Will Grigg?s Liberty Minute

November 20, 2008

Last summer, Ian Bernard of Keene, New Hampshire, received a citation claiming that a couch stored in the front yard of a rental property he owns was a violation of a local housing ordinance.

Mr. Bernard quite properly perceived this matter to be a question of property rights. So he refused to pay the citation. In early November Bernard wound up in District Court before a judge antagonistic to Mr. Bernard?s beliefs.

Within ten seconds of beginning the hearing, the judge ordered that Bernard be arrested for contempt. His supposed offense was to remain standing an instant longer than the judge thought appropriate after the judge had entered the room.

A special closed trial was held resulting in Bernard receiving 93 days in jail ? three days refusing to pay the original fine, and a total of 90 days for contempt. His supposed crime was to assert control over his own property.

Let us take back the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.