STUFF I'VE DONE SO FAR

To Show That You Can Do It, Too!

Since 2001, I have passed out about 20,500 End Cannabis Prohibition flyers in seven states. I've shown up to roadside protests with a sign and cheered with others for change, and walked alone with my sign many times. I get so much enjoyment from these and other activities, I want to encourage everyone to do them, too. Every bit adds up, and once you get past the fear, it really is FUN!

I hope this page gives needed courage to help change our laws ASAP - 60,000+ people in prison and their families are waiting...

May 5th, 2005, 9:25am, Monterey, CA: After getting my courage up, I called the D.C. office of Senator Boxer and told the person answering, "Hello, I've been researching our marijuana laws lately, and I just wanted to let Senator Boxer know that I believe marijuana is safer than cigarettes or alcohol and must be made legal. Thanks." She said nicely, "OK, I'll pass that along to Senator Boxer." Senator Feinstein's D.C. office said, "OK, may I have your zip code?" So that was no problem, either. I happen to live in Congressman Farr's district, and he is very OK with cannabis, so I left a message with praise for his work in this area. This office asked for my full address, and they were very nice! The Governor's office was a bit more stiff but nice, and they said OK without any questions. Then, I left a comment on the President's line, and the nice lady took my message and we wished each other a good day. The whole thing took about 10 minutes.
Next, I emailed all my leaders this message:
"Hello. I support the end of wrongful imprisonment in America, and after eight years of searching, I have come to the conclusion that the War on Drugs has done more damage to our society than drugs ever could, and at such great financial expense. I urge you to look into the history of drug prohibition, especially cannabis prohibition at this time, and then look at the penalties even innocent families suffer due to the failed War on Drugs.
One thing is for sure: Marijuana is safer than cigarettes or alcohol and must be made legal. If nothing else, please look into that statement. Thank you."
This took another 10 minutes.
I went to Salinas by Representative Farr's office that afternoon and waved a neatly-and-large-lettered sign that says, "CANNABIS IS SAFE TO LEGALIZE" AND "MAKE POT LEGAL 555.ORG". I've taken this sign out to corners before, and the great responses made me want to tell EVERYONE who might be interested to do some sign-waving, too. It's fun and uplifting - details on making signs are on the "Materials" page.
I gave out four pieces of literature, but that's four more than zero for today!
As usual, our message got 98% approval rating, with lots of honks and waves. A nice couple even pulled over and borrowed one of my signs, so there we were, and we got MORE honks! It was fun, and the instant volunteers said it too: "Hey, this is FUN!" EVEN A COP SAID, "Yeah!" That was weird, but I said Thanks! The police weren't interested in being mean at all, God Bless 'Em!
SO, that's all we have to do - remind congress regularly and get the truth out to the people! YOU CAN DO IT!!

May 6th: After tending to family needs, I made my calls but failed to send the emails. See? I know it's hard to do even simple stuff, but we won't give up - it's SO tempting sometimes, though, I know. But I DID go out to a busy one-lane-in-each-direction road, parked my car at an abandoned strawberry stand and waved my sign to the cars! LOTS of honks and waves!! I got a few more "Thumbs down" than I usually do, but that's what we're here for - to encourage our side AND to be a thorn in the side of our opposition. It hurts my feelings, but it beats being robbed and jailed by my own country! I kept the sign at a 90 degree angle so both directions could see, saying, "No More Jail, Please!" to any open window going by. After about 1 1/2 hrs, I went back home, knowing I started lots of conversations for more people than if I didn't go out at all. YOUR ACTIONS HAVE IMPACT!

MAY 7: I'm going to SAN FRANCISCO for the Global Marijuana March! YEAY!!! They are POWERFUL fun, and they build up our sense of PRIDE! FOR FREEDOM!!!

Monday, May 9th: I had no computer or phone time today, but I DID get to look over a book by Americans for Safe Access, "Patients in the Crossfire" and it has the stories of people who were torn apart by our own government for trying to find relief from distressing pain. Always keep these people on our minds - they are as real as you and I, and they really WERE ruined by our bullies-for-hire.

May 10th: It took about 20 minutes to call and email all my "leaders". Today, I said, "I support the legalization of marijuana, at least so that people are no longer being jailed for it because that's wrongful imprisonment." They all said, "OK, I'll pass that along to___." Then I emailed them the same. Tomorrow, the subject will be about marijuana's medicinal benefits. See how we can give this movement variety because it touches on so many different subjects??

May 11th - 16th: Wrote some emails, called a few more offices, but mostly played with the family, cherishing our time as free citizens when so many are wrongly caged from their families. God bless 'em.

May 17: Called both Senators, the Governor, and the White House comment line (202-456-1111) and left messages that I support the legalization of marijuana because it is safer than cigarettes or alcohol. They were all very nice and cheerful.

