Support Regeneration!

family-working-in-farm

Zach Bush, MD

The first step I took after leaving university, in 2010, was setting up a clinic in rural Virginia that served a county that was lacking access to local food systems. This has become the norm throughout rural and inner-city environments and all over the world – from the Midwest of the US to pseudo-industrialized cities of rural Africa, South America, Asia, and beyond.  The perception of wealth and convenience of the colonial cultures has stripped communities all over the world of food independence and enslaved billions of people to the consumption of highly processed, artificial foods and beverages.  

In just three short generations we have forgotten what fresh water feels like when you drink deeply, we have forgotten the smell of our grandmother’s kitchen, the laughter and nourishment baked into the food with patient care every day. We are forgetting what it feels like to be alive, to nurture life within us.  

This crisis – at the intersection of collapse – food, humanity, and planetary health provoked me to explore the root causes of chronic disease, and subsequently, discover the insidious pharmaceutical codependence that controls Western society, and is quickly being exported into every corner of the earth.   I started asking the deeper questions of why is disease so prevalent? Why does disease occur in families in patterns that we know are not genetic? What are the common things about family environments that are coding for chronic disease across generations that is signaling an environmental injury? What is the source of the environmental injury? Where is the root cause of deficiencies in our human biology that are making us so vulnerable to the acute and chronic diseases we see today? 

The culmination of this curiosity in the beginning years of my journey led me to an unlikely place – the farm. 

We started a documentary film project on the impact of herbicides, specifically on human health in the Mississippi tributaries throughout the northern and Midwestern states, and down into the southern regions of Louisiana and New Orleans. The goal was to expose the impacts of the increasing concentration of Roundup (glyphosate) in the water system of the Mississippi river and its impact on human health in the form of cancer. (The last 90 miles of the river are now called ‘Cancer Alley’; the region presents the highest rates of cancer in the entire developed world.)  

On that journey, we set out to tell the importance of organic agriculture as a solution, but at the very first big farm education event we attended, we witnessed soil testing demonstrations between conventional and organic soil systems, only to discover that the soils that were organic were often less nutrient-rich than that of their conventional counterparts that followed chemical-based agricultural practices.  

Realizing organic wasn’t sufficient was a big moment of crisis for me and pushed us all to explore ‘regenerative agriculture’ – a management practice of soil systems and crop production, based on wisdom of Indigenous and Black farmers, that maximizes biodiversity and adaptation at every level.  

And what’s inspiring me right now, 4 years after we launched our documentary and our non-profit Farmer’s Footprint, is the entire scope of stakeholders within the food industry that are gathering at the table, many for the first time, to talk about the power of regenerative agriculture. 

On any given week, I could speak to a small family farmer in the middle of the United States, and then minutes later, speak with the CEO of some of the biggest food companies in the world who are trying to figure out how to pivot the largest, most toxic food company in the world to become part of the regenerative solution.  

This is encouraging because if change doesn’t involve every stakeholder, we are not going to succeed. We are at such a tipping point for human and planetary health that we need a full metamorphosis of both food systems and human health systems.  

We need to see ourselves as part of the complete tapestry of a successful transformation to regenerate the planet.  

To do so, we need to stop the mudslinging and start building positive relationships at the human level if we’re going to solve the problems at the scale and speed in which we need to – it’s going to take everyone. So if you are feeling compelled to take action and be a part of this regenerative story of healing, consider personally supporting Farmer’s Footprint today.  I can’t express just how important today is to the capacity and quality of the work our team can do in the coming year. We are in need of your help. 

We are touching the lives of farmers daily, we are documenting the stories of land stewards making the transition from conventional to regenerative land management, we are building a community (over 8,000 strong) of people who have committed to creating a regenerative future, we have launched a developmental community and working group for entrepreneurs in the business of food where immersive on-land experiences and virtual sessions offer a place to work on businesses, ecosystems, equity, biodiversity, and food access as a collective whole and we need financial support to catalyze this momentum into even greater impact over the course of the next year, and we’ve got so much more we can do. 

This year will be a pivotal one. If you are able to step up your commitment to this global movement and make a bigger footprint in the path to transformation, here’s an invitation to give and make a tax deductible donation.

