Free Keene is no monolith

by | Feb 21, 2011 | 0 comments

Journalists are often forced to oversimplify the blurry, confusing reality of the Keene libertarian movement due to constraints on time and newspaper space. Local liberty activists sometimes oversimplify, too– or are even misinformed themselves. This can create frustrating misconceptions, so it’s good to clarify the relationship between the different activists and organizations and activities every once in a while.

Last night’s WMUR report provides some perfect examples of possibly misleading simplifications. (Not to pick on them– I think they summarized the situation fairly, all things considered.)

WMUR claims that Free Keene is an “offshoot” of the Free State Project. Is it? (more…)

Heika’s Letter to Sgt. Cemorelis

by | Jan 31, 2011 | 1 comment

HeikaHello Officer Cemorelis,

I’m writing to you today to inform you that I am VERY disappointed in your performance this morning in the courtroom. I have known you for several years and thought you were so much better than that. I have heard from several sources (including your ex wife and yes, even some colleagues) about many underhanded things you have done, but have always stuck up for you saying that you are one of the “few good ones” in Keene. You are intelligent, funny, and charming. Now I also know you to be short fused, drunk on power, and a man of little to no morals. I am so sorry for whatever happened to change you into such a wretch, but please do NOT take it out on peaceful people.

My friend was merely sitting quietly in the courtroom in support of others (There are multiple videos out showing this). He was not being disruptive, nor was he any type of threat. Yet you felt it ok to smack this wonderful being right out of his chair? Have I mentioned how disappointed I am in your DISGUSTING conduct?? (more…)

Integrity in a Threatening Situation

by | Aug 25, 2010 | 145 comments

CallawayBrewbaker’s owner James Callaway aka “the cup guy”, has called me out for having “zero integrity” for revealing a detail of a conversation with him I had agreed to keep private. (I did this in the comments here, number 104.) Here’s the voicemail James left me this morning where he calls me out and makes a vague threat against “you guys”, (presumably Sam and I, or perhaps all liberty activists) “You guys really like to play games, and unfortunately you’re gonna learn. Goodbye.”

One of the fundamental tenets I live by is to honor my agreements, so why would I reveal a conversation I’d agreed to keep private?

Before I answer, I’d like to give you a little more detail. This weekend, I received a message from James via facebook: (more…)

WKBK’s Dan Mitchell Discusses City Council Drinking Game

by | Aug 20, 2010 | 79 comments

I called into the morning show here in Keene to discuss last nights Keene City Council drinking game and the Anti-Free Keene hecklers that showed up to disrupt filming. Keene City Councilor Pam Slack called in to announce that Heika’s letter would be addressed on Wednesday at 6:30.

Grab the Archive here to get my perspective on this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVX5i3jXYT8

Here’s an Update based on the comments:

I’m currently editing the video for the event.  The full footage from this incident is shown in the beginning.  This version seems to have cut two previous occasions where he was disrupting my interview by holding the cup in front of the camera. He was repeatedly asked to stop interfering.
(more…)