YOUR COMMENTS

Again, whether you like the protesters or not...I"m sure few of you have anything against the average taxpayer in Keene. They are the ones authorities are forcing to suffer...

Jailing victimless activists isn't free; when cops choose to do it they choose to financially knife the public without protecting a victim.

Regarding the "work within the system" argument:

"As for the means the State has provided me for changing it...they take too long, and a man's life will be gone."

- Henry David Thoreau
- Dave Ridley, Grafton, NH

The violent criminals (cops) show their violence again by arresting peaceful people. It would be great if they would stop being law enforcement officers and become peace officers.
- Mitch, Las Vegas

To those that might misconstrue:

These people are Free Staters. They are typically various shades of Libertarian, which tends to be a Right movement, not Leftist at all. A lot of the ones in Keene are self-described "anarcho-capitalists." Anyone that is truly an anarchist intensely dislikes those that identify as "anarcho-capitalist." It's a belief system akin to Ayn Rand's "Objectivism" and is wholly centered on the selfishness of human beings. These people smack of egocentric behavior and a disregard of others around them while waving the banner of martyrs for some cause only they seem to believe in.

As a hard-working Leftist (a real Socialist, not the Democrats as some of you would assume, which by the way is true for most actual Socialists) working in Keene I find the behavior of the Free Staters to be extremely asinine. I participate in society, pay my dues, and respect others around me because it's for society's common good. I enjoy clean water, maintained infrastructure and personal security among many other things. I work for these things because that is a standard of living that separates us here in a first world country from the appalling conditions sometimes found elsewhere in the world.

Once Americans that protested (and I am not talking about the 60's, as they were a farce) did so for real reasons: reasonable work weeks (40 instead of 60 or even 80), weekends, the right to a livable wage. Now people are waving signs and complaining about a problem that is largely going to solve itself. City Councilors in Keene were in discussion about making a movement to decriminalize marijuana. This was a movement put forth by a person unaffiliated with the Free Staters solely because it makes sense. Now most of that effort has been dashed by the protesters acting in a manner that is extremely disrespectful of the host community to which they attached themselves to.
- Local Guy, Keene,NH

I'm the ghost that walks this great land. My steps have literally been in uniform walking maximum security prisons; and I've walked amongst the pot protesters of Keene.. again, literally.

Without the implied counterforce from the State, violent predators incarcerated for violent crimes would have torn me apart by hand in there.. and occasionally did that regardless to my brother Officers.

When I walked amonst the pot protesters of Keene, I walked amongst peaceful and empathetic men and women who only want the dignity of Not being treated as criminals in society. They want the police to say that they won't cage them or take their money for believing in the usage of a plant that is curative for many physical afflictions.

On video I've seen the leader of the protest plead with citizens to Not interfere or harm the Officers who might make arrests of pot smokers.

Whether you smoke pot or you don't, whether you want free staters here or you don't, know this; that the pot protesters are generally very good and principled people, while predatory criminals [that prisons are needed for]... are not generally very good or principled people.
- Will, everywhere, USA

@ Rob, Londonderry:

I hate to be the one to tell you, but bail isn't money kept by the state...it's only held until they appear for court. The state would only keep the money if they failed to appear. Failure to appear is a crime, so then a warrant would be issued for their arrest...and the time and resources used to locate and arrest the individual, weighed against the loss of what could have been accomplished otherwise, does not produce a net gain for the government. Also, most of these people intend to represent themselves from what I understand...Plus, you're assuming they will all be found guilty and that's highly unlikely. Although, there is a 2,000 fine that is imposed if you are found guilty of possession of marijuana in NH....THAT, not bail, would be the only gain the state would make in any way...
- David Price, Lumberton, North Carolina

The anger and lack of understanding here is just stunning.

These activists will not be paying the fines, which means taxpayers will be footing the bill for keeping them in jail cells with all of the other non-violent "criminals" wasting away in there.

Those shouting for arrests and jail are essentially shouting, "TAX ME MORE!"

Had police used their discretion and ignored them like they have done every other day, the tokers would have gone home and everything would have been fine.

You people shouting for more government should be ashamed. I thought this was the Live Free or Die state. Maybe you're all from Massachusetts, cause you don't seem to get allowing others to be free.

