Witnessing our government sell my land for the "crime" of growing pot

[Fly by night]

Good (really) early morning, all y'all. It is just past 4:20 am Friday morning in my Tennessee deep hollow home as I start this message, though I have already been up an hour. I've already had my quart of coffee, my quiet time on the porch with my two dogs and the young brown bats that play tag above my head on my front porch, before the sun gets up. I have soaked in the claw-foot tub, and dressed for the day, in shorts, work-boots and (for the moment) my favorite t-shirt from 10,000 Waves out west in the other Santa Fe (NM), on the high road up their mountain.

Most of the pieces I share with all y'all about my life and my views, both considerably colored by my eight year dance with federal weasels over my federal medical marijuana case, have been written quickly, as soon as the incident or the urge allows. This one, for several reasons I am well aware of, has taken longer to start. What follows is (and will be) my memory of witnessing our government sell part of my farm for the crime of growing pot ... and giving it away to four dying neighbors.

I could have written this down Wednesday evening, but instead I sat around a friend's kitchen table, with his wife and his kids, to let the day out somewhere I would not be alone (and where I would certainly be understood). These folks have been my friends for 30+ years and they are the most complete married couple I know. They were the right place to start this process Wednesday evening.

I also could have written this any time yesterday – Thursday. Instead, I took advantage of our recent three inch rain to pull more pliant weeds in my late summer Garden all day, to begin the process of building my bookend compost piles, to the north and south of my raised-bed rows, with the offal, the refuse, the wild growth (what little of it) still inhabits my 40+ year organic bread-basket that breaths just beyond my front-porch -- my Garden. She kept me busy and distracted almost all day (with the help of some donated sour diesel from a Nashville friend that provided more reflective fuel for my internal fire). The more time I spent with Her,the more it was clear that She had been neglected by me in the past minutes and seconds, as my hip and the impending loss of my land intervened. Yesterday, I began to make amends to Her and we worked together for hours, Her donating the random weeds that had sprouted in Her presence and me accepting them as a deposit on next year's abundance.

So, after two days of cogitating, here goes. On Wednesday, I drove 60 miles – one way – to witness our government sell some of my land at what should have been the final chapter in my fight to save my farm. The thing is, in saving most of my farm, I have learned just how far my country – or the fundamental, freedom-loving foundation of it – has been lost in our war on (some) drugs. So read and weep (or get mad as hell) and let me hear from you. All y'all -- my virtual friends, my fellow warriors for science, common sense and compassion, my fellow protectors and benefactors of the Goddess.

Here goes ....
-----

It was early when I got up Wednesday, but not too early. The forced sale of my 25 acres (as a plea bargain to save the remaining 147 acres) was not happening until 1:45 pm and it was just now 5:30 am. But the joys of living in my country include ritual, both of necessity and of intention, and my rituals spread out in front of me to fill the hours before my trip north began. No rain yet (three weeks dry here, in almost constant 110 degree heat index, brutal), so I spent an hour hosing cold spring water onto the two late summer Garden rows – the ones with alternating sweet corn and cantaloupes, with one section of sunflowers and another of late yellow crook-neck squash. Soaking them down as much as possible, them and my out-of-place baby watermelons, beginning to look like they just might feed me (and others) yet. Time to (not) kill, time to breathe.

Getting centered is always good, and it was good on Wednesday. In truth, I had been preparing for this day for eight years but, since the government had sprung the sale out of the blue last month, it was still something I was not really prepared for. (As my late (psychiatrist) daddy used to say, "the healing of a fractured relationship does not begin with the separation, but the divorce.") At that moment, though, the 25 acres was not still mine (having signed it over to the weasels in December), but it was not yet someone else's. That was coming now, though, like a freight train.

One good thing about recovering from my hip surgery is that I have become more intentional with my time away from the farm. So today, knowing that I would have to drive north of Nashville to lose my land, I made a list of everything that needed doing in Nashville. Delivering a big sack of sweet basil to a new friend to feed her sons, returning books and movies ("Apocalypse Now") to an older friend, making copies at Kinko's and eating green curry at the International Market. There was more (other) stuff to do, and so I left the land by mid-morning.

