pg. 1 – Brown County Employee Compensation May 2018
Pg 5. ” … research indicates that Brown County is either number one or a close second, in nearly every area of compensation among similar sized counties
pg. 17 Brown County Benefits: ” A far above average Medical Plan, #2 of all comparable counties. The number one longevity Pay Plan among comparable counties. A leading PERF retirement plan contribution of 11.2%. The highest number of paid holidays OFF, Free Term Life Insurance, Wellness Program.
Additional benefit: County employees have a one (1) hour paid lunch.
pg 18. IU Kelley School of Business Study
pg 21 IU Kelley School of Business Bronw County Compensation Analysis
Tim J. ClarkSalary Study. Also at last nights meeting, Keith Baker provided a summary of the results of the salary study that was supported by students from IU’s Kelley School of Business. There are 9 changes to positions with a total increase to the budget of $43K. They study was very thorough and refined with input from the council. Overall, salaries are competitive with other counties our size and we are more than competitive with benefits – health, longevity pay, life insurance, and paid holidays. This study with refinements is a good example of “due diligence.”
Sherrie MitchellKeith Baker informed us that among the counties close to our size we are number 1 in salary pay. We pay our employees more than any other small county and we offer employee benefits not offered by other counties, placing us at number one for benefits. What we fail to talk about is that these employees are living off the backs of the poor. No one ever wants to talk about the 52% of our population living without health insurance and making less than $30,000. Discussion is always about the needs of the county, never the needs of the citizens.
Bigotry: The character or mode of thought of a bigot; obstinate and unreasonable attachment to a particular creed, opinion, practice, ritual, or party organization; excessive zeal or warmth in favor of a party, sect, or opinion; intolerance of the opinions of others. American Heritage Dictionary
For the Record. Local Brown County community members alleged to be “white supremacists” which they have denied. This post includes background information and context on the issues. Information provided also includes Facebook comments on Brown County Matters, dissemination of the allegations from local media and links to video of meetings held by the Farmers Market Advisory Committee and Bloomington Parks Commission.
Tolerance of a position IS NOT ACCEPTANCE of that position
or acceptance in a belief that any situation cannot be improved!
E pluribus Unum – Latin for “Out of many, one” was adopted as a national motto in 1776 and is now found on the Great Seal of the United States and on United States currency.
Introduction
Comment: It is often said that “perception is the reality.” Perceptions are derived from facts, observations, and opinions. On facts, I tried to identify the direct source to include footnotes. On perceptions, activists and media can use terms in allegations and articles that are inflammatory and not footnoted to explain how they arrived at their conclusion. On this topic, terms include neo-nazi, nazism, nazi brethren, fascism, fascist, white nationalist, white supremacy, racism, violence, hate, alt-right, et.al.
Confronting Bigotry – Changing Minds – Personal stories where dialogue led to changing beliefs. Bigotry: The character or mode of thought of a bigot; obstinate and unreasonable attachment to a particular creed, opinion, practice, ritual, or party organization; excessive zeal or warmth in favor of a party, sect, or opinion; intolerance of the opinions of others. American Heritage Dictionary
The vendor at the center of the farmers’ market controversy in Bloomington denies all ties to white supremacy.
“As an Identitarian and an American, I am disgusted at the level of lies, misinformation, falsehoods, and intimidation by those who do not know me or my family,” said Dye. Identitarian is widely defined as a far-right group that campaigns against immigration. Dye defined it as, “a way of viewing the world that emphasizes the importance of identity.”
Background Situation
A long-time Brown County community member, with a successful small business and young family – who has no criminal record or been accused of a crime, has recently acknowledged that she was a member of Identity Evropa (IE). IE has been disbanded and a former IE leader created a new group called American Identity Movement (AIM) in March 2019 (Wikipedia).
“Identity Evropa describes itself as “a generation of awakened Europeans who have discovered that we are part of the great peoples, history, and civilization that flowed from the European continent.” (1) Ref: Newsweek. “Unite the Right Organizer disavowed by Family After Charlottesville Violence.”
Identify Evropa and AIM are identified as a white supremacist organization by the Anti-Defamation League and is designated by the Southern Poverty Law Center as a hate group. (Wikipedia).
The community member and her husband allegedly met with 21-year-old Nolan Brewer. Brewer was sentenced on Monday, May 20, 2019 … ” to three years in prison for spray-painting anti-Semitic graffiti and lighting fires outside a Carmel synagogue on July 28, 2018, that was described as an act of vandalism. (1)
U.S. Attorney Josh Minkler said 21-year-old Nolan Brewer of Eminence was sentenced Monday evening for conspiring to violate the civil rights of Congregation Shaarey
Tefilla. Minkler announced Tuesday that Brewer pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime.
Nazi flags and iron crosses were found spray-painted July 28 on a brick shed outside the synagogue in Carmel, just north of Indianapolis.
FBI Interview. The current controversy evolved from an FBI transcript of an interview of Nolan Brewer. During his FBI interview on August 15, 2018, Brewer stated he met a couple named Sarah and Douglas (after he committed the crime) at a family restaurant in Martinsville. He stated he met them through Identity Evropa and he identified Sarah as Volkmom in a Discord server (chat room).
