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.

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,

I have a problem with the Jury. Or maybe the instructions given to them by the Judge, or once again the Jury itself. Has anyone ever heard of Jury nullification? It means that they ignore the direction of the Judge and vote the way they think is right. Were they so snowed that they didn't think they had that option?

IMHO most juries can be easily led. Need I say more?

Jurors are misled if we don’t like the verdict….if the verdict goes the way we want it then the jurors did their homework.

Words of wisdom? More like, nea, nea. we won. You didn't! It's not a contest, it's about a good man who stood up for his rights, and unfortunatly got the shaft by our justice system.

I had no problem when they awarded a man over 1 million dollars who was wrongly jailed for over 15 years in Hartford.

Can a civil suit can be persued by Ward Bird against the State? I think a jury of his peers would go for 10 or 20 million dollars.

If a women can get 10 million dollars for too hot coffee at McD's then what's stopping Ward's family from saying the conviction was wrong, and he deserves the money. Now that we are all watching, I don't think there will be any problem with jury intimidation.

They let OJ go and they put Ward in jail.

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!!!!

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.

just about done
 

I've just about had my fill of this thread...so couple final thoughts, from me.
I continue to be amused at the postings that read something like..."let's get him home, where he belongs"
"why hasn't this been overturned yet" "the Governor should just set him free"
Seriously people...what country do you live in...it doesn't work like that.
He was convicted by a jury, the judge then imposes a sentence in accordance with the law that "we the people" have created. There is NO ROOM OR PLACE for discretion. (Granted, there can be...like if he was terminally ill, and had a month to live, or something like that).
Stop saying/thinking/writing, he should just be set free. Under what law, I ask?
Attack and change the law...not the judge, jury, or governor.
Secondly...
I have sort of come full circle as the backround info surfaced here in this forum.
This woman used to live 2 miles from me, and was well known in town as a bit "off". 50 animals kept in a trailor, disrestpected police and other officials, and was known to be delusional... so,at first, I thought..well, maybe she was looking for trouble when she went to the propery that day. Maybe Ward was indeed frightened and was concerned for his safety.
However, it then comes out, that Ward is no stanger to police, and confrontation...and has a history of wanting to settle issues by brandishing, or even using, a firearm.
Sort of has that old school mentallity that while on his own property, he will set the rules and the law, not society.
It was asked earlier in this thread, why did this go so far???Why not just handled quickly, and locally? Well, my answer would be that, when the police got the call, and heard it was Ward Bird's property, they said "well, here we go again." And, although it may not be fair, because of his gun history, and earlier confrontation related to property issues...the woman had instant credibility with the police.
She said she was there to see some property for sale, and he brandished a firearm. He, in the past, has done battle with family over the selling of property, to the point where the police and guns where involved. So...how could they not believe her? Was he a victim of circumstance? Maybe.
Is she coocoo? Probably. Did Ward break the law, and was it not the first time? You know what...yeah, I think so.

With respect to parsing headlines in the Citizen of Laconia to sway opinion on the Forum....

The headline reads "Petitioners reflect on their support of Bird." This is correct. "Reflect" means to think about or analyze past action. It is true that one petitioner reflected and decided he might not have signed if he had more information. But another petitioner, Luther, reflected that he would have signed it even if he knew the "new" information.

The point is..the headline in the paper is, strictly speaking, correct using the plural. The other point is that the headline makes no difference to the issue at hand and some of us (including me) may just have too much time on our hands.

Free ward bird!
 

Posted on January 14, 2011 by John Martin
Hi everyone,

I wish I heard about this case earlier. They have the WRONG person in Jail. I rented a house to the same Christine Harris! She never paid rent, and when I took her to court, she made similar claims that I threatened her life over the phone, but she couldn’t come up with any phone records. Then she worked the court system for FIVE months! When the judge finally made a decision for her to leave, she filed a motion with the State Supreme court for intent to appeal, which was rejected.

My entire home was DESTROYED from Rottweilers she was breeding. The floors, walls were covered in animal feces and urine, and the bathtub had blood stains all over it from a dog that died there giving birth to a litter! I never recovered the damages to the property, nor the back rent. To make matters worse, I later see her name Christine Harris, a woman… “previously convicted and sentenced to six months in prison on animal cruelty charges in Salem District Court”!

