Free Republic

Opponents of the proposed construction of a controversial mosque just blocks from Ground Zero "ought to be ashamed of themselves" for opposing it, Mayor Bloomberg said this morning. Bloomberg said he also doesn't care where the people behind the mosque and Islamic cultural center will get the money to build. "People say, 'Do they have the money? Can they raise the money? Where does it come from?' " Bloomberg said during an appearance on his WOR-AM radio show.

To hear them tell it, the officers who apprehended 39-year-old David Pyles on March 8 thwarted a mass murder. The cops “were able to successfully take a potentially volatile male subject into protective custody for a mental evaluation,” the Medford, Oregon, police department announced in a press release. The subject had been placed on administrative leave from his job not long before, was “very disgruntled,” and had recently purchased several firearms. “Local Law Enforcement agencies were extremely concerned that the subject was planning retaliation against his employers,” the press release said. Fortunately, Pyles “voluntarily” turned himself over to police custody,...

Police reports on a disgruntled Oregon Department of Transportation planner who surrendered to a police negotiator and SWAT team early March 8 indicate that the man hadn't made any threats, but people who worked with him were increasingly concerned that violence could erupt. Incident reports from Medford police and the Jackson County Sheriff's Department describe verbal outbursts and "a declining state of mental health" seen in slipping personal hygiene and appearance, and a "somewhat disorderly and uncooperative" exit when the man was placed on administrative leave on March 4. Fears of retaliation prompted electronic surveillance that notified authorities when the...

Every year during Sunshine Week, newspaper editorial boards take pains to explain that open records and public meetings laws are important not just for news organizations but for every member of the public. It helps when we have a high-profile example. On Thursday, the city of Medford obligingly handed us one, by refusing to release records that could explain why a SWAT team took a man into custody last week and seized his legally obtained firearms without a warrant or any criminal charge. Medford is not the only entity dragging its feet on informing the public. Oregon State Police told...

A week after being taken into protective custody and having his guns seized because of police concerns, 39-year-old Medford resident David J. Pyles wants to make sure what happened to him doesn't happen to anyone else. Pyles, a planner at the Oregon Department of Transportation, wrote an e-mail to Medford Mayor Gary Wheeler and the City Council demanding that they address what he called "alleged civil rights violations." -----------------------------cut-------------------------- Pyles said he is involved in a personnel matter at ODOT that is being handled through his union. He surrendered to the team voluntarily and was taken to Rogue Valley Medical...

They're back and feisty as ever. Protesters clutching anti-Barack Obama and pro-Constitution signs braved damp, chilly weather Thursday in Alba Park as they waited for the arrival of the Tea Party Express II. Two Express buses wound their way up from San Diego to Medford as part of a cross-country tour to spread the belief that the federal government has lost its way. Jeff Krump, of the Americans for Prosperity, took to the gazebo to address the 100 or so protesters. "We believe in the founding fathers' vision of a constitutionally limited government," Krump said to a round of cheers....

Nearly 600 people came to Medford's Abraham Lincoln Elementary School today to hear Sen. Ron Wyden talk about health-care reform in a town-hall meeting. Questions from the spirited crowd reflected the range of issues in the national debate about how to make health care affordable and available. The Oregon Democrat said everyone will have to give up something in the effort, which he noted has been a work in progress since Harry Truman was president. Wyden repeatedly turned the conversation to his own health care reform proposal, the Healthy Americans Act, which has support from both Democrats and Republicans. Wyden...

MEDFORD, Mass. -- Several teenagers were arraigned in a Somerville courtroom Thursday after allegedly attacking a group of police officers at a local carnival Wednesday night. Medford police were called to a teen disturbance at a carnival and soon found themselves fighting for their lives. Even when backup arrived, the officers were outnumbered. The teens allegedly punched, kicked and hit the officers with their own nightsticks.

Over at WRCN, a FM radio personality Glenn Meyer, said Kerry will win, Kerry absolutely will win. There's was just no possible way we'd re-elect Bush. Glenn said if Bush won, he'd quit WRCN, that's how sure he was that Bush would lose. Well, now it's November 8th. And, aside from the fact that one of the million crazy DU conspiracy theories *might* still pan out, Bush won, and guess what? Glenn doesn't wanna go! The station is having a poll to let the listeners decide (go to the website, click on the tiny flag next to Decision Glenn, a...

