Re: Hartmans

[Guest guest]

Can you imagine the stress they are living under? Even on days that this doesn't

happen?

Kathy

[Guest guest]

I HAVE to share a glimmer of hope with this one...

I got back a couple of hours ago from spending an unexpected day with some

of the warmest people in this very cold state----THIS community...a

community of action.

What does that have to do with the Hartmann situation? EVERYTHING.

The state was lying in wait early this morning for the delivery to arrive.

Little did they know (or us, for that matter) that around 40 of us would

show up to support our hero, .

The scene started with a just a few people coming to pick up their food but

were shooed away by the Dept of Ag. Regardless, phone calls were made and

emails were sent and the people arrived (and some drove a fair distance!).

The truck was barricaded in the driveway while the State worked to get

documentation in order to embargo the food and the truck...

We took photos, videos, called KSTP's tipline (they showed up!), asked

questions, shivered together, took turns in each others warm vehicles,

talked, learned, laughed, all while showing the support that the Hartmann's

needed for such a time as this.

Eventually, the tow truck showed up to take away the Hartmann's vehicle. We

all grunted as we read the side of the tow truck that stated " In God We

Trust. " Many commented that clearly this tow truck was taking the wrong the

vehicle. Around 1:30ish, the tow truck had to be followed all the way from

Minnetonka to downtown St. in order steal many families food & to force

the Hartmann's to pay a fee only to get it back on the road again. By the

way, they made wait the rest of the afternoon while sitting in a

waiting room and JUST got it back in this last hour.

I think I can safely say that all of us, considering the ridiculous &

unfortunate circumstance calling us together, had a remarkably fun time

outside while freezing on this productive December day.

Let's fight this while we still can!

Just show up.

You're not alone.

There are incredible people in this group.

These are how bonds can be created.

These are how movements gain POWERFUL momentum.

We ARE making a difference.

And we MADE a difference today.

Have you made any efforts to fight the S510 bill lately?

Becca :-D

..

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Bravo, and hats off and all that to Becca and to all the rest of those

who showed up today to support .

Excellent work! What a beautiful thing in the face of really bad stuff.

Rebekah

On Dec 7, 2010, at 6:11 PM, Becca Griffith wrote:

> I HAVE to share a glimmer of hope with this one...

>

> I got back a couple of hours ago from spending an unexpected day

> with some

> of the warmest people in this very cold state----THIS community...a

> community of action.

>

> What does that have to do with the Hartmann situation? EVERYTHING.

>

> The state was lying in wait early this morning for the delivery to

> arrive.

> Little did they know (or us, for that matter) that around 40 of us

> would

> show up to support our hero, .

>

> The scene started with a just a few people coming to pick up their

> food but

> were shooed away by the Dept of Ag. Regardless, phone calls were

> made and

> emails were sent and the people arrived (and some drove a fair

> distance!).

> The truck was barricaded in the driveway while the State worked to get

> documentation in order to embargo the food and the truck...

>

> We took photos, videos, called KSTP's tipline (they showed up!), asked

> questions, shivered together, took turns in each others warm vehicles,

> talked, learned, laughed, all while showing the support that the

> Hartmann's

> needed for such a time as this.

>

> Eventually, the tow truck showed up to take away the Hartmann's

> vehicle. We

> all grunted as we read the side of the tow truck that stated " In God

> We

> Trust. " Many commented that clearly this tow truck was taking the

> wrong the

> vehicle. Around 1:30ish, the tow truck had to be followed all the

> way from

> Minnetonka to downtown St. in order steal many families food &

> to force

> the Hartmann's to pay a fee only to get it back on the road again.

> By the

> way, they made wait the rest of the afternoon while sitting in a

> waiting room and JUST got it back in this last hour.

>

> I think I can safely say that all of us, considering the ridiculous &

> unfortunate circumstance calling us together, had a remarkably fun

> time

> outside while freezing on this productive December day.

>

> Let's fight this while we still can!

> Just show up.

> You're not alone.

> There are incredible people in this group.

> These are how bonds can be created.

> These are how movements gain POWERFUL momentum.

> We ARE making a difference.

> And we MADE a difference today.

>

> Have you made any efforts to fight the S510 bill lately?

>

> Becca :-D

>

> .

> >

> >

> >

>

>

[Guest guest]

I had to pick my daughter up in Excelsior at 2 so I missed the fun!

So wanted to show off her chubby little cheeks...the cheeks that raw milk

built...to crabby state folks. Do you know how hard it it to stay as soft and

cute as she does?! Lots of the good food. Lots and lots of good food.

