Help Ward Bird of Moultonborough

[MarkinNH]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Here's a little question that I want to throw out: What's up with Ward's nickname "Lauchy" as was printed in the LaDaSun, the other day? Anyone know where he got that nickname which is supposedly pronounced Locky. Now Locky sure seems like an unusual nickname? Also printed in the LaDaSun article it said something like Ward always carried his .45 Sig concealed and never went anywhere without it because he had a concealed carry permit and it was his right to do so.

Is "Lauchy" a nickname that was derived from Locky as in Lock & Load, or Locked & Loaded, or Locky & Loadied or something? Is "Lauchy" some type of a Moultonborough, way-out-in-the-country, down-a-long-dirt-road nickname for Ward because he was always locked & loaded? "Yes, Ward is always locked & loaded so one day we just decided to start calling him "Lauchy" and it stuck, plus he seems to like the name?"

.....or something like that?

I don't answer your question because I think you might actually care what the real answer is, but there might be some decent people reading this who do care. Ward got the nickname handed down to him from a relative. I don't recall if it was a Great Grandfather or a Great Uncle.
I know it isn't as colorful or degrading as your sarcastic speculation but is does have much more honor and meaning than I suspect your capable of understanding.

[tummyman]

One solution to some comments by "fatlazyless" or others with off base or off target/thread comments is to ignore their postings. Most of the time, they are subliminally egging people on to respond. Responding just feeds their appetite to comment further. Just one persons opinion....

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by tummyman

One solution to some comments by "fatlazyless" or others with off base or off target/thread comments is to ignore their postings. Most of the time, they are subliminally egging people on to respond. Responding just feeds their appetite to comment further. Just one persons opinion....

Agreed. FLL is on my ignore filter now.

[Pineedles]

brk-Int,

Off topic, but I've been meaning to ask you about your avatar. Is that a cap or a pancake on the bunny's head?

[fatlazyless]

Hey Rattle Island-Windy Side, while I cannot please everyone with my comments, at least it's nice to know that you are thinking about them.

[MarkinNH]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Hey Rattle Island-Windy Side, while I cannot please everyone with my comments, at least it's nice to know that you are thinking about them.

You could please EVERYONE very easily with your comments. Don't Make Any !!!

[nvtngtxpyr]

Originally Posted by MarkinNH

You could please EVERYONE very easily with your comments. Don't Make Any !!!

Excellent suggestion, but since he has almost twice as many posts as the number of days that he's been a member of this forum, it's likely that he doesn't have a life away from the Internet.

[fatlazyless]

Originally Posted by nvtngtxpyr

that he doesn't have a life away from the Internet.

...you got that one right....just a forum nitwit and all-around blabber mouth here! Actually, I have caught the flu bug and have been flu-ed out for the last nine days caughing up yellow phlegm....but....whatever ... ...this forum is good therapy for self-medicating to lose the flu.... !

[NoBozo]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

...you got that one right....just a forum nitwit and all-around blabber mouth here! Actually, I have caught the flu bug and have been flu-ed out for the last nine days caughing up yellow phlegm....but....whatever ... ...this forum is good therapy for self-medicating to lose the flu.... !

If the Phlegm starts to look Green, you could try to Quit Smoking. I had that problem over 40 years ago and the Doctor told me if I quit, things would get better. That old Fart didn't think I could do it.. I showed him.

Haven't had a cigarette since. When you're coughing up green phlegm, cigarettes, just make your mouth taste like a seagull slept in it anyhow. NB

[Seeker]

WMUR has an interview with Ward on the 6 o'clock news tonight.

[Heaven]

For those of us without TV, please post details

[Pineedles]

BTW, if your sick of the dancing banana, hit the Esc button on your keyboard and it will stop, along with all moving avatars.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by Heaven

For those of us without TV, please post details

It's on WMUR's website: http://www.wmur.com/news/26393373/detail.html

[riverat]

"The thing about this is I've told the truth," Bird told News 9 from jail. "And if anything else, it's a life lesson for my kids and other kids. There's no point in lying about anything. And if I paid for this, for telling the truth, so be it."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9_g_OPkR6w

[fatlazyless]

Here's a letter to the editor from today's January 7 Laconia Daily Sun that is very expressive, and I thought it would add another opinion to this thread. Agree or disagree with her sentiments, it's an interesting letter, don't you think!
............

