Smoke and Mirrors 21 - The Last Page

    Well I have a lot of catching up to do. (Whats new?) So I will start with yesterday and the final day of the Hutaree Militia vs. United States Federal Trial.
   I headed back to Detroit with friends Mike Meeks, who was a defendant in the trial, and was acquitted of all charges. And Matt Anderson, who attended nearly the whole trial with me, and was my ride to court nearly every day. There we met up with Wendy Lineweaver, and Tom Piatek (also a co-defendant who was acquitted of all charges) to attend the sentencing of  David Stone Sr., Joshua Stone, and Joshua Clough.
   As we walked towards the courthouse, the building seemed a little ominous and intimidating in a way. The trial was was very stressful to watch as it unfolded. Not only was there an emotional investment in the trial as I watched one of my best friends facing a lifetime behind bars. There was also the fact that I felt like my own rights were on trial as the evidence unfolded, and I saw what really got these guys in this position. The fact that they spoke out against the government, and expressed that they would defend themselves, their rights, and their way of life against any threat, foreign or domestic, was held against them. Their religions were held against them. The fact that they had weapons and ammunition was held against them. The fact that they had literature about guns, tactics, government issues, and yes even Bibles were held against them. The fact that these guys were incarcerated for two years without ever having a trial. All this and more left me feeling very unsettled about what I was watching. These are all issues that are protected in our own Constitution.
    But more than that... The unprofessional, prejudicial, and unethical actions of the FBI during their investigation of the Hutaree were reprehensible. It was sickening in my opinion. And it didn't do anything to restore any of the failing trust I seem to be developing myself with our government and it's agencies. It left me with a feeling I really can't describe, that I doubt will go away.
    Anyway, once we got in the building we met up with Josh Stone and Brittany Stone (David Stone Jr.'s wife), and I met Josh Clough for the first time. It didn't take long for the press to get a hold Mike, Tom, and the other defendants, wanting to know what they have been up to, what their predictions were, how they wipe their butts... I heard one reporter ask Mike why he was attending, as he was acquitted. I thought to myself and wanted to say what a stupid question that was. But I try to stay pretty quiet around the press, I don't give them my name, I don't answer their questions, I don't want them to quote me. I snarl at them, and they leave me alone. I have an ugly snarl I guess, but the relationship suits me. I thought it was a dumb question, obviously because Mike was a defendant and a part of this piece of history. But also because these are Mike's friends, and knowing how I feel about my friends, he very well could think of them as a sort of family... Why wouldn't he be there. Mike simply told him it was like reading a book and not reading the last page. And that is very much how I felt about being there. I sat through the whole thing and have a lot time invested otherwise relaying my view of what I saw here. I really felt I had to see it through to the end.
    So what was the end you ask? Well, we made it to the courtroom and David Sr. was present with his attorney William Swor.  Attorney Doug Thomas for Josh Stone was there. As well as Tina Stone and her father. Josh Clough's parents and several other familiar faces were there as well. Honorable Judge Victoria Roberts came out and the proceedings began.
    Sheldon Light stood for the prosecution and Joshua Stone took the podium first. Joshua Stone plead guilty to one charge of possession of a machine gun. He was awarded two points to his sentencing guidelines for acceptance of responsibility. Sheldon Light argued but the Judge said she felt it was appropriate. He was sentenced to time served and two years of probation. In the time Joshua has been released from prison, he has found gainful employment, he has obtained his GED, and has enrolled in college courses. Congratulations Josh. I hope you continue to excel.
    Josh Clough was up next. He was not present for most of the trial, and I have not written much about him in my Smoke and Mirrors posts. As with the rest of the defendants, except Mike, I had never met Josh and there was very little said regarding him during the trial really. So, of all the defendants I have the least exposure to him. I was glad to have the opportunity to meet him yesterday, he was a nice enough guy. To be honest he seemed a bit shy, and quite guarded about who he may want to talk too. And I don't blame him. Maybe some day we will have the chance to meet under more comfortable circumstances. Josh, facing life behind bars, negotiated a plea before the trial began. He was on stand-by as a potential witness I believe, but was never called to the stand. He was allowed to renegotiate his plea in light of the acquittals. He plead guilty to possession of a short barrel rifle. With no argument from the prosecution he was sentenced to time served and two years probation. Josh, good luck in the days ahead.
    David Stone Sr. took the podium last he was also awarded two points to his sentencing guidelines. To which Sheldon light tried offering a little stauncher opposition. But as with his son Josh, the Judge saw fit to award the points. His guidelines were still slightly higher than his son's and Clough's, his minimum guidelines exceeded his time served by about four months.His attorney William Swor argued that in light of the fact he had served the entire two years of his incarceration under maximum security conditions while the other defendants were under lower security conditions or out on bond, and the fact that he would lose any progress towards regaining a normalcy of life would be lost, and in addition he has lost his home and pretty much everything he owns, that there was really no point in incarcerating him again. And in her judgement, Judge Roberts also did not see a benefit in incarcerating him again and he was sentenced to time served and two years probation.
