Yesterday In Minnesota...

Lion-Killer Apologizes To His Patients

Lion-killing Minnesota dentist Walter Palmer, whose whereabouts are still unknown, has issued an apology to his patients. An excerpt:

To my valued patients: As you may have already heard, I have been in the news over the last few days for reasons that have nothing to do with my profession or the care I provide for you. I want you to know of this situation and my involvement In addition to spending time with my family, one of my passions outside dentistry is hunting. I’ve been a life-long hunter since I was a child growing up in North Dakota. I don’t often talk about hunting with my patients because it can be a divisive and emotionally charged topic. I understand and respect that not everyone shares the same views on hunting. [snip] Again, I deeply regret that my pursuit of an activity I love and practice responsibly and legally resulted in the taking of this lion. That was never my intention. The media interest in this matter – along with a substantial number of comments and calls from people who are angered by this situation and by the practice of hunting in general – has disrupted our business and our ability to see our patients. For that disruption, I apologize profoundly for this inconvenience and promise you that we will do our best to resume normal operations as soon as possible. We are working to have patients with immediate needs referred to other dentists and will keep you informed of any additional developments. On behalf of all of us at River Bluff Dental, thank you for your support.  Sincerely, Walter J. Palmer, DDS River Bluff Dental

RELATED: Local police have barricaded the street around Palmer's office in advance of a protest planned for this evening. A parody Twitter account pretending to belong to his dental practice is posting photos.

MINNESOTA: Dentist Goes From "Suburban Obscurity To Global Infamy"

REPORT: Disgraced Archbishop Cruised In Public Park And Asked for Poppers

The Minneapolis Star Tribune has more salacious allegations about disgraced former Archbishop John Nienstedt, who resigned last month.

The firm conducted interviews and collected affidavits, or sworn statements, from people who worked with or knew Nienstedt. The Star Tribune has confirmed that five Catholic priests, one former priest and a former seminarian were among those who provided affidavits. In one affidavit, a priest in Harrison Township, Mich., reported seeing Nienstedt at a gay nightclub in Windsor, Ontario, just across the border from Detroit in the 1980s. “I recall seeing John — and there is no doubt in my mind that it was him based on my prior interactions with him — at the Happy Tap,” the Rev. Lawrence Ventline wrote in his affidavit. “He appeared to wave me off as I was coming — and I backed off because I did not want impose on him.”

Another affidavit from a Michigan priest said that Nienstedt pulled up to his car in an area frequented by gay men one December in the early 1980s and asked him if he had any “poppers,” an inhalant used by gay men to enhance sexual pleasure. When he got into Nienstedt’s car, and Nienstedt recognized him as a former student, he changed the subject, the priest told the Star Tribune. A former seminarian at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit, James Heathcott, also filed an affidavit. He said that Nienstedt — who was the seminary’s rector — expelled him after he refused an invitation to join Nienstedt and two other seminarians on a private weekend at a ski chalet in the late 1980s.

Nienstedt resigned after prosecutors filed criminal and civil charges against the archdiocese for "failure to protect children." Regarding today's accusations, Nienstedt claims to be "dumbfounded" and says that while he did regularly drive by that park, it was only because it was on the way to the cardinal's official residence. Nienstedt further claims to have been on assignment in Rome at time he is alleged to have asked for poppers. (Tipped by JMG reader Rick)

PREVIOUSLY ON JMG: The Archdiocese declared bankruptcy in January 2015. Last summer Minneapolis Archbishop John Nienstedt was accused of "sexual impropriety" with priests and other men. Nienstedt then denied allegations that he is gay to a local newspaper. Niedstedt was later grilled by a different local paper about his sexuality. In January 2012, Nienstedt ordered all of Minnesota's priests to remain silent if they opposed the coming referendum on same-sex marriage. Later in 2012, it was Nienstedt's ugly anti-gay public letter that launched NFL player Chris Kluwe into the spotlight after Kluwe penned a blistering response in a local newspaper. In September of that year Nienstedt declared that Satan loves sodomy. Also in September 2012, Nienstedt was accused of shielding a pedophile priest who is currently in prison. In 2010 Nienstedt ordered that communion be denied to openly gay students. Also in 2010, Nienstedt's archdiocese sent out 400,000 DVDs to Minnesota voters urging that they support anti-gay gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer. 

