Cop Block

Recently my good bud JJ Schlessinger posted over at FreeKeene.com:

Several months ago Ademo Freeman was arrested outside Keene District Court in Keene, New Hampshire. Initially there was a lot of mystery surrounding the circumstances and what he did to get arrested. Early reports indicated that he had simply been asking Judge Burke some questions and the idea that asking questions could get you thrown in jail was too absurd to accept.

Ademo was released roughly two weeks later and his video of the incident was available shortly thereafter. After watching the video and witnessing myself Judge Burke’s abuse of power I felt inspired to cut up a compilation video of the people who have been victimized by Burke. Ademo was literally caged for asking questions. No foul language or threats were heard from Ademo, only three questions.

This is not a complete compilation by any means.

This video contains the arrests of the following individuals:
Ian Freeman
Dave Ridley
Pete Eyre
Beau Davis
Ademo Freeman
Derrick J Freeman

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I was arrested on January 24th, 2011 and held for half a week. A week after that I wrote and saved (but never published) a post I titled “Pete’s Story.” Seems pretty fitting to share it here:

The below is my account of what happened two weeks ago when I was sitting in Keene district court and the following days. It’s pretty thorough, but if you have specific questions that aren’t addressed let me know.

BACKGROUND
Just before 10am on Monday, January 24th, Ademo, Ethan Lee Vita and I braved the subzero temperature and walked to Keene district court. We did a Qik update on the way. We went inside and up the steps to the second floor, where a few people were milling around, including two bailiffs doing security detail.

Lance Walton, one of the two bailiffs and the administrator of the court, spotted me and told me to take off my hood (I had my hat on with my hood over it). I told him I was cold but after his second request I pulled it down, figuring it’s not worth the fight. I was there to support my friends, not deal with petty bs. Lance wanded and patted me down and looked inside my hat. He gave the all clear. I put my hat back on and strolled down the hallway into court.

ARREST
I walked toward an empty seat. Before I had even sat down another bailiff – Pete Macy – told me to remove my hat. “Why?” I asked. He told me it was policy of the court. I told him that I hadn’t signed the policy and that I wasn’t hurting anyone. He reached for my hat and I leaned back and advised him not to touch my property. My voice was calm and my hands were in the pocket on the front of my hoodie staying warm – I did nothing aggressive.

Moments later Keene police officer James Cemorelis barked “You’re out of here!” and yanked me to the ground. My friends whipped out their cameras and started recording. For no reason, Keene police officer Matt Griffon, who had been sitting in the front row, put his knee at the base of my neck as he assisted Cemorelis in the handcuffing (read a letter sent to Cemorelis about his actions). I tried to express just how uncalled for was the treatment I was receiving. I was roughly carried out of the room, down the hall and into another room. Another bailiff, apparently undeterred by the “Do Not Block Door” sign bolted to the door, stood in front of the door in an attempt to block Ademo from filming the scene through the door’s narrow vertical window.

From the ground, I asked the officers why they felt the need to utilize such a level of force. I glanced up and posed a question specifically to Griffon (his name was embroidered onto his shirt). Apparently he didn’t want to have a conversation. Griffon and police officer Chris Simonds (?) carried me toward the back staircase. As we approached, one of my captors commented, “I hope you don’t fall on your head”. I asked why, if that risk exists, would they choose to transport me – a peaceful person – in such a manner. Didn’t seem worth the risk…

Outside I was set on the ground in the snow as a cruiser door was opened. My bud JJ was there, camera in hand. I was shoved across the police crusier’s plastic molded bench seat and transported to the Cheshire County Jail.

I learned later that minutes after I was arrested someone else present in the same room donned a hat. Yet for some reason they received completely different treatment – some claim that was due to their different attire.

TRANSIT
I asked Simonds if he felt the level of force used against me was just. He responded in the affirmative since that was the law – he had his orders. I asked if he would use deadly force against me for similar allegations. He said that was ridiculous. “Well what if you were so ordered?” I asked. “Of course not” he responded. “So, at what point between the force you used against me today and shooting me would you say “No!”? At what point would you stand up and do what’s right?” He didn’t respond.

Soon we pulled into the sally port at the jail. I could hear men talking. The door by my feet opened. I was told to sit up and get out. I explained that though I would not resist, I would not assist in my caging since it was I who had been victimized. I was dragged out feet first, carried inside and placed on the floor of the closest cell in the booking area. My hands were still handcuffed behind my back. I remember looking to my right, seeing a forest of black combat boots and thinking “There is no accountability for these guys. They could just beat the hell out of me right now and claim that I was aggressive.”

