One of our advertisers is holding a March and Rally in downtown Jaffrey 8/26. The band will start playing around 11-11:30am. There will be speakers on some local issues, preserving the state motto, and no helmet rights for motorbike riders. We will be there taking pictures and such. Sometime there will be a parade and more music until 4pm. 8)
He is looking for a constitutional rights speaker and asked for my help. He can give the speaker 10 minutes.
I am sure we can find him a taker. :)
I saw that ad, but I also saw that it is advertised as a "drug and alcohol free event".
His event, his rules. But a "live free or die celebration" should embrace those who live free and flaunt the law.
Kevin
Hey could we make some kind of float or visual to run in the parade...
Folks dressed in the "More Cowbell" way... ;D
Free State and Gadsden Flags...
Whatever we could think of.
Anybody inspired to help give the folks something fun to look at.
The "Strolling of the Heifers Parade" in Brattleboro draws people from far and wide to watch cows and fun stuff parade down the street. We could help spark enthusiasm for an annual event that would grow each year.
http://www.strollingoftheheifers.com/
I could definitely see the bibs and cowbell thing working. A sign or 2 .... couple of flags. :)
I definitely need to to get some bib overalls... already got the pitchfork. Maybe I will mount a sign on the tines of the fork.
Can we get the organizer to chime in about the event.
Perhaps the bikers will be riding their bikes in the parade sans helmets.
Quote from: Roger Grant on July 21, 2006, 02:56 PM NHFT
Can we get the organizer to chime in about the event.
?que?
The organizer can't even email us, so I think forums are out.
Is it David?
Why is Russell speakin' funny. Daggone furiners gotta different word for everythang.
David...no..some guy named Coutu.
Sounds like something from "The Day the Earth Stood Still". :)
Glad somebody had the idea. I'll have to give him a call if he's not online.
Contact info from Keene Free Press ad.
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Did they get a permit for this? :-X
yep .... he waited and waited
He's got Senator Letourneau speaking at this thing now. Yuck.
Hmm.. anyone got any ideas?
Quote from: KBCraig on July 21, 2006, 10:39 AM NHFT
I saw that ad, but I also saw that it is advertised as a "drug and alcohol free event".
His event, his rules. But a "live free or die celebration" should embrace those who live free and flaunt the law.
Kevin
no beer? :o
Bump on this Rally
I've seen the signs for this Rally.
Let's make a presence for NHFREE.com and the Free State Project.
Talked to Lauren and Jim about decorating their neato 4 wheel pedal power car with some kind of signage. What else can we put together to be seen as the premier freedom oriented website in the state.
Bib overalls and pitchfork?
Dog and cart? Other bikes?
Jim and I will be there with overalls, some funny bikes, and a "Live Free Or Die" metal sculpture.
I'll be there in overalls, hopefully with daughter and wayward husband.
Quote from: katdillon on August 15, 2006, 03:41 AM NHFT
I'll be there in overalls, hopefully with daughter and wayward husband.
That bum. Never around when you need him.
"With husband".. +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1!!!!!
Here's to a speedy reunion!
Kevin
Quote from: TackleTheWorld on August 14, 2006, 10:05 PM NHFT
Jim and I will be there with overalls, some funny bikes, and a "Live Free Or Die" metal sculpture.
Hi,
Can you explain the funny bikes thing to me? I'm new around here!
:)
One is like a scooter, but with bike wheels, but the back wheel's hub is not in the center so it bounces up and down as you go.
The other is a 4-wheeled two-person-side-by-side recumbant 4WD bike with a wheelbase similar to a car.
We have room for passengers, come on down!
The Anti-Defamation League may not have been incorect in making a release about the Live Free or Die Celebration. The Council of Concerned Citizens is a sponsor and after visiting their website I would say that they are a racialist organization.
