What’s Next?

I love my beautiful, but sometimes troubled, small town.

First and foremost, I hope that the man (and his family) that Coan unfairly pursued, confronted, and falsely accused is doing well. I have no connection to them, and have never spoken to them, but I have thought of them each day since I learned of Coan’s ‘conversation’ with the husband of that family. Coan must have felt entitled, and he initiated the confrontation over mere political speech. It’s no wonder the man was, in Coan’s account, very angry. Of course he was — Coan falsely accused him, on the basis of mere political speech.

As you know now, I was not the real subject of this witch-hunt. Someone else was. How many others had their names bandied about by Coan and those who helped him? I’m not sure, but I can say that any number was too many.

On election day in February, I believe that I saw the wife of the man that the Chief accused, on the other side of the Old Armory. (Someone pointed her out to me.) She seemed happy, and was smiling with other workers at her table. Coan falsely confronted her husband. She deserved better than that. I would have walked him promptly from the property. I had no interest in interfering with her work, and yet I might have kissed her on the cheek on another occasion.

Second, I look forward to a municipal culture that’s more tolerant of free speech. There are, as I have noted, hundreds of blogs on municipal topics in Wisconsin alone, and many are anonymous or pseudonymous. There are people in our town, as you’ve just seen, who think of speech as though it were a crime. Not in America.

If the Chief of Police in Whitewater, Wisconsin worries about political speech when real crimes are being committed, it’s sad and disgraceful. If anonymous or pseudonymous speech is so unwelcome, how will our city ever establish a trustworthy complaints process? The Department of Justice recommends one; I have called for one more than once. If some disadvantaged person is injured and wants to make a complaint anonymously, what confidence will that person have that he or she will be heard fairly?

Third, we need a public records collection process that’s transparent and dependable. I do not know who actually collected the records that I received. Some were withheld with explanation by the City of Whitewater. Did I receive all that I should have under the law? Who oversaw this process, to make sure that no documents were deleted, before they reached the City Attorney? I don’t know, really.

Finally, like most bloggers, I look forward to a more varied set of topics. I look forward to the day in my town when the very idea of public records like these, with scheming like this, will be unimaginable.

As I have written before, I have everything that I have ever wanted, and by any reasonable standard, I have led a charmed life. I very much enjoy the Citizen’s Life.

Still, everyone needs a break now and then. I think that I might even take some time off, to unwind until I begin blogging again. I am not sure how long – I’m thinking twenty-four, maybe thirty-six, hours. That should about do it.

I’ll see you again this Friday.

Adams

Part 13, “The Wrong Man.”

(For earlier parts of this series, please click this link: Witch-Hunting a Blogger in Whitewater, Wisconsin.)

Chief Coan finally decides upon the blogger’s identity, and to confront that man. He shares his experiences with the City Clerk. It was upon learning about the encounter – that took place at the man’s house, apparently – that I decided upon a Public Records Request, to learn more about what Coan might be doing in opposition to free speech.

That’s what led to this series – Coan put his finger on the wrong man, and confronted that man, over lawful commentary on public matters.

I was surprised and disappointed when I learned of it, and I decided upon a series about it. I was even more disappointed when I saw the records.

The exchange appears below in black font, followed by the actual PDF documents I obtained, and then my commentary in blue font.

The exchange:

From: James Coan
Sent: Mon 1/7/2008 10:07 AM
To: Michele Smith
Subject: Miscellaneous

Michele,

I am not sure if you are going to be able to check your e-mails white in Egypt. If so, I hope that you guys had a safe flight and that you all are enjoying your vacation. If not, welcome back!

Although it has been raining and foggy here in recent days, we are enjoying record high temperatures. At the rate which the snow has been melting you might be returning to a lot of green grass.

Michele, I can’t wait to tell you all about my conversation with our No.1 suspect in the “John Adams” case. Although he denied being John Adams, everything he said in the lengthy conversation that followed served to reinforce our suspicion that he is the guy. It was at times a very “surreal” conversation. [Name deleted by City of Whitewater] was certainly accurate in his assessment This is one very angry and confrontational man. I’ll share with you the details when you return to the office.

Take care and enjoy the rest of your vacation!

Jim

******

From: James Coan
Sent: Friday, January 18, 2008 8:59 AM
To: Michele Smith
Subject: RE: Miscellaneous

Welcome back!

Michele, I am 99.9% convinced that it is either him or someone he is directly working with because of the things he said to me. Way too many coincidences. I am anxious to tell you about our conversation. Call me when you have the time.

Jim

******

From: Michele Smith
Sent: Friday, January 18, 2008 1:47 AM To: James Coan
Subject: RE: Miscellaneous

I am very anxious to hear about this. I actually came home and as soon as I could open my eyes and read Free Whitewater again. I just never pictured the suspect as being in the loop.

ms

The files:

I have made the PDF files confirming this exchange available here — 2008-1 (13).

