OpEdNews' Election Integrity Editor Joan Brunwasser hit a milestone last Sunday with a million views of her over 650 articles for OpEdNews. A large portion of her articles are interviews, so we turned the tables and interviewed her !

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OpEdNews'  Election Integrity Editor Joan Brunwasser hit a milestone last Sunday with a million views of her over 650 articles for OpEdNews. A large portion of her articles are interviews, so we turned the tables and interviewed her!

Meryl Ann Butler: Joan, congratulations on reaching a million views on your collection of 650+ articles for OpEdNews, wow, that's fabulous!  How did you get involved with OpEdNews in the first place?

Joan Brunwasser: Thanks so much, Meryl Ann. It feels a bit strange to be the interviewee for a change! My activism, which led to my coming on board as Election Integrity Editor at OpEdNews, started when I saw a powerful documentary called Invisible Ballots. 

It was the summer of 2005, after the contentious and problematic 2004 presidential election. There was a large and growing contingent that felt there were "issues' that affected the election, like voter disenfranchisement and the iffiness and lack of transparency of computerized voting. I had spent the last several months sending out letters to all kinds of people, trying to stimulate discussion about democracy and how to insure clean, fair elections. I was getting nowhere.  The corporate media simply wasn't interested in seriously exploring any doubts about the legitimacy of that election [or the election process in general]. It didn't stop me, but I was pretty frustrated.

After seeing the film, it was as if a light bulb had gone off in my head. This was really unusual for me. I didn't consider myself particularly imaginative but I clearly and immediately saw the tremendous potential to spread awareness through this film. People don't read as much anymore; we're a movie-oriented culture. Little by little, I started accumulating copies of the film and sending them around via what became a lending library.

Rob Kall, "Mr. OpEdNews," belonged to a group in Bucks County, PA, that had received a copy of the film.  He and I began corresponding. He offered me the position at OpEdNews and promised that it wouldn't impinge on my lending library activities. In fact, he promised me "synergy." I wasn't entirely sure what it was but it sounded good so I swallowed my doubts and came aboard in December, 2005. It didn't hurt that he promised that I could pull out at any time if I found it too demanding, too difficult, too whatever. I scheduled my debut during winter break because I was off work then. I knew it would be a good time for me to learn all the ins and outs of the website, posting and other tech issues, never my strong suit. From a kind of rocky start almost exactly eight years ago, it's fair to say that we've gone on to accomplish a lot!

That lending library took off, especially after I hooked up with OpEdNews. I made an arrangement with the director, William Gazecki, to make several thousand copies of the film independently. I raised the money, designed the cover and promo material, and schlepped them to the 2006 Take Back America conference in Washington, DC. For a gal who doesn't like crowds, pulling that off was pretty awesome!

MAB:  Wow, it's great to hear the back story! I remember being aware of some of your work 'way back then. I posted my first article here in 2005, also. Can you share with us some of your favorite election integrity articles and their importance?

JB: Where to begin? Over the past eight years, I've had the opportunity to work with many dedicated election activists doing wonderful work including Bev Harris , Victoria Collier , Lynn Landes , Mark Crispin Miller , Brad Friedman, Jonathan Simon , Sally Castleman, Nancy Tobi, Harvey Wasserman , Bob Fitrakis , Steven Rosenfeld . Let's not forget Michael Collins or the "Diebold whistleblower" Steven Heller . I did a great four-parter with election fraud investigator Richard Hayes Phillips . Alastair Thompson and his Australia-based Scoop have covered much of the election news that correspondents much nearer by have chosen to overlook and underreport. Isn't that a national embarrassment? Then there's Ion Sancho , Leon County FL Supervisor of Elections, a personal hero. And Bruce Funk, Sancho's counterpart in Emery County, Utah, who was pretty much run out of office by Diebold officials who didn't like his concerns about their machines.

 

Fellow Chicagoan Bob Koehler was one of the only mainstream media guys to talk about the topic in a serious way. Greg Palast has done great, consistent coverage -- although I haven't snagged him for an interview -- yet!  He's an American who works out of the UK. Many of his stories never hit the American media altogether. That's true for many of those writing in the alternative media; it's as if we're living in a parallel universe.  It's another very good reason to not depend solely upon traditional sources for your news.