The drive to Nashville always provides two choices – follow the Natchez Trace on its secluded gentle roller-coaster ride along the "Path of Peace" or take Old Hillsboro road. The second choice allows me to drive a little bit faster, and to stop in Leiper's Fork, which I did for gas. Another hour or so in and around Nashville completing the chores and there was nothing left to do but show up to the sale. For all that I had done to distract myself, I was still the third one there.

It remains weird that the feds had chosen not to sell my land actually – you know – on the land. Maybe they knew that their extortion of me still rubbed my neighbors, as well as the local media and medical marijuana activists in lots of places, the wrong way and that some of them might show up to shine a "shame on you" light on their activities. Certainly the fact that my neighbors had spent weeks tearing down the gaudy yellow "auction" signs the feds had paid to litter around our back roads, depositing them at the head of my driveway each morning, might have given them a clue. So, for whatever reason, the feds bundled my land with four other sales and conducted the auction as far from my farm as they could get. I am sure they will claim efficiency as their motive – I will always and forever claim it was chicken-shit.

When I arrived at the tidy brick house near an industrial park in Whites Creek, the auctioneers had just started unloading their papers and other equipment. There were a few folks there, including one (a new neighbor I had just met in the weeks leading up to the sale) who had told me he would bid. Then I noticed another neighbor, a carpenter who had built the sun-porch on my home, who was there with another friend of his in hopes of getting the land too. There were at least three other groups of folks, a young man with a "Co-op" hat and his dad, two husky country-looking boys probably in their 40s and an withered old man standing next to a G. Gordon Liddy look-alike. All those folks had made the drive to bid on my land, and they made up two-thirds of the crowd.

In addition to taking bids there, these very efficient auctioneers (who had told me they do a "lot of this" for the government, so they knew their deal) were equipped to accept on-line and phone bids. But they were there to move fast, and then to move on.

Two of the five pieces sold before mine, both nice homes in nice neighborhoods in Clarksville and Nashville. The second one, an almost 3,000 square foot home that looked very substantial and well-maintained in the photos at the auction, went for less than $20,000 – in less than two minutes. Everyone there looked as amazed as me. I would know in a minute just what my land would bring.
-----

But, first, as background (and to introduce a little suspense), let me remind all y'all that my surrendering this 25 acres was to prevent a "summary judgment" decision by my federal judge to give the feds my entire 172 acre farm or to place a permanent $250,000 lien on my property to satisfy our government's view of justice in my case. Justice that, in their opinion, had not yet been satisfied by my $60,000 in legal bills $500,000 in lost salary, eighteen months in a federal Bureau of Prisons halfway house and three years ever since unemployed.

For the crime of growing seven pounds of pot and giving it away to four terminally ill neighbors, a crime that I never denied I committed from the moment that two helicopters and ten four-wheelers descended on my farm. One big lesson here – if you cooperate with the feds, they will want to know just how much bull-shit you can take. (Obviously I can take a lot)

Our final plea agreement, in which I surrendered the 25 acres, saved the rest of my farm and saved me from having to live under the burden of a $quarter-million$ lien for the rest of my life. The feds agreed to take whatever they could get for the 25 acres, in return for which they agreed to get out of my life. (More on that later.)

At the time of our plea agreement, the feds' appraiser had estimated that the 25 acres was worth between $170,000 - $220,000, and that appraisal (I am sure) is what turned the tide toward a final resolution last December. Now back to the sale.

-----

The bidding on my land opened with an on-line bid — of $30,000. (My guess is that this bid came from Arizona, where two other new friends who had already bought 15 acres from me that fronted the 25 acres (for $125,000, two years ago) were trying to protect their rears – and mine.) People whistled in the crowd, and a few jumped in with slightly higher bids. But there was to be no feeding frenzy here today. The bidding quickly stalled, the unseen internet bidders fell silent, and the land was sold ..... for $35,000. To the G. Gordon Liddy look-alike – the only person at the auction who looked out-of-place for my bucolic 'hood.

No matter. After shaking hands with the folks there I knew (as well as to the country folks I did not), I went over and shook G. Gordon's hand, told him who I was and said I would be happy to answer his questions. The first thing that was obvious was that he had never even bothered to look at my land beforehand. He asked how much road frontage came with the land (my answer: "None"). He asked how big the pond was on the land. (My answer" "What pond?") He asked about the driveway. (My answer: there is an unimproved easement, back to the start of the land, but that will require building a 300 yard+ driveway that doesn't now exist.) With each of my answers, G. Gordon's mustache drooped a bit more.

