Life is really showing me that it’s time for listening…
I remain in struggle with where I am going. I am trusting in the Universe to continue to guide me. And I am finding lovely teachers and helpers along the way the last few weeks.
Kevin Kling after his Friday performance at Theatre L’Homme Dieu
I have had some beautiful miracles and blessings in my life of late.
A couple of lovely nights at Hollander BnB. Loved the games, Kathy!!! And your always helpful input and ideas on how to survive stress. Being at the lake helps.
Time with family – we are so blessed with a diverse family of birth and of choice. Excited for their many possibilities as they tell me their stories.
Kevin Kling and his wonderful show with Dan and Prudence. What a beautiful trio, full of stories and songs to delight and inspire. I am always joyed to see you perform, sir, and love your eloquent way with words, painting them into the air, creating constellations for consideration.
Alec friends so happy to see me, almost as happy as I was to see them! Love abounds.
A beautiful ruby, flourite, jasper, aragonite, lapiz pendant… thanks, Connie. You are possibly the nicest person in the world.
Some distant listening ears to hear my struggles. Thank you friends from afar, you know who you are.
Time in the dirt at Merry Gardens Farm. Thank you, Jill & Randy, for giving me a place to clear my head.
A play date on the calendar. Anne Dunn, I have so missed spending time with you. Looking forward to a whole Girl’s Day. [Fred can come too.]
There are so many others that I could mention, these are just the latest in the wonder that is my life. Magical and challenging, often in the same moment.
That beautiful feeling when someone I greatly respect has my back… in a bigger way than I could ever have anticipated. Thank you, my Heroes.
My Local Friends: I thank you for giving me words of kindness and helping me find time to play. You provide supportive friendship and neighborliness that truly delights.
My Water Protector Friends: You have brought miracles to my life these past weeks. Thank you for all your honest concern, thoughtful critique, kind words of encouragement, and, most especially… your HUGE Love.
I sit still, that my motion may not hide your presence. I do not speak, that my words may not hide your voice. I will still my thoughts, that my thinking might not block your arrival.
What a terrific 4th of July week it’s been. We are not celebrating our country’s birthday
so much as we’re having fun with family and friends and enjoying everyone
feeling like it’s a weekend.
We arrived late (actually the first thing we did was sleep a
bit late…) about 11:20 AM. So we knew we’d
missed the first round of the parade.
Yes, Debs is such a small town, their parade goes around twice! And there are even a few who circle around to
town a third time!
Arriving late, we found a long line of parked cars – about 60
or 70 of them – along the east side of Debs Road NW (County 5). Since we were heading to an after party to
the west, I told Dan we might want to go up to the road leading west out of
town and park at the end of that line of cars so at least when we left, we were
walking TOWARD the party, instead of away having to back-track. Well, this was a great idea until we realized
the road coming into Debs from the west was the staging road for the parade and
blocked. Luck for us, someone only
needed to see one round of the parade and we got a prime 3td spot from the
corner!
This being our first time to catch the parade, having been
REALLY late two years before when we attended the 4th at Diane’s in
2017, we were mesmerized. There were old
cars, floats, and horses! You could hear
the fair judge announcer from this corner a block outside town proper and so I
listened and took in all the people. The
streets were lined with people, some staging their ATVs, golf carts, and side-by-sides
behind them toward the ditch – presumably for an easy out once the parade route
cleared.
I wandered behind them on the steep ditch making my way
toward town while Dan filmed at the corner as everyone made their way through
round two of the parade back through town.
In town, were some booths and vendors but this Debs deal was pretty much
about the parade. There was a big booth
on the corner for you to get your Debs Parade 40th Anniversary T-shirt
and you could see T-shirts from previous years throughout the crowd. This enthusiasm was tempered by the notion
that this might be the last Debs parade if younger folks don’t take up the task
and funding doesn’t materialize.
