freedom_letters

Letters received by my protest crew or by myself, personally* Dear Diane, It has been three days and three nights since I first saw your picture in High Times and a promise to myself to look you up on the internet. I will not divulge too much about myself online but I will tell you this - I have a lot of respect for you and the risks you take for others. People hail each other as heroes always overlooking the true heroes, those like you willing to take life's experiences and turn them around to benefit not only themselves, but others as well. Allow me to preach for a while about this world, a world whose population is bent so much on self destruction. By this I mean wars, poverty, racism, genocide, rape, torture, hate, and the list goes on and on and on. Why do we tout murderers as heroes? From the Presidents we elect to the wars they start, and the victories they achieve over the dead bodies of women, and children whose numbers are proudly included in the body counts. It is in faith that we put our plights into these people's hands, and hungrily await repreve. Do not get me wrong, but this world sucks. Yet when I look into the eyes of playing children, dreamy lovers, and aging couples I realize that this is a beautiful world with endless possibilities even for people like us - pot smokers. To calmly enjoy a bowl of the finest kind is to feel the earth's pulse from the earth's bounty. A knowledge not visited by anyone blind in the ways of higher authority. I am glad I was able to share in your life and you were kind enough to divulge your experiences. This knowledge has moved me enough to write you, and thank you for courage and perserverence. Matt.

Dear Diane, Love and Light to you in the New Year.I hope you will visit S.F.Heart again sometime. I visited your site. It is very kewl!! I congratulate you on your good work and worthwhile information. Very informative but fun too. That's what I like to see. I gave you my vote! Your quote page is sensational and I saw many that are new to me. I also discovered on your page about your speaking engagements an interesting new phrase "Self Preservation in the Midst of Selfless Activity". ;-) I really like the way you put that. And it is subject I have been thinking on lately.*smile* You are bright as a new penny and I look forward to visiting you again. Peace and Love, Nicole http://www.sfheart.com

Hello..read your story in HIGH TIMES an wanted say much respect you for your effort to the struggle. It takes alot to stand up for your RIGHTS and what you believe in. I try also, 2, in the Graffitti movent..... :) Seth S. 1999 " What is it? It is the firefly illuminating the night It is the breath of a Buffalo in Jah wintertime It is the shadow which runs across the plains and dissapears into the sunset?"

You will know my revolution by ordinary voice--- assent Let it be told---humanity is subject to the whims of the elite. The uppercrust, forever high on currency, silences the cry of the proletariat. Murdering ideas is a petty crime--which is to say-- this is not a pretty rhyme. Order is dull and the beat is off. Modern poet, scoff at poetic devices. Rules are made by the elite. Leave them to obey. Form or formlessness---brackets and bolts Teenage schoolgirls to carry my coat. Six billion. Am I so small? How many geniuses do you know? Lots!!!! Everywhere I turn I trip over "Eureka!". So many others...think deep thoughts. A world away someone is in love with me. Of course!! How could she not be? I believe in Ganja.....I hope you are happy. I read the article in HT. Thought I'd just wish you the best of luck in your endeavors. Your honesty and bravery is inspirational. Presently, I am "underground" about my political views. However, after I graduate from law school, I intend to do as much as I can to bring down this unjust prohibition. Good fortune, Diane. My thoughts are with you. -Deke

I was just checking out your site, which I didnt even know about until quite recently. I completely disagree with prohibition on every level. I was recently the victim of a horrible RIPPOFF, one of the many hazards of prohibition, and potsmokers trying to love and accept their fellow human beings. I was held for about 5 days by the notorious LA police department (know as the local gestapo by us stoners). It is completely ridiculous that these "officers of the law" completely disregard our rights and freedoms as pot smoking free loving citzens. Hopefully this new year will bring forth much needed acceptence of human rights world wide. Peace, Love, and Pot. Thanks and praises to our Creator Jah Live!

HoneyBud Diane Thanx for the chance to Congrat you on your Freedom Fighter of the Month Award, and the great site. Keep up the Good Work, and may you be PainFree. Huggs Another Med.MJ Patient Happy to Be Bill

Diane...I see you made in the issue of Hightimes Mag... Congratulations.....At least your taking a stand....no one else seems to have the guts or bravery to do it... Congrats and Merry Christmas. Scott http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/Lobby/9584/

I read about you in high times and looked up your web-page. It's really put together well. I, too, am a writer, and was a smoker. You sound like a really motivated person-- that's cool, there aren't many people out there who actually do things! Or, maybe there are more than I think. At any rate, just wanted to make contact, say hi, keep working and peace will come-- but sometimes even the dischord is just what you need. (I'm starting my second book right now and have stumbled across the same blocks and hang-ups that I thought I had extinguished for good during the writing of my first. But, I'm learning that these things are what let you know you're really on to something. So long, and keep working!

Greetings and Salutations, Very nice webpage. I was intrigued by your interesting (and possibly tragic story if not for the fortitude and resilience you have shown in dealing with life) tale. Congratulations on keeping your head together in spite of the seemingly awful circumstances you wrote about. I too feel that "drugs" are inherently an issue of freedom and that obscuring the real issue behind such arguments as medical vs recreational vs psychological use are harmful to the overall goal of the struggle: regaining liberty and individual determination. You see, as civil liberty is eroded by the increasingly legislative and litigatious nature of our US society, our behavior becomes less and less responsible. For what is freedom, but the opportunity to act in a responsible manner? As you must surely know, when one is denied the chance to act in a responsible way, one is then not able to act responsibly when faced with a choice of behaviors. The stricter and more legalistic our society becomes, the more irresponsible it becomes as well. I applaud you for standing up for freedom and civil liberty and I wish you only the best in your continued efforts to re-establish our basic rights. People might argue that if we make drugs legal then society will fall apart, but I make a counter argument: 80 years ago, almost ALL drugs were legal, but we didn't see roving bands of crazed lunatics running amok did we? Of course we didn't. Because individuals were responsible FOR THEMSELVES; there was no "government knows best and will help you" attitude. If people chose to do something, it was there responsibility, and if that choice ended up badly, then that was their responsibility as well: not yours, not mine, and certainly not the government's either. Frankly, I think that if we can regain some of our freedom, then we will see a slow shift back to stability and responsibility. Re-legalizing marijuana is the prime example of this. Anyway, enough of my rant; you are preaching to the choir on this one. Thanks for your efforts. Sincerely, J.D. PS- You turned out great. You're a beautiful, articulate young woman who has already proven her point. Don't let anyone try to make you think otherwise. Congratulations again, and keep up the good work.