    David and Josh went to have their tethers removed. I went outside to smoke. Even when things are going as well as one could possibly hope, that place does that to me... I get out of that building as fast as I can and chain-smoke for hours afterwards.
    I wasn't long standing outside and a small gathering of  people had formed while waiting for others to come out of the building. We all exchanged pleasantries and made small talk about how happy we all were with the outcome. Josh Clough's parents were there and I took the chance to offer a self introduction and a little congratulations to them. I know they have to be relieved to have this over with, and as an ex-convict myself I remember what my Mother went through in the process, and I can tell you first hand the profound effects that legal problems have on the families of the accused, guilty or innocent, is devastating. I said hi I'm Jon, I'm Mikes friend. And she asked, are you that guy... on the internet... that wrote about all this. She told me that she relied on what I wrote to keep up on what was happening in the courtroom. She said how she had wanted to attend the trial but it just wasn't possible, and she expressed very sweetly how much it meant to her to read what I wrote. No matter how many times it happens it always surprises me a little when I meet someone, a complete stranger no less, who says thanks for what you wrote, and it touches me deeply when they say, it really helped me through my day. Well, that's why I did it. So thank you for reading, and please know that your compliment helped me through my day.
    As far as the other defendants go. David Jr. sounds like he is doing well. He is working and enjoying time with his family. He and his wife Brittany celebrated their marriage shortly after the acquittals, They were married only shortly before the arrests and did not get to celebrate properly until now. I was graciously invited to the party, but unfortunately could not attend due to previous obligations.
    Tina and Dave Sr. are hoping to be in their own place soon, moving on with their lives. Dave has found temporary work and is working on a more permanent position from what I understand. It also sounds like they have been taking advantage of spending time with their families, especially the grandkids.
    Kris Sickles, I hear is doing well. Sounds as if he is back to work and is enjoying time with the family as well. All of the defendants, except those convicted of felonies, and Kris who was acquitted of all charges, have received their property back from the FBI with a few discrepancies here and there. I didn't get the details on what the SNAFU was, why they haven't released his property to him... But Kris I really hope that gets worked out for you and good luck to you in the future.
   Tom Piatek went to grab a bite to eat with myself, Wendy, Mike and Matt. He is back to work as well, and it sounds as though he isn't having any problems he's not going to be able to deal with. I have really enjoyed meeting the Piateks, a great bunch of guys they are. Tom I understand your a fellow fisherman, so from one fisherman to another, I wish you the best of luck in all your endeavors. I hope someday we have a chance to throw a couple of hooks together. Stan if you happen to read this, my best regards to you. I hope life is treating you fairly. I think you should be expecting a call from me soon, we should touch base.
    And as far as Mike, he as well as the rest is back to work and enjoying being home. He has been staying with his parents temporarily while his own home is under repairs. And it is a great pleasure for me to add that Mike, always one to take an active role as an American, ran for and is now Constable of Bridgewater Township. Way to go Mike. Your my freakin' hero man. We have gotten together several times since his release and as always it is a pleasure. I'm sure it will happen many more times in the future. Congratulations Constable. See you soon Buddy.
    It is my opinion that we should all follow his example, there are many of us who could take a more active approach to making a difference in what happens around us. If you want change, you need to work to make that change. It won't happen sitting on your couch complaining about the way things are or the way you think they should be. If you want change... Get up and make it. YOU can make a difference.
    While much of my writing about this trial has been a bit on the angry side, there were times when I got quite emotional about it. There were some redeeming factors. The U.S. Government can thank Judge Victoria Roberts for me not completely throwing in the towel on the idea of Justice. And if they don't care about MY opinion, I hope they know that I am not alone. I know many others who feel the same way. If I ever see Judge Roberts name on the ballot for Supreme Court, or any other position for that matter, she will have my vote.
    And I can not express how thankful I am to the attorneys who stood for the defendants in this case. They invested everything in this trial, and it showed. And they did it because they believed they were right, and it showed. I am thankful that there are people out there with the courage and the intelligence to be able to stand up to the U.S. Government, the FBI, the federal judicial system and say THIS IS NOT RIGHT. Because let me tell you, those attorneys, were the only thing that kept my and your rights safe for today. At least that's the way I see it. And that's the way I'm going to speak it... straight from my mind.