The text messages obtained from Discord by Unicorn Riot included 435 messages (I did not confirm the count). The discussions involved a variety of topics to include families, education, culture, politics, race, finance.
Information on how to access the texts is provided below – See DISCORD.3
In his interview, Brewer stated the couple had no knowledge of his crime and did not associate them with any act of violence. His statement included the following:
He stated that “they were extremely nice.”
He also stated that Identity Evropa instructed members not to attend the Unite the Right 2 rally held on August 12, 2018.
When asked about the violent tendencies of Identity Evropa members that he knew about, he stated that “there ‘s always a couple of poisoned skittles to ruin the bowl …” and further remarked “my wife and I are trying to stick away from those now … “
He also stated his opinion on Identity Evropa’s (IE) belief system:
“It’s just to be proud that you’re European. it’s, it’s an identitarian movement, it’s nothing political.”
“It’s just your European, be proud of who you are, take care of 2your family.”
After being shown a crime scene photo which included NAZI symbols, Brewer remarked that “IE would not consider that acceptable” and his membership would be revoked (p.55)
May 27, 2019. Patrick Casey (Former IE leader), Statement on Nolan and Kiyomi Brewer (Twitter): Mrs. Brewer joined Identity Evropa in early August 2018 – after the crime (vandalism at a Carmel synagogue that occurred in July 2018). (Mr. Brewer was never a member; his claims to the contrary presumably stem from the incorrect assumption that his wife’s approved application conferred to him as well).
Volkmom has also published videos on Youtube on the topics that include herbs, the medicinal benefit of herbs, gardening, recipes, and nutrition.
In Episode 1 – Yarrow (herb), at the 2:10 mark, in addition to the benefits of Yarrow, Volkmom defined Alt-right as “essentially being rooted in what is natural and biological.” She expressed pride in “my people, my folk, my blood, my ancestors” and expressed her belief that “race is sacred.”
Note: The definitions in the online dictionaries for Alternative- Right (alt-right) generally describe individuals with extreme and violent views. Wikipedia describes it as “a loosely connected far-right, white nationalist movement. The term is ill-defined, having been used in different ways by various groups and individuals.”
Pride in ethnicity is common throughout the world. Ethnicity defined as: of or relating to large groups of people classed according to common racial, national, tribal, religious, linguistic, or cultural origin or background (Merriam-webster).
Another term used in many of the videos is hail (not heil). Hail defined as
to cheer, salute, or greet; welcome.
I found the videos of high quality and informative on the various herbs, recipes, nutrition, and respective healing attributes.
American comedian George Carlin on the topic of pride in ethnicity remarked: “I could never understand national pride, I could never understand ethnic pride. Because to me, pride should be reserved for something you achieve or attain on your own, not something that happens by accident of birth.”
The identifies of “Sarah” (Volkmom) and Douglas have not been confirmed. A relative (aunt) did state on social media that Sarah was Volkmom and also acknowledged that they have been estranged from 2012 to the present. Local media has reported Sarah Dye and Douglas Mackey were the individual referenced in the FBI Interview. They are owners of Schooner Creek Farm.
Sara Dye is no longer on the board of the Nashville Farmers Market (a non-profit organization) and is also not allowed to be a vendor reportedly due to safety concerns.
The Nashville Farmer’s Market is a nonprofit that is not required to provide the same first amendment protections that are required to be supported by the City of Bloomington’s Farmer’s Market. The Nashville Farmer’s Market is responsible for providing a safe environment for everyone.
There is a petition to deny their participation in the Bloomington Famers Market – which is associated with the city government. The Parks and Recreation Department issued the following statement in a response to a petition :
“To our knowledge, this vendor has not shared these views at Market and has treated customers with respect,” said Marcia Veldman, program/facility coordinator for Bloomington’s Parks and Recreation Department, in an email response to Ang.
“The City is constitutionally prohibited from discriminating against someone because of their belief system, no matter how abhorrent those views may be. The City may only intercede if an individual’s actions violate the safety and human rights of others.”
Identity Evropa and American Identity Movement (AIM)
Identity Evropa’s founder, Nathan Damigo was convicted of a misdemeanor and charged with a $100.00 penalty for his actions at a rally in Charlottesville, VA where one person was killed and 19 were hurt.
Steve Cortes, CNN political analyst, and columnist RealClear Politics, – The Charlottesville Lie.Did President Trump call neo-Nazis “very fine people” during a famous press conference following the Charlottesville riots of August 2017? The major media reported that he did. But what if their reporting is wrong? Worse, what if their reporting is wrong and they know it’s wrong? A straight exploration of the facts should reveal the truth.
Identify Evropa was among the groups that filed a lawsuit against the city of Charlottesviile for failure to allow them to engage “in political speech and expressive activities.” The lawsuit was dropped in Feb 2019.
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) (1) has reported that Identity Evropa (IE) leader Patrick Casey said on Twitter that the organization “has been retired.” “Casey says he is now launching a new organization, the America Identity Movement (AIM).
On the evening of March 8th, 2019, Patrick Casey announced the formation of a new, nationalist organization. Our organization, American Identity Movement, is indeed a new non-profit institution engaged in peaceful activism and networking under the sole ownership of President Casey. Mr. Casey has retired from all activity unrelated to American Identity Movement.
