[The music video of the rally to support Vernon Hershberger is really upbeat, and I loved the song, “Raise Your Glass.”  It’s fun and can be downloaded.  Please watch and then forward the video to everyone you know who loves raw milk and/or believes in food freedom.]

With brave but calm resolve “not to join in their game,” Vernon Hershberger faced the Wisconsin judge last Friday, March 2, after a delay to determine if the hearing could be videotaped by Hershberger’s son Andrew.  Finally taping the proceedings was approved, but only if filmed by David Gumpert, author and blogger, who was seated in the media section, although the judge did agree to allow Andrew to stand beside Gumpert to show how to operate the camera.  According to Gumpert, “When faced with a defendant who was prepared to stand up for his right to have the hearing be a matter of public record, the judge became personally involved in negotiating an arrangement that allowed Hershberger to have his camera in the courtroom.”

The judge did not revoke Hershberger’s bond because the state had not properly filed a motion for the court but had sent a letter complaining that Hershberger was not complying with the terms of the bond.  The judge said, “The court isn’t going to respond to letters. The court takes action on properly served and filed motions . . .”

Although Vernon Hershberger was not arrested or penalized last Friday, David Gumpert reminds us that “Because there was a big crowd watching, the judge gave way to do what he knew he was obligated to do, and spoke soothingly to Hershberger in the courtroom.  But that will only continue happening so long as the big crowds keep showing up, and keep watch.”  There were about 300 people attending a rally outside the Saulk County Courthouse to support Hershberger.

David Gumpert describes Hershberger’s court appearance: “I don’t think it’s far-fetched, when you look back on this in 20 or 30 years, that this will turn out to have been a pivotal event because he’s the first person to really challenge this on a human rights basis.  He’s the first person to be willing to put his body on the line and say, ‘OK, throw me in jail.'”  Joe Orso, writing for the LaCross Tribune, says, “But whatever your personal beliefs about raw milk, it’s important to remember this:  The debate is primarily about the right to choose your food. . .”  Orso concludes his report by saying, “How we tell Hershberger’s story in the future will depend not only on his actions and not only on the convictions of his staunchest supporters. Rather, it will depend on whether those from the broader community who hear his story believe his rights have been violated and whether they then feel empowered enough also to stand with him and, if necessary, resist with him.”

We all need to continue to support Vernon Hershberger and all the others who are willing to take a stand to defend our right to choose to eat the foods we believe are healthy and good for us.

Sources:

David Gumpert, In the game within the game, Vernon Hershberger is rapidly emerging as the master
Joe Orso, Raw Milk’s Rosa Parks
Farmer Accused of Selling Raw Milk Stays Free

For more detailed information about the hearing and food rights rally read Declaration of Food Independence on Hartke Is Oonline.