YOUR COMMENTS

I'm another Free Stater who thinks this was not very well planned or thought out.

A big black eye to the FSP!
- Alex, Manchester

"This is the kind of story that simply requires a photograph. . . ."
- Marcus, Alton

I can do better than that, there's an entire pictorial of the event. Some of them contain bare breasts and police violence. Be warned:

http://freekeene.com/2010/07/20/keene-mass-arrests-a-pictorial/

The artist was using the back of his hand to adjust her breasts for painting. I fail to see anything sexual about that.
- Sam Dodson, Keene

God am I glad to be out of Keene. While I can appreciate smoking marijuana in defiance of our idiotic drug laws and can appreciate naked and half naked women in public even more, the Freestaters really need to get back on their meds.

I've led protests and rallies before and even worked in political activism professionally for a number of years. While agitation of authority is warranted in all kinds of situations and for all types of causes, these people seem to simply get off by provoking law enforcement, then crying and playing the victim afterwards.

They claim their labors are to build a heaven, but their heaven is populated with horrors.
- Nick, Manchester

how is that you have to be 18 to buy playboy magazine but yet these women can walk topless in front of children. How is that legal?
- Tracy, Manchester

I'm a Free Stater and I wish these Keene extremists would leave the state! These people are a very small minority in the Free State Project and most participants want nothing to do with them or their views.

I, personally, can't stand them.
- Dave, Manchester, NH

I believe in Free Stater fundamentals. But these jerks have to smarten up and not provoke law enforcement as they do.
- Bob, Concord

Sad to think we live in a time & place where it's a crime to party naked.
- Zee, Derry

Its too bad; what started as a noble cause that had my full support (legalization of marijuana) seems to have lost focus and credibility.
- Ed, Manchester

Complete and utter morons. Please go back under the rock from whence you came. The police in the video should be commended for their restraint and professionalism. I'm not a cop and as a private citizen I'd as soom paste one of these jesrks in the mouth as look as them.
- Paul, Derry

@Jim, Manchester, Ward 9. In your examples of working cultural zones, what is common with all three of those? They are ones that people voluntary associate with and that is WHY they work. Your constitutional amendment idea of creating cultural zones is one of force and far closer to the Northern Ireland example. The Constitution is a document design to restrain government, not people. The 18th amendment was the one time it was obviously used to restrain people. It was an utter failure and later repeal with the 21st amendment.

My pot vs wine question was one of morality and not a question of the surrounding legality which affect the practicality. I think your answer, while valid, is a bit of a cop out because the subject of discussion was the morality of the issue not the practicality. I don't want to put words in your mouth but, it sounds like even you would agree that if pot was legal, there would be no moral difference between a parent responsibly engaging in the recreational use of pot or alcohol.

Your statement "And you keep up the bad fight for your evil weed toking ways dude" is a little concerning. You claim to be for traditional Christian values yet I found your statement rather unchristian of you and very judgmental. Matthew 7:1, "Judge not that ye be not judged." Why do assume that I even smoke pot? Just because I'm advocating for it to be legal? Personally, I choose not to smoke pot. I advocate for legalization because I don't want violence used against my friends and family if they choose use pot. I forgive you for your incorrect allegations and hope your future responses will be more civil.
- Jason, Chester

Anarchy does not work. You cannot pick and choose which laws you want to follow based on whether you agree with them or not. I think NAMBLA believes that there is nothing wrong with man boy sex. Should they be left alone?
- Jeanne, Cocncord

P.S. to Jason in chester,
We already have nudity culture zones with 3 sets of rules:

1. Nudist colonies and nudist beaches.
2. Other beaches (that allow speedos and g-strings/bikinis that would be frowned on elsewhere).
3. Street clothes zones.

Seems to work okay.
- Jim, Manchester, Ward 9

Jason in Chester.
In answer to your question, YES, the parent who smokes weed loves their children LESS than the parent who drinks alcohol responsibly. If the parent loved the children more than 'feeling good,' they would not committ illegal actions and risk being separated from their children by jail time. This is not a question of morality, it is a question of practicality. If a parent wants to smoke weed without harming thier children's intrests, they should work to legalize if BEFORE smoking it, or move to somewhere it is already legal. Committing ANY offense with serious jail time should be seen as an unacceptable risk by any rational parent.

I have considered moving south, I may yet. But I thought I'd keep at the good fight for traditonal values a little while longer. And you keep up the bad fight for your evil weed toking ways dude.
- Jim, Manchester, Ward 9

If this is what passes for crime in Keene, you can save money and just shutter the Police Department.
- Jon, Manchester

I wish someone would do us all a favor and drive right through that park w/ an eighteen wheeler and hit only these free stater idiots. Get a job and a life. Numb.
- Are these people for real?, Lee, NH

@Goosesnuffer...

FYI they are Canada geese...not canadian geese
- John, Manchester

@Jim, Manchester, Ward 9. I disagree about the causes of what you might call moral decay leading to our current police state. The failed war on drugs and establishment of the welfare state are the chief causes of these ill. Does the parent that smokes a joint in the evening after a long day love their children any less than the parent that drinks a glass a of wine? Many of the people caught up in prison are mothers and fathers that can't be there to raise their children not because what they did was immoral but because it was prohibited by the government. What causes more harm? That person being in society not harming others or their child being raised by a single parent or foster care? The government welfare state teaches people that they can leach off others and that smarter/harder working people own them something.