May 24: After catching up with family life, I answered Senator Feinstein's form letter response which said she won't relax drug laws because drug abuse is so bad. I sent her this reply:
"Honorable Feinstein,
Thank you so much for your response to my message concerning my support of the legalization of marijuana. I understand your concerns about drug abuse very clearly. I too worry for all families who are dealing with an addiction of any kind. I could not agree with you more on the damage done to people, especially children, due to addiction, abuse and neglect.
Please know that drug Prohibition is no different than Alcohol Prohibition was, and that is the reason for my plea to repeal these laws. Alcohol wasn't re-legalized because we concluded it is safe, it was because we desperately needed to put Al Capone out of business, and we realized that Prohibition was doing more harm than the alcohol did, as hard as that is to imagine. I beg you to study the two Prohibitions closely and to stop the harm done to thousands of families a year when a parent is locked up for years for possession of plant material that is safer and more beneficial than tobacco or alcohol. It is this action that I can not tolerate.
I realize it would be difficult to state a change in your opinion once you find the truth, but you will be proven right because it is a simple, yet amazing fact that marijuana has no lethal dose and truly is a helpful medicine. I can honestly say that my life has improved since becoming a marijuana patient. My moods have stabilized, making life more enjoyable for my entire family, and actually making me more productive. Marijuana is not for everyone, but it truly could help millions.
My deepest concern with this issue is the wrongful imprisonment of thousands of victimless Americans. Even one is too many.
Thank you for your work for our country. I couldn't begin to imagine how hard it must be. Remember, good leadership means getting facts yourself. A good place to begin would be with the group Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, http://leap.cc. Thank you."
Keep answering all their silly excuses with truth and logic. They will be proven wrong, you watch.

May 30: Went sign-waving in Salinas, CA and it was like having a Party On A Stick! SO many happy honks and cheers! BUT, I also got the most negative comments ever, about 10 in the 90 minutes we were out. Stuff like, "It kills brain cells", "hippie", "Pot is for losers", 4-5 thumbs down, 2 middle fingers, and some very strange looks. That's OK, that's why we're doing this, to stir stuff up! The truth isn't going anywhere, and instead of feeling hurt this time, I felt strangely satisfied I irritated some believers of The Great Lie. Every time I go out I get better at it AND YOU WILL TOO! I answered everything with, "Just no more jail, please," and most of them agreed: No matter how "bad" marijuana is, people should NOT be going to jail over it! WE HAVE ALREADY WON THIS BATTLE, WE JUST NEED TO "CLAIM" OUR VICORY! GO DO IT!!!!!
The cops drove by a lot, checking us out, but none ever stopped or even looked interested at all. It was a beautiful afternoon and I felt invigorated afterwards! Try it sometime, it's fun!

May 31: Called 2 Senators and the President saying, "I oppose cannabis prohibition and I would really like a public debate on the matter." They all said OK, I'll pass that along, and one Senator's office asked for my name and zipcode.

June 2: Emailed a Senator "Jonathan's Law", named in honor of Jonathan Magbie, whose life ended on September 24, 2004. Killed by the callous indifference of the legal system of the District of Columbia. This can be seen about 1/2 way down the "What and How?" page.

June 4: Went to San Francisco with "MAKE POT LEGAL 555.ORG" in 4" letters on my back glass and nailed up one sign to a tree by a busy road on the way. I also left lots of little website cards around at the train station, and I put a few in the "free magazine/newspaper" boxes - you know, the ones on city sidewalks next to newspaper machines? And I wore my makepotlegal555.org T-shirt. Nice day! I hope lots of folks got the message.

June 6: Avoided the computer because of the "supreme" court's decision against patients, how depressing. They really don't give a damn about us or the Constitution, and that's painful. But I KNOW it will only push us harder due to the pure heartlessness about this, so in a way, they did us a favor... in a weird, twisted kinda way. It's still sickening, how they wipe their bottoms with us. Eewwww. BUTT (ha ha), they said that we need to go to Congress in order to change current laws, so PLEASE CONTACT CONGRESS FOR MORE HUMANE DRUG LAWS TODAY.

June 7: Joined WAMM in a protest over the Raich decision in Santa Cruz, and we all got SO much traffic support! So many people are on our side, if only they would all write in.
MSNBC just did a poll: 89% said marijuana should be legal medicine. What else has THIS kind of approval rating??? Congress will NOT be able to ignore us if we start writing them regularly. Let them know we are watching what they're doing. GO FREEDOM!

June 8: Joined Americans for Safe Access in a nationwide protest at all our Representative's offices for the Raich decision in Salinas. No one was there but I went out with my sign alone, no problem, and it went just fine - high approval ratings, ha ha!

June 9: Called my Senators plus the Prez with the message, "Hello, I would just like to let _____ know that I believe marijuana should be made legal because it is safer than cigarettes or alcohol, and that's all." Every one but one just said, "OK, thank you, I'll pass that along". The other one only asked for my zipcode, and ALL were polite and cheerful! You guys who answer phones ROCK!!! Thanks!
Then I emailed this message to my two senators: "Please look into the science of marijuana and BRAVELY BEGIN A BILL CALLING FOR MARIJUANA TO BE TREATED LIKE BEER/WHISKEY/CIGARETTES. You will be proven right and your logic will be admirable."

June 19: I went with a buddy and we held our signs on an overpass and although we got SOME honks (And one middle finger), it was kinda boring for me. My buddy liked it just fine because there was LESS chance of people responding. So, if you want to hold a sign but not talk to people at all, this is the way to go - stand on an overpass. Use BIG letters. And be careful of strong winds - they were a bit scary - Don't drop that sign into traffic!!

July 30, 2005, after a move to Leavenworth, KS: I put out website cards wherever I went, including the Grand Canyon.