My handcuffs were removed and the gang of grown men yanked off my hoodie and workout pants. The cell door slammed shut. I lay on my stomach on the cold concrete floor in my thin gym shorts, t-shirt and socks, replaying the previous 30-minutes over and over in my head, trying to figure out how someone could possibly try to justify the treatment I had endured by “public servants”.

BOOKING
I was asked to provide my information for processing. Why would I willingly provide my private information to strangers who kept me caged? I was asked what name I wanted to go by in their system. I responded, “I just want to be free to go man. I haven’t hurt anybody.” “Ok”, came the response, “Free to go man” is your name. I didn’t laugh.

After a while I sat up and faced those who carried me into the cell. I figured that if I were out of sight my captors could more-easily put me out of their mind, thus allowing them to belittle or rationalize the force they used against me.

At 1pm, 4:30pm, 6:15pm, 8:15pm and 10:45pm correction officers approached my cell and pressured me to process. The 3/4″ Global Security Glazing glass muffled our communication. During later visits the correction officers opened the door to talk with me (presumably it took half a day for these folks to realize that I was not violent).

My cage was constructed of institution-white cinder blocks, each about 18″ long and 8″ tall, making the interior dimensions of my cell about 9′ 9″ deep, 8′ 3″ wide and 7′ 4″ tall. The front wall facing the elevated booking area was primarily made of glass and the heavy steel door. When it was light out I could catch glimpses of the stars and stripes flying outside. Land of the free, huh? A narrow elevated slab of concrete along one wall, painted red, served as the bed. There was a steel comode/sink with three buttons. One flushed the commode. The other two both ran cold water. I was told if I were thirsty the sink faucets doubled as a “bubbler”.

At one point I noticed a gentleman talking with the correctional officers manning the front desk. He stuck out to me because in lieu of a silly costume he wore slacks, a black turtleneck and a light blazer. I later learned he was Rick Van Wickler – the superintendent of the facility.

After explaining to one correction officer who stopped by my cell – J. Richard – that I hadn’t harmed anyone and that my caging only compounded and exacerbated the harm already inflicted, she noted that what I had done was a “victimless crime”. I followed-up on her statement by noting that when arbitrary man-made legislation conflicts with natural law one must side with the latter. She didn’t agree. She was just doing her job after all.

No snowflake in an avalanche ever feels responsible.
– Stanislaw J. Lec

Night came. It was cold. I sat on the floor, legs pulled to my chest with my t-shirt over my knees and my head tucked inside to maximize warmth. I was still damn cold. I wrapped toilet paper around my exposed legs (I learned this tactic from Ademo, who turned himself into a toilet paper mummy when being held in a cold cell in Las Vegas earlier in the year). My feet, with layers of toilet paper under white ankle socks, looked like bloated marshmallows. And they were happier. The heat-sapping concrete now had a couple of layers of toilet paper to get through. Sleep came in short 30min snatches.

After a long, uncomfortable night, I was asked to process. I declined. Hours passed.

ARRAIGNMENT
M. Willis asked if I wanted to speak with the judge. “Sure”, I said, “but I’m going to tell him the same thing I’ve been telling you” – that I haven’t hurt anyone.

I was escorted through the facility and instructed to sit in a chair while the video link connected with Keene district court. Initially there was a technical delay. I largely remained silent, not too keen to be buddy-buddy with someone willing to place and keep peaceful people in cages against their will. He was adamant that his policy, which does not investigate whether someone deserves to be caged, is best.

Why would someone unthinkingly take possession of another human being and place them in a cage without having more information? As I told Willis, the system does not result in “checks and balances” but unaccountability. Every individual involved – legislators, bailiffs, cops, correction officers, judges – claims that they personally are not to blame for your predicament but that you can fix it if only you talk to someone else.

Once the video link was made, Burke explained that he needed two things from me – 1) to identify and 2) for me to indicate whether I planned to apply for counsel. “Well, frankly,” I noted, “what I’d like to see is for the bailiff to apologize to me for using aggressive force” but Burke cut me short.

Burke claimed that I was “presumed innocent,” causing someone in the audience out of my field of vision to laugh. Burke ordered them removed.

I told Burke that they day prior I felt like the victim (i.e. tackled, carried, caged). Then Ademo spoke his mind for about 40-seconds (~4:00), ending with: “One of your men assaulted him! Assaulted him!” and “Get a life!”

Burke wasn’t too fond of what he heard and ordered those doing his bidding to handcuff Ademo and remove him from the room (note that Ademo had been walking out of the room on his own accord, and was only feet from the door). He was brought across my field of vision and into the room to Burke’s left.

Burke told me it was “up to me” to comply to gain my freedom. I told him that he had “the ability to throw this out and say there shouldn’t be a charge. I didn’t hurt anybody.” Burke said “Ok. Alright. I guess we’re not going to get anywhere. Thank you” and left.