I don't believe that your culture zone idea is going to work to well in sectioning off cities. It not working very well in Northern Ireland cities where there is still high levels of protestant/catholic violence. People with different ideas and values need space. Any relocation also should be voluntary. Much like liberty loving people are migrating to New Hampshire, I think you should put your money where you mouth is as far as cultural zones are concerned. If you desire a Judeo-Christian society, I suggest you checkout the Christian Exodus movement and move to South Carolina. It sounds like what you are looking for.
- Jason, Chester

Clearly, these people do not understand the difference between liberty and license; nor are they responsible enough to care. In short, their actions will result in less true liberty for all of us. GROW UP!
- Clem, Arkansas

WOW What a breath of fresh air! Hawai'i the aloha state is watching the new life being brought into the boring pharmaceutical taking brain damaged public of NH. New England has lost their way long ago and needs a blast of west coast consciousness people moving into all of the area. Long live Free Keene and The Free State Project.
- chas_eric, Hilo

They did not go to the park to hang out, they went there hoping the Police would show up so they could create a scene. Why not hangout in a nice private backyard and do what ever makes them happy. I like to go there, but as long as these waste products are out bothering people I will spend my cash elsewhere.
- BuzzinNH, Brookline

See the post below by arrestee; Meg.
- Jim, Manchester, Ward 9

Do we live in the dark ages? I was under the assumption that humans have lived through the enlightenment. The only thing wrong with this whole nude-drunk-keene-whatever is the intolerance towards individual expression. In the European Union no one gets bent out of shape if a couple of natural god-given breasts are exposed or if a beer or two are consumed in the open. Freedom is not democracy people. In case you can't seem to define democracy it means "the doctrine that the numerical majority of an organized group can make decisions binding on the whole group " Look it up. The free staters or whatever you care to label them as are simply standing up for what they consider their freedom. Who the hell are you to impose your views upon them?

Is there something you are eating, reading, or thinking that makes you free-er or better?

I did not think so.

Get over it.
- Hawkeye, Keene

Of all the things they could be protesting:
• The Iraq and Afghan campaigns in the 'War on Terror."
• Hunger and poverty.
• Illegal immigration.
Nope:
• Public nudity
• Public beer consumption
• Marijuana
Glad they have their priorities straight. NOT!

Seriously. The US is becoming a Police State (world’s highest prison population). Not because our laws are getting stricter, or because the police are becoming crueler (just read some of John Clayton’s columns about excessive use of force by Manchester police c. 1880-1920). It’s because our population is losing its morals and Judeo-Christian values (these losers in Keene are the perfect example of that) and our laws have not DEvolved to adapt.

We need to make some choices.

One idea to keep the Culture Wars from tearing the USA apart, I would throw out, is that we should change the Constitution to allow Cultural Zones – with different regions with different sets of laws. Say, Manchester could be a traditional values Culture Zone where homosexuality, aborton, and MJ are illegal and say Keene could be and progressive CZ where gay marriage, abortion, and MJ are legal. People would have to adapt their behavior or move. Thoughts?
- Jim, Manchester, Ward 9

Of all the things they could be protesting:
• The Iraq and Afghan campaigns in the 'War on Terror."
• Hunger and poverty.
• Illegal immigration.
Nope:
• Public nudity
• Public beer consumption
• Marijuana
Glad they have their priorities straight.

Seriously. The US is becoming a Police State (world’s highest prison population). Not because our laws are getting stricter, or because the police are becoming crueler (just read some of John Clayton’s columns about excessive use of force by Manchester police c. 1880-1920). It’s because our population is losing its morals and Judeo-Christian values (these losers in Keene are the perfect example of that) and our laws have not DEvolved to adapt.

We need to make some choices.

One idea I would throw out is that we should change the Constitution to allow cultural zones – with different regions with different sets of laws. Say, Manchester could be a traditional values culture zone where homosexuality and MJ are illegal and Keene could be and progressive culture zone where gay marriage and MJ are legal. People would have to adapt their behavior or move.
- Jim, Manchester, Ward 9

HA HA

I believe that the bare breasts are native NH breasts not Free Stater breasts.