If you want to be free, you must allow others to be free. If you seek to control, you will inevitably find yourself controlled.

May you find peace.
- Ian Freeman, Keene

This is exactly what the economy needs. Arrest a bunch of these morons, make them pay $1,000 bail, put a bunch of defense attorneys to work (it's not like these folks can't afford them) and make them do community service. Meanwhile no violent acts have occured, no one's property has been destroyed and it has put Keene on the map! Who's complaining?
- Rob, Londonderry

This article got some of the facts wrong. For example, when is a few hundred people a small crowd? Also, the final three folks were arrested for entering city hall, not for refusing to leave. I'm not sure what they were charged with, but according to state law, they were allowed to enter city hall. Maybe state police arrested then on a city ordinance violation.
- Keith, Keene

Nice to see the rabble isn't from NH. FLATLANDERS GO HOME!!
- Biff, Canterbury

I think pot should be decriminalized!! But the protesters went about it the wrong way.
- Kevin, Candia nh

too everyone who says the protesters are bums and have no jobs. where is your evidence of that? it is all assumption. and assumption is for idiots not every job is 9-5. so there is no way you can just say they don't have jobs. just because they smoke Weed does not make all of them bums. lots of people smoke in fact half the nation does so it isn't like half the country is sitting around smoking all day everyday not doing anything. i know a lot of people who smoke and MOST all of them smoke in there home, usually in the evening. it isn't like you smoke then want to go out and hit the town for a party, it relaxes you. it doesn't turn you in to a bumbling idiot, yes it is Illegal, yes they should have put a hold on Smoking in Public during an event like that, or better yet just don't smoke protest for actual reform don't just go hang out with your buddy's and harass cops. that is not going to accomplish anything, bring this protest to Concord fight for real change. smoking weed in a huge crowd filled with children is So Not the way to get what you want out of this. but to all those with nothing but Negative feedback on the side of the smokers. unless you have Smoked yourself you have ZERO idea what it does to a person and therefore speak with no authority on the subject. and for anyone else who Drinks, and thinks that is ok.. get your priority's straight, drinking is extremely worse for your health it creates alcoholics. destroys your liver, and all sorts of other Nasty things. yet it is perfectly legal. imagine that. some one give me one actual Good reason why Pot should remain illegal. i would like to hear one, rather then non-sense. pot in and of it's self has No ill side effects to your health. Smoking it can cause some respiratory problems. but you could easily use a vaporizer, or bake it in to your food and it has no harm to your system. it isn't even addictive, not in the sense of you will have fits if you go with out, it is mentally addictive but so are most things people enjoy doing. and lastly for all you who complain about your tax money in the system going to people who use it for drugs, what about all the money WASTED on the war on drugs? Billions could be used to everything from healthcare to education that we are pissing away on stopping people from lighting up. just remember you probably know a lot of people who smoke weather you are aware of it or not. just don't be so quick to judge others. guess that's all I'm glad i got that off my chest. thank you NH
- Kris, Concord

Jeff, Manchester and Sally in Keene, I agree with you on them driving stoned and killing someone but I dont want them in my military. Last thing I need is some stoner protecting my butt on the frontlines. I agree with DM in Hampton, mandatory drug testing and probation. While we are at it, drug testing for welfare recepients. Nothing against the people on welfare that need it and truly deserve it but if my taxes are paying your welfare (and my own check since im military) then you shouldnt be using that money for drugs!
- Rick, Hanscom AFB, MA

The police let these lawbreakers do their thing and then told them not to do it during the pumpkin festival. The pot heads decided to roll the dice and now they must pay the price. No sympathy. THe police put up with this long enough. The police don't make the laws, they enforce them. If the potheads want the law changed, go smoke your weed on the steps of the Capitol building in Concord. Of course, you will be arrested and that is why the cowards won't go there.
- Mike, Manchester

Being listed as 'homeless' and being homeless are two different things. Did anyone consider the possiblity that that James may very well have a place to call home, but has purposely avoided having his name tied to an address for whatever reasons? It's not how I would choose to live, but some people are extremely paranoid about what the gov't might do with such innocuous information such as your address.
- Jose H., Manchester, NH