My comments:

A blogger – a modern day pamphleteer – writes about municipal affairs, and his website has been critical of certain police practices and actions.

As one might imagine, some officials in town are disappointed with the criticism.

One day, the police chief, perhaps accompanied by someone else, visits the house of someone in town, to confront that man about being the ‘evil blogger.’ The man apparently has relatives who had been active in local politics, he may be libertarian, etc. The man’s wife sometimes attends public meetings, and takes notes.

Those slim – ludicrous – facts convince the official that the man he visits is the blogger.

The chief goes to the man’s house with the apparent purpose of confronting the man, perhaps to shame him into silence, whatever that might mean.

Here’s what’s especially odd — it wasn’t the blogger’s house.

They went to the wrong house, and confronted the wrong man.

In fact, the blogger has never met the man that the chief visited.

Did the chief expect the supposed blogger would stop? If the blogger said ‘no,’ what did the chief say or intend to say (other than conveying the impression of intimidation and coercion)?

Basic Reflections:

(1) An official who would make a visit like this is disrespectful of fundamental constitutional rights of all citizens.

(2) An official who would make a visit like this is arrogant, or self-deceiving. He would have to imagine that his presence would intimidate and dissuade.

(3) An official who would make a visit like this is wasteful of public time and money.

(4) An official who would make a visit like this is incompetent. Even in my post concerning the discredited actions of Maryland Governor William Schaefer, at least Shaefer identified the correct protesters. Schaefer was wrong but accurate. In the scenario I have just described, the Whitewater official is merely wrong – twice over.

In this circumstance, the official identified the wrong man! Here would be the case of an official who was incompetent to identify correctly the political critics that he wanted to intimidate.

(5) A response to criticism based on supposed social pressure only works if the one being pressured cares about the opinion of any number of wrong-headed simpletons. These critics cannot think through the issue, and they cannot defend themselves on the merits.

Their response is proof of their substantive inadequacy – and also of their child-like view of dissent and how to respond to criticism in a free society. No one who dissents would yield to embarrassing, ludicrous people like this. If these critics had even a shadow of a counter-argument, they would make it.

(6). Again, Coan treats a blogger, and the man he believes is a blogger, as a suspect. In fact, by his own account, as his “No. 1” suspect. Coan distorts the language of the criminal law against political speech.

How many other suspects does Coan have, and did he keep a list? If he kept a list, why was it not included in the public records request that I received? (I will have more about collection of public records later.)

It’s reminiscent of Nixon’s enemies list. Coan — the little Nixon of Whitewater. Not even as good, really; at least Nixon went to China.

(7). Coan is 99.9% convinced that he went to the right house; I know that he was 100% wrong. Coan’s complete conviction is therefore the same as a common person’s complete error.

They have nothing worthy to say, and so they futilely try to stop someone else from speaking.

Next Up on Wednesday, March 5th at 2 PM CST: Part 14, “What’s Next?”

Part 12, “The Call Would Be a Mere Pretext”

(For earlier parts of this series, please click this link: Witch-Hunting a Blogger in Whitewater, Wisconsin.)

Coan settles his gaze on one family, and receives an email suggesting that someone call the family when the husband might be away, to see if the husband’s travel schedule coincides with my possible vacation schedule.

What if the man’s wife answers? The person emailing has a plan.

The exchange appears below in black font, followed by the actual PDF documents I obtained, and then my commentary in blue font.

The exchange:

From: “Michele Smith”
To: [Name deleted by City of Whitewater] James Coan”
Sent: Wednesday, December 26, 2007 9:59 AM

Attached is obituary.

Michele

******

From: [Name deleted by City of Whitewater] Sent: Thursday, December 27, 2007 10:14 AM
To : Michele Smith; James Coan
Re: Scanned from [name deleted by City of Whitewater]

Thanks Michele! I was a bit concerned when I read that [I have deleted name] Sr., had just 2 children. If I remember correctly, “John Adams” has written as if he grew up in a very large family, although his older brother did have 8 children and, if they all lived in the same area, I suppose “John Adams” did grow up in a very large “extended family.” If there is some way for Jim, through other resources, to find a “smoking gun” that would be a good idea.

If it were me, I would want more proof and some type of evidence that directly links [I have deleted name of Whitewater man that the document mentions] to “John Adams.”

Thanks again,

[City of Whitewater has deleted name]

******

[Line Deleted by City of Whitewater] [Line Deleted by City of Whitewater] To: James Coan; j-coan@ [I have deleted remainder of address] Subject: Golden Opportunity!!! CALL ME!!!! [First few lines deleted by City of Whitewater]

This would be a perfect time to see if [I have deleted name] is out of town. I am not sure how you would do that but I have a couple of ideas;

1. [Name of wife] is on the Landmarks Commission and maybe another commission or two. Perhaps someone could call her home, ostensibly about some city business (just in case she’s home!). If they’re not there, that would be very, very interesting.