Thank you to the Hartmans and all the farmers that feed my family and the rest

of us.

>

> I HAVE to share a glimmer of hope with this one...

>

> I got back a couple of hours ago from spending an unexpected day with some

> of the warmest people in this very cold state----THIS community...a

> community of action.

>

> What does that have to do with the Hartmann situation? EVERYTHING.

>

> The state was lying in wait early this morning for the delivery to arrive.

> Little did they know (or us, for that matter) that around 40 of us would

> show up to support our hero, .

>

> The scene started with a just a few people coming to pick up their food but

> were shooed away by the Dept of Ag. Regardless, phone calls were made and

> emails were sent and the people arrived (and some drove a fair distance!).

> The truck was barricaded in the driveway while the State worked to get

> documentation in order to embargo the food and the truck...

>

> We took photos, videos, called KSTP's tipline (they showed up!), asked

> questions, shivered together, took turns in each others warm vehicles,

> talked, learned, laughed, all while showing the support that the Hartmann's

> needed for such a time as this.

>

> Eventually, the tow truck showed up to take away the Hartmann's vehicle. We

> all grunted as we read the side of the tow truck that stated " In God We

> Trust. " Many commented that clearly this tow truck was taking the wrong the

> vehicle. Around 1:30ish, the tow truck had to be followed all the way from

> Minnetonka to downtown St. in order steal many families food & to force

> the Hartmann's to pay a fee only to get it back on the road again. By the

> way, they made wait the rest of the afternoon while sitting in a

> waiting room and JUST got it back in this last hour.

>

> I think I can safely say that all of us, considering the ridiculous &

> unfortunate circumstance calling us together, had a remarkably fun time

> outside while freezing on this productive December day.

>

> Let's fight this while we still can!

> Just show up.

> You're not alone.

> There are incredible people in this group.

> These are how bonds can be created.

> These are how movements gain POWERFUL momentum.

> We ARE making a difference.

> And we MADE a difference today.

>

> Have you made any efforts to fight the S510 bill lately?

>

> Becca :-D

>

>

> .

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

ditto all of you and am proud to call you friends.......

On Tue, Dec 7, 2010 at 7:53 PM, Rebekah Leonhart <ginger918@...> wrote:

> Bravo, and hats off and all that to Becca and to all the rest of those

> who showed up today to support .

> Excellent work!  What a beautiful thing in the face of really bad stuff.

> Rebekah

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you for sharing this! I wish I could have been there today - I am so

heartened to hear the support given to . What is going on with the Dept.

of Ag. now? What is their deal!!?? Has anybody heard what their newest beef

is?

Kari Olson

Re: Re: Hartmans

I HAVE to share a glimmer of hope with this one...

I got back a couple of hours ago from spending an unexpected day with some

of the warmest people in this very cold state----THIS community...a

community of action.

What does that have to do with the Hartmann situation? EVERYTHING.

The state was lying in wait early this morning for the delivery to arrive.

Little did they know (or us, for that matter) that around 40 of us would

show up to support our hero, .

The scene started with a just a few people coming to pick up their food but

were shooed away by the Dept of Ag. Regardless, phone calls were made and

emails were sent and the people arrived (and some drove a fair distance!).

The truck was barricaded in the driveway while the State worked to get

documentation in order to embargo the food and the truck...

We took photos, videos, called KSTP's tipline (they showed up!), asked

questions, shivered together, took turns in each others warm vehicles,

talked, learned, laughed, all while showing the support that the Hartmann's

needed for such a time as this.

Eventually, the tow truck showed up to take away the Hartmann's vehicle. We

all grunted as we read the side of the tow truck that stated " In God We

Trust. " Many commented that clearly this tow truck was taking the wrong the

vehicle. Around 1:30ish, the tow truck had to be followed all the way from

Minnetonka to downtown St. in order steal many families food & to force

the Hartmann's to pay a fee only to get it back on the road again. By the

way, they made wait the rest of the afternoon while sitting in a

waiting room and JUST got it back in this last hour.

I think I can safely say that all of us, considering the ridiculous &

unfortunate circumstance calling us together, had a remarkably fun time

outside while freezing on this productive December day.

Let's fight this while we still can!

Just show up.

You're not alone.

There are incredible people in this group.

These are how bonds can be created.

These are how movements gain POWERFUL momentum.

We ARE making a difference.

And we MADE a difference today.

Have you made any efforts to fight the S510 bill lately?

Becca :-D

..

