Minnesota farmer Michael Hartmann has a very loyal following of customers. Many of them attended the two-week trial last summer in which he sued the Minnesota agriculture officials. He challenged the state over the embargo of his food products in the aftermath of eight illnesses from E.coli 0157:H7 associated with his farm (and eventually lost the case).
A number rushed to his brother’s assistance when the Minnesota Department of Agriculture confiscated raw milk he was delivering last December.
A goat coming to a college philosophy class? See below. Now, the call has gone out for support of a different kind. The Minnesota Natural Health Legal Reform Project
asked Hartmann supporters to attend a court hearing today in connection with the case in which the family of a child who allegedly become ill from Hartmann Dairy milk is seeking financial damages.
The plaintiff in the case is Matthew Caldwell, father of Owen Caldwell, who was hospitalized in May 2010 from the effects of E.coli 0157:H7. The case was filed last January. In recent weeks, there have been efforts at mediation, which apparently haven’t succeeded. So the Caldwell lawyer asked a judge to rule in the family’s favor, in advance of a jury trial, scheduled for next Oct. 31. I haven’t seen the actual complaint, so I don’t know the exact financial damages being sought.
However, the Minnesota Natural Health Legal Reform Project’s Food Freedom Project encouraged Hartmann supporters to attend today’s hearing, hoping to back Hartmann’s desire for a jury trial. “A ‘trial by jury’ would give our farmers the opportunity to present their side of the case more completely in the alleged illness of a child last year, theoretically, as a result of consuming raw dairy foods from our farmers. However, a Summary Judgment would have the end result that the court would simply determine how much money our farmers would have to pay.
“You are encouraged, and yes, even urged, to support our farmers by attending this hearing. Even though we would be a silent group of supporters, the impact made on the court by sheer numbers present can be the pivotal point.”
Okay, as much as I have supported protests and courts actions in favor of food rights, I have to say this particular call for support makes me uncomfortable. It seems somehow the parties to the suit should be able to play it out as a judicial matter, outside the realm of politics.
Moreover, I have doubts about political support groups playing lawyer in product liability cases of this sort. My sense of these cases is that the defendants generally want to avoid jury trials, since juries tend to sympathize with children who are believed to have been injured, and often decide on large awards. And that seems a distinct possibility in a case like this, where the state has already clearly connected the pathogen that sickened some raw milk consumers to the Hartmann farm…and where the child and family are represented by a veteran lawyer who has more than 90 jury trials under his belt.
I appreciate that many Minnesota raw milk consumers are very upset about the way the state has treated its farmer producers of raw milk and other nutrient-dense food. I’ve written a good deal about the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s out-of-control actions against farmers, distributors, and consumers. I’m just not certain that the Hartmann supporters’ energies are as well directed as they might be in this particular action.
***
As for well targeted food rights actions, I am happy to report on two in the case of the San Jose goat dairy hit with a cease-and-desist order by the Santa Clara County District Attorney office in May. Jane Hulme, an owner, says she and her husband have filed legal action against the CDFA and the San Jose District Attorney, Jeffery Rosen, in San Jose court.
She also passes on a call to action in the form of a letter from a philosophy professor at San Jose State University. The associate professor, Karin Brown, sent a letter to Rosen, the Santa Clara County district attorney, which stated in part:
“I am going to assign my students a paper on this case. If possible, I will invite Jane and Mike Hulme to make a presentation in my classes and tell my students their history. Further, if it is possible, I will have them bring one of their goats since this migfht be one of the last chances to see such a beautiful health goat.
“This case is a horror story for anyone who believes in democracy, civil rights, free market, or any kind of social justice. This is a case of financial tyranny and not democracy. Beyond the political analysis here, personally I find your actions both callous and even malicious.
“If you decide to drop this case, and every single ethical and political principle I can think of indicates you should, I’ll still teach this class, but this time with a happy ending in which the DA stood up for democracy, civil rights and small businesses.
“Lastly, unlike you who held all the meetings in closed chambers, my class is open to you and your deputy and associates. You are welcome to attend the class I will teach about you.”
How’s that for creative use of the education process?
***
A new ad campaign on behalf of California conventional milk didn’t last very long. The supposedly humorous campaign was targeted at men, suggesting milk helps relieve PMS in women. There was enough of an outcry that the ad was pulled after only two weeks…Maybe some day the public outrage over regulator abuse of raw dairy farmers will become strong enough that it will lead to an end of that particular campaign as well.