2. Perhaps the Post Office is holding their mail this week if they’re gone. I don’t know if that’s something they can reveal, but if it is something that can be found out that would be very valuable.

[Name deleted by City of Whitewater]

******

[Line Deleted by City of Whitewater] [Line Deleted by City of Whitewater] To: j-coan@[I have deleted remainder of address]; Michele Smith; James Coan
Subject: [I have deleted name of woman]

I just did a “Google Search” on [I have deleted name] and found and read the article in The Wisconsin State Journal about the MAP group in Whitewater. The article was published November 16, 2003. I never paid any attention to that group so I didn’t know until just a few minutes ago that [I have deleted the name] was the president/leader of that group. I think it would be a great idea to go through past issues of the Whitewater Register from November 1, 2003 through March 1, 2004 (the artcle [sic] says the referendum on the issue was scheduled for February 17, 2004). By reading articles about MAP and, perhaps most importantly, reading Letters to the Editor during that time frame, I think you’ll be able to find several samples of the writing and thinking of both [I have deleted name] and [I have deleted name]. The article about MAP in the Wisconsin State Journal article I just read (from November 16, 2003) has several quotes from [I have deleted name]. They are almost identical to the views expressed and the words used by John Adams/[I have deleted name of man] in his postings about Whitewater City government and city officials.

The files:

I have made the PDF files confirming this exchange available here — 2008-1 (12).

My comments:

1. Familiarity. Whoever is writing these emails is familiar with Coan; it’s no arms-length correspondence.

2. “Golden Opportunity!!! CALL ME!!!!”. Quite a touch, that exclamation, “Golden Opportunity!!! CALL ME!!!!” It’s the language of a flyer on a telephone pole, applied to a police chief’s search for someone who has broken no laws. It would be funny, if there weren’t a family wrongly subjected to speculation on the other end.

3. Same Writing. Someone else writes the way I do? In a town of fourteen thousand, is that so hard to believe? These are people who know only their small, insular, stodgy circle. There’s a bigger world than that.

4. Obituary? Someone sends an obituary, to confirm the size of the man’s family, perhaps? You’re free to do that sort of thing, but I will not do that, ever.

5. The Call Would Be a Mere Pretext. The email’s author writes to our chief of police, and suggests that a call to the home of a woman on a local commission could be falsely presented as city business. There’s no record of a reply from Coan rejecting that approach. None. That the email’s author feels comfortable with broaching to Coan the idea of a call under a pretext speaks ill of all involved.

Next Up on Wednesday, March 5th at NOON CST: Part 13, “The Wrong Man.” more >>

Part 11, “California?”

(For earlier parts of this series, please click this link: Witch-Hunting a Blogger in Whitewater, Wisconsin.)

I have a link on my website to a California blog called “The Foothill Cities Blog.” It’s well-known in the blogosphere (what bloggers call their part of cyberspace) as a pseudonymous blog, covering the foothill cities of California. I admire its efforts, and months ago I wrote to one of the authors of the Foothill Cities Blog, to mention that they were an inspiration to me. Publius (that’s his pseudonym) replied, and posted my email. Thanks, Publius.

That’s my connection to the Foothill Cities Blog – that’s it! There’s no mystery, no weird connection, no conspiracy of bloggers, etc. There’s also no connection – at all – between someone who posted for that blog and my FREE WHITEWATER website, or even Whitewater, Wisconsin.

The exchange appears below in black font, followed by the actual PDF documents I obtained, and then my commentary in blue font.

The exchange:

[Line Deleted by City of Whitewater] [Line Deleted by City of Whitewater] To: James Coan; Michele Smith
Subject: Fascinating!!!

WOW!!! BINGO!!! I just found a long, detailed, fascinating article by Gary [I have deleted surname, it’s the name of a family in town] in the archives of the “FOOTHILL CITIES BLOG” on the legal rights of bloggers, especially in small towns across the country as these bloggers turn their sights [sic] on their local city halls and city governments. This article, written by Gary [I have deleted surname] is INCREDIBLE because he states, in lengthier and more detailed form, all the same arguments that “John Adams” wrote about with a link on “Free Whitewater”. Here is the link to Gary [I have deleted surname] article in the “Foothill Cities Blog” – www.insidesocal.com/editorsditors/20Q1lQ91. It was written on September 28, 2007.

The files:

I have made the PDF files confirming this exchange available here — 2008-1 (11).

My comments:

1. California? No, not really. As you see in this email exchange, someone – name deleted by the City of Whitewater – thinks that there is a connection to the Foothill Cities Blog. He is sure of it, and believes that because the surname of someone who writes in California is the same as a family in Whitewater, there must be a family connection.