AIm Website:
American Identity Movement is a non-profit activist and fraternal organization founded on March 8, 2019, by Patrick Casey.
Our worldview is best summarized by our five principles: nationalism, identitarianism, protectionism, non-interventionism, and populism. AIM’s efforts are twofold: activism and fraternity.
AIM prohibits the advocacy of or participation in supremacy, violence, or illegal activity. We reject extremism of any stripe. Allegations to the contrary originate from left-wing individuals and organizations intent on mischaracterizing anyone who dares speak out against globalism.
Patrick Casey, Statement on Nolan and Kiyomi Brewer. Mr. Casey stated that Mrs. Brewer joined Identity Evropa in August 2018 – after the vandalism at a Carmel synagogue and that Mr. Brewer was never a member.
(1) The credibility of the SPLC has been questioned by many sources. Another non-profit involved in this area is the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
The FBI- Hate Crime Unit is the source of hate crime information. “Hate crimes are the highest priority of the FBI’s Civil Rights program due to the devastating impact they have on families and communities. The Bureau investigates hundreds of these cases every year and works to detect and deter further incidents through law enforcement training, public outreach, and partnerships with community groups.”
Given probable cause, the FBI does have access to digital and phone records and the appropriate technology, software, and resources to assess the respective situation to include the development of an overall threat assessment which I assume they share with local law enforcement.
Facebook Group – Brown County Matters (BCM) – Timeline Matters that “matter” to the citizens of Brown County
WFHB – Volunteered Powered / Community Radio has chosen to publish the allegations as has the Herald-Times Online (HTO) and the Indiana Daily Student (IDS).
May 29 at 5:38 PM Tim.J.Clark to Brown County Matters, Admins agreed to delete a post that was a personal attack on a non-government official in the county who then responded and denied the allegations. We were then accused of siding with the person being attacked and supporting what is considered to be an extremist position. The attack was then re-posted, the allegations were again denied, and the post deleted. The individual informed me that he was opting out of the site and was then removed, he re-joined, re-posted on the same topic and this post was deleted. … Matters is not the site to go on record of disagreeing with someone in the community that (if true) may have an opposing view regardless of how offensive.
May 29, 2019 at 5:38 PM Anders JorgensentoBrown County Matters · Who’s taking the posts down? What is your justification for doing so? This is a relevant discussion that *matters* to Brown County. People should be able to look for themselves and decide what they are…
June 2, 2019 10:23 a.m.Tim.J.Clark to Brown County Matters Excellent article that Sherrie Mitchell shared previously that distinguishes the difference between tolerance, acceptance, and understanding. Tolerance is a virtue that is a basis for First Amendment protections. Just because you have tolerance for a situation does not mean you accept it. Dialogue can lead to understanding and a higher probability of positive change. Ref: Feb 25, 2014. Psychology Today, by Jefferson M Fish Ph.D. Tolerance, Acceptance, Understanding
“The aim of the U.S. system of government is to enable “We the People” through the Bill of Rights to work together towards a more perfect Union (and county). Actions motivated by love leads to action that produces results where we all win or at least, are not any worse off in the long-term.”
June 3, at 10:40 AM Paul Navarro to Brown County Matters Our Constitution guarantees “innocent until proven guilty”. In my personal opinion, one person’s ideas do not constitute a hate group. While constructive ideas and concerns are always welcome and encouraged on this page, it is our policy not to allow personal defamation of individual members on this Facebook page. Members who find it necessary to indulge in this can use their own Facebook pages to do so.
June 4, 2019, at 2:26 PM. Kevin Fleming to Brown County Matters .. …Martin Luther King when he said only acts of love can drive out hate. “A Prominent American Hate Group Just Collapsed Because of an Affair”…
June 13, 2019.Kyle Birkemeier shared a link . “see.. i didnt make this up as ive been accused and its an actually community issue, effecting our town and its image beyond our borders. Is bc matters going to eat crow and admit this is an issue worth discussing or stick to their threats of law suits and accusations that were a pack of wild dogs out to get these innocent neonazis? like i said when i first posted this info, its valid and this story is going to be bigger. Responsible members of our community are concerned actually concerned about neo nazis organizing here. And it should be discussed.” Ref: White supremacist allegations follow market farmers
Bloomington Farmers Market
Local Media – Other References
May 14, 2018. Initial incident at the Bloomington Farmers Market. IDS, Blotter: Fight at Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market by Cameron Drummond. “Police said a group of four to five people, including Cast, started harassing a vendor at the market. … Police arrested 30-year-old Joseph A. Cast for disorderly conduct, criminal mischief, robbery, theft and battery as a result of the incident. ”
The petition submitted by Abby Ang (1) alleges the individuals are connected to the White supremacist movement, Identity Evropa, and encourages both the Bloomington Farmer’s Market and the Nashville Farmer’s Market to ban them.
Petition.
It’s been known for a long time in our community that the owners of Schooner Creek Farm are members of Identity Evropa…. “One of the owners … has posted on Discord”
Extracts from court documents obtained via Buzzfeed of the FBI interview with Nolan Brewer with comments from Emily of State.