August 19, 2005: I went to the drug war/wrongful imprisonment protest in DC and it was very, very moving. These trips are always worthwhile because they offer experiences you just can't get from a computer screen. What a recharge! David Losa was there after RIDING HIS BIKE FROM CALIFORNIA in protest of the treatment of his brother by our rabid judicial system! WOW!!
Please attend every event you can to keep the fire strong within us all!
While in DC and while wearing a button with a pot leaf on it that reads, "I am not a criminal", I distributed lots of literature by leaving things here and there in the airports, motels, restrooms - anywhere another person will visit again, and that next person WILL be reading the words, "Cannabis is safer than cigarettes or alcohol and must be legal for adults." One lady scoffed at the message and I said, "I know it sounds crazy - it took me YEARS of studying to see the truth." I also drove hundreds of miles with posterboard signs taped to the inside back glass of my rental car (Without blocking any views, of course) saying, "STOP THE DRUG WAR/NO VICTIM, NO CRIME!" It's peaceful, inexpensive and it keeps this on people's minds. Do it any peaceful way you want, just keep people thinking and talking, that's the whole idea of this campaign! Then, laws will most certainly change more quickly, YEAY!!!
Other than this, I've been doing the family thing, like we all should be doing. Let me know anything interesting you've done/seen for our cause that you'd like to share - it will boost our moral, thanks! mmelz5@yahoo.com

September 1: Still calling/emailing while keeping up with other awful things like the brutal, stupid raid in Utah on the rave party; Canadian Marc Emery being arrested by American DEA; and now the horror of Katrina and those poor neo-homeless people, God be with them. Please help all you can in any way you can. Thanks, all you ultra-kind people! You will be blessed!!

Sept. 6: Called my US senator, my state senator, and representative - D.C and local numbers - and the prez. Today I told them, "I have been looking into the war on drugs and I think it is way too much like Alcohol Prohibition was. I'd like so-n-so to look into this, please. At the very least, I want so-n-so to know that I am against using money to jail people for using marijuana, because I believe it is safer than cigarettes or alcohol. Thank you." I kid you not, every person who took my message was so in tune with what I was saying! And I'm in conservative Kansas! Make that call and write that letter today, and THANK YOU, those who do!!

Sept. 12, 2005: Been enjoying the family and mourning for the victims of Katrina. Thank God, the churches (voluntarily and locally funded, I might add) in the area were the ones to help first, and the outpouring of support is very heart-warming. Now is the time for Christians to shine! Please donate to SecondHarvest.org. They give food that would otherwise go to waste to needy families, and have LOW overhead, too. THANK YOU.
Today I sent emails to my congress people saying,
"Please take some time to research Alcohol Prohibition and then our current War on Drugs. I think you will find that prohibition only makes matters worse, and that illegal drugs are not the threat to our nation as once believed. My deepest concern lies with the families of drug law offenders as they cope not only with the injustice done to them by their own government, but by the unnecessary legal costs keeping them down and out. The stress is always passed on to the children, and it is this that I cannot tolerate.
I understand it sounds bad to speak out against the drug war, but be assured that you will be proven right in the long run once you seek out the facts for yourself and present them. A good place to start is with the group Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, http://leap.cc.
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you do such demanding work for our country. Thank you very much."
Feel free to copy, paste, and use anything on this site if it helps our cause.
Other than that, I've been leaving pro-pot material at the laundromats I drive by - you can too - just leave some literature of any kind in your car, and as you can, park at laundromats or anywhere else people go and drop off some bits and pieces of truth for others to enjoy! Our materials won't help us if they're just sitting on shelves - MOVE 'EM OUT! :)

Sept. 16, 2005: I called every politician on my list and told them, "I would like to see the money that is being used on the drug war to be used for something else or given back to the tax-payers through tax cuts." This one guy who answered the phone was so into what I was saying, it was so neat! He said he understood I'm not "pro-drug" and that they've been getting lots of calls about this subject! Way to go, America! Every arrow is what wins battles! Hit your target TODAY!
Then I emailed my congressguys Jonathan's Law.

Oct. 11, 2005: I've still been calling and emailing congress, along with passing out literature all I can. I took a 1/4 size yellow poster board, wrote "MakePotLegal555.org" on it and taped it to my back glass during a road trip. I go 55 to save oil AND increase exposure to THE message.

Oct. 18: I emailed all my congress members this message:
"Cannabis is safer than cigarettes or alcohol and must be made legal. I strongly oppose the use of our public funds to disturb the lives of peaceful people. Please do your duty and live up to the oath you took to defend our Constitution. This means it is your job to protect our rights.
Thank you, and please get to work correcting this
matter immediately."
I have "cannabis is safer than cigarettes or alcohol. makepotlegal555.org" and a plug for LEAP as my email signature. Use your signature to get some truth out and give a link to your favorite reform website!
And I've been placing my credit-card sized leaflets in gas station credit-card slots after each fill-up.

Oct. 24, 2005: Called the D.C. office of HHS to voice my support of rescheduling marijuana. It took me a while to get my nerve up to do it, but it was easy. Called all leaders (8 calls in all) to tell them that I strongly oppose the use of our public funds to disturb the lives of peaceful people. I said I am upset over the number of innocent people locked up in our prison industry. I asked them to de-fund the DEA and to abolish the Controlled Substance Act of 1970. Also getting ready for the rally on Oct. 26 to demand that marijuana be rescheduled. This is a nice move, but it still pussy-foots around the whole truth. Still, a step is a step, and we should take all the steps we can. COME OUT AND DON'T BE AFRAID!

Oct. 26, 2005: Only a handful came out. You guys are afraid. Well, you know what? SO AM I. I get so nervous before these things - my heart pounds and I shake - even before calling my leaders' offices, but we really must overcome these silly little fears and help free people just like ourselves! Do what I do and try to ENJOY the adrenaline rush. Use what you got - that's what I say!
Here's what I did, and the feeling of doing what's right is better than the fear - try it! I taped up the "MAKE POT LEGAL 555.ORG" sign on my back glass as I drove an hour to the city. I got to the place but no one was there. I parked so that my car could be used as a billboard while I was gone.
About 6 policemen were gathered in front of the building, and I got even more nervous as I walked up to the building and they noticed my sign, but I just went on an found a spot to stand and they never came up to me. They moved their group to the other side of the building, and they were still visible, but peaceful as heck! God Bless 'em! I was so scared!
One of the 7 legal patients showed up - George McMahon - and he had his cannister of government-provided marijuana.
After George and his three people arrived, a HHS spokes-persons came out and George spoke to them. They said some kind things and thanked us for coming out, basically! It was very friendly, we thanked them, and then they went back in. We stood out a bit longer then we left. I took my sign on a walk around the beautiful city and got many "That's right!" to which I said happily, call your congressman - they'll change the laws when we start asking them to! I got to pass out a few bits of literature, talked to some great people, and was very happy to be on the side of truth!

