Keene Sentinel Covers Police Station Smoke-In

by | Sep 28, 2009 | 9 comments

POtThey arrested our friend, so the cannabis celebration was brought inside the Keene police lobby yesterday, as the Sentinel’s Anika Clark reports:

Supporters of marijuana legalization took their fight with a law directly to the law Sunday as they lit up in the Keene Police Station lobby.

They puffed. They cheered and laughed. They left. But not before one of them yelled at a department employee who was working behind a front window.

One of the rally-goers had just been released without being charged, after being arrested for smoking what he said was nothing more than mint leaves. But activist Sam A. Miller said, “What they smoked inside the police station today, that was real. … I could tell from the smell.” (more…)

2nd Arrest Made at 420 Protest – No Charges

by | Sep 27, 2009 | 12 comments

Police arrested and soon released a protester named Evan downtown on Sunday afternoon. He was let go after the police realized he wasn’t actually in possession of marijuana.

Lt. Shane Maxfield continued his undying urging of activists to “work within the system.” I was taught in school that democracy was defined as “Majority rule with minority rights.” When the rights of minorities are stripped by the majority, democracy falls apart, and the time, money, and effort needed to win back just one measly right is so extreme and so costly, that activists often burn out before one victory.

The system is broken when it proves is has unlimited purview in controlling the private lives of citizens. The system is broken because it has no restrictions. The system is broken because 1000 people stealing from or enslaving 100 is not moral, even if they voted.

The system is broken, Shane. Stop following immoral orders.

Video: Arrest of Downtown Marijuana Activist

by | Sep 26, 2009 | 41 comments

Rich Paul, one of the original organizers of what has become a daily anti-prohibition rally, was singled out and arrested today by Keene Police.

He was later released on $1000 PR bond with a November 2nd court date.

Heard on the police scanner afterward: “I think what we needed to do is done. I don’t know if there’s any reason to go back and stir the pot again.”

The question: Will they “stir the pot” again on Sunday?