New Vermont Commons

by | Mar 7, 2011 | 0 comments

The “mud season” issue of Vermont Commons, the very cool left-wing secessionist journal, has been released.

Some highlights:

• An interview with former Green party presidential candidate David Cobb, regarding his recent work with MoveToAmend.org and corporate rights.

(Michael Badnarik, former Libertarian presidential candidate and Free State Project member participant – though not yet in New Hampshire – was arrested with Cobb when they jointly engaged in civil disobedience at a presidential debate in 2004, crossing a police line while attempting to serve an order to show cause to the Commission on Presidential Debates. “These are not debates, these are infomercials,” Cobb said. Link.)

• Cartoons: (more…)

First Ever Jury Trial of a “Free Stater”? Monday Morning.

by | Mar 3, 2011 | 0 comments

Jim JohnsonThis Monday morning, 3/7, Jim Johnson, one of the “Trespassive Twelve” arrested at the Cheshire jail last year will be facing a jury trial, with jury selection beginning at 9am.

This may be the first jury trial of a “free stater” thus far in New Hampshire, and more are expected this year. It also appears to be the first trial that Cheshire county has held in months, due to the unfortunate plea bargain process that encourages people, through intimidation, to take a guilty plea for a reduced sentence. The state agents never have to prove their case, which is frequently full of holes, and people are forced to pay hundreds of dollars in fines. That’s no easy task anytime, let alone in a down economy.

Activists will be out early at the court to perform jury nullification outreach, informing potential jurors that they have the right to vote their conscience, not just whether the government’s statutes were violated.

Here’s a facebook event with the details. See you there!

Biker Bill Arrested for Recording Police

by | Feb 25, 2011 | 0 comments

Biker BillThe allegedly coke-dealing and definitely corrupt Weare cops have targeted another liberty activist for recording them, this time videographer Biker Bill. The Union Leader reports:

WEARE – For the second time in less than a year, Weare police have charged someone with felony wiretapping for recording police activity.

William Alleman, 51, of 140 Helen Dearborn Road, was charged Tuesday with interception of oral communication prohibited, which is the state’s felony wiretapping law RSA 570-A (click for text).

Police Chief Gregory Begin released few details of the case when reached for comment Thursday. The charges stem from a July 10 traffic stop, Begin said.

“He was making an audio recording of the officer during a motor vehicle stop without getting consent of the officer,” Begin said.

Alleman said the charge is based on a cell phone call he made as an officer approached his vehicle. (more…)

Hat Charges Dropped by Keene DA

by | Feb 22, 2011 | 0 comments

While conducting “Don’t Take the Plea Deal” outreach (which is where activists hand people attending court a flyer) this morning Pete was approached by the district attorney (DA) for Keene. I witnessed this encounter but my camera was still in my jacket so I have no video. The conversation was simple, the DA approached Pete and said, “I’m going to be dropping all your charges.” Pete said he appreciated that and the DA went upstairs to court.

(more…)