"If Ward Bird is pardoned I'm going to buy a gun and learn to use it."

To the editor,

If Christine Harris had been armed with a hand gun and had she been quick enough on the draw, when Ward Bird pulled his gun and aimed it at her, she could have pulled her weapon out and been justified in shooting him dead. She would have been within her God-given rights to defend her life.

If Ward Bird obtains a pardon for this crime, I, as a 71 year old woman, am going to feel free to buy a hand gun, learn how to use it well, carry it upon my person at all time and when one of these gun-nuts aims a gun at me, then I will feel free to use it. Also, if someone comes on my property that I do not feel was invited, then I will feel that I have the right to pull a gun and order them from my property.

Is this really the kind of environment that we want here in New Hampshire? Ward Bird and his followers make me sick; they are a bunch of narcissistic, hot-headed individuals who feel that they own this state and get away with anything that they want to, And our crooked, it's who you know society allows them to continue to do just that.

Carolyn Pillsbury,
Meredith
..............

From the Dept of Useful Information, we learn that New Hampshire has a population of 1,316,470 (2010 Census), 400 state representatives, and 24 state senators who represent us down at the State House in Concord. During the last election in November, I was a little surprised to see in the local newspapers where state senate candidate Jeanie Forrester was proud to show off her pink Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol as a good reason for voters to support her. If I remember correct the Laconia Daily Sun had a color photo of Jeanie taking aim at an imaginary target with her pink Glock and she went on to become the newly elected state senator for the district that includes Meredith and Center Harbor.

So, how about that?

[nvtngtxpyr]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

If Christine Harris had been armed with a hand gun and had she been quick enough on the draw, when Ward Bird pulled his gun and aimed it at her...

Say what???

I haven't seen anything that indicated that Ward Bird pointed the pistol at Christine Harris.

Looks like there's more than one Loon in Meredith.

[MarkinNH]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Here's a letter to the editor from today's January 7 Laconia Daily Sun that is very expressive, and I thought it would add another opinion to this thread. Agree or disagree with her sentiments, it's an interesting letter, don't you think!
............

"If Ward Bird is pardoned I'm going to buy a gun and learn to use it."

To the editor,

If Christine Harris had been armed with a hand gun and had she been quick enough on the draw, when Ward Bird pulled his gun and aimed it at her, she could have pulled her weapon out and been justified in shooting him dead. She would have been within her God-given rights to defend her life.

If Ward Bird obtains a pardon for this crime, I, as a 71 year old woman, am going to feel free to buy a hand gun, learn how to use it well, carry it upon my person at all time and when one of these gun-nuts aims a gun at me, then I will feel free to use it. Also, if someone comes on my property that I do not feel was invited, then I will feel that I have the right to pull a gun and order them from my property.

Is this really the kind of environment that we want here in New Hampshire? Ward Bird and his followers make me sick; they are a bunch of narcissistic, hot-headed individuals who feel that they own this state and get away with anything that they want to, And our crooked, it's who you know society allows them to continue to do just that.

Carolyn Pillsbury,
Meredith
..............

From the Dept of Useful Information, we learn that New Hampshire has a population of 1,316,470 (2010 Census), 400 state representatives, and 24 state senators who represent us down at the State House in Concord. During the last election in November, I was a little surprised to see in the local newspapers where state senate candidate Jeanie Forrester was proud to show off her pink Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol as a good reason for voters to support her. If I remember correct the Laconia Daily Sun had a color photo of Jeanie taking aim at an imaginary target with her pink Glock and she went on to become the newly elected state senator for the district that includes Meredith and Center Harbor.

So, how about that?