HI i just got done checking out your site. Good job!!! Please that me know if theres anyway i can help you make a differance? your friend mookie[mike]

Hi. I read the article about you in High Times. I like your page and was wondering if I could copy and paste the "hempis.html" section of your site for mine. My site is mostly graffiti art, but there is a marijuana section that I'm always trying to add on to. So please write back and keep up the good work!! PEACE! BizOne http://members.aol.com/CTWBiz/main.html

I think it is great what you are doing,not to mention you are a beautiful girl. This world needs more people like yourself, fighting for the betterment of this nation. I stand behind you unconditionally. My only regret is there is not much activism to be done from Oklahoma City, except go to the state capital on April 20, which I always attend. I think a conversation with you would be an interesting and learning experience, so if you would email me back. Stay Kind, Blake

High ! how are U ? I`m OK I`ve been 2 State Collage be 4 it was like 10 years ago . anyway I like what your doing ! I saw it in HT mag. I will vote 4 U in da HIGH 100 OK C-ya (-:

well i saw you mentioned in high times... so today i went to your websight. first i'll say, its loaded, nice job i still have not seen it all in the 2hrs i have been on it... i feel like i want to tell you so much and give you praise with out belittleing you fight and not seeming like i'm in "adore"....follow me??? well i have so much to thank for starting to smoke pot... new self esteem, confidence and a higher satisfaction of life... i was a very politicaly minded person for a few years, into a music and political scene were i almost felt pressured (now that i look back) to keep tabs and fight for what were nothing but ideas...since giving up most of those causes (extreme animal rights, political prisoners, the like..) i now am fighting for something with a foundation with in me (pot) not a sometimes biased cause or story...now i know what fighting for someting because it means the different quality of my life...i dont know what else to say but i want to say keep giving them the truth and i tip my hat to you, if i ever wore one - yours truly, vincent

Hi there Like I said I saw your URL to your page in the new issue of High Times so I thought I would give your'e page a looksee . frankly, I am impressed at the HTML value but that is beside the point I strongly believe in the legalization of Marijuana that I will defend and i also voted for the medicinal use of Marijuana I am sure you have heard all this before i just merely wanted to say Great Web Page . thank you for your time and mine W.

glad to see someone who's not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. wish i knew more females who smoked. seems most of the people in my area who toke are males. am 32 yrs. old and have never dated a female who was cool about it.fine job on the web page and congrats on being featured in high times--every stoner's dream. the closest that i've come is getting my squirrel's pic in the pets issue a year or 2 ago. keep up the good work--free the weed Scott

Hello, Today I saw an article about you in high times, and I just wanted to thank you for all your work in decriminalizing marijuana. I am from Canada and do a small part here to help in the decriminalization. I checked out your web page and thought it was really good. I also have a web page https://members.tripod.com/greenleaf_bandit please let me know if you would put a link from your page to mine, as I will do the same for you. thank you for your time. GL B

Hi, my name is Peter M. and I am 21 years old. I am a Canadian student at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario. My E-mail is PAMUNOZ@ice.lakeheadu.ca Just a few words... I read your profile in High Times and I felt compelled to visit your page. I read your story and I thusly felt compelled to write you. I realize you are probobly very busy but I feel happy nonetheless knowing I have written you and shared some thoughts... It is a great pleasure to know that there are people like you, with your drive and commitment, in the world. Although it seems a little weird, I think about my future children a lot, and worry about the society they will grow up in, and the people and heroes they will emulate. I am just one person, but you have my respect, and I hope my children will emulate you and people like you. It's funny, In history I learned that the basis of the modern society is this emphasis on "reason" and how a happy society comes from its implementation. But the lived experience of history is always different than the ideals. A perfect example came to speak at my university. His name was Ruben "hurricane" Carter. He was a major contender for the boxing champianship in the 60's, when, due to a racsist police and trial, he was sent to prison for a crime he did not commit. It took 20 years of legal maneuvering to get himself freed. HE SPENT 20 YEARS IN JAIL FOR SOMETHING HE DIDN'T EVEN THINK OF DOING!!! The story is filled with anecdotes of hypocritical legal cats who fed, not on a notion of truth and justice, but on getting a conviction. Isn't it bizzarrre that our legal system is set up in such a way that the person who can argue the best, wins. There is no justice. It is all sophistry. But hearing him speak, he had no bitterness. I was stunned. He seemed so happy and content with his new life; it was as if the past never happened. It makes me sad how a man so wronged can be happy, and the people who wronged him continue in their misguided attempts to have a "just" society. I asked him if he still believed in "the system". His response was truth: "I have no problem with the system as long as I'm not part of it (chuckle)...But seriously, the system is made up of people, acting for the people. If the system becomes a war against the people who created it, there has got to be something wrong". Shifting gears... I read your story. I will not insult you by offering parlour room sentiment and ornate dictions of sympathy. I will say, however, that it seems that you have lived and experienced far too much in your early years, so much that it would crush people less strong. It is a pleasure to see the phoenix rise. Keep rising. I am writing to you while I am in a transition stage. I am slowly becoming happy with my life, and now having the courage to fix my problems. Your story reenforces me, and gives me a little more hope. It seems that all the toil and frustration, if directed right, has a payoff that is larger than the sum of its parts. I am realizing this is true for me, and like you, I have lived far too much in too short a time, granted that not nearly as much as you. Seeing the rays of the sun creeping over the horizon is just as good as seeing the full God in all its glory, because I know that that time of complete vision is coming soon... I don't even know you, yet I know that you are human, full of weakness, strength, faults, praise-worthy virtues, experience, charisma, and thus, your own individuality. You have the courage to display your humanity to all the world... This makes you a beautiful human being, and a graceful individual. If you can, I'd love to hear from you. Peter

