Published today at CopBlock.org is an article by William N. Grigg on the Orwellian irony in the slogan of police in the United States, “To protect and serve”. He overviews lawsuits in New Hampshire and other states which suggest that some police believe civilians to have an active duty to protect and to serve them.
Since the news broke earlier this week that Beverly Mutrie was being sued by officers wounded in the raid on Cullen Mutrie’s residence in Greenland, I have wondered what made the plaintiffs believe that this lawsuit could be considered legitimate. Commentary in the Union Leader acknowledged that Beverly Mutrie is not currently facing any criminal charges connected to her son’s alleged oxycodone distribution. Unless police care to provide evidence that she had direct knowledge of ongoing criminal activity, this case seems like quite a reach. Cullen Mutrie and Brittany Tibbetts were accused of selling opiate pharmaceuticals out of their house, which was owned by Ms. Mutrie. Does evidence exist that Ms. Mutrie had knowledge of a drug ring, or is the emotional weight of a murdered police officer and wounded SWAT units being used to extort a mother grieving the loss of her child? It is an awful shame that anyone had to experience violence on the April evening of the botched raid. It is unfortunate that so many, especially in law enforcement, fail to recognize how the system manufactures opportunities for crime profiteering, which the state then powers a war to desist.
Your “Duty” To Protect and Serve the Police
by William N. Grigg
Though Ademo, donning his blue jail jumpsuit, wasn’t able to speak with those present, he did turn and give a big smile. He’s in good spirits.
After less than an hour, 15 individuals had been screened as jurors or alternates. Ademo’s trial is slated to begin next Monday, August 13th. Supporters will be outside at 8am and the “circus”, as Ademo’s called it, will begin at 9am.
Hillsborough County Superior Court North
300 Chestnut Street
Manchester, NH 03101
Prior to the activity inside the courtroom, a couple dozen friends of Ademo friends gathered outside both as a show of support and to hand information about jury nullification to potential jurors. While some coldly passed without acknowledging the presence of a friendly human being, many were receptive. Or at least they knew they might have a lot of down-time and realized that having some literature to read wouldn’t be all-bad.
For complete background on this situation, contact info, and ways YOU can help Ademo, visit: http://copblock.org/freeademo
Ademo Freeman continues to attract more eyes to his case. Yesterday a letter from him transcribed at nevertakeaplea.org was published. He affirmed that he would not be accepting a plea deal to safely avoid jail or prison time, and that he will trust a jury of his peers not to convict him for his victimless attempt to create transparency.
…by the time this is published to CopBlock.org and other blogs, I’ll have refused Michael’s offer and here’s why. First, I can’t go against my principles and sign a deal that says I acknowledge my actions as wrong or illegal. Second, I’m not a hypocrite. How can I advocate refusing plea deals and sign one myself? I don’t judge anyone who has taken pleas because each case/charge is different. Third, I am confident I can show a jury, with facts and logic, that I shouldn’t be caged for my actions.
Appearing today on CNN’s iReport blog is an entry about Ademo’s upcoming trial, which is scheduled to take place in Manchester in just over a week. (more…)