Dec. 11: Still plugging along, putting out literature, spamming the spammers by replying with "Cannabis is safer than cigarettes or alcohol and must be legal for adults. Makepotlegal555.org", and writing & calling the leaders. I had a Letter to the Editor published in the Denver Post about asking for a public debate on marijuana policy, that was nice. I think folks are ready for change, let's keep pushing the idea along!!

Dec. 16: I finally got some time to go out with a sign in response to the DEA raids in California, and this was the first time I had any trouble from the police. Here's what happened: After about 45 minutes of waving the sign that says, "Cannabis is SAFE to Legalize," I couldn't take the cold anymore and went on back to my car, which I parked out of the way. Before I knew it, an unmarked car I'm sure was a cop was parked with his front bumper about 3-4 feet from my passenger door - T-bone style. I was startled, but when I concluded it was the police (Couldn't see the person inside, it was so gangsta-shaded), I went on about my business. I just wanted to sit in my car alone, listen to some great music, and enjoy the afterglow of the fun of sign-waving before I picked up my son. Then another car pulled up beside the first car, and I got annoyed and turned my back on them, so they knew I wasn't afraid of them. I know that if I were a dark brown man in the south, those police most definitely would have gotten out to harass me further, but they just stayed in their cars, thank God, and I prayed, because I was being bullied, and then I calmly left, as if there were no other cars around me at all. Yes, I was shook up afterwards, but I am glad it happened so that I can remember how much worse some people get it for speaking up - from our own police! God, they need some serious, decent training on how to avoid this kind of attitude towards the peaceful citizens they are being paid to protect. I'll bet that, to most of them, we're ALL the bad guys. They get THEIR high off of bullying us - check it. Good cops are angels, so what does that make all crooked cops?

Dec. 20: Went out of town to visit family, so I put my website sign on the back of the car and drove real nicely 14 hours down the Interstate. That got the message out there, for free! BETTER than free - driving 55 saved a lot of gas - got 34 MPG!!!

Jan. 2, 2006: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 2006 got started with some doorknob bagging - the usual Law Enforcement Against Prohibition and End Cannabis Prohibition flyers, along with some other things. I went to some 3-story apartment buildings and even though I was tempted to leave a packet at every door, I tried hard to only leave bags at doors with doormats, to ensure I wasn't leaving anything in an empty one.

Jan. 15: With thoughts of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on my mind, I put out 200 doorknob bags in Lawrence, KS, where they are thinking about moving marijuana offenses from District Court to City Municipal Court, and that will do less damage to arrestees. (It WON!) GO Drug Policy Forum of KS! *** dpfks.org ***
Also, for the safety of my family, and to be more out-spoken, I stopped using marijuana. That's right, just stopped. Soon, I was back to my depressed, irritable old self, but now I don't have the constant worry of being caught. I notice I'm making more mistakes and I lost my zest for life (HELLO - I smoked pot to FEEL NORMAL!!).

Jan. 27: I sent out 25 letters to local churches. You can see the letter at the bottom of the Sample Email/Phone Script Page. Then I emailed my "leaders" Jonathan's Law, which can be seen on the same page.
I've been feeling so bad, and my poor kid is getting snapped at for every little thing (Pot gave me the patience to deal with him so easily, yet I still practiced good discipline - how many other mothers could benefit but don't due to unfounded fear and ignorance?).

Jan. 31: On the advice of a friend, I took my sign and, instead of standing on a corner, walked with it up and down a busy road for Kubby, and no cops bothered me this time - YEAY! I sure love those hoots and hollers of support - you should do this, too!

Feb. 7: I had a great time putting out hundreds of doorknob bags over the weekend, and an even better time waving my sign! Walking with the sign is so much better, because I get exercise at the same time. I smile as I go, and even the ones who disagree are forced to see a happy person petitioning for change!
Also, a staffer from my representative's office called today, because earlier I told him I wanted a meeting. We had the meeting over the phone, to save time and gas, and it went very well, thanks be to God! I basically said, "My concern is that we learned in the 1920's that Prohibition does not work and makes matters worse by enriching the criminals and corrupting our cops & courts. I'm also concerned about the prison industry and how people are locked up without having actual victims, just so this industry can get more money for each inmate they have. My solution is to take all adult items and sell them in adult-only stores." The guy was so very nice, and I'm begging you all to keep bugging your elected officials, because I was told by the staffer that we can never call too much! ALL CALLS WELCOME, PLEASE MAKE ONE TODAY! At least, please email them, thanks.

Feb. 18: In honor of Americans for Safe Access' Medical Marijuana Week (Feb. 11-18), I emailed my congresspeople a letter explaining how marijuana has benefited me - a copy of it is on the "Scripts" page. If I am not arrested for this exercise in free speech, I'll ask you to do the same. (As of Jan.23, 2009, I have not been arrested. Please help those who are suffering under our bad laws and contact congress yourself - don't be scared!)
Other than that, I am still doing the regular emails, sign-waving and doorknob bagging, even in 11 degree weather! Hey - if postmen can do it in freezing weather, so can we!