You are sooo wrong about the evidence against the Hartmanns.
"the state has already clearly connected the pathogen that sickened some raw milk consumers to the Hartmann farm…"
In a jury trial the jury may be persuaded by emotions,but the evidence does not connect the illnesses to the farm.In fact all of the alleged evidence is presented by a very biased state department of health.Hopefully THINKING people will not accept this evidence as valid since the health department has a publicly stated agenda to eliminate the consumption of raw milk.You do seem to accept whatever evidence the state health departments offer as unquestionable.WHY???The tests are subjective and the people doing the testing are paid to find the evidence the health department wants.If the jury does it's job correctly and weighs the evidence,they will discover it has no weight.We went over this all before when the illnesses were first "linked" to the farm..I would really like to know why you trust this "evidence".
While I find the actions of the Minnesota authorities to be objectionable (particularily how they have targetted another farmer who never caused an outbreak), I do NOT think it is a good idea to try and dispute the validity of existing scientific tests based upon a flawed fundamentalist interpretation of anti-germ-theory ideology.
The only way we are going to make progress on this raw milk issue is by embracing scientific technology and using it to our advantage. I recognize the shortcomings of the existing technology and methodology, but I also recognize that it is the only way we are going to increase consumer access to raw milk. The alternative is the extinction of sustainable dairy farming at the hands of industry and government, because the raw milk movement is so rigid and unable to adapt to changing paradigms and social-political situations.
I love you Miguel, but you need to get outside of your permaculture commune and see how the commercial dairy industry works, especially the growing artisan cheese world. Frankly, as a proponent of raw milk and enviromentalism, and as someone who has taken extensive dairy science coursework, your arguments against germ theory just do not hold merit. There are legitimate critiques of germ theory, I'm just not sure you are making them.
You can go back and find the first thread on this blog where Mike Hartman's case appeared… and you will see that I called all this right from the get-go, despite being chastised by others inclulding David. We need to distance ourselves from guys like him… that is unless he is willing to own up to the harm he has caused to this child and is willing to clean up his act. Mike Hartmann is a black eye on the raw milk movement. No amount of conspiracy theory and denial will change this fact.
Let's all live in the real world, please folks… there are alot of farmers out there who are doing a good job and not making people sick. THEY are the ones who need our support, not this Hartmann character.
You are correct in your analysis. Miguel, the Hartmann's, and a handful of supporters are the only ones that refuse to examine the data and try to learn from it. As a public health worker, the only other stakeholders I can recall taking such a stance are Big Ag beef companies (and their marketing group, AMI), and Peanut Corporation of America – the latter killed 9 people with Salmonella after ignoring their own positive private lab tests. Is that what raw milk is all about – rights without responsibility?
The Hartmann dairy's products were adulterated and illnesses due to E. coli O157, Campylobacter, and Cryptosporidium were tied statistically to the dairy. The forensic science is stronger than any other raw milk outbreak I can recall in last decade.
I've also studied the Dee Creek outbreak in 2005. Dissecting every bit of information on it. The photos (like Hartmann's) are worth a thousand words. That dairy was promoted by a WAPF Chapter Leader, and the owners were told to avoid licensing and help from the state. No one from the raw milk movement gave those new dairy farmers any useful advice. Not only did Dee Creek have sanitation problems, but they also had documented animal welfare issues.
Why would WAPF, the Minnesota Natural Health Legal Reform Project's Food Freedom Project , or other groups support this type of behavior among raw dairy farmers? The only answer must be money – that's why Big Ag does what they do – same for raw milk?
MW
"Who knew you had to have directions to eat walnuts?" Seem the fda ignores scientific data,
Considering the nature of the beast, I agree that Hartman will probably lose his farm.
Indeed it is common practice to label someone as nave if they question an accepted belief. If anything however Migel is certainly not nave and exhibits a level of understanding well beyond those who march in step with the accepted status quo.
Ken Conrad
I meant nave because in the scientific world this is hard evidence, not soft. miguel, you can choose to have your opinion, but that doesnt change anything out in the real world. The most deadly worldwide E.coli sprout outbreak just occurred in Germany. The whole world watched as the epidemiologists tried to figure out what the culprit was. If this is such soft, subjective science, how did they finally narrow it down to sprouts that had been contaminated by fenugreek seeds that originally came from Egypt? Were they able to accomplish this because it was their subjective opinion?
