At a Kootenai County Republican Central Committee meeting at Coeur d'Alene High School in Idaho, a woman was bound and forcefully removed by a group of unidentified men for supposedly interrupting the public gathering several times.
"Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities."
- Voltaire
May the lawsuit that comes from this violation of civil rights be decided in this person's favor and cost the Republican committee millions of dollars.
I appreciated the article in our local newspaper today, the CDA Press, where the CDA Police Chief (who was not inside, his folks were outside due to a threat on a Representative) said that Sheriff Norris should have protected her First Amendment rights and not allowed that to happen basically. Ms Borrenpohl asked the men (with no markings on clothing indicating they were private security - again, the Press pointed out that their license has now been suspended because they did not follow ordinance to be wearing uniforms with labeling on front and back) who they were, and they didn’t answer. The moderator called her names and chided her from the front during all of this. This is no little thing in CDA, people are paying attention, and our small but mighty group of Dems are outraged.
Shelley, hats off to you because everything I have heard about Idaho politics scares the bejeezus outta me. When I read that this incident occurred in Coeur D'Alene I immediately thought "well, Idaho: yeah I believe that no one confronted the people who assaulted her." Hurrah for you and your "small but mighty" fellow Dems!
You should be scared of Idaho politics, those of us living here who are absolutely appalled and ashamed of this incident are terrified. Everyday it seems the legislators introduce one more bill that is either eroding the basic rights of the people, proposing to pay parents who choose private/religious schools over public, eliminating medicaid expansion and putting bible readings and the ten commandments in all the schools. Another reason some may have been reluctant to intervene - guns. Idaho is open-carry country..... BTW our Idaho Dems in office are AWESOME!! The crap they put up with on a daily basis is beyond the pale.
My sister lives in Post Falls, and is involved with a group of Democratic women in the area. Even though their candidates did not win, Democrats ran a candidate in all state wide races so that the Republicans were not running unopposed. That is a start. Ms. Borrenpohl was one of those candidates.
You did better than we did in Bonneville County. We had a few candidates. I was one years ago when we had a full slate...and not a single one won their race. It's been downhill since then. Good for them! It's frustrating and so very discouraging.
Years ago when I lived in New Orleans I tried to get some friends to put their names on the ballot so that Republican School Board members would not run unopposed. I couldn't get anyone to do it because they were afraid they might win.
The closed Republican Primaries allows extremists to prevail. Our ranked choice ballot initiative failed. EVERY patriot in Idaho needs to register as a Republican so we can rout these Fascists from our Legislature
Advertisements in the Coeur d Alene Press, posts on social media, flyers on telephone poles and rallies will get some attention, but a better strategy to create real political pressure is to start a boycott of local MAGA owned businesses. I bet you locals know who they are.
I see that there is an Idaho bill pending to make "lying about someone" a felony with a fine and prison time. I think calling Dr. Teresa Borrenpohl a "little girl" is a pretty public lie. ---A specific lie that the entire world has now heard. Perhaps a pointed letter to the editor is in order...
I have seen professional people lie in court and at state level meetings when we were attempting to correct problematic issues. So seen politicians lie a lot over my 70 years so would they be charged with lying then?
Yes, in the longer video clip, you can also see that at 3:33 point a man was trying to help her and - it - escorted out (not sure if he was arrested). So there WERE good people there, and we need to make sure we appreciate them. Supporting you as a fellow Dem and AMERICAN from Idaho Falls.
Thanks for this link. It's the best video I've seen. It looks like the man that tried to help her was held against the wall in the hallway by one of the security men. It was alarming that at the time the men in black came to take her out, she had been sitting quietly, and was not being disruptive.
I saw earlier video where the sheriff, wearing a hat with "sheriff" on it, grabbed Ms. Borrenpohl's arm and tried unsuccessfully to pull her into the aisle. There is later video when the men in black are struggling with Borrenpohl, and have forced her to the ground. When this is happening you can see the Sheriff in the background filming on his phone and directing the men. By what I can tell the sheriff was away during the middle time, but he was clearly there, and involved.
One wonders what would have happened if half a dozen people stood up and intervened? Would those fascists (and that's what they are) have been so brave?
I'm sure there was at least one gun toting, god fearing republican in the audience and he/she would not have been rushing to Ms. Borrenpohl's aid!! There is a storm brewing and if our current batch of republican's keep this up they are going to feel the wrath of we the people.