It Adds absolutly nothing worth while to the thread and neither do you.
It isn't even interesting. Just another stupid statement made by another anti gun liberal and printed by another newspaper that isn't capable or interested in printing true facts.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

From the Dept of Useful Information, we learn that New Hampshire has a population of 1,316,470 (2010 Census), 400 state representatives, and 24 state senators who represent us down at the State House in Concord. During the last election in November, I was a little surprised to see in the local newspapers where state senate candidate Jeanie Forrester was proud to show off her pink Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol as a good reason for voters to support her. If I remember correct the Laconia Daily Sun had a color photo of Jeanie taking aim at an imaginary target with her pink Glock and she went on to become the newly elected state senator for the district that includes Meredith and Center Harbor.

So, how about that?

You are right FLL and here she is doing some target practicing:

[fatlazyless]

Nice photo.....and the pink shirt & gun colors go real nice together.

Here's another comment from the Dept of Useful Information. Carrying a handgun carries with it a very big responsibility because once you pull that trigger you cannot put the bullet back into the gun which is probably why the Taser was invented and has become so popular for law enforcement.

[wifi]

Along the same vain, don't swing your broomstick too hard either, it will not look the same afterwards

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Nice photo.....and the pink shirt & gun colors go real nice together.

Here's another comment from the Dept of Useful Information. Carrying a handgun carries with it a very big responsibility because once you pull that trigger you cannot put the bullet back into the gun which is probably why the Taser was invented and has become so popular for law enforcement.

Dept of Useful Information. DUI

Hey FLL,
Someone is registering today with a user name almost like yours. fatnlazyless
instead of fatlazyless. Why would someone do that??

Here it is:

[Pineedles]

Originally Posted by Rattle Isle Windy Side

pancake.


and I bet that bunny is smarter than the average anti-gun loon?

For the record, I have never talked to a loon about whether they were anti-gun or not. Considering you can't hunt them, I'm guessing they wouldn't really care.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by Pineedles

For the record, I have never talked to a loon about whether they were anti-gun or not. Considering you can't hunt them, I'm guessing they wouldn't really care.

Good one Pineedles!

[Rusty]

I’ll say one thing about “Carolyn Pillsbury” she expressed more emotion than what Ward Bird did during his interview with WMUR TV.

Below is what I understand Ward Bird said during the interview:

“I had my firearm behind my back in my belt, I pulled it out and removed the magazine, made sure the chamber was clear, made sure it was safe, and then went into his house to call the police.”
Then the reporter said that Bird checks his gun out of habit before entering his home.

Why would Mr. Bird unload his firearm at this time? Because it is a habit? Well to me habits go out the window when you are that upset. He would have been better off to just say I had a firearm but I never touched it during the time Harris was on my property. Also why unload your firearm each time you enter your home? I don’t! IMHO it defeats the purpose of carry one in the first place.

[fatlazyless]

Josh McElveen of WMUR-channel 9 tv news interviewed Gov Lynch on Sunday morning and towards the end of the interview asked the Governor how he was thinking on granting a pardon to Ward Bird. Did anyone see that interview?

[wifi]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Josh McElveen of WMUR-channel 9 tv news interviewed Gov Lynch on Sunday morning and towards the end of the interview asked the Governor how he was thinking on granting a pardon to Ward Bird. Did anyone see that interview?

Considering you brought it up.... let me guess....

[fatlazyless]

Josh McElveen did a real good job of asking questions and had follow up questions on the same topic as well. The Sunday morning interview was a different format than the WMUR evening news as they quickly went though a number of different questions. Both Josh and Gov Lynch were serious in nature and asked & answered directly and quickly to make best use of their time. Overall, it was about the best interview show I've seen on WMUR.

Hopefully, someone with better skills than me can reproduce the WMUR - Gov Lynch interview video here that asks about Ward Bird.

Overall, I would say in the interview that Gov Lynch was pretty much non-committal on Ward Bird and he said that he would just have to wait for any pardon process to reach his desk first before making any decisions.

If I remember correct, the five member governor's council has a five member vote on each pardon and the governor does not have a vote. What the governor does have is a veto power over any governor's council pardon vote.