It’s nonsense: someone who believes in empty coincidences like this probably doubts that Americans landed on the moon, or is likely convinced that O.J. must have been innocent, because the glove just didn’t fit.

I have deleted the references to the surname of the Whitewater family, but as you’ll see, subsequent emails sadly and erroneously focus on this one family.

Next Up on Wednesday, March 5th at 10 AM CST: Part 12, “The Call Would Be a Mere Pretext.” more >>

Part 10, “A Person of Interest.”

(For earlier parts of this series, please click this link: Witch-Hunting a Blogger in Whitewater, Wisconsin.)

From the public records, in perhaps December 2007 — Over time, Chief Coan, aided apparently by citizens in our community — your overly inquisitive neighbors and mine — begins to focus erroneously on one family.

The exchange appears below in black font, followed by the actual PDF documents I obtained, and then my commentary in blue font.

The exchange:

[Line deleted by City of Whitewater] [Line deleted by City of Whitewater] To: James Coan
Subject: Interesting!

Here’s what “John Adams” writes in an archive from his “Inbox Reader Mail.”

I have lived in this town for so many years (our person of interest has lived her since 1968), [remainder deleted by City of Whitewater].

The files:

I have made the PDF files confirming this exchange available here — 2008-1 (8).

My comments:

1. Our Person of Interest. Someone writes to Chief Coan — a private citizen, I suppose — and describes someone as ‘our person of interest.’ Like the term suspect, it’s a term of the criminal law. Some of your neighbors and mine helped Chief Coan in his use of public time and resources to advance his search. As you can see in the email that Coan received, they have identified someone that they think is John Adams. They have even figured out when that man arrived in our town.

2. Familiarity. Whoever writes Coan this way expects to be well-received, and discusses a common understanding (that is, “our” person of interest). How often did Coan discuss this man’s name with others? I don’t know, but as you’ll see tomorrow, his search grows ever more fervid.

Next Up on Wednesday, March 5th at 8 AM CST: Part 11, “California?” more >>

Part 9, “Wikipedia? Yes, Wikipedia.”

(For earlier parts of this series, please click this link: Witch-Hunting a Blogger in Whitewater, Wisconsin.)

From the public records, with the date and sender deleted by the City of Whitewater — Someone writes to complain about a link that I have in Wikipedia. As I’ll show, it’s someone who doesn’t understand how Wikipedia works, or what a link on Wikipedia means.

The exchange appears below in black font, followed by the actual PDF documents I obtained, and then my commentary in blue font.

The exchange:

[Line Deleted by City of Whitewater] [Line Deleted by City of Whitewater] To: Michele Smith; James Coan; Kevin Brunner
Subject: Free Whitewater & Wikipedia

Dear Jim, Michelle and Kevin,

[First paragraph of email deleted by City of Whitewater.]

One of the rules of Wikipedia is that nobody Is allowed to post false, malicious or harmful material or to promote their own personal interestes [sic], viewpoints or agendas. The administrators take such prohibited behaviors and actions very seriously, enough so that you can contact Wikipedia to file a complaint against anyone who posts defamatory, false or malicious information. I would guess that Wikipedia would not only be willing to delete the link to “Free Whitewater” on the “Whitewater, Wisconsin” Wikipedia page, but that they might also be quite willing to give you the name of the person who first posted the link, especially since this person is engaging in the very actions that Wikipedia and it’s [sic] editors have prohibited.

I would also think that both Wikipedia and whoever hosts the “Free Whitewater” website might be more than happy to provide the name of the person since there may be some legal questions ahead for “John Adams”, including possible libel charges and damage to professional reputation. I think consulting a lawyer and providing a lawyer with copies of “John Adams” rants would be the proper starting point.

The files:

I have made the PDF files confirming this exchange available here — 2008-1 (9).

My comments:

1. Misunderstanding Speech. Here I find useful the expression, “that one forgot more than someone else ever knew.” This is political speech, about political topics, public officials, and public matters. There are over 100 political bloggers – many using pseudonyms — in Whitewater. This is commonplace now. Note, though, the false idea of a ‘proper’ starting point.

The original emailer wants to stifle speech, any way he or she can. There’s a bit of desperation in it all; this original email may be from December; I have been writing since May.

2. Misunderstanding Wikipedia. The original writer in this exchange really doesn’t understand Wikipedia. I don’t have an article on Wikipedia — FREE WHITEWATER is listed as an external link on the article for “Whitewater, Wisconsin.” There can be links to all sorts of commentary; it’s like saying that one cannot link to an opinion journal on the “External Links” section of a Wikipedia article.

3. Familiarity. Whoever writes this original email is on a first-name basis with “Jim, Michelle [sic], and Kevin.”

4. Speech and Rants. One man’s rant is another man’s truth. The emails that I have cited speak for themselves, about the some of the employees of our city, and none too well, either.