I am sorry but this is so childish. 40-55 year olds mingling with the tweens smoking weed in public. I think that it shouldn't be a crime to smoke in your own home or maybe on your property like in your own back yard but in public?? Absolutely not! I may have been an idiot when I was a teen but I grew up. I have a little girl that I wouldn't want breathing that crap in. I have friends that still smoke but they do it descretely. Wake up and get a job seriously. You are not cool because you smoke and have no job and are protesting. It is so immature. I am laughing right now because of how stupid this is...
- Kristy, Manchester

To the "Activists". Have you looked at the calendar lately? The 60's are over. Nobody cares if you are "sticking it to the man" anymore. If you buy a half ounce at a time, or grow a plant in your basement, smoke it at home, nobody will care. These "activists" are insignificant small people who want to be noticed, and are not capable of anything constructive so they pull this infantile crap. And the media, on slow news days, buys into this garbage and gives them the title "activist"!! But then again, Keene is a suburb of Brattleboro, which is the burnout Mecca.
- Steve, Washington

I was present when the protesters began. I left the area because I had my children with me. They should not have to be subjected to marijuana at this age, it is my job as a parent to make that decision for them. I have no issue with those who choose this recreational activity however there is a place and a time and around children is not the place not the time. As the crowd grew we moved over to he opposite side of the center. Some of the protesters walked around with the signs chanting their rights, however something caught my eye...A gun in its holster on the hip of a protester in plain site. I believe in the right to bare arms, however here is my thought on this particular issue....The crowd was extremely large, many of us bumping into one another, and who is to say that the guy was not too "high" to realize if someone were able to unclasp the holster and remove the gun? All it takes is one hot head to be so stupid....
- LH, Manchester Nh

I'm all for peaceful protests, but I thought this group going ahead with this during the Pumpkin Festival - a family event - was disgraceful. Did it not occur to these people that lighting up in front of crowds of parents with small children might not help them curry favor with people, even those who may be sympathetic to their cause? They should have taken a day off. If they want their cause to have a chance, they need to be winning people over, not alienating them ever further.

I'm also amused that this protest takes place at 4:20pm every day. I understand the significance of the time, but aren't most people at work at 4:20pm? It's not too shocking that most people don't take a group that is able to sit in the town square and smoke pot in the middle of the afternoon seriously.
- Mike, Derry

Baring ones breast in protest of laws requiring breasts to be covered has been deemed a form of protected speech. I wonder if the same applies to this situation.
- Jeff, Manchester

Stevie Ray in Manchester.......I won't speak for SRT, but if you can't provide yourself one of the basic necessities such as shelter ..why would you spend time and resources acquiring and partaking in luxuries? Please tell me what's more important? Shelter or pot? I'd hope he find better things to do than protesting when he has the need for basic survival skills to concentrate on.
- Brian, in NH

Probation with mandatory drug testing seems in order.

I fully support legalizing and taxing marijuana, but do not support anyone who goes out of their way to give the cops a hard time and exposes children to drugs. The police have been quite patient in Keene, allowing these people to regularly break the law so they could make their point.

Obviously, some of these people wanted to get arrested to further their point. Oh well. I'd rather be home smoking than in jail.
- DM, Hampton

These guys are a bunch of brats. It's not that big of a deal regardless, it's nothing prison worthy, but give them their fines and tell them to shove off. Arrest the people booing too, give them some fines, let them be as spoiled and annoying as they want but get some money out of it for wasting police time.
- J Paige, Manchester

So...SRT, if you can't afford a home than you shouldn't buy pot? I don't get what the relationship is here. If you can't afford a home, should you quit having a life until you can afford one?
- Stevie Ray, Manchester

My family members are serving in Iraq in fear for their lives every day, and these jerks have the nerve to spend their energy, time, and money smoking pot at a pumpkin event for families. The answer is simple, they are handicapped people who cannot think clearly and have parents that are a complete disgrace to America. They should be put on a plane to Iraq and fight for our country, not hurt it and make our taxes go up even higher.
- Sally, Keene

Again.....you cannot drink booze in public, why do these bone heads think it is ok to smoke marijuana (which is illegal all together) in a public place.
Do something more productive with your lives.
- Frank, Manchester