Hey, I just got done reading your web page articles and your bio. WOW. I hope you don't mind if I comment, life hasn't been easy for many people but your road seems to have been especially toilsome, thusfar. I hope that you can find some pease. (and some kind tasty buds) ---Michael

Diane, Hey I'm at my friends house and I read "My Story" I started to cry because I remember the night you told it to me and we both just sat there and cried. I miss you so much. If I had to pick a person I most admire it would be you. I printed out "My Story" too. You look so cute in that picture. I love you very much. See you later, bye. Love your little sister always, Megan = )

Dear Honeybud, I've just discovered your website, read your poetry and your story. I'm both touched and impressed. I salute your courage and determination. That said I want you to know I too am a "medical marijuana" user, who has used the herb to aid in dealing with stress, depression (officially diagnosed as the "anaclytic" type), ADHD, and alcoholism. Since giving up Booze and self- medicating with Bud*, I've finished an undergrad degree and completed course work for a master's degree, my thesis will deal with entheogens and the God thing. I also have worked as a wilderness guide in situations where my judgement and decision-making were required to avoid life-threatening consequences. Yes indeed the weed sure makes one brain dead ayhh? Prior to giving up the mind-expanding legal highs (I quit smoking cigarettes as well as beverage alcohol) I was a violent, angry, mean as hell, lying petty criminal- shoving white powder and stealing other folks valuables- a generally worthless piece of amerikan culture. So what's my point? I'm a fellow traveller willing to join forces in an attempt to educate and inform for one. The other thing that got me to write you is that I am closely associated with The Peyote Foundation and would like to share my experience, strength and hope with you. My feeling is that this medicine, used in ritual ceremony, would be of immense help to you in dealing with some of your grief and abandonment issues. Aint' I the busy body? I'm currently living near the University of Illinois, maybe we could do a Big Ten Bud Lovers thing. Want to know a little more about me? How can I assure you I'm legit? Incidently, my e-mail address is derived from my dogs' names, but I love the implication...and ,of course, this was a motivator in contacting you. Congratulations on the H.T. freedom-fighter award. Keep the Faith, pray for power plants. Kindest Regards, David M. *while in Grad school in Berkeley, CA I was able to get a M.D.'s recommendation for M. M. and was a card-carrying member of the Oakland Cannabis Buyer's Coop.

Hey! I was just checkin' out your page. I was reading high times yesterday and i saw you and i was like wow a hot chick that loves pot. That's great. Well anyway im 20yrs. old i live in chicago, i go to school at Devry. And i LOVE to get baked everyday. I would love to check out one of your smoke-outs. It sounds pretty groovy. What kind of nugs can you get out there? Peace, birk

I just wanted to say that beautiful women like yourself can take us a long way in fighting the war on drugs. Keep fighting and stay beautiful! fitznog www.geocities.com/BourbonStreet/bayou/4518 "Sample in a jar" PHISH

Hi Honeybud, tried to go into chat room (legalize) this morning and found it was closed temp. major depression--come to depend on my friends.... don't know if you remember talking to me or not. your web home is really nice. love ur poetry. thats my thing too. i'm a person who needs mj for med reasons( have glaucoma and FM) and want to do what ever i can to make it available to all of us who need and not to fear the conseq. keep up all the good work and let me know any great news . i do not know how to contact any of the friends i met in the patriot chat peace and a hug gypsyrose

Hi Diane, Have you gotten the January issue yet? I guess if your article is in February, which goes on sale sometime around the end of December, you should get a check sometime around then. I don't know if it would be in time for Christmas. I can ask. Good to see you got the drug-counselor gig. I don't see any contradiction between being a drug counselor and a toker-after all, our argument is that if we're allowed to get high legally, we wouldn't fuck it up by being irresponsible and letting it wreck our lives. Some people just can't get high because they can't control it, but that doesn't mean the rest of us should be barred. I suppose there are philosophical arguments for sobriety, for maintaining your health and not impairing your coherence and competence, and for excess, for getting out of control and visiting alien regions of the mind, but I won't dwell on that too much for now. I wouldn't babysit on acid (not that I do that anymore), but a blowout can be psychically healthy-even if painful on the morning after. (I wonder if aspirin sales in New Orleans go up on Ash Wednesday.) One of these days we'll get to hang out, get high and philosophize some more. -Steve

In case you were wondering, I heard about you from the current issue of High Times. Well, I just thought it would be better to get your permission before plopping a link to your site from mine without giving you a chance to see what kind of site is linking to yours first. Fellow Bud Connoisseur, Steve http://www.cs.rit.edu/~sas1698/ More up to Date: http://129.21.136.3/

hiyas, I just tried to call you tonight actually... got your machine. Anyways, I was on the phone with the organizer of this event that I copied you on. She's a law student at Temple U and this is her first of many events here in the city. This discussion is meant to lead into a city/state wide drug law reformation panel. She says the room its being held in should be big enough for 120 or so. I told her I would bring as many folks as I could. Here's some of the specifics... Medical Marijuana Forum sponsored by the Phila Bar Association on 12/1. Begins at 12:30 and the formal lectures are scheduled to end at around 2:30. After this, we still have the room for discussion till 6:30. It sounds like there is going to be some pretty big folks here... definitely worth sticking your nose into if you get the chance. The building is on the corner of market and juniper (right next to city hall) on the 10th floor in the phila bar education center room. I know you mentioned being in the phila area this week, so I hope you get this before you leave. I think I'm headed for Roaring Spring tuesday or wednesday night. I'm not sure when I'll be back in the city, but I'd like to coordinate with your schedule to try and catch you either here or there. Let me know what ya think! b'byes for now, fred