Then, there are all the filmmakers who've documented our seriously messed up elections. A sampling: Tia Lessin and Carl Deal are finishing up Citizen Koch right now. We've got Dorothy Fadiman with Stealing America: Vote by Vote ; John Ennis: Pay2Play: Democracy's High Stakes ; Murder, Spies and Voting Lies: The Clint Curtis Story by Patty Sharaf, Commander N Thief by Tom O'Brien, Swing State Ohio by Jed Wolfington, American Blackout by Ian Inaba, David Earnhardt's Uncounted: The New Math of American Elections and Eternal Vigilance: The Fight to Save Our Election System .

 

As you see, I could go on and on. This isn't even a comprehensive list. I just want you to know what's out there. Ignorance is not bliss.

MAB: Thanks, Joan! I know that you have published a significant number of articles on whistleblowers, and that your body of work was a major part of the reason that OpEdNews received the 2013 Pillar Award for Community Activism and Journalism at the National Whistleblowers Conference last July. Can you give us a little background on the importance of whistleblowers and an independent free press?

JB: Democracy can barely exist and certainly can't flourish without a free and independent press. We're definitely heading in the wrong direction: with greater consolidation of the press comes a narrower and more corporate perspective. In California, Clear Channel, the largest station owner in the country, will shut down progressive radio talk shows in LA and San Francisco as of the first of the year, leaving these large populations with only a right-wing perspective on the public airwaves.  And this is a nationwide trend.

Nelson Mandela had it right: "A critical, independent and investigative press is the lifeblood of any democracy. The press must be free from state interference. It must have the economic strength to stand up to the blandishments of government officials. It must have sufficient independence from vested interests to be bold and inquiring without fear or favor. It must enjoy the protection of the constitution, so that it can protect our rights as citizens."

Needless to say, we have a lot of work to do. That's why I often interview journalists operating outside the mainstream, to spotlight what they're covering and how they're thinking. The alternative press is often the only source for news items that Big Business, and often the government, prefers to keep hidden, so that is a double whammy.

I have always admired whistleblowers. They see wrongdoing and stick their necks out in order to do the right thing. Because they're insiders, they are often our only chance to get a glimpse behind the screen of secrecy. In many cases, instead of being lauded as heroes, they pay a tremendous price for exercising their conscience. They are castigated, marginalized, often fired and then tied up in legal fights which drain their energy and resources.  The press generally does not give them their due; whistleblowers are often painted as the wrongdoers and the real bad guys skate away, untouched.

A few examples of my whistleblower coverage:

Corporate whistleblowers:

Investigative Journalist Katherine Eban Exposes Massive Fraud at Generic Lipitor Manufacturer . 5/26/2013

Talking with Former Health Insurance Executive Wendell Potter , 10/18/2009

Federal whistleblowers:
Former Federal Air Marshal On Air Safety And Lack Of Viable Whistleblower Protection Robert MacLean, 10/22/2011
Whistleblowing former Federal Air Marshal Spencer Pickard on Air Safety , 1/13/2011

Election whistleblowers
"Fooled Again" Series: Exclusive Interview with "Diebold Whistleblower" Steve Heller , 8/26/2007

Medical whistleblowers:
Exposing Huge Hidden Profits of A Non-Profit Hospital , 9/7/2009

Judicial whistleblowers:

More Collateral Damage from the Siegelman Case -- Talking with DOJ Whistleblower, Tamarah Grimes 10/8/2009

MAB:  Thanks for your coverage of whistleblowers, Joan, it's essential to our democracy. The founding mothers and fathers would be proud!  I know you also love to do interviews that have a specifically positive message. Can you tell us more about that?

JB: What a great question, Meryl Ann! I feel like a kid in a candy store; I don't know where to begin.

Let me first say that because I get to choose whom I interview, it's never a chore. And more often than not, we forge a lovely bond. These are opportunities to collaborate. No matter how much homework I've done, my interviewee knows far better than I do what's important. So, by working together, we're able to present the story most effectively. Apparently, this is not done that often because I receive many comments on how pleasant the experience was and how much they like the way the interview came out. That's very gratifying. If I'm doing my job properly, you'll hardly sense my presence. It's between you, the reader, and the subject of the piece.

Let's see: back to your question. I love focusing on activists who are working hard to bring about change, in whatever area that might be.