As I made my way back to the corner to meet up with Dan, I walked more on the street, directly between the slow moving floats and the committed crowd. This walk back was much easier and allowed me up-close look as I walked toward the flow of the final groups coming at my right. I was tickled by two beautiful Appaloosas coming my way, alongside a big mule, and looked up to find my neighbors astride the beauties! Devin on Sweetheart (Molly), Gareth on Strawberry, and Atticus on Joy from Appaloosa Rising Farm – the girls all decked out in red white and blue flowers as the guys threw candy to the crowd. As I approached the corner and found Dan, the parade was winding down and I noticed the rest of the family at the corner – Tam (on Popcorn) was only interested in one round of the parade and he, Jasper, and Amy were chatting with the 4-H crew who were there for an annual fund-raiser selling drinks to the crowd.
We wandered over to say hello and then wandered toward town together. The crowd was dispersing like sands from an hourglass flowing past us creating open road as we walked. From the end of the parade route, all the way into town, threading the flow of humanity breaking out from each side of the road, onward to their next adventures for the day, we looked for our friend Diane to no avail. We did get a few shots of the old Consolidated School turned B&B turned political message board.
The Consolidated School building Debs, MN
Debs is a microcosm of what is happening in America at present. As big corps and a nonsensical economy push out everyday folks from making a living and we see the wealth consolidating further and further up to the elites running the show while the rest of us struggle among the scraps being left behind, ekeing a living as best we can… or, more likely the longer it lasts, tumbling out of the economy entirely.
With serendipity, we ran into Shannon Murray – the very musician we were heading to see later in the afternoon! She’s a great folk/punk musician and storyteller that we really enjoy hearing. She writes wonderful songs in the IWW style and some intense personal stories that will leave you seeing the world differently. She’s a fine human being for many other reasons as well!
The 4th on Folk St. hosted by Rail River Folk School was a big hit. The weather could not have been better and the bugs were fine (until about halfway through Corey’s set when we made a run for it!). We had some sound check issues and the silver lining of that cloud was that we got to hear both acoustic gathered in a circle Shannon and then amplified rocker Shannon. Both are amazing in their own ways.
After Shannon was Caige Jambor with a funky sound and excellent lyrics. Loved his community focus and the way he just made you feel like you were already his best friend and that we’re all just hanging out in his back yard enjoying a summer day. Of course, without a pool. [Inside joke – gotta check out his stuff…]
We also heard from Tate McLane – a real surprise – great lyrics and a terrific and original sound. He has a cool ass way with a guitar – making interesting and unexpected sound. We got a CD. The Occasionals also gave a good show. Really rocked the crowd.
The big draw of the night for us was Charlie Parr. We’d seen the ad for his appearance and, knowing our friend Lutz was such a fan, we figured we had to check him out. Luckily for us, sitting next to Shannon and Alex, we were also sitting with Charlie! (OK, he was really at the far end of our semi-circle of humanity but I did go up and groupie him. I know, so ME!) So when I went over to chat him up, I mentioned that I wanted to send a photo to my friend Lutz from Germany who told me how great Charlie Parr is and Charlie piped right up, “I just saw Lutz a month ago in Berlin!” What a small world! So he was delighted to take a photo with me and then chat with me about the wonders of Berlin. What a terrific storyteller he is just talking about everyday life! So gracious to share his time with me and I could see him doing this all day long with the many people who approached him.
The whole crowd was really great – mellow, friendly, open to meeting the folks sitting nearby. It was a cozy, neighborhood show. And Charlie was an excellent surprise. I mean, I’m not sure what I expected to come out of this man but he was a delight! He played with amazing skill – hence, Lutz being such a fan, I’m sure. He was big fun, and he sang about death and everything!
Minnesota’s own… Charlie Parr!!!
Corey Medina and Brothers, a favorite band of Dan’s and mine here in Northern MN, was the headliner and the boys put on a great show. But I was terribly disappointed with the semi-Hendrix Star Spangled Banner. I was like What the Fuck is wrong with anyone expecting an Indigenous person to play that song? I was like, why is this being played? I felt it totally unnecessary. We’d had a great day of independent music with almost no mention of the 4th of July or, if it was mentioned even in passing, it included a reminder of the patriarchy, along with a patriarchy song (Thanks, Shannon (7 minutes into this video…) and Lucy Parsons). So when I heard the anthem, one I don’t like at sporting events either, I was just like… SMH.
Was it a requirement? Did the band feel it needed to be played to honor the day, regardless that the nation was founded on the genocide of the Indigenous? Is our culture so powerful to dictate we support this story of glory?