March 30: I've still been walking with my sign twice a week for 45 minutes, and I've still been putting out about 200 doorknob bags week. All of these activities scare me to death until I start doing them (Then I'm just fine, for some reason), but I'm still here, not in jail, thank God. Please do what you can today to help those suffering from our insane drug laws. Thank you.

April 6: Learned that Steve Kubby has been set free and he had good things to say about the medical treatment he got, so I called the JAIL MEDICAL CENTER @ 530-745-8660 to say thank you, and was greeted by a very friendly woman - WOW!! Never forget to say thanks to good folks. (But I was LAUGHED at when I requested inmates get blankets when they are cold. Being left cold is a form of torture. "Inmate Hate" is real.)
Other than that, still doing the usual outreach activities while battling depression due to lack of safe access to the good medicine. This is absurd - such a wonderful plant being so stupidly banned like this... SPEAK UP FOR CHANGE AND END THIS HARMFUL NONSENSE!!!
Also, I got back a stupid form letter from a VERY ignorant congressman - so stupid, I lost my will to fight for a moment. But no, I won't do JUST what they want us to and QUIT, no matter HOW bad I wanted to TODAY. I used my anger to send out "Jonathan's Law," the proposed legislation to regulate cannabis (found on the "What and How" page) to all leaders once again. DON'T LET THEIR STUPID FORM LETTERS GET YOU DOWN!! Just keep sending them something - ANYTHING - no matter what! We gotta wear THEM down, not the other way around!

April 30: I got tired of being depressed and irritable so I went to the Dr. and was put on Lexapro. I could only take it for one week because my chest hurt so bad that I had to quit drinking coffee, I yawned constantly, and it would take 2 - 6 weeks for it to begin working. Other things weren't right and I couldn't stand it, so I went on the hunt and got some cannabis - just that fast. Open-air drug markets are everywhere, I see, but they always think I'm a cop. After the buy, I was right as rain in about two minutes - SAFELY! HA! BEAT THAT! I'm just gonna take care of myself and my family, and if the law comes to get me, I'll learn from it all and it will strengthen me up. I'm putting it all In God's hands. Pray, read and listen - that's the stuff.

May 2: Took a trip to Joplin, MO to drop off supplies for Ken Locke and his crew as they biked across the country while promoting cannabis! This bike ride is VERY exciting, and Ken is reaching MANY people!
Along the 10 total hours on the road, my car had a big sign taped to the inside back glass that said, MAKEPOTLEGAL555.ORG on it, and I distributed many leaflets and stickers.
Other than that, I've still been doing the usual - doorknob bags, leaflets, sign-walking, and talking about cannabis whenever I can. - IT ALL ADDS UP, SO PUT YOUR PART IN TODAY! Thank you.

June 8: I put together 66 letters for representatives in all the states I've ever lived in who voted against the Hinchey Amendment last year. It is a GREAT opportunity to get in touch with your rep to let him know YOU are interested in changing CANNABIS LAWS!
The letters I sent had:
1) A personal letter explaining how cannabis helped me improve my life and a request to begin legislation to end drug prohibition altogether,
2) A Law Enforcement Against Prohibition professional brochure,
3) An "END CANNABIS PROHIBITION" flyer, and
4) A copy of Common Sense for Drug Policy(.org)'s "Why Not Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol?" ad - Pure GENIUS!
On the back of the envelope, just in case it never gets opened, I put labels I made that say,
"Please Vote Yes on the Hinchey Amendment, Thank You." (Hinchey failed)

Oct/Nov. 2006, After moving to Omaha, NE: I put out about 1,000 doorknob bags, leaflets, and other bits of material. (At one apartment complex, a guy came running out with heartfelt support and offered me money! He had been rammed by the system. So sad. I just told him what I'd tell anyone: Keep your money and help get the truth out.) I also drove from Omaha to Denver with a "MAKE POT LEGAL" sign on the back glass and put out about 800 reminders for people to vote for SAFER's campaign. I sent in the usual emails when appropriate, and I came out of the closet to my brother-n-sister in law. It was hard, but worth it!
No one has opposed my actions so far, for which I am grateful to the Lord. WE'RE GONNA WIN FREEDOM!!!

Feb. 8, 2007: For POW Richard Paey, who is wrongfully imprisoned in Florida (and who was SET FREE late 2008 due to the publicity!), I sent all my elected officials this message:
"Honorable _______,
I implore you to look at our illegal drug policy and see that it is as destructive, ineffective and horribly more expensive than Alcohol Prohibition was. The quickest way to reality is through Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. www.leap.cc."
Thank you.

March 27, 2007: Still putting out doorknob bags, leaflets, sending information to 5 churches a month, supporting victims of injustice and groups who work for positive change, and writing letters for the cause. I can see change happening very slowly, so THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE LENT A HAND! KEEP PUSHING!!!
Some of the letters I get back from my reps and senators are showing signs of moving forward, while others are still stupid as hell - "It'll send a bad message to the children" BS. I'll just keep on 'em, and you can, too. One day, they WILL see how wrong they are - God help them.

April 27: Getting ASA's lawsuit info and petitions out along with the usual information I get out, and getting ready for the Global Million Marijuana March.