I have a particular soft spot for whistleblowers, many of whom would not see themselves as heroes, or even activists. And, of course, I have the utmost respect and appreciation for my many election integrity colleagues working tirelessly for clean and transparent elections. And there are rare members of the press who actually do their job, bringing the news to the people and being fierce watchdogs for democracy. All of these individuals are more at risk now than at many other times in our recent history. It is most disappointing that our current president has gone after whistleblowers to an unprecedented extent.

But, putting that aside, I love "=""> YES! , an amazing solution-based magazine. And the "=""> Giraffe Project , which celebrates individuals sticking their necks out for the common good. I've interviewed folks at both places numerous times.

MAB: Can you mention a few other specific interviews that stand out for their positivity? I realize with over 650 articles, you might have a tough time choosing! But go ahead, give it a shot!

JB: How about these?

I loved How A High School Jazz Band Brought Prom Dresses, Musical Instruments and Hope to NOLA . I've done a lot of coverage on post-Katrina, traveling down on volunteer missions twice in the last several years. I particularly liked this project because it was instituted by a music teacher at New Trier (my alma mater) and involved students in an active and meaningful way.

B Lab: Helping Companies Not Only Be the Best in the World, But the Best FOR the World is my interview with Jay Coen Gilbert, a successful entrepreneur who co-founded B Lab, which is changing the way corporations do business. Says Gilbert: "(W)e are supporting what the Delaware Bar have called a "seismic shift in corporate law", passing benefit corporation legislation in 20 states. As of July, these states include Delaware, the legal home of most venture-backed businesses, the majority of publicly-traded companies, and nearly two-thirds of the Fortune 500 and therefore the most important state for businesses that seek access to venture capital, private equity, and public capital markets. Benefit corporations enjoy legal protection to create value for society, not just for shareholders, while meeting higher standards of accountability and transparency." They have around 800 B Corps so far in 27 countries and 60 industries. Very, very exciting.  

I think my favorite is actually a trio of interviews on Odyssey of the Mind, ( here , here , and here ) a fabulous annual student-driven, problem-solving competition involving teams ranging from kindergarten through college and more recently including senior citizens as well. It takes place every May at one of four college campuses. I was lucky enough to stumble upon this mental Olympics while visiting my son Michael at the University of Maryland in the spring of 2011. That year, there were 856 teams, literally thousands of participants of all ages, coaches, chaperones, parents from all over the country and foreign teams as well. Can you imagine?!

I spent many hours in wonder, watching the various competitions and talking with participants, parents, coaches , judges, alumni and finally Dr. Sam Miklus , the co-founder and mastermind behind the event. NASA's been a sponsor for around 15 years. And parents report that college interviewers offer instant acceptance to students who have participated in Odyssey of the Mind. Aren't those ringing endorsements?

And it's legit: kids learn such incredible skills in problem-solving and working as a team, they can go anywhere and do anything. If more students were involved in this program, I bet you wouldn't hear all the complaints about the lack of homegrown engineers!

MAB: Thanks Joan. One of my boys was involved in Odyssey of the Mind and I agree it is a fantastic program!  I am always happy to see positive stories and solution journalism on OpEdnews, thanks so much for your contribution to that! Is there anything we missed, or that you want to add?

JB: I'm so grateful to Rob for making me stretch. And for connecting me with you, Meryl Ann! At first I was supposed to be mentoring you, but I've probably learned far more from you than the other way around! 

I've always told my kids that an individual can make a difference. I believe that to my core. But it's very hard work. When I would get discouraged, someone would come along and toss out an encouraging word and I'd regain my motivation and plod on. That's a great thing about the progressive community. Rob, at one low point, recommended that I read Paul Rogat Loeb's The Impossible Will Take a Little While .  It's a terrific collection of essays by all sorts of progressive activists contemporary and from earlier days. It did the trick -- and me being me,  I went on to interview Loeb!

On a more personal note, during fully half of the eight years I've been at OpEdNews, I've been engaged in major life changes. I woke up one morning to find that my marriage had irretrievably fallen apart. I separated and eventually got divorced. I packed up and sold the house we had lived in for almost 30 years, moving twice in three months. I had to find a good home for Emma, my nine-year-old dog. The job I had for 15 years evaporated at the worst possible moment and I found myself financially at risk for the first time in my life. I transitioned to full-time employment at a time when many of my peers are slowing down or retiring altogether.

