Court Personnel Especially Hostile at Ian Freeman’s Pre-Trial Hearing

Around 7:15 AM, eight individuals including myself left the Keene Activist Center in Keene, NH in order to make it to Palmer, MA District Court for a 9:00 AM pre-trial hearing for Ian Freeman of Free Talk Live. Four people in the Palmer area also made it to the hearing. Ian was arrested for filming inside of Palmer City Hall during an allegedly public tax sale on October 25, 2012. It was claimed that he was being “disorderly” by filming in the public space.

Upon entering the courthouse, the man operating the security theater (badge #245) asked what Cecelia (of Ladies in Keene) and I were there for, to which I responded, “A hearing.” After further questioning, I noted that it was a pre-trial hearing. Cecelia was told cell phones were not allowed in the courthouse, so she went to return it to the vehicle. Having emptied my pockets before entering the building, I walked through the metal detector and stepped off to the side to wait for my friends. Cecelia and Jay (who runs www.mail-to-jail.com) came through security, but Ian was questioned about why he had a tripod – as that was an indication that he had a camera. Ian shared the notice to record he had filed and convinced the man (badge #245) to hold his equipment at the desk until after the notice was reviewed by the judge; he was let through, without his recording equipment.
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Palmer, MA Court Security Freaks Out on Camera-Toting Activists

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. (more…)

Videos: KPD unveils the BEARCAT

On Saturday December 8, 2012 the Keene Police held an Emergency Vehicle Open House, where they showed off various vehicles from the Police Department as well as the Fire Department and Department of Public Works. Below are two of the many videos from the event.

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Keene Receives Uncle Sam’s Attack Truck

It was a cold and rainy morning as the Bearcat attack truck was put on display to the public for the first time in Keene, New Hampshire. Between nine and eleven ante meridiem, the Ballistic Engineered Armored Response Counter Attack Truck was on display with the motor running and the rear doors open, revealing the personnel carrying compartment which seats eight. With the driver and passenger seat, the truck fits ten commandos comfortably, and came standard with no less than ten gun ports. While the KPD didn’t receive the additional gas injector arm, LRAD, or a .50 caliber to mount atop their rotating turret, the powerful fixed FLIR camera gives the department new vision as hunters. The infrared lens can see warm bodies in the darkness, as the image is created by detecting thermal signatures instead of light, akin to the alien antagonist in the sci-fi thriller Predator.

lenco_gasinjector

Waco-style penetrating gas weapon

Among those who braved the weather, there was much speculation as to how the Bearcat would be first put to use. While those who tried selling the prospect of the Bearcat to the people claimed it could be used as a rescue vehicle, tour guides acknowledged that it was a standard Ford pickup truck on an enhanced frame with armor. It is not capable of traversing flood waters any more than its unarmored counterpart, beyond the additional elevation provided by the large wheels.

The attack truck is equipped with environmental detectors on the exterior of the vehicle. The sensors are capable of recognizing certain chemical, biological, and radiation dangers. However, the interior itself is in no way insulated from any of these potential threats, as it does not have its own pressurized cabin. The boondoggle also features three spotlights, and all the flashes and noises one would expect from a police vehicle. (more…)

East Coast Bitcoin Summit in Philadelphia Next Week

Re-blogged from PeaceNewsNow.com:

I will be attending the East Coast Bitcoin Summit in Philadelphia next weekend. Join me!

East Coast Bitcoin Summit
Free the currency. Free the people.

Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012
1 to 5:00 PM • FREE

Underground Arts
1200 Callowhill St., Philadelphia

• Introduction to Bitcoin, by Joshua Harvey
• Currency of the Revolution, by Danny Panzella
• Advancing Your Business by Accepting Bitcoin, by Zach Harvey
• Elliptic Curve Cryptography, the Foundation of Bitcoin, by Matt Whitlock
• Plus: Round Table Discussion, How-to Demonstrations, a Surprise Guest via Skype and high quality adult beverages.

Presented by:
Truth, Freedom, Prosperity
Valley Forge Revolutionaries
Free State Bitcoin Consortium

Does your business accept Bitcoin? Ask for a free promotional table. Call 610-574-1222 or email jamesbabb@mac.com for more information.

RSVP: tinyurl.com/BitcoinSummit