Next Up on Tuesday, March 4th at 4 PM CST: Part 10, “A Person of Interest.” more >>

Part 8, “Watching People at a Celebration.”

(For earlier parts of this series, please click this link: Witch-Hunting a Blogger in Whitewater, Wisconsin.)

From the public records, in November 2007 — Many people worked hard, and contributed time, effort, and funding to rebuild Whitewater’s Stone Stable. It was a proud moment for our city. I celebrated the efforts of those who worked so hard, and admired their dedication to our history. Here’s a picture of the Stone Stable that I took during reconstruction, that shows how much work had to be done:

Those who worked on that effort – I am very sure – did it for love of their community, and respect for our history. It was not a political matter for them, and the dedication ceremony was not a place to track celebrants and attendees.

Chief Coan and the City Clerk saw it differently – as a chance to be on the watch for John Adams.

The exchange appears below in black font, followed by the actual PDF documents I obtained, and then my commentary in blue font.

The exchange:

From: James Coan
Sent: Wednesday, November 07, 2007 4:49 PM
To: Michele Smith
Subject: Stone Stable Dedication

Michele,

How much do you want to bet that “John Adams” will be present for the Stone Stable dedication and reception on
the 17th (or maybe even taking photos)? I have a good mind to watch from my office. Otherwise, perhaps Alan or his designee could pan the crowd.

Jim

******

From: Michele Smith
Sent: Wednesday, November 07,2007 5:28 PM
To: James Coan
Subject: RE: Stone Stable Dedication

I never thought, but I agree. If I can, I will attend and take note of the attendees.

ms

******

From: James Coan
Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2007 8:02 AM
To: Michele Smith
Subject: RE: Stone Stable Dedication

Thanks Michele! If I can, I will stop in my office and observe the event across the street.

JC

******

From: Michele Smith
Sent: Thursday, November 08, 200710:07 AM
To: James Coon
Subject: RE: stone Stable Dedication

Jim,

You are on the right track. See below the new posting on free WW today.

Ms

[City Clerk’s email includes copy of my posting announcing the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony.]

The files:

I have made the PDF files confirming this exchange available here — 2008-1 (7).

My comments:

1. Lurking from a Window of the Municipal Building? Did Coan go and watch from above? I don’t know, but he obviously considered it. Think about that, Whitewater — your proud ceremony was just a political hunting ground for him. Disgraceful.

2. Public Employee Assistance, Again. In this exchange, a public employee thinks about going to take note of the attendees, to aid Coan’s efforts. Maybe, for future events, Coan will be able to persuade the city to implant a chip in everyone’s arm, so that the city clerk will not have to tax her memory keeping track of the attendees.

3. Panning the Crowd. I have no idea if Coan did, in fact, ask Alan [Luckett] to pan the crowd so that Coan could catalog celebrants in the search for John Adams. I have no reason — at all — to think that he would do something like this, for political reasons. If he or others pan the crowd for artistic reasons, fine with me.

Next Up on Tuesday, March 4th at 2PM CST: Part 9, “Wikipedia? Yes, Wikipedia.”

Part 7, “Chief Coan’s Researcher.”

(For earlier parts of this series, please click this link: Witch-Hunting a Blogger in Whitewater, Wisconsin.)

From the public records, in September 2007 and November 2007 — I’m not sure if Whitewater Police Detective Tina Winger ever found the intelligence she promised to find about a lawful political commentator, but Coan might have moved on to other police resources, in any event. Detective Ryan Weston, now on the force for over eight years, was willing to assist Coan’s effort.

The exchange appears below in black font, followed by the actual PDF documents I obtained, and then my commentary in blue font.

The exchange:

From: James Coan
Sent: Monday, September 17th, 2007 1:12 PM
To: Ryan Weston
Subject: Free Whitewater Website

Ryan,

Did you tell me that if someone email “John Adams” and that if he returns the message that you might have a chance to track him down? If so, I believe that I might have such an opportunity.

Chief Coan

******

From: Ryan Weston
Sent: Monday, November 05, 2007 7:20 AM
To: Michele Smith
Subject: Free Whitewater Email Info

Michele:

The Chief told me that you received a direct email from “John Adams”.

If you could do the following for me:

On you “lnbox” screen, right click on the email, choose “Options”. Next, highlight the information inside of the box that says “Internet header”. Right click and “copy”.

Paste the info on a New [sic] email and send it to me.

Thanks!

-Ryan

******

From: Michele Smith
Sent: Monday, November 05, 2007 8:00 AM
To: Ryan Weston
Cc: James Coan
Subject: RE: Free Whitewater Email lnfo

Here it is, Ryan.