I hope Hartmann goes to trial. Based on everything I read, he should not be producing food for people. If he goes to trial, he will lose his farm. His ego will be the death of his business. I agree with Bill. It is foolish to support this farmer and it only hurts your movement.
In Germany the whole world watched as epidemiologists grasped at straws and made false accusations. As a result the farming community in Spain paid dearly and more then likely will continue to feel the effects of such a guessing game for months if not years to come.
Epidemiologist John M. Cowden stated that, consistency is more important than accuracy".
If anything epidemiology is lacking in credibility in the eyes of the public because it has failed to be consistently accurate.
Ken Conrad
http://www.marlerblog.com/case-news/it-was-a-legitimate-call-by-the-hamburg-health-authorities-to-blow-the-whistle-on-spanish-cucumbers/
And regardless of whether the Spanish cucumber farmers are going to be compensated, there is a big question mark over what this is going to mean with the increasing insolvency of the Euro with so many debt crises in the Euro-zone.
However, I do think Mike Hartmann's case is different, because of the innumerable counts against him, and because there was never a big rush to figure out the source like there was in the European case. It is pretty clear to me that Mike Hartmann does not give a $!tt about food safety (literally… there is too much $!tt in his milk).
In the "two raw milks", Hartmann's milk falls clearly under the category of milk for pasteurization.
When I was just finishing up and taking questions, a very handsome very healthy looking older gentleman stood up and told the crowd that RAWMILK had pushed his cancer into remission. He went on to explain how 8 year bout of cancer is showing wonderful test results and raw milk and kefir basically changed the internal conditions in his body and cancer has vacated his human premises….
I swollowed hard as I watched him speak and heard the edges of his voice crack just a little. He was grateful for life and the incredible quality of life he has enjoyed. He had lost 35 pounds and looked fantastic. No drugs, no chemo…just solid whole food and raw milk.
Do you have any idea what that does for a Raw Milk dairyman??????? Any idea at all????
It gives you super man powers….it brings moral and ethical powers to do anything. It fuels purpose and passion.
Then the moms started talking about the health of their kids becuase of raw milk. I could barely contain my emotions. I stood almost like a Marine at attention….in deep regard and respect for the moms and their kids. Just listening….absorbing. Appreciating.
This is why Raw Milk is kicking PMO CAFO dead milk ass….and the FDA's days are numbered. I can very well imagine a Nuremburg type trial for Sheehan, Deans Foods and Monsanto CEO's to investigate their GMO, PMO alliances and the horrific immune system and human death toll they have taken and continue to take on America civilians and other nations that follow in our corporate gread lead.
I am so very blessed to be a Teaching American Organic Raw Milk Dairyman and prevent disease and bring health and consciousness to good people.
I feel more effective, more focussed and dangerous than ever!!!
"I've also studied the Dee Creek outbreak in 2005. Dissecting every bit of information on it. The photos (like Hartmann's) are worth a thousand words. That dairy was promoted by a WAPF Chapter Leader, and the owners were told to avoid licensing and help from the state. No one from the raw milk movement gave those new dairy farmers any useful advice. Not only did Dee Creek have sanitation problems, but they also had documented animal welfare issues.
Why would WAPF, the Minnesota Natural Health Legal Reform Project's Food Freedom Project , or other groups support this type of behavior among raw dairy farmers? The only answer must be money – that's why Big Ag does what they do – same for raw milk?
MW "
Per the above, first, what chapter leaders do and say and endorse does not necessarily equal what WAPF endorses. The chapter leaders are a very mixed bag in the sense some have little more than enthuasiaum and a growing knowledge of important matters, while some have degrees in nutrition, science, etc.
There are no requirements to be a chapter leader, no training, and the like, so any chapter leader could easily if ignorant make suggestions with good intentions with bad results. Who among us has not done so?
In my experience, chapter leaders and WAPF wants nothing to do with farms that are not sanitary and properly caring for their animals. And WAPF doesn't stand to gain anything if the gov't tyranny over food is toppled by the local foods raw milk movement.
They are like Ron Paul in this instance, someone whom for winning isn't about becoming bigger, but becoming ever so less important. WAPF is certainly not perfect, but this is truly one of the biggest things that sets them apart – if they are right, their ideal world is almost solely a boon to local farmers, local cities, regions, local economies, the environment, etc.