"Noah James, 19, who was listed as homeless in the Keene area"

So- he can afford to buy pot but not have a home? Glad to see priorities in our youth today. Keene should throw every one of them in the paddy wagon and be done with this ridiciulous charade already.
- SRT, Manchester

Even the free staters have distanced themselves from these whack jobs. One free stater even wrote an editorial in this very newspaper about how ridiculous this is.
- CDR, Lebanon

Steve in Derry I think what you may not know unless you've spoke to these activists is that they intend to plead not guilty, force the state to pay for the expense of the trial and refuse to pay any fines imposed against them. By refusing to pay the fines they'll be put in a cage which will cost the state even more money.

I realize you may not like their behavior, but have you ever considered the irony in people that are less afraid of being arrested for smoking pot in public because there are too many to arrest than they are if they were possessing pot while walking down the street? in their own homes?

If the police would simply choose to ignore violations of these laws (like they do many other laws where nobody is injured) the smoking of marijuana in public parks that has been happening in Keene, Manchester, Derry and Lebanon would likely stop happening every day.
- Mike Tiner, Manchester

GOOD JOB to the Keene Police and State Police. This should have been done a long time ago to end these ridiculous protests. How about moving the protests to the state capital or Manchester? Oh thats right neither city would tolerate these protests.

As for Kevin, being in possession of an illegal drug is grounds for arrest. Why should the police have to wait for him to light up before arresting him? As well, I'm sure the police will test the matter that was confiscated to ensure it is marijuana. Police don't confiscate, then test, and if the test is positive go find the individual to arrest him/her.
- Mike, Litchfield

I am glad that someone in Keene finally got arrested!

They may protest all they want. However, having marijuana and/or smoking it is illegal. They get what you deserve.
- Chris, Concord

If these idiots want to make a statement, thats fine. But I also think the Court should make a statement as well and prosecute to the maximum penalty that is allowed for this crime. Maybe these homeless bums could have a place to live if they did not spend it on their precious marijuana.
- Phil, Gilford

About time Keene police!! Arrest these idiots each and every time they fire up and maybe they will go away.

Next time give them something to rememebr you by, god forbid they should trip and fall in handcuffs.
- Joe, Bedford

It looks like making medical marijuana legal was not truly the goal, just as civil unions was not enough and led to yet another law making gay marriage legal. It was nice of this group to have their protest at an event where many children would be in attendance.

All this proves to me is you can not compromise with far left radicals and doing so will only get you a knife in the back. I'd imagine the health care bill will go the same way and we will all end up on government run health care from compromising with liars.
- Deb, Derry

So where were these pot protesters going to go after getting high? Probably to their car to drive all stones out and kill someone. If they want to be patriots, join the military!
- Jeff, Manchester

Will...these people are NOT patriots...where I come from, a homeless 19 year old drug user is called a BUM...only 19 and we're already paying for him in "the system" i'm sure.
- Dave, Merrimack

Oh People. Grow up! this is so childish.
Book & Bail, find them and fine them.

and kevin,,,did you smell the marijuana when you watched the video? ha ha ha!

parents know this is teenagers still trying to taunt and tease the grown-ups. we werent born yesterday kids,,,
- mike, meredith

Its about time. Take notice Manchester, you do the right thing too next time they show in our beloved veterans park to defile it.
Reading the blogs I see that the Milford Oval is being tossed about as the next place to smoke. Hope Chief Douglas is ready for it.
- John, Manchester

Ya-All need to get a grip, until it is legal, its against the law. And being so, gets you a date with a Judge. Ya-All think this is just great and that it is so widley used that it should be legal, wait till its one of your kids that gets killed in a auto accident because some 16 year old kid was baked. And A Cop is obligated to uphold the law, regardless of what you think of what the law is.
- John, Candia

Give me a break "Will, everywhere, USA"...you want to change the law then run for office and change it! I believe that is the right our constitution of America guarantee's us!

Break the law that get arrested, I applaud the police for arresting them...I don't want to smell or breath that second hand BS!
- Mike, Epping

I was there in Keene and watched these arrests as well. These people are as misguided as they come. They go out of there way to try to bully and taunt the "police" to make their point about the legality of smoking marijuana. Why do this? The police officers from Keene and the State Police are professional law enforcement officers. While they do have some discretion in the manner in which they enforce the laws, at the end of the day, it is their sworn duty to enforce the laws they are handed.