Microsoft Mail lnternet Headers Version 2.0.
Received: from nz-out-Q506.google.com ([address] by mail.ci.whltewater.wi.us with Microsoft SMTPSVC (6.0.3790.3959);
Fri. 2 Nov 200717:38:21 -0500
Received: by nz-out-0506.google.com with SMTP id n1so732737nzf
for ; Fri, 02 Nov 2007 15:38;17 -0700 (PDT)

Michele

The files:

I have made the PDF files confirming this exchange available here — 2008-1 (6).

My comments:

1. Public Resources, Public Time, Public Employees. This is a common theme throughout the files — these public employees spend their time this way.

2. The City Clerk’s Role. This is no conduct for someone that any citizen should be able trust, impartially. It’s not even close. If you have a problem, then how confident can you be of the Clerk’s role as an impartial representative of our city?

3. Detective Weston. Eight years on the force, with any number of crimes needing investigation, and Detective Weston asks the City Clerk for an email to track, involving lawful political speech. Is this why Weston took an oath? Weston might as well leave his uniform in the closet; it was not made for this sort of conduct.

4. Coan’s Signature Line. Coan contacts Weston for assistance, but it’s a cold request: Coan signs his name — ready? — “Chief Coan.” Who else does he imagine Weston will think he is? It’s not Jim, or James, but “Chief Coan.” Weston commits what I am convinced is the wrong conduct, and for someone who’s seemingly distant, and oddly formal, too.

5. The City Staff. Much is made about being “on staff,” but who’s overseeing the conduct of these city employees as they search for identities, etc? I have no idea.

Next Up on Tuesday, March 4th at NOON CST: Part 8, “Watching People at a Celebration.”

Part 6, “Asking About Former Residents.”

(For earlier parts of this series, please click this link: Witch-Hunting a Blogger in Whitewater, Wisconsin.)

From the public records, in September 2007: If you once lived in Whitewater, but moved to a nearby town, that doesn’t mean that you’re free from Chief Coan’s suspicious gaze. In this exchange, Coan contacts a friend about someone who lives in nearby Cambridge, Wisconsin. The exchange appears below in black font, followed by the actual PDF documents I obtained, and then my commentary in blue font.

The exchange:

From: James Coan [mailto:JCoan@ci.whitewater.wi.us] Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2007 3:38 PM
To: [I have deleted, as I explain below] Subject: Question

[I have deleted name],

Hi, hope all is well! I am wondering If you recall [I have deleted name — name appeared in the documents that I received] (sp?)? If so, do you think that he could be our “John Adams” (author of “Free Whitewater”)? Several people from the School System thought that it might be him. I don’t know the guy, but I’ve heard that he is kind of eccentric.

Jim

P.S. FYI, [I have deleted name] got a job as manager of [I have deleted name of employer]. Between living in a condo and working at [I have deleted name of employer], [name] is feeling like a “teenager” compared to the people she routinely interacts with. Take care and say hi to [name] for us!

P.S.S. [sic] [Name] and I went to ”3:10 To Yuma” the other night. Although it was pretty good, it was no “Das
Boot”. [Name] and I reminisced about our movie going days with you and [name]. It’s just not the same without
you!

******

From: [I have deleted name] Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2007 5:09 PM
To: James Coan
Subject: RE: Question

Hi Jim: I never thought of [name] but he kind of fits the mold, although he was so busy he had to leave the Park
Board and I believe he has relocated to Cambridge…my take on [name] was that he was not so much of a
complainer, he saw a problem/issue, brought It up and encouraged suggestions and solutions. Some of the stuff I
read in the FW was way too harsh for [name]…

Good to hear that [name] has a job she really enjoys; rumor is (OK, I am starting it) she is looking for a place YOU
can retire too [sic] (not her)! And, the “pain and suffering” she endures at [name of employer] is considered penance, correct?

I want to go to the Yuma movie, and also catch the new Jodie Foster flick. I think I can drag the HR Director to
one, since his wife is living in Utah for the next year, until she can retire. You are right, tho…it’s not the same
without you, [name], [name], and don’t forget [name] and [name]! Darn, we a;most had a bus full!

Say Hi to all; we hope to get back this fall and close on the house (keep your fingers crossed) but always enjoy hearing from you!

[Name]

The files:

I have made the PDF files confirming this exchange available here — 2008-1 (5). Deletions from the City of Whitewater are in black throughout the documents, typically so that the city can shield the names of those who have complained about my blog. That’s fair enough — a person should be able to complain anonymously or pseudonymously.

There’s an inescapable contradiction, though — city officials worked to uncover my name, and left untouched the names of private citizens they suspected of being me, and deleted only the names of those who complained about me.

My deletions, of the names of private citizens, often ones ‘suspected’ of being me, are in red. Coan, and those who aided him bandied about names of private citizens, and those names are in the documents that I received, but I will not display those names the way these public officials shamefully discussed them among themselves.