So where are you from? do you go to Penn State? Do you know Megan ----- ? She referred me to your web page and i must say it is somethin' spectacular. megan said you were goin' to be in high times magazine, and i had to check it out for myself! why don't you email me back sometime, i'd like to smoke up with...I mean meet you sometime! email me back if you feel so inclined! later, Richie

I must say you are one of the coolest people I've had a chance to meet in my stint here at U. Magazine. I just got back in town today, so I apologize its taken me this long to get back to you. I understand you spoke to our art director last week, and he said we couldn't use the scanned pictures because of the resolution. Do you have color prints or slides of those photos? If so, then we could scan those in here. If you have them, could you send them to me in the mail? If you send them in Priority mail (2-3 days), we could scan them in and get them back to you in a few weeks. Let me know! As far as CASA goes, I'll have more info on that later on. I'm working on that story for U. Magazine, and then another story for www.animalhouse.com about drug culture on college campuses. So, if you know anyone that would want to talk about that, that would be very cool. Where are you from? I grew up in Erie, PA and then went to Ohio State — graduated in June. Have you ever been to Columbus, OH? There's a lot of good grassroots activism going on there, too. Hope to hear from you soon. Have a great day! Jamie

High yerself, Yep, we have a subscription to HTimes, and in fact it is the January issue that we just received. So, I guess my hearty congrats. are a bit premature. In any case it is a flattering article, you should definitely save a copy. How many copies of the tabloid do you want? Just let me know & I'll mail 'em out. No charge, since you guys do such a great job with them. Glad to know that everything is going well with the Rallies. How's Dr. H's legal battles going? Good I hope. He must be an interesting & dedicated soul to put himself in the jaws of the law-enforcement beast. Take care & let me know how many tabs. you need. Yours in struggle, Paul PS- Hey don't forget to drop me a line next time you come to DC.

Hey Diane, Hope you're doing well. I just wanted to say that I saw your article in High times & thought I'd say 'congrats' - I hope your profile will inspire others to join the cause. Did you see the tabloid in Penn State's paper on Tuesday? :paul

Wassup?! How goes all? I visited your page... followed every link. I read your poetry (very impressive). I read your life story (JEEZ!) & came away with a full understanding of your cause. (Especially after reading your story. LOL.) I didn't know you were in PA. I have family up there. Seen any annoying, loud people around? That's them! Buke

Hey whats up ? , I live in Pa are there going to be anymore smokeouts anyplace in pa?? hellion@epix.net

Dear Diane, Fate is an amazing thing, isn't it? I hope the cops treated you ok during your arrest. I know the feeling. During the 80's, I was arrested while blocking an entrance to a military base on the Cape. It was during Reagun's illegal military operations in Central America. I was very impressed with your web page-honey buds-quite the nom de guerre-! Your story was an amazing tale to read. You have experienced so much-so much more than any one should have to. But somehow you have become the person you are because of those experiences. You now have the challenge before you of creating a future and fulfilling a destiny that will make your cruel beginnings as important a part of your life as the wonderful delights and happiness that still await you. Sometimes it can be a difficult and depressing struggle to change peoples' perceptions regarding marijuana and other things, for that matter. After all, we are fighting many years of lies, distortions and propaganda. One of the technigues I use to keep me going is to not focus on the end result of whether cannabis users will be free from incarceration and harassment tomorrow, next week, next year or ever. But rather, that I am doing the right thing today for a cause I believe in. If I don't think about when or if the ultimate success will come, but only that what I'm doing now is good and just, then I don't get as everwhelmed with the prospect of how long my task will take to accomplish. The life fully and well lived does not dwell on the past or the future, but only on living today to the max. It may sound trite, but it is nonetheless basic and true. So Diane, what do you do for fun and fulfillment when you're not busy being a warrior for the cause? I think of you often and hope all stays well with you. Your friend and fellow warrior, Dick Elrick, Esq.

Diane: I was online when I got your last e-mail, didn't notice 'till later though. I wrote a little poem for you about your fight. Fight for the cause a fight without pause All the rewards will be of course all their remorse and a bit of applause for the right of your course Then the highest of courts fall apart at the source At the littlest force (That's why I never write to rhyme, I suck at it.) While the world sleeps, you continue to fight. Not in vane, not unappreciated. Know that. Luis.

I am a sociology major at the University of North Texas in Denton. I have been employed in human services related to abnormal psychology and developmental disabilities. I worked with a disabled Vietnam veteran who had been shot in the back and was quadriplegic. He required assistance with all of his basic needs, and I provided him with home health care. He suffered from painful spasms which were the result of atrophied muscles and retracted tendons. I witnessed his body convulse as he cried in agony. He tried painkillers, muscle relaxers, electrical stimulation, and accupressure. These options proved futile and costly. His physician suggested smoking marijuana as an analgesic. The results were impressive, as he completed his physical therapy without any spasms. I support medical research of marijuana, and the decriminalization of use by citizens diagnosed with terminal, chronic, and disabling diseases such as cancer or AIDS. It does not serve justice to deny suffering patients quality health care. Republican Newt Gingrich recently proposed life in prison for first offense, and the death penalty for the second offense of possession of over 2 ounces or marijuana. I urge you to contact your representatives regarding this important and timely issue. We cannot remain silent. Your voice truly counts. They just want you to think it doesn't. Sincerely, Chris

Dear HoneyBud, I'm looking at a three year sentence for growing marijuana for my migraines and seizure disorder (three adult plants and a number of cutings). I'm a 45 WM married with two chidren, one in high school and one attending Brandise University. Lately, I 've feeling pretty sorry for myself until I came accross your web site. I read your BIO and it touched my heart. The story of your life and how you still seem to have it all together has given me a new strength to see me through this ordeal. Your an inspiration! Keep on doing what you're doing. Dave

Diane, wow... your webpage is awesome I'm a 20 yr old f visual art student in canada bc .... and I smoke weed (sounds like an AA meeting :) ) Your life is amazing and you are such a beautiful person to have been able to pull through it and stand out strong. I have ADD and tend to fall into depression alot.... I always thought smoking pot was contributing to this? Where can i find info about this? Anyway, I'm going to continue exploring your website. thanks marnie

