Keeping it Real show: Michigan farmers fights back and runs for office and a loook at NC flooding.
Sunday October 6, 2024
On this edition of my Keeping it Real Show we are talking to a farmer in West Michigan who claims a Michigan Township is targeting his farm and his freedom of speech. We also took a look at the situation in North Carolina and ongoing Facebook censorship.
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Watch the entire show here:
Michigan farmers takes on local township:
COMSTOCK TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A Michigan farm owner embroiled in a legal dispute with Comstock Township over business licensing has filed a federal lawsuit and is now running for township supervisor in an effort to bring change to local government.
Ben Martin, who operates a farm, farm market, and hard cider business on the state’s west side, says local officials have condemned his property, preventing him from opening his indoor tasting room. Despite receiving state approval for his operations, Martin claims the township has issued violations for not having alcohol, food, or music licenses, complicating his ability to run the business. He also alleges that township officials have moved regulatory "goalposts," making it financially impossible to comply, including requiring an expensive fire suppression system.
“It’s been constant goalpost moving and confusion,” Martin said. “We’ve done everything asked of us, but they’re making it impossible to operate.”
Martin's attorney, Stephen Kustra, has filed a federal lawsuit with 12 counts, including First Amendment retaliation, regulatory takings, and violations of due process. While the case was dismissed by a federal judge, Kustra plans to file a motion for reconsideration, arguing the court missed key aspects of the case. The legal team also has the option to pursue state law claims in a separate lawsuit.
In addition to the lawsuit, Martin has announced his candidacy for township supervisor, citing frustration with local governance. “I’ve heard from other people who have faced similar issues. We need change, and I’m stepping up to make that happen,” Martin said.
The legal battle has raised questions about government overreach and the role of local officials in regulating small businesses. Comstock Township officials have yet to respond to the allegations.
Martin's case also highlights concerns about freedom of speech. He alleges that township officials confronted him over negative comments he made on Facebook, leading to further complications in his dealings with the township.
Despite the ongoing legal challenges, Martin remains hopeful that both the court and the election will lead to a resolution. “You’ve got to fight for what you believe in,” he said.
Hillary Clinton doesn’t believe in your free speech:
Take a look at what Hillary Clinton said earlier Sunday. Clinton says social media needs more censorship.
I believe this is absolutely ridiculous. Who decided what misinformation and should it be the government? Over the last few weeks Facebook has been taking down posts of a lot of people for reasons that make no sense.
One example of Facebook taking down something for no reason was the following post.
One of my friends was trying to raise awareness of the victims of the North Carolina flood when Facebook took down a post accusing her of trying to access personal information from people.
I thank each and every one of you for joining me here on Substack. You made the decision to take control of your information. It means the world to me. I will continue to bring you news you are not seeing in the legacy media.
North Carolina continues to suffer:
I talked to Jordan Gray who used to live near Asheville, North Carolina and has been in communication with his mother and others who live in the area:
I hope the farmer wins and can open his business.
Hillary Clinton, needs to crawl back under her rock. She's so out of touch she should not speak.
A lady in Swannanoa said that a small town near her, was wiped out by a landslide and there are at this point no survivors. Road repairs will take years. Skylink has been made available to all in WNC so they can communicate with others. They are still airlifting in supplies to Swannanoa and Black Mountain. Asheville was obliterated. They are asking if you had plans to vacation there that you cancel them.
A trucker said they live for disasters, but there are currently no loads headed for WNC. They can't get any closer than 125 miles from Asheville in any direction. There are no roads. People who survived are pulling together to get water and food to people in their area. But, truly no one is coming to help. FEMA has not shown up. Red Cross is not there, Salvation Army is not there. Samaritans Purse put people in orange t-shirts and sent them in car loads to East TN. Some are only there to be a shoulder to lean on. Others are there until every house has been rebuilt. I understand the smell of bodies is horrible. It's not just human bodies. Horses, livestock, dogs, wild animals are also part of this disaster. One coroner had to stop updating the dead until he can get help.
There are over 1000 people still missing. Check out the reels on FB. These are real people asking for help. If I could bring one family to my home until theirs could be rebuilt I would. One of my friends down in that area now has power. Others are being told, no power until the roads are all rebuilt. Good Lord at the rate we build and repair roads in this country it could take 10 years to get roads all rebuilt.
They are the ones that feel like they should be the only ones to talk, have food and $$$$, Freedom, or anything else! The DemonRats want to be Our “gods” and rule everything and US/USA/The World! If you want that Vote for DemonRats and that is what We will get!!!!!!! Socialism/Communism/Satanism and anything in that category. Believe me it would Not talk long for all that to manifest its self if they were to be in Charge!!!! Look around you-do you like living like you are? If do, you will get that and Worse with them! From a Deplorable Concern LEGAL Citizen……