Source of the Court Documents: BuzzFeed, Inc. — an American Internet media company based in New York City,
Buzzfeed published a story that they later corrected – Buzzfeed Blames Ben Shapiro for Synagogue Attack, Rabbi Responds … BuzzFeed News is under fire for publishing an outrageous article that claimed conservative political commentator Ben Shapiro – along with FOX News and Breitbart – radicalized a white nationalist who pleaded guilty to defacing a synagogue in Carmel, Indiana with Nazi symbolism.
(1) “Abby Ang, a Ph.D. student in the Department of English. A native of Rhode Island and first-generation Chinese American, Ang co-founded the IU English Grad Solidarity Coalition. The coalition is the first in the department to advocate for the needs of underrepresented students, including students of color, international students and the LGBTQ+ community, and the promotion of solidarity in and across the department.” (Reference Jan 15, 2018, IU Bloomington faculty, staff and students recognized for commitment to service and leadership.
Comments in context of the petition: ” That said, if you want to donate some money to me so I can keep fighting nazis and eat and pay bills (or just lend me some money and I can pay you back later), let me know.” – Abby Ang
Abby Ang reference to a comment: ” … I’ve been hesitant to share this because I don’t want to freak anyone out. But I think it’s important to recognize that they are organized and that they are close by.” … “Just as we cannot vote our way out of this burgeoning non-white nightmare, we also cannot reason our way out of this by “activism”. Instead, blood-drenched civil war on an unimaginable scale is the only way out.” Source: National Vanguard
July 2019 — NoSpaceforHate-Report — Volkmom, Identity Evropa/American Identity Movement, and the Safety of Our Community — A Report from No Space For Hate
March 6, 2019. Neo-Nazi Hipsters Identity Evropa Exposed In Discord Chat LeakBy Chris Schiano and Freddy Martinez, Unicorn Riot. Unicorn Riot is releasing more than 770,000 messages from chat servers associated with Identity Evropa. This is the first report in a series about this large US-based neo-Nazi organization.
DISCORD. The Discord chat server used to coordinate Identity Evropa’s activities is called ‘Nice Respectable People Group’.
Fascism: A system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, a capitalist economy subject to stringent governmental controls, violent suppression of the opposition, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism. … A political philosophy or movement based on or advocating such a system of government. American Heritage Dictionary
BY PANIC IN THE DISCORD Sarah Dye, aka Volkmom, Fascist at Schooner Creek Farms from Nashville, Indiana
June 12, 2019. Indiana Daily Student (IDS), Letter alleges white supremacists sell at farmers’ market. By Ellen Hine. Some claim local farmers Sarah Dye and Douglas Mackey are members of the hate group Identity Evropa. Schooner Creek Farm has been a vendor at the Bloomington Farmers Market for over nine (9) years. Extracts:
“To our knowledge, this vendor has not shared these views at Market and has treated customers with respect,” said Marcia Veldman, program/facility coordinator for Bloomington’s Parks and Recreation Department, in an email response to Ang. “The City is constitutionally prohibited from discriminating against someone because of their belief system, no matter how abhorrent those views may be. The City may only intercede if an individual’s actions violate the safety and human rights of others.”
June 12, 2019. HTO, Bloomington, In. White supremacist allegations follow market farmers By Kurt Christian The Herald-Times. The owners of Schooner Creek Farm are facing renewed allegations of white supremacist beliefs a week after being forced out of the Nashville farmers market. A petition outlining why the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market should also cut ties is gaining traction.
Bloomington resident Abby Ang sent a letter to the city’s market advisory council June 4 alleging that Nashville-based Schooner Creek Farm owners Sarah Dye and Doug Mackey are members of a neo-Nazi and white supremacist hate group.
June 18, 2019. WTIU/WFIU. Bloomington Unlikely To Boot Alleged White Supremacist From Farmer’s Market by Adam Pinsker. The uproar began several weeks ago when transcripts from an FBI interview with Nolan Brewer were published. …. Brewer, a self-described white supremacist, pleaded guilty to vandalizing a synagogue in Carmel last year. He told agents he communicated with Sarah Dye, a Brown County woman who has a booth at the Bloomington market. … Dye’s name has also been linked to a white supremacist website.
June 25, 2019. Meeting – Bloomington Board of Park Commissioners. The board modified their agenda to allow for comments (2-3 minutes) regarding the issues with the Farmers Market. The board chair outlined the protocol and guidance for providing comments and reinforced the rules that with minor exceptions, were honored by the audience.
They stated that they did review the video from the advisory committee meeting on June 17. New allegations were made that the vendor did promote their beliefs at the market and demonstrated actions that made individuals feel unwelcome. The individuals acknowledged that they did not file a formal complaint with the market.
A statement by the Commissioners is expected by July 23, 2019. The Commissioners are also supporting a Community Forum on the issues – date TBD. The Forum to be facilitated by the Community and Family Resources Department.
WFIU – Facebook PostMembers of the Bloomington Community and Family Resources office say they’ll host a forum sometime over the next few weeks after several vendors said they didn’t feel safe at the downtown farmers market.