Willis led me back to my cage, informing me not to breath deeply when in the lobby area as his colleagues had had to “deploy mace”. Against a lady.

I worried about Ademo. I hoped they cut him loose. I watched the sliding door that opened into the booking area, hopeful that I wouldn’t see him.

I was told that I was going to be moved since I’d reached the 24-hour-maximum stay in booking.

Then in came Ademo carried by a group of men wearing badges. We exchanged glances. He was placed on the floor of a cell two away from mine. He held up six digits and mouthed/yelled that he had been given a 60-day sentence. “What the hell!?” was all I could say as I was being led away.

I was told that I had to first take a shower. I stripped, lifted up my scrotum and spread my cheeks for Willis. Then I took a quick shower (which helped to warm me up) and put on jail duds. Fun fun. As I was led to my new cage other inmates looking through the window on their doors yelled down to my captor, “What’d he do?” Why is he going in there?”- the “there” being segregation.

SEGREGATION
I was told I would kept in the cage for 23-hours a day. I eyed the thin, plastic-covered mattress sitting up on the metal frame bed bolted to the wall. I laid down. A short time later a correctional officer brought me blankets and some toiletries. I turned myself into a human burrito and tried to sleep.

I didn’t eat. I was told that if I continued not to eat I’d end up in a hospital being fed via an IV. Days later I questioned my stance – if I wasn’t eating because I didn’t want to burden taxpayers wouldn’t ending-up in a hospital defeat that principle? Hospital tends to be damn spendy after all…

I chewed on the few options that I had any control over.

Van Wickler asked if I knew “Lance” [Weber, a liberty-friendly lawyer from the area]. “Yes” I said. Lance’s number was placed on a list that wouldn’t incur collect call charges.

I called Lance. It was around 11am. I told him about my last 24-hours and he updated me on the activity happening on the outside, specifically mentioning the Chipin George Donnelly created to help pay for a press release distribution.

Correctional officers peered through the window in my cage door on their rounds (hourly?), sometimes shining a flashlight my way. During mealtimes I was offered food. I declined.

On Wednesday Van Wickler stopped by my cage in the early afternoon and asked if I would like to speak with my mom. “Of course!” I responded. We walked to the phone, Van Wickler read her number while I dialed, then he left. It was good to talk with her.

Over the two-and-a-half days I was in segregation Van Wickler visited my cell about five times for a total of 45-60-minutes. He’s pressured me to process. He brought two copies of documents that outlined the information that I’d be required to share if I were to process.

During one visit Van Wickler asked his colleague to leave us so he could talk with me alone. He asked if I thought Burke was concerned with my actions in the jail and answered his own question with a single “No.” And, despite agreeing with me that the force that had been used in my situation was uncalled for he was unwilling to let me out. He had keys to the facility. He could act on his conscious.

At one point it was communicated to me that Ademo had processed and was going to be released later that evening. I hoped it were true, but doubted it. Like cops, correctional officers lie.

I thought through potential avenues to gain justice. I had lots of time to think and do some internal creative destruction about strategy, tactics, relationships with people, incidents, etc.

On Thursday I wasn’t able to reach Lance when I tried his number. I only remembered three other numbers – Ademo’s, which didn’t help, Allison Gibbs and Ian Freeman. I called Ian as my ultimate goal was to reach Michele Seven to see about getting picked-up if I did process. Ian was more than happy to help and conference called us all together. I informed them of where I was at and learned that M7 had unfortunately slipped a couple of times when in Keene exiting the district court and wasn’t too mobile. Ian offered to grab me so long as he could get an exemption on his no trespass, which stemmed from the insane arrests last year that became known as the Trespass of Twelve.

I decided I could have a bigger impact on the outside. I decided to process.

At one point when in segregation Van Wickler asked me if I knew “Brandon Ross” who he said had claimed to be my lawyer. I noted that Brandon was “a friend” and Van Wickler commented that a case like ours didn’t necessitate multiple lawyers (since Lance Weber had already been communicating with me and Ademo). Later, after I processed, I learned of the work Brandon did behind-the-scenes for us. At one point he had been told by Van Wickler that he’d be able to see me in segregation. Ross made the drive from Concord and waited six hours but was denied access entirely. I was never informed of his visit.

PROCESSING
Thanks to lengthy time delays, sub-par “customer service” and accepted bureaucracy, it would be impossible to not know I was interacting with a government agency when processing. I sat in a chair in front of the counter and answered questions posed by Willis. My picture was taken – each side and straight-on. My fingerprints were taken and checked via IAFAS, the FBI’s database. Willis told me my fingerprints would be deleted automatically if they returned no hits. Sure.