International Declaration of free speech and debate for discovery of truth

declaration-free-speech

A group of 138 individuals, including journalists, academics, technologists, celebrities, and thought leaders, have signed the Westminster Declaration, urging governments, tech companies, and the public to protect free speech and open discourse. Notable signatories include Julian Assange, Edward Snowden, Tim Robbins, Oliver Stone, Glenn Greenwald, Jordan B. Peterson, John Cleese, Richard Dawkins, Jeffrey Sachs, and Steven Pinker.

The declaration expresses concern over the increasing international censorship that threatens democratic norms. It condemns labeling protected speech as “misinformation” or “disinformation.” Signatories who criticized official COVID-19 counternarratives include Jay Bhattacharya, Martin Kulldorff, Aaron Kheriaty, and Robert Malone.

The declaration points out that the misuse of terms like “misinformation” and “disinformation” has led to censorship, suppressing valid discussions on critical topics, undermining representative democracy’s principles, and violating free speech rights. It cites domestic and international laws, including the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and highlights instances where free speech has been threatened by public and private actors worldwide.

The Westminster Declaration identifies a “censorship-industrial complex,” involving public, private, and academic entities, which monitors and suppresses citizens’ voices. It mentions the role of agencies like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and mainstream media fact-checkers. Legislation like the U.K.’s Online Safety Bill and Australia’s Combating Misinformation and Disinformation Bill is criticized for potentially restricting expression.

The declaration argues that social media platforms, under the influence of this complex, use subtle methods like visibility filtering and labeling to silence lawful opinions, with the support of “disinformation experts” and “fact-checkers.” The EU’s Digital Services Act is mentioned as formalizing this relationship.

Signatories stress that free speech includes protecting offensive speech, as open discourse is essential for accountability, empowerment, and preventing tyranny. They believe robust debate is the best safeguard against misinformation and disinformation.

The declaration calls on governments and international organizations to uphold Article 19 of the UDHR, tech corporations to protect the digital public sphere and refrain from politically motivated censorship, and the public to join the fight for democratic rights.

The signatories emphasize the importance of building a culture of free speech, rejecting intolerance and embracing inquiry and debate. They assert that censorship in the name of preserving democracy is counterproductive and undermines the democratic process. The declaration highlights free speech as the foundation of equality and justice campaigns throughout history, advocating for the right to ask questions and open debate.

Free and fair elections are the foundation of liberty

WATCH VIDEO

The modern primary system of choosing a presidential nominee developed to replace shady backroom deals among party insiders with a transparent, democratic process.

Unfortunately, the Democratic National Committee is trying to bring back the days of insider crony politics. But now you can do something about it! Our campaign is circulating a petition link to pressure the DNC into running a fair and free primary election. 

We urge you to sign the petition and share it with friends – whether or not you are a Democrat, and whether or not they support Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Why? Because an undemocratic primary is bad for democracy. 

Here are some of the things the DNC is doing to rig the primary:

  • The DNC has revoked New Hampshire’s century-old status as the first primary state. The new first state is South Carolina — which President Biden won, in contrast to losing New Hampshire and Iowa.
  • The DNC has drafted rules that if any candidate sets foot in New Hampshire, no votes cast for that candidate will count. Regardless of his margin of victory, Mr. Kennedy would receive zero delegates. The DNC is also demanding Iowa change its voting process or face similar sanctions. 
  • The Georgia state Democratic organization has a rule allowing a candidate who campaigns in New Hampshire to be booted from the ballot in Georgia.
  • Ten states have failed to meet the DNC’s own rules for delegate selection. In some cases, they have not even announced a primary at all or made the necessary petition forms available. 
  • The DNC has created a special class of superdelegates called PLEOs. Only Democratic Party officials and elected officials are eligible. Since none of these will dare provoke the wrath of the DNC, Mr. Kennedy won’t receive any of them. That means he could lose the nomination even if he wins 70% of the vote.

The DNC is just getting started. There is no telling what else they’ll cook up behind closed doors to throw the election toward their anointed candidate, President Biden. 