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Well it's not organic and grassfed that's for sure... It's really like we are

living in Russia during the Soviet regime. This is creating a new movement or

giving more strength to the one that already exist.

nne Molina

>

> Thank you for sharing this! I wish I could have been there today - I am so

heartened to hear the support given to . What is going on with the Dept.

of Ag. now? What is their deal!!?? Has anybody heard what their newest beef

is?

>

>

> Kari Olson

>

>

>

>

>

> Re: Re: Hartmans

>

>

>

>

>

> I HAVE to share a glimmer of hope with this one...

>

> I got back a couple of hours ago from spending an unexpected day with some

> of the warmest people in this very cold state----THIS community...a

> community of action.

>

> What does that have to do with the Hartmann situation? EVERYTHING.

>

> The state was lying in wait early this morning for the delivery to arrive.

> Little did they know (or us, for that matter) that around 40 of us would

> show up to support our hero, .

>

> The scene started with a just a few people coming to pick up their food but

> were shooed away by the Dept of Ag. Regardless, phone calls were made and

> emails were sent and the people arrived (and some drove a fair distance!).

> The truck was barricaded in the driveway while the State worked to get

> documentation in order to embargo the food and the truck...

>

> We took photos, videos, called KSTP's tipline (they showed up!), asked

> questions, shivered together, took turns in each others warm vehicles,

> talked, learned, laughed, all while showing the support that the Hartmann's

> needed for such a time as this.

>

> Eventually, the tow truck showed up to take away the Hartmann's vehicle. We

> all grunted as we read the side of the tow truck that stated " In God We

> Trust. " Many commented that clearly this tow truck was taking the wrong the

> vehicle. Around 1:30ish, the tow truck had to be followed all the way from

> Minnetonka to downtown St. in order steal many families food & to force

> the Hartmann's to pay a fee only to get it back on the road again. By the

> way, they made wait the rest of the afternoon while sitting in a

> waiting room and JUST got it back in this last hour.

>

> I think I can safely say that all of us, considering the ridiculous &

> unfortunate circumstance calling us together, had a remarkably fun time

> outside while freezing on this productive December day.

>

> Let's fight this while we still can!

> Just show up.

> You're not alone.

> There are incredible people in this group.

> These are how bonds can be created.

> These are how movements gain POWERFUL momentum.

> We ARE making a difference.

> And we MADE a difference today.

>

> Have you made any efforts to fight the S510 bill lately?

>

> Becca :-D

>

> .

> >

> >

> >

>

>

[Guest guest]

I'm really impressed with those of you who answered the urgent, please show up

plea. Wish I could have been there too, especially to show off my healthy,

broad faced, beautiful teeth, Weston Price would be proud, children. How you

managed to be there and not just get really angry is beyond me. Blessings to

you all!

beth

> >

> > Thank you for sharing this! I wish I could have been there today - I am so

heartened to hear the support given to . What is going on with the Dept.

of Ag. now? What is their deal!!?? Has anybody heard what their newest beef

is?

> >

> >

> > Kari Olson

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Re: Re: Hartmans

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > I HAVE to share a glimmer of hope with this one...

> >

> > I got back a couple of hours ago from spending an unexpected day with some

> > of the warmest people in this very cold state----THIS community...a

> > community of action.

> >

> > What does that have to do with the Hartmann situation? EVERYTHING.

> >

> > The state was lying in wait early this morning for the delivery to arrive.

> > Little did they know (or us, for that matter) that around 40 of us would

> > show up to support our hero, .

> >

> > The scene started with a just a few people coming to pick up their food but

> > were shooed away by the Dept of Ag. Regardless, phone calls were made and

> > emails were sent and the people arrived (and some drove a fair distance!).

> > The truck was barricaded in the driveway while the State worked to get

> > documentation in order to embargo the food and the truck...

> >

> > We took photos, videos, called KSTP's tipline (they showed up!), asked

> > questions, shivered together, took turns in each others warm vehicles,

> > talked, learned, laughed, all while showing the support that the Hartmann's

> > needed for such a time as this.

> >

> > Eventually, the tow truck showed up to take away the Hartmann's vehicle. We

> > all grunted as we read the side of the tow truck that stated " In God We

> > Trust. " Many commented that clearly this tow truck was taking the wrong the

> > vehicle. Around 1:30ish, the tow truck had to be followed all the way from

> > Minnetonka to downtown St. in order steal many families food & to force

> > the Hartmann's to pay a fee only to get it back on the road again. By the

> > way, they made wait the rest of the afternoon while sitting in a

> > waiting room and JUST got it back in this last hour.

> >

> > I think I can safely say that all of us, considering the ridiculous &

> > unfortunate circumstance calling us together, had a remarkably fun time

> > outside while freezing on this productive December day.