I had questions about some of the stipulations on the paperwork Van Wickler had provided me. “Why was the check-box next to: ‘Is ordered not to drive until the defendant’s license or privilege is restored by the Director of Motor Vehicles’ checked?” I asked. “Or why am I to ‘refrain from excessive use of alcohol, and use of a narcotic or controlled substance as defined in RSA 318-B’?” Willis claims to not have known.

The bail commissioner – an angry man named Frank J. Obuchowski arrived. After getting his paperwork and “official” stamp laid out he barked orders at me. I stopped him and asked him why he thought it necessary to speak with such a hostile tone. Another inmate – who was a big dude – turned from watching the TV to us. Obuchowski quieted down some, but before leaving he made a point to tell me that he spoke that way so there was no question what he was communicating.

I asked him about the two check-boxed items. On the paperwork he brought the drivers license stipulation was not checked. He read to me that I could not have any alcohol or controlled substances. I pointed-out that on the form I had it just stated no “excessive” use of alcohol. He looked it over and, on his copy, angrily wrote the word “excessive” above to the sentence. Then I asked him how “excessive” is defined, and who gets to do the defining. He didn’t have an answer.

My arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday, February 9th at 9am. The paperwork threatened me with increased penalties if I were arrested when out on bail. I thought I was innocent until proven guilty. What if I were arrested by another out-of-control cop for a victimless action?

Obuchowski told me I owed him $40. Van Wickler, who had been hovering around the lobby through this proceeding, had earlier told me when I brought up that the fee was the man’s “bread and butter”. He indicated that it didn’t have to be paid. Sounds good to me. I told Obuchowski that I didn’t have any money (I didn’t), that this fee had not been mentioned earlier and that it was unfair for him and his colleagues to continue to add additional criteria so that I could regain my freedom of movement. He said, “Well who’s picking you up? Maybe they have money.” No dice buddy.

Then Obuchowski told me that I had to go to the Keene Police Department before 4pm (it was 2:30pm). I questioned why this was added? And at who’s direction? No one gave me any information.

Van Wickler called Ian and “granted” an exemption on the no trespass order. Soon he was on-scene and I was out.

In the five or ten minutes I had been waiting Van Wickler told me about how he’d recently declared three Cuban cigars on his flight back from Canada, where he had spoken to parliament about drug policy (Van Wickler is a speaker with Law Enforcement Against Prohibition). He explained that he’d been barred from bringing the cigars across an imaginary line so he gave them to a taxi driver. If one can see the failures of drug prohibition then why not stand against all victimless “crimes”?

FREEDOM
As I climbed into Ian’s car he handed me a meal replacement drink Meg Mclain had wanted me to have. Perfecto! I put out a Keene411 to announce my freedom and to see if any friends in the area wanted to join us for a bite at a Mexican place in town. About 16 did, despite the short notice.

After the hugs, conversation and burrito (thanks Heika!) I was reminded at just how many awesome individuals make up this community. It was exactly what I needed.

Afterwards we went to the Keene Activity Center to chillax and brainstorm. A couple of hours later Mark Edge graciously sat aside so I could join JJ and Ian on the first couple of segments of Free Talk Live.

THOUGHTS
The support Ademo & I have received has been amazing. Thanks so much! It has not only had very real impacts for us but it shows others that we’re here for each other, which may make them more-likely to stand up for what they know is right.

Now let’s get Ademo out and get some accountability! To get involved and stay up-to-date check out the Free Ademo! post, the Free Ademo! Facebook group, the Free Pete! post and FreePete.org.

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Does it make sense that individuals who have harmed no one end up in cages? Though I can’t authoritatively speak for everyone I think it’s fair to say that we each are standing on principle, despite the threats levied at us, knowing that failure to do so today will make it more difficult tomorrow.

If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so.
– Thomas Jefferson

More:
A Conversation with My Arresting Officer
Judge loses it on cam, jails man for sitting too slow
Ian Freeman arrested and jailed for 93 days RAW FOOTAGE
Derrick J Arrested in 6 Seconds
Kate Ager to “judge” Ed Burke: Release Ademo & Beau
Ademo’s “Improper Influence” or Edward Burke’s Abuse of Power – You Decide
Ademo Caged for Felony Charge of “Improper Influence”
Five Days for a Hat!
Plea for Help: FREE Pete Eyre & Ademo Freeman!
Free Pete Eyre, Caged for Wearing a Hat
Jesse Arrested for Wearing a Hat
judge burke v. a hat
Court camera ban sparks arrest of YouTuber
NH videographer broadcasts own arrest live
Will NH Courts Continue to Censor?
Out of Control Deputies & Bailiffs in Cheshire County
Media Day at Cheshire County Jail, Keene NH

Guest blog by Derrick J. Freeman, via FreeKeene.com

On Friday, Nov. 25, 2011, Mayor Nutter of Philadelphia sent out a press release stating that the Occupiers have 48 hours to evacuate their encampment. This is not the first time. Notices like this one have been put out in the past weeks, but police refused to enforce the evictions. I went down to Philadelphia to ask the cops what they will do.