When it comes to the “USA” reason for this holiday, perhaps Merry Garden Farms said it best for me this year:
Merry Garden Farm FB Post July 4th
I posted with this comment:
This. Yes, let’s be mindful of the truth of our past. I struggled this 4th of July as I do most every year with celebrating “independence” that was a result of genocide and slavery. It was agonizing to listen to an Indigenous friend play the Star-Spangled Banner as part of the celebration I attended. While I perceived his honoring of “America’s independence day”, something I assume was driven by his exceptional forebearance (patient self-control; restraint and tolerance), I wondered when we might change our anthem to something more appropriate. I’ve always liked the first verse of “America the Beautiful” but even it speaks. in later verses, of “pilgrim feet… (beating)… across the wilderness”, “patriot dream”, and “alabaster cities”. I am in hopes that the coming climate crisis can make brothers of us all, though my hope waxes and wanes as we struggle for peace, prosperity, and now, survival.
MGF is right. So what have I done this 4th of July? I began finally taking on a mighty tome – The Indigenous People’s History by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. [Here’s a taste.] I’m just getting started, but heard bits and pieces when Dan read it a while back. Plus I have read Howard Zinn so have a bit more truthful view of the history of this country – the history where we don’t white wash the genocide, slavery, and continued oppression. I have plans to review that book so hope to share some of what I learn with you all then.
Over this holiday I received a link to a Twitter post I thought put it pretty clearly:
Nick Este’s Twitter feed
I believe Nick Estes put truth to our current crimes against humanity in the US.
Here’s to one day finding peace in our diverse community.
Some of you may have attended the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board Rule Change Hearings. Or maybe you wrote in public comments. Today’s blog is about that process and my experience of it at the May 31st Hearing and since that time. {Note: I had planned to attend the June 26th Hearing but had a previous engagement.]
I will say I was very impressed with the way MEQB staff handled the hearings with clear signage, welcoming and helpful staff, accommodating facilities, and inclusion of the remote locations for testimony. The rep at Detroit Lakes was Kristin Mroz-Risse and she was working diligently to get the presentation prepared as I arrived. She was glad to send me a link after the event to the May 1st audio of the MQEB Meeting. Very interesting I hear and challenging to the MEQB, much as this public hearing was – calling on them to meet their true responsibilities.
The PUC could take a few notes from the MEQB on how to involve the public, though they too underestimated the public interest. At least they were happy to make additional copies and had overflow space to accommodate the crowd in St. Paul. We’ll see how things come out in the end… but I’m a bit concerned with the recent interactions I’ve had with the MEQB. Kristin once again was able to send along my message (there is no reply possible to their weekly newsletter email… what does this say about wanting public involvement, I wonder.]
You may note in today’s MEQB Monitor – the weekly notice put out by the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board – that they have FINALLY updated the comment period information. [I had several rounds of back and forth with Erik Dahl last week to see if they might want to do that after the June 24th Monitor showed only a comment period ending June 21st… no mention of the two additional comment periods on today’s release, which were open then.
I should note that, there was some cause for celebration even before the hearings happened. One of this big results of all our Public Comments was that the MEQB Rule Changes regarding Pipelines were removed from consideration. Go Team!
YAHOO!! Public Comment submissions made this happen.
The rest of this blog is my notes from the MEQB Hearing I attending in Detroit Lakes. I was happy to hear many of my friends testifying and happy to hear the testimony of others also concerned with this topic. If you’ve never attended a hearing like this, the first part will give a walkthrough of how it goes and what expectations they have for folks who want to testify. It’s really easy – no big deal – but they have some requirements. [Dan and I have both testified in the past at hearings.] I don’t expect many to read it but in case you’re a junkie for details and info, or really have a high interest in the MEQB Rule Changes, (or just love to read what I write!) here it is:
ALJ Began by giving the Docket # and stating that any
communication have a subject line of Docket #80-9008-35532. Also mentioned this is R-4157.
Q: It says COMMENTS CANNOT BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL.
ALJ: Written or website.
[later she noted fax is also a possibility]
MEQB Staff: Emails to Denise/Erik also will be
included. ALJ: These comments will be
filed to the e-comments in the website so people know what others are saying.
Q: Deadline? ALJ: I
will get to that. I have lots to present
here so that will be clear soon.