It was a Republican event, and I doubt there were many Democrats there. It looks like there were several women on her side, but watching the violence of the 3 security men, I don't think it would have been safe to physically interfere. The best thing was done -- film it all for the world to see.
They're armed to the teeth , irrational, resentful, angry, and ready to blow. Not the place for physical confrontation. The video is a safer route to confront these fascists. They're not right in the head and they carry loaded guns
John, I was absolutely horrified at the people surrounding her who were doing little aside from filming the event. I hope that I would have the courage in that moment to stand up and USE MY VOICE IN THE FACE OF INJUSTICE-LOUDLY.
Please let it be so that I do not remain silent. Amen
Unfortunately, we, as Gen Xers and Boomers and whatevers, people over 50 who've seen some stuff, are in the crosshairs of social media and the dream of making millions off of "likes". Corporate shills are drooling over likes to sell their crap to the minions. Humanity has finally succumbed to the almighty dollar. Money truly is the root of all that is evil.
Retired teacher here...When I taught Social Studies/American History to my 5th graders, I used the short story Terrible Things: An Allegory of the Holocaust by Eve Bunting. It uses animals in a forest to say the same thing as your quote from Martin Miemoller. In some school districts, that children's book has probably been banned.
Book banning is what they began with in 1930's Germany. Thanks, Lola, for this quote.
I'm an 85 year old physically handicapped white woman. I stand, feebly but proudly, ready to fight fascism any way I can. I'm particularly disappointed in too many churches which avoid at all costs risking offending someone, and continue with business as usual. Exactly like many did in 1930's Germany. At the moment I am not proud to be an American.
John, your essay today made it very clear where the US is headed, evidenced by a female attendee at a GOP town hall being tied and dragged out of the assembly for voicing her opinion on the state of your beloved 🇺🇸. We are no longer on the stoop looking in, but have now graduated to the front step of a full fascist takeover. Nowhere to hide, no place to be heard for fear of retribution and no real leadership evident on the Dems side of this escalating abuse of power. Trump was ridiculed yesterday during his appearance with Macron and dissolved like a cube of sugar during his guest’s interjection on the veracity of what the Liar in Chief had opined. I can only hope that other leaders have the gonads to finally stand up to Trump and show the world how small he truly is.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder with antisocial or sociopathic tendencies will what you call dissolve. However, his administration needs to be confronted and litigated with everything that they say and do. Confront them. The problem is Trump has all these kiss my ring people around him using him for greed and power. So what Macron did was in public the perfect arena to humiliate Trump. If you notice even Hegseth stayed away from prime minister of Germany and only met with those of similar political views. Cowardice I would say.
I was there at the town hall but left prior to this happening. It was slated for 2 hrs and I left within the first 45 minutes. It was awful. The host was yelling at people to shut the F up (this of course after he started it with having a minister pray to start it off) and was name calling. It was unlike any town hall I’ve been to in the past. It was more of a rally. I had a bad feeling about it and knew I was not going to get to speak to the legislator representing the bill I am most worried about and so I left. Teresa was brave in the face of this ugliness and I’m so proud of her. I’m heart broken that this is where we are and where I live. There are people fighting the good fight but sometimes it feels really lonely here. Your news letters help us to feel less alone. Thank you.
8.8 k people have donated to her go fund me already, and more are doing so every minute. We are not alone. Greta, we may not be physically next to you, but our hearts are breaking right along with yours. Share and donate, even if it is just $1. Speak up, be heard, and be part of the millions of people who are working together to stop this.
John, this is how civil disobedience is crushed by a fascist regime, and it is being normalized by the criminals who are seizing our government. Thank you for making us aware of such events as they unfold. The majority of citizens need to stand up and resist, or liberty will be lost for a generation...
In fairness to whom?? A woman's 1st amendment rights are violently disregarded, she is manhandled out of her seat, wrestled to the floor and then dragged out of the room. And the security firm lost it license. Which, in all likeness, will probably be reinstated at some further date. The real focus for everyone should be the actions of the republicans who held the meeting and the disgusting and appalling way in which this woman was treated. Loud alarm bells should ringing everywhere.
CDA Police report that Lear Asset Management's business license has been revoked for violating Coeur d'Alene City ordinances regarding security agencies and agents. The CDA Police continue to investigate the incident and battery charges against Borrehpohl have been dropped by the prosecutor.
