Jerry DeLemus, Ian Freeman, Michael Gill – three names that have been in the news lately. One common thread unites all of them: far right, libertarian “values.”
What have these “champions of freedom” been up to lately?
DeLemus has just been extradited to Nevada to face charges related to his involvement with the 2014 Cliven Bundy ranch standoff. Jerry was also involved with the recent squatting incident on a wildlife refuge in Oregon involving another member of the Bundy clan. He’s also the co-chair of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.
Michael Gill, of “State of Corruption” fame, has just been jailed for contempt. The owner of Mortgage Specialists apparently had a little outburst in court during a divorce proceeding, reminiscent of the potty-mouthed digital sign campaign he’s been waging at his storefront in Manchester.
And then there’s Freeman. Ian may not be a “free man” much longer, as FBI agents just raided his Keene home and confiscated a mother lode of computer equipment in relation to a child porn investigation. These three gentlemen represent the current wave of Tea Party/Free State/libertarianism that is growing in New Hampshire like an infected sore. It is good that this sore is finally getting lanced.
As we approach the 2016 election season, it would be wise to look into the backgrounds of our elected officials and perhaps think twice before supporting anyone who bills themselves as a “Free Stater,” “Libertarian” or “Tea Partyer.”
Oh, and notice I didn’t even mention Mr. Tasker.
DAN WILLIAMS
Concord