Check out Caleb's post under the Monadnock Region thread. I still want to go. Is the event organizer a member of CofCC or did they just slap their name on the event? If they are just a partial sponsor I think they should be pitched ASAP, I'm sure their are libery groups in NH who could do a better job at replacing them.
The local group never put anything by the CCC on it. One of the guys emailed stuff to all sorts of organizations.
The CCC put the Jaffrey event on their site.
OK so CCC isn't helping to put the event on, it just got the memo. OK. I think an LTE to the Sentinel is in order, so it's clear that this is not in any way a racist event.
You should call them and get the details.
So how many folks are interested in participating in the parade?
Lauren and Jim have the 4 wheel pedal car. We can decorate it with signage.
Anyone willing to help make an impression and have fun?
Quote from: Roger Grant on August 18, 2006, 06:43 PM NHFT
So how many folks are interested in participating in the parade?
Lauren and Jim have the 4 wheel pedal car. We can decorate it with signage.
Anyone willing to help make an impression and have fun?
Sounds like fun. I'll start working on a nhfree.com sign.
I need some overalls :pitchfork:
You can contact the ADL at www.adl.org the contact ADL link is at the bottom of the page. I just did it.
I'll be at the parade. I guess it's the best place to show of my Live Free or Die tatoo.
Cool. You'll have to show us the tattoo :)
We've been planning on being at the parade.
:privateeyes: Camera, must find camera :privateeyes:
I contacted both the ADL and Anna Haigh,about that article, and I was reasonably polite to both. The CCC claims on their website that their members are organizing this and that it is their event. Unless someone is a sleeper operative for the CCC, this is libel. I am contacting the CCC (636)-940-8474 tell them to get that article down.
I am not concerned that this will be some sort of racist rally. It is going to be fun and have cool music. There will be some politicians speaking, but we can ignore them.
How about we look for each other in front of David Vose's stitch shop on the corner or in the Chamber of Commerce lot across the dam.
I will be in bib and straw hat, with pitchfork and flag.
If you have questions about the event you can call Coutu and have him talk your ear off .... literally. :)
Quote from: Russell Kanning on August 22, 2006, 06:55 AM NHFT
If you have questions about the event you can call Coutu and have him talk your ear off .... literally. :)
Looks to me like the offending group has ceased to wrongly claim it as their own event, and the watchdog group who reported it as offensive no longer has it listed.
I mean if there is NO NH chapter in existence of that first group, then what the second group was stating was clearly DEFAMATORY against the real my-jaffrey.com organizers.
That second group has lost in lawsuits in the past when they have defamed people.
My concern is, the speakers were forced to bow out after having such bad things said about the event they were planning to attend. I hope they will reconsider.
He needs some help directing traffic on Saturday morning if you can show up early. :)
Parking cars 8)
We did that at a homeschooler conference in Sacramento with FSP shirts on ..... it made it look like the FSP was sponsoring the event.
Mike Coutu, the organizer, would like some volunteers to show up early to help direct traffic. Sounds fun to me, so we'll probably show up early. It really starts at noon...we're showing up at 11:00. We're taking the kfp-mobile to park in a conspicuous place. We'll have a couple bikes and a scooter.
He wanted me to find a speaker on the Constitution, but I couldn't find one before they threw me in jail. If there are not enough speakers one of you Constitutional scholars could get up there and talk for 5 minutes. :)
What about Rev Lear?
You could really throw them a curve ball by talking about how the constitution is a non-binding document, and a dead one at that...
Shorty really out did himself this time... he got us a blimp for the rally!
