2012-05-07 Carole Diary

Carole Baskins Diary

HSUS flew me to Ohio

to weigh in on the big cat ban following the Zanesville massacre. (Did I mention that I coined that phrase the day after the event? The media ran with it and now everyone refers to it as the Zanesville Massacre)

Holiday Inn Columbus Downtown Capital Square Confirmation number: 65094014

Best Flexible Rate 2 Double Beds Non-smoking Upload Pictures From Department: Ohio State Director (000-0-414 OH State Director), Purpose of Trip--Be Specific: SB 310 Exotic Pet Hearing in House - witness, Project Code: 00-12094 Ohio Ballot Measure, Reimbursed by another Org.?: No, Is this a consultant?: no

Mon 7-May-12 and Thu 10-May-12 at 175 E Town St Columbus, OH 43215 United States of America 1 [phone] Fax [phone]

Joe Schreibvogel and his minions were all over me at the hearing. Patty was a great ally during all of that. This is her recollection of that attack:

“We were there to testify on behalf of the legislation after the Zanesville event. Joe shoved a microphone in front of my face, with his camera man recording, and said something like I'm here to interview you. I said, condescendingly (which is very atypical of me, but I wanted to get rid of him) "ME? Be interviewed by YOU?" and he said "Perfect! That's just what I wanted. Perfect." and they left...* almost ran away. I think he was embarrassed. There were four undercover cops assigned to us, and the woman from HSUS was with us, and I believe she had been threatened by them, her life threatened, by I don't know if that was by email or what.

And then in mid 2014, Joe made a threat, I forget via what means, about going to a conference that I was going to speak at and something about me being careful or something like that or maybe he just said he'd see me there. I forget. It was probably in one of his videos. It was enough that my husband put his foot down about me attending and speaking, because it was the last thing I was going to do as Executive Director. So Kelly went instead, though I had filled her in. The conference was on government property and I guess I or someone sent a letter to homeland security about it, or to the the local sheriff, and they sent it on to Homeland security. Anyway, someone told them the names of his thugs that were going to be there with him.

As it turns out, only they came (not Joe) and Homeland security was watching for them and surrounded the car, had them get out, searched the car and told them to leave and that if any of them stepped foot on federal property (that day?), they would be arrested. I don't know if the GFAS files might have some letters on file about that. Deb Leahy at HSUS Wildlife Dept might remember. She was at the conference. It was held in conjunction with the USDA I believe. That was the conference where Kelly said something (that I think Joe broadcast about later I think) about sanctuaries in it for the money....which was a total distortion, of something she said.

And remember, Joe sent a letter to all the GFAS sanctuaries bashing you. I don't know if any of them might still have it, or if GFAS kept a copy. If I can help further or you have questions, feel free to ask. Sorry my memory isn't better!” - Patty

*Joe and crew ran because I was coming in between Patty and them and had blood in my eye. I wasn’t going to stand for them intimidating this sweet, little woman.

I've been writing my story since I was able to write, but when the media goes to share it, they only choose the parts that fit their idea of what will generate views. If I'm going to share my story, it should be the whole story. The titles are the dates things happened. If you have any interest in who I really am please start at the beginning of this playlist: http://savethecats.org/

I know there will be people who take things out of context and try to use them to validate their own misconception, but you have access to the whole story. My hope is that others will recognize themselves in my words and have the strength to do what is right for themselves and our shared planet.

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Music (if any) from Epidemic Sound (http://www.epidemicsound.com) This video is for entertainment purposes only and is my opinion.