A visit from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to my humble home (just now) ....

[Fly by night]

Preface: I have been working for the past four years to do away with non-verifiable voting machines in Tennessee and to move to paper ballots (counted by optical scan machines, with mandatory random manual audits to verify the accuracy of the opscans). It has been a tough fight, but last Thursday, with strong support by Senate Democrats and a lone honorable Republican, we have beaten back (for now) an effort by our Rethugligan Secretary of State to delay implementing the TN Voter Confidence Act and to gut its audit procedures. Here's a link to the tribute I wrote for Senator Tim Burchett, the lone Republican who voted last Thursday to save our democracy:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

The fight is not over, as my visit by two TBI agents this afternoon illustrates. So read how my afternoon has gone (so far). I just sent out this email to the Governor, six state Senators, six state Representatives, everyone I know in the Tennessee media and about 100 election integrity activists around the state and nation.
-----

To all:

Well, things are getting interesting. I was just visited by two officers of the TBI, investigating a complaint they had received from the Secretary of State's office (complainant unnamed), saying that I had recently sent an email directly to the Tennessee Secretary of State's office, threatening violence against that office by invoking the memory of the Battle of Athens (TN). They were here to investigate my "terrorist threat against a government official".

Well, I've never sent any emails to this SoS's office on any subject, now or at any other time. However, I told the TBI agents that I have several times invoked the Battle of Athens (TN) in my writings as the only alternative available to the citizenry if the sanctity of the ballot box cannot be assured. (If you don't know about the Battle of Athens, read this link:

http://www.americanheritage.com/articles/magazine/ah/19...

The agents said they had to Google it before they came out, and that it was a pretty impressive story.)

We had a good conversation on my front porch and I explained the nature of the people who might have made this complaint against me. I also mentioned that one of them had issued a not-so-veiled threat against one of our other election integrity activists two weeks ago at Legislative Plaza. Before they left, I printed out my last letter to the state Senators that I sent the day they voted to protect the Voter Confidence Act, as well as a copy of my recent effusive tribute of Senator Tim Burchett. (See the DU thread above.)

I also asked the two TBI agents to deliver a message from me to whoever had caused them to have to drive to my farm today. Before they left, the lead agent repeated my message verbatim to make sure he had it right:

"Mr. Ellis would like whoever issued the complaint against him to grow a pair of balls, 'man up' (the agent's words) and call him at any time to discuss any concerns they may have with him or with anything Mr. Ellis has ever said."

The agent looked to me like he is going to be happy to deliver that message personally.

BTW, the lead agent said he called my sheriff and several others before coming out and was told that I was a reasonable man who could sit down and talk to anyone at any time about anything. Wouldn't it be nice if we had government officials in our Secretary of State's office who could do the same thing? Maybe one day, when we start counting ballots the way they're cast.

So, how is your day going today? Not as interesting as mine, I hope.

If we never stop fighting, we will not lose.
We are the ones we've been waiting for.

FBN

[hobbit709]

1. I'd pay money to see that clown's face when the message gets delivered.

[snappyturtle]

2. Wonderful message....sounds like you got this handled! K&R nt

[Suich]

3. Hang in there, Bernie!!!

[Fly by night]

11. Thanks kindly. May we live in interesting times....

[barbtries]

4. great story

it sounds as if the TBI people were reasonable and understanding. keep us posted please!

[Fly by night]

6. They were both very nice guys. I think they got the picture pretty quickly.

I am pretty sure that our State Election Coordinator, Mark Goins, was the one who issued the complaint. I recently said of Mr. Goins:

"If Mark Goins weren't so full of shit, he'd be an empty suit."

[barbtries]

8. lol

hard to see how that qualifies as a terrorist threat!

he should be put through the wringer for using tax dollars on a personal witch hunt (assuming it is him). there should be consequences for that just as there are consequences for calling 911 when there is no emergency.

[create.peace]

9. t&b- touche and bravo! nt

[TexasProgresive]

35. We say in Texas-

If they gave him an enema - he'd fit in a match box.

BTW is that Mark Goon?

[bleever]

5. Nicely done, sir.

[bertman]

7. "Man up." Indeed.