Car 66

   This is a set of photo's I posted on G+ when I first started my profile there. I had some brief captions with the  photos. It is a good story, and a piece of my family history. So I thought I would revisit these pictures, and tell the story in a little more depth. I did not take any of these pictures, they are from my mothers collection. And I also have to say off the top, this story takes place before I was born. I was not there... My information comes from my family (Who were there...), and magazine articles that I have read. So this is how I understand it.

   This is my Grandfather, LaVerne Ottmar. This picture was taken in 1964. The year my Grandfather died. He died while out rabbit hunting from a massive heart-attack at the age of fifty-six. Being that I was born in 1971 I never had the opportunity to meet him. The car you see behind him is the Chevy 6. A car that he built from the ground up at home in his garage, on the corner of Miller and Fountain in Ann Arbor, MI. That is my Mother sitting in the car at age thirteen.

   This is my Mother sitting in his car again in 2008, in Connecticut. She received information on the cars location then, and made a trip out east to go see the car for herself. The car itself has a little bit of history and my family had lost track of the cars where-abouts for a long time. So I am sure it was quite an experience for her to go see a piece of her past.

   The deal with this car is not that it was super fast. It isn't that it won a ton of races. It was a six cylinder engine racing against big-block eights, and not just keeping up, it was a competitor. It was a fuel injected six cylinder, and it was the only one of it's kind.

   My Grandfather had worked for GM. I don't know dates and times unfortunately. But as I understand it he worked with the team, and was directly involved in the pioneering and invention of fuel injection. Of course, GM was full owner of any technology engineered by their employees, and my Grandfather never received any credit for his involvement. I don't know if it was these events specifically, but he and GM ended up parting on what I understand to be "bad terms".

   Some time after he left GM. Or possibly during the end of his career with them he started building this car.

   As I said, he built it in his garage, with what ever he could find to use. He had friends who worked with him on the car, but as my Mom tells it the garage was a secretive place. What happened in the garage stayed in the garage. He machined his own parts, cut and bent his own pipes and steel, and shaped all the sheet metal. He built the engine, the fuel systems, the frame and suspension. He did it all. Quite an accomplishment all on it's own.
    My Grandfather was very well known, and respected within racing circles. My Mother has a collection of photos from, I would guess, the 40's and 50's. They are all black and white photos of race cars, racing teams, and drivers. Some of them show Indianapolis Speedway when it was a dirt track. Nearly all of them are not just autographed, but have personal notes to him on them. And as I understand it there were always race cars parked outside of their house, waiting their turn to go in the garage to receive my Grandfathers attention.
   This car was a culmination of all his racing experience. GM became interested in what he had created in this car, and at some point offered to buy the car. Because of the bad blood that had developed between them, my Grandfather flat refused. As a matter of fact, he said he would rather park it under the porch and piss on it than sell it to GM.