On Sunday, Nov. 27, I interviewed several cops who told me that they would not knock over tents or seize people’s personal property. They mentioned to me that a similar eviction notice came last week and went without reaction from police. They assured me that they are keeping the status quo, and that I can allay my fears that free people would be aggressed upon.

People from the Occupation held a meeting hours before eviction hour and decided that some would stay, some would go. The popular “Truth, Freedom, Prosperity Warming Station” dismantled, but 75 other tents remained committed to standing their ground.

I left satisfied because the hour of eviction had come and gone, and the police had initiated no violence. I applauded their respect for sovereign individuals onFreeTalkLive last night and recommended more police emulate them. Then I woke up today to learn that right after I complimented their behavior, Philadelphia police made 50 arrests, ransacked tents, and seized private property.

For shame, Philadelphia police, for shame. Your badge doesn’t grant you extra rights, and it is never okay to initiate aggression. Stop hurting peaceful people.

Tomorrow a group of mothers will buy milk in southeast Pennsylvania then caravan to the FDA headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. Big deal right? Well, actually it kind of is, because the milk is raw, sales of which are “illegal” in Maryland.

Any half-thinking person knows that the simple act of buying raw milk isn’t a crime. There is no victim. It’s a consensual interaction. The thing that sets these mothers apart from Joe Sixpaack is that instead of cowering to arbitrary dictates they stand for what they know is right.

The sooner more of us do so the sooner we can live in a world where people don’t believe text on paper or a piece of metal on their chest legitimizes their actions.

If you’re in the Mid-Atlantic consider joining The Raw Milk Freedom Riders caravan tomorrow. If you’re out of the area watch their livestreaming feed. Hopefully this level of transparency – and commonsensical approach to this issue – will protect them from threats of ransom or cages. If that happens, we’ll update this post and work to get more eyes on their situation.

Watch live video from FarmFoodFreedom on www.justin.tv

More:
RawMilkFreedomRiders.com
Raw Milk Freedom Riders – Milk and Cookies Rally Facebook Event
FDA headquarters on November 1 in defense of raw milk by NaturalNews.com
2011.10.27 episode of Free Talk Live when a Raw Milk Freedom Rider called-in

Let’s assume you’re the owner of a business and you employ five people. One day you find out that one of your employees is threatening people to make sales. You didn’t approve of this tactic and quickly move on this information. You call in the employee and address the situation. You explain to them that threatening people is not how you conduct business and even though it might produce larger sales in the short term, it will ultimately destroy the company – ending both your jobs. Hopefully the employee will understand and adapts (or at least respects) to your request. Though it’s possible they wouldn’t adapt and you’d have to fire them. Either way, in business, when you don’t agree with your employee (or with your employer) you have the option to end the relationship (on either side).

Let’s go one step further and bring police into the scenario. Police are paid for with tax dollars and tax dollars are collected from taxpayers. Essentially, taxpayers are the employers of the police and, just like any other business, the employer has the right to tell the employee if and/or when they don’t approve of their employee’s actions. Right? Yet, there is NO real course of action one can take to stop police from doing something you don’t like or want, like regular employers can. You can’t physically stop the police officer, nor can you fire a police officer and you can’t stop paying taxes either – we all know what happens if you do. So, what can you do?

You could attend police committee meetings and beg those individuals to change police policies. It didn’t work for us in Greenfield but you may have better luck. You could vote, in sheriff elections and/or higher offices to change laws, but that’s been happening for decades and voting on the lesser of two evils, is still evil. You could file complaints against officers, but don’t hold your breath. Often cops are cleared of wrong doing when investigated by other cops (see “thin blue line”). You could visit local politicians and ask for their support, but, again, don’t expect them to jump on your side. They work hand and hand with one another.

Truthfully, and sadly, there’s nothing you can do because unlike the private business example, where you can talk to or fire your employee, the police (politicians and all other government agents) don’t care what you think or want. They demand you pay for their ‘professions’ and all the expenses needed to carry them out without question.

Ian Freeman, co-host of Free Talk Live – a nationally aired, liberty-minded, talk radio show – who found himself in this exact predicament last year. The Keene Police were called to Central Square, a common area where folks gather on warm summer days, in Keene, New Hampshire, because someone was filling water coolers out of the public fountain (yes, this started over people trying to stay hydrated). While there, the police noticed several others drinking beer and asked them to pour it out. A conversation followed and the police issued a verbal warning and left.