CHRISTINE HARRIS should be in Jail!

I did contact the Governor’s office yesterday after hearing it on NPR. I gave them my information and contact number. Then this morning I contacted the Attorney General’s office with the same information.

I’m sorry I didn’t know about this earlier. (submitted by PeterC, curromastini@gmail.com)

Interesting, don't you think?

late
 

You are very late to the game with this info...it's been dicussed, re-discussed, and discussed over again...somewhere among the 12,478 posts in this never ending thread.
While your info is accurte, if you want to introduce one's history into the case, your power of perception must also be pointed at Ward Bird...who, it turns out...has a history of the police coming to his property, to settle disputes relating to the real estate...has a history of gun "violations"...and has a history of being overly confrontational in such matters.
You see wuwu...What's good for one, has to be good for the other. If one of their histories comes into play...well then, the other has to be afforded the same thing...no?????

You opened up this particular door. So please enlighten all of us interested as to just what "issues" in Ward's history is he known to have settled by the "brandishing, or even using, a firearm" ?
I know that I for one, would love to hear the answer to this question !

Justice served???
 

Maybe Christine and Ward should be cell mates !!! Sounds just about as rediculous as many of the previous postings in this thread.
She seems like a pretty unsavory character..and many posts paint him like that as well. I have not met either of them.
No doubt that this is a bad situation....Ward put himself between a rock and a hard place with no escape route as far as the charges go. But when he opted to turn down the plea that was offered, he decided to gamble as to what the outcome would be. He lost.
I don't believe that anything that has been said in this forum can or will change the outcome.
At the end of the day, there are still only 2 people on this earth who know exactly what happened that day. Speculation, innuendoes, postulations and opinions have no bearing on the outcome.

really?
 

Christ Almighty...I don't know...somewhere in these endless posts that just keep coming I read a story about gunshots and fireworks and getting dragged by a car and guns being shown and I DON'T FREAKIN' CARE ANYMORE!
Seriously...I know the woman, and as stated, believe she is not quite right. And, since have formed an opinion (based on this thread) that Ward is a bit of a confrontational person...but whatever...who cares?! This was a nice little thread at one point to make people aware of the fact that there was an organized movement to free Ward...website, functions, etc. But now...it's like some people think what they post will help the guy. Like there is actually an end game here...guess what, there is not!
The whole thread is a pile of nonsense now:
she's evil, he's nice, the jury is crazy, gun control, no gun control, live free or die, shoot a home invader and get a prize, animal cruelty, free him now, let him go, serve the three yeras, he has it coming, I like ice cream....
Whatever...no matter what is stated here, the Pats still lost to the Jets yesterday, and I can't fix that. Sorry.

Ok, so I have a question. What good is it to carry a gun if, when you need to use it or even pull it out, you are going to go to jail? I have always thought you could protect yourself or your property but it doesn't seem like you are safe doing that any more.

WOW, don't get your panties all in a wad ! If your so dissatisfied with the direction of the thread and you feel it is a pile of nonsense, why do you keep coming back to it ? Don't read it anymore.
I have known the man personally for 20+ years and I am not aware of any "issues" that he "settled" in any form with a "firearm" and apparently neither do you.

An apology to to me about yesterdays game is completely unnecessary. I don't know who played, who won or lost and honestly don't care. I don't watch sports. But Thanks anyway. :)

I don’t know about anyone else, but I have learned a lot from this thread.

We don’t need to all agree about what is said, we just need to keep an open mind and try not to get upset.