But I know that many people just like to complain about Free Staters... never mind the facts.
- Paul, manchester

Wow... Methinks this story surpassed the Great Canadian Goose Menace on Todd Lake... Congrats!
- GooseSnuffer, Keene

why aren't the police publishing video of their own. these fleas will destroy the free state project. 99 % of the free staters have improved the quality of life for the rest of us in NH. Why are they treading on us, do they not read the words on their own flag?
- lisa, manchester

These citizens are dangerously delusional, with hallucinations of freedom!
Don't they know we are #1 in incarceration planet-wide?
U S A
U S A
- Staatspolizei, G

Un-freaking-believable!
This kind of irresponsible behavior by the subjects causes major interruptions in donut-gobbling time!
The fat blue line demands severe punishment!
- outs, not NH

The city has to consider how it wants to be portrayed to outsiders. While the so called freedom lovers are protesting minor laws, the city is becoming branded with their image of protest and low demographic. Do we think that businesses will really want to site in this town? Are businesses in town going to grow because of controversy continually scaring away customers? Keene, get a handle on these gnats before you become flypaper for the irrelevants. They certainly will not care about growing our tax base (no work) but I for one do.
- K.bot, Keene

Don in Bedford makes a valid point. The Keene PD neglected to take action early and are paying the price now.
It is not up to the department to determine if they are going to enforce the law or not. They are part of the Executive branch of government. They are to enforce to laws put in place by our elected officials.
The "activists" as they are refered to by many posting here are creating a situation where the police are forced to act. If they do not like the law, I suggest that they find viable like minded candidates for office and have the laws changed.
It is easy to force the police into action. The harder course of action would be to change the system from within.
- Mike, Manchester

Where the heck is Keene? The article never mentions what state this is in! Freshman writing class anyone?
- Rob, Pooler

Painting breasts? Hope it wasn't lead based paint.
- Evan, Keene

Where's good old Meldrim Thomson when you need him? Why must every hippie moonbat suddenly be interested in NH? Portsmouth, as well, is turning into a real circus sideshow. Put on some clothes, and attend to your own business. Don't make an obnoxious spectacle of yourself......
- Shackelford, Plaistow

If you want to get an idea of who the democrat base is, watch the video.................. a bunch of moonbat nut cases.
- Vic, Derry

Thank God the Keene police cracked open this terrorist plot before thousands of Republicans lost their lives! With luck, the CIA can put Predator drones over Central Square in time to get some super-high-quality video of the next Topless Tuesday!
- What's the Fuss?, Keene

I dont care about the nudity. I dont mind people protesting for their cause (whatever that may be.) Freedom of speech, right?
But standing in front of a police car is not "peaceful". Yelling at a cop who is just trying to do his job is not "peaceful". Stop calling it something it is NOT.
The Free Staters rhetoric crumbles to a screaming mess the second any conversations start to go beyond their little catch phrases.
They dont really know what their cause is. They seem like a bunch of outcasts who never quite found a niche, and now they are doing whatever they can for the attention they didnt get throughout their lives.
Please... Free Staters... leave Keene. No one wants you here. Go to some remote town in the woods. Go to another state. Go to a country that witnesses true anarchy on a daily basis and then tell me how much you like it that way.
I love our state motto, but I'd be willing to get a new one if that meant this group of idiots would find a new place to colonize.
- Heather, Keene

I second what Marc from Derry said. And I'll add that the Free Staters are desperately trying to be relevant, but the police in Keene aren't taking the bait. How pathetic these young people are that they think being outrageous will make some kind of serious 'civil rights' point. Yawn.

FREE STATERS, TAKE A HINT: GO HOME!!
- James T., Manchester

nude is great but i wear clothes to hide my flaws...
- carolyn, hidden valley

N.H. it is called Live Free or Die, let them hang out as mother nature intended, whether there the good , the bad or the ugly it's just natural, no complaints if a guy does it on a hot day. only in america is this always considerd sexual. For those who dont like it is legal. as far as drinking a beer in a public place if they are not drunk and disorderly whats the big deal? whos being hurt really?
- brian, brentwood

What's wrong with some free boobies on a nice summer day?

Here we have some nice ladies who would like to show the world their boobies, drink some beer, and smoke some natural herb, and they get arrested? Man, what happened to OUR country...
- Ted, Manchester

Y'all have a tourism bureau? :-)
- Rusty, Sacramento CA

If smoking pot in public, walking around naked and harassing the police is the future of the Libertarian movement in New Hampshire, count me out. This is more like a college frat house than a liberty movement. Seriously.
- Not Impressed, Manchester, NH

Go on, get in there, Gina. Point is, you should have the right to do it if you want to. What's that state motto again?
- Pete, south of the border

in front of a school at 6 p.m. in july what kids? body painting is now illegal, having a beer is illegal too in a public place , why? is anyone really being hurt, assaulted, criminalized in anyway. Yet we have real police officers beating up civialians, selling licenses, commiting frauad, tasering other officers, and we are worrying about legal activities such as being topless in a park. Go figure, NH cops you need to set your priorities.
- brian, brentwood

So, all of you in favor of bare breasts in public please be aware that not everyone is young, thin, and pretty like the young lady. I'm 50, fat, and just maybe will show up at your next "protest" with "the girls" out. Not that appealing, is it.
- Gina, Keene

Slayerboy and BJ, Just thought you should know. Everyone in the Free State movement is moving to VT. You should go there. Virginia and New York’s loss is New Hampshire’s loss.
- Dan, Nashua

Dudes, seriously though, just chill, alls we wanna do is like, just be able to toke up, kick back, chill and like no hassles. whats wrong with just smoking some herb, and hanging. Working is a waste of time and engergy. we're not chasing the dollar, just need engough to keep the high going and chill flowin. Whats wrong with that. Like Meg said, we're doing this for you, to stand up against the controlling government machine. So it;s like our job and so the state pays us a little assistnace. As long as it's enough to score that s fine. Don't need anythign else. So just chill.
- Dude, Marlow