The police came back a short while later. Ian and I were in the park when Keene police arrested Heika for open container. At that point Ian had decided, as the employeer of the police (his employee) – since his tax dollars fund police actions – that he would sit in front of the police cruiser attempting to transport Heika who was being arrested for having an open container in public. This was a display of disapproval by Ian. See video below:

Instead of listening to Ian, as most employees would (or they’d quit), the police arrested Ian and charged him with Obstructing Government Administration as well as Resisting arrest for the “crime” of expressing his displeasure toward the service being provided – at the barrel of a gun, since we all know what happens if you don’t pay (the man) taxes – Ian Freeman was sentenced to 360 days in jail. Stayed for 90 days in jail and 2 years of good behavior. He was found not guilty of resisting.

Think about this folks. The government forces you to pay taxes, right? If you don’t – you go to jail. If you do pay the government continues to spend your money and create more laws. Most of those laws you may not like but, regardless, they’ll ask for more money, to hire more people, to enforce more laws. Until one day they’ll come for you (and/or your family/loved ones) using high tech weapons and on salaries you’ve paid (at least in part) for. Seriously, is there anything more ironic than being arrested by a person whose salary you pay? I don’t think so. Well, aside from being jailed in a place that you also pay for. Think about that the next time you see your local police officer in your rear view mirror and you get that nervous/scared feeling in your stomach. Ask yourself, “What other service do I pay for that makes me feel scared or nervous?”

I bet the answer is none.

Please consider mailing Ian via Mail-To-Jail.com.

As an activist, I try to support as many other activists as possible. So when I heard about Bob Constantine trial in Grafton County I did all I could to attend (pulling an all nighter the night before the trial). I thought the day would be boring as most court proceedings are but that wasn’t the case this time.

Right away we were told about a double security check and a ban of cameras from the courtroom. It didn’t take long for the activists to start asking questions and pushing the limits of these tyrannical rules. As seen in the video below Ian Freeman, of FreeTalkLive.com, did he best to get electronics into the courtroom, yet, was threatened with arrest if he didn’t leave.

What do you think? Should cameras ever be banned from a public building? If I have to pay for it shouldn’t I be allowed to record the actions that take place in such a place? Should undercover officers be protected? Aren’t they public servants? Do real public servants need to hide their face? Is this the world you want your children growing up in?

Join the forum discussion on this post

The evils of tyranny are rarely seen but by him who resists it. – John Hay

This is an overarching video that details the aggressive force used by Todd M. Dodge of the Greenfield, MA Police Department and his colleagues at the Franklin County Jail against Ademo (aka Adam Mueller) & Pete Eyre on July 1st, 2010 and the subsequent lack of accountability. Hopefully the content speaks for itself.

For all posts, videos and documents related to this incident visit: CopBlock.org/Greenfield

Please take a moment to help us seek accountability. Demand that they drop our charges and return our property. Ask them to do what’s right. After all, they have no more right to violate our rights than do those without badges.

Todd M. Dodge – “Sgt., Greenfield PD.” – 413.773.5411
Jeffrey A. Bengston – “Dist. Atty. Off. (Franklin Co.)” – 413.774.3186
William F. Martin – “Mayor, Greenfield” – 413.772.1560
The Recorder – Greenfield’s local paper – 413.772.0261

*Keep in mind that you’ll be calling numbers on the East Coast so if you’re in Cali and intend to call, be sure to do so early enough so you can speak to a person.

“The fact that people were getting arrested and jailed for acting out against the state, is what finally tipped me over in favor of moving to NH. I hope Ademo’s act of free speech and willingness to not cooperate with the state will inspire somebody else.”

– Nicholas Kirkpatrick

The content on this post is organized into:

1. Updates
2. Free Ademo! video
3. Incident Summary
4. How You Can Help

1. Updates

• Tue., Feb 8th – UPDATE: Ademo is scheduled to appear before judge Burke on Wed., Feb. 9th per a motion that was filed on his behalf that states that he has served enough time for his actions. Please don’t inundate Burke with calls at this moment – let’s let the motion and Ademo’s statement stand on their own merits and hope Burke does the right thing.
• Mon., Feb 7th – MSSG: Ademo recently finished The Most Dangerous Superstition by Larken Rose and loved it. He’s going to pass along the book to one of his “roommates” (one of the other 47 people caged in D block) who, per their continued conversations, seems open to the ideas of liberty.
  Mon., Feb 7th – UPDATE: Letters written to judge Burke were delivered to the court by Heika per her Love Burke to Liberty! project (see #4 below for more).
• Sat., Feb 5th – QUICK HIT: Julian’s Heicklen’s Letter to judge Burke
• Sat., Feb 5th – POST: Ademo’s letter to “the best movement in the world”
• Sat., Feb 5th – MSSG: Ademo was told that he would not be given the loose stamps still on their original backing that people included with their letters to him, which goes against the policy verbally communicated to me by Cheshire Co Sgt. Delpha three days prior. I just called Delpha (603.903.1600) to ask why this policy was rescinded and was told that he had mistakenly communicated incorrect information to me originally.
• Fri., Feb 4th – POST: “Cop Block teams up with Liberty Flair to Free Ademo”