> >

> > Let's fight this while we still can!

> > Just show up.

> > You're not alone.

> > There are incredible people in this group.

> > These are how bonds can be created.

> > These are how movements gain POWERFUL momentum.

> > We ARE making a difference.

> > And we MADE a difference today.

> >

> > Have you made any efforts to fight the S510 bill lately?

> >

> > Becca :-D

> >

> > .

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Did the judge ever come out with a ruling from the case this fall? I've been

watching for it but haven't seen anything. Is this why they are still shut

down? It seems an unreasonably long time for any family/business to have to

wait!

---

[Guest guest]

The judge has not issued a ruling yet. When the case was finished in court

the judge went on a schedule vacation. In October his daughter became

seriously ill and just passed away on Thanksgiving day. A series of

unfortunate events for many.

Deanna

On Wed, Dec 8, 2010 at 9:45 AM, lcnelson29 <lcnelson29@...> wrote:

>

>

> Did the judge ever come out with a ruling from the case this fall? I've

> been watching for it but haven't seen anything. Is this why they are still

> shut down? It seems an unreasonably long time for any family/business to

> have to wait!

>

>

> ---

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

sounds like it's time to put public pressure on this, unless Hartmanns want

it delayed. If trumped up terrorists like the 19 yr old kid in Portland OR

can go to court a couple of days later, what's the delay on this?

Re the Portland OR terrorist sting by the FBI, interesting that Portland

itself had made a policy that they wouldn't cooperate with a lot of the

national paranoia anti-terrorist operations there. Was the problem that the

19 yr old kid was a potential terrorist, or that the area doesn't buy into

the " fear the terrorists " belief system? Similarly, in LA a mosque had to

get a restraining order on a guy running around their community trying to

stir up terrorist action. It turned out that the problem guy was an FBI

agent. We're not lacking money and resources; it's our priorities that are

severely misplaced. KL

On Wed, Dec 8, 2010 at 10:45 AM, lcnelson29 <lcnelson29@...> wrote:

> Did the judge ever come out with a ruling from the case this fall? I've

> been watching for it but haven't seen anything. Is this why they are still

> shut down? It seems an unreasonably long time for any family/business to

> have to wait!

>

>

> ---

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

i feel like i should pull out my distillery. lets all make whiskey here. It's

like the Prohibition of milk. What is this world coming to. Unlawful seizure of

personal items. makes me wonder what is happening to our Constitution. next

thing w know they will be seizing our house and forcing us to house them so they

can watch our every move. What times are these that we live in now. its

shocking. If anyone comes up with anything better then just praying let me know.

i feel like there should be more we can do about this then that.

     

        Executive Director

take control of your financial future,

          www.ubincharge.com

 

 

>

>

> Did the judge ever come out with a ruling from the case this fall? I've

> been watching for it but haven't seen anything. Is this why they are still

> shut down? It seems an unreasonably long time for any family/business to

> have to wait!

>

>

> ---

>

> 

>

[Guest guest]

       Can they decide to sell milk 'not for human consumption'?  I have bought

milk in other states that do not allow it under those pretense. Obviously it may

not help in the current case, but moving on in the future. It can be consumed by

'animals' or have other uses. Maybe this is one way they can get around the

confiscation?   Just an idea?

 

Jen

[Guest guest]

Well, they could...but the Hartmanns rely on our State Constitution that says

that (paraphrased) farmers have the right to sell the products of their farm

WITHOUT a license! There shouldn't be a need to sell pet food!

Kathy

[Guest guest]

on what basis did this govt guy just come in and take things? would it have

been possible simply to tell him no and take your stuff and go on your way?

when I was a kid we had a saying, " who died and left him boss? " KL

On Thu, Dec 9, 2010 at 11:55 AM, <jen_simm0ns@...>wrote:

> i feel like i should pull out my distillery. lets all make whiskey here.

> It's like the Prohibition of milk. What is this world coming to. Unlawful

> seizure of personal items. makes me wonder what is happening to our

> Constitution. next thing w know they will be seizing our house and forcing

> us to house them so they can watch our every move. What times are these that

> we live in now. its shocking. If anyone comes up with anything better then

> just praying let me know. i feel like there should be more we can do about

> this then that.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Executive Director

> take control of your financial future,

> www.ubincharge.com

>

>

>

>

>

> >

> >

> > Did the judge ever come out with a ruling from the case this fall? I've

> > been watching for it but haven't seen anything. Is this why they are

> still

> > shut down? It seems an unreasonably long time for any family/business to

> > have to wait!