Diane: About the smoke out - At times I was embarassed. People I know would see me and be really uncomfortable. They did not even want to come over and say hi. One friend from my freshman year said "Ray, don't you know people are looking at these guys and thinking they are a bunch of long hairs?" I tried to rationalize my position. He was drunk and I think he just was being polite to listen. That tennis girl that likes/liked me saw me. She waved. I wonder if she thinks differently of me now? I don't know. Everyone is afraid. They must feel like we are advocating unbrideled hedonism. Would that be so bad anyhow? I ran a search of "Diane Fornbacher" through all the major search engines using metacrawler.com . I came up with some interesting stuff. Mostly articles or writings of yours. I liked them all. I'll stop here. Please E-mail me whatever you are thinking about. I find you to be very engaging and sophisticated. Raymond (AKA Raymond)

HI, I JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO ME . THE KIND OF KIND PEOPLE LIKE YOURSELF ARE WHAT THE UNITED STATES SHOULD BE PROUD OF, HAVE PARADES FOR, AND NATIONAL HOLIDAYS NAMED AFTER. NOT THE SO CALLED AMERICAN HEROES LIKE SAMMY SOSA AND MARK MCQUIRE WHO HAVE PARADES IN CELEBRATION FOR THEM WHILE THE PEOPLE OF NEW YORK PAY FOR IT. THAT IS A SOUND POLLUTANT IN ITSELF. DONT GET ME WRONG, I LOVED THE YEAR BUT THAT IS TAKING IT TOO FAR. ANOTHER THING IS HOW CAN THE GOVERMENT OF THE UNITED STATES SEND MEN INTO ORBIT AT SUCH A COST (422 MILLION) AND STILL CANT GET ENOUGH MONEY TO FIND A "USE OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA". A FRIEND AND MYSELF WERE DISCUSSING THE ISSUES OF WHY MARIJUANA IS ILLEGAL AND HE BROUGHT UP A GOOD POINT. THEY WON'T BECAUSE THEY CAN'T TAX IT. ANYONE CAN GROW IT, NOT A CERTAIN PERSON ONLY GROWS IT. I HAVE BEEN SMOKING CANNABIS FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS NOW AND I AM AS HEALTHY AS THEY COME. BUT IT HURTS WHEN MY PARENTS SIT THERE AND SAY THAT "ANY FOOL THAT SMOKES THAT CRAP CAN NEVER BE AS HEALTHY AS MY SON HERE." I MEEN I JUST WANT TO SCREAM OUT" I AM YOUR SO-CALLED POT HEAD AND PROUD OF IT!" SO, AT THIS MOMENT PLANS FOR A SMOKE OUT ARE RUNNING THROUGH MY HEAD TO BE DEVELOPED AT A LOCAL COLLEGE. --ST. ANDREWS. I AM GOING TO PRINT OUT FLYERS FROM MY COMPUTER AND PASS THEM OUT AND POST THEM EVERYWHERE. IF I HAVE TO, I WILL DO IT MYSELF. THE NICE THING ABOUT IT IS THAT MY MOM IS A NURSE THERE AND SHE SHOULD GET A REAL REALITY KICK IN THE ASS FROM THIS. ANOTHER THING, MY COUSIN SUFFERS FROM INSOMNIA AND I FEEL BAD FOR HER SO I'M GOING TO TRY TO GET HER TO SMOKE SOME BECAUSE SHE WON'T TAKE MEDICATION FOR IT. I LOVE YOU AND THANK YOU FOR THIS INSPIRATION THAT YOU HAVE PUT INTO MY HEART. WISH ME GOOD LUCK PLEASE. LOVE YOUR FRIEND, DAN PS: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE KIND OF MARIJUANA? MINE IS THE KIND I CAN SMOKE IN PUBLIC WITH THE "REGULAR,GOOD,CLEAN FOLKS"

Dear Diane: I read your story with great interest. I retired last spring after 33 years of public-school teaching. Many of my students smoked marijuana, and I was (and am) sympathetic to the cause. I have smoked it myself only a few times, but would like to do so a lot more in the future, now that I am no longer teaching. I was intrigued by your inference that smoking it helps your "breathing problem", as I recently stopped smoking cigarettes when I was told by my doctor that I might be in the beginning stages of emphysema. (I don't want to see the "end" stages!) I know I can't count on honest answers from medics about marijuana, so I thought I'd ask you about this. How could smoking marijuana help a breathing problem? I don't have any noticeable symptoms at this point, and I don't want any...but if I choose to smoke marijuana, am I committing suicide? Or is it actually beneficial? I know your schedule is busy, but any help or insight you can provide will be appreciated. NAME WITHELD Indiana

Congratulations! I'm pleased to present the Honeybud Weedwackers site with the MaryJane Smokin' Site Award. This award is presented to websites that promote the positive use of cannabis, and have informative, entertaining and original content. As far as personal hemppages go, yours is one of my favourites! I've also added a link to you on the MaryJane Site. It isn't a requirement, but if you want to link the Smokin' Site award back to us, (it goes without saying that we appreciate any links we can get), then point it to: http://members.xoom.com/hash_man Keep up the positive work, and free the weed! Regards, Neil The MaryJane Crew

Dear Diane, I loved your cute little bug card sooooo much! Thank you! It made my day. I am real busy with work, but I wanted to say hi and say that it was great to meet a sister in the movement. There are so few, esp someone so coherent, competent, and strong like you. You got it goin' on! I am very honored to have met you. I wish we had met earlier that day!!! What fun we would have had hangin' out. Next time. Keep your eyes open in your closest city what people aare doing for the Oct. 22 National Day of Protest vs. Police Brutality. It's the 3rd annual. Remember, the January MMM planning mtg. too. Love, Bonnie

Dear Diane, It is I who should thank you. Your spirit, enthusiasm and commitment flooded me with such a sense of joy that I still feel it today. Diane, its rare in today's world, where human and spiritual isolation is more often the rule rather than the exception, that two people are able to make a connection. I believe that on that brisk autumn Saturday of the Freedom Rally, you and I did just that. I hope in the future that the fates will allow our paths to cross once again. Yours with affection, Dick