Those laws are enacted by the legislature that these "peaceful" protesters elect like you and me. Protest to the elected officials who are in control of changing the statutes. Not the professionals whom had nothing to do with that process. In fact, looking at many of the troopers and officers, I'd dare say most weren't even alive when these laws were put into effect.

Bottom line is, whether the police like it or not, or whether a given citizen likes it or not, the police are paid to enforce the laws enacted by our elected officials. If they didn't enforce the laws and uphold the constitution, these are the same people who would likely cry foul.

Instead, they scream, taunt, and try to debate the morality of the law with the officers all the while sticking a camera in their face knowing full well that they are not in a position to "editorialize" on the subject.

Basically an unfair ambush perpetuated by cowardice protesters. You want to change the laws, lobby the legislature. Maybe have some of the free staters run for local and state office. You are not doing your cause any good with the current anti-law enforcement mantra. Should you ever get the law changed, you will need these guys to enforce laws designed to protect your right to smoke the pot - and I am confident that if that is the law of the time - they will.
- Academic, Gilmanton

First of all its about time they start cracking down on these pot heads...what a shock to see that some of these guys are homeless. I do feel bad that they are homeless and such but instead of being part of the problem (smoke pot and get arrested) why not try being a productive part of society. Its like some comments that I have seen on here in the past "where am I at 4:20 when everyone is lighting up, my job!" These people need to try that. And as usual Kevin from Lancaster woke up and had his tall glass of kool-aid for breakfast. I bet he is not a pot head, yea right. Last, good job Keene / State Police. Keep the good work up, please!
- Todd Berry, Lakes Region, NH

I agree that marijuana should be decriminalized but I wholeheartedly disagree with these protesters. If you want to change the laws, go and lobby the legislators in Concord, don't disrupt a annual family event in the park. Doing so was just rude.
- Rick, Manchester

These bums are not patriots as Will describes them They are out to destry our society. We will not allow Keene to become a pot haven for these people. Alot of them are Freestaters from other parts of the country. Lets take of town back from these idiots and run them out. The State of N.H. needs to bring the State Police in because the Keene PD can't handle it. The citizens need to organize and get involved. We will march on City Hall.
- Jim, Keene

Hey Kevin, if you are curious go to the trial, you will learn all about their probable cause. Perhaps you can dress up in a suit and continue to pretend you are a lawyer....
Will...Patriot? I dont think so, burned out doper is more like it......
just what we need a generation of dopers taking over, advocating for our liberties...
- Frank, Manchester

These knuckleheads need to smoke at Pumpkin Festivals? Maybe a sign you have a problem!

Kevin give me a break. If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's not a moose.
- John, Dover

It's about time. And just how does a homeless person buy drugs? Hmmm. It's still an illegal act and to do it publicly is just defying the law. It is what it is. Deal with it.
- brenda, belmont

If you HAVE to smoke it, do it indoors. Second hand smoke from cigarettes is bad enough to deal with, no one in public should have to deal with your Greateful Dead life style.

I say fine them all $500 a pop.
- Steve, Derry

Patriots standing up against unjust laws is inspirational for the tens of millions who know the time has come for legalization of cannabis. Police crackdowns often promote resentment and growing activism, as well as demoralizing many individual Police Officers who would rather serve and protect than oppress the people.
- Will, everywhere, USA

I've watched the videos (they're available at freekeene.com), and I'm curious about what probable cause the Keene PD had for Rich Paul's arrest.

They don't seem to investigate whether or not he was smoking marijuana. They simply watch him declare that he's going to smoke marijuana, and then handcuff him.

Just a couple of weeks ago at one of the daily Keene 4:20 events, the Keene PD arrested someone who was *not* smoking marijuana, but was smoking chocolate mint tobacco. How is this different? Where is the chain of custody? Where is the evidence that Rich Paul was actually smoking marijuana? The Keene PD didn't conduct any tests at all, they just summarily arrested him.

It seems we're under the rule of law, except when it inconveniences those enforcing the law.
- Kevin, Lancaster