-trial conference” and eight liberty activists from Keene got up bright and early and joined four other liberty-lovers from Massachusetts at Palmer District Court. It was an eventful morning! Nearly every liberty activist was threatened by court staff for trying to bring in cameras, wearing hats, and other non-offenses. The insanity began immediately upon entry to the security area of the courthouse, where half-a-dozen court security agents flipped out over multiple activists entering with their cameras. One officer even came running down the hall and another rolled up quickly in his cruiser to “assist” their cohorts in crushing any hope of transparency or allowing the public to see what goes on inside the court building. Shire TV‘s James Cleaveland was even assaulted by one of the swarming officers as he grabbed at James’ camera.
Some of the action spilled outside and surely video is coming soon, so check back for that here at Free Keene. Much of the conflict I was unable to experience, as I was also trying to get through security so as to not be late for the hearing. (And possibly face a “failure to appear” charge and bench warrant.) The security officer running the x-ray was having a conniption over my backpack containing a variety of electronic devices as well as outreach material. I showed him the notice to record that I had filed a month previous and was eventually able to convince him to hold my bag and tripod until the judge cleared it. (That’s how we did it in Greenfield, MA‘s district court during Pete and Ademo’s trial, but this was Palmer’s first real interaction with NH liberty activists.)
I made it in the courthouse on-time, and of course, the robed woman had the courtroom doors unlocked about 30 minutes past 9am, when court was supposed to have started. Meantime, the conflict between activists and court bureaucrats continued, one highlight featured a court security officer putting her fingers in her ears to block out the root-striking statements being made by Cecilia of Ladies in Keene. The woman had to be in her mid-to-late fifties, and was behaving as would a small child.
I use the term conflict, but it was all initiated by the government bureaucrats, who are frightened to death of all recording devices as well as tough questions and observations from liberty-loving activists.
Did I mention how grateful I am to be surrounded by such amazing people? Thank goddess for the Free State Project and the wonderful activists who have moved and are moving to be a part of it.
Part two of what happened in Palmer’d district court this morning is coming up on the blog later on. That post will discuss how an outrageous arrest has become even more ridiculous!