Bill Donohue Has The Archbishop Sadz

"Ever since Nienstedt criticized the gay movie, Brokeback Mountain, he has been a marked man. The Star Tribune, the St. Cloud Times, Minnesota Public Radio, the New York Times, as well as an array of wayward priests, Catholic journalists, former Catholics, and unethical lawyers, have been out to get him. Just today, Fr. Mike Tegeder said it was a good sign that Nienstedt resigned; Tegeder supports gay marriage. Nienstedt’s sin is that he is an orthodox Catholic. Nienstedt was twice accused of inappropriate touching, and twice the charges proved false. He is a good man who was unfairly treated." - Bill Donohue, on today's resignation by Archbishop John Niendstedt.

MINNESOTA: Archbishop John Nienstedt Resigns Over Molestation Scandal

"In order to give the Archdiocese a new beginning amidst the many challenges we face, I have submitted my resignation as Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis to our Holy Father, Pope Francis, and I have just received word that he has accepted it. The Catholic Church is not our Church, but Christ’s Church, and we are merely stewards for a time. My leadership has unfortunately drawn attention away from the good works of His Church and those who perform them. Thus, my decision to step down. I leave with a clear conscience knowing that my team and I have put in place solid protocols to ensure the protection of minors and vulnerable adults. I ask for continued prayers for the well-being of this Archdiocese and its future leaders. I also ask for your continued prayers for me." - Archbishop John Nienstedt, in a press release issued this morning.

From the Minneapolis Star-Tribune:

The Vatican said Pope Francis accepted the resignations of Archbishop John Nienstedt and Auxiliary Bishop Lee Anthony Piche. They resigned under the code of canon law that allows bishops to resign before they retire because of illness or some other "grave" reason that makes them unfit for office. Earlier this month, prosecutors charged the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis as a corporation of having "turned a blind eye" to repeated reports of inappropriate behavior by a priest who was later convicted of molesting two boys. No individual was named in the indictment. The resignations came just days after Pope Francis approved the creation of a new tribunal inside the Vatican to hear cases of bishops who failed to protect children from sexually abusive priests. Francis' decision followed years of criticism that the Vatican had never held bishops accountable for having ignored warnings about abusive priests and simply moved them from parish to parish rather than report them to police or remove them from ministry.

PREVIOUSLY ON JMG: The Archdiocese declared bankruptcy in January 2015. Last summer Minneapolis Archbishop John Nienstedt was accused of "sexual impropriety" with priests and other men. Nienstedt then denied allegations that he is gay to a local newspaper. Niedstedt was later grilled by a different local paper about his sexuality. In January 2012, Nienstedt ordered all of Minnesota's priests to remain silent if they opposed the coming referendum on same-sex marriage. Later in 2012, it was Nienstedt's ugly anti-gay public letter that launched NFL player Chris Kluwe into the spotlight after Kluwe penned a blistering response in a local newspaper. In September of that year Nienstedt declared that Satan loves sodomy. Also in September 2012, Nienstedt was accused of shielding a pedophile priest who is currently in prison. In 2010 Nienstedt ordered that communion be denied to openly gay students. Also in 2010, Nienstedt's archdiocese sent out 400,000 DVDs to Minnesota voters urging that they support anti-gay gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer.

MINNESOTA: St. Paul Prosecutors Charge Archdiocese In Sex Abuse Cover-Up

Via the St. Paul Pioneer Press:

Ramsey County attorney John Choi said Friday that a 20-month investigation has led to criminal charges against the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis for "failing to protect children." Choi cited the case of Curtis Wehmeyer, a priest convicted of molesting two boys. "It is not only Curtis Wehmeyer who is criminally responsible for the harm caused, but it is the archdiocese as well," he said. Choi called the archdiocese program to monitor problem priests "a sham." "We were falsely led to believe that the leadership structure of the Archdiocese had an effective program in place" to monitor priests, he said. Choi said six gross misdemeanor charges have been filed against the archdiocese, but not against any individuals.

