The Heroic Andrew Carroll Launches Campaign Website!

Andrew CarrollHeroic civil disobedience activist-turned-politician Andrew Carroll has thrown his hat into the ring for the race for “State Representative” and has launched his campaign website at Carroll4NH.com. There you can learn his positions on the issues, help his campaign, and get in touch with him via email.

Here’s his bio from his website:

Andrew Carroll is a dedicated, passionate young man living in Keene, New Hampshire. He was born and raised on the other side of the country in Whittier, California where he quickly discovered the political culture is more rewarding to big pockets than big hearts. It seems natural to him, therefore, that his passion for individual rights, freedom, compassion, and honesty would lead him to the last remaining hope for consensual governance in America: New Hampshire.

More than anything Andrew Carroll wants to spend his time here making this state a better one; which means retaining door-to-door campaigning and local, town-hall-style meetings, retaining as much of a feel of non-partisanship as possible, and retaining the values that brought him here while still making visible progress. Luckily, the balance between morality and practicality is less an issue here than anywhere else; and it is possible to be an honest politician with little-to-no cash, and lots of help from friends, and win an election.

In that regard, New Hampshire has already proven to Andrew that it is the place where the dreams of a young idealist can be achieved; and he hopes, now, to prove to New Hampshire that he is up to the task of achieving those dreams.

Go Andrew!

Keene Nightcap Adds Fire-Breathing!

A new face showed up at tonight’s Nightcap. Dorian told her story of the Keene police, who she previously had been a fan of, harassing her for doing spray painting (artwork on paper, not graffiti on buildings). They threatened her apparently and demanded she beg for permission from the city government people and pay some absurd amount of money for their piece of paper. Instead, she told them she was joining the “free staters” and showed up with a fire breathing performance tonight:

Keene Police Called “Draconian” in Union Leader Update Piece on Heika

From the Union Leader’s Melanie Plenda:

A woman arrested while topless in downtown Keene last week was arrested again Tuesday, this time clothed, for protesting outside Keene District Court.

Heika Courser, 26, formerly of Richmond and currently listed as residing at 20 Forest St. in Keene, was charged with common law criminal contempt and obstructing government administration.

Courser was one of about 15 people standing on the sidewalk in front of the courthouse about 10:30 a.m. protesting a hearing for fellow Free Keene member Richard Paul.

Police Lt. Darryl Madden said Courser was arrested for “yelling” into a bullhorn, causing ruckus that led Keene District Court Judge Edward Burke to recess court. (more…)

Please, Be Honest About Violence

Recently, a law enforcement officer reader of FreeKeene.com decided to participate in the discussion that ensued in the comment section about my blog detailing my opinion of better ways to engage in open container civil disobedience.  The commentary between this officer (who I am grateful to for deciding to join in our discussion) and I shifted towards my pointing out the immorality of using violence against peaceful people.  The officer’s response I think is something worthy of discussion.

The officer replied to my assertions that initiating violence against the peaceful is immoral by stating:

“I don’t use violence but the neccessary force to obtain my lawful objective.”

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Keene’s Police Chief Responds

Two days ago I posted a blog which included a letter I sent to the Keene Police Chief regarding a question as to why his agency is not enforcing the state’s prohibition on activities during the Lord’s Day.

I’ve never met the fellow but from what I hear from fellow FreeKeene.com contributors he is indeed a very nice guy.  I personally appreciate his responding to me so quickly regarding my questions.

This is what he had to say:
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“Free Keene” UPOC Group

Want to easily stay in touch with other individuals who believe in a peaceful evolution into a society where violence isn’t used to solve peaceful problems?

Have a cell phone that is able to send and receive text messages?

Join the Free Keene UPOC group.  It is like an internet chat room…  but one that is connected to your phone through text messaging.  If you don’t have unlimited text messages, or even a cell phone, not to worry: you can read/send messages through the website.

This is sort of like the Keene 411 system…  but easier to use/set-up.  It is also private…  so the general public cannot view the discussion.

(Membership in the group is restricted to verified contributors/participants with the Free Keene blog and forum.  After you click “Ask To Join” please PM me on the forum so I know who I am verifying!)

A Question For The Keene Police Chief

After hearing the head of the Keene Police Department assert that outlawed activities are not illegal during his interview on WKBK I’ve decided to e-mail the Chief and inquire with him publicly what his positions are on enforcing the law.

Kudos to FreeKeene.com’s Sam Dodson for mentioning the ridiculous law that the Keene Police apparently have decided to ignore.  This ignoring of a law seems to fly in the face of the first provision of the Keene Police mission statement.

My letter to the Chief is below:

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