Their may be some personal satisfaction in the matter, but fiscally, they stand little to nothing to gain, and have faced threats of much to lose.
JM
There were 40 or more other ecoli cases in the same general region of SW Washington that same year and the health department did nothing with them. Dee Creek had some challenges, but that family was made of the best moral fiber I have ever seen.
Do not rush to judgement. The judge in the case saw the same thing….very good people that were like "babes in the woods" trying to do something good for people.
Consumers and even WAP chapter leaders can easily become confused and completely caught up in the excitement of raw milk….and get burned by it also.
That is why RAWMI is being born in the first week of September.
When raw milk is pushed to the corners of our society and banished from reason…bad things can happen. When trasparentcy, reasonable safety plans and basic standards, and a portal is available to see the results of the farmers hard work…consumers and WAP and farmers, and even the state agencies and the FDA will begin to know and acknowledge more than they do now and a track record will begin to be made.
The Dee Creek incident was exploited way beyond anything normal. It was a turkey shoot and a brutal abuse of a family and their attempt to do something good. It happened prior to FTCLDF and long before much of the current discussions had even been thought of.
Dee Creek was a wake-up call, just like every other Raw Milk incident has been a wake upcall. Enough of WAKE-UP calls…I am awake. I hope we are all awake.
It is time for change and good change is coming.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Organic-Pastures-Dairy-RAW-DAIRY-PRODUCTS/171911861180#!/photo.php?fbid=10150325344676181&set=pu.171911861180&type=1&theater
This morning we invited raw milk customers for a photo shoot to help RAWMI with some of its website shots. They were awesome….
The RAWMI package goes out to the Directors this week for their review. The RAWMI directors first conference call is in being scheduled for the first week of August for approvals of various business issues and to affirm and set the course forward.
Mark
Excuse my cynicism, but if Dee Creek was the wake up call, what were Alexandre and Hartmann? The sleep a few more minutes button? At the very least, WAPF should take down the misinformation about Dee Creek on their webiste (or revise to reflect the facts of the investigation).
I've also studied your track record since the 10 coliform limit was put in place in California. You've had no recalls or outbreaks. Commendable. Similarly, WAPF and you should take down misinformation about the 2006 outbreak (it was not from spinach).
Your California example of working with the ag department is perhaps one of the best examples where regulation worked to the benefit of all. But, not all states can afford such intense regulation and testing in this budget climate.
Someone suggest that OPDC create satellite dairies regionally around the state vs. one hub in Fresno. Is that feasible, and what would be the benefit(s)? I'd imagine that capital costs might be prohibitive, thus you stay with the larger dairy model of shipping from a central location.
I really hope your proposed RAWMI does what it promises with regard to raw milk safety and quality, and reduces the number of entries into the raw milk outbreak/illness table.
MW
On Friday, I spoke at a local food movement meeting in Shingle Springs CA. I also was priviledged to view the entire 1.5 hour milk process that produced 2.5 gallons of the most perfect raw milk I have ever tasted. I honestly have never seen more labor expended to produce so little raw milk….. But it was stellar great raw milk!!!
The conditions were spotless, white painted, glass was clean, super clean, stainless cans were surgical clean, not a fly in-sight, glass bottles were prechilled and ice baths were very cold, the cow was a 4-H project and clean as anything about to be judged at a county fair.
I am not suggesting that this is how all raw milk is supposed to be done, not at all. But, I will say that very often this is exactly what I see when I visit a cow share operation. Super clean, very meticulous, with even a food safety protocol posted on the wall. These share operators are scared and dedicated…..really dedicated. Most do not come from a dairy background….a little precious pearl of information. NO PMO CAFO Excused BAD HABITS….
As far as Hartman is concerned….I do not want to see anyone throw him under the bus either. This is an education challenge. Lets lead by example, standards and mentoring. Not human dairyman sacrafice under the regulatory bus. There will be a huge range of raw milk producers exposes as we go forward to new enlightenment. The full range will show their proficiencies as they either get with the program and show what they can learn and do….or they will stay secreted away. either way, the consumers will know. That is the beauty of it all. Transparency of data and "your" RAMP food safety plan is the ethical mirror on the Milk Room Wall.
We have a long way to go and along the way there will be plenty of strife for us all. Focus on the basics and we will get there.