A GoFundMe started the following Sunday, asking people to donate for Borrenpohl's ability to find legal counsel for the fight ahead. The GoFundMe asked for 30 thousand dollars, as of publication it has raised $245,000.
The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office reports that Sheriff Norris's conduct is also being investigated by an independent probe to ensure that his actions did not violate the code of conduct or the law.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
So there have been some adjustments & repercussions to this. It may come to nothing & it may not amount to much, but *there was a response.* It didn't just end with her being dragged out of the meeting & dumped. Sometimes incidents like this have ripples far beyond the original event.
If, on the other hand, *nothing had happened,* it sends a very different message. True, hundreds watched. Some even applauded. But that wasn't the end of the story. We haven't quite got to that part yet.
Was what happened to her fair? No, of course not. It's another moment of "testing the envelope." And it didn't just get shrugged off.
And so here we are . Those that are not very frightened by this ,are not at all in reality, which is nothing new for MAGA .
Trump/ Musk under orders from Putin want to destroy the country and all of us , who do not want to lose our precious freedoms, we better get real busy fighting every element of their fascist tools.
"Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities."
- Voltaire
May the lawsuit that comes from this violation of civil rights be decided in this person's favor and cost the Republican committee millions of dollars.
I appreciated the article in our local newspaper today, the CDA Press, where the CDA Police Chief (who was not inside, his folks were outside due to a threat on a Representative) said that Sheriff Norris should have protected her First Amendment rights and not allowed that to happen basically. Ms Borrenpohl asked the men (with no markings on clothing indicating they were private security - again, the Press pointed out that their license has now been suspended because they did not follow ordinance to be wearing uniforms with labeling on front and back) who they were, and they didn’t answer. The moderator called her names and chided her from the front during all of this. This is no little thing in CDA, people are paying attention, and our small but mighty group of Dems are outraged.
Shelley, hats off to you because everything I have heard about Idaho politics scares the bejeezus outta me. When I read that this incident occurred in Coeur D'Alene I immediately thought "well, Idaho: yeah I believe that no one confronted the people who assaulted her." Hurrah for you and your "small but mighty" fellow Dems!
You should be scared of Idaho politics, those of us living here who are absolutely appalled and ashamed of this incident are terrified. Everyday it seems the legislators introduce one more bill that is either eroding the basic rights of the people, proposing to pay parents who choose private/religious schools over public, eliminating medicaid expansion and putting bible readings and the ten commandments in all the schools. Another reason some may have been reluctant to intervene - guns. Idaho is open-carry country..... BTW our Idaho Dems in office are AWESOME!! The crap they put up with on a daily basis is beyond the pale.
And women near death or dead from common complications of pregnancy now that routine basic Obstetrical care is illegal in this state.
We are few in numbers, but we continue to resist. More are starting to pay attention and hopefully will wake up.
My sister lives in Post Falls, and is involved with a group of Democratic women in the area. Even though their candidates did not win, Democrats ran a candidate in all state wide races so that the Republicans were not running unopposed. That is a start. Ms. Borrenpohl was one of those candidates.
You did better than we did in Bonneville County. We had a few candidates. I was one years ago when we had a full slate...and not a single one won their race. It's been downhill since then. Good for them! It's frustrating and so very discouraging.
Years ago when I lived in New Orleans I tried to get some friends to put their names on the ballot so that Republican School Board members would not run unopposed. I couldn't get anyone to do it because they were afraid they might win.
I was almost relieved that I lost...although I enjoyed campaigning, fundraising not so much. Weird.
The closed Republican Primaries allows extremists to prevail. Our ranked choice ballot initiative failed. EVERY patriot in Idaho needs to register as a Republican so we can rout these Fascists from our Legislature
Advertisements in the Coeur d Alene Press, posts on social media, flyers on telephone poles and rallies will get some attention, but a better strategy to create real political pressure is to start a boycott of local MAGA owned businesses. I bet you locals know who they are.
I see that there is an Idaho bill pending to make "lying about someone" a felony with a fine and prison time. I think calling Dr. Teresa Borrenpohl a "little girl" is a pretty public lie. ---A specific lie that the entire world has now heard. Perhaps a pointed letter to the editor is in order...
I have seen professional people lie in court and at state level meetings when we were attempting to correct problematic issues. So seen politicians lie a lot over my 70 years so would they be charged with lying then?