I have also deleted the names of Coan’s friends. Remember, Whitewater: I have treated Coan with more privacy than he has treated his fellow residents.

My comments:

1. Harsh? I’ll leave it to others, after seeing how Coan views our fellow residents in his emails, if I have been harsh. You are free to form your own opinion. After all, it’s your right to hold an opinion.

2. Searching Far and Wide. Chief Coan initiates this email exchange: “I am wondering if you recall…” He does so during ordinary working hours, as a public employee, using public resources. The man that Coan is inquiring about is no criminal, he’s apparently someone who served our city on a public board, and then moved away.

Note, too, that Coan observes that rumor holds the man is eccentric. Does Coan think that makes the man more likely to be a critic? If conventionality favors Coan’s conduct, it would be far better that we should all be eccentric…

3. Problem Solver?. Please note the irony in the idea that the man about whom Coan inquires is, according to the reply, was someone who encouraged solutions. This is apparently in contrast to my approach.

So a man replies to Coan and uses the platitudes of a Successories card to say that one should encourage solutions, all the while ignoring Coan’s severe error of judgment in thinking that he — Coan — can use public time & resources to search for his lawful, political critics engaged in political and public commentary.

The man writing in reply to Coan cannot see the forest for the trees.

By the way, here’s a solution for you: Ask Coan to stop hunting his political, lawful critics on the public dime.

How’s that? I feel better already.

Next Up on Tuesday, March 4th at 10 AM CST: Part 7, “Chief Coan’s Researcher.” more >>

Part 5, “Running Plates on Citizen Photographers.”

(For earlier parts of this series, please click this link: Witch-Hunting a Blogger in Whitewater, Wisconsin.)

From the public records, in September 2007, our Director of Public Works, Dean Fischer, asks Chief Coan to run the license plate number of an elderly man who had been taking pictures of a construction project on the east side of our city. The exchange appears below in black font, followed by the actual PDF documents I obtained, and then my commentary in blue font.

The exchange:

From: Dean Fischer
Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2007 1:55 PM
To: James Coan
Subject: license plate

Jim,

We have an older gentleman who shows up every few days to take pictures of the East Town project. No big deal usually. Now I wonder if it might be “John Adams”. Will you run the plate number? [I have deleted — appears in original], Green Ford Ranger pickup truck.

Dean Fischer
Director of Public Works City of Whitewater
Phone 262-473-0540 ext 240
Fax 262-473-0549

******

From: James Coan
Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2007 3:24 PM
To: Dean Fischer
Subject: RE: license plate

Dean,

Good thought as I think that anyone we spot taking photos of City projects might be a possible suspect. In this case though the plate comes back to a [I have deleted the name of the elderly citizen-photographer and his address]. [name of some Coan asked] knows the guy and says that [deleted by City of Whitewater — possibly a derogatory reference to the citizen]. She doesn’t now why he would be out taking photos of the East Town project, but she did not think him capable of being John Adams (of course it might be a person we least suspect). Let me know if the guy becomes a nuisance and maybe we can have an officer talk to him in order to find out what he might be up to.

Also, I have purposely been avoiding reading “Free Whitewater” so do you know if there have been any photos as of late?

Jim

******

From: Dean Fischer
Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2007 4:01 PM
To: James Coan
Subject: RE: license plate

Jim,

I know [I have deleted name — appears in version from city] very well. He definitely is not John Adams. He is not a bother for taking pictures either. Just thought we should check it out. No pictures on the site as of lately. He now is into “you tube” cartoons.

Dean

The files:

I have made the PDF files confirming this exchange available here — 2008-1 (4). Deletions from the City of Whitewater are in black throughout the documents, typically so that the city can shield the names of those who have complained about my blog. That’s fair enough — a person should be able to complain anonymously or pseudonymously.

There’s an inescapable contradiction, though — city officials worked to uncover my name, and left untouched the names of private citizens they suspected of being me, and deleted only the names of those who complained about me.

My deletions, of the names of private citizens, often ones ‘suspected’ of being me, are in red. Coan, and those who aided him bandied about names of private citizens, and those names are in the documents that I received, but I will not display those names the way these public officials shamefully discussed them among themselves.

My comments:

1. Suspects. Coan uses the term suspect for a blogger. We have had any number of break-ins and robberies in the city — the people who might have committed those acts are suspects. Coan distorts the language of the law that he is sworn to uphold.

2. Taking Photos. So a man takes photos every few days of our East Town construction project, and Coan and Fischer decide that makes him a so-called suspect. Does it not occur to them that he’s taking pictures because he’s likely proud of the construction project in his town? When does taking a photograph, of a construction project in a small rural town, peacefully and lawfully, make a man a suspect for anything? Shameful.

