What an interesting few days we had earlier this week.
I was as surprised as anyone when the news hit the fan over the weekend. Six Indiana elected officials were reported to have ties to Oath Keepers according to the Anti-Defamation League. As it turns out, none of them, including Wells County Commissioner Mike Vanover, have any dealings with the group whatsoever. The ADL report noted, that “an individual’s inclusion in the Oath Keeper database is not proof that they were or are still an Oath Keeper, that they hold or held all or some of Oath Keeper ideology or viewpoints, or that they ever actively participated in Oath Keeper activities.”
I’m not sure what the intent of the report was or condemn it as irresponsible, all I know is it caused quite a bit of uneccesary drama.
In addition to Commissioner Vanover, Indiana State Representative Chris Judy was singled out among the six officials. I got to know Rep. Judy as he began his political career. I was the executive director of the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce at the time and hosted multiple Third House Forums featuring Judy along with Jim and Amanda Banks, during my tenure.
I don’t claim to be close to either Vanover or Judy but I have had multiple conversations with both. I also admit to only having basic knowledge of Oath Keepers. Disclaimers aside, I would have been shocked if either Vanover or Judy were active members.
Without reservation, I take each of the six officials’ explanations at face value.
The leaked information was indeed news and needed to be reported on. Unfortunately, it was much ado about nothing. It happened, we processed the information and now it’s time to move on from it.
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I’m looking forward to the Street Fair next week, however there are three things that I’m not excited about.
1. Every year we post signs to keep our parking lot clear for business. Every year the sign is ignored. Every year we tow cars. Is this the year we break the cycle? Probably not.
2. Our little section of Perry Street will soon be lined with temporary housing. It’s a necessary evil that accompanies the Street Fair. Is it annoying? Most definitely. Entertaining? Kind of, I guess. Ask any current or former News-Banner employee, they likely have a cringe-worthy story to tell.
3. The autumnal equinox occurs during the middle of Street Fair. I don’t hate fall. I don’t love it either. My wife absolutely adores the season. Unfortunately, the best parts of fall seem to be the shortest. We begin the season wearing shorts which quickly degrades into jacket weather. By the last day of fall we’re wearing winter coats. Gross.
There are currently six days of summer left and I’m hanging on to them with everything I have.
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I recently attended an outdoor wedding at a friend’s home. The weather was perfect. Every other outdoor wedding I’ve attended has been too hot, too windy or rained out altogether. The reception was held in a repurposed barn and we were seated next to the lone speaker. In my youth I subscribed to the phrase ‘if it’s too loud, you’re too old,’ Saturday I became too old. It didn’t help that I had never heard a single song on the playlist. Not one. There were twenty somethings dancing and belting out words to all of them. I assume they are popular.
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For those who paid attention to my recent emergency room escapades, I’m doing well. I’ve had multiple follow-ups with my family physician, a gaggle of tests and began taking blood pressure medication last week. Oddly, needing to use a pill box is the only thing that hasn’t sat well with me.
dougb@news-banner.com
