Steve Vaillancourt is a liberty-leaning state representative who is a relatively widely-read blogger at NH Insider. He’s a studied opponent of the insane War on Drugs and has frequently testified in favor of ending drug prohibition, at least on cannabis.
The following is Rich Paul’s letter to the Keene City Council, as recorded and transcribed by Derrick J Freeman:
When two groups of bullies attacked artists on consecutive days on The Common this month, the Keene City Government sent them a firm message: “Keep it up! We have your back.” How else can we interpret the facts?
In the first attack, four men, all of whom are employed by the Pour House or Pedraza’s, attacked my friend Andy from behind. I dropped my camera and phone, picked up the camera monopod, and drove three of them off. One Pour House employee was able to steal my camera and phone but serious violence was averted.
The City’s response was swift and sure: they arrested me two days later for being a felon in possession of a stick. They have not taken any action against the rioters and thieves. The video of this incident can be found on YouTube, and the thief, first name Terry, bragged of his theft (of the camera) on Twitter.
In the second incident, nobody was fast enough to protect the artist from serious harm, and therefore no arrests have been made. However, City Councilor Filiault is still willing to take the bold step of protecting violent thugs against offensive smiley faces and peace signs by outlawing sidewalk art. His message to bullies: “Hurt people, and we’ll give people what they want.” Perhaps a better solution would be to hold Dorrie O’Meara, who employs all 5 of the attackers, accountable for what her employees do while on the clock.
The NHMA, a group that represents the big-government interests of the various cities and towns in New Hampshire, argues in their 16-page amicus that the superior court erred by dismissing the cases against the Robin Hooders. They say the court did not weigh the “significant governmental interest” in parking enforcement against the right to free speech. In addition, they claim the bureaucrats should be protected from speech they don’t wish to hear and that “reasonable” restrictions can be placed on your free speech, to protect the government agents precious’ ears and egos.
The brief by attorney Charles Bauer filed on behalf of the city is 49 pages and argues that Robin Hooders’ conduct is not protected speech and that their employees will suffer “irreparable harm” if Robin Hooding is allowed to continue. The filing includes basically the same arguments made at superior court, just in appeal form.
ALP, PNN and other podcast stuff • Derrick jumps through fiery hoops • Old DMV grannies conspiracy • Young libertarians. Why we do what we do and why the opposition is wrong • City nanny proposes chalking ordinances • Who owns the commons? • NJ boardwalk mandatory dress code • Ellen and Derrick join • Show notes at: BlackSheepRising.org
On the morning of June 16th, 2014 myself and fellow Free Keene blogger Joel Valenzuela were accompanied by activists Angela Aronoff, Nicholas Buroker, and new Free State Project mover Andrew Vermiglio at the Hillsborough County Superior Court House located in down town Manchester NH. We arrived at the court house to warmly great jurors as they approached the building. As they approached, we were handing out NHJury.com pamphlets to jurors. The pamphlets inform the jurors of their rights as a juror. The emphasis being that a jury can vote not guilty if the law is unjust. Jury nullification outreach has been consistent every jury selection at this court house since March of this year. Hopefully other activists around the state will do the same at other court houses.
Wednesday, June 18th 2014 – 10am – Activists convened at the NH Supreme Court to hear Rich Paul’s attorney argue for an appeal. That means even though Rich Paul lost his original trial, he can ask a higher court to hear arguments to decide if the original ruling was wrongly decided. If they decide to go forward with the appeal, Rich will have a whole new trial. The Supreme Court’s ruling is where laws are challenged and clarified. Whatever they decide has the potential to set future precedent.
![SteveVaillancourtRNH[1]](https://i0.wp.com/freekeene.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/SteveVaillancourtRNH1.jpeg)
Steve Vaillancourt is a liberty-leaning state representative who is a relatively widely-read blogger at NH Insider. He’s a studied opponent of the insane War on Drugs and has frequently testified in favor of ending drug prohibition, at least on cannabis. 
On the morning of June 16th, 2014 myself and fellow Free Keene blogger Joel Valenzuela were accompanied by activists Angela Aronoff, Nicholas Buroker, and new 
Court House located in down town Manchester NH. We arrived at the court house to warmly great jurors as they approached the building. As they approached, we were handing out 