Recommend highly

[create.peace]

10. this just in....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

[Fly by night]

12. This "afternoon delight" story is already posted all over the internets and ...

... at least two Tennessee newspapers want to publish something about it (and it's only been four hours so far since the surprise visit.)

This anonymous complaint to the TBI will turn out to be the practical political definition of "numb-nuts".

[duhneece]

25. Glad your story is getting coverage

I fought for NM to have voter-verified, auditable voting machines and was thrilled when NM legislature passed that law. You really are fighting for our voice (your vote is your voice) and I appreciate it. When it comes to national elections, I want all 50 states to get rid of the 'black box' voting machines and get machines that provide an auditable trail so that we don't get another 'Bush-type' win.

[Fly by night]

26. Thanks kindly, Duhneese. How's my second favorite state these days?

I miss the old days when I was commuting between Santa Fe, TN (where my farm is) and Santa Fe, NM (where a big part of my heart remains.)

[duhneece]

41. NM remains a place of enchantment

But then you know that! I remain hopeful that the future finds you in New Mexico and that our paths cross.

[HCE SuiGeneris]

13. Well done.

Proud to know you through the DU grapevine.

[Canuckistanian]

14. Geez, Bernie, you live in interesting times

But you're making a difference. And that's what counts.

You're my new hero.

Keep swingin' that hammer!

[Celtic Merlin]

15. Bravo, Mr. Ellis!!!

Could I convince you to outline the campaign for better vote counting, how it was accomplished, and some pointers on getting the same thing done here in PA?

We have NO paper trail whatsoever here.

Celtic Merlin
Carlinist

[Fly by night]

24. You need to get in touch with DU's DemoDonkey -- she knows what's up in PA.

Send her a PM -- I am sure she'd be happy to communicate with you.

[demodonkey]

61. Check your PMs Celtic. We have a real active group up here in PA.

Please join us!

[EFerrari]

16. Very well done, FBN.

[Hekate]

17. I want my country back. Thank you for working on it.

Best wishes with all that, FBN

Hekate

[Fly by night]

18. So do I. If we never stop fighting, ...

... we will not lose.

Thank the brave WW II veterans in Athens, TN for proving that.

BTW, I heard from a good friend in Alaska this morning who had lived in Athens, TN in the late 70s. One of her good friends there, who is now serving as Mayor, is the son of one of the veterans who took their county back in the Battle of Athens. Makes me want to hear one of my favorite songs, "Takin' My Country Back", by the Honky Tonkers for Truth. Instead, I'll just post the lyrics here. (This song was popular in the not-so-red South in 2004):

TAKIN' MY COUNTRY BACK

COUNTRY MUSIC'S GOT MAMAS AND DADDYS
WE GOT BAR ROOMS AND OLD HEARTBREAK SONGS
BUT I'M HERE TODAY TO STAND UP AND SAY
HOW I FEEL ABOUT MY HOME SWEET HOME
WHAT'S LEFT, WHAT'S RIGHT AND WHAT'S WRONG... AND

I’M TAKIN’ MY COUNTRY BACK
SON, YOU AIN'T BEEN DOIN’ HER RIGHT
OH I BEEN WATCHIN’ YOU AND I DON’T LIKE
HOW YOU'VE BEEN TREATIN’ MY STARS AND STRIPES
YOU TOOK OUR JOBS AND SENT ‘EM OVERSEAS
NOW WE OWE BILLIONS TO THE RED CHINESE
YOU BLEW THE BUDGET AND YOU BOTCHED IRAQ
SO I’M TAKIN’ MY COUNTRY BACK

WE HAD A BUNDLE IN THE TREASURY DRAWER
MORE THAN THERE HAD EVER BEEN BEFORE
BUT EVERY DAY WE'RE DROWNIN' DEEPER IN DEBT
MAYBE FOUR YEARS SHOULD BE ALL YOU GET
THEN YOU GAVE TAX BREAKS TO THE MILLIONAIRES
AND TRIED TO MAKE THE WORKIN’ MAN PAY
BUT YOU CAN’T TAX A MAN WHEN HIS JOBS NOT THERE
NOW LOOK AT WHERE WE ARE TODAY…HEY