The governor's council currently has eight different pardons for eight different people up for consideration according to what was said in the interview.

So far in the six plus years that John Lynch has served as NH governor, no pardons have been granted, but who knows.....only time will tell!

[Dogg]

It amazes me (not really) that nobody on the supporting side brought up the fact that he (Ward) has a past issue with handguns. All that is brought up in the first couple pages is how the accusers record has not been allowed on the record; yet those same people don't feel it is important to include Ward's background in the same sentence. How people don't realize why someone's accusations or record (if the were convicted) should not be discussed or an issue when the incidents take place AFTER the aspect of the event is beyond me.

I am not here to say he (Mr. Bird) is guilty or not, I was not there and I don't know; what I do know is that a group of his peers found him guilty and that really is enough for me. If you care to defend the accused, you might as well bring up his past instead of hiding it (unless you didn't know) and stop making the focus of your argument someone else's future (her issues occurred after this event).

After reading this thread I am well aware that many might not see my viewpoint, just understand it was written by an outsider with no interest in this..

[MarkinNH]

Originally Posted by Dogg

It amazes me (not really) that nobody on the supporting side brought up the fact that he (Ward) has a past issue with handguns. All that is brought up in the first couple pages is how the accusers record has not been allowed on the record; yet those same people don't feel it is important to include Ward's background in the same sentence. How people don't realize why someone's accusations or record (if the were convicted) should not be discussed or an issue when the incidents take place AFTER the aspect of the event is beyond me.

I am not here to say he (Mr. Bird) is guilty or not, I was not there and I don't know; what I do know is that a group of his peers found him guilty and that really is enough for me. If you care to defend the accused, you might as well bring up his past instead of hiding it (unless you didn't know) and stop making the focus of your argument someone else's future (her issues occurred after this event).

After reading this thread I am well aware that many might not see my viewpoint, just understand it was written by an outsider with no interest in this..

It amazes me (not really) that people who wish to express the viewpoint can't be bothered to use correct information.
Apparently you do have an interest in this or you would not have bothered to add your .02 cents worth. So given that
Maybe because the "past issue" you are refereeing to has nothing to do with the present situation at hand. Also maybe next time you should take a moment to get your information correct. The "past issue " did not involve a handgun !!!!!!
Your no better then the liberal newspapers that are incapable or unwilling to get their information correct. The article in the Union Leader today stated that the past owner of the property that was for sale, moved out of state to get away from the family feud. That must make one hell of a daily commute, for I understand that she works locally. The Union leader also stated that the so called victim had the "cash assets" to purchase the property. I believe that several newspapers and even the court documents had previously stated that the woman was going to try and get grants to obtain the funds with which to purchase property.

Yes, I am very biased in this situation for I know Ward and I will stand beside him all the way. I also believe his story way more than I can believe the story of the "victim"

[Argie's Wife]

I'd advise anyone interested to read the court documents, especially the sentencing hearing.

The judge had NO CHOICE in how he sentenced Bird and was almost apologetic about it. It's an interesting read and really makes you wonder why/how the law passed that mandated the sentencing for this crime.

[Heaven]

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

I'd advise anyone interested to read the court documents, especially the sentencing hearing.

The judge had NO CHOICE in how he sentenced Bird and was almost apologetic about it. It's an interesting read and really makes you wonder why/how the law passed that mandated the sentencing for this crime.

I assume the law passed because the discretion was being abused or was seen as being unjust. Even I, who believes the jury made the correct decision, think that "freeing bird" to live at home DISARMED would be satisfactory.