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That Shorty's quite a guy! ;D
I will plan to bring my pistol :)
Quote from: DadaOrwell on August 25, 2006, 06:14 AM NHFT
I will plan to bring my pistol :)
No shooting at the blimp. ;D
Quote from: Roger Grant on August 25, 2006, 08:40 AM NHFT
Quote from: DadaOrwell on August 25, 2006, 06:14 AM NHFT
I will plan to bring my pistol :)
No shooting at the blimp. ;D
Blimp shooting got a lot less exciting when they switched from hydrogen to helium. :(
Now the Monadnock Ledger is doing a misinformation article about this event. There really is only one paper in the area that can sift out the truth about something. :)
Quote from: Russell Kanning on August 25, 2006, 09:33 AM NHFT
Now the Monadnock Ledger is doing a misinformation article about this event. There really is only one paper in the area that can sift out the truth about something. :)
What is it saying?
They are probably repeating the Keene Slantinel type reporting.
Working on a large sign... 24" x 78"
If the paint will dry (weather permitting) I'll have a more substantial long use billboard.
I have also invited Lt. Wilco of the POLITE to come out for the day. Complete with the Less Police State Please back sign. He has a spare uniform to share if anyone gets the urge to have fun... just bring some sunglasses and black footwear to complete the look. Makes a great photo-op for folks. ;D
Quote from: Roger Grant on August 25, 2006, 04:11 PM NHFT
Working on a large sign... 24" x 78"
WKBK reported that signs, banners, and even American flags are being banned at this event. I'm not sure if it's true, but I'm working on my sign right now :icon_pirat:
Coutu never mentioned that he didn't want to see any signs.
Quote from: earthhaven on August 25, 2006, 06:42 PM NHFT
Quote from: Roger Grant on August 25, 2006, 04:11 PM NHFT
Working on a large sign... 24" x 78"
WKBK reported that signs, banners, and even American flags are being banned at this event. I'm not sure if it's true, but I'm working on my sign right now :icon_pirat:
Yeah, I'm not sure if the paint will be cured enough, humid and chilly on the mountain.
I have a Porc "Don't Tread on Me" flag, I'll bring that. I'll also have some 13 x 19 NHfree.com Free Radical signs.
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The papers have also reported that the event is for white supremacy, so I wouldn't put much stock in the news from the standard media. :)
The ad does say that it is a drug and alcohol free event.
Free drugs and alcohol... how generous. ;D
Quote from: Roger Grant on August 25, 2006, 06:58 PM NHFT
Free drugs and alcohol... how generous. ;D
Sounds like fun. Not that I want any free drugs or alcohol, but it sounds like fun.
Quote from: earthhaven on August 25, 2006, 06:42 PM NHFT
Quote from: Roger Grant on August 25, 2006, 04:11 PM NHFT
Working on a large sign... 24" x 78"
. . . signs, banners, and even American flags are being banned at this event. :icon_pirat:
OK then I think I can make it ... I just hate when people get to have too much fun, like free speech and stuff like that.
So, if people were closes with things on them, are they going to have to take then off. Because, although I hate free speech I don't mind nudity too much.
Free drugs & alcohol AND nudity - what is this like Woodstock or something?
I can't make the event because I'm needed at work :(
I will be at the meet and greet at 6:00, though.
See y'all.
That Coutu guy called last night at midnight to tell us that signs or flags shouldn't be attached to a stick. Guns, OK, sticks bad.
Quote from: Roger Grant on August 25, 2006, 04:11 PM NHFT
Working on a large sign... 24" x 78"
If the paint will dry (weather permitting) I'll have a more substantial long use billboard.
I have also invited Lt. Wilco of the POLITE to come out for the day. Complete with the Less Police State Please back sign. He has a spare uniform to share if anyone gets the urge to have fun... just bring some sunglasses and black footwear to complete the look. Makes a great photo-op for folks. ;D
Try a hairdryer on the paint
Quote from: Lloyd Danforth on August 26, 2006, 07:12 AM NHFT
Quote from: Roger Grant on August 25, 2006, 04:11 PM NHFT
Working on a large sign... 24" x 78"
If the paint will dry (weather permitting) I'll have a more substantial long use billboard.