July 2, 2019. WTIU/WFIU Committee Considering Next Steps In Schooner Creek Farm Controversy By Barbara Brosher . … the market advisory board plans to have a formal response to citizen feedback by its July meeting. McCallister – says the city is also planning a July 11 forum in response to the controversy.
July 2, 2019.Facebook Post – Sarah Dye, Schooner Creek Farm. The Nashville Farmer’s Market, which I helped found in 2017, removed me as Board President and also removed our farm as a vendor in early June. If you have any opinions about the 3 board members’ decision to do so, please feel free to let them know by emailing nashvillefarmersmarket@gmail.com …. Sarah DyeThey have yet to respond with a grounds for removal request by an attorney.
Facebook Post. Sarah Dye told Judge Frank Nardi that Thomas Westgard is engaged in an “ongoing, routine effort of harassment” against her.
Facebook Post -Judge Denies Schooner Creek Owner’s Request For Restraining Order
July 8, 2019. WTIU/WFIU. Bloomington To Host Farmers’ Market Forum In Response To Controversy The panel discussion will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (Thursday, July 11) in the City Hall council chambers. Panelists will include community organizer Abby Ang, Indiana University Maurer School of Law Professor Jeannine Bell, IU Maurer School of Law Professor Emeritus Dan Conkle and ACLU of Indiana Executive Director Jane Heneger.
July 15. 2019. Indiana Student Daily (IDS) Legal scholars, activist discuss farmers’ market legal issues, inclusivity. Bell, Conkle and Henegar agreed the city could not legally remove a vendor for its beliefs or affiliation with hate groups. Henegar said if a municipality tried to remove vendors for their beliefs, it could face a lawsuit from the ACLU.
July 17, 2019. Daily Beast. In public they sell organic vegetables. In private they join white supremacist groups. Now activists are pushing back. By Kelly Weill. Local activists mentioned:
“Joseph Varga, a labor studies professor at the nearby Indiana University”
Abby Ang – “a Bloomington community organizer,” and also an IU faculty member
July 20, 2019. “No Space for Hate”
The slogan (supported by the Bloomington Mayor in a photo op) by those opposing Schooner Creek Farm’s (SCF) participation at the market is “No Space for Hate.“ Masked and black-clad individuals (alleged to be associated with antifa and/or black bloc members) formed in proximity to the SCF booth.
The city police adequately respond to the situation.
Where are the stories from local media (WFIU/WTIU, IDS, Bloomingtonian, Herald-Tribune Online) unmasking the individual members of these groups, and their alleged supporters, affiliations, and advocacy for violence?
July 23, 2019. Facebook Page – Allen for Monroe County. Discussion regarding the masked, black-clad group.
A statement as to why this post was deleted. “This afternoon I deleted the Farmers Market post. It simply got so out of hand with vicious comments and even some people resorting to threats against their fellow citizens. I do not support or condone any type of violence
July 27, 2019. A protestor holding a sign at the market was detained briefly by the Bloomington Police Department (BPD) for refusing to move. Other protestors are calling for a boycott of the market.
July 27, 2019. Herald-Times Online. Farmers market turns from tranquil to tense By Kurt Christian and Laura Lane. It was a peaceful and not-too-hot Saturday morning at the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market, until tempers flared around the booth of a Brown County vegetable vendor some charge with supporting white supremacy.
The 10:45 a.m. incident near the Schooner Creek Farm booth in the center of the sprawling market outside City Hall featured offensive language, shouting, threats and the arrest of a woman charged with violating market regulations by carrying a protest sign near the booth.
Includes video interviews of Gary Weddell of the Three Percenters and local activist Forest Ian Gilmore. Gary Weddle stated that he met with the local leader of antifa, shared views, and shook hands.
IU professor Cara Caddoo was arrested Saturday at the market for holding a sign and refusing to move to a designated protest area away from Schooner Creek Farms’ booth.
“…the protestor was informed that if she failed to relocate, she would be placed under arrest for Criminal Trespass,” the release says. “[Caddoo] again stated that she was not willing to move, so she was taken into custody.”
Jul 30, 2019. Graffiti On Building Behind Bloomington Farmer’s Market Removed By Adfam Pinsker. Bloomington Police say someone spraypainted “Schooner Creek Farm Are Nazis” on the side of the old Johnson Creamery. … BPD Captain Ryan Pedigo says vandals spraypainted the phrase in eight places on the side of the building facing the farmer’s market. It was first reported around 7:00 a.m. Saturday. Facebook Post of the article.
Aug 1, 2019. Bloomingfoods. This is a private temporary market hosted by Bloomingfoods and self-organized by market vendors, by invitation only. Schooner Creek Farm has not been invited to attend. All vendors must be accepted by the MCGA, as noted in the press release above. (Private businesses do not have to honor the first amendment and are subject to boycotts as well for failure to do so.)
Aug 2, 2019. WTIU/WFIU. Bloomingfoods East To Hold Private Farmers’ Market Saturday by Brent Bouthier Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market is owned and run by the city, so it can’t bar vendors based on affiliations or beliefs. … Bloomingfoods is a private organization so it can exclude vendors as it sees fit. Facebook Post
Aug 2, 2019. WFIU – Noon Edition – Panel Discussion
Marcia Veldman – Directory Bloomington Farmers Market. The city will likely add more security precautions … cameras ….