Donate today to put a Kennedy back in the White House — Elect Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as President to unite America in 2024!

Ferry Law’s New Wellness Program

Wellness Ferry Law CT Attorney


Ferry Law is pleased to announce its new Wellness Program. Any client of Ferry Law, both present and previous, is entitled to a free Yoga session with Staff Yoga Teacher, Leslie Gordon. It is Leslie’s belief that Yoga is for EVERY BODY, and her goal is to help you find ways to feel better. We know that being injured in a car accident or other type of situation, or charged of a crime, is stressful. We want to enable you to find ways to relieve your stress that are healthy for your body, mind and spirit. At Ferry Law, we recognize you as an integrated human being, not just a physical body. For those of you who think you cannot do yoga for physical reasons or because your doctor has not given you permission to exercise, Leslie can introduce you to different relaxation techniques that will help you relax, refocus and return to your centered, grounded self. Operating your life from that place will make everything easier.

We are also excited to announce that we will be holding FREE group relaxation sessions for Ferry Law clients. These will be held on the first Monday evening of every month, starting on February 3, at 6 p.m. These one-hour long sessions will be held in the Ferry Law Wellness Studio at 77 Lexington Street, New Britain, in the basement of the Ferry Law Office Building. You must register for these sessions, as space is limited. To register for the relaxation sessions or to schedule your free yoga private, call Karoli at 833-FerryLaw. 

Ferry Law Welcomes Summer Intern

Ferry Law is welcoming a Summer Intern, Sam Martin, into its practice this Summer. He will be working on some projects we’ve been eager to get started. Welcome Sam!

Here is a little about Sam in his own words:

My name is Sam Martin. I am the Ferry Law intern this summer working with the incredibly dynamic team of Kevin Ferry, Monique Foley and Cara Cavallari. I hail from Portland, Maine where I just finished up my first year at the University of Maine School of Law. Prior to returning to Maine, I received my Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs with a focus in Conflict Resolution from the George Washington University in Washington, D.C. In my career, I hope to pursue social and criminal justice reform by defending victims and the accused with honesty, compassion and integrity.

In my free time, I participate in local government and am a skateboarding/skiing fanatic. I am an avid student of the Mandarin Chinese language, a yogi and a satyagrahi. For a good read, I recommend Calming the Fearful Mind by Thich Nat Hanh and a for a good movie, Mind Game directed by Masaaki Yuasa. I am grateful to the attorneys and paralegal team at Ferry Law for the opportunity to learn the valuable skills of fighting for each individual’s right to pursue justice. I also excited for the many opportunities to practice yoga here at Ferry Law with the guidance of the wonderful Leslie Gordon.

Occupational Lung Disease

This group of work-related injury compensable under workers’ compensation in Connecticut include occupational asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiolitis obliterans, inhalation injury, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and infections. Most lung related work injuries occur within State Government in Connecticut, local government jobs were next highest and utilities third highest. While just 6% of workers’ compensation cases are lung related, the toll that lung injuries take on the body is immense. Medications are very expensive and damage the body over time.

Lung injuries are a particular interest at Ferry Law because Ferry Law understands the connection to our mind, body and soul comes from our breath. Attorney Ferry has been a Yogi for nearly 20 years and has extensively practiced many forms of breath work and meditation centered on following the breath. At Ferry Law we are well equipped to help you with your lung disease case whether in the Workers’ Compensation Commission or in Superior Court.

Lung related allergies may come from mold, pigeon droppings, cat dander, diesel fumes, ammonia bicarbonate, latex, 3 leach, adhesive remover, coolant, kerosene, floor stripping chemicals, and wall paper remover.

It is important to contact a workers’ compensation lawyer to understand time limitations involved with filing a workers’ compensation claim as well as all the benefits you are entitled to if your lung disease claim is causally related to your work. Ferry Law provides a free consultation for all workers’ compensation cases and injury claims. Contact 833-FerryLaw for a free consultation for your case.