2. Free Ademo! The Man, His Stand & How You Can Help

3. Incident Summary

Around 10am on Monday, January 24th I entered Keene district court. I was present to support a couple of friends who had cases. Almost immediately I was assaulted, kidnapped and caged by “public servants” because I wore a hat. I am now charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. But why? Who was the victim?

Watch the video and think for yourself.

The aggressors that day wore badges. Keene police officer James Cemorelis yanked me to the ground and shouted “You’re out of here!” but he never gave me the chance to leave, let alone respond. I was not aggressive in my actions or tone of voice. Yet that didn’t stop Keene police officer Matt Griffin from burying his knee at the base of my neck. Then he and Keene police officer Chris Simonds carried me down a flight of stairs, outside and into a cruiser, which transported me to Cheshire County Jail.

The judge hadn’t been in the room. Minutes after I had been assaulted upon another person donning a hat came into the room but he was not similarly molested. Perhaps because he had a shiny piece of metal on his costume? Also, note that in late 2009 judge Edward T. Burke did not order that a man wearing a cap be arrested.

The following day during my attempted arraignment-by-video, Burke ordered Ademo – a principled activist and close friend to many of us – removed from the room after Ademo vocalized the frustration he felt about the blatant unaccountability we had experienced thus far from the “court”. George Donnelly wrote:

Adam spoke the truth. He couldn’t bear to witness the miscarriage of justice that was Pete’s arraignment. The decision to release Pete was in the hands of his captors. To argue otherwise is to pretend his captors act with legitimate authority, a sad unsubstantiated joke.

Burke, unswayed by Ademo’s tempered recant (“I apologize if my words offended you”), told Ademo that he’d have to spend the next 60 days of his life in a cage because his 40-second statement “offended the court”. Is that justice?

Ademo was transported to Cheshire County Jail, where he remains today. After stints in lockdown and segregation he’s now in general population and can get visitors and letters. And he is eating.

As for me, after not identifying or eating for 3.5 days I processed, reasoning I could have a bigger impact on the outside. Also at one point I was told by jail staff that Ademo was being released, which was a lie. I was released on personal recognizance bail and was ordered to return to court for arraignment on February 9th at 9am.

So, to put it another way – if I were walking down the street and a random dude yelled at me to remove my hat and then his buddies jumped me and threw me in a cage most folks (except maybe the cage manufactures and cage staffers) would rightly say I was victimized. Was my situation different because those who assaulted me wore badges? Not at all. Therefore, would it be out of place for my friend, after witnessing me getting jumped, to shout his outrage? Absolutely not.

Let’s Free Ademo and hold the real criminals accountable! There can’t be one set of laws for us and one set of laws for them. People should be free to act so long as they don’t initiate force on others.

4. How You Can Help

• Find, Share and Utilize Media Contacts to help win in the court of public opinion. Utilize the contacts compiled at the Media Flood for Freedom (thanks Lorri Rodier!) and the Media Call Flood In Support of Adam and Pete (thanks George Donnelly!).
• Print & Send a Free Ademo Postcard or write a letter: Adam Mueller, Cheshire County D.O.C., 825 Marlboro Road, Keene, NH 03431. Ademo LOVES hearing from those on the outside. It really keeps him going. If you do write, it’d be great if you could include a pre-addressed envelope w/ a stamp still on the original backing from the USPS (Cheshire Co. Jail Sgt. Delpha noted that stamps already attached to the return envelope will be taken off as he claims people hide prohibited items under them). Also, send a letter to the cops, jailers, judge and Keene bureaucrats. Here’s a great example. Here’s contact information (thanks Smeg Mclain!). Be a good ambassador. Your five-minute conversation or two-page letter may be the first exposure that an individual has to the ideas of liberty.
• Love Burke to Liberty! Send a principled but firm letter to Burke. This is a specific request from Ademo. Every Tuesday Keene-based activist Heika Courser will hand-deliver your snail mail and email messages to Burke. She notes, “Please feel free to write more than one letter. Let’s see how many we can give him every week!” Mail: Heika Courser, 20 Forest St., Keene, NH 03431 Email: [email protected]
• Donate to the Liberty Activism Fund The money you donate will be used by Ademo & Pete to advance the voluntary society through LibertyOnTour.com, CopBlock.org and other outlets/tactics.
  