Remarks of Vice President Cheney at a Bush-Cheney '04 Rally Lenape High School Medford, New Jersey Oct. 11, 2004 10:51 A.M. EDT THE VICE PRESIDENT: Thank you. (Applause.) AUDIENCE: Four more years! Four more years! Four more years! THE VICE PRESIDENT: Thank you. (Applause.) Mercy. (Laughter.) This sounds like Bush-Cheney country. (Applause.) AUDIENCE MEMBER: (Inaudible.) THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, it's -- what was that? (Laughter.) It's a pleasure to be back in New Jersey, and here in Burlington County, in the historic Township of Medford. And all of you live in one of the most beautiful areas in the Northeast,...

I had to repost due to ugly spelling errors: Another week, another Freep! Please join us one and all for our Support the Troops Rally in Medford Sq Massachusetts. We continue to grow and had a great rally despite weather this past Saturday. Most likely there will be opposition there (UJP), the Sq has become our turf. I am posting flyers at local businesses and the word of mouth is working as well, lets flood the square!

Hey Freepers, On May 17th, operation yellow ribbon is organizing a biggie on the Lincoln Monument. I went on Military Pride and found operation yellow ribbon. There are 2 hotels offering specials until 4-18. They are going to offer free shuttles to the march. I personally have never been to such an event but this one I am passionate about. check it out. Today was great in Medford,MA

earlier today (04-05-03), there was a pro-america rally in Medford Square, MA. About 15 people showed up and represented all generations. the first to show up was a New Hampshire native, i'm sorry i forgot his name. then i joined and by 9:50 we had a sizeable group. another FReeper was Guinnessboy. we had some good signs: "First Iraq Then Chirac" "Communists/Students get paid to protest" "Support our troops" "honk to support our troops" "the U.N. is U.N.prepared, U.N.important, U.N.necessary, U.N.American" and "BELIEVE!". there were some people from UJP, they clocked in at 10:00 exact and out at 12:00 exact...

there is a pro-america rally every saturday in medford square in massachusetts (9:30 - noonish). i went for the first time on today (04-05-03) and it was great even with the rain, snow, and sleet. FReepers come from all over, even as far as New Hampshire. come on down, bring the family. thanks all.

Another great FReep on the people of Medford on Saturday, March 29, 2003.

Thank you to all that showed up to show your support today, I was blown away by the turnout! We had a good mix of people out there today. The people driving through loved it! The Anti-war folks didnt care too much for us, funny how we are all smiles and they have dour faces all day long. They look like the living dead don't they? Anyhow this is not the first one and will not be the last, we do this every Saturday, I would like to try a couple more locations at some point. If you folks do...

Hello Guinessboy here, my appologies for not responding sooner, to be honest I am a bit disorganized and was not expecting many responses. Basically we are folks from the neighborhood that have been growing tired of the Anti-American, Anti-Bush, Anti-Military, Anti-War protests plaguing our area. Most folks doing them I'm sure are sicere, however, there are many groups out there with a much different agenda. I would like to see all of you show up in Medford square at 9:30- noon or whenever needed to stay. we get a great response from people rolling through. Bring signs, and American flags,...

HEADS UP!!!!! SUPPORT OUR TROOPS RALLY - EVERY THURSDAY!!! Medford, Oregon Corner of Main St. and Central Ave. - Vogel Plaza Noon to 2pm. Bring your flags!!! Every Wednesday a bunch of worn out ol' hippy women in dressed in black parade around with their anti-American gear and signs in the same place. Last week we had 400 people and have decided to do it every Thursday. Bring your lunch or dine in downtown Medford!!!! The sun is shining and it's going to be a warm, wonderful day..and only an hour from California, so come on up and join us!

August 22, 2002 President Announces Healthy Forest Initiative Remarks by the President on Forest Health and Preservation The Compton Arena Central Point, Oregon Master of ceremonies was Lars Larson with KXL, Portland. Senator Gordon Smith introduced the President of the United States. 12:54 P.M. PDT (YES! He was on time -- no 2 hour haircut holding up the airlines!) THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much for coming. Thanks for -- please be seated, unless of course you don't have a chair. (Laughter.) Thanks for that. Thank you all for such a warm welcome. It's such an honor to be...