Dada in Federal Court 7/17 .... leads to 4 days in jail

[aworldnervelink]

Update: I had to leave the protest to get back to work, but there was a very good turnout - around 15 people. They were headed into the courthouse around 10:15 (probably everyone was glad to get out of the rain).

[Kat Kanning]

Called to get an update:

Dada found guilty.  He is still fined $125.  He says it was amicable.  He hasn't said when or if he will pay the fine.

Turnout about 19.

[cathleeninnh]

Good turnot -bad weather. Dripping wet, lots of honks.

Inside - short story:

Dave and the judge had a short discussion of the first amendment and the justification for abridging that right in federal buildings. The position of the court is that for safety, it is justified.

Dave siad he had done nothing wrong, judge entered a not guilty plea. Judge asked when Dave wanted to come back for trial. Dave said he didn't want to. Trial proceeded. Feds put IRS lady on the stand. Her story pretty much mirrored Dave's. Dave took the stand (maybe that was his mistake). Judge asked if Dave wrote the online article. the one where Dave said he handed and left a flier on the counter. Dave said yes. Guilty as charged. Fine $100 plus $25 assessment fee.
 
Oh, the judge practically begged Dave to appeal. He gave a little speech for using the system to test the constitutionality of laws.

Cathleen

[d_goddard]

I took notes, I may post them later "when there is time".
My VERY brief $0.02... the judge wishes like hell someone remotely familiar with the law would argue a case like this, he'd love to strike down some unconstitutional regulations, but is not inclined to do so if the defendent has never heard of mens rea.

PS. Excellent work by Dave. He maintained his trademark calmness, coolness, and courtesy.

[John]

Oh, the judge practically begged Dave to appeal. He gave a little speech for using the system to test the constitutionality of laws.

This part is my words not Cathleeninnh's:
This reminded me VERY MUCH of George Bush signing into law a campaign finance law wich HE HIMSELF had made very clear he KNEW was UN-constitutional - and then saying that the courts would deal with it.  ??? BOGUS B.S., IMHO!

&  

[John]

And, OH YES GREAT WORK DAVE!

[error]

I got lots of pictures of the protest, most of which will go up later, but in the meantime here's a teaser:

[attachment deleted by admin]

[Dreepa]

Dada.... calm and cool.

I overheard two 'guards' saying.. 'The fine should have been $1000'.

Did you see that they had about 6 people in a holding room ready to testify.
Also an extra 3-4 guards (marshalls, I think) came in the room -- ready for action.

[John]

Also an extra 3-4 guards (marshalls, I think) came in the room -- ready for action.

If there was more room in the courtroom (wich we had brought to standing room only) they would have "packed the court" at least one more than we did - I think.  But that's just a thing they do to impress the judge.

HOWEVER!  I have NEVER seen (as we did when we were leaving) one of the "law" enforcement boys with a dog inside a court house.  Maybe there is a reason they don't want cameras inside their sacred temple.

[John]

Oh and I think the final two who came in were: Steve, a personable marshal whom some of us have met several times, and the other was one of the ICEmen - maybe even one of those who were there when Russell was --- unnessesarily --- pushed to the floor inside his home.

[John]

WHAT ABOUT THAT POOR GUY (who was not there - but had called the "Texas" #) "WHO'S WIFE ANSWERED ALL CHARGES AND MADE A DEAL WITH THE COURT?  Remember they had already issued a warrent for his arrest - before the court knew about the deal?  AND, THE DEAL WAS ACCEPTED FOR BOTH OF THEM!

I'm thinking that poor guy will someday (maybe many years from now) get stopped for some little traffic thing and his life - and the life of his young family - could be DESTROYED.    BIG FEDERAL FUGITIVE CHARGES - FOR NOTHING!  Loss of job . . . etc, etc, etc

IF NOTHING ELSE could you FEDGUYS (and/or GALS) reading this at least staighten that out?  It was the first case today.  All they did was go camping in the wrong place - probably a friggin mistake!  They tried to make it right by you.  CAN YOU DO RIGHT BY THEM?  DO YOU EVEN CARE?  Imagine it was your brother and his wife and kid; your sister and her husband, your daughter and son-in-law, your son and daughter-in-law, your grand kids.

IF YOU CAN DO RIGHT BY THAT YOUNG FAMILY, PLEASE DO IT TODAY BEFORE YOU FORGET ABOUT THEM!

[FrankChodorov]

Dada.... calm and cool.

so was I correct?

[John]

Dada.... calm and cool.

so was I correct?

About what?

[John]

The judge seemed to agree with my peaceful freind, but would not make that commitment.   

The judge pushed this matter UP-HILL.

[error]

Appeal?