Misdemeanor charges against no individuals?

MINNESOTA: Tourism Ad Stars Gay Dads

Via City Pages:

The Twin Cities has a reputation for being a gay-friendly place. Same-sex marriage is legal, Minneapolis was once dubbed the "gayest city in America," and our Pride parade is arguably Minnesota's greatest get-together. Now a new ad from Minnesota's tourism arm is subtly putting out more inclusive vibes. For the first time, one of Explore Minnesota's TV commercials prominently features a gay couple. Studly husbands (uggos still aren't allowed on TV) Ben Meents and Chet Ritchie appear to be having a gay old time, touring breweries, attending Rock the Garden, zip-lining, and, oh hey, driving a tank. Basically, they're doing things any couple way cooler than you would on vacation. "We're just wanting to show off how inclusive we are and our state is," Explore Minnesota spokeswoman Alyssa Ebel says.

The couple's 13 year-old daughter, who doesn't appear in the clip, has written an op-ed about the ad for the Advocate.

Matt Baume: Marriage News Watch

Clip recap: "Texas lawmakers vote this week on whether the state should officially defy the Supreme Court's ruling on marriage. Alabama and Minnesota are debating bills to undermine marriage equality. At least one presidential candidate seems to think that if elected he could veto the Supreme Court. But a new survey shows that Americans are getting tired of these anti-gay shenanigans."

MINNESOTA: Trans Man Goes Viral With His #Occupotty Selfies Campaign

Via Rochester, Minnesota's NBC affiliate:

Minnesota lawmakers introduced legislation that would require high school students to use the locker rooms and restrooms determined by their birth sex. Now, local transgender advocates are fighting back and the response is going viral. "I don't think any women want me walking into the bathroom with them,” laughed Michael Hughes. Hughes is a transgender man living in Rochester whose mirror selfies are drawing attention to a commode conundrum.

"So I come in, go right to the mirror with a female friend behind me, and we quick get the selfie, and get back out before anybody comes in and gets startled by my presence in the women's restroom,” Hughes said, pointing his cell phone at the mirror of the women's restroom at the People's Food Co-op. Just four days ago Hughes posted a photo of himself in a women's restroom with a female friend in the background. One glance can affirm – Hughes does not look like one of the girls.

Using hashtags like #Occupotty and the caption "Do I look like I belong in the women's facilities?" Michael Hughes is showing what it would be like if he was required to use the restroom determined by his birth sex. The response has been huge.

Hughes is interviewed in the below report.

MINNEAPOLIS: Archdiocese Declares Bankruptcy, Freezing Molestation Suits

Via the Minneapolis-St. Paul Star-Tribune:

The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Friday, becoming the 12th in the nation to say its treasury cannot withstand the unprecedented wave of lawsuits from clergy abuse victims. The move freezes lawsuits against the church, protecting the archdiocese from creditors while allowing it to develop a reorganization plan. It also halts three abuse trials scheduled to begin Jan. 26. The archdiocese is facing more than 20 lawsuits, with another 100 pending. The bankruptcy filing didn’t provide precise financial figures, but showed estimated liabilities of $50 million to $100 million, estimated assets of $10 million to $50 million, and estimated creditors of 200 to 999. “Reorganization will allow the finite resources of the archdiocese to be distributed equitably among all victims/survivors,” said Archbishop John Nienstedt. “It will also permit the archdiocese to provide essential services required to continue its mission.” The bankruptcy filing will allow the archdiocese to continue its daily operations while giving it time to reorganize its finances as a judge determines how much victims may be entitled to receive.

PREVIOUSLY ON JMG: Last summer Minneapolis Archbishop John Nienstedt was accused of "sexual impropriety" with priests and other men. Nienstedt then denied allegations that he is gay to a local newspaper. Niedstedt was later grilled by a different local paper about his sexuality. In January 2012, Nienstedt ordered all of Minnesota's priests to remain silent if they opposed the coming referendum on same-sex marriage. Later in 2012, it was Nienstedt's ugly anti-gay public letter that launched NFL player Chris Kluwe into the spotlight after Kluwe penned a blistering response in a local newspaper. In September of that year Nienstedt declared that Satan loves sodomy. Also in September 2012, Nienstedt was accused of shielding a pedophile priest who is currently in prison. In 2010 Nienstedt ordered that communion be denied to openly gay students. Also in 2010, Nienstedt's archdiocese sent out 400,000 DVDs to Minnesota voters urging that they support anti-gay gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer.