And all the while, I kept writing. In fact, you could probably figure out which were the most stressful periods by the increase in my writing. It's how I cope -- along with a big helping hand from family, friends and supportive colleagues. So, I'd guess you'd say that OpEdNews has kept me sane. Thank you! A million page views is not the end; I'm just hitting my stride!

MAB: Wow! Thank you, Joan. And thanks for sharing your inspiring story with us. It's always fascinating to me how situations that seem so challenging in life can often have so many hidden gifts -- and your challenges have certainly resulted in many gifts to others -- OpEdnews gets a lot of its special "flavor" from your contributions, and we are so lucky to have you. Even the way you live your life is a great example of the powerful effects of positive journalism -- thank you!

JB: Thanks to my readers, without whom I'd be like a tree falling in the forest with no one there to see. And thank you so much, Meryl Ann, for this opportunity to examine myself and my time at OpEdNews. It was challenging but fun; I'm glad it was you holding the scalpel! 

Joan's OEN Member page

Joan's Annual Newsletter of Appreciation, and an Invitation to Participate

Selected Series by Joan Brunwasser:

Election Integrity

Odyssey of the Mind

Positivity

Whistleblowers

Authors Website: http://www.OceanViewArts.com

Authors Bio:

Meryl Ann Butler is an artist, author, educator and OpedNews Managing Editor who has been actively engaged in utilizing the arts as stepping-stones toward joy-filled wellbeing since she was a hippie. She began writing for OpEdNews in Feb, 2004. She became a Senior Editor in August 2012 and Managing Editor in January, 2013. In June, 2015, the combined views on her articles, diaries and quick link contributions topped one million. She was particularly happy that her article about Bree Newsome removing the Confederate flag was the one that put her past the million mark.

Her art in a wide variety of media can be seen on her YouTube video, "Visionary Artist Meryl Ann Butler on Creativity and Joy" at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcGs2r_66QE

A NYC native, her response to 9-11 was to pen an invitation to healing through creativity, entitled, "90-Minute Quilts: 15+ Projects You Can Stitch in an Afternoon" (Krause 2006), which is a bestseller in the craft field. The sequel, MORE 90-Minute Quilts: 20+ Quick and Easy Projects With Triangles and Squares was released in April, 2011. Her popular video, How to Stitch a Quilt in 90 Minutes with Meryl Ann Butler can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrShGOQaJQ8

She has been active in a number of international, arts-related projects as a citizen diplomat, and was arts advisor to Baltimore's CIUSSR (Center for Improving US-Soviet Relations), 1987-89. She made two trips to the former USSR in 1987 and 1988 to speak to artists, craftpeople and fashion designers on the topic of utilizing the arts as a tool for global wellbeing. She created the historical "First US-Soviet Children's Peace Quilt Exchange Project" in 1987-88, which was the first time a reciprocal quilt was given to the US from the former USSR.

Her artwork is in collections across the globe.

Meryl Ann is a founding member of The Labyrinth Society and has been building labyrinths since 1992. She publishes an annual article about the topic on OpEdNews on World Labyrinth Day, the first Saturday in May.

OpEdNews Senior Editor Joan Brunwasser interviewed Meryl Ann in "Beyond Surviving: How to Thrive in Challenging Times" at https://www.opednews.com/articles/Beyond-Surviving--How-to-by-Joan-Brunwasser-Anxiety_Appreciation_Coronavirus_Creativity-200318-988.html

Find out more about Meryl Ann's artistic life in "OEN Managing Ed, Meryl Ann Butler, Featured on the Other Side of the Byline" at https://www.opednews.com/Quicklink/OEN-Managing-Ed-Meryl-Ann-in-Life_Arts-Artistic_Artists_Quilt-170917-615.html

On Feb 11, 2017, Senior Editor Joan Brunwasser interviewed Meryl Ann in Pink Power: Sister March, Norfolk, VA at http://www.opednews.com/articles/Pink-Power-Sister-March--by-Joan-Brunwasser-Pussy-Hats-170212-681.html

"Creativity and Healing: The Work of Meryl Ann Butler" by Burl Hall is at
http://www.opednews.com/articles/Creativity-and-Healing--T-by-Burl-Hall-130414-18.html

Burl and Merry Hall interviewed Meryl Ann on their BlogTalk radio show, "Envision This," at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/envision-this/2013/04/11/meryl-ann-butler-art-as-a-medicine-for-the-soul

Archived articles www.opednews.com/author/author1820.html
Older archived articles, from before May 2005 are here.