For the most part I think everyone has done that.

ok
 

Marknh...you don't even know who played yesterday...nuff said.
Buy a newspaper.
You've known him for 20 plus years? Really???? Who would have guessed you had a relationship with him? Thanks for pointing out the obvious.
I think a friendship would keep you from being able to form an unbias opinion...but again...who knows. It...just...doesn't...matter.
The case is over and done with. Post away if you would like...
Rusty...I too have learned some things...and indeed I was the first one, many moons ago, to post the articles from the Lawrence Eagle Tribune about this woman's brush with the law.
Anyway...you might think this thread warrented 600++++ posts, but I beg to differ. Look back...it seems only 4 or 5 members are still following along.
There is nothing new to add...no debates will be settled...Ward is going nowhere...Live Free or die...I'm having chicken for dinner tonight...and Gillette Stadium will be empty next Sunday.
Oh, yeah...couple other things....Crazy Gringos makes a great Marg, and I love breakfast at the Village Kitchen.
Looking forward to the new stuff at Funspot this year, and The Loony Bin across the street can be a fun place to have a beer.
Is the ice out yet????

I haven't read every post on the subject, and am curious as to if it was a she said he said, why did she prevail? Does anybody have the answer?

An life goes on!

?
 

Ask the jury...it is only their opinion that counts...only their's.
Want to know the ins and outs..start reading, my man. And when you finish sometime next week, let us know what you think.
Only 580 more posts to go.

I don't need to buy a newspaper because I don't care who played. It is not important to me. I Don't Watch Sports. I guess you missed me saying that in my previous post.
I would continue to argue your ridiculous blathering but it would be akin to have a battle of witt's with an unarmed person and a waste of my time. :)

For somebody who is apparently so disgusted with this particular thread and topic. You certainly seem to keep coming back to it with your thoughts and opinions.

It all just shows to go that using a broom for self defense gives you an opportunity to clean up after using it for self-defense......plus there's much less chance of running afoul of the laws on self-defense and needing to hiring an expensive lawyer to clean up your legal mess.

There was a story in the national news very recently about a women who did just that.....she scared off a burglar with a broom. If SigSauer were smart, they would make a 45 caliber broom....combination .45 w/ a mega handle clip of 32 bullets on one end....and a heavy duty corn broom on the other....sort of like a Swiss army knife for cleaning up the neighborhood......kaboomba-boom-boom-sweep-sweep-sweep!:rolleye2:

And, let's all hope that Glock makes a broom-gun available in hot pink!

Tis, I think the theory is that no property is worth a human life and if someone is going to steal from you then you can't shoot them to death in response. Following that, you have to be imminently afraid for your life or physical safety (or that of someone in your company) and be unable to escape the situation before you shoot someone, and once you shoot them, if you have the ability to then escape that's what you must do (not shoot them again because you are pissed off). So follow the "gun rules", don't put it to hand unless you are going to use it, and don't use it unless your situation is dire.
Don't use it to intimidate, even putting a hand to it.

fatlazyless, I have a question for you:

If guns kill people, do pens (or keyboards) misspell words?

good
 

See???? "...ridiculous blathering...." Now you're getting the hang of this thread. Glad I could help.
As an aside, for such a learned man, I ask....what does "witt" possess, in your previous sentence? The 's implies ownership. Is it possible you were looking for the plural? That would be "witts", my man. Read a paper...good practice.
That's (that is) it for me. You can have the last laugh.
I'm probably flirting with moderation from Don at this point...and I don't enjoy being in the penalty box.

Heaven you are 110% correct and many people (in my opinion) have forgotten that or have choosen to ignore that FACT when you posses a gun or have control of a gun you must have intentions of using it!! wake up folks.

Reread my post. I think you will clearly see that I did say "witt's".

One can only hope. :)

ENOUGH! Those that want to help Ward Bird will continue to post on this thread. Those that think he deserved what he got, I guess because we have freedom of speech, will also post. I have my opinion, and even some of my "friends" have opposite opinions. We all obviously have our own axe to grind, and that is what this thread is all about. I'm sorry the Patriots lost, so did the Giants, get over it! Spring training starts next month.:)

understood
 

Pineedles...I get it...I think you know I'm not a cold hearted person, although enjoy stiring things up.
I guess my point is this...whenever I see a new post, I read it, because I think there might be news...as in, something new. Something not yet spoken about. An update on new evidence/retrial/whatever.
But after 560 posts...there has not been one darn new thing here in over 100 posts. Yes, every once in a while, someone says..."hey, guess what I found out..." only the fact is, the info is old and was discussed over and over 250 posts ago.
Seriously...show me something new. I stay with the thread, because I am curious about the whole mess. But nothing new ever comes up.
As I stated earlier today, I believe the original intent of the thread was to spread awarness about the fact that there was a web site, and a group organizing support for Ward...but it went off in at least 5 directions. Gun control...court procedure...property lines...whatever.
Look, do I think the punishment fit the crime? Of coures not. Do I think Ward is totally with out fault here? Again, of coures not. The bottom line is he was given the chance to plead it out...and decided to take the gamble.
You don't get to call, "do over".