Steve, it was after 6PM on a Sunday in mid-July. So not likely they were exposing themselves to all the kids at the middle school. Aside from the fact that school is out for summer.
- Dani, Manchester

I know, let legalize pot so we can all think this is ok. This my friends is your brain on drugs. Funny how these people have not changed one bit since high school. Wait its not funny its sad.
- Don, Lempster

Getting naked across from the middle school in front of all those kids?! Lock these perverrts up and throwaway the key!
- Steven Chesterfield, Pembroke

With all the problems this country has, we have a bunch of idiots trying to stir up trouble. Nobody is interested in your bare boobs. Take em somewhere else. Your disgusting!
- Eileen, Hillsboro

I am surprised some of the real frestaters crowd hasn't chimed in here. These people are not indicative of the freestaters I have met. These people are drunken irresponsible little people whose minds are fried by overindulging in booze and drugs. Any clear thinking person knows that freedom comes with a price, personal responsibilty and a responsibility to your community. Let's take the exhibitionist part out of this (if you look at Courser's facebook page she is clearly a tramp who like to expose herself, she also used to be fairly good looking before booze took over), the boozing in a public place AND public nudity during the day, when there are families around, is not being responsible to your community or honoring other peoples rights. Any REAL freestater knows that your right to swing you fist ends when it makes contact with my nose.
- Allan, Rochester

Had this been two men fondling each other. The police would be in trouble for making the arrest.
- Shawno, Nashua

Just go away free staters!
- Joshua, Manchester

The Free-staters once again vie for attention. First, they show up in public places proudly wearing their legal side-arms. They were hoping for some reaction, maybe an arrest or two, so that they could get even more attention. But, sorry, no - no arrests, no uproar. Bummer!

Next, they hold smoke-ins. Got to get busted there. Oops, the Keene police mostly look the other way. Rats! No controversy to exploit!

Then they notice that Keene allows bare breasts in public. WOO HOO - let's have Topless Tuesdays in the park. Guaranteed to get the locals in an uproar. Oops - nobody really cares.

So then they get together at one of their Free-stater biweekly meetings, as outlined in their charter, and come up with an idea. Let's get a couple girls to grope each other while painting boobs. And let's all get drunk, just to make sure. They all vote on it and it passes with a 12 - 2 majority, duly noted in the minutes. And finally - Success!!! A report in the paper on some arrests. A couple of them resist. Wonderful!!

Next is to publish it in the Nutjob News so people from all over the country can surf on over to the UL and express their opinions and "threaten" to move to NH. I was just about to shake in my boots when I had a thought. I wonder if maybe these posters from VA, KY, and NY are all the same person? And maybe he or she is right here in NH? Whew, another crisis dodged!

I congratulate the Keene Police for doing their job. The Free-staters would have just found something even more controversial to help get their names in the paper. Thanks for nipping this in the bud.
- Marc, Derry

To all the "Free Staters" at the demonstration, what exactly were you protesting for??? Public Nudity and drinking?? You can do that in your own home in your own yard without anyone complaining or disagreeing. Why must it be done at a public place where all types of people visit? Is it for the extreme factor? Is it for the "I need attention look at me"? What exactly is your version of a "Free Stater"? Someone who is totally lack of social skills or consideration for others beliefs. Not everyone believes that public nudity is acceptable. If it was then every culture in every country would be nude. If your beliefs are extreme, then keep them in your home. I certainly do not want to see someone sitting around drinking alcohol or getting nude in a park where I bring my kids to play. We all need to coexist in this multi cultural society and that means being considerate of others. If you want to make changes and have society listen to your cause, then approach the issues with logic and respect for all. No one listens to your cause when you use outlandish actions and tiraids.
- Donella, Concord, NH

pablo, nh: Believe it or not, nudity is legal most places in the USA . . . well, at least toplessness and exposed butt cheeks. Obviously genitals are not pretty much anywhere.

Does anyone else think this is a targeted intimidation of the Free State Project? There has been a lot of similar targeted intimidation and persecution of related groups across the country lately.
- Frank, NotInNewHampsire

ted, manchester: Of course I don't know these people personally, but I know the Free State Project is as far from supporting Obama as any Tea Party. The whole premise of that is for patriot minded people sick of the Federal Government's encroachment on states rights and the rights of the people all move to New Hampsire to become a voting bloc of liberty loving people who want to return the nation back to a constitutional framework (as for the other movement, I've never heard of it).

I almost wonder if their association with the Free State Project is a bit hyped to give it a bad name, or perhaps the police response is largely concocted to intimidate anyone who opposes Obama's agenda. I find lately that anyone who opposes the radical agenda of Obama just so happens to get setup media events to try to make them look bad.