Jim Sims – Member, City Council At-Large, past president, Monroe County NAACP, member many community social groups – broader concerns regarding safety to the community, to … churches, …. can’t ban guns (2nd amendment and State laws)
Sarah Dye did not violate any laws or market rules
Mr. Sims mentioned the legal liability and cost (5-6 figures) for the city if they violate an individual’s civil rights
Steve Sanders – Associate Professor – IU Maurer School of Law
Key Point — Basing “allegations” on links is irresponsible and McCarthyistic (37:00~)
Referenced statements from a report posted on “No Space for Hate.” This report included statements made in the FBI interview of Brewer that does not address the complete context for the statements. (54:30).
Elizabeth Mitchell – Bloomington Historian. Asked if there is any undeniable proof — none mentioned – best the moderators could do was mention “links” that the law professor stated was irresponsible … guilt by association (**)
** Guilt by Association is referred to as Association Fallacy” which “is an informal inductivefallacy of the hasty-generalization or red-herring type and which asserts, by irrelevant association and often by appeal to emotion, that qualities of one thing are inherently qualities of another. ” Wikipedia
August 3, 2019. WTIU/WFIU. New, Temporary Farmers’ Market Opens In Bloomington By Adam Pinsker. Organizers say more than 50 vendors were present Saturday at a private farmer’s market hastily set up after the Bloomington market was suspended for two weeks. … Bloomingfoods says it invited vendors who were left stranded by the cancellation of the Bloomington market, to set up in the old K-Mart parking lot on 3rd street Saturday morning.
Clarifying Comment Steve SandersI will weigh in to clarify the above description of what I said on Noon Edition. Sarah Dye calls herself an “Identitarian” and has posted on a server used by the Identity Evropa group. So there is no question she has affiliated herself with white nationalist/supremacist politics and ideology. That is not a crime and, in itself, cannot get her ejected. The point I was trying to make on the radio was: So what is it proper to infer from that? Those advocating her ejection from the market have strongly implied that such ties are tantamount to endorsing (if not actually planning) violence, extreme forms of Nazism, etc., and have also implied she is somehow complicit in the Carmel synagogue vandalism because she had dinner with the perpetrator. That’s the guilt by association I was talking about. My point was that “affiliations” and “linkages” can be ambiguous, and that it irresponsible to use them to imply the worst possible meaning in the absence of proof of exactly what someone believes or seeks to accomplish. I’m a Democrat, but that doesn’t mean I automatically embrace what the every leader of the party stands for. So in short, there is good evidence Sarah Dye has done things to affiliate herself with white supremacist groups, but the meaning of that affiliation for her, and the exact nature and contours of her own beliefs and agenda, are what remain unknown. Reference – Facebook Post
My response: Tim J. ClarkSteve Sanders I agree that it is irresponsible to imply the worst possible meaning to the affiliations and linkages but isn’t this what the Mayor has done through his statements and actions? If there is good evidence to the contrary, why did the WFIU moderators Bob Zaltsberg and Sara Wittmeyer insist that they were just considering the claims to be allegations? If Sarah, Doug, their family, and business are harmed because of the irresponsibility of the city and media, do they (Sarah, Doug, Schooner Creek Farm) have legal recourse?
However, Ang said tensions this summer surrounding allegations of white supremacy against farmers’ market vendor Schooner Creek Farm and national concerns have led to a heightened response.
Aug 5, 2019, Herald-Times On-Line (HTO): Bloomington police investigating Ku Klux Klan flyers By Annie Aguiar. “However, Ang said tensions this summer surrounding allegations of white supremacy against farmers’ market vendor Schooner Creek Farm” … “
Highly recommend reading the posts from Steve Sanders. Here are a couple:
Steve Sanders. King said, “When the opportunity presents itself for you to defeat your enemy, that is the time which you must not do it….When you rise to the level of love, of its great beauty and power, you seek only to defeat evil systems. Individuals who happen to be caught up in that system, you love, but you seek to defeat the system.”
Steve Sanders. you tell government to get “creative” so it can violate the Constitution but pretend it isn’t, as BLM is doing here, you are operating in the same tradition as white supremacist states that used literacy tests as a creative way to prevent blacks from exercising their constitutional right to vote, and a white supremacist president who sought to ban all Muslims but told Rudy Giuliani to cook up a creative way to make it look legal. The law books are full of cases where courts saw right through ruses and pretexts that governments have attempted to use, usually to deprive minority groups of their rights. Most recently, states like Indiana said they weren’t actually trying to discriminate against gays in marriage, they were simply promoting “responsible procreation.” People rightly laughed, and the state lost. Is that really the example we want to follow?
Steve SandersIt’s funny how the desire to censor and exclude has turned some progressives, and even radicals, into 1990s-Republican-style privatizers. The market is city operated because the city can provide quality control, can provide appropriate space, and mostly because a liberal town has long thought this is the kind of thing government appropriately does to foster a vibrant community and quality of life.
KKK Flyers … WFIU/WTIU’s Joe Hren sat down with community leader and city council member Jim Sims to talk about how Bloomington is handling the heightened racial tension.