June 9: The Omaha GMMM went just fine - no cops and plenty of people. Visited family in Florida and passed out 300 bags-o-education there. When I returned to Nebraska, I hand-delivered packets of information to my two senators and my representative. It was scary the first time, and I felt that old adrenaline rush (Will I EVER stop getting so nervous??? It happens every time, so please don't feel bad when YOU get nervous for doing this, too). I may have been nervous going in, but coming out I felt GREAT!!!
It was so, so easy - just like delivering any other envelope. I walked into this office setting, there was a person behind a desk in the lobby, and they nicely asked how they could help me. I just said, "I'm just dropping off some information for _______." They took it and were pleasant, then we said goodbye - that's it! The second time was better, and third time even easier.
The packet included info from LEAP, ASA, SAFER, a personal testimony on how cannabis helps me, Downsize DC, and Common Sense for Drug Policy. It took about two hours, and I highly suggest entering their addresses into Mapquest or something so you have your route planned before you take off.
Knowing our image is important, I was sure to be well-groomed and very nice - don't forget to make eye contact and smile!
I want to help others send in packets of info to their elected officials, too - is there anything I can do to help YOU deliver something directly on why cannabis should be re-legalized?? Please let me know: mmelz5@yahoo.com

Sept. 10, 2007: Still getting the info bags out, and taking email action whenever asked by a drug reform group. Things have REALLY been heating up, with more and more people - even hundreds of mayors and city officials - getting very tired of the Fed's bullying. Oh yeah, things are happening. I'm also happy to report that the focus is being turned right where it needs to be: Drug Prohibition. This site focuses on pot because that's all I know, but all drug prohibition is bad. Except for antibiotics - they MUST be given by doctors only, and still, they prescribe them too freely.
Keep sending in your messages - they will hear us!

Dec. 1, 2007: Still doing all I can to get people motivated enough to rally against wrongful imprisonment. One person commented, "You think you get mad because a cop pulled you over and kept you from your life for 5 minutes over a stupid traffic citation, try being kept from your life for years over a stupid law." That's what it's about - keeping the law out of your lives until people start getting hurt. It's up to us to keep the law from getting lawless.
Also, I jumped on the RON PAUL CAMPAIGN and I love it! HE would most certainly end the federal prohibition of drugs, oh yes, he would. It'd be one of the first things he'd do - mark my words.

Feb. 13, 2008: Still doing the literature distribution and Ron Paul campaigning, and it's all going GREAT!

April 25, 2008: Still plugging away with literature distribution and the Ron Paul campaign, and yes, I still get nervous when I do things like put up Global Marijuana March posters, but I am happy to report that no one has yelled at me for doing any of these things, so please, get info around your town, attend pro-freedom events, and make contact with congress.
The introduction of HR 5843,the "Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults Act of 2008." is one huge piece of evidence that our message is becoming more acceptable. Keep up the good work and watch history happen!
I sent my rep this message: "Please cosponsor bills 1009, 5842, and 5843.
Cannabis Sativa is a safe and useful plant." (H.R. 1009 is the Industrial Hemp Act)

May 3rd, 2008: The GMM went great - it was just awesome to see such energy for change again - YEAY! I hope you enjoyed yours!

May 12, 2008: I gave the Omaha Police Department (Southeast precinct) Lieutenant some LEAP info - a brochure and a DVD, and he was shocked to learn that there were cops AGAINST the drug war - YEAY!
Then it was off to representative Lee Terry's office to set up a meeting with him and a LEAP speaker for July. I want to SEE Rep. Terry get the truth, then I want to see what he does with it (As of 9/8/09, he is still siding with the profiteers of prohibition). Please set up a meeting, too - It is a big but much-needed action to take, and they always teach me a LOT about how things work.

May 26, 2008: I have a meeting set up with Representative Lee Terry on July 18, 2008 and I am bringing a speaker from Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. Please keep emailing/sending letters so we aren't the only ones taking this to him - Thanks!

June 13, 2008: At our sign-holding, which was beautiful, one of the people who pulled into our parking lot for more info said that he was JUST talking to his friend about, "Should I become an activist?" (He had a baby and didn't want law trouble) and then they saw us and decided that was a YES! It is a beautiful thing, lifting so many spirits and telling people, "You are not alone and we won't be silent!" I was so scared before I went out, but once I'm out, I love it SO MUCH! I hate how scared I get before it, and I know that being scared keeps a lot of people from following through... I sure can understand...to a point. I un-scare myself by remembering the prisoners and Jesus' Love. Then I can get out of my car and wave that sign or put out those papers. Amen. :)

June 15, 2008: The sign-holding went GREAT! About 8 Super People came out to 72nd at Nebraska Furniture Mart and it is so nice to see so many people knowing the TRUTH! Go out and hit them again and again - that's how we'll win this thing - with peaceful, persistent honesty!
It is so great to see so many people just THRILLED to see us telling it like it is! Sure, there are others who just want to be ignorant or rude, but by far, people smile, give thumbs-up, honk, say "Yeah!" or hang out of their windows screaming with joy - it's too much fun! I've held home-made signs in California and other states, and I can tell you guys: Omaha is ready - don't be afraid to help take these bad laws down!! (California was the WORST, believe it or not - so much hate. Topeka and Omaha have been the best, so don't let that "Conservative state" BS fool you)
Don't forget to regularly contact congress for change - an email a week will be just fine, and Thank You!

July 27, 2008: I've been wonderfully busy getting a billboard put up for the most courageous group, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition! See it at the LEAP site (copy & paste, plz): http://leap.cc
Plus, I had a speaker from LEAP come talk to 3 civic groups in my area (Omaha, NE), he had a radio interview that went splendidly, and we had a very nice, private meeting with my representative, Lee Terry. I've held several sign-holdings and they've all been fun.
After all that, I can say that the climate for change is very nice, so you don't have anything to worry about when contacting your congressperson. Please do so today, thank you much and Stay Strong!