> >

> >

> > ---

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Is there a good attorney that would represent this cause?

nne Molina

On Thu, Dec 9, 2010 at 10:55 AM, <jen_simm0ns@...>wrote:

>

>

> i feel like i should pull out my distillery. lets all make whiskey here.

> It's like the Prohibition of milk. What is this world coming to. Unlawful

> seizure of personal items. makes me wonder what is happening to our

> Constitution. next thing w know they will be seizing our house and forcing

> us to house them so they can watch our every move. What times are these that

> we live in now. its shocking. If anyone comes up with anything better then

> just praying let me know. i feel like there should be more we can do about

> this then that.

>

>

> Executive Director

> take control of your financial future,

> www.ubincharge.com

>

>

>

>

>

> >

> >

> > Did the judge ever come out with a ruling from the case this fall? I've

> > been watching for it but haven't seen anything. Is this why they are

> still

> > shut down? It seems an unreasonably long time for any family/business to

> > have to wait!

> >

> >

> > ---

> >

> >

> >

>

>

[Guest guest]

I was told that a class action suit would cost us millions of dollars, and

no one is willing to foot the bill (who has a million or even a few

thousand?)

I wish we all had the gumption to trample the dep of ag and the police and

get our milk. I had a nightmare about the weird guy in the goofy beret

posing as a handicapper stealing my things, and my rights. I feel so

violated. I never got over to the Swenson sight because I was told it was

over before I and my kids even made it out of pajamas. It was still going

on. But what are we supposed to do? Our complaints are falling on deaf

ears. Our government officials are ignoring us. And the health department

is full steam ahead based on fairy tale science. And the police are

ignorant and have guns. Really, what more can I do?

I also have a concern because despite us trying to be quiet and secretive

for protection over the Hartmanns, an insider tipped the dep of ag, (as

reported by the dep of ag in the MPR report), so there is someone in our

ranks who is the wolf in sheep clothing. I think we need to do a better job

of ensuring hostile individuals are not permitted to participate in

information. I can think of several people who had access that were

verbally hostile to the Hartmanns. Any one of them could have tipped off

the dep of ag. I am so sad over this. I can not believe how unfaithful

people can be, how fickle, turning their backs on the hard working farmers

who have fought for their rights. It is an attack not only on the farmer,

but also on the dwindling republic we live in. Is there any republic

left??? I think it was lin who proclaimed, you have a

republic if you can keep it. Keep it we have not. I am so sad.

Carol

[Guest guest]

I agree there is a lot at stake here and it won't be easy. But honestly,

if the Dept of Ag shows up one of these days when I'm getting my stuff,

I am not willing to watch him load it into his car. We have rights and

our government is stealing from the farm and stealing from us. We should

not stand by and watch this happen and say " poor Hartmans. " We need to

take action.

Maybe you get your food from another farm and are relieved it's not

happening to you. But the truth is, what is happening here affects all

of us. Tomorrow it can just as easily be you who is the target of this

abuse. Our rights are being taken away here, yet if we don't stand up

for ourselves and say no, we're actually surrendering to the pressure.

I am so blessed to have the Hartman's provide fresh food for me and I am

proud to see them not back down. But I can't back down either. So I hope

and pray that if/when this happens again, the other customers will feel

the same. Please don't watch this happen. was detained the whole

day but didn't back down. If enough of us are there, we can detain the

DOA them from stealing our food. Block their cars, make noise. People

need to know what is happening.

[Guest guest]

Taking action is exactly what Gumpert, author of The Raw Milk Revolution,

recommends. You can see his latest post on this event here in MN, on The

Complete Patient at:

http://www.thecompletepatient.com/

" The time has come to stand up in groups, and make them arrest us with our milk,

or whatever food they are trying to take from us.

The purpose would be to create the basis of a legal case. One or more consumers

would need to step forward in such a situation as on Tuesday and take their

milk, challenging the authorities to make an arrest. The charge in such a

situation would presumably be disturbing the peace or something similar, but the

consumer could argue that the state was stealing his or her food. I'll leave the

rest to the lawyers, but presumably taking possession of your food--food you've

been receiving regularly for perhaps ten years and you've already paid for in a

private transaction--to prevent theft would make for a pretty good argument, and

something that might make sense to a jury of your peers.

I can't think of any other options, aside from letting them continue to trample

our rights and our access to our food. I have to believe it's what our

forefathers would have told us to do. "

Kathy & #65279;

[Guest guest]

Get a hold of our former governor.

Maybe he could find some help.

Don

Re: Hartmans

I was told that a class action suit would cost us millions of dollars, and

no one is willing to foot the bill (who has a million or even a few

thousand?)