Car, Truck, Motorcycle Accident Amputations Are Becoming a Growing Trend

If you or someone you know has had a body part amputated due to someone else’s negligence, please contact an attorney at our Connecticut personal injury office right away. Amputees are becoming a growing population due to severe impacts that occur from distracted motorists failing to pay attention to motorcyclists, pedestrians and others traveling along our busy Connecticut roadways. There are 185,000 new lower extremity amputations each year just within the United States, with an estimated 2 million American amputees. It is projected that the amputee population will more than double by the year 2050. (Source: AdvancedAmputees.com)

Ferry Law handled a case involving a truck versus motorcycle accident in which a helmeted motorcyclist became pinned with his right leg under an 18-wheel truck (owned by a major office supply distributor) after the truck made an improper left turn directly in front of the path he was traveling.

Our client sustained significant injuries including: post traumatic amputation of the right leg secondary to motor vehicle accident; fracture L3; fracture right clavicle, first and second ribs; intracranial punctate bleeds times two; and degloving laceration left thigh and left calf. He also suffered from right leg amputation of 95% below the knee. His injuries required immediate surgery and amputation of the right lower leg. Our office brought claims on behalf of the motorcyclist, his wife for loss of consortium and his three minor children for familial consortium claims based on a recent change in the law allowing loss of consortium claims to be brought by minor children. We settled very quickly with the at-fault party, without having to file a formal lawsuit, for its policy limits of $1,000,000 plus umbrella and excess insurance totaling in excess of $3,000,000.

Please not that there are services available to help amputees:

Hangar Prosthetics provides products and services, including prosthetic devices: WWW.hanger.com

Amputee Coalition provides a number of helpful resources to amputees including education, services and support: https:l/www.amputee-coalition.org

And as always, the personal injury attorneys at Ferry Law are here to help you get through a most difficult and life-changing transition. Please call us, 833-FerryLaw.

Accident Attorneys of FerryLaw to Sponsor Race in the Park 2019

Personal injury lawyers and accident attorneys of FerryLaw are once again a proud sponsor of the CT Breast Health Initiative Race in the Park. Join us On Saturday, May 11, in Walnut Hill Park (right across from our office). Come cheer on our running team, say hello to us at our booth, and take home a packet of seeds to get your garden started! We are thrilled to support this race, and all funds raised stay in CT to raise awareness and help find a cure for this terrible disease.

Attorney Ferry Joins the Holistic Chamber of Commerce

Attorney Kevin Ferry has just been named a member of the Holistic Chamber of Commerce.

Founded in 2010, the Holistic Chamber of Commerce (HCC) is an international trade organization for holistically-minded professionals, practitioners, business owners, and resource providers, as well as a community coming together in support of a cause.

The HCC is member-focused and provides an ever-expanding online presence and network of members and local chapters that make it easier for consumers to learn about and access holistic, natural and eco-friendly products, services and solutions.

Attorney Ferry offers yoga to all his clients and has recently added a yoga studio to his office. He fervently believes in the importance of a personal mindfulness practice and advocates for a practice for all his clients.

FerryLaw Open House

Join us on Friday, March 15, to see our newly renovated space that allows for more conference, file storage and office space. We also have room for yoga and mindfulness practices.

Ethical Rules for Discharged Lawyers-Seems There are None

In a stunning decision by our Statewide Grievance Committee as a result of my first ever grievance filed against an Attorney, I learned that our ethical rules prohibiting a discharged lawyer from contacting his former client do not apply as long as the discharged lawyer claims he was confused and uncertain he had been fired.

The facts of my case are as follows: The discharged lawyer received a letter from me and another from my client, which politely informed him that his client had switched teams and that no further communication with the client should take place. Can you see how confused the discharged lawyer must have been? As if hit by a stun gun from the Star Trek Enterprise, discharged lawyer makes multiple phone calls and speaks with client once…also contacts client’s parents to put more pressure on the young 19 year old to reconsider his decision to discharge the Big Box law firm. In addition to the phone calls, he emails his former client and includes an email from me which he lifted off of the CTLA list serve in violation of our rules of usage for our list serve site. Seems as if this lawyer is certain to be sanctioned by the grievance panel. After all, he has been found to have violated our ethical rules twice already and as a repeat offender, not likely to qualify for the slap on the wrist treatment.