I’M TAKIN’ MY COUNTRY BACK
SON, YOU AIN'T BEEN DOIN’ HER RIGHT
OH I BEEN WATCHIN’ YOU AND I DON’T LIKE
HOW YOU'VE BEEN TREATIN’ MY STARS AND STRIPES
YOU GOT TOO MANY FANCY FRIENDS FOR ME
THE SAUDIS TREAT YOU LIKE YOU'RE ROYALTY
YOU BLEW THE BUDGET AND YOU BOTCHED IRAQ
NOW I’M TAKIN’ MY COUNTRY BACK

NOW I CAN UNDERSTAND WHY YOU WERE HOT
'CAUSE BIN LADEN NEVER DID GET CAUGHT
SO YOU SAID WE HAD SADDAM TO BLAME
TRIED TO TELL US IT WAS ALL THE SAME
BUT NOW THE YEARS ROLL BY AND OUR KIDS KEEP DYIN'
YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE A PLAN TO BRING 'EM HOME
AND THOSE W.M.D. YOU PROMISED ON T.V.
HEY ADMIT IT, YOU FIGURED IT WRONG... SO I'M TAKIN' MY COUNTRY BACK

NOW YOU DON’T KNOW MY NAME, BUT YOU KNOW WHO I AM
I'M YOUR EVERYDAY WORK HARD, PLAY HARD
RAISE KIDS AND PRAY HARD COMMON MAN....
AND LORD KNOWS I LOVE THIS LAND...THAT'S WHY

I’M TAKIN’ MY COUNTRY BACK
SON, YOU AIN'T BEEN DOIN’ HER RIGHT
OH I BEEN WATCHIN’ YOU AND I DON’T LIKE
HOW YOU'VE BEEN TREATIN’ MY STARS AND STRIPES
YOU SAY "UNITE" BUT YOU DIVIDE US MORE
CUSSIN' EACH OTHER ON THE SENATE FLOOR
AIN'T WE SUPPOSED TO BE ABOVE ALL THAT?
HEY I’M TAKIN’ MY COUNTRY BACK
I GOT MY FAMILY AND MY CHURCH AND FLAG...
NOW I'M TAKIN' MY COUNTRY BACK

Brought to you by
Honky Tonkers for Truth

You can download it here: http://www.musicrowdemocrats.com /

[Hekate]

53. Love it!

[Fly by night]

19. Update: the Knoxville paper has asked me to submit a shorter version ...

... of my tribute to Senator Burchett for them to run as a guest editorial. Here's hoping they do so. We need both to shame formerly moderate Republicans who have forgotten what real patriotism looks and acts like and we need to highlight positive role models who do the right thing despite considerable pressure to keep voters "in their place."

After the TBI visit yesterday, I am even more thankful that we have Senator Burchett in this state.

[mrs_p]

20. you are an inspiration. nt

[dccrossman]

21. Thank you for being a hero

I don't use that term, 'hero', lightly. What you are doing, your commitment to it, and your willingness to go the extra mile and put in the extra effort, truly for the benefit of all...

Thank you.

[Dystopian]

22. KandR.

Thank you!



peace~

[earcandle]

23. Wow. What a brave man you are. Thank you for your commitment to America.

[man4allcats]

27. I tip my hat to you, sir.

K&R

[Dogtown]

28. You can determine exactly who

filed the complaint.
Jurisdictions differ, but all have some procedure in place. I suggest you contact 1 of the TBI agents to determine their "complaint number", then go into the local office and request a copy of the complaint.

You may be able to counter charge them with filing a false report.

[grantcart]

29. I have admired you from afar Bernie, wish you were my next door neighbor

Did you give the agents any brownies?

[Fly by night]

36. Sadly, no. But we did discuss my plans to re-establish Tennessee's medical marijuana program.

I'll be discussing that with higher-ups in the TBI very soon.

It was nice to welcome law enforcement folks to my farm in a single car, instead of in two helicopters and atop ten 4-wheelers.

Most folks here know that other story, but if you don't, visit www.saveberniesfarm.com

[gauguin57]

30. Kudos to you for continuing the fight.

What a ridiculous waste of taxpayer dollars ... sending those TBI guys to your house.

[live love laugh]

31. People like you are the only ones who should be allowed to wave flags. Thank you for your fight. nt

[ellacott]

33. Agreed

Thanks from me also.

[DFW]

32. A good friend of mine is a D member of the Tennessee State Senate

I hope you sent this to him, too. His name is Roy Herron.