Stand together for the sake of the farmers, the soil, the cows, jobs, health….and most essentially and critically for future generations health and our consumers. Love this picture.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Organic-Pastures-Dairy-RAW-DAIRY-PRODUCTS/171911861180#!/photo.php?fbid=10150325347696181&set=a.10150325339401181.390439.171911861180&type=1&theater
"Germany: No Proof Sprouts Caused E. Coli Outbreak
July 25, 2011 "
http://www.kfgo.com/agri-business-news.php?ID=9086
Mary, Again there was NO hard scientific data involved.In Michael Hartmann's case no data of any sort was revealed,only conclusions.How can we ask questions about the reliability of the conclusions if the data is kept secret?If they really do have any hard scientific data,why do they keep it secret?
This is why they need the summary judgement against Michael.A jury trial would necessarily reveal a lot of information that the health department would like to keep secret.
Mark, If you are referring to Pattie's milk, I couldn't agree more. So sweet, like melting ice cream!
I have to wonder if you are basing your opinion on personal experience with Hartmann's milk?Apparently there are many people that don't share your opinion ,outside of the health department employees.
I am biased against people who do not think food safety is important in such a critical and controversial issue like raw milk. I witnessed in Wisconsin in 2009, how the irresponsible attitude of one farmer resulted in repercussion towards other farmers who did take food safety seriously.
Hartmann's flagarant disregard for food safety is detrimental to many other responsible raw dairy farmers, including a farmer in his own locale who has been targetted as a result of the crackdown he provoked. Now to add insult to injury, he is trying to rally his customers to defend him in a civil liability case which has no effect on their access to raw milk. I agree with you that this should go to a trial, but I do not think that will change the outcome.
I really have no interest in throwing Mike Hartmann "under the bus" so to speak. FTCLDF has already wasted precious resources defending him in court, to no avail. If Hartmann wants my help in identifying and correcting his food safety issues, I would be more than happy to come and visit his farm and offer my advice. But I'm not going to force him to do anything. He can dig his own grave if he wants to.
I wonder what you think Hartmann's food safety issues were.Was it the cobwebs in the calf barn? Manure on a gate?Do you really think that food should be produced in a setting like a hospital operating room?Oh, wait isn't a hospital the most unsafe environment around?I really think you would throw any of us under the bus if it would make your rawmi happen.Every farm has things on it that will freak out a bateriophobe.The health department is just after Hartmanns because they are embarrassed at losing in their first court case against Hartmanns.
I get that feeling too. Will have to look it up, but didn't Bill A initially support Hartmann even after the photos, way back when?
"Every farm has things on it that will freak out a bateriophobe."
My mother was one for several years after I first started farming. She'd say things like when walking back from the barnyard, "Honey, you have {and then she'd wince primly} ~manure~ on the bottom of your boot…" and be horrified that I wasn't immediately scraping it off with dismay too. LOL
She no longer uses any antibacterial soaps or lotions, and uses vinegar to wash her hair now instead of shampoo, as do I. She's far more afraid of the chemicals in food and body products that FDA says are okay than she is of bacteria.
She's 85, survived lymphoma six years ago, and has drunk raw milk for eight years, btw.
After thinking about your comment for 24 hours, I think I have a better answer for you.
I do not think that less than 10 coliforms changed OPDC raw milk and set us on a firm track of food safety. But….it stired my soul and started our RAMP program and its comprehensive redress of food safety at OPDC.
That is the most important point that I can make. We started our RAMP program with the assistance of Dr. Ron Hull, Dr.Cat Berge DVM Dr. Ted Beals and others at the same time we were faced with the less than 10 coliform standard.
CDFA could take credit for OPDC progress or RAMP could take credit. Not sure which was the chicken and which was the pastured egg.
The bottom line is that when a raw milk dairy farmer sets his sights on food safety with a risk management plan, great and consistent things can happen.
I will say this, "less than 10 coliforms" is a very strict standard. But…it is not a comprehensive risk management program. Raw milk can have zero coliforms and plenty of pathogens both at the same time.
RAMP addresses the global risk issue….AB 1735 did not.
So think what you will…. The end result is decreased risk and reliable clean and delicious raw milk.
Think of "less than 10 coliforms" as a pickfork on my butt and I felt it hard and did something about it…so I did not get another jab.
Mark
Im also curious as to what you believe or think the Hartman food safety issues are.