Jim Sims was also on the Aug 2 panel, Noon Edition talking on the same topic.
My post:
A good question: “Was there anything that should have been done differently?” Schooner Creek Farm (SCF) has been at the market for over nine years. The market manager acknowledged that there were no complaints and SCF treated customers with respect. Jim Sims also acknowledges that SCF has followed the rules. The media through their consistent use of the term “allegation,” reinforces that there is no proof of the claims that have been made by the protestors against SCF that would justify their removal.
The actions of the protestors led to protests by antifa/black bloc members that then led to protests by the three-percenters who reportedly were executing their right to carry firearms. Another protestor was arrested for not following the market rules. A candidate for public office (Allen for Monroe county) removed a post referencing the antifa protestors because of threats that were being made by the protestors. The Mayor closed the market for two weeks due to safety concerns. In his comments, the Mayor expanded the scope of the issues to include the second amendment and actions of the current presidential administration. And now, conditions have likely contributed to KKK flyers showing up renewing concerns of further problems. Individuals and groups can exercise their first amendment right to boycott a market and a respective vendor and this works both ways further escalating the problem.
What should be done differently moving forward and will this make the situation better or worse?
Tim J. ClarkAn early warning on this controversy was provided on May 14, 2018, and captured in the IDS article: “Blotter: Fight at Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market by Cameron Drummond. “Another significant event occurred immediately following the conviction of Nolan Brewer. Court records including an FBI transcript were made available by Buzzfeed. Information provided in the transcript was taken out of context and used to motivate protestors. There has been no information provided that provides the city with a legal justification for removing Schooner Creek Farm from the market. This fact has been consistently reinforced by local attorneys commenting on the topic. The protests and counter-protests have likely contributed to the significant decline in market attendance.
Aug 15, 2019. City. The Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market will reopen this Saturday, August 17 at Showers Common from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.. “I hope you will join in the process of building a shared future, knowing we have our differences, but one thing we share is a love for the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market.” – Marcia Veldman, Market Coordinator”. The above quote was pulled from a letter to vendors referring to differences within the vendor community on variety of topics.
On Saturday, Schooner Creek Farm’s Sarah Dye acknowledged those were her posts. She said Antifa, or anti-fascist group, started the farmers’ market drama by illegally publishing her private conversations.
“The protesters and the Antifa have taken a thread of truth and spread a horrendous lie,” Dye said. “
Dye said she rejects supremacy in all of its forms, but has labeled herself an Identitarian and referred to the American Identity Movement’s website to describe her political ideologies.
Regarding allegations made by another vendor, — In a follow-up email, Dye confirmed that she and Williams were in a homeschooling group together. She said all other claims by Williams “are disgusting lies.”
When asked if any of the protests stemming from her personal views had made her pause for reflection, Dye said, “As far as changing my views? I don’t even know how to answer that.”
The situation grew so volatile that Bloomington’s mayor suspended the market late last month over public safety concerns. It abruptly short-circuited the heart of Saturday morning life in this heavily white, liberal town of 85,000 that is home to Indiana University. The market has more than 130 vendors and draws as many as 12,000 people downtown at the height of the growing season.
Anti-fascist protesters showed up one weekend dressed in black to stand in front of Schooner Creek Farm’s vegetable stall. A week later, armed members of a conservative militia group drove into Bloomington to support the farm against what they called anti-fascist enemies. Online, members of white nationalist groups have seized on the story and rallied behind Schooner Creek.
Schooner Creek’s owners deny being white supremacists, and say they keep their political beliefs out of the market. They have said on social media that they are being harassed, demonized and hounded out of the farmers’ market by left-wing activists because of “a handful of mildly pro-white comments.” They have not been accused of any wrongdoing or violence, and say they are the ones who have become victims of “the cult of the left.”
The farmers did not respond to questions about their beliefs or political activities, but Sarah Dye, one of Schooner Creek’s owners, told the Fox 59 television station in Indianapolis that “we absolutely reject supremacy.” . … “I am disgusted at the level of lies, misinformation, falsehoods and intimidation by those who do not know me or my family,” she said. Ms. Dye referred to herself as “an identitarian,” which she described as a worldview that “emphasizes the importance of identity.”
In an email, Ms. Dye, who runs Schooner Creek with her husband, Douglas Mackey, said she had no plans to leave the market despite pressure from activists who now hand out buttons that say “Don’t Buy Veggies From Nazis.” … “I have helped establish other farmers’ markets in the area and we have strong ties to our community,” Ms. Dye wrote. “We look forward to participating in the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market for many more years to come.”
The Bloomington Herald Times reported on Saturday that Ms. Dye had acknowledged writing the “Volkmom” posts.
Little has been resolved, but the farmers’ market reopened Saturday, peacefully so far, with new security cameras and more police officers on hand. … “We can’t let it be hijacked by fear or hatred,” Mayor Hamilton said.
Richard Grenell, currently serving the Trump administration as ambassador to Germany, expressed outrage at the attack against the Quillette writer and is calling on the Justice Department to investigate the incident, possibly as an act of domestic terrorism — and especially after reports that, as usual, Portland Police stood down and did nothing to intervene.