sa, you and I are friends and always will be. You don't need to explain anything to me or anybody else. As far as the "new" stuff. Sometimes there isn't anything new, just a continuing effort to keep Ward's name in the press, and that means posts here on Winni.com. It keeps people aware that the issue is not dead and there are those that want Ward out of jail and with his family. I have very strong convictions about the 2nd ammendment and therefore I am continuing the fight for Ward Bird. I don't know him personally but I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

The longer we keep Ward Bird in the news, the more chance there is of his release in my opinion. The more people that read this thread, the more people of a like kind of mind we have attracting. So, I will continue to keep this thread alive with the hope that others will feel the outrage of his imprisonment and want to add to our voice of, FREE WARD BIRD!

Make that "accidentally"...
 

:eek: My keyboard has "gone off" unintentionally! :eek2:

back in
 

Ok...I really did not want to get "sucked in" to this thread, but for anyone who cares...and mostly Pineedles...please read and consider what I am writing now...put aside personal feelings for two minutes, and think about this...if I am wrong please tell me so, and why.
First of all, Pineedles, I would think you might want to consider the wording of your last post...while you may be right, the term "benefit of the doubt" has no place in the court room. If he gets the "benefit of the doubt", in court, so does she...
Anyway...
Here is what I think...
Clearly, this man is well like and respected as an upstanding member of society...and is considered somewhat of a local icon, from what I can gather. One need only take a drive down Moultenboro Neck Road to learn this....his support oozes forth from every front yard.
1000s of people can't be wrong.
And, it has been asked, why, with local knowledge, was this not put to bed right away...squashed, I guess.
I believe what may have happened was this (just a guess, mind you)
A prosecutor (lawyer) looked at this, and said, "Christ, this woman is just not going to let this go away." And, upon reviewing the facts (absent any emotional attachment...just the facts and his/her knowledge of what may indeed take place in a court room) thought, wow...this guy may have a problem here...because, the way the law reads...blah blah blah...and worse, it comes with a mandatory 3 years. So, possibly, upon investigation, the prosecutor learns that Ward is well respected, an all round good guy...whatever...word it the way you want.
So, they sit him down in a room, and say...."hey, here is your way out"....no jail time, plead this, say that...and everybody goes home, and we get this nut job (Harris) off our back. Furthermore, they say "Ward, understand...unfurtunately, we have to tell you...this looks bad for you. There is evidence that suggests you did blah blah blah...and if the jury thinks so...the judge has no discretion...3 years in the bin".
So you see...locally, I think he was offered his way out because of who he is.
But he is old school (I would guess...from what I've read)...very stronged willed, hard headed (no negative...just set in his ways) and says..."She came on to MY property. I ain't pleadin' to nothing!" Or something to that effect.
Rolled the dice..and crapped out. Now everyone, who does not know what may have gone on behind closed doors, cries foul.
Is it possible what I type here is dead on. Or dead wrong.
Who knows...
I do know this Pineedles...the next dinner tab is mine...pretty sure you got the last two.

On post #538 you state the following: “See???? "...ridiculous blathering...." Now you're getting the hang of this thread.”

Well sa meredith, you sure got the hang of it now with that post! IMHO your emotions are getting the best of you!

did you read it
 

Did you read it thru Rusty? Seriously, if my theory is wrong, I accept it...tell me where the holes are.
I would accept you as an authority on the subject...you've been a memebr here for three months, and 24 or your 55 posts are in this thread. So clearly, you follow it closely.

Emotions not getting best of me at all...they did yesterday, though.
What I posted today, is what I think, a clear opinion of what may have happened before the trial. Read it.