By the way: George Washington smoked marijuana. So did several other of the founding fathers. Many of them liked to drink heavily and cavort with young women as well. Geniuses tend to be like that. lol People who are lazy and jobless who smoke marijuana are responsible for that choice. There are many marijuana smokers who are your local businessmen, lawyers, scientists, docters, engineers, etc. . .
- Frank, NotInNewHampsire

It may be the middle of summer, but the flakes continue to blow around in Keene. These dirty, smelly, Woodstock copycats need to grow up and make an attempt at becoming productive members of society. Right now they're nothing more than immature, attention seeking, non-achievers who's empty lives are leading them nowhere and who's actions are accomplishing zilch.
- Brian, Farmington

What a bunch of losers. Go get a job and contribute to society. This is why the Free State Project has no credibility. Fell free to have your free state meetings at Murphy's Tap Room in Manchester and plan on how you are going to look dumb.
- jEFF, mANCHESTER

You know, I believe in the old saying, "If you got it, flaunt it." or "Give what your momma gave ya" all come to mind here. I guess it's their way to beautify the area especially of the heat lately.
- Outsider, NH

hey i have an idea ul how many of these people are collecting unemployment,social,food stamps or any other public funded program so they can hang out at he park smoke dope and drink beer? i sick of going to work everyday to pay for the o bumma programs. do a story about that.
- ted, manchester

What an ideal place for Al-Quida or offended Islamic extremists to make a statement. Nude women in public!! Then these dirtbags will be screaming for Police protection!
- Gene, Laconia

I'll agree that groping was wrong but body paining is not lewd. Times are changing and when people in small communities do different things, it scares many people in small states like New Hampshire. Open your minds people.
- Alice, Concord NH

Oh no, not breasts! Send backup!
- Jesse, Portland

hi, i'm meg (one of the ones arrested during this ordeal). i would just like to comment towards someone who said "We are paying the bills, but the riff raff are the ones protesting on our dime" with regards to the fact that i am listed as "homeless".

first off, i have never nor would i ever accepted anything that could at any point have been "your dime". i work for myself, and i don't need your money. second, i am listed as "homeless" because i just didn't have an address to give them. i'm not living under some bridge, i just don't own a home and i don't need a mailing address, so i never bothered to learn the addresses of the places i live.

i don't expect anyone here to understand or accept what i did to be "the right thing". i'm sure many of you see my arrest as justified, and i don't expect to change your mind on that. i wasn't protesting, i had just been passing through, saw someone i knew getting hurt and kidnapped by someone i did not, so i tried to prevent, or at least make it difficult, for a peaceful girl to be taken away in such a violent manner. i didn't do it as a PR stunt, i did it out of concern for the safety of a fellow human being.

even if you hate me for being a "free stater", just know that i didn't come here to be an activist for my own freedom... i came here to stop the violence i see coming from government intrusion on everyone's lives. that includes all of you and your loved ones too. i hope you don't have to experience injustice to realize justice was never there to begin with... but eventually it will happen to everyone. i'm here to support you all when it happens to you.
- meg, keene

"It sounds like the police were doing their best to to ignore the group."

Really? Their best isn't very good then, considering how easy it is to ignore people who aren't hurting you.
- Vincent, San Diego

Wow. Seriously? Just...wow.

It is absolutely incredible to me that, in this day and age, we humans are so completely terrified of the body we wake up with every day and that we all share the same basic features/traits of.

I grew up in a nudist resort down South in the '70's and early '80's. Wasn't my choice - I was born into it, literally. Until the age of 10, I didn't know any different and I didn't find a thing wrong with it BECAUSE I didn't know any different. I grew up with a loving family, great friends and neighbors and probably more real exercise and outside activities and sports than most of my peers at the time did. The nudist park was full of families when I was growing up. Not single, perverted men - FAMILIES. It was a wonderful and wonderfully supportive environment to grow up in. It wasn't some hippy enclave; it was a full-on resort community with pools, permanent housing, playgrounds, sports fields, etc. The adults looked out for us and for each other. We children didn't have sex with each other, we didn't point at each others' naughty bits and laugh and we didn't behave anywhere near as immaturely as many of the commenters on this article are. Nudity was as normal and UNSEXUAL for us as it could possibly be.

Now, I'm in my 30's. I left the nudist lifestyle behind long ago. Not because I disagree with it but, rather, because nudity is such a non-issue with me that I'm completely ambivalent to it. I was never molested (no, there's no repressed memories for those of you who will no doubt suggest it), my family had no dysfunction and my childhood was as happy as anyone's. So how did I turn out as an adult with this shockingly "immoral" and "perverse" background? Well, I run a very successful enterprise here in Manch. My name, and that of my company, is well-enough known in the state that I have to remain anonymous while replying to this article lest I get buried with hate mail from the uber-conservatives. I'm father to a wonderful child who - gasp! - has seen me naked around the house since the day he was born. I don't parade around in front of him but, if he happens to see me getting out of the shower, I don't freak out and make a big deal out of it. Like me, he has no hangups about his body or that of others and I hope I can continue to raise him without that obscene viewpoint that the human body is for sex only and should be otherwise shunned.