Aug. 27, 2008: The most major news is that the anti-drug war billboard is UP! It says, "Drug abuse is bad. The drug war is WORSE! Law Enforcement Against Prohibition www.askleap.org"
They talked about it on the AM Talk Radio Scott Vorhees Show, where they interviewed LEAP speaker Tony Ryan and gave him plenty of time to talk - YEAY! It was SUPER!!
Also, please join LEAP - there is no cost, and we hope to reach 1,000,000 members ASAP - there are now about 13,000.
The other big news is that Tony Ryan (Google this guy up!) and I met privately with Rep. Lee Terry to tell him about how disastrous our drug policy is. He listened politely, but when I told him about people having a criminal record their Whole Life, he went, "Awww" with a fake pity look. It is clear that he does not care about people different than himself, and his officer bragged about busting through doors with a shotgun. Nice. But still, I'm glad to have heard his admission with my own ears. He was proud of his hate.
Other than that, it was casual and nice. Since then, I have been sending good information as I can get it while concentrating on my other lawmakers.
Remember - when you write to congress about ending our unjust drug laws, you are giving support to everyone else who has spoken up about it, so let's combine our strength and make this change happen!

Oct. 20, 2008: While a friend and I were out sign-holding, some student journalists from UNO brought out their equipment and did an interview with us! And, a pedestrian joined in the interview, too and was very knowledgeable about what's going on with our laws. Sign holdings really do create more awareness, and they are so fun!

Nov. 2, 2008: Still doing all I can to put out literature, go out with signs, and get people involved. Most people around here seem very open to the idea, but a meeting turn-out was very small. I can only hope and pray people are studying our laws and taxes then contacting congress as needed. If they are, the pressure will build and discussions will open up, leading to more and more truth on the subject, so THANK YOU CONGRESSIONAL CONTACTORS! :)

***The following notes are Omaha/Nebraska-specific, because this is when we tried to form an operational organization. Unfortunately, the challenges of everyday life plus putting in long hours on a non-paying job was too much for us. Here's hoping someone succeeds!***

Nov. 26, 2008: We met Ralph Smith, a CANNABIS LAWYER who has been working since 1968. He agrees that we must continue our efforts to educate the public about how this is everyone's problem, so that enough pressure will build up behind the ones who can make the changes to our laws.
Please see the group, Patients Out of Time at medicalcannabis.com.

Jan. 16, 2009: Here's a reply I got from Senator Ben Nelson:
"Thank you for contacting me regarding the legalization and cultivation of industrialized hemp. Hearing your thoughts about this issue is important to me.
"You mention some interesting points about using hemp as an industrial product. As you note, some countries are utilizing the hemp industry within their own borders. There is obviously a broad discussion taking place among countries who allow the production of industrialized hemp and those who do not. I encourage this type of debate, as I believe it is the best way for those on each side of the argument to learn about all of the pros and cons. While I encourage discussion about the issue, it is important to note that marijuana continues to remain an illegal substance within the United States at this time.
"Thank you again for contacting me. Your comments and concerns are an important part of the legislative process, and I encourage you to continue sharing your thoughts and ideas with me."
Sincerely,
Ben Nelson
U.S. Senator
senator@bennelson.senate.gov
The Honorable Ben Nelson
United States Senate
The Honorable Ben Nelson
United States Senate
720 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-2704
Local office:
7602 Pacific Street, Suite 205
Omaha, NE 68114
DC Phone: 202-224-6551
DC Fax: 202-228-0012
Local Voice: 402-391-3411
Local FAX: 402-391-4725 Electronic Correspondence: bennelson.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm
WWW Homepage: bennelson.senate.gov/
So, I used his webform to request a meeting about industrial hemp (Got it - see #18, 3/17/09). Anything you send in will help add on to the support for this very possible change in what Nebraska farmers can grow so please send him lots of solid info. Go to www.votehemp.com for a start on finding good info. Learn more about the case where there are farmers in North Dakota who want to grow hemp but the DEA stands in the way.
This is our job: to put on the polite pressure to change these unjust laws and to tell everyone we can about cannabis laws and then ask THEM to join in putting on polite pressure to change these laws, too. GO TEAM! :)
Senator Nelson also wrote back once before to agree that mandatory minimum sentences are not good and that they are a product of the drug war. He seems very open to discussion.
Representative Lee Terry needs a lot of steady pressure because he is out of line. I called his office today and it went just great - at least his receptionist is very nice. I searched for things I could thank him for before I went into things like:
*Please ask him to look into our drug war.
*Availablity of drugs has not gone down, even after 40 years of escalating this war - it has not met any of its goals.
*The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 is not based on science.
*Drug dealers and cartels depend on prohibition in order to exist.
Even though I requested attention to our entire drug war, you don't have to. Requests for any change to our drug policy will add up, and now, asking for ending federal cannabis prohibition seems mild compared to my "extreme" request of total legalization of ALL drugs.
I also sent him a 1 1/2 pg letter about deadly SWAT raids in the drug war, telling him to end drug prohibition starting with cannabis. I said addiction is a medical problem, not a judicial one.
Back to the meeting, we talked about U.S. vs Monson, a NE case that devastated an entire family. We will be doing our best to gather court support and legal fee relief. Please write back for more info: mmelz5@yahoo.com.
We decided that Multiple Sclerosis walks would be the place to find people who could certainly stand to know more about the cannabis plant.
I showed everyone the ignorant response from Gov. Heineman: "Drugs are too dangerous to legalize." This is easily combated with, "The more dangerous the drug, the more we need to take the control of that drug away from street dealers." I'll get back to him on that and you can, too.

Jan. 23, 2009: The meeting at Godfathers, near 114th and Dodge went very well, but maybe a little sad as victims of paramilitary raids were brought up, but that's one reason we do what we do, right?? We're the TOUGH ONES who FACE FACTS and make injustices INTOLERABLE to those who impose it.