The esteemed reviewing committee who heard the case in Bridgeport found there was no probable cause and dismissed the complaint. However, it did in fact find that he contacted his former client, and it did in fact find that he attempted to win back the client. Its reasoning hinged on the claim the discharged lawyer made that he was confused over being discharged because he was such the right man for the job since he knew the client and his family for years and he had intimate knowledge of the client’s soccer career.

What is the upshot of this decision? As I see it, we are in the wild, wild west. Fake some sort of confusion, call the client, write to the client, beg the client to come back and forget about our ethical rules because those pesky things just get in the way of good old aggressive used car salesman tactics of keeping your customer. A terrible decision. Childish and tortured reasoning.

We need lawyers on the Grievance Committee that actually believe in Rules of Ethics and will uphold them.

FerryLaw is a Proud Sponsor: 6th Annual Craft Sippin’ in New Britain

6th Annual Craft Sippin’ in New Britain
Friday, February 15, 2019

Beat the winter blues and join us for the tasting event of the season! Sample and sip craft beers and enjoy the Museum’s galleries at our 6th Annual Craft Sippin’ in New Britain! The Museum gives thanks to Hartford Distributors for lining up this year’s list of distinguished breweries that will be sure to please every type of beer fan.
Each guest will receive a souvenir NBMAA Craft Sippin’ tasting glass upon entry for unlimited 2 oz. tastings of beer.

This event is generously supported by Ferry Law and Green Man Tattoo.

Participating Breweries
(as of January 30, 2019)
Alvarium Beer Company
Athletic Brewing Co.
Back East Brewing Company
City Steam Brewery
Founders Brewing Co.
Hog River Brewing
Kinsmen Brewing
Labyrinth Brewing Company
Lagunitas Brewing Company
Lawson’s Finest Liquids
Relic Brewing Co.
Willimantic Brewing Company
Participating Restaurants
(as of January 30, 2019)
Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ
Pulled Pork or Pulled Chicken Slider 5$
Brisket Chili 6$
Side of Mac and Cheese 4$

Martin Rosol’s Meats

Registration and Ticket Purchasing at nbmaa.org

Admission
$30 Members
$35 non-Members
$20 designated drivers
$5 cash bar

Yoga and Mindfulness for Our Clients

We believe that being injured in an accident or as the result of negligence is one of the most stressful things anyone can experience. That’s why we offer a FREE Yoga Session to any client who would like to learn how to feel better physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Leslie Gordon, our staff Yoga Teacher, is on call for any of our clients who feel they would like to explore how yoga and mindfulness can help them. She can help you feel better, and it is easier than you think. Yoga is for Every Body. Let us show you. If you are a client at FerryLaw, please contact us. Check out Leslie at her website, www.lesliegordonyoga.com.

FerryLaw Holiday Toy Collection

FerryLaw is teaming up with the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center to collect toys for children at CCMC. Please consider dropping by the office to say hello and to bring a new, unwrapped toy. Items are especially needed for teens and infants.

Here is a link to the CCMC website with some basic guidelines for the donations:  https://www.connecticutchildrens.org/support-us/donate-toys/

Thank you for joining us in spreading cheer to children at CCMC this holiday season.

Donations are needed by December 18.

Congratulations to Attorney Foley: 2018 Connecticut Rising Star Honors

Congratulations to Attorney Monique S. Foley who has been selected to the 2018 Connecticut Rising Stars list, an honor reserved for those lawyers who exhibit excellence in practice. Only 2.5% of attorneys in Connecticut receive this distinction. You can find her in the following publications and online:

  • New England Super Lawyers Magazine, November 2018
  • Connecticut Magazine, November 2018,
  • The online attorney directory on SuperLawyers.com

Benefits of a Mind/Body Practice

20th century life is fast paced. There is plenty of strife in our world, and whether it’s starving refugees in the Middle East or Democrats and Republicans in the USA behaving poorly, all of it affects us. Add the demands of keeping a roof over your head, providing food for your family, caring for elderly parents, trying to keep your 150 passwords in a place you remember, etc., and we ALL need to hit the reset button often. If you don’t practice being still and being quiet, you risk making yourself sick in ways you probably never imagined.

