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.
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Ruth Sterling has already faced consequences for her aggression. Here’s one of her memes by Bill Walsh on Facebook. lol!
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…)
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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…)
Rich Paul
I always thought the language in RSA 519:23-a (commonly referred to as the jury nullification statute) was weak. In fact, the state’s attorney argued in front of the NH supreme court that before it passed into law, the legislature stripped all mention of jury nullification from the original bill. From the state’s perspective, their attorney was correct, and the supreme court unanimously affirmed that the statute is not a jury nullification statute. Here’s their seven-page decision.
The statute in question is a shadow of what it should have been. Perhaps the legislature can try again and get it right this time. Until then, whether or not a defendant will be allowed to tell a jury about nullification (which has happened multiple times thus far in NH) remains up-to-the-judge in the case, it seems. Stay tuned to Free Keene for or NHJury.com for the latest news about jury rights in New Hampshire.
Reason has an excellent take on the news here, and FIJA’s opinion is here.
Podcast:
Recorded October 16th, 2014
Derrick J Freeman joins us in studio to give us an update on Rich Paul being freed, Ian Freeman’s trial, and James Cleaveland’s NH Supreme Court case about the city of Keene vs Robin Hood of Keene. Other topics discussed include the panels that are upcoming at Keenevention, recent activism, and what life is like as a full time activist working on the “Freedom Project” in the Shire. The Rebel Love show is also available for download on Itunes and Stitcher.
It’s been an intense several days for local independent newsman Jared Goodell. He’s been interviewed by and featured on many national media outlets for his heroic role in handling the assaults and threats by Pumpkin Fest organizer Ruth Sterling. (The video has gone viral.) This morning in addition to appearing locally on WKBK with Dan Mitchell, Jared took part in a hilarious interview on WGN-AM in Chicago:
Yesterday he had an excellent interview on Fox N’ Friends:
He also appeared on CNN and in another FOX report as well.
Ross Ulbricht faces decades in prison for allegedly running the Silk Road underground online market.
Join Derrick J and dozens of liberty-loving folk for the first-ever HALLOWKEENE Costume Dance Party on November 1st from 9pm through Midnight at the Best Western Sovereign Hotel ballroom! This is a costume dance party and there will be three prizes for the top three costumes! You can indicate you’re coming via this facebook event.
More importantly, this event is a fundraiser for Ross Ulbricht. He’s been accused of running the Silk Road black market website, and he needs your help to avoid life in prison. Whether or not you attend the party, you can give to Ross’ legal campaign here.
If you don’t have your Keenevention badge with you, please have at least $10 (or BTC) to donate to Ross at the door of HALLOWKEENE to get entry to the party. See you on Saturday, 11/1 from 9p-Mid. Boo!
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