I wish we all had the gumption to trample the dep of ag and the police and

get our milk. I had a nightmare about the weird guy in the goofy beret

posing as a handicapper stealing my things, and my rights. I feel so

violated. I never got over to the Swenson sight because I was told it was

over before I and my kids even made it out of pajamas. It was still going

on. But what are we supposed to do? Our complaints are falling on deaf

ears. Our government officials are ignoring us. And the health department

is full steam ahead based on fairy tale science. And the police are

ignorant and have guns. Really, what more can I do?

I also have a concern because despite us trying to be quiet and secretive

for protection over the Hartmanns, an insider tipped the dep of ag, (as

reported by the dep of ag in the MPR report), so there is someone in our

ranks who is the wolf in sheep clothing. I think we need to do a better job

of ensuring hostile individuals are not permitted to participate in

information. I can think of several people who had access that were

verbally hostile to the Hartmanns. Any one of them could have tipped off

the dep of ag. I am so sad over this. I can not believe how unfaithful

people can be, how fickle, turning their backs on the hard working farmers

who have fought for their rights. It is an attack not only on the farmer,

but also on the dwindling republic we live in. Is there any republic

left??? I think it was lin who proclaimed, you have a

republic if you can keep it. Keep it we have not. I am so sad.

Carol

[Guest guest]

I have been emailing

On Fri, Dec 10, 2010 at 11:42 AM, Don Prohaska <dgp@...> wrote:

>

>

> Get a hold of our former governor.

> Maybe he could find some help.

> Don

> Re: Hartmans

>

> I was told that a class action suit would cost us millions of dollars, and

> no one is willing to foot the bill (who has a million or even a few

> thousand?)

>

> I wish we all had the gumption to trample the dep of ag and the police and

> get our milk. I had a nightmare about the weird guy in the goofy beret

> posing as a handicapper stealing my things, and my rights. I feel so

> violated. I never got over to the Swenson sight because I was told it was

> over before I and my kids even made it out of pajamas. It was still going

> on. But what are we supposed to do? Our complaints are falling on deaf

> ears. Our government officials are ignoring us. And the health department

> is full steam ahead based on fairy tale science. And the police are

> ignorant and have guns. Really, what more can I do?

>

> I also have a concern because despite us trying to be quiet and secretive

> for protection over the Hartmanns, an insider tipped the dep of ag, (as

> reported by the dep of ag in the MPR report), so there is someone in our

> ranks who is the wolf in sheep clothing. I think we need to do a better job

> of ensuring hostile individuals are not permitted to participate in

> information. I can think of several people who had access that were

> verbally hostile to the Hartmanns. Any one of them could have tipped off

> the dep of ag. I am so sad over this. I can not believe how unfaithful

> people can be, how fickle, turning their backs on the hard working farmers

> who have fought for their rights. It is an attack not only on the farmer,

> but also on the dwindling republic we live in. Is there any republic

> left??? I think it was lin who proclaimed, you have a

> republic if you can keep it. Keep it we have not. I am so sad.

>

> Carol

>

>

[Guest guest]

That strikes me as a really good idea! I'm going to join you!

Kari Olson

Re: Re: Hartmans

I have been emailing

On Fri, Dec 10, 2010 at 11:42 AM, Don Prohaska <dgp@...> wrote:

>

>

> Get a hold of our former governor.

> Maybe he could find some help.

> Don

> Re: Hartmans

>

> I was told that a class action suit would cost us millions of dollars, and

> no one is willing to foot the bill (who has a million or even a few

> thousand?)

>

> I wish we all had the gumption to trample the dep of ag and the police and

> get our milk. I had a nightmare about the weird guy in the goofy beret

> posing as a handicapper stealing my things, and my rights. I feel so

> violated. I never got over to the Swenson sight because I was told it was

> over before I and my kids even made it out of pajamas. It was still going

> on. But what are we supposed to do? Our complaints are falling on deaf

> ears. Our government officials are ignoring us. And the health department

> is full steam ahead based on fairy tale science. And the police are

> ignorant and have guns. Really, what more can I do?

>

> I also have a concern because despite us trying to be quiet and secretive

> for protection over the Hartmanns, an insider tipped the dep of ag, (as

> reported by the dep of ag in the MPR report), so there is someone in our

> ranks who is the wolf in sheep clothing. I think we need to do a better job

> of ensuring hostile individuals are not permitted to participate in

> information. I can think of several people who had access that were

> verbally hostile to the Hartmanns. Any one of them could have tipped off

> the dep of ag. I am so sad over this. I can not believe how unfaithful

> people can be, how fickle, turning their backs on the hard working farmers

> who have fought for their rights. It is an attack not only on the farmer,

> but also on the dwindling republic we live in. Is there any republic

> left??? I think it was lin who proclaimed, you have a

> republic if you can keep it. Keep it we have not. I am so sad.