So, as the old saying goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away….That’s nice, but how about my saying, “Stillness prevents illness.”

The type A people reading this who blow off steam by going to Cross Fit three days a week or jogging 30 miles a week will find this a bit challenging, but it is no less important for the energizer bunny trying to be still and be quiet. The agony you will endure trying to sit still for 5 minutes is proof positive that you need it, and you need it badly! Your monkey mind is swinging wildly through the branches, and it feels dangerous and impossible to stop. Inevitably, with regular practice, that awful feeling you get from shutting everything off will subside. You are simply a self-energizing generator that has never been turned off. You are inefficient as a servant because no generator can run full time. The parts wear out, and bolts get loose. It’s the same way with people.

I am going to leave this post here. Just to get you used to the idea that mindfulness practice is something you must try. Just let that soak in for now. Next post, I will write about some simple methods to get your started.

Kevin

 

Habitat for Humanity–Public Service Day

Staff members from FerryLaw participated this year in the Habitat for Humanity public service day, May 30, 2018. Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit multi-service agency helping individuals and families obtain housing. 90% of the labor used for projects is volunteer, allowing them to keep costs down so that they are able to provide affordable, simple, decent home-ownership opportunities to low-income families.

The team at FerryLaw rolled up their sleeves and got busy hauling wood, hanging sheetrock and even drilling a few holes in several homes located in Hartford, CT during our last Habitat for Humanity day last fall. This time we helped our friends in our own backyard, New Britain.

If you would like to learn more about Volunteer Opportunities through Habitat for Humanity, visit: http://hartfordhabitat.org/volunteering/other-ways-to-volunteer/ or to donate go to: http://hartfordhabitat.org/donate-now/

FerryLaw Sponsors a Race in the Park 2018


FerryLaw was once again a proud sponsor for this year’s Race in the Park at Walnut Hill Park, May 12, 2018. The Race is one of the largest in the area which funds research for breast cancer and is a fundraiser for the CT Breast Health Initiative. Attorney Cavallari participated in the 5K run, and other members of the FerryLaw Staff volunteered in various other ways during the event. This is an important event, and one very close to our hearts, in the continued fight against breast cancer and  in the awareness this event brings. We hope our contributions help in the ongoing fight against this terrible disease.

What is it Like to be Sued: Who Am I?

Attorney Ferry and Attorney Foley recently defended a claim made against them by Attorney Charles Brower and his client, James McCann, based upon a claim initially brought by the Law Office of Kevin C. Ferry, LLC against Mr. McCann and his company, RSS Consulting Services, LLC. Mr. McCann is the founder of Options Unlimited, a community living arrangement not-for-profit business whom the Law Office of Kevin C. Ferry, LLC sued in 2013 for severe physical, mental and sexual abuse perpetrated by approximately eight employees of Options Unlimited. Mr. McCann is currently being sued by Options Unlimited for fraud.

Attorney Foley and Attorney Ferry spent eight full days at trial defending themselves with the assistance of Kerry Callahan and Valerie Ferdon, both of Updike, Kelly & Spellacy. Attorneys Callahan and Verdon were very prepared and performed admirably at trial. Attorney Foley and Attorney Ferry were called as witnesses by Attorney Brower. Every effort was made to point to Attorneys Ferry and Foley as not having a good faith basis to sue his client. The jury saw through Attorney Brower’s misguided efforts to obtain a payday for his client and quickly returned a Defendant’s verdict on all counts. If the jury decided for the Plaintiff, the Plaintiff was going to be seeking punitive damages under numerous counts, including double damages pursuant to §52-568(1) under two counts; treble damages pursuant to §52-568(2) under two counts; and exemplary damages by way of attorney’s fees claimed to have been incurred defending the lawsuit brought by Law Office of Kevin C. Ferry, LLC.

This was an excellent learning experience that Attorney Foley and I hope to never be put though again; however, we gained valuable insight into the mind of a civil defendant throughout the process, and we also learned several valuable lessons at trial. While it would be going a bit far to thank Mr. Brower for suing us, I can say that your biggest enemies can be your best teachers if you are open to looking at it from that angle. –KCF