Finally, for those who don't know: Body-painting is one of the most common - and fun - activities in any nudist resort you visit. It is not lewd. It is not lascivious. It is not intended to be erotic in any way. If, however, the participants of this "protest" were indeed acting in an erotic nature, then they are a discredit to what true naturists believe in. Otherwise, I think the Keene PD has a LOT to learn about a lot of things.
- Former nudist, Manchester

a few taps to the side of the head with a nightstick would knock some sense into these dirty, smelly hippies.
- Jasper, Bedford

These people need to get a job!!!
- Amber, Hooksett

Wow, it certainly looks as though college doesn't do anything to help people develop common sense, nor does it appear that any of them are going for a law degree. Ignorance of the law is no excuse. No matter how much you disagree with it, it is the law and must be adhered to. Kids, time for you to grow up!

I commend the officers on their professionalism in the face of such stupidity.
- Wayne F., Manchester

What a bunch of freaks of society. Why don't these people crawl back into the hole they came from. They think they are so cool but the reality is they are a bunch of losers. Arrest them all. Time for some people to grow up, get a life and get a clue in life. Freestaters are a bunch of kooks.
- Marty, Manchester

Rich Paul-Manchester

Wesley Gilreath, 20, of 60 School St., Marlborough.

Megan Steward, 26, who is listed as homeless in Keene.

Heika Courser, 26, of 3 Fitzwilliam Road, Richmond.

Not alot of taxes being paid to Keene to pay for this park as they claim.
- Tom, Concord

#1.....nice boobies.
#2.....wait.....what?
- john, bow

It sounds like the police were doing their best to to ignore the group. Much like a parent, it seems they were hoping the people would just go away because they were not getting the response they wanted...kind of like you ignore a child.

But also kind of like a child, they were not happy with no response and being ignored so they kept pushing the limit till the police had no choice but to respond...then also very much like a child they threw a tantrum in the park. So much like children in need of attention, they became the focus of attention now they are gonna cry that they are being unjustly punished and it wasn't their fault....

I think these people need to make up their mind....for a group of people who rant about being left alone and preserving their liberties , look at the extent they had to go to in order to basically force the the police to arrest them.

So ranting against hypocrisy, and about freedom and being left alone...but having to force the police to take action by taking some pretty drastic measures. Sounds like hypocrisy to me...kinda ironic actually.

I don't think these groups really did their research on NH, yes its the "live free or die state", but its also the "welcome to nh, now go home" state. I for one wish these people would go home and stop trying to save me from an "oppressive" system...I was doing just fine before they got here.
- Michael, Manchester

I'm glad to hear that some people would rather use violence of the state to jail people who are doing what they want to do non-violently.

I may not agree with their actions, and I certainly don't agree with them on everything, but I recognize that in order to be free I have to let others be free. I stand by ANYONE who wishes to be non-violent and peaceful.

How about instead of using violence against non-violent people, you act like civil human beings and ask politely for these people to keep their clothes on, quiet down, etc, etc. They are, of course, free to ignore you and continue doing what they want to do.

Why do you care what other people are doing if they aren't hurting anyone else?
- slayerboy, Rochester, NY (soon to be somewhere in NH)

such disrespect. No one has the right to disrespect the police in this way. I am disgusted by anyone why would stick up for the the people who were "just naked and drinking in a public park". Hey, if they wanted to be naked, and drink then they had every right to do this, at their home. Oh, wait, one of them was listed as homeless...It is great to see that We are paying the bills, but the riff raff are the ones protesting on our dime.

If you do not want to get arrested, don't break the law. If you happened to get arrested, then go to court peacefully and plead your case in an orderly fashion. You guys look like a bunch of idiots on the video.

Gee, I can't image why cops get a little aggressive during these situations, I would have wanted to slap a few across the face for being so disrespectful.
- k, hillsboro

Bare breasted women getting in the officer's faces? No wonder they called in for back up!
- Bill, Manchester

Why do people have such issues with public nudity or bare-breasted women? Have you ever thought about hanging around Vermont at all? I mean you're less than 30 minutes away, right? It is completely legal to be completely nude in public.

All of you who have issues with the beauty of the human body as it was given from God, you should get some real religion and appreciate the human form as it was meant to be. Naked we come. Naked we go.
- Michael, Hudson

Hey pro(re)gressives, here is that slippery slope we were telling you about!What happened to keeping your perversions behind closed doors? Now they are a protected group. Watch your step, you are going to grow up eventually and realize this is what YOU created! Thanks, I just wished you didn't have to drag the whole society (look it up) down in the gutter with you.
- Allan, Rochester

Well, there's a simple solution to all of this (besides burning them at the stake which it sounds like some of you sociopaths would love to do) is to stop taking their money coercively.

Stop taxing them for your schools, your parks, and your libraries and anything else they don't use and they'll stop using them. Oh wait, that's right, you don't really own those things, you're just forced to pay for them just like the Keeners.

In that case, maybe you could just have the town council clarify that "public" doesn't really mean "owned by the people" but rather "government-owned and operated via funds primarily acquired by coercion and threats". That ought to do it.
- Zedekiah Johnson, Roxbury

I have no problem with exercising a little personal freedom, however... Yelling at the police... has that ever worked for ANYONE? "Oh, you think we are fascist pigs? In that case, we'll let you go." Brilliant. Cracking beers in the lobby of the police department? Ron White said it best... " You can't fix STUPID!"
- JS, Lincoln

I use to live in NH and am so happy I moved out. Why is it ok to get drunk in public and to have your naked breasts painted? I do not want my children exposed to that, they are in a publc park so no children can go there, they are doing drugs by a school but not arrested. what the heck! I am tired of people saying they beleive in freedom but only their own. what is wrong with society today
- candy, maine

To me, this whole ordeal is messed up. As a father, I am offended that public nudity is permitted in Keene. I certainly do not want my children seeing that, and it makes me sad that the quiet, beautiful city where I lived for several years has apparently degenerated.