[ITD]

What amazes me is that the prosecutor offered no time in jail plus probation and an agreement that Ward not have a handgun for 2 years in return for an admission of guilt. The Prosecutor obviously thought this was a just offer. Ward Bird maintained innocence and would not plead guilty. So the prosecutor pursued a charge that had a mandatory 3 year sentence, which in my opinion is not just, nor is it in anyway comparable to the plea bargain. I understand that for a guilty person, the incentive of a plea is a lighter sentence, going to trial risks a harsher punishment. But I feel that the prosecutor in this case was not just in pursuing the charge she pursued, that the punishment does not fit the crime, especially in light of the plea deal and the if Governor Lynch has any stones, he will commute the sentence to time served, quickly.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by ITD

What amazes me is that the prosecutor offered no time in jail plus probation and an agreement that Ward not have a handgun for 2 years in return for an admission of guilt. The Prosecutor obviously thought this was a just offer. Ward Bird maintained innocence and would not plead guilty. So the prosecutor pursued a charge that had a mandatory 3 year sentence, which in my opinion is not just, nor is it in anyway comparable to the plea bargain. I understand that for a guilty person, the incentive of a plea is a lighter sentence, going to trial risks a harsher punishment. But I feel that the prosecutor in this case was not just in pursuing the charge she pursued, that the punishment does not fit the crime, especially in light of the plea deal and the if Governor Lynch has any stones, he will commute the sentence to time served, quickly.

The prosecutor didn’t convict Bird, a jury of his peers convicted him. Then the NH Supreme Court upheld that conviction.

If the NH Executive Council and Governor Lynch Pardon Bird it will be an assault on The Sixth Amendment (Amendment VI) to the United States Constitution.

[Lakegeezer]

Originally Posted by Rusty

If the NH Executive Council and Governor Lynch Pardon Bird it will be an assault on The Sixth Amendment (Amendment VI) to the United States Constitution.

It may not be an assault on the Sixth if the punishment was a violation of the Eighth Amendment. Three years incarceration for what went down seems cruel and unusual, especially when compared to other jurisdictions and crimes.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by Lakegeezer

It may not be an assault on the Sixth if the punishment was a violation of the Eighth Amendment. Three years incarceration for what went down seems cruel and unusual, especially when compared to other jurisdictions and crimes.

NH RSA 631:4 (2007) takes care of the 8th amendment. Even the 2011 change/addition that was made to this RSA won’t make any difference as far as the 8th amendment is concerned.

This is the RSA 2011 change/addition: "IV. A person who responds to a threat which would be considered by a reasonable person as likely to cause serious bodily injury or death to the person or to another by displaying a firearm or other means of self-defense with the intent to warn away the person making the threat shall not have committed a criminal act under this section."

IMHO Ward Bird was not in anyway threatened with "serious bodily injury or death" by Harris.

[ITD]

Originally Posted by Rusty

The prosecutor didn’t convict Bird, a jury of his peers convicted him. Then the NH Supreme Court upheld that conviction.

If the NH Executive Council and Governor Lynch Pardon Bird it will be an assault on The Sixth Amendment (Amendment VI) to the United States Constitution.

Sometimes juries are a crap shoot, but that's not my point. There's a problem with a prosecutor who on the one hand will allow someone to plead for no jail only probation, then on the other hand pursues a charge with a mandatory 3 year minimum sentence. These are two extremely different punishments for the same crime. There is no rhyme nor reason here. Punishments should fit the crime, not the whim of a prosecutor.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by ITD

Sometimes juries are a crap shoot, but that's not my point. There's a problem with a prosecutor who on the one hand will allow someone to plead for no jail only probation, then on the other hand pursues a charge with a mandatory 3 year minimum sentence. These are two extremely different punishments for the same crime. There is no rhyme nor reason here. Punishments should fit the crime, not the whim of a prosecutor.

Plea bargaining happens all the time. Wards case is not unusual at all and the prosecutor did exactly what falls within the law.


"A plea bargain (also plea agreement, plea deal or copping a plea) is an agreement in a criminal case whereby the prosecutor offers the defendant the opportunity to plead guilty, usually to a lesser charge or to the original criminal charge with a recommendation of a lighter than the maximum sentence. A plea bargain allows criminal defendants to avoid the risk of conviction at trial on the original more serious charge.

For example, a criminal defendant charged with a felony theft charge, the conviction of which would require imprisonment in state prison, may be offered the opportunity to plead guilty to a misdemeanor theft charge, which may not carry jail time."