I have also invited Lt. Wilco of the POLITE to come out for the day. Complete with the Less Police State Please back sign. He has a spare uniform to share if anyone gets the urge to have fun... just bring some sunglasses and black footwear to complete the look. Makes a great photo-op for folks. ;D
Try a hairdryer on the paint
Great minds think a like Lloyd. ;D I used the hair dryer... the stuff is not tacky anymore, but it still is not cured all the way. Oh well it will work out for future use.
A good group of folks with Lauren and Jim's cool machine. :)
Photo credit Kira Jane.
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looked like total turnout was about 100, maybe 12 free staters
I'd say at least 13 if we count the kids (and you to Dave): 14 if we count the dog.
8)
Photo credit Kira Jane
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Hey, Roger? I really want that "Free Radical" design on a black or dark-coffee-brown t-shirt.
How can we make that happen? It's a beautiful logo.
Kevin
Neal made beautiful Free Russell t-shirts. We never got billed for them though.
Quote from: KBCraig on August 27, 2006, 04:48 AM NHFT
Hey, Roger? I really want that "Free Radical" design on a black or dark-coffee-brown t-shirt.
How can we make that happen? It's a beautiful logo.
Kevin
Could I contact Neal and see what it would entail? Contact info?
libgear.com
Quote from: FrankChodorov on August 27, 2006, 08:43 AM NHFT
just curious?
did the Free Staters cheer about the preservation of state land at Mt. Monadnock or the immigration portion of the event?
or just the eminent domain portion?
I know I didn't. This just means taking more tax dollars and/or charging people more to climb the mountain.
Some photos from John.
http://www.soulawakenings.com/underground/tikiwiki/tiki-browse_gallery.php?galleryId=78
Jaffrey
Celebrating freedom - with spirit to spare
Event had been labeled 'extremist'
By MELANIE ASMAR
Monitor staff
August 27. 2006 10:00AM
Picture
PRESTON GANNAWAY / Monitor staff
Armand Comtois of Marlborough chants his support of the state motto during yesterday?s Live Free or Die Celebration.
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Purchase Photos Online
A
bout 50 liberty-loving folks gathered yesterday in downtown Jaffrey to celebrate the state motto, nearby Mount Monadnock and the right to free speech. Despite earlier fears, no white supremacists showed up.
The first-ever "Live Free or Die Celebration" attracted attention last week when it was promoted by a national white supremacy group called the Council of Conservative Citizens. The event was subsequently listed on the Anti-Defamation League's internet watch list of "extremist events."
Rally organizer Jean "Mike"Coutu of Jaffrey said he had asked the group's advice on holding outdoor events. But he and fellow organizer Richard Olson, also of Jaffrey, said they were surprised when the council's website incorrectly said the white supremacy group was hosting the rally.
Furthermore, Coutu said he was upset that the Anti-Defamation League listed the Jaffrey event as extremist without checking with the organizers first. He denounced the group, calling them racist because they discriminate against people whose views differ from theirs.
"What right does the ADL have to tell me, 'Here's the list of people you can't have at your party,'"Coutu said.
---ADVERTISEMENT---
Coutu and Olson eventually persuaded both groups to remove references to the rally from their websites. In the meantime, three of the five speakers, including state Sen. Robert Letourneau, cancelled their scheduled appearances because of the negative publicity, organizers said.
Olson filled in, beginning with a reference to what he called the recent "battle of websites and news articles."
"As you can see, Mike and I are not white supremacists or racial bigots, but true patriots and advocates of freedom of expression and free speech," he said.
Olson went on to talk about a hodgepodge of issues, including eminent domain, saving Mount Monadnock from development and the history of the state's motto, "Live Free or Die." He explained that when Revolutionary War Gen. John Stark coined the fiery phrase, he meant that death was better than living under total government control.
Many rally-goers, including members of the Free State Project, agreed. When asked why they attended the event, several people had the same answer as Dave Ridley of Keene.