   My Grandfather retained the car until he died in 1964. After that my Grandmother sold the car. And that is were the history of the car becomes less clear to the family.
    Years later Jack Layton was in Ohio and recognized the car in a scrap heap. He obtained the car and rebuilt and restored it. It is not clear to me how long he had the car, but over time it ended up living in a couple of different museums, and was eventually purchased by this private collector in Connecticut. And I'm sure there were others in between.
   There have been several magazine articles about this car. My favorite is an article published in Open Wheel Magazine, in November of 1986, titled "My Life as a Sprint Car". It tells a version of the cars history, from the cars perspective. It's written as if the car is telling the story. Some of the story told there does not exactly match the things I have heard from my Mother, Aunts, and Uncle. It's okay, it doesn't have too, as I said even they are not clear as to what happened after the car was sold. So it is hard for me to say exactly how the car ended up in the places it did.
   As well respected as he was within the racing community, there are a lot of different opinions regarding my Grandfather personally. He was definitely a unique individual no matter who you talk too. Some say he was a genius, some would tell you he was as crazy as his ideas. Knowing my family, I would be willing to believe maybe a little of both. Regardless, he created not just a piece of cool family history, and racing history, but he left a mark in time that will likely outlast generations of my family... I can only hope to do the same within my own lifetime. Hats off to Grandpa...

My Life In A Snapshot 4

   This photo was taken in 1987, I was sixteen years old. I was at an archery shoot at the Chippewa Blackhawks archery club, in Jackson, MI.
   I laugh when I look at this picture... Look at all that hair (it was the eighties...) I look so nice and innocent. I suppose I was a nice kid (most of the time...) But I was anything but innocent. This picture was taken a couple of months before I  was sent to the SAI (Special Alternative Incarceration) State Boot-camp Program. And probably a little more than a year before I was sentenced to State Prison. I'm still not ready to delve into that whole story, but that was were I was at that time in my life.
   Archery shoots were a staple activity for my dad and I. We went to at least one shoot every week, sometimes two. It was one of the things we did together that we really had a good time with each other. My dad was very proud of my ability with a bow.  For me, archery was more than that though. It was one of the few things that I was proud of my own ability with. It was something that I was good at, and enjoyed, and I didn't feel that way about many things then.
   My dad taught me about all aspects of traditional archery. By traditional archery I mean long bows, wooden arrows, shooting instinctively with no sites. He taught me how to shoot, how to make my own arrows, and craft leather to make my own quiver and arm-guards. I made the quiver and arrows I'm wearing in this picture as a matter of fact. We even made our own broad-heads from steel, bone, or antler. Not only was archery fun it was highly educational. There are countless life skills that I could tie to my experience with archery.
   One of the most valuable things I learned from archery was how to compete. And how to respect competitors. It isn't all about winning. In many sports there is a fellowship among it's competitors. But I think that to be especially true among traditional archers. My dad was friends with a lot of the guys that went to the archery clubs, and we went to a lot of different clubs. He was also a craftsman and traded goods with many of the fellows we would meet there. Often times we would shoot through the courses with his friends and their children. So I ended up spending the day hanging out with he kids I was competing against most of the time. For me it was about having fun, and having fun with my dad. I didn't really care about if I won or not.
   Don't get me wrong, I shot to win, I liked winning. And I did my fair share of it. But I could handle it if I didn't. And my dad always made a big deal of how well I did whether I won or not. Most of the time I congratulated whatever kid won and we got are bows and went to the practice targets or walked around and shot trash. There were times when I got competitive, but I didn't have as much fun... And I didn't shoot as well.
   I was a pretty skilled archer, even as a kid. I often did win if not place in most of the local tournaments. I attribute some of that to skill, but also there were times when there were not many kids that shot my class. Not to knock myself, that's just the way it was. I don't know how many trophies and medals I won, there were quite a few of them. My dad had our trophies on a sill in the kitchen, he valued them more than I did. The ones I was really proud of were the second place trophy I won for the overall at the Great Lakes National Longbow Invitationals in 1986, and the first place plaque I won at the same event for the aerial shoot. I hit eight out of ten, four inch discs thrown into the air. At my best, about a year later, right about when this picture was taken, I could usually hit six or seven out of ten quarters thrown into the air. And I have seen my dad shoot aspirins out of the air.
   I know, pretty unbelievable right. Well, it's true believe it or not. Archery was a very positive influence in my life, at one of my most negative times in my life. I loved it, and I put a lot into it. A lot of my family, and a few of the friends that I grew up with read this blog, and I promise you no one will call me out on my claims.
   Sadly, those times are past. I have my bow still, but I haven't shot in many years. I'm sure I could still hold my own, but I doubt I could ever reach that skill level again. For one thing, my reflexes and instincts are just not as sharp as they use to be. But more than that, a big part of the fun of archery for me, was the camaraderie at the shoots, and the time spent with my dad. It is not the same standing in the back-yard shooting at a target by yourself. And the people I run with these days just aren't into it like that.
   Honestly, It's not all that sad. I experienced archery in a way that not many people do. And I have never let go of the experience. I still carry all the knowledge, and lessons learned from the experience if not the skill. And I satisfy the same needs of camaraderie and fellowship through fishing. And my passion and love of fishing stems from the same experiences anyway. So, I guess it's not like there is some black-hole in my life from not shooting my bow. But, I'd be lying if I told you I didn't miss it sometimes. Maybe someday I'll get the bow back out and clean the dust off. Find somewhere and someone to fling some arrows around with. Until then, I'll treasure the memories and experiences I have gained from the great sport of archery, and I'll keep flinging those lures. If I ever quit fishing... just put me out of my misery.

