As journalist and videographer Sam Dodson was screaming from another room, David Krouse and other activists were ordered to leave the lobby of the allegedly public Keene district court. Krouse sat down and remained peacefully noncooperative. For this, he was arrested and charged with “disorderly conduct”. Last week he was sentenced to six days in the Cheshire jail and that sentence began this morning, as activists gathered to see him off.
During Sam’s most recent arrest, I was feeling angry and sad at the Keene Police’s actions. I’m sure this came out during the ordeal, because his arresting officer, Lt. Peter Thomas, would say things like, “Yeah, I’m a tyrant and a thug,” or, “I know, I’m a monster.” It was those comments that led me to write this letter, in hopes of showing Sam’s captor that we are caring people who have nothing but love for everyone, even him.
Dear Peter Thomas,
This is Meg, from the Keene area activist group. I am writing to you because I believe anger is the gateway to violence, and I want none of it in my life. I’m sure you can understand the fact that someone in my position would be angry; however, you may not understand my views that led me to that point. (more…)
As you may know, we’ve been experimenting with QIK.com’s live streaming video service. Activists are “arming up” with smartphones and streaming live video and audio of activism as-it-happens. Now you can see these live streamed videos moments after they air, permanently on our new YouTube channel, “Free Keene Live“. You’ll also see it in our right menu as “YouTube Live”. To kick things off, I’ve included the live video of Sam’s arrest on Friday. Don’t forget to hit the “Subscribe” button, as many of these videos will not be featured here on the blog.
Meg moved to New Hampshire from her hometown of Portland, OR after discovering the true nature of government and its harmful effects. She came to Keene with a degree in film production, and the desire to be active in the shift from government violence to a peaceful and consensual society. As a filmmaker, she hopes to capture the passion and courage of those who will be the voices of change, so others will be inspired to take part.
Sam’s trial started today. The state presented its case before the court time ran out, and the trial will be continued on September 4th.
However, moments after leaving court, Sam broadcasted the below Porc411. Apparently under arrest for driving with a suspended license. More details will be posted to FreeKeene.com as we learn more.
At Keene District court today Patrick Shields, a resident of Keene, was put on trial by the State for charges stemming from the April 13th Court Lobby incident. At the start of the trial Patrick was informed that the Disorderly Conduct charge was being dropped leaving only the Resisting Arrest charge on the docket.
The trial was very similar to the two held on Monday, July 27 where David Krouse and Nick Ryder faced charges of Disorderly Conduct from the same incident. Police Prosecutor Eli Rivera provided the State’s Testimony, repeating the same statements heard Monday. Mr. Shields’ argument focused on the fact that Officer Rivera, the arresting officer per the summons, had no physical contact with Mr. Shields and because of this there was nothing to resist as far as a physical arrest.
Patrick also testified that his thought process at the time, given the situation, provided him with one moral option. He chose to attain a purely passive state and not interact with the Officers.
Judge Edward Burke first congratulated Mr. Shields on his preparation for the trial and then found him guilty. The punishment handed down was a $1000 fine – suspended. Should Patrick be convicted of a Class B or greater misdemeanor or a felony within the next year he will have to pay the fine or serve roughly 20 days in jail.
One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. And yes, I am aware of the double entendre. Sucks that we don’t have a better male/female ratio in the Free State Project but I may as well use it to recruit some more gay guys.
This one was actually inspired by Puke over at Dooms Day Device who found a way to have a good laugh at the somewhat disappointing (for straight guys) ratio. I actually had to tone it down a little bit before I was comfortable with it. You know how outrageous I can be so that should say something!
Fret not, men. Fortunately the ratio seems to be getting better lately. Lots more ladies seem to be getting interested in the FSP.
Disclaimer: The Free State Project has not endorsed this message… and probably won’t.
As journalist and videographer Sam Dodson was screaming from another room, David Krouse and other activists were ordered to leave the lobby of the allegedly public Keene district court. Krouse sat down and remained peacefully noncooperative. For this, he was arrested and charged with “disorderly conduct”. Last week he was sentenced to six days in the Cheshire jail and that sentence began this morning, as activists gathered to see him off.
Meg moved to New Hampshire from her hometown of Portland, OR after discovering the true nature of government and its harmful effects. She came to Keene with a degree in film production, and the desire to be active in the shift from government violence to a peaceful and consensual society. As a filmmaker, she hopes to capture the passion and courage of those who will be the voices of change, so others will be inspired to take part.