>

> Carol

>

>

[Guest guest]

I believe , our former governor, kept Gene Hugoson in office as

Commissioner of Agriculture during his term.

Kathy

[Guest guest]

This commentary was printed in the Lakeshore Weekly News (the newspaper for the

Lake Minnetonka area):

12/13/2010 4:28:00 PM

The milk man cometh

By Brett Stursa

Editor

On a chilly Tuesday morning last week, the milk man was busted in Minnetonka.

The case involves unnamed informants, a search warrant and, some argue, civil

disobedience.

The milk man's alleged crime? Selling raw milk from his truck.

For the uninitiated, raw milk is unpasteurized, leaving what most consider

harmful bacteria that can make people sick. To those who drink it, the milk has

better taste and more nutrients.

In Minnesota, it is generally illegal to sell raw milk, although occasional

sales are allowed on the farm where the milk is produced.

Last week's incident in Minnetonka involved a farmer allegedly delivering raw

milk to customers who had ordered it.

The milk came from Mike Hartmann's farm, which is located in rural Gibbon. He's

tussled with the courts before as the plaintiff of a 2005 decision that affirmed

his right to sell the products of his farm without a license.

In May, the Minnesota Department Agriculture (MDA) traced eight people's E. coli

illness back to the Hartmann farm and then this summer, the MDA said another

seven people got sick from his raw milk.

After the May accusations, the Hartmanns issued a statement defending their

farm.

" The Hartmann family requests that its farm not be prejudged by the media.

Please be aware that organic producers, and particularly those who engage in the

private sale of raw milk to individuals who make that choice, have been the

subject of intense investigations and enforcement actions in a number of states,

including Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York, " it stated.

It was Mike Hartmann's brother, , who was at the helm of the milk truck in

Minnetonka last week when it was seized.

While the MDA took the lead on towing the milk truck and seizing the milk -

hundreds gallons labeled " real milk " - Minnetonka police officers were on hand,

at the request of the MDA.

The officers helped with crowd management as more and more people assembled to

protest the actions. From a YouTube video posted online, the crowd of about 30

people appeared to be behaving, but there certainly appeared to be tension in

the air as the would-be milk buyers saw their stash embargoed.

The Minnetonka Health Department tipped off the MDA in November that the

Hartmanns were selling raw milk at locations other than their farm.

A little more than a week later an anonymous informant reported that the

Hartmanns were using a Martha Lane home in Minnetonka as a drop site to deliver

and sell their milk.

All this culminated in the milk bust last week. One man who was there compared

it to Parks' decision to refuse to sit in the back of the bus. Such

rhetoric shows the conviction - well placed or not - some raw milk drinkers have

toward the issue.

But public health officials are equally insistent that raw milk should be

avoided.

" This risk isn't a matter of personal opinion; it's an established scientific

fact. Drinking raw milk or eating products made from raw milk can expose

consumers to a variety of organisms that can result in anything from a few days

of diarrhea to kidney failure and death, " said Minnesota Health Commissioner Dr.

Sanne Magnan in a prepared statement.

Personally, I'm inclined to trust warnings coming from the Minnesota Department

of Health and think the department could do a better job educating us on the

dangers of raw milk.

I respect that people have personal choice and can enjoy raw milk if they

choose. On the other hand, while consumer choice is important, enforcement of

existing laws is needed as well.

There is no reason to think that family farms are above the law. As more

consumers are recognizing the importance of regulating corporate farms, and

enforcing those regulations, it only makes sense to insist the same of family

farms.

http://tinyurl.com/37xhnva

http://www.weeklynews.com

[Guest guest]

A couple of points on Brett Stursa's comments:

Info in MDA about the alleged illness should be a matter of public record.

Who became ill, and how was that traced to what source? If illness is the

issue, why not act at the time? Why show up months later?

Stursa calls for equal treatment of corporate and family farms. If that's

to be the case, then why weren't the operations that produce the hamburger,

spinach, other substances of recent concern, targeting markets of millions

of consumers and whose products left a lot more than <10 people sick, also

" busted " ? From the accounts I've seen of the recent Mtka episode, this had

little to do with health and safety (leaving people to stand out in the

cold), and a lot to do with intimidation.