[Seeker]

Not to take sides but to further clarify the plea bargain "deal" about not being able to possess a firearm for 2 years which FLL thinks is a no-brainer, the federal law is as follows:
Ineligible Persons:
The following classes of people are ineligible to possess, receive, ship, or transport firearms or ammunition:
* Those convicted of crimes punishable by imprisonment for over one year, except state misdemeanors punishable by two years or less.

IIRC as an ex LEO taking the plea bargain is PLEADING GUILTY! Therefore, federal law, taking precedence in this case, would prohibit Mr Bird from ever possessing a firearm.

If, and I have no personal knowledge, his story is truthful, I would commend him for not taking the deal.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by Seeker

Not to take sides but to further clarify the plea bargain "deal" about not being able to possess a firearm for 2 years which FLL thinks is a no-brainer, the federal law is as follows:
Ineligible Persons:
The following classes of people are ineligible to possess, receive, ship, or transport firearms or ammunition:
* Those convicted of crimes punishable by imprisonment for over one year, except state misdemeanors punishable by two years or less.

IIRC as an ex LEO taking the plea bargain is PLEADING GUILTY! Therefore, federal law, taking precedence in this case, would prohibit Mr Bird from ever possessing a firearm.

If, and I have no personal knowledge, his story is truthful, I would commend him for not taking the deal.

Bird was offered to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge but refused. The Federal law does not apply to a misdemeanor.

Watch this video: http://www.wcsh6.com/video/default.a...d=742208752001

[Rusty]

What is wrong with our NH state Rep's who signed the petition to pardon Ward Bird and now wished that they didn’t.

Rep. Accornero said had he known about the Attorney General's report he probably would have given more thought before adding his name to the petition.

Over 100 of our State Rep.’s signed this petition before knowing the full details of Bird’s prosecution. This is really sad and it shows just how politics creates our laws instead of what is best for the people of NH.

HERE is the article that is in today's Citizen of Laconia.

[MarkinNH]

Originally Posted by Rusty

What is wrong with our NH state Rep's who signed the petition to pardon Ward Bird and now wished that they didn’t.

Rep. Accornero said had he known about the Attorney General's report he probably would have given more thought before adding his name to the petition.

Over 100 of our State Rep.’s signed this petition before knowing the full details of Bird’s prosecution. This is really sad and it shows just how politics creates our laws instead of what is best for the people of NH.

HERE is the article that is in today's Citizen of Laconia.

Your post speaks in the plural, as in multiple State Rep's are now saying that they wish they hadn't signed the petition. I read the article you linked to and it doesn't say Anywhere that ANY State Rep now wished they hadn't signed the petition. Only that the One state rep wished he had given it more thought.
You must work for a newspaper because you can't get your information right any better then they can, If your going to twist the article around so that it suits your post, don't be so foolish as to post a link to the article so that people can go read it and see what it really said.
I do agree however with your statement about how politics work. Not always are the best interests of the people at the front of a decision or law. The very law that required the judge to give Ward Bird a mandatory 3-6 yr sentance is a perfect example.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by MarkinNH

Your post speaks in the plural, as in multiple State Rep's are now saying that they wish they hadn't signed the petition. I read the article you linked to and it doesn't say Anywhere that ANY State Rep now wished they hadn't signed the petition. Only that the One state rep wished he had given it more thought.
You must work for a newspaper because you can't get your information right any better then they can, If your going to twist the article around so that it suits your post, don't be so foolish as to post a link to the article so that people can go read it and see what it really said.
I do agree however with your statement about how politics work. Not always are the best interests of the people at the front of a decision or law. The very law that required the judge to give Ward Bird a mandatory 3-6 yr sentance is a perfect example.

You are right "MarkinNH" I should not have used "Rep's" and "they".

Thanks for the correction.

