Institutionalized Racism: Blacks in Cheshire County Nearly 10x More Likely To Be Arrested For Cannabis

by | Sep 14, 2013 | 7 comments

NHCLU Cannabis Blacks ArrestedThe NH Civil Liberties Union has run the numbers and found that across NH, blacks are 2.6 times more likely than whites to be arrested for cannabis possession. That’s a pretty serious indictment about a pervasive institutional racism present among NH police. (I’m not saying all cops are racist. Betcha some of them are, though.)

It gets worse, though. Cheshire county is far-and-away the worst place of all the counties in NH. Law enforcement officers here are nearly TEN TIMES more likely to arrest blacks than whites for cannabis possession. That’s just…stunning.

All the while the police chief acts like a marijuana arrest is no big deal. Check out the full story at the NHCLU blog.

How sad it is that racism is still out there lurking. How it is dangerous when the racists are uniformed and carry badges and guns. It reminded me of a sad letter to the editor of the Sentinel from a black girl named Crystal, explaining why she was leaving town. To any racists in New Hampshire, did you know there is a racist state project in North Dakota? You should move there.

Here’s Crystal’s letter: (more…)

City Committee Aproves Synthetic Drugs Ban 5-0

by | Sep 13, 2013 | 22 comments

SpiceLast night the Keene PLD committee voted 5-0 to approve the proposed ban on synthetic drugs in Keene. Many in the community came out to speak on the issue, most of whom spoke for the new prohibition. Led by a group of confused, angry local parents, the prohibitionists won the day with their fear-based arguments justifying the violence the people calling themselves “the city” will soon employ against the poorest of victims – drug addicts.

The commission pretended to care as the opponents of prohibition spoke in favor of freedom and pointed out how prohibition created synthetic drugs in the first place, that prohibition never works, and the war on drugs only makes addicts’ lives worse.

Truth was of no concern to the committee. They overwhelmingly bought the prohibitionists’ claims that their ban will make things safer, when all the evidence points to the opposite. Force does not work and always creates unintended consequences. Force is not compassion for our sick, addicted neighbors.

The matter now goes to the full council where it will likely pass, despite not even likely being legal by their own rules. Of course, when have their own rules ever stopped them from doing what they want?

Here’s the city’s video of the commission meeting. The synthetic drug ban is the first issue raised, and testimony lasts a while. Also, here’s good coverage of the event from the Keene Sentinel’s Kyle Jarvis: (more…)

Lenco Gets a Paycheck, Concord Gets a BEARCAT

by | Sep 10, 2013 | 1 comment

myVader-Sert-BearcatConcord police will be receiving a Ballistic Engineered Armored Response Counter Attack Truck, after an 11-4 vote by the full city council in favor of accepting the military-style vehicle funded by a Department of Homeland Security grant to the Lenco corporation. The fire chief closed the building to many attendees, calling capacity at a reported 70 guests. Drum circles, light shows, sign waving, videography, and socializing occurred in the courtyard outside of the council meeting location on Green Street. Media from around the state observed proceedings both inside and outside of the chambers. Dave Ridley has already posted an ambush interview of Concord police chief John Duval to his youtube channel, in which he asks the top cop if he expected anyone beyond DHS bureaucracy to read his grant application. Ridley’s coverage, from which more is to be expected later, is embedded below.

Tony Schinella’s article at Concord Patch includes quotes from city councilors on both sides the issue, who were reportedly offered copies of Radley Balko’s Rise of the Warrior Cop while they were considering their decision. After word of the vote came out to the crowd, the message on the green beam laser pointed at a nearby steeple read, “BEARCAT FOR SALE CALL 911”. (more…)

Council Committees to Consider Expanding or Reducing Prohibition Wed Night

by | Sep 10, 2013 | 0 comments

Pot LeafThis Wednesday night at Keene city hall, 2nd floor, it will be a drug war showdown! The advocates for a brand new prohibition will be present to support the proposed illegal ordinance against all synthetic drugs.  The ordinance has been written, and it is horrible (it starts on pg 61 of this PDF).

MSFI committee @ 6pm will be hearing the proposed prohibition on all synthetic drugs – please come speak against this awful idea.

PLD committee @ 7pm will be hearing David Crawford’s proposal to have the council write a letter to the legislature encouraging legalization.  They will also hear my proposal to repeal the paraphernalia ordinance.

You can speak on all of these issues – please come out and support ending the insane war on drugs!  Here is a facebook event for the meetings.

Aqua Kzheckpoint Patrol Fortification #1

by | Sep 9, 2013 | 0 comments

2013_09_09_akpfmasscopThis week’s fulfilling installment entered into the AKPF #1 timeslot on CheshireTV is Aqua Kzheckpoint Patrol Fortification #1, offering a unique perspective into a suspicionless checkpoint established on Route 12 in Walpole in addition to following up on AKPF #1 episode 10 Staatspolizei. Included in this episode are editorial videos by Dave Ridley, which do not represent the views of this channel, its staff, board of directors, or underwriters. Plus, you wouldn’t want to miss the unconstitutional anticamera tirade of Barnstable MassCop Gretchen Allen as captured by journalist Robert Bastille.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_lt0dF0WX0 (more…)