On Thursday, March 19, 2009, Patrick Shields and Sam Dodson spoke to the city council regarding property taxes. While counselors may not have agreed with the words coming out of their mouths, there was no doubt that some were impressed with the forethought and planning that each put into his speech. At least 2 city counselors approached Patrick after the meeting and encouraged him to become even more involved in the city political system.
I think it is time that FreeKeene.com hold these people responsible for the votes they make, and make sure they feel the pressure from those of us that care about personal freedom in Keene. Hopefully this is only the beginning of our adventures getting to know the good and the bad going on in the council chambers.
In a well publicized and attended protest, Andrew Carroll held a small piece of marijuana near downtown Keene. His purpose was to illustrate in person how just holding a plant can draw unprovoked violence and kidnapping from government, an organization claiming to “serve and protect” the common man. Approximately 20 minutes after his protest began, Keene police officers showed up, and took Andrew away in handcuffs for “unlawful possession of marijuana.” After being held by police for about an hour, he was released with a court date to enter a plea on a class B misdemeanor.
That court date is on March 3rd, at 8:30am in the Keene District Court. There is less than 2 weeks until then, and Andrew agreed to an interview to answer some questions about the upcoming day. While he will be attending his hearing, and possible trial, Andrew says he will not be preparing any legal defense, and says “Any statement I make in my defense will be a moral one; I won’t argue legally because I’m clearly guilty of a crime.”
For more information, see Andrew’s interview below.
As a super-activist in Texas, Sam did not let government employees get away with breaking their own rules. He questioned the system from within it, and made judges, police officers, and city workers face tough questions about their jobs. By moving to Keene, he is now surrounded by people that will support him as he continues his efforts in New Hampshire. As he gets settled in and familiar with New Hampshire laws, expect FreeKeene.com support and report on Sam’s activism.
After being praised by activists for making some positive choices, “Justice” Edward Burke from the Keene “District Court” appears to have slid back down the path to totalitarianism. In an “ORDER” (.PDF) issued today, Burke claims that video cameras are “disruptive of the proper and orderly administration of justice”. He orders his subordinates to “require pool coverage” and apply the rule to “all court procedures conducted outside the courtroom or court facility”.
He also has rescheduled the “trial” that they are demanding in regards to the Freedom Couch for Friday, Nov. 14th at 1:30p.
My interpretation of their legalese is that there is a chance that activists who show up to the “district court” in Keene with cameras on the 14th stand a possibility of being arrested for simply recording the court security procedure or the clerk’s window. (more…)
The day after this year’s Pumpkin Fest in Keene, stay in town for Keene Freedom Fest! It’s happening Sunday, October 26th from 11am to 2pm in downtown Keene’s Railroad Square (82 Main St.). Enjoy a fun, relaxing day in the company of fellow liberty lovers and these activities:
After being praised by activists for making some positive choices, “Justice” Edward Burke from the Keene “District Court” appears to have slid back down the path to totalitarianism. In an 
The day after this year’s Pumpkin Fest in Keene, stay in town for 
