Today (Aug 7, 2012) I called the Keene Police Department to check the status of my Concealed Carry License application. I applied for the license on July 20. It’s my understanding that NH law requires that the local police department “shall-issue” all valid applicants within 14 days (10 business days) of applying. Applicants must call and ask for an answer–they will not call you. However, if a person has NOT been approved, they will mail that person with an explanation as to why they were denied, and they must do that within 14 days. The clerk (Pat) at the records department said that my application was not in the “approved” pile, and that the man in charge of applications (Michael Goodchild) was on vacation until Aug. 20. She gave me his voicemail, and I left a message. In his voicemail recording, he directs callers to contact Jim McLaughlin with any issues. When I phoned Jim McLaughlin and told him I was audio recording, he told me he did not consent to being recorded and redirected my call to Michael Goodchild’s voicemail again. The third time I called, I explained to the clerk what had happened and asked to speak with someone who would talk to me on the record. After waiting on hold for a few minutes, Pat returned and said that the “Chief of Police” Ken Meola told her that “Captain” Costa would call me back today regarding this issue. Very curious…
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
Thanks to the Union Leader’s Pat Grossmith for the report on yesterday’s jury outreach:
About two dozen protesters were outside Hillsborough County Superior Court North Monday morning, greeting potential jurors in next week’s trial of Adam Mueller, 30, who is accused of recording telephone conversations with a police officer, high school principal and school secretary without their consent.
“Good Jurors Nullify Bad Laws” read one homemade sign.
Others carried bright yellow signs, with wording in bold black saying: “Jury Duty? NHJury.com 1-800-TEL-JURY.”
The website advocates jury nullification, whereby a juror would vote his conscience and vote not guilty, even in cases where there is evidence of guilt. (more…)
[Thanks to Ian for reposting this, and the offer to blog here at FreeKeene. I’ll post here occasionally, with insights I’ve gained over the years, or perhaps counterpoints. I’ve evolved in my view on the Keene methods of activism. And perhaps that’ll be my next post here… — Seth]
Found a post over at BlueHampshire, and my reply is below (I copied the rest for context)
There is no right to know
by: Marjorie Porter
Fri Aug 03, 2012 at 20:02:05 PM EDT
Over the last several days, I have been trying, via Twitter, to get @FreeStateNH to tell me which candidates running for the NH House are members of the Free State Project. They have boasted there are 14 FSP members currently serving in the NH House. But they keep telling me FSP is not political. I keep asking how I will know if a candidate is FSP. I have asked and asked. I have said voters have the right to know. Tonight they told me there is no right to know. (more…)
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…)
What do the Keene Police have to hide?
Ademo’s story has hit major nationwide media including the 