Per Ch 14 of MN Statutes require that the ALJ assure:
members of the public must be heard, procedural fairness, courtesy, all parties
be heard so as many voices as possible are included. No “Filming” to assure no one feels
uncomfortable about being filmed during testimony.
Q: Copies are not available… ALJ: “More of you than were expected.” More copies made by MEQB…
Logistics of the Day.
ALJ will call your name to speak, and will alternate between St. Paul
and remote locations. 5 minutes per testimony, if time allows, will open more
offers to speak. Speaker may ask questions of the MEQB panel or the ALJ and
these questions will be answered, tough perhaps not verbally today but in
writing during the comment period. Note
which rules you are supporting or opposing to help make the record clear. Speak clearly, slowly, and loud enough to be
heard, ne at a time. Spell your name and any technical words that you use the
first time you use them. Clarify any
acronyms also the first time used.
1415 Sub 1 open up to 20 days after the hearing; since this
is first of 2 hearings, comments will be open until 7/16 at 4:30 PM. Rebuttals will be 7/17 through 7/23 at 4:30;
only open to comments in the record.
Willis Mattison Q: EQB Staff assertion under MN Prec Act says it is exempt from finding of proposed rules demonstrating superior achievement of MEPA Rules as they are “not a regulatory agency” which is an incorrect interpretation. ALJ: This sounds like a comment… W: Staff told me that we must limit comments to the Rule Changes and cannot go into “oversight” or for public to address changes that should have been made but were not. ALJ: Make your point with more detail in writing during the comments.
Nancy Beaulieu Q: Can there be a provision made for people that drove over 120 miles and Tribal Naations to speak first? ALJ: I have noted that I will accommodate time restraints for those who would like to speak earlier.
Agency First – Assistant AG Nora Ibrahim representing the MEQB for Staff introductions. [I wondered on the location of the Attorney General’s representative for THE PEOPLE of MN…]
Denise Wilson and Erik Dahl introduced. Asst AG noted 3
parts of the exhibits:
1) Record of required documents
with requests for comments, rules, need, + 159 comments from the public
11/13/18 – 2/4/19.
2) Exhibit L and rational for
changes (SONAR)
3) Place holder for additional
exhibits
Denise and Erik presented the rule changes from a very high level (and walked through the slides VERY quickly – I missed a LOT here…).
4410.4300+4400 – need Env Review? *Citizen petition can
require environmental review
4410.1700 EAW – assigned to RGU a review – notice to public
for a 30-day period, then any other info is submitted. If “no effect” – go ahead with project. If “env impacts” – more robust
evaluation.
4410.4400 EIS – required if thresholds are exceeded –
compared to reasonable alternatives and public input throughout.[Copies arrived
for the overflow of citizens that appeared.]
RD4157 Changes – three types of changes: 1) Improve Clarity
(grammar, wording) 2) Align with Statutory/Regluatory Requirements 3) New
technical information changes [How about implementing the tech we know about
Climate Change???]
*4410.0500 Sub 6 Exception to not miss the 5-day time limit.
Mandatory EAW for pipelines!!
4410.4300 Pipelines – removed for consideration 🙂
Mineral Mining – changes as shown…
Public Comments: [From here to the end are the public comments of that day.]
1) Didn’t catch name… “The room is too small. Based on comments received, this should have
been held downstairs.”
2) Rita Chamblin in Brainerd (Guisseppe Tummincello is MEQB
rep there) On 4410.0500 Sub 6 I oppose
the language changing who can change the
RGU, acting independently of the MEQB as a whole. The Chair is appointed by the Governor. If a time limit is the issue as it doesn’t
coincide with the MEQB meetings, then
change it to 30 days instead. Second
issue is 4410.4300 Sub 4 on Mand EAW – ANY expansion of petroleum refinery
should require an EIS. Should include
major rebuilds like the Superior Refinery, especially if the use of HF is
present. And third, 4410.4300 Sub 10 b,c,d,e – Keep designation for a 1M Gallon
capacity… Capacity to change, their proposed is <1M gallons.