I like your site a lot. Thanks for all the hard work you have obvously done for this movement. How about a technical, non-inspiring quote from the enemy that they wish they had never released? This is circa '92 if it matters. The DEA's Administrative Law Judge, Francis Young concluded: "In strict medical terms marijuana is far safer than many foods we commonly consume. For example, eating 10 raw potatoes can result in a toxic response. By comparison, it is physically impossible to eat enough marijuana to induce death. Marijuana in its natural form is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man. By any measure of rational analysis marijuana can be safely used within the supervised routine of medical care." Here are some more quotes: "The oppressed should rebel, and they will continue to rebel and raise disturbance until their civil rights are fully restored to them and all partial distinctions, exclusions and incapacitations are removed." -Thomas Jefferson: Notes on Religion, 1776. Papers, 1:548 "Prohibition .... goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it makes attempts to control a man's appetite by legislation and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes. A prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded." --Abraham Lincoln(December, 1840)

I meant to let you know how courageous it was of you to include your story on your website. I apologise for not having said so when I saw you in person.; Things were a bit hectic at the Festiva (not to mention emotional, for me at any rate). It is admirable that one should state the truth even though the pain it brings is all too real. Although I still have my mother (she attempted suicide when I was only 1) I lost both of my brothers in this manner. I have learned not to hem and haw when people ask me about my family. It is almost embarassing because noone has told my father to this day that both of his sons killed themselves. He was told that they had heart problems! We are only as sick as the secrets we choose to keep. I am so glad that you have found the strength to share the truth! In case you felt as if noone was listening, and/or cared.....believe me, suicide and domestic violence has involved many more people than are willing (or able) to admit it. Perhaps someday, if we are all willing to be honest and share our experience, these problems can be addressed in a realistic manner and you have taken a major step in that direction. I only hope that I can someday be as honest and forthright! Susan p.s. Did you check out the November edition of High Times!? Check out the 100 list. If October pops up, just change the '10' in the URL to an '11', it is there. :-) Congrats!!!!!

G'Evening Diane. Just §cooby here. Well no, Andre I should say. How are you? I hope I have'nt sent a personal e-mail to a work-related site, or some such craziness. I just visited your site for the first time, and I must say it is REALLY well laid out. It looks great. I took the time to read "Your Story". That is I guess the main reason why I felt that I HAD to e-mail you. I cant believe it, but I was brought to tears whilst reading about your past. I really just wanted to say (and dont let my FLIRTATIOUS reputation :) precede me) that you are a truly wonderful woman. To see someone that has lived through such incredible upheaval turn out to be so strong and so selfless and so completely personable is almost like meeting a do-do. You are a list of cliches. "From amidst the rocks a rose has bloomed." etc etc. Anyway, I am reaching the point of babbling on like a freak, but I really wanted to say that from the first time that I chatted to you, I new that you were a "Gifted" person. You have an ambient radiance about you which I haven't sensed in many people. I just regret that a few thousand miles means that I cant shake your hand, say G'Day and light up a three pound spliff to converse over! :) Perhaps one day, if I can get my US holiday organised I may just spring up at one of your rallies, joint in hand, and say "HIGH". Well I'll let you get back to your no doubt busy schedule, but if you care to drop me a line some time, my e-mail address is ---------. I would love to correspond. No doubt I will see you again soonish at Legalize, but until then, take care, keep up the good work, and more than anything else.....stay happy and stay sane. PEACE AND LOVE.........Your friend Andre (The Scoob) I'll twist one and spark it for you as soon as I get home! (though it will be as much for ME as it is for you.......) hehehe

Dear Di, Stopped by your site today to see what was new, and YIKES! What a story! Normally, a tale like that would send me into a fit of flippant smartassedness (like, I wonder what Chapter 3 will be: I Am Nailed To The Hull And Eaten By Gulls?!?). That's how I often deal with undealable tragedy -- black humor. However, it's not quite that easy when the story's true and I've met the protagonist. My next response would usually be to attempt to say something "comforting," which would undoubtedly wind up sounding completely inappropriate and assinine -- especially since you're (hopefully) through the worst of it by now. Thankfully, I caught myself before blurting something so retarded. So, HB, I'm left with nothing for you but THANKS. Thanks for doing whatever was necessary to let the events of your past open your heart instead of stomping it into icy black shards. The world has plenty of those already. As you've discovered, love is the ultimate rage against pain and hate. And afterall, who but she buried beneath a great pile of the world's shit could emerge shining beams of redemption and salvation? You bounce back good, you rubbery little psycho! Waiting tremulously for Chapter 2, your friend, jim ps: from the Tao Teh Ching... She who knows people is clever; She who knows herself has insight. She who conquers people has force; She who conquers herself is truly strong. She who knows when she has got enough is rich, And she who adheres assiduously to the path of Tao is a woman of steady purpose. She who stays where she has found her true home endures long, And she who dies but perishes not enjoys real longevity.

Hello...was reefered (lol) to your wonderful page by some nice people at Legalize.com & was wondering how I could get involved in a Smokeout... I live in South Jersey. NAME WITHELD

hey honeybuds, this is spliffy, or vivian...i got your website from tenfreak from legalize...which i am a member of also (www.legalize/herbgarden/spliffy) it was really inspiring, and made me write you to let you know that alot of us out here have no idea where to start, besides getting stoned everyday...you know?? In January, I'll be a transferring junior to a university from my community collge and I was wondering if you have any ideas on how to start an active group supporting the cause...im pretty sure theres no such group already but I plan on checking on that soon...im just not sure as to how to go about it all...im 18 years old and have been smoking pot for 5 years... ( dont let the age scare you, i just dropped out of high school and started college early...) please write me back sometime with some help...peacenluv, spliffy

Dear Siamgemini, I visited your website and was amazed at your courage to speak your beliefs and rights on the legalization of marijuana. I myself am a proponent of legalization and hope that the US government realizes that marijuana is safer than usually perceived. One of the main reasons that marijuana isn't legal at the moment is because the gov't is NOT making money from it. Lawmakers should open their minds and realize that the hemp plant has many uses. As you said on your website, hemp could be used an altenative to trees for use as paper and so on. I am curious, do you smoke pot to alleiviate pain from a serious disease or for simple fun? I will be writing in the future. LEGALIZE!!