Today On World Net Daily

Via World Net Daily:

Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., has been a prolific conservative legislator despite strong resistance from establishment Republicans, including leaders of her own party, and despite the considerable challenge of passing legislation without cooperation from an obstructionist Senate controlled by Democrats. And, despite an outgoing personality and political boldness demonstrated by her willingness to go in front of the cameras to champion the causes in which she believed, over the years WND has found Bachmann to be a genuinely humble and modest public servant who has shied from public praise and honors. That was evidenced when, informed she had been awarded WND’s “2014 Lawmaker of the Year,” Bachmann simply replied, “What an honor!” The firebrand from the snowy state is retiring from Congress, but has been a reliably conservative voice in Congress over her eight-year tenure, most recently ranked by the Heritage Foundation as having the 42nd most-conservative voting record among 535 lawmakers, the 435 members of the House of Representatives and 100 senators.

During her final term the Lawmaker Of The Year introduced 15 bills. All of them failed except one. And the people of Cold Spring, Minnesota are very proud of their renamed post office.

Former "Ex-Gay" Client Of Ladybird Bachmann: I'm Still Totally Gay

Via Religion News Service:

Christian Schizzel spent 7 years being trotted around the country on media outlets as a poster boy for the ex-gay movement. Now, after reclaiming his gay identity, Christian says he won’t be a weapon anymore. In an exclusive interview with RNS, Christian tells about his experience with the Janet Boynes Ministries and The Bachmann & Associates counseling centers, the latter operation owned by U.S. Rep. Michelle Bachmann and husband Marcus Bachmann. Both entities were associated with the now closed Exodus International but are currently still in business. At nine years of age, Christian was sexually and physically abused by his step father — a missionary who used Bible verses to silence Christian into submission. He even used scripture during the acts itself to justify the abuse. Years later at the age of 18, after coming out to friends and family, Christian was encouraged to seek help at the ministry. It was there that they used this horrific experience to pinpoint the “cause” of Christian’s sexuality, although Christian said he knew about his sexuality before the abuse.

Shizzel: "Coming out publicly and sharing is important to me because my sexuality has been exploited my whole life by the Christian community." Hit the link to read the interview.

Crazy Eyes Bids Farewell To Congress

Via Wonkette:

Michele Bachmann gave her farewell address to the House of Representatives Tuesday, and while we were worried that she might just stand up and announce that all her email should be forwarded to Shelly@CrazyEyes.com, she actually did deliver a thoroughly Bachmannian speech. It hits all the required notes: Freedom, In God We Trust, Why the House is the Best House, plus several extra helpings of God stuff just to be sure. We learn that, while the House chamber is ringed with silhouettes of great lawgivers, there’s only one figure who is shown in a full-face view: Moses, because he handed down the bestest laws that ever lawed, the Ten Commandments. And yes, they are absolutely the foundation for the entire system of American law, which is why not a single one of the proscriptions in the Commandments is actually in the Constitution.

Now she's got the time to help Ladybird with his "ex-gay" torture clinic. Until she gets a gig at Fox News.

MINNESOTA: Ladybird Bachmann Defends His Vile "Ex-Gay" Torture Clinics

Minneapolis Paper Runs Anti-Trans Ad

Full-page People Against Transgendered People ad in Strib sports section. Mankato-based Child Protection LeagueAction pic.twitter.com/JuWhzK5W0C
— David Brauer (@dbrauer) September 28, 2014

Via Minneapolis City Pages:

Yesterday, the Star Tribune upset many of its LGBT-friendly readers by running an anti-transgender ad paid for by the Minnesota Child Protection League. The ad urges parents to contact Minnesota State High School League officials ahead of a meeting later this week and ask them not to approve a new policy that would allow transgender students to participate in athletics based on their gender identity. A report on the thecolu.mn website describes the MCPL as "A group of veteran religious right and tea party activists" who were active opposing the anti-bullying Safe and Supportive Schools Act before it was signed into law earlier this year. The report notes that the group's lead spokesperson is Barb Anderson, founder of the Parents Action League. To give you an idea of where the MCPL is coming from, consider that Anderson once said, "The greatest threat to our freedom and the health and well-being of our children is from this radical homosexual agenda that is just so pervasive."