3) Sherry Couture –
77 pages of state rules, water quality standards. Fond du Lac water quality standards cannot be
passed, these reports go directly to Congress. Why is this not included? 1854 Treaty: A Sovereign Nation is above the
rules/regulations of one nation, (let alone a state). 1854 Treaty for
Governance or 1826 Treaty which specifies mining minerals. “Where are these referenced? As a MN citizen
of a Sovereign Nation I would expect these to be included as they are the
Supreme Law of the Land. Some of these
treaties were in place before Minnesota was a State” (5/11/58). Asked MEQB: You
say you support the reservations but the water quality cannot be passed.
Denise: Would like to spend more time talking with you to understand your
concerns, this is not in the current rule-making. Will need time to consider these
comments. SC: You also cannot pass air
quality requirements. D: Not in 4410…
would like to continue the conversation.
4) Deb Topping – Nagachiwinon Fond du Lac Husky explosion – HF stored there within 25
miles of 10% of the world’s freshwater in Lake Superior. HUGE Env.
concern. Needs to be 100 miles
away. Where are the Rights of Nature –
Toxic Tour done at Superior – can’t drink the water. Treaty of 1854 was signed
on that river. Can’t drink the water,
can’t eat the fish. Is this what my ancestors wanted for the next seven
generations? Not to be able to drink the
water? Not to be able to eat the fish?
This is not what I want for my descendants. We’re told the water is ok. If it’s good for us, then let’s go drink
it! Frogs have to drink it. Fish have to drink it. Migratory birds have to drink it. Who eats them? We have spent 10 years defending the water,
the wild rice. “It’s time to get your
shit together. We don’t have time.”
5) Nancy Beaulieu – Leech Lake Tribe. “Just like my ancestors, a lot of this legal
stuff is hard to understand. Our words
fall on deaf ears all the time.” I’m
hear to be heard again. “Just came in
from the hearing on not being heard by the MN PUC. Busy day.
You don’t have the authority to make decisions on our land. State gov’t can’t decide without people of
the tribes agreeing. Failure to consult
is not consent. Enbridge got agreement
from 5 elected officials at FdL, not the people. Left the Treaty book and the UN
book – “not legally binding but it’s a good way to treat your neighbors” as
exhibits.
*ALJ: Dogs are barking outside, there is a need to check on
them.
6) Jo Haberman – Duluth. 4410.4300 Sub 37 – a) Mand Review 150%
increase in the threshold limit violate (2004 SONAR which referenced the 1982
SONAR – Fxn increased length). Victim of
the Husky Refinery Explosion . Mandatory
EAW/EIS MUST BE done for Husky. 1000s in
Superior/Duluth harmed if HF explodes.
7) Levi Gregg & Conor Lange –
10 min limit. 4410.4300 Sub 27 b Wetland
change is good, however, use of the word “impact” is not. Words clear to Corporations and Government
but NOT to citizens. Recommend a Summary
of EI changes as well. Economic and
Regulatory statements are included [but not environmental?] Easily accessible guides for rules and
explanations for how the rules will affect the environment. Definitions should
be clearly linked as should all references to other rules. [Basically these
kids were explaining to these adults in charge how to use technology to make
their documents more accessible to laypeople.]
8) Jesse Peterson – Duluth but at
St. Paul. Consult people on reservations – document not complete without a Land
Acknowledgement [and Agreement?].
Clarify how Treaty Laws and Usfructory Rights are interpreted. How are these rules affecting rights to hunt,
fish, and gather? Supreme Law of the Land.
Treaties are older than Minnesota.
Tribes don’t have to work with Minnesota. 1988- doc – can’t supercede Treaty language.
MEQB. Enbridge allowed to lobby the PUC
w/ millions of dollars. In the 20th century – we should get a packet
in the mail [not sure where he was going here].
More citizen oversight, not streamlining. MEQB seems to be accommodating
the people applying over the people of Minnesota. Rigid review is needed for
refineries (speaking for his community) with respect to Climate Change HF Gas –
No evacuation standards – various gov’t groups have different standards
confusing the public – Need more oversight – EAW for altering plants.
9) Dan Wilm – Brainerd – Retired
DNR Forester 34 years. 1710 Sub 3 Rec
Trails. Friday afternoon is a bad time to engage the public as summer comes on…
“It shows public concern that nonetheless, many are in attendance.” Trail
definition is not correct. MNN used to
be a leader. Not a leader anymore.