A forwarded message to me from Jim to the Women's Christian Temperence Movement:
Dear Women's Christian Temperance Movement: I have been reading the Bible, and I have come across some statements which seem to be at variance with the global drug war that your organization seems to support and promote. Could you please address the quotes and concerns I've listed below? * Thank you, Jim Incollingo * Genesis 1:29-31 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth... ...and to everything that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat; and it was so. And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. *It seems to me that by banning marijuana, jailing those who grow or possess it and destroying it in the fields, we are clearly spurning God's gift of seed-bearing herb. How can it be bad, when it was made by His hands and declared by Him to be "very good?" Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 6:14-15 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 7:1-2 JUDGE not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and withwhat measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. *The above statements seem to indicate that we should be peaceful, merciful and forgiving toward those we feel have lost their spiritual path through addiction or over-consumption. Clearly, it seems, we should not be judgmental or punishing -- certainly, making WAR on these lost souls seems to be clearly proscribed. Am I misunderstanding these passages? Matthew 7:15-16 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. The "fruits" as used above, I understand to mean the "actual products of one's actions," as opposed to the mere words one uses. If we analyze the "fruits" of the war on drugs over the last eighty years, we find ever increasing violence, prison population, rates of addiction, availability of new and more dangerous drugs, corruption of law enforcement and politicians and despair. Before the war's start in 1914, very few people even knew what marijuana, heroin and cocaine were. The use of these drugs by children was unheard of. Certainly before 1980, nobody knew what crack-cocaine was. Am I missing something here? Matthew 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. Am I to understand by this passage that Jesus drank wine and associated with sinners? How then, could these things be evil? Matthew 13:57 ...A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and in his own house. This statement seems to indicate that those who bring forth the wisdom of the lord are destined to be persecuted and besmirched in their own country. Perhaps we should look to these people, rather than to those in power, for the mercy of the Lord. Matthew 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. Matthew 15:11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth; this defileth a man. Matthew 22:39 ...Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. These passages all seem to indicate that we should not judge righteousness by what a person takes into their body, but rather from the words and actions that come from the body. Could this be interpreted to mean that if our neighbor takes drugs or is even addicted to them, we should not judge or punish them unless they actually, physically harm innocent bystanders? If I were so unlucky as to become drug addicted, would I want to be fined and imprisoned, or treated with compassion and love? Matthew 23:27-28 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited supulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanliness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Matthew 26:52 ...for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Again, this seems to hearken to the "fruits" issue mentioned above. Our society seems to preach care and compassion for drug users, yet in actuality we point guns at them, arrest and incarcerate them. We don't even give lip service to compassion for those who sell the drugs, yet are they not God's children also? Is a policy of WAR against them in keeping with God's word? I'd be very interested to hear your views on these matters. Thank you for your consideration. (And let us thank Jim Incollingo for his invaluble insight and efforts!)

Diane, My apologies and sincere regrets for not making it to the Smoke out. Jim (Incollingo) recounted Sunday's happenings to me when he got back. I've also just finished reading your synopsis, and it really looks like we will ultimately win this thing. I also have been tracking the Times Magazine poll, and if any stock can be placed in those sorts of polls, it appears as if only 12% of the people who responded, support Prohibition!!! My own experiences picketing, against these paternalist Drug laws are testimony to the fact that a majority of of American Citizens show overwhelming support for change!!!!! Well, keep up the extrordinary work, and I hope to meet you someday soon! Peace, Liberty, and Justice, Gary M. Sage / Marijuana Liberation Organization

Diane, I've been enjoying the new features on your site; it looks like you've been a busy bee with all the arts-fest/smoke-out aftermath. As usual, you're webpage looks great and reads better. It seems from the responses on your page and on Dr. Heicklen's that everyone had pretty much the same reaction to the protest asI did (i.e., CONGRATULATIONS ON OUR SUCCESS!) You guys did something really beautiful. Thanks. I'm so glad I was able to help, even in such a small way. Gary Sage bounced me a Peter McWilliams alert about the Time Magazine poll. In the alert, McW cited the number of voters supporting the continuance of the drug war as 17%. When I checked yesterday morning, it was 12%. Today it's10%!!!!!!! That means (wait a minute, let me do the math...) we have 90% of the people with us!!! Also, let me know what you think of my radio exchange with the WoD weenie from Philly. If you've got the time, of course, now that you're a nationally known, front line Peace soldier. your friend, incollingo ps: sacrifice is noble, but don't neglect your self ...