[Fly by night]

38. Senator Herron led the fight to preserve the Voter Confidence Act -- he was superb.

Everyone here ought to visit these YouTube links (thanks to Mary Mancini of liberadio.com!!) to see Senator Herron et al in action. In order of appearance:

Sen. Roy Herron stands up for secure & verifiable elections in Tennessee:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WzeVY-LTEM

Sen. Jim Kyle stands up for secure & verifiable elections in Tennessee:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-6k-ZYuN2g

Sen. Andy Berke stands up for secure & verifiable elections in Tennessee:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrbAFcEw8MI

Sen. Roy Herron proves that we have the money for secure and verifiable elections (and smacks down Senator Bo Watson in the process)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjgnDhlHlwY

Sen. Roy Herron addresses the costs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gm4khHcFmQ

Sen. Roy Herron's final push for paper ballots:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pp91AUGOek4
------

Right now, Senator Herron has my support and my vote for our next Governor.

And yes, I did send him a copy of my TBI email. If you're in touch with him, ask him to check his Senatorial inbox -- it should be there (if "Agent Mike" didn't intervene).

[DFW]

56. I will do that!

I'm not from Tennessee, of course, but I've known "Brother Roy" for many years now, and he
is a shining example of a Southern politician with a head with brains, and a heart of gold.

If he is elected Governor, Tennessee can be sure he will not have mysterious five day
disappearances to Argentina, or anywhere else--except for the five days around New Year's
when I will have the pleasure of seeing him, and even that is in South Carolina with his
family--not very mysterious at all.

[DemReadingDU]

34. good story FBN

Thanks for continuing the fight

[Vidar]

37. Bless you for your efforts.

[Fly by night]

39. Hot off the presses!!! Knoxville News Sentinel (on-line within the past 30 minutes)

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/jun/24/tbi-finds-no-t... -/


TBI finds no threat against secretary of state after complaint

By Tom Humphrey (Contact)

NASHVILLE - Bernie Ellis, Tennessee organizer of Gathering to Save Our Democracy, says two TBI agents came to his Maury County home Tuesday to investigate him for a "terrorist threat against a government official."

TBI spokeswoman Kristin Helm today confirmed that the agents had visited Ellis in response to concerns expressed by Secretary of State Tre Hargett.

After talking with Ellis, Helm said, "we found that the target who felt threatened shouldn't have felt threatened by the comments that were made." As far as the TBI is concerned, she said, the case is closed.



(BTW, Tom Humphrey posted my email about the TBI visit in its entirety on his blog. Here's the link: (Hot damn!)

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/jun/24/bernie-ellis-e... /

[Melissa G]

40. You absolutely Rock, Bernie!!

I have the pic of your farm you sent me in my office to remind me of what real dedication looks like. You are always up to something brilliant!
You are such an inspiration! Thanks for all you do fighting the good fight.

[Fly by night]

42. Here's what I just posted on the Knoxville News Sentinel's web-site with the story.

Thanks so much for posting this story and (on your blog) my letter to Governor Bredesen and a dozen legislators that I sent after the TBI's visit to my farm yesterday -- much appreciated. Talk about a waste of taxpayers' money.

Just one request, Tom: The title of your piece suggests that I did send Hargett an email, which I have never done at any time on any subject. Is there any way for you to change the title to "Bernie Ellis' (non) email to SoS Hargett"?

That way, folks who just glance at this story won't think that I did send Hargett an email that turned out to be non-threatening. The truth is I have never sent Hargett any emails at any time -- he doesn't seem the type for which rational discussion is familiar territory so I just haven't bothered.

This was strictly an attempt by Hargett to intimidate me by sending the TBI to my farm and it backfired in his face. I really appreciate the TBI's comments in that regard -- I expect they were disgusted at being manipulated in this manner.

If Hargett feels intimidated by my making reference to the proud story of the Battle of Athens (TN) on several occasions in my testimony before the Tennessee General Assembly to keep him from delaying or weakening the Voter Confidence Act, perhaps Hargett ought to examine his own motives (and his own behavior) in that regard.

Bernie Ellis, Organizer
Gathering To Save OUR Democracy

[Melissa G]

65. Bravo Bernie! n/t

[Uncle Joe]

43. That Battle of Athens history makes an excellent read.

I hope this turns around and bites the coward on his ass.