I also find it ironic that you can be indecently attired (or not at all) in public, but don't have a drink in public, because THAT's apparently the worst thing that you can do.

I do not believe in a nanny state either, but these kinds of spectacles are ridiculous and can come of no good for either side. Remember Christ said "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil"
- David, Louisville, KY

Grow up. Have some self-respect, and show some respect for others living in your community. Get a job. Get a home. If you must protest something, choose something worthwhile.
- Kathy, Manchester

Every time I read stories like this is makes me, more and more, want to take part in this peaceful evolution to a voluntary society.

Go Free Keeniacs!
- Vincent, San Diego

Sounds Like "Barney" from Mayberry was in charge..good thing Andy had his bullet!
- donna, simpsonville

why is that only ugly people want to get naked? there should be a law that only beautiful people should be naked, those people should have been arresterd
- patrick, newmarket

New Hampshire is not that oppressive by comparsion. You freedom movement people should go someplace where the government is really oppressive like Massachusetts or California and show what you are made of by taking on really big government.
- Wayne, Manchester

This place is way to crazy...Keene has a way to go before being civil. By the way all the "Baby Boomers" Wood Stock was 41 yrs. ago.....Grow up!
- jj, ma

The state should require permits for these events. The people involved would be required to a certain standard, outlined by the law for a permit to be issued. Other states institute a common practice called a perk test in these matters. Studies show that as long as the test is passed the event is much more enjoyable for all those involved.
Thus those more perky, are allowed to bare and those less are required to stay covered.
- F. Jackie, Ashland

I'm curious, who did these people victimize?
- Erik E, Austin, TX

Breasts are great, but the 60's are over folks. Get a job. I'm sure none of these Whale lovers have paid taxes in years to help for the upkeep of the park.
- Frankie the hippie stomper, Manch

I'll do free breast painting with a roller !!!
- Mike, Auburn

The nature of these comments demonstrates how cult-like a society is. The activists in Keene and NH overall, just want to be left alone.

But how can they be left alone when their money is stolen from them to pay for the public park, public schools and everything else public.
I have yet to meet or talk to a freedom activist who wants to end public schools, police departments, or anything else government. They just want government to run like a business and not like a gang. As soon as government stops stealing from people and as soon as government stops hurting people who are not violent, then the freedom movement will go away.

If you're open minded enough, look up the criteria that defines a gang and you will find that it is the same criteria that defines a government.

I will be in NH soon myself and for those of you who are close minded and who subscribe to the cult that is government, be aware that there will be more liberty activists who will come to NH right behind me.
- BJ, KY

Those people are only out to get their 15 minutes of attention. And besides, if any of those who went topless want to look like a naked cow, that's their business but it should be done where you don't take your children.
- Richie V., Clifton Park,NY

Seeing that there is a place where peaceful people stand up to bureaucrats just re-enforces that I need to get up out of this place I'm in.

I can't wait to get to New Hampshire.
- Dan, Hopewell, VA

Topless Tuesdays? I'm moving to Keene!
- Joe, Manchester

I don't approve of public toplessness ... but I don't think arresting a bunch of people is a good solution either. These people are forced to pay for the park too, after all.

And certainly arresting someone for quietly sitting on a bench and drinking a beer is really absurd.

I wish the park were private property -- run by a parks community organization, and funded by donations -- then they'd have the right to set any rules they want.

How about this? Anyone can choose not to pay the portion of their taxes that go to this park, but in exchange, they have to agree not to use the park. If you opt in, you have to abide by the rules. Problem solved!
- Paul, LA (from Keene)

C'mon, the videos are out there and easy enough to watch. No one "jumped atop" a police car.

One man placed his hands on the hood exactly like we've see countless people do while following police instructions. He was handcuffed and placed in the back seat without resistance.

Another man leaned back with his feet on the ground and his rear above the grill; again, exactly like you've seen police instruct people to do in countless episodes of "COPS". The officer simply put his car in reverse and backed away.

That was the total having contact with the police car: two. I think some of the readers have visions of mobs dancing on top of police cars, and that didn't happen.
- Kevin, Lancaster

[Art.] 3. [Society, its Organization and Purposes.] When men enter into a state of society, they surrender up some of their natural rights to that society, in order to ensure the protection of others; and, without such an equivalent, the surrender is void.

We don't always get to do whatever we want in an orderly society. I sure would not my kids watching these people in a public park. Nice message they send.