The Star Tribune responds to complaints:

If you were doing a story on how media of all kinds (broadcast, print, digital) handle campaign and advocacy advertising, I'd consider how we could contribute to the conversation. But I don't think that's what you're doing. In Minnesota, organizations and individuals of all kinds -- left, right, other -- know that if you want to reach the largest audience and have the biggest impact with your message, the best way to do it is advertising in the Star Tribune.

MINNEAPOLIS: Man Shouting Scripture Shoots Gay Couple With BB Gun

Two tourists visiting the popular Minneapolis gay bar The Saloon were shot with a BB gun on Thursday by a man shouting bible verses.

“He made a disrespectful comment towards the homosexual community, towards a couple that was holding hands and he obviously didn't appreciate that,” [security guard Tyler] Erickson said. Shortly after his expletives, Odegard's sheer disregard for the establishment, or humanity, then escalated. After yelling gay slurs, he allegedly pulled out a CO2 powered BB gun. “I ran after him and then it ended up he shot a different gay couple in the leg, with that gun and it went through his jeans and drew blood,” Erickson said. Before Odegard could run even 30 feet, Erickson nabbed him, arrested him and called police. “He told me multiple times that I'm going to go to hell and he's going to bring me with him,” Erickson said. “He recited a biblical passage -- I think it's a Deuteronomy passage.” Fortunately, they couple wasn't seriously injured. It wasn't a real gun, but the act shouldn't be taken lightly, Erickson said. “Even if the guy was shot with the same CO2 powered BB gun in the face, it would've gone right through his cheek.

(Via Christian Nightmares)

Rasmussen 2014 Gubernatorial Recap

The right-leaning Rasmussen has recapped the 2014 gubernatorial races. According to the linked interactive polling results, nine states remain too close to call with the election less than two months away. Per Rasmussen polling, only one state, Minnesota, is leaning to the Democratic side. Leaning Republican are Connecticut, Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Illinois.

MINNESOTA: Wedding Venue Agrees To Pick Up Tab For Gay Couple They Refused

Via the Associated Press:

The owners of a lodge in central Minnesota have agreed to pick up the tab for the wedding and reception of a same-sex couple they initially turned away. The Minnesota Human Rights Department says Cole Frey and his fiance have settled their discrimination case against the owners of Rice Creek Hunting and Recreation. The Rice Creek Lodge is a wedding venue in Little Falls. The Department of Human Rights investigated and determined there was probable cause of discrimination by the lodge owners due to sexual orientation. Same-sex marriage was legalized in Minnesota a year ago. Human Rights Commissioner Kevin Lindsey says it's the first public accommodation case for his department related to same-sex marriage.

(Tipped by JMG reader Ben)

Kluwe Settles With Minnesota Vikings

We've reached a settlement with the Vikings. Terms I can disclose as follows.
— Chris Kluwe (@ChrisWarcraft) August 19, 2014

1. They will donate a substantial amount to five charities, several MN local, over the next five years.
— Chris Kluwe (@ChrisWarcraft) August 19, 2014

2. They are implementing enhanced training within the entire organization, and are committed to a zero tolerance policy on homophobia.
— Chris Kluwe (@ChrisWarcraft) August 19, 2014

3. The Vikings will be working to create a symposium to bring together sports and LBGTQ leaders in order to address this issue in sports.
— Chris Kluwe (@ChrisWarcraft) August 19, 2014

I believe the Vikings are committed to being leaders on the subject of homophobia in sports, and will work to make significant change.
— Chris Kluwe (@ChrisWarcraft) August 19, 2014

Also, I get exactly ZERO dollars from this settlement, so if you sent me a nasty message over the past months, go mainline bleach.
— Chris Kluwe (@ChrisWarcraft) August 19, 2014