• Send Ademo a Book! We made a Wish List on Amazon for Ademo. Read books will be passed on to someone else in the movement who will benefit from critically thinking about the ideas proffered by the book.
• Spread the “Free Ademo” meme and introduce those in your sphere to the injustice happening in Keene by making your Facebook profile picture the “Free Ademo” picture.
• Join the Candlelight Vigil Monday, January 31st at 5-6pm opposite the Cheshire County Jail on 101 just east of Keene. And visit Ademo between 8am-10pm (exempting 12-1pm and 5-6pm for meals). Conversation is done through phone/computer terminal in 30minute increments. If it’s not busy you can get additional time. Bring a picture ID.
• Advocate an Inside-the-System ma? Connect with Kathy Briedel Kathy loves her son Ademo and is collaborating with others to pursue potential lawsuit/motion/etc. options. If inside-the-system maneuvering is your bailiwick, hit her up!
• Be Creative! Have an idea on how to help Ademo and get accountability? Run with it! Decentralization is our strength!

It is easy to feel disheartened when one faces the reality of the modern American police state, from border checkpoints, to TSA nudie-scanners and gonad gropes, to the never-ending War on Drugs which erodes nearly every single liberty supposedly enshrined in the Bill of Rights, to the almost overwhelmingly horrific “Global War on Terror,” and its millions of innocent victims throughout central Asia, not to mention the tremendous emotional damage that its veterans bring home with them, a terrible legacy with which our society will be burdened for a generation. So, liberty activists and anti-statitst everywhere could easily be forgiven for asking, “what do I have to be thankful for today?” But, the truth is, we have a great deal to celebrate this year, and many people to whom we owe a debt of gratitude.

I know I am thankful for my fellow Cop Blockers, and for the opportunity this website has provided me to not only communicate my own ideas about liberty, and the injustices committed by agents of the state, but to help others do the same, and to create a place where sharing those stories is not only accepted but encouraged. And of course, we wouldn’t even be here but for our readers and fans, who continue to make all of our efforts worthwhile. I am also glad to know that Adam Mueller and Pete Eyre are out there, criss-crossing the country in MARV, unafraid to face the badge bedazzled, polyester costumed agents of state aggression, armed only with the power of truth and justice on their side.  I am thankful for Meg McClain, and John Tyner, for bravely standing up for their right to travel freely within this country without being sexually assaulted or dangerously irradiated for the purpose of ogling their naked bodies. I am grateful for our “underground” media network, which often succeeds in driving the mainstream’s narrative with their consistently principled message, as George Donnelly of WeWontFly.com (among so many other projects, the man is tireless!), and Ian Freeman and Mark Edge at Free Talk Live have regularly demonstrated. Let’s not forget Carlos Miller of Photography Is Not A Crime, whose stand for photographer’s rights has come at great personal cost, but is winning photographic liberty not only for Floridians, but citizen journalists across the country. And a special thanks must go out to David Packman of Injustice Everywhere, for his exhaustive catalogue of police misconduct from coast to coast, which helps us all get a better sense of the real scope of the problem.

Finally, I must say with sadness that I am truly honored to have had the pleasure of knowing David Nolan, the founder of the Libertarian Party (and fellow desert dweller). So many of us were lucky enough to share in his passion for the ideas of personal freedom and self-government, and I know the Nolan chart will always be a useful tool in spreading those ideas to ever more people seeking their political “home.” Only a couple of months ago, he faced none other than John McCain in Arizona’s senatorial debate, and he spoke unwaveringly in favor of liberty, presenting a clear alternative to the D.C. duopoly, despite the fact he knew he would not win the election.

The point is, that kind of lifetime dedication is inspiring, because we all face a seemingly impossible task in opposing the monopolistic government. The forces of coercion and oppression and violence are massed all around us, and yet, we must have the courage to continue speaking the truth, shining its light even where people often refuse to look. And I see others in this movement rise to that challenge almost every day, gathering their courage to face the terrific odds against them with good cheer and determination. Sure, we are often angered, outraged and scandalized by the state and its machinations, but that doesn’t seem to make us bitter. The activists I have met have always been among the most friendly, warm and accepting people I’ve ever met. And for that, I am thankful, very thankful.

I know I have overlooked at least several dozen folks who deserve mention and a personal thanks for their efforts over the past year, so I ask that you all post your thanks to those I’ve neglected in the comments below. In the spirit of the season, let’s give thanks for those people whom we admire and whose efforts this year have raised our spirits and buoyed our hope in the ultimate triumph of the cause of human liberty!