Yes, in the longer video clip, you can also see that at 3:33 point a man was trying to help her and - it - escorted out (not sure if he was arrested). So there WERE good people there, and we need to make sure we appreciate them. Supporting you as a fellow Dem and AMERICAN from Idaho Falls.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnBHQyUZiws
Thanks for this link. It's the best video I've seen. It looks like the man that tried to help her was held against the wall in the hallway by one of the security men. It was alarming that at the time the men in black came to take her out, she had been sitting quietly, and was not being disruptive.
I saw earlier video where the sheriff, wearing a hat with "sheriff" on it, grabbed Ms. Borrenpohl's arm and tried unsuccessfully to pull her into the aisle. There is later video when the men in black are struggling with Borrenpohl, and have forced her to the ground. When this is happening you can see the Sheriff in the background filming on his phone and directing the men. By what I can tell the sheriff was away during the middle time, but he was clearly there, and involved.
One wonders what would have happened if half a dozen people stood up and intervened? Would those fascists (and that's what they are) have been so brave?
I'm sure there was at least one gun toting, god fearing republican in the audience and he/she would not have been rushing to Ms. Borrenpohl's aid!! There is a storm brewing and if our current batch of republican's keep this up they are going to feel the wrath of we the people.
It was a Republican event, and I doubt there were many Democrats there. It looks like there were several women on her side, but watching the violence of the 3 security men, I don't think it would have been safe to physically interfere. The best thing was done -- film it all for the world to see.
They're armed to the teeth , irrational, resentful, angry, and ready to blow. Not the place for physical confrontation. The video is a safer route to confront these fascists. They're not right in the head and they carry loaded guns
John, I was absolutely horrified at the people surrounding her who were doing little aside from filming the event. I hope that I would have the courage in that moment to stand up and USE MY VOICE IN THE FACE OF INJUSTICE-LOUDLY.
Please let it be so that I do not remain silent. Amen
I live in Idaho, in the words of our governor "this is the Idaho way" Shameful and disgusting.
Unfortunately, we, as Gen Xers and Boomers and whatevers, people over 50 who've seen some stuff, are in the crosshairs of social media and the dream of making millions off of "likes". Corporate shills are drooling over likes to sell their crap to the minions. Humanity has finally succumbed to the almighty dollar. Money truly is the root of all that is evil.
Our voices are not enough. We need to be willing to use our bodies. Until people understand this, we have no hope of fighting what is happening.
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
—Martin Niemöller
Worth repeating until we can all memorize it verbatim.
Retired teacher here...When I taught Social Studies/American History to my 5th graders, I used the short story Terrible Things: An Allegory of the Holocaust by Eve Bunting. It uses animals in a forest to say the same thing as your quote from Martin Miemoller. In some school districts, that children's book has probably been banned.
Book banning is what they began with in 1930's Germany. Thanks, Lola, for this quote.
I'm an 85 year old physically handicapped white woman. I stand, feebly but proudly, ready to fight fascism any way I can. I'm particularly disappointed in too many churches which avoid at all costs risking offending someone, and continue with business as usual. Exactly like many did in 1930's Germany. At the moment I am not proud to be an American.
I am 76, and I share your concerns. Staying silent isn't an option.
John, your essay today made it very clear where the US is headed, evidenced by a female attendee at a GOP town hall being tied and dragged out of the assembly for voicing her opinion on the state of your beloved 🇺🇸. We are no longer on the stoop looking in, but have now graduated to the front step of a full fascist takeover. Nowhere to hide, no place to be heard for fear of retribution and no real leadership evident on the Dems side of this escalating abuse of power. Trump was ridiculed yesterday during his appearance with Macron and dissolved like a cube of sugar during his guest’s interjection on the veracity of what the Liar in Chief had opined. I can only hope that other leaders have the gonads to finally stand up to Trump and show the world how small he truly is.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder with antisocial or sociopathic tendencies will what you call dissolve. However, his administration needs to be confronted and litigated with everything that they say and do. Confront them. The problem is Trump has all these kiss my ring people around him using him for greed and power. So what Macron did was in public the perfect arena to humiliate Trump. If you notice even Hegseth stayed away from prime minister of Germany and only met with those of similar political views. Cowardice I would say.
Astute summary, thank you
Here is a link to Dr Teresa Borrenpohl's GoFund Me. It is exploding with support:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/justice-for-dr-borrenpohl-fight-for-the-first
People from around the globe are contributing. We will not be silent, we will not stand by.