Thanks for sharing, Fly by night.

[CrownPrinceBandar]

44. Defeat them w/ reason and sensibility..........

You did good, Dr. Bernie!

k+r

[bjobotts]

45. Excellent post. Thanks man for all the effort you put forth to help restore and maintain our democra

[bjobotts]

46. Stay alert for deceitful underhanded methods used by ruthless people in office.

[sonias]

47. K&R, FBN

for you work.

Hang in there.


Sonia

[4lbs]

48. Wow, you were calm and rational. Definitely not a right wingnut.

A right wingnut would have pulled out his gun, seeing two agents approaching....

and things would have devolved sharply from that point.

[Blue_Tires]

49. wow...i'd never heard of the 'battle of athens', either

epic story!

[bobshin]

50. Recommended for the thankless battle to save the foundation of our democracy..

the vote counting. Double for the sincerity of your praise for a Republican's actions. This is the type of thing that makes their heads explode.

[loyalkydem]

51. You

Should make Keith's best person's tonight.

[Fly by night]

52. Hey -- I am flattered. From your fingers to Keith Olbermann's eyes ...

Anything that we can do to use my experience to expose the election theives here in Tennessee would be most appreciated.

How about sending a link to this thread to Olbermann, s'il vous plait? Tell him to Google "Bernie Ellis TBI" for excellent investigative reporting today by the Knoxville News Sentinel and the Nashville Scene to expose this blatant effort at political intimidation and this embarrassing wate of taxpayer money.

Again, thanks for the idea. Hope you can follow up on it. (I am a media whore, but others should send Olbermann this idea, not me.)

[loyalkydem]

59. Thanks

I'll email Keith shortly, I was waiting for your name because I'm sure he's going to want to know who you are.

[Fly by night]

54. If you want to see a photograph of the POS who leveled the "terrorist" charge against me, ...

... visit this link:

http://blogs.nashvillescene.com/pitw/2009/06/hargett_si...

I also appreciate the comments posted with this story.

I have heard from a well-connected someone here in Tennessee about the possibility of filing an "official oppression" charge against Secretary of State "Open Mouth, Insert Ass" Tre Hargett.

Turn-about is fair play. Be nice to the TBI officers when they show up at your doorstep, you frog-mouthed POS.

[pasto76]

55. Word!

sounds like two good agents, trying to make up for wasting your time, and their tax dollar paid salaries.

never ever submit to bullshit voting!

[Libertas1776]

57. If only

we had a citizenry made up of more people like you sir. Keep up the good fight

[maglatinavi]

58. tbi visit

great!!!  could you move to texas and help us out???

[Fly by night]

60. Postscript: "The Battle of Ellis' Farm"

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

[demodonkey]

62. Fly By Night, you are now officially designated a member of Andy's...

..."Electoral Terrorists of the Highest Order" WITH PALM CLUSTERS.



And be it known to all that this story has me going up here in PA. Good one, Bernie!

[Fly by night]

63. Thanks kindly, DemoD. Andy taught us all to stay the course, no matter what comes, ...

to fight the good fight and to do it with a large dollop of red-headed Irish humor.

In my case, you'll just have to imagine the red hair.

As for me, I can't remember back that far.

But I do remember the price of liberty.

[Fly by night]

64. Post-Postscript: "Don't mess with Aging Hippies"

"What Kind of Buffoons Are Running the Secretary of State's Office Now?" (Here's my favorite paragraph)

"Here's the moral of this little tale of jackassery: Don't mess with aging hippies. They're meaner than you think. Hargett sees them as a bunch of pansies. But the pansies kicked his ass on this legislation, so he was embarrassed and decided it was time for payback. Sending a couple of TBI agents to Ellis' house would screw with his mind. Right? Unfortunately for Hargett, Ellis, who's a really nice guy, has more than a few friends in the media. As soon as the TBI left his farm, he sat down at his computer and sent an email to these friends. When the first blog post hit the web, it must have been an oh-shit moment for the new secretary of state." (Here's the link to the full story

http://blogs.nashvillescene.com/pitw/2009/06/what_kind_...

[havocmom]

66. Teaching others to stand up and speak truth to power

You, sir, are a great American.