The Theft of Innocence
A support rally for Nathan Gastineau (a former Deputy for San Bernardino), organized by Allen Hohensee and attended by former Explorers, friends and family, was held the morning of August 2. Several signs were made and held by supporters in what proved to be a very quiet, peaceful, but determined rally. Multiple news reporters were heard to say that they had been given the assignment (to report on the court hearing) as late as 10pm the night before. A few of those same reporters also mentioned that they had not witnessed such a show of support in the San Bernardino area for anyone, and remarked that it said a great deal about Nathan Gastineau's integrity.
Allen Hohensee, a close friend for 5 years, and "Bonnie", who has been a close friend of Nathan Gastineau and his family for 19 years, were the primary spokespersons during the rally, presenting an appeal to the media to allow the case to progress unhampered by unnecessary slander. Several reporters from different agencies were on scene, not the least of which were notable Channel 5, Channel 7, Channel 2/9 and Channel 4 - along with newspapers The Patch and Press Enterprise.
The rally continued to be peaceful and considerate of authorities and other citizens attending the courthouse, and left as peacefully as they arrived. Employees and citizens were able to come and go unhindered by supporters, who stood in plain view to one side of the walk paths so as not to block anyone unnecessarily. Supporters, wearing large white buttons with black print that read simply "INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY", were more than willing to speak with anyone who came to read the posters, but did not press or harrass those waiting to enter the courthouse.
I write this because despite all of the interviews and pictures taken, I have yet to see any recognition go out properly - or hear that the media heard our appeal to present this bit of news fairly. There were other supporters present who also took pictures of supporters, and the reporters, but I have not been given access to nor permission to share any of those. I've heard tell that one media source stated that the rally became rowdy at the close of the hearing, but this was not the case.
As the family of Nathan Gastineau came out to update us on the situation the press became paparazzi, swarming the rally members, shouting questions and thrusting their boom mics and cameras into the middle of our conferring group. When asked politely the first three or four times to allow us to talk among ourselves for a moment to gather ourselves before addressing the media we were told "the sidewalk was a public area and they could do whatever they wanted to" at which point one of our rally members raised one of the posters to the camera lense to block the view, and the reporter was told both respectfully and forcefully that a spokesperson would be with them shortly. At no point did the rally become hostile or unruly, even while being pressed by the paparazzi to make an immediate statement without having heard what had happened within the court room.
It is just more proof that the media is out to tear apart a man that has been accused of a crime, and given no chance to clear his name. The reporters press the supporters and family until they break under stress, asking questions about his character that paint him as a villian; and even after interviewing the supporters they refuse to publish them. Nathan Gastineau's supporters continue to rally under the flag of innocence, continue to speak out against the slander created by the media, and declare their friendship and support.
Allen Hohensee, a close friend for 5 years, and "Bonnie", who has been a close friend of Nathan Gastineau and his family for 19 years, were the primary spokespersons during the rally, presenting an appeal to the media to allow the case to progress unhampered by unnecessary slander. Several reporters from different agencies were on scene, not the least of which were notable Channel 5, Channel 7, Channel 2/9 and Channel 4 - along with newspapers The Patch and Press Enterprise.
The rally continued to be peaceful and considerate of authorities and other citizens attending the courthouse, and left as peacefully as they arrived. Employees and citizens were able to come and go unhindered by supporters, who stood in plain view to one side of the walk paths so as not to block anyone unnecessarily. Supporters, wearing large white buttons with black print that read simply "INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY", were more than willing to speak with anyone who came to read the posters, but did not press or harrass those waiting to enter the courthouse.
I write this because despite all of the interviews and pictures taken, I have yet to see any recognition go out properly - or hear that the media heard our appeal to present this bit of news fairly. There were other supporters present who also took pictures of supporters, and the reporters, but I have not been given access to nor permission to share any of those. I've heard tell that one media source stated that the rally became rowdy at the close of the hearing, but this was not the case.
As the family of Nathan Gastineau came out to update us on the situation the press became paparazzi, swarming the rally members, shouting questions and thrusting their boom mics and cameras into the middle of our conferring group. When asked politely the first three or four times to allow us to talk among ourselves for a moment to gather ourselves before addressing the media we were told "the sidewalk was a public area and they could do whatever they wanted to" at which point one of our rally members raised one of the posters to the camera lense to block the view, and the reporter was told both respectfully and forcefully that a spokesperson would be with them shortly. At no point did the rally become hostile or unruly, even while being pressed by the paparazzi to make an immediate statement without having heard what had happened within the court room.
It is just more proof that the media is out to tear apart a man that has been accused of a crime, and given no chance to clear his name. The reporters press the supporters and family until they break under stress, asking questions about his character that paint him as a villian; and even after interviewing the supporters they refuse to publish them. Nathan Gastineau's supporters continue to rally under the flag of innocence, continue to speak out against the slander created by the media, and declare their friendship and support.