Find your State Senator: nebraskalegislature.gov

Keep making and distributing all the information you can. Keep this topic on people’s minds, and do it in a way that demonstrates how these unjust laws are Everyone’s problem. THANKS!
Today I got a call from Rep. Terry's DC office staffer Michael Brizika in response to the email about ending drug prohibition. He could not argue that drug cartels and dealers love prohibition. I also told him how all this should be a medical issue, not a judicial one and that the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 is grossly inaccurate. Even though I was all nervous, I stayed calm and honest, and he listened agreeing-ly. So Please don't let up!
***Send in your ideas of what legalization should look like: mmelz5@yahoo.com***
(As of 4/28/10, no ideas have come in.)
Get to know "Pride Omaha," the substance abuse prevention organization. They have the potential to be our biggest opposition if we ever get anything on the ballot that would legalize cannabis, so if you can, please send them honest info on the drugs they are so afraid of. They just won't fight as hard once they get to know that we are real people, y'know?

Feb. 19, 2009: We had 7 outstanding sign-holders for the Kellogg's Boycott. Our highly visible signs said things like:
Boycott Kellogg's For Phelps
Pot: Safer than Sugar
Pot is NOT Dangerous
Kellogg's Judgement Flawed
Let Phelps Relax
Re-Legalize Cannabis NOW
We got minimal harassment and no resistance, lots of honks and thumbs-up, and even a cop smiled and waved! The traffic was light so we will be at 72nd and Dodge or in that area next time. Please come join us - it is so much fun cuz we keep it happy!
Know all current Nebraska/Omaha cannabis/hemp laws. Here's some quick info for now:
1 oz or less (first offense): $300, Possible drug education course.
1 oz or less (second offense): 5 days, $400.
1 oz or less (subsequent offense): 7 days, $500.
1 oz to 1 lb: 7 days, $500.
More than 1 lb: 5 years, $10,000. For a nontoxic plant.
Boooooo.
Send hemp info to environmental and construction orgs (Hemp can make *Green* construction material!).
Make sure everyone you know knows that cannabis is safer than alcohol.
Eco Elise, a totally hemp car:
transport20.com/uncategorized/lotus-announces-hemp-based-eco-elise-a-new-type-of-green-car/

March 17th, 2009: First of all, let me remind you right now that HEMP IS HIP!!! The climate for free speech about the cannabis plant is SO NICE and acceptable, so please don't be afraid to keep talking about how things will look when it's legal.
The March 10th meeting about industrial hemp at U.S. Senator Ben Nelson's office went FANTASTIC! The person we spoke to was very nice, open and happy to talk about it. He thinks the hemp plant is beautiful - it was honestly a very good time.
The BIGGEST thing we can do about hemp, I believe, is to tell everyone how the U.S. USES hemp (GM and Chrysler use it in their headliners and door panels) but it must be imported - our farmers are NOT allowed to grow it at all. That seemed to really be effective information. Please keep sending hemp info to your rep and our senators all you can! See Votehemp.org for help there, and Thanks.
Our event at the courthouse today was very pleasant but could have used many more people. 7 people had beautiful signs and Channel 7 came out for an interview (no news). We handed out literature, got lots of honks, and the sheriff came by and was so friendly, I nearly cried! :)
Then we went out to 72nd and Dodge and it was like BEING IN A PARADE - we were so popular!! It is very fun to get out with the truth.
Keep sending interesting material to those who can change our laws.

March 24, 2009: In an effort to help us become a very organized organization, I talked with Mason Tvert of SAFER (saferchoice.org) in his Denver office on Friday. Here are his main points:
1) It's the perception of harm that's harming us most. Is cannabis safer than alcohol? YES IT IS. Know that without doubt.
2) Anyone who wants to help our group grow in numbers can go wherever people are with a clipboard and ask people to write their email addy down to be included on this mailing list, or give them something so they can do it themselves and not give out their email to just anyone with a clipboard. The main thing is to let people know our group exists.
3) We all should write to all our city council people asking their position on our cannabis/drug laws. Then we help the ones who know these laws must change while sending info to those who like prohibition as it is.
4) During his whole battle in Denver, Mason was NEVER harassed or ANYTHING. He said the worst is, you're gonna get those who disagree. Isn't that AMAZING? Please use this info to help you lose some fear and come out to our next event so we can show people that we care about justice!
5) Go to the media and ask them to investigate the costs/benefits of increasing cannabis possession penalties, then ask them to find some real victims of the cannabis plant. The two-year anniversary of Nebraska's harsher pot law is April 17, 2010. Has Nebraska benefited from the change in law? How might NE benefit if cannabis were sold like cigarettes? Get your information ready and meet us at the Lincoln Courthouse 12 - 1pm.
It was a fun meeting, and Mason is eager to help anyone wanting to do anything. So keep spreading the truth, keep emailing messages to your elected officials & the media, keep attending events, and soon we will be buying our beloved herb in a STORE! Believe it!

March, 2009 - present: Still getting literature into the hands of the public the best I can, and tried very hard to get meetings/events going, but family life did not allow for the amount of time that kind of work demands. I still contact lawmakers about once a week, and I'll keep on encouraging everyone else to, too.

June, 2011: Moved back home to Florida. Getting tired, but remaining hopeful. Still doing all I ask everyone else to do, knowing it will take all our voices working non-stop to stop this terrible, awful and cruel gravy train. The move slowed me down, but quitting entirely is simply not an option. Thank you for your work, everyone - keep your EYES ON THAT PRIZE.

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