"Freedom," he said, citing New Hampshire's gun-friendly culture and tax policy.
James Rizoli, the host of a Framingham, Mass., cable-access show called Illegal Immigration Chat, also spoke at the rally. He called for tougher border patrols and cast blame on both large companies who hire illegal immigrants and complacent citizens who do nothing about it.
"You don't seem to have an immigration problem here (in Jaffrey)," Rizoli said. "But you will."
He said that illegal immigrants are everywhere in Framingham. He complained that loudspeaker announcements at local stores are also given in Spanish and that illegal immigrants work behind the counters of several coffee shops.
"You have to listen carefully (when you order) because they're speaking Spanish or Portuguese,"he said.
During Rizoli's speech, Olson donned a flashy sombrero and approached Rizoli at the microphone.
"Senor Rizoli, I have a green card," Olson said in a Mexican accent. "Can I have a job?"
Rizoli laughed. "You'd probably get a job with that sombrero," he said.
Not everyone at the rally was on board with all of the views expressed. Charles Trimble, of Jaffrey, said he struggled to find a common theme. Steve Lindsey, of Keene, said that besides illegal immigration, most of the issues being discussed were non-starters.
"I think this is much ado about nothing," Lindsey said.
Regardless of whether everyone in the crowd agreed politically, they all cheered whenever the state motto was mentioned. They cheered the loudest when Boston-based band Jimmy Mack and the House Rockers performed a song written especially for the event. Complete with a keyboard solo, the festive New Hampshire song went like this:
"It's a state with a love for freedom,
When we first heard the cry,
Death is not the worst of evils,
Live free or die!"
http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060827/REPOSITORY/608270393
Pretty good article.
Obviously we will accept any of your thoughts on the event for our paper.... including Coutu himself. :)
Quote from: Roger Grant on August 27, 2006, 04:02 AM NHFT
8)
Photo credit Kira Jane
Hey that picture turned out pritty good. 8)
Yes, I agree.
And another one of my favorites is #008.
I'm always partial to seeing nice, big, natural smiles . . .
http://www.soulawakenings.com/underground/tikiwiki/tiki-browse_image.php?offset=0&sort_mode=created_desc&desp=2&galleryId=78&imageId=2250
Lauren, that's a mighty cool-looking machine there.
Quote from: John on August 27, 2006, 11:50 PM NHFT
Yes, I agree.
And another one of my favorites is #008.
I'm always partial to seeing nice, big, natural smiles . . .
http://www.soulawakenings.com/underground/tikiwiki/tiki-browse_image.php?offset=0&sort_mode=created_desc&desp=2&galleryId=78&imageId=2250
Gee, from that angle, Kira is about four inches taller than Kat. ;D
You're just feeding the poor girl's delusions here, Kevin.
Did anyone read the Sentinel article? The online version requires a subscription. :P
Quote from: Braddogg on August 28, 2006, 01:17 AM NHFT
Lauren, that's a mighty cool-looking machine there.
When you are near Winchester you can give it a spin.
Quote from: TackleTheWorld on August 28, 2006, 06:53 AM NHFT
Quote from: Braddogg on August 28, 2006, 01:17 AM NHFT
Lauren, that's a mighty cool-looking machine there.
When you are near Winchester you can give it a spin.
I like the 4WD and halfshafts on the front. But without differentials, how easily does it turn tight corners?
It doesn't turn tight, but it's sure fun!
Quote from: KBCraig on August 28, 2006, 02:08 PM NHFT
Quote from: TackleTheWorld on August 28, 2006, 06:53 AM NHFT
Quote from: Braddogg on August 28, 2006, 01:17 AM NHFT
Lauren, that's a mighty cool-looking machine there.
When you are near Winchester you can give it a spin.
I like the 4WD and halfshafts on the front. But without differentials, how easily does it turn tight corners?
Kat's right. The turning radius is about the same as a car.
It's designed to pedal more easily, not turn more tightly.