June 30, 2019. Human Events. AntiFa, Terror Faction. AntiFa has been lionized by politicians, the media, and celebrities. But the latest violence in Portland proves law enforcement officials correct: AntiFa is a domestic terror group.
July 30, 2019. Quillette, Intersectionalism Is Nonsense. But the Backlash Against It Is Very Real. A recent study in Political Psychology—a journal dedicated to the “psychological aspects of national and international political developments”—discussed this growing “whitelash” (or white backlash), and the underlying psychological reasons why individuals hold white nationalistic views.
Memorial Day was established as a federal holiday to recognize those who died while serving in the country’s armed forces. It should also lead to a reflection on the causes that inspired their sacrifice and reinforce the responsibility on the living in taking action that will lead to “a more perfect Union.”
Perhaps Lincoln at Gettysburg expressed it best when describing the motivations of those that give their life to the greater cause: “ … that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
Our challenge? The U.S. system of government was designed to be continuously improved. “We the People” own the system and are enabled through the Bill of Rights to work together towards “a more perfect” (better) Union and county.
Under federalism, it was expected that change would be driven by the people through the local level of government. A change should result in outcomes where everyone gains, or at least, are not any worse off. This requires that you identify how “everyone” defines better along with the feedback they need to assess progress.
Within the next 6-12 months, local citizens who have been working for the past two years to develop a better system for collaboration and improvement through the Hometown Collaborative Initiative (HCI) will be testing a new approach (and assessing demand) to build cooperation among citizens who are and want to make one or more aspects of the county more perfect or better.
The history and the background on the initiative are available through the link below. If you are interested in helping us validate the approach through the application to a personal initiative and/or to a group or organization that you are involved with, let U.S. know. We plan on providing updates on the program throughout the year and to include a yearly summary on Memorial Day 2020.
“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection
we can catch excellence”. — Vince Lombardi
In 2018, over 90% or 7,700 residences in the county are on septic systems.The majority of homes (approximately 80%) are older than 25 years.
The useful life of a septic system?
County POLICY – Limited Useful Life. The Brown County Regional Sewer District (BCRSD) board members identified a “useful life” of a maintained septic system as lasting an average of 25 years, and about 25 years for a drain field.
Interpretation? If your system is less than 10 years old, you may qualify for two five year waivers. The waiver would not exceed a total of 20 years.
Indefinite Useful Life.
The Environmental Protection Agency references a study that identifies that “conventional septic systems are designed to operate indefinitely if properly maintained. However, because most household systems are not well maintained, the functioning life of septic systems is typically 20 years or less.”
Presby Environmental Systems (among the recommended systems in the State and County) states: “If the system is designed, installed and maintained properly, there is no limit to the life expectancy of Enviro-Septic® Technology. In the event that the System malfunctions due to abuse, AES or Enviro-Septic® may be rejuvenated in as little as 72 hours, eliminating the need for a replacement.
Regional Sewer District (RSD)
If you are buying a home in Brown County and are within 300 feet of a system of a Regional Sewer District (RSD), you can be forced to hook on to the system despite the fact that you may have a functional septic system.
Currently, monthly fees range from $50.00 (Gnaw Bone) to $92.00 (Helmsburg). The proposed system for Bean Blossom is estimated to range from $65.00 to $85.00
In addition to the monthly rates, each RSD have their own hook-up fees
The town of Nashville has its own wastewater treatment plant. Nashville has identified that new areas requesting service may have to agree to annexation. This may change.
Questions when considering a purchase of a property with a septic system
Best case: Has the system been properly designed, installed and maintained? If so, it could have an indefinite life.
Is the residence within the boundary of an RSD? (If so, you may be required to hook-up to their system).
What are the recommended best practices for septic system inspections?
How old is the septic system?
Has the system been maintained? Any records available?
Does the health department have a record of the system?
Have you reviewed the current county requirements for installing a septic system? Depending on the age of the system, it may not meet current codes that were first introduced in 1977 (?)
Does the property have enough space for a new system?
If space for a drain field is not available, the field can be replaced but it is very expensive. What is the cost of a drain field replacement? (replacing the old soils with new).
What are the options and costs for a new septic system?
Are there costs associated with dealing with the old system such as sealing or removing the old storage tank?
Bigotry: The character or mode of thought of a bigot; obstinate and unreasonable attachment to a particular creed, opinion, practice, ritual, or party organization; excessive zeal or warmth in favor of a party, sect, or opinion; intolerance of the opinions of others. American Heritage Dictionary
For the Record. Local Brown County community members alleged to be “white supremacists” which they have denied. This post includes background information and context on the issues. Information provided also includes Facebook comments on Brown County Matters, dissemination of the allegations from local media and links to video of meetings held by the Farmers Market Advisory Committee and Bloomington Parks Commission.
Memorial Day was established as a federal holiday to recognize those who died while serving in the country’s armed forces. It should also lead to a reflection on the causes that inspired their sacrifice and reinforce the responsibility on the living in taking action that will lead to “a more perfect Union.”
In 2018, over 90% or 7,700 residences in the county are on septic systems. The majority of homes (approximately 80%) are older than 25 years.