Keene Police did the right thing.
- John, Warner

Seems like the Keene police have way too much time on their hands if this is all they have to do. Perhaps they have to many officers on staff? Why not lay off a few officers and save some money? That way peaceful people can get on with living their lives.
- modelmotion, Los Angeles

Anyone who exposes themselves to children are pedophiles in my opinion. They should be charged as such. This makes me sick and angry and I will not be taking my kids to Keene until this is stopped!
- Michelle, Hinsdale NH

theres nothing wrong with freedom and fighting for your rights. but these people sound like lost souls dreaming of being hippies and taking advantage of laws. They are not proving much here mayby they should man and woman up and really sacrifice something. make a real difference.
- not important, whatever one

Ahh... one of the many reasons why I miss my 3rd floor apartment that over looked the park in Central Square...
- Carrie, Manchester

What are they putting in the water in Keene these days? Stupid pills is my guess because many there seem to confuse their freedom with being idiots in public. Go ahead and get together with the rest of the freaks at one of your houses and run around naked and paint your selves and be free. Doing so in public where others may not want to take part is not your right.

And as always the left wing loons have no problem jumping on tax payer police cars and causing damage as if they owned them. I hope those arrested ae made to pay out of their own pockets for any and all damage.
- Patriot, Salem

Lt. Darryl Madden it is obvious you do not know what groping is. Is having a breast exam by a doctor groping? In my opinion the Keene police were looking for trouble and it is the police who should be charged with disorderly conduct and inciting a riot.
- BobS, Goffstown

Being a resident of Keene and driving by "their" protests on a daily basis compels me to make this statement, "I have no problem with any member of society standing up and expressing what they believe in or supporting a cause, especially when they have information to back up their cause. However, laying around the park naked, smoking pot and holding up signs that don't even remotely demonstrate what their cause is, results in just a bunch of people looking for attention period!" I used to enjoy bringing my children through this park...not any more!
- Moe Croteau, Keene NH

Its pretty amusing to see the juvenile comments made by some of the "boys" (you may be through puberty but you aren't acting like it fellas,) here. ;)

That said, while I don't condone women painting each other like its a grateful dead festival (I am not offended by topless chicks at all, nor do I get excited by their presence being straight and female, but I see how painting each other is considered lewd) if Keene wants to solve its problems, the best thing to do would be to refine the law regarding toplessness. For example, if Keene wishes to allow women to be topless when nursing a child, but not in other situations, this should be clearly stated.
- KCW, Claremont

@Scott

The middle school is actually down the road a little bit. It's not exactly across the street.
- Wyatt, Keene

Sounds like the freedom lovers are making Keene a great place to raise a family.
- Bob, Derry

Although I don't support those who jump atop police cars - I do support the Free Staters and there ultimate goal; a more tolerant society.
- Ed, Manchester

thats awesome, nudity is legal in keene? all hot women need to be topless and in the town center at 3pm daily!
- pablo, nh

Now they're sex offenders too. Hooray!
- Biff, Canterbury

This is really funny: "One woman was toples and she was getting her breasts painted by another woman," he said. "There's no law against being naked, but you can't be lewd or lascivious.

So now on only need to read the UL and take a drive anywhere in or around the state to realize that painting is now considered lewd and lascivious unless it is applied by spray can on other's property in which case it becomes no concern of law enforcement nor of any elected official.

CAll me crazy, but I strongly prefer women having their breasts painted compared to having businesses tagged by the growing gang element in New Hampshire.

I turn 40 Friday, maybe I can ask for a paint by numbers birthday present where the only "LEO" is me by astrolgical sign!
- Michael Layon, Derry

This is the kind of story that simply requires a photograph. I wonder if it's ok to face paint in that town? Or does that render the face lewd?
- Marcus, Alton

Since when is painting synonymous with groping?

Whether painting on canvas or on someone's boobies, painting is painting; painting is not groping. Seems that "lewd" is subjective...

The law says you can be naked. Go for it! Just next time, leave the booze at home.
- Okay, NH

Just looking at the links on their web page shows what an bunch of loons they are in reality. Love the one trying to discredit the school system. Guest they feel they should just stay stoned and provide no benefit to society.

All the nuts find their way here.
- rds, seacoast NH

This is so funny!

There is no city ordinance regarding public nudity, but allowing it to occurr across the street from a school??

if this is the same group that smokes 'weed" in protest, are they also doing this across the street from a school?

If so, there are state and federal laws about cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs in a "drug free" school zone. Why aren't they being enforced?

OR

Is it a fact that the school that's "across the street" is actually blocks away from the park in which the protests have been held??
- Scott, Manchester

Boy those Free Staters sure fight worthwhile battles, don't they? GO HOME!
- Mike, Concord

This is why when people break the law, you arrest them THE FIRST TIME. By allowing them to smoke pot and doing nothing about it you encourage them to do other things. It is only in recent years we have law enforcement at all levels deciding which laws they will enforce and which ones they won't. It will be interesting to see someone use that as a defense in Keene as not getting "equal treatment" under the law. If you don't like the laws, change them legally, until they are changed though enforce them and then they won't continue to push to the next level.
- Don, Bedford

Oh, this oughta be good....
- John, Manchestah

There is a way to stop this display of nakedness...WINTER!
- gameian, Goshen, NH

Nice. Nothing wrong with bare breasts. Let 'em fly free.
- John, MANchester