There are actually two differentials partially visible in the picture, and one not showing.
>:D >:D :angry4:
hi free staters!
Thanks for coming to the 1st Live free or Die Celebrration"This is Coutu's co-organizer. I thought the event was Ok but I am p/o about the event being sabotaged by the press and Jaffrey Selectmen. (If you read this Frank, we've got cha) I sent the following message out to the media yesterday and ask if any of you heard a broadcast on Friday, the 25th saying that the event was cancelled. If you heard it, let me know whrer and when and what the source was. Thanks.
Your newspaper or station may have received a fax on Friday 8/25 between 12:00 PM and 5:00PM stating that ?THE LIVE FREE OR DIE CELEBRATION IN JAFFREY, NH WAS CANCELLED DUE TO TOO MANY RADICAL GROUPS PLANNING TOI ATTEND? (or something to that EFFECT). This communication did not come from event organizers Richard Olson and Jean M. Coutu. It was sent by someone or some group that wanted to destroy this ?Free Speech ? First Amendment? event in violation of our civil rights.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! IF YOUR STATION / NEWSPAPER RECEIVED SUCH A FAX OR E-MAIL, PLEASE CONFIRM THAT YOU DID AND SEND THE UNDERSIGNED A COPY. Please check the fax electronic log to see what it may show for numbers in 603-532-xxxx or a Massachusetts exchange for 617/857/508/ or 781.
Due to Intentional acts by officials of the town of Jaffrey, we had attempts to deprive us of constitutional rights. One Jaffrey Selectman (Frank Sterling) was the source for us being listed on the ADL web-site as he contacted them and told them that we were a ?White Supremacists. He also created the whole controversy. Consequently, a representative from the US Department of Justice was sent at our request to monitor the event. It is extremely important that we track down the fraudulent cancellation notice.
We hold harmless all individuals, newspapers, radio stations which may furnish this information as it is fraudulent and was not sent by Event Organizers Richard Olson and Jean (Mike) Coutu.
I went to the event and in general enjoyed myself. However, by the end I was turned off by the illegal immigrant speech, which was racist in tone. The guys in the crowd handing out stuff and talking about how blacks are sub-intelligent and the Jews were responsible for all kinds of stuff, was the final straw that I couldn't get behind this.
I wished they had just left that part out of the "Live Free or Die" Rally. I had hopes for it to grow as an annual event.
I think the whole thing was planned as a vehicle for the anti-immigration/racist stuff. Didn't one of the co-founders take part in the skit?
Our paper (Keene Free Press) did not receive that fax. If you want to write a letter to us to explain your side or to report on the event, we would appreciate it.
White Supremacists Have Right To Assemble
http://www.keenefreepress.com/mambo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=249&Itemid=46
Dave Birse speaks out.
Event organizer threatens lawsuit over payment
JAFFREY - The "Live Free or Die" celebration held last Saturday in Jaffrey is four days gone, but the fallout is not, according to event coordinator Jean M. Coutu. Read More (Subscribers)
Can't read the rest.
Quote from: Russell Kanning on August 30, 2006, 09:17 PM NHFT
White Supremacists Have Right To Assemble
http://www.keenefreepress.com/mambo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=249&Itemid=46
Dave Birse speaks out.
They have every right to Assemble and the rest of us have every right to call them Jack Asses when they do.
Thanks for holding the event, Richard. I didn't hear any such broadcasts.
Quote from: Kat Kanning on August 31, 2006, 04:07 PM NHFT
Event organizer threatens lawsuit over payment
JAFFREY - The "Live Free or Die" celebration held last Saturday in Jaffrey is four days gone, but the fallout is not, according to event coordinator Jean M. Coutu. Read More (Subscribers)
Can't read the rest.
Which paper is that from? Hopefully someone with a subscription can fill us in, because I'd like to know what the lawsuit and "fallout" are about.
Sentinel.