3. Running Plates. Director of Public Works Dean Fischer thinks that he’s entitled to request that the police run a man’s license plate number because he took a few pictures of a common construction project (although one widely celebrated in our town). Why? Because he might be John Adams (no — I’m John Adams!). The man is no bother, by Fischer’s account — it’s a political motivation that Fischer has.

4. Photographers Beware. Chief Coan runs the plate, and then observes that Fischer had a “good thought as I [that is, Coan] think that anyone we spot taking photos of City projects might be a possible suspect.” If you have a camera, beware — they might run your plate, too.

5. Fischer’s Network?. Director of Public Works Fischer requests that the plate be run, but at the time he makes the request, he does not appear to know the identity of the man lawfully taking the photos. That leads me to think that Fischer was not there initially to see the man or his truck — someone else likely reported this information to Fischer, and he emailed Chief Coan.

Who might have reported it to Fischer? His public employees? Did Fischer have a network of public employees taking down plate numbers, if they thought someone might be a blogger? If so, why would they think that this was within the scope of their city employment.

Director of Public Works Fischer and Chief Coan write each other this way, and and yet Coan thinks I’m arrogant. Disgraceful.

6. Where is the City Manager? Director of Public Works Fischer and IT Administrator Nobling work for City Manager Kevin Brunner. What does he think about their conduct? I have no idea. Will he do anything meaningful about it? (I’ll have more about this at the end of my series.)

Next Up on Tuesday, March 4th at 8 AM CST: Part 6, “Asking About Former Residents.”

Part 4, “The List of Suspects.”

(For earlier parts of this series, please click this link: Witch-Hunting a Blogger in Whitewater, Wisconsin.)

Later in August, a private citizen writes to our City Clerk, Michele Smith, and lets Smith know that the citizen’s husband is not John Adams. (Of course not — I’m John Adams!) It’s a sad story, really, because it shows how private citizens are caught up in all this, and worse, how a city clerk who should be working on public matters is getting emails about a list of suspects. The exchange appears below in black font, followed by the actual PDF documents I obtained, and then my commentary in blue font.

The exchange:

From: [I have removed, as I explain below] Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2007 7:38 AM
To: Michele Smith
Subject: RE: Free Whitewater

Michele,

Please spread the word the that [I have removed husband’s name] is DEFINITELY NOT the writer behind Freewhitewater.com!!!!! I. looked at it this morning and spoke with [I have removed husband’s name] last night. You can definitely cross him off the short list of suspects’. [I have removed wife/writer’s name]

******

From: Michele Smith
Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2007 8:47 AM
To: James Coan
Subject: FW: Free Whitewater

******

From: James Coan
Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2007 9:03AM
To: ‘Wally McDonell’
Subject: FW: Free Whitewater

FYI

The files:

I have made the PDF files confirming this exchange available here — 2008-1 (3). Deletions from the City of Whitewater are in black throughout the documents, typically so that the city can shield the names of those who have complained about my blog. That’s fair enough — a person should be able to complain anonymously or pseudonymously.

There’s an inescapable contradiction, though — city officials worked to uncover my name, and left untouched the names of private citizens they suspected of being me, and deleted only the names of those who complained about me.

My deletions, of the names of private citizens, often ones ‘suspected’ of being me, are in red. Coan and those who aided him bandied about names of private citizens, and those names are in the documents that I received, but I will not display those names the way these public officials shamefully discussed them among themselves.

My comments:

1. Suspects. Look at the language that the citizen uses, and that the city clerk forwards along, uncorrected: suspects. It appears again, as you’ll see, in subsequent documents. It’s the language of the criminal law — those who are believed to have committed crimes are suspects.

I have engaged in lawful, constitutionally-protected speech of our American political heritage. I have committed no crimes, but they refer to me as a suspect. On my blog, I list others who have written pseudonymously: “Many of the greatest men of this republic published anonymously, among them Hamilton, Madison, Jay, Paine, and occasionally, John Adams himself.” I am just a common man, but I am no more a suspect than they were.

2. A List. Is the term ‘list’ merely figurative? I don’t know, but somehow a private citizen writes our city clerk, uses the term, and insists that her husband be taken off that short list. I have no idea how the woman knew there was a list, inquiry, or set of suspects, at all. The city clerk passes the information to Coan, who forwards it to our city attorney (‘Wally McDonell’).

Coan never writes back and rebukes the clerk — on the contrary — he forwards the email on! One more, I suppose, to cross off that list.

3. Involving Private People. It is the sign of a troubled police and political culture where private citizens are encouraged or motivated to aid in a political witch-hunt. As you’ll see in subsequent posts, Coan relies on private citizens, caught up in the fervor of it all, to help him try to identify me. This is how a public official, with a distorted perspective, leads private citizens astray.

Next Up on Monday, March 3rd at 3 PM CST: Part 5, “Running Plates on Citizen Photographers.”