Thank you, I have donated and shared to Facebook.
I was there at the town hall but left prior to this happening. It was slated for 2 hrs and I left within the first 45 minutes. It was awful. The host was yelling at people to shut the F up (this of course after he started it with having a minister pray to start it off) and was name calling. It was unlike any town hall I’ve been to in the past. It was more of a rally. I had a bad feeling about it and knew I was not going to get to speak to the legislator representing the bill I am most worried about and so I left. Teresa was brave in the face of this ugliness and I’m so proud of her. I’m heart broken that this is where we are and where I live. There are people fighting the good fight but sometimes it feels really lonely here. Your news letters help us to feel less alone. Thank you.
Looks like a lot of people are standing with you and Teresa, Jeanie. And I know there are millions more who support you. You are not alone.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/justice-for-dr-borrenpohl-fight-for-the-first
PS I'm sure you're well aware of this GoFundMe, Jeanie, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to post it for others. Incredible how high it's gone!
Do you know if she was injured?
I don’t know. I know she was certainly traumatized. She thankfully is going to be lawyering up and suing the heck out of them.
I read somewhere that she went to the hospital and was released with bruises, but I can't find that source again...
Thank you for this prescient piece. I hope that when the moment comes, I will be brave.
“1/3 will kill, 1/3 will be killed, 1/3 will standby” - paraphrasing a recent quote sent to me 💔
As Americans we are truly failing each other. The lack of empathy at this meeting is staggering. It’s disgusting what was done to her.
She isn't a republican aka maga so no one cares.......
And those of us who do, even when we are in a group, feel so lonely.....
8.8 k people have donated to her go fund me already, and more are doing so every minute. We are not alone. Greta, we may not be physically next to you, but our hearts are breaking right along with yours. Share and donate, even if it is just $1. Speak up, be heard, and be part of the millions of people who are working together to stop this.
John, this is how civil disobedience is crushed by a fascist regime, and it is being normalized by the criminals who are seizing our government. Thank you for making us aware of such events as they unfold. The majority of citizens need to stand up and resist, or liberty will be lost for a generation...
I can barely breathe watching this.
😢
In fairness though, it didn't stop there.
Security firm loses license after woman dragged from Idaho town hall
https://www.msn.com/en-us/crime/general/security-firm-loses-license-after-woman-dragged-from-idaho-town-hall/ar-AA1zM9ik
In fairness to whom?? A woman's 1st amendment rights are violently disregarded, she is manhandled out of her seat, wrestled to the floor and then dragged out of the room. And the security firm lost it license. Which, in all likeness, will probably be reinstated at some further date. The real focus for everyone should be the actions of the republicans who held the meeting and the disgusting and appalling way in which this woman was treated. Loud alarm bells should ringing everywhere.
From the article at the link above --->
CDA Police report that Lear Asset Management's business license has been revoked for violating Coeur d'Alene City ordinances regarding security agencies and agents. The CDA Police continue to investigate the incident and battery charges against Borrehpohl have been dropped by the prosecutor.
A GoFundMe started the following Sunday, asking people to donate for Borrenpohl's ability to find legal counsel for the fight ahead. The GoFundMe asked for 30 thousand dollars, as of publication it has raised $245,000.
The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office reports that Sheriff Norris's conduct is also being investigated by an independent probe to ensure that his actions did not violate the code of conduct or the law.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
So there have been some adjustments & repercussions to this. It may come to nothing & it may not amount to much, but *there was a response.* It didn't just end with her being dragged out of the meeting & dumped. Sometimes incidents like this have ripples far beyond the original event.
If, on the other hand, *nothing had happened,* it sends a very different message. True, hundreds watched. Some even applauded. But that wasn't the end of the story. We haven't quite got to that part yet.
Was what happened to her fair? No, of course not. It's another moment of "testing the envelope." And it didn't just get shrugged off.
Here is a MUCH more detailed story of what happened in this incident.
https://newrepublic.com/article/191908/gop-town-hall-idaho-lear
And so here we are . Those that are not very frightened by this ,are not at all in reality, which is nothing new for MAGA .
Trump/ Musk under orders from Putin want to destroy the country and all of us , who do not want to lose our precious freedoms, we better get real busy fighting every element of their fascist tools.
If you think this has a happy ending....... you haven't been paying attention
It’s time to meditate and pray, to decide how I will respond when the unthinkable occurs in my presence.
Be you brave 🙏