The present assumption (held by MDA and a lot of the public that hasn't

examined the issue thoroughly) is that " safe " food has no microbes on it,

that is, is sterile. (Unfortunately this also means that it won't support

life.) Microbes are everywhere. The TYPE of microbe is determined by the

context. Microbes are phenomonally adaptable. Pasteurizing milk or

anything merely changes the substrate or context. To eliminate the

lactobacilli microbes in clean raw milk merely allows a less desirable,

probably more pathogenic, set of microbes to move in.

If food safety is an issue, why are substances known to be detrimental to

health still on the market? This could range from the usual culprits of

plasticized fake foodstuffs to bacon, depending on which perspective you're

coming from. People aren't forced to buy raw milk. However, to eliminate

raw milk either removes our choice entirely or forces us to drink something

that we do not want.

I hope several of you local to this issue respond vigorously to Stursa's

comments. L

On Fri, Dec 17, 2010 at 1:05 AM, Jodi <jodimag@...> wrote:

> This commentary was printed in the Lakeshore Weekly News (the newspaper for

> the Lake Minnetonka area):

>

> 12/13/2010 4:28:00 PM

> The milk man cometh

>

> By Brett Stursa

> Editor

>

> On a chilly Tuesday morning last week, the milk man was busted in

> Minnetonka. The case involves unnamed informants, a search warrant and, some

> argue, civil disobedience.

>

> The milk man's alleged crime? Selling raw milk from his truck.

>

> For the uninitiated, raw milk is unpasteurized, leaving what most consider

> harmful bacteria that can make people sick. To those who drink it, the milk

> has better taste and more nutrients.

>

> In Minnesota, it is generally illegal to sell raw milk, although occasional

> sales are allowed on the farm where the milk is produced.

>

> Last week's incident in Minnetonka involved a farmer allegedly delivering

> raw milk to customers who had ordered it.

>

> The milk came from Mike Hartmann's farm, which is located in rural Gibbon.

> He's tussled with the courts before as the plaintiff of a 2005 decision that

> affirmed his right to sell the products of his farm without a license.

>

> In May, the Minnesota Department Agriculture (MDA) traced eight people's E.

> coli illness back to the Hartmann farm and then this summer, the MDA said

> another seven people got sick from his raw milk.

>

> After the May accusations, the Hartmanns issued a statement defending their

> farm.

>

> " The Hartmann family requests that its farm not be prejudged by the media.

> Please be aware that organic producers, and particularly those who engage in

> the private sale of raw milk to individuals who make that choice, have been

> the subject of intense investigations and enforcement actions in a number of

> states, including Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York, " it

> stated.

>

> It was Mike Hartmann's brother, , who was at the helm of the milk

> truck in Minnetonka last week when it was seized.

>

> While the MDA took the lead on towing the milk truck and seizing the milk -

> hundreds gallons labeled " real milk " - Minnetonka police officers were on

> hand, at the request of the MDA.

>

> The officers helped with crowd management as more and more people assembled

> to protest the actions. From a YouTube video posted online, the crowd of

> about 30 people appeared to be behaving, but there certainly appeared to be

> tension in the air as the would-be milk buyers saw their stash embargoed.

>

> The Minnetonka Health Department tipped off the MDA in November that the

> Hartmanns were selling raw milk at locations other than their farm.

>

> A little more than a week later an anonymous informant reported that the

> Hartmanns were using a Martha Lane home in Minnetonka as a drop site to

> deliver and sell their milk.

>

> All this culminated in the milk bust last week. One man who was there

> compared it to Parks' decision to refuse to sit in the back of the bus.

> Such rhetoric shows the conviction - well placed or not - some raw milk

> drinkers have toward the issue.

>

> But public health officials are equally insistent that raw milk should be

> avoided.

>

> " This risk isn't a matter of personal opinion; it's an established

> scientific fact. Drinking raw milk or eating products made from raw milk can

> expose consumers to a variety of organisms that can result in anything from

> a few days of diarrhea to kidney failure and death, " said Minnesota Health

> Commissioner Dr. Sanne Magnan in a prepared statement.

>

> Personally, I'm inclined to trust warnings coming from the Minnesota

> Department of Health and think the department could do a better job

> educating us on the dangers of raw milk.

>

> I respect that people have personal choice and can enjoy raw milk if they

> choose. On the other hand, while consumer choice is important, enforcement

> of existing laws is needed as well.

>

> There is no reason to think that family farms are above the law. As more

> consumers are recognizing the importance of regulating corporate farms, and

> enforcing those regulations, it only makes sense to insist the same of

> family farms.

>

>

> http://tinyurl.com/37xhnva

> http://www.weeklynews.com

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>