I saved the best news for him to experience in the flesh. I neglected to tell G. Gordon that his new land in the country was bordered by the no-longer-young man from whom I bought the land a decade ago (to keep my then-young neighbor from losing the land to an alcohol and cocaine-fueled bankruptcy) and that neighbor had just moved two dilapidated trailers into his side field to join the dozen rusting cars and trucks up on bricko–blocks already scattered all along my (former) land's western view. Everyone else who bid on my land on Wednesday knew about that scenery. G. Gordon did not.

I can't wait to see his face.

So that was it, folks. Seven years of heart-ache ended in three minutes of cold-cash bids. I was glad (I suppose) that it was over. And I was very glad that my land brought so little to the feds. In fact, I drove home hoping that the last prosecutor I dealt with (dense between the ears, deficient in the heart) would choke on the news of the pitiful return the land brought. Choke on it ... and die.

I have learned and (and re-learned, one day at a time) that keeping an attitude of gratitude is the best way to face everything and recover. So it was on Wednesday. But two things kept eating me, and I suspect they always will. Unbeknownst to me and to my neighbors who bid on the land, they were instructed before the sale that the US Marshalls had imposed another restriction on the sale of my land that would prohibit anyone that day (including, especially, me) from bidding on the land with the intention of selling it or otherwise returning it to me. They repeated that extra-judicial restriction (which none of us, including my judge, knew about or acquiesced to) several times before the sale. Mind you, no one was there to buy the land for me, and I hardly have a pot to piss in these days, much less more money to throw down a fetid federal rat-hole. But just the thought of that final example of arrogant federal flatulence posing for law-and-order reminded me of it all.

And some of that "all" was what the 25 acres meant to me. Even though it was not part of my original farm, it was land that I learned to cut and haul hay on (when I helped my young neighbor's daddy, Sharkey Shouse, put up hay for his jacks and jennies). It was land that I had fenced, not once but twice. It was land I had kept clean, before it was my land and after. It was land from which I had cut firewood, and witnessed the wonder of an ice-storm's aftermath, coating the tall grass and every hanging tree twig and branch with ice that sparkled like a billion little prismic rainbows. That was what that 25 acres meant to me.

What it was to the feds was one more chance to drown the American dream in the drug war's civil asset forfeiture bath-tub, one more chance to demonstrate that growing pot is the crime that keeps on punishing – more than murder, more than rape, more than election fraud or fouling our seas. More than almost anything.

That is where I want to leave all y'all this morning. But – to be clear – I am not leaving you at the end of this story. I am leaving you in the middle of this struggle. No one else (or precious few) should have to go through what my last eight years have been. Our failed war on drugs – and the steroided, well-armed, civil liberties-trampling "drug worriers" that it has unleashed like so many rabid flying monkeys on us – has got to stop. And it has to stop soon.

I helped elect President Obama (almost all of us did) for many reasons, including his pledge to allow cannabis/marijuana to be returned to the medical pharmacopoeia. I celebrated when AG Holder announced last October that the feds would no longer go after participants in lawfully-established state medical marijuana programs. I have been encouraged by the number of states (14 now and DC) who have re-established medical marijuana programs and the several dozen (including Tennessee) who are not far behind. Indeed, there is much to be grateful for.

At the same time, I had to drive 120 miles round-trip on Wednesday for the privilege of witnessing the sale of land that was (and will always be) a piece of my heart. And, three times in the three weeks before that sale, I have experienced my farm being buzzed, low and loud, by the farces of evil – low enough to rattle my windows and blow down my late summer sweet corn – ostensibly looking for pot that only a fool or an insane person (or someone broke and in pain) would plant. Though I have been some of the above, I have not (yet) been all three.

My only recourse for these illegal low-level fly-overs has been to drop my shorts and invite the pilot to fly up my ass. After that temporary relief, my other response has been -- and always will be -- to keep working to overturn the laws that keep these worthless and irrelevant cowardly cowboys in the air. That will be my life's work. I hope it is yours too.

