I look forward to participating in what will be the second annual Keenevention this weekend. The forum taking place at the Best Western Plus Sovereign Hotel on Winchester Street will feature panels and speeches by New Hampshire’s activist community. In addition to a panel focusing on Direct Action that I will be hosting on Sunday, I was also asked to speak on Saturday’s media panel by organizer Mark Edge. When I agreed, I was not informed who else would be on the panel, though I expected that organizers would only select participants of honorable reputation when showcasing the most effective activists that New Hampshire offers.
While there is certainly a need for diversity of perspective within the activist community, there are standards that a reasonable person would expect individuals would hold each other to if we wish to make any sort of collective impact. As a peace activist, anyone who directly advocated or applauds the use of violence can be objectively classified as having beliefs counter to my own. For myself, I am wasting my most valuable asset, my time, if I support those working against my interests, those who are promoting ideas that are the opposite of my own.
It was once consensus within the libertarian and anarchist community of greater Keene that embracing peace was equally imperative to embracing ideas of social liberty. For whatever reason over the past year or so, that sentiment has changed as some formerly positive spirits have darkened amidst of heightened wave of reactionary opposition. (more…)
Surviving Pumpkinfest 2014: a tale of redemption • Smart people listen to Radiohead • That rooster has got to go, Holmes • “get a job, hooligan!” • Pink water bottle catastrophe • Vin Diesel is Not gay • Jay and Shaunna join • show notes at: BlackSheepRising.org
Armed with video cameras and pockets full of change, a group of self-styled “Robin Hooders” patrols the streets of Keene, N.H., filling expired meters and relentlessly questioning parking enforcement officers whom they believe are “stealing” from citizens to fill the city’s coffers. (more…)
The CNN coverage of the Pumpkin Fest 2014 riots in Keene is one of the mainstream media stories targeted by journalists in a new RT news segment, “Press the Media“:
Thanks to RT’s Tabetha Wallace for the coverage and shout out.
Ruth Sterling has already faced consequences for her aggression. Here’s one of her memes by Bill Walsh on Facebook. lol!
Local independent newsman and viral video sensation Jared Goodell sent a press release a few days ago announcing his decision to not file suit against Pumpkin Fest organizer Ruth Sterling, despite being approached by multiple attorneys with offers. Good on Jared for dropping the matter rather than continuing conflict with the poor, exasperated lady.
Rather than grandstanding with a lawsuit, Jared instead uses the opportunity to remind us of the value of freedom of speech and of the press:
From the moment that Ms. Sterling came onto the live TV set during the Pumpkin Festival, I cited the First Amendment of the Constitution of The United States and my right to report on the violence occurring at the Pumpkin Festival. Ms. Sterling’s threats to “pull the plug” on my report seriously undermined Freedom of the Press.
Since the founding of this country, town commons across the United States have served as the place where any person could share their opinions and views. From soapboxes to gazebos, TV cameras and reporters, all viewpoints were accepted without prejudice at this sacred community gathering point. I find it fitting that last Saturday, the First Amendment was tested in Keene’s downtown common.
If there is any lesson to be learned from this video (more…)
The Guardian’s Nicky Woolf came to Keene last week to report on the Pumpkin Fest riots and the police response. His article poignantly asks, “Did police’s militarised response to a small town pumpkin patch riot just make it worse?” According to the people Woolf interviewed, yes, they absolutely did. Here’s the full article, thanks to Woolf and the Guardian for the excellent coverage of this issue. (more…)