You paint a rather gloomy picture of Mike Hartman however he does appear to have substantial support?
http://www.mnhlrp.org/rawmilkaccess/rawmilkincourt.html
Ken Conrad
OK, I'm done being sarcastic now.
For some historical reference on what was being said when this whole Hartmann fiasco started, please see this thread:
http://www.thecompletepatient.com/journal/2010/5/27/the-vultures-circle-mn-raw-dairy-but-whats-the-real-story-he.html
You will notice my comment about 2/3rds of the way down on the threat, about distancing ourselves from quacks like Hartmann. You will also notice how Mark McAfee was clearly stating that Hartmann's milk was intended to be pasteurized.
I'm just calling a spade a spade here. Let's be honest with ourselves. Mike Hartmann is all of our problem. He gives a bad rap to all raw milk farms. The evidence against him is pretty overwhelming — he's caused multiple outbreaks, including E. Coli, Campylobacter, and Cryptosporidium. I'm not going to review all the evidence right here and now. Also, I'm fairly certain he lost his court case, Miguel.
As a raw milk cheese maker, I have every reason to want to see raw milk succeed, and I want to help the farmers producing raw milk balance their milk supply by making world-class award-winning artisan raw milk cheese with their CERTIFIED raw milk. Success for raw milk will not come from conspiracy theory and denial. It will come from a good clean food safety record and dedicated educated engaged consumers.
" 2/3rds of the way down on the THREAD"
I know you won't answer,but I just want it to be perfectly clear that you and gumpert both take any accusation the health department makes as proof of guilt.Why won't the health department explain in writing how it came to it's conclusions?When we ask questions these authorities act like WE are being silly or unreasonable to ask.How many different enzymes were used to determine that the strains were indistinguishable?They still insist that they found "matching" strains when we all know that indistinguishable and matching do not have the same meaning.If we could see how the testing was done and how the conclusions were arrived at then we would be able to satisfy ourselves as to the correctness of the conclusions.The fact that they are secretive leads me to believe that they are afraid that their conclusions are not supported by their testing.Losing in court does not in any way indicate that someone is guilty!bill,YOU are our real problem not farmers like Michael Hartmann.
Oh wait… mabye its because I actually do care about the fate of farmers who DON'T make people sick! Maybe its because I recognize that the few bad apples like Hartmann are an enormous liability for the majority of raw milk farms that are doing a good job. Have you considered that possibility Miguel?
I can't answer your questions about the tests. Perhaps you should call the MN authorities and ask them. I'm sure the evidence will be vetted at trial. And let's be clear about this trial. This trial is absolutely NOT about the right to buy or sell raw milk. This lawsuit is about product liability. I think that as time goes by, we are going to see less and less of the prosecutorial ("shut down the farmer") types of criminal lawsuits, and more civil liability suits to deal with raw milk problems.
Miguel, I must ask you — are you ready to defend the safety of your product in court, if you are ever sued? Do you have the testing data, the GMPs, SSOPs, HACCP plans, and recall procedures in place to demonstrate its safety?
IF you plan on running a business selling raw milk, you are going to need all of those things. If Mike Hartmann had all of those things in place, and was truely innocent, it would be very easy to demonstrate his innocence in court using the science.
I think we would agree on the fact that coliform testing/limits is a tool in the food safety/quality tool box, not a stand-alone silver bullet.
MW
This statement demonstrates that the author really fails to understand what's going on here. The courts are being used to intimidate Mr. Hartmann and kill his business.
The child who was sick and almost died, was sick with HUS. The most likely place to get the kind of E Coli that can cause that disease is uncooked ground meat. Raw milk has been shown many times to kill E Coli. Why didn't the state Agricultural Department regulators investigate what is known to be the most likely cause of HUS, instead of heading down the rabbit trail they chose?
It's not as if these facts and questions have ever been given a fair day in court. During the trial last summer that followed several Gestapo-esque raids by regulators, the state relied on innuendo and posturing to make their case, carefully avoiding the facts of the case.
I have no question in my mind that the charges against Mr. Hartmann are trumped up and baseless. It's important that we customers show up SO THAT this case is tried more fairly. No one should be so naive as to think that if we just let the sate machinery and the courts take their course we will get any thing like a fair trial. We must show up to keep them accountable and fair.
Mr Gumpert, I know you are not as naive as the quote I began with would make you appear. Please don't expect your readers to be.
If you want freedom to chose what you eat, you need to support Mr. Hartmann.