An Awesome Weekend

   Well, I have to say it was a pretty great weekend, I spent time with family, and with good friends. I got in a little fishing, ate some good food... and generally made good memories all weekend long. I hope everyone had happy and safe Memorial Day, and found a way to enjoy your weekend as much as I did mine.
   Friday I rode over to my buddy Greg's house. He and his wife Shannon had company from a mutual friend that I haven't seen in more than twenty years. (Cathy, I'm glad we got to visit. I hope you had a good time on your vacation.) It was a short visit, I rode my bike and I'm not too keen on riding those particular roads after dark, but it was a nice time none the less.
   Saturday, I pretty much stayed around the house. Which was fine, I got caught up on some things that needed catchin' up on, and had a little down time. 
   Sunday I went back up to Buck Lake in Hamburg with my buddy Tom. His friend Bruce had us out for some  fishing festivities. We cruised the lake for a few hours on his pontoon and caught some fish. Maybe eight bass, a couple Gills and a Crappie. Then we hung out on shore down by his dock and caught a buzz. There was a fellow out showboating on a wakeboard so I took a few pictures of him. (He was pretty good.)

   After hanging out at the lake for most of the day, I rode my bike back out to Greg and Shannon's for a small get together of close friends and a couple of cousins. We had a couple of drinks, a little food, and a lot of laughs. Again, a little short in time, but high in quality. Once the sun went below the horizon it was time to hit the road.
   Today, we had a small family get-together at my mothers house. She worked very hard to get everything together, and make everything just right for a party. Thanks Mom. My sister Traci got to come with her family, which was very nice. She has missed the last several get-togethers due to work or school. And being that she is the only Veteran in my immediate family, I was particularly pleased she was able to make it today. My brother Dan however was not able to come with his family as he hurt his back and wasn't up to the excitement. We missed you Dan. But I think a good time was had by all.
   One of my nieces seems to have aspirations and talent for photography, so when she got here I put a camera in her hands, and told her to hold on to it for the day. She took enough good pictures today that I probably didn't need to take any myself... But the two of us together recorded the day quite spectacularly. Thanks for taking all the cool pictures Jess.
   This first one my sister took, then I posted a few that I took. But I'm going to give MVP (Most Valuable Photographer) to Jessica. 

Back row:  Cayla French, Jessica French.  Middle:  Daniel Isley, Katrina Isley.  Front:  Titus Vigil, Sophia Vigil.
Picture by Traci Isley.

Left to Right:  Daniel Isley, Traci Isley, Cayla French, Jessica Vigil, Jessica French, David Isley, Helen Vigil.

   These are some of my favorites that Jesse took today. She really did get some great shots.

Photo By Jessica French 

Photo By Jessica French

Photo By Jessica French

Photo By Jessica French

Photo By Jessica French

Photo By Jessica French

Photo By Jessica French

Photo By Jessica French

Photo By Jessica French

Photo By Jessica French

Photo By Jessica French

Photo By Jessica French

Photo By Jessica French

Photo By Jessica French

Photo By Jessica French

Photo By Jessica French

Photo By Jessica French

Photo By Jessica French

Photo By Jessica French

Photo By Jessica French

Remember the Fallen, Honor the Living

THEY LIVED, THEY FOUGHT, AND THEY DIED... FOR ME.

MY FREEDOM WAS NOT, AND IS NOT... FREE.

I obviously did not take these photos. They are images that I have come across that touched me. I want to say thank-you to all the Veterans and Soldiers that created them and the hundreds of thousands like them.