[wuwu]

I believe some are missing the true point here..fact is, it is a he said she said. No witnesses except Mr. Bird and Ms Harris. The fact is SHE couldn't identify him in the first trial! SHE stood and argued when told to leave! SHE was peeking in windows. SHE is a lunatic! SHE said, he said...that is what I see. Someone was trying to make points by bringing charges against him.
I believe the town has come together and realized a terrible injustice has happened, and through our voices we will be heard! FREE WARD BIRD!

[MarkinNH]

People who wish to focus on Wards "past issue" of legal run in's and other people who haven't already, should do Ward the decency to read up on the so called "victims" past history of legal run in's and they might well come to the conclusion that this is not a woman who is is know for being a decent, honest and truthful individual. Could it possibly be that she is lying through her teeth in this situation ?
The recent AG's report to the Governor, nor the words of Christine Harris, do not surprise me one bit. The AG's office is never going to step up to the plate and say they were wrong to pursue this case to the extent that they did, for they have their political A$$'s and an office to protect. Christine Harris has never been a decent upstanding citizen, why would she start now. They will do and say whatever they can in attempt to keep Ward where he is and uphold the sentence.

[Heaven]

Originally Posted by wuwu

I believe some are missing the true point here..fact is, it is a he said she said. No witnesses except Mr. Bird and Ms Harris. The fact is SHE couldn't identify him in the first trial! SHE stood and argued when told to leave! SHE was peeking in windows. SHE is a lunatic! SHE said, he said...that is what I see. Someone was trying to make points by bringing charges against him.
I believe the town has come together and realized a terrible injustice has happened, and through our voices we will be heard! FREE WARD BIRD!

The continued discussion of the trial aspects are moot, as the last sentence in the article says
"The thing that I hope everybody understands is that a pardon [of Bird] only excuses the punishment," said Luther. "The crime stands and it'll be on his record."
And given that, and the permanent loss of his living with guns, I think he should be released to serve out his sentence outside of the jail.
Again, all the discussion about "he said she said" is moot. The jury decision stands no matter how many "free ward bird" signatures or signs there are,

[songkrai]

Originally Posted by wuwu

I believe some are missing the true point here..fact is, it is a he said she said. No witnesses except Mr. Bird and Ms Harris. The fact is SHE couldn't identify him in the first trial! SHE stood and argued when told to leave! SHE was peeking in windows. SHE is a lunatic! SHE said, he said...that is what I see. Someone was trying to make points by bringing charges against him.
I believe the town has come together and realized a terrible injustice has happened, and through our voices we will be heard! FREE WARD BIRD!

My points all along. Why did this progress so far? Were local police called on scene or did lady go to police station and file a complaint? Why didn't this just stop right in Moultonborough? If it was indeed a he said she said - why didn't our locals believe our local resident over that of an out of towner? I've found very very little as to what happened at the beginning. Were the police called on scene? Or did lady go to station and file a complaint? And what discretion does our uniformed branch have is such situations?

[Heaven]

Originally Posted by Rusty

You are right "MarkinNH" I should not have used "Rep's" and "they".

Thanks for the correction.

Interestingly the title of the article does use the plural, although it doesn't seem to be backed up in the article.

[MarkinNH]

Originally Posted by Heaven

Interestingly the title of the article does use the plural, although it doesn't seem to be backed up in the article.

Good catch. Even I didn't pick up on that.
One more good example of how the newspapers just want to print something and sell papers. They don't care whether or not they have the information and facts right.

[Rusty]

On page 110 of the “Trial-Transcript-Vol-3-212_06-S-154_20080627_StvWardBird.pdf” the defense was asked where they stood in terms of the defendant’s case. The defense attorney said: “The defense rests, Your Honor”. http://freewardbird.org/wp-content/u...tvWardBird.pdf

The defense Attorney’s for Ward Bird did not bring anyone to the stand including Ward Bird to defend this case. “NO ONE” absolutely “NO ONE”.
What a shame!!

Now here we are in 2011 and we have the following: character witness after character witness, protest marches, fund raisers, trips to the state capital to meet with the Governor, over 100 of our state legislator’s sign a petition to free Ward Bird, and now a pardon for his release.

Where on earth was everybody during Ward Bird’s trial??