Should be able to say NO. Stop treating the environment like a cat’s litter
box.
10) George Crocker – good to know
about the withdrawal of the mining changes.
Documented beyond doubt that there is significant uranium mineral in MN.
Adequate protections are needed. Extraction of metallic minerals will INCLUDE
this material as the mineral is laced with uranium in some deposits. Need rules for proper monitoring and removal
of these materials.
11) Carol Andrews – Duluth – County
Engineers (Lon already gone…) Registered PE, St. Louis County Public Works – MN
County Engineers 4410.4300 Sub 27 b. Mand EAW for Wetland. Existing rules
confusing on thresholds for an EAW… “impacts of 40 of more % on 5 or more acres
for…..”
BREAK
12) Allen Muller – Not present
13) Dan Sauve – Clearwater County Engineer – agreed with
Carol Andrews earlier comments and had some bit to say about wetlands rules.
14) Susan Schubert – Spoke on Trails. 4410.4300 Sub 37
15) John Munter – Many good points explaining that
performance based rules apply to the MEQB, noting how the line was pushed north
instead of going though white communities, asking about the importance of MEPA:
Economy and Efficiency should not be the guiding principles.
16) Kathy Hollander – linked this work to a 2015 special
session appropriation; $500K to streamline environmental review and asked how a
4 year old appropriation still applies in 2019. She spoke on various subjects
during her allotted time, including the IPCC report on the urgency of climate
change, the fact that we are now at 415 ppm CO2 even knowing 350 ppm
is a safe level for humanity, requirements for refinery rebuilds, dangers of HF
(hydrogen fluoride), and Environmental Impact Statement requirements. “If the
public knew a hazardous waste of less than one million gallons doesn’t require
an EIS, they would be astounded.”
17) Robert from Sudan, MN worked in the mines and
brought his perspective. He reported
that the numbers on mining do not add up – only 1% of the total GDP for MN and
that does not include the costs of externalities (mentioning many of the health
effects associated with mining). It’s
time to look for diversification in Northern Minnesota.
18) Andy Pearson, representing MN350 and its 20,000 climate
concerned citizens. He addressed many
aspects of the MEQB’s work with a primary focus on how the effects of climate
change are not being given due consideration.
He supported Kathy Hollander’s comments on 4410.0500 Sub.4. He asked for mandatory EIS due to the ripple
effect oil infrastructure brings, including that on climate change. “Science now demands we take a closer look
than we did previously.” He appreciated the
overflow space provided but noted he would have liked a larger space for this
hearing saying, “the crowds will be getting larger”.
19) Sierra Erickson – [Ah, her testimony allows me to understand the dog situation. Apparently someone decided the dogs in her RV were somehow at risk and notified authorities. (Found out later that, after multiple checks, including one that found the interior of the RV cooler than the outside space… it was ascertained that the fully-watered dogs were in no distress. Well, DUH!) Anyway – onto her important testimony…] Sierra noted it is critical to give space for the public voice to concerns about environment and infrastructure projects. She noted water as a basic human right and discussed the Rights of Nature. As water is needed for survival, it should be at the top concern for laws. As animals cannot speak,we need to speak for them. Fossil fuels and mining jeopardize our clean water. Laws for the Rights of Nature are needed for our survival. The climate crisis is now.
20) Willis Mattison – As a professional ecologist, he covered a range of concerns. As I recall it, he was asking the MEQB to fulfill their specific goals, responsibilities and duties and indicated that citizens are pointing out failures to achieve these objectives. He noted that climate change is advancing and an existential threat. [BTW, I still don’t think people get that this means all humans will be eradicated from the planet.] He challenged that there is nothing commensurate in the rule change with respect to climate crisis. Noting the crash in species around the globe and in Minnesota, he asked if there was anything in the rules commensurate with this threat. The IPCC has given 10 years on climate change but we have even less on species extinction.
21) Brian PaStarr – This last share included a note that these
agencies need to be champions of the environment, the IPCC urgency, PHMSA, the
lack of relationship between the people and the MEQB – people don’t know the
Board members, and noting as many had that the 5-day decision makes no sense
and it should correspond to the 30 day schedule of the Board meeting. He also gave appreciation to Kathy
Hollander.
Retired at 45 