http://tomdonohue.home.mindspring.com
I want to thank you and the rest of the PSU crew (including Diane, Jay, Summer, Charlie, Paula, and anybody else whose name I've forgotten (sorry!) -- please pass this along to all of them as well) for your hospitality during and after the protest on Sunday. I was very impressed by your devotion and courage, to put on the protest despite the arrest of Dr. Heicklen, the continual harassment by the police, and the Saturday night riots. I hope that you're all as proud of yourselves as I am of you, and that you'll continue to move forward with the protests, building on the ground gained so far, and taking advantage of and adding to the momentum that you've acheived. I want all of your to know that what you've accomplished is no easy feat, and is something that most people could only dream of doing. Your continued activism and support of the reform movement has inspired me to do more to fight prohibition, in whatever ways I can. I, and others, have tried for some time to organize others to support the reform movement, both here in the Harrisburg area, and where I was living in Delaware, with relatively little success. People too often find that the "easy way out" is more attractive, to lay low and play it safe. They let themselves fall prey to the indimidation of the law, rather than take the risk of defiantly standing up for their rights and beliefs. You, on the other hand, have overcome apathy, ignorance, fear, extremism and hate. You've stood firm in the face of oppressive and heavy-handed authorities to defend your convictions. You've worked to the point of exhaustion to make your message heard and to educate people about the truths concerning issues which in our society are so often surrounded by lies and misinformation. You've had to endure slanderous remarks, obscenities, and people giving you the finger, in response to your attempts to enlighten them and open their minds to the truth. Despite these and other hardships, you've succeeded in informing those who came to find out more about issues regarding the drug war. You've shown people, who otherwise would have thought that they were alone in their beliefs, that there are indeed others out there that feel the same way. You've made people think about whether or not the drug war is a good idea. You've spread awareness about cannabis, and about the evils of the war on drugs. You've looked the authorities in the eye and started them down, both figuratively and literally. You've collected hundreds of signatures that together create a show of force against prohibition. You've managed to get hundreds of car horns to honk in support of the reform movement. You've garnered the support of countless others in the reform movement, and convinced many to join you in support. You've made history by taking the first steps toward restoring the civil liberties which have slowly been stripped away, as well as our human birthright to utilize cannabis. You have successfully defended and exercised your freedoms, as embodied in the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, and have proven yourselves to be true, red-blooded Americans; you deserve medals for bravery, courage and valor. YOU ARE ALL TRULY HEROES! I am saying all this because I want to make sure that you realize it. It's easy to get caught up in what you work so hard for, that you don't fully recognize what you've accomplished. This is a task that requires a tremendous amount of effort, time and devotion, and which involves a great deal of frustration, tears and weariness. It's also one for which you receive relatively little praise, thanks or satisfaction, other than that which your give yourselves. I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart, and congradulate and salute you all for a job well done. I hope that my words will provide you with hope, encouragement and support that can help keep your group together, to stay active, vocal and public, and to keep up the fight against the tyranny and unjustice of prohibition. We have the truth on our side. It's up to each of us to get it out and make it be known!

from G.Martin Sage, founder of Marijuana Liberation Front and author of: Babes Tea-room & Cannabis Cafe website Just visited your wonderful site. Thank you for the wealth of info. I was very moved by your poem. I am also a somewhat ancient, poet (at 42) My organization is the Marijuana Liberation Front. We are locatedin New Jersey and are planning some actions in the near future. Most of my time is spent on-line trying to convice the few unconvinced that America has been going down a very dangerous road with regard to drug policy! Well, Email me when you have the time! My website is BABES TEA ROOM AND CANNABIS CAFE. Let me know what you think!

from Jim Incollingo: http://members.delphi.com/freemy/index.html Diane! Gary Sage (our mutual friend from the Marijuana Liberation Front) bounced me the schedule for the upcoming 4-day event in State College. We're thinking about road tripping on out to join the fun, howl wildly at appropriate intervals and generally add our porky mass to the crowd.. We'll be sure to say "hi" if we see you there. If we were limited to one day of attendance only, which do you think would be the best day to show up? (Of course, we'd like to see your presentation if we can.) On a more general note, I've had my website up since November of '97. It's basically a chapter from my master's thesis. For about six months, I got no response at all (not that I'd posted links or advertised it). Gary Sage was my first contact, sometime back in May. We've met a few times since then and have become friends (not uncommon for fellows in the cause, as I'm sure you've found out). We're now working on recruiting activists, taking action, speaking out and doing whatever we can to turn this evil tide. Through Gary and on my own, I've become acquainted over the 'net with several individuals and organizations who have really changed my outlook on the possibility of conquering what seemed only a few months ago to be an utterly insurmountable foe. Though I was cynically skeptical when first I heard of it, it seems the promise of the internet as a means of social change is actually happening. A few recent tv shows (Frontline: America's War on MJ, and John Stossel's ABC News Special on consensual crimes) have confirmed to me that big changes in consciousness and reality are just around the corner. We may go through a brief period where the war heats up just before it gasps it's last (perhaps this is that period), but someday soon this war's gonna end. My point is this: there are still a lot of like-minded people languishing alone out there. Your page and others like it are water in the desert for our isolated and still-terrorized brothers and sisters. Keep it up -- you are having a real and positive effect. Thank you for your courage and efforts on all our behalf. your humble serpent, jim incollingo ps: Your account of the May 2nd march in NYC is well-written and pretty moving. I shoulda been there! NEXT TIME I WILL!

Rob Kampia of the Marijuana Policy Project -the ONLY pro-cannabis Legalization lobbying group in D.C. Diane, You say you have friends who use marijuana medicinally. Can you please e-mail me their contact information -- e-mail addresses, phone numbers,anything? Patients are our most important messengers, and we proactively take the time to track them down and make them feel at home with MPP. Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) 202-462-5747 (phone) P.O. Box 77492 202-232-0442 (fax) Capitol Hill RKampia@mpp.org Washington, D.C. 20013-8492

from Russell Blake: My compliments on your impressive web page. It's fun to navigate and very informative. I'm new to the whole web page world, and recently found the Legalize pages; I have a site there under the name Hylo Bates. That's also where I found your page. The reason I origionally decided to write you was to add an opinion of mine and see what you thought. I didn't have a chance to look through all your pages, so if you have a piece saying what I'm going to say, then I apologize. Anyway, the point I wanted to make is this; in my experiences at college, I found that people who were drunk tended to be far more dangerous than those who were high. Drunk men were far more likely to get in fights, vandalize property, and--worst of all--commit sexual assaults. My friends and I at college (we lived on the alcohol-free floor, and subsequently were ostracized from the rest of the 1,000 student campus) came up with this slogan for young woman entering college: Get drunk, get raped...smoke pot instead. Just thought I'd pass that along. I have several other sites, along with my Legalize one. The one you might be most interested in is at http://www.freeyellow.com/members4/hylo/page1.html. I put a link to your site there. It'd be great if you'd do the same for me...as you'll see if you visit mine, nobody's seen it yet. Keep up the good work.

ladydiane@zensearch.net

*Letters are occasionally edited for grammer, length, or omission of personal information. If you would a letter fo yours removed, please email me.