I’m all for Ward Bird’s release, he has suffered enough and so has his family. But what I have a problem with is when people say things like: the jurors were misled, the law is wrong, the sentence is wrong, etc., etc., etc.


In the US, defendants have more Constitutional rights afforded to them than in any other country. We have much more favorable due process rights afforded to defendants than any other country. If you look up the 4th Amendment, 5th Amendment, 6th Amendment, 7th Amendment, and 8th Amendment and you will see why this is.

Also, it is well settled that juries give more favorable outcomes to defendants than judges. And in the US, every criminal defendant facing jail time has the right to a jury trial.


OK, NOW LET’S GET WARD BIRD HOME WHERE HE BELONGS!!!!

[Rusty]

Christine Harris states: “she was the victim and calling Bird and his family liars”.

Below is the article that is in todays LDS:
By Gail Ober
THE LACONIA DAILY SUN

CONCORD — A nearly 400-page pardon package concerning the Moultonborough man convicted of criminal threatening was delivered to the governor and Executive Council’s office yesterday. The package was compiled by the Office of the Attorney General and contains Ward Bird’s three sentence request for a hearing, letters of support from his family, friends and supporters, the petition signed by hundreds of people supporting his pardon request and trial documents prepared by former Carroll County Attorney Robin Gordon, whose office prosecuted him. Bird, 49, was convicted of criminal threatening in 2008 after a jury trial. N.H. law requires a manditory sentence of 3-6 years in state prison for crimes committed with guns. The N.H. Supreme Count unanimously upheld the verdict and Bird has been in jail since November — first at the N.H. State Prison and most recently at the Carroll County House of Corrections. It also contains a two-page typed statement from Christine Harris, the woman who said she was lost when she drove into Bird’s driveway in April 2006 and was subsequently threatened by Bird with a handgun when she got out of her car. “No person in his right mind would (sic) do what he did. No one would pull a hand gun (sic) on someone unless he was comfortable doing this before,” she typed in block letters telling the governor and council that she was the victim and calling Bird and his family liars. Harris went on to say that she believes she has been villianized by the media — in the time since her altercation with Bird she has been charged with animal cruelty and animal hoarding — and that she thinks he should have been kept in the New Hampshire State Prison. Gordon stated that her prosecution of Bird was based on “the dangerous use of a firearm” and that he initially told investigating officers that he “’overreacted and owes Harris an apology.’” “I have always been concerned about and willing to prosecute crime involving the misuse of guns and other dangerous weapons,” Gordon wrote. “However, I have also been open to resolving cases when there is an expression of remorse and acknowledgment of responsibility for the criminal action,” she continued. “Mr. Bird was and still is unwilling to acknowledge any wrongdoing on his part.” Those defending Bird testified to his upstanding character and his demonstrated willingness to help those in need. “Ward is among the most up-right and honest men I have ever met,” wrote Rev. Carol Snow-Asher the pastor of the Center Harbor Congregational Church attended by Bird and his family. “There are few people in this congregation (or in the community) who have not been recipients on some kindness from Ward and his family,” she continued. Also writing letters of testimony for Bird’s good character were former Police Chief Scott Kinmond and current Chief Thomas Dawson, who was a corporal when he investigated the complaint against Bird by Harris. “While I can’t opine that a complete pardon at present would be appropriate, I do believe that a commutation of his sentence that would allow him to live at his home and to continue working would be fitting and better serve the interests of justice,” Dawson said. Other letters of support come from people whose children are Boy Scouts. “I want you to approach this pardon request knowing that there are not just boys, Cub Scouts who like, trust, and count on Ward Bird, but behind each and every one of them is a parent, or two, that entrusted Ward with their sons,” wrote Rebecca L. Bryant who is a Justice of the peace and the parent of a Boy Scout. Ward’s Bird’s request for a pardon is but one of seven that will be considered by Gov. John Lynch and the Executive Council at their meeting on Jan. 19. Lynch’s press secretary Colin Manning said the Executive Council will only decide, at that time, if Bird should get a pardon hearing.