From the banks of my creek, just south of my Garden, on what's left of my farm.

Peace out. Y'all come.

[Fumesucker]

1. K&R, sorry to hear of your misfortune..

[xchrom]

2. Recommend

[AnArmyVeteran]

60. Not one crook on Wall Sreet had their billions taken from them.

It's sickening how the government can seize all of the property from people who have even a small quantity of drugs, but you can steal billions and destroy our economy and not be punished at all. If you steal enough you get to keep the millions or billions you steal.

Drug forfeiture laws need to be eliminated and instead have the government seize stolen property and cash from wealthy white collar criminals. No one at BP or on Wall Street have spent a day in jail even though their crimes destroyed our environment or the economy. The reason why the rich are insulated from any punishments are because they own our government and they write our laws.

We need white collar forfeiture laws to take every dime, mansion and luxury car from anyone guilty of stealing more than a million dollars. And then force these criminals to never be able to accumulate more than $12,000 a year for the rest of these lives. At least then they might begin to understand how their criminal actions caused great harm to others.

We need to END the war on drugs and legalize their use, especially marijuana.

[zalinda]

115. I like the way you think.

I could really get behind this law. :applause:

zalinda

[Scruffy1]

124. A Brooks Brothers Suit and a frat brother in office

would have got you a bailout.It never ceases to amaze me how unequal our justice system has become. I have seen even the so-calleed "liberals" here yell about how minor property criminals like car thieves should be locked up (read the post on the dead cat), but the real monsters are never punished. When Koch Industries was caught they just paid a fine. In the last great theft of Democracy only "Scooter"
went to jail briefly. No one from AIG or Goldman Sachs need worry. "The law in its majestic equality forbids both the rich and the poor from begging, stealing bread, and sleeping under bridges. You could find more than eight pounds of pot in just about any penthouse in New york.

[MadMaddie]

128. Brilliant!

"White collar forfeiture laws" to take every dime, mansion and luxury car from anyone guilty of stealing more than a million dollars.

[Mimosa]

134. Yet our 'liberal' Presidents haven't supported liberalisation of drug laws. n/t

[peacebird]

180. +100,000,000,000 and a million more!

[hlthe2b]

3. So they did leave you some land-some part of your farm?

'Sorry, but I missed your earlier posts. How did the government arrive at what they could seize and sell and what they left to you?

If only we allowed for common sense to drive drug policy. My sympathies, but I'm pretty impressed by your ability to put the anger aside and to keep on going.

[Fly by night]

9. Here's some background on my case

A short YouTube clip (from the documentary, "The Human Costs of Marjuana Prohibition"), four articles and a link to the web-site created for me to help save the farm when I was locked up in the "house".

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOR0P3jicuw

www.nashvillescene.com/2007-04-26/news/marijuana-martyr/

http://www.nashvillescene.com/2009-12-03/news/bernie-ellis-s-seven-year-nightmare-with-the-law-is-over-mdash-but-his-advocacy-of-medical-marijuana-burns-hotter-than-ever/

commonwonders.com/archives/col391.htm

www.nashvillescene.com/2010-01-28/news/let-s-roll/

www.saveberniesfarm.com

Enjoy (if that's the right word).

[hlthe2b]

22. Heavens, what a story... Get thee to a publisher and get a book out

on your experiences. Truly. It is an important story... I've glad you've come through this with a positive attitude and didn't let it destroy you. I hope your health is ok. All the best to you! (from one PH professional to another--kudos)

[Hekate]

70. I second that. Please publish Bernie, you write so well and have a helluva tale to tell. nt

[glitch]

86. Third this.

My heart is with you. :hug:

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

114. Fourth this. And congratulations for being able to keep the majority of your property.

And for the lack of financial return for the power-outlet-nosed ones. :thumbsup:

[mirrera]

119. Publish!!!!! Lemonade from lemons and all that!!

[madokie]

4. Sorry for your loss

You write so easy to read, anyways you need to start writing and doing a lot of it. It seems to come naturally to you. The picture you paint with words is so beautiful.

Have as good of a day as you possibly can is my wish for you today
Peace

[BanzaiBonnie]

5. It's my hope that you are writing this all

so that it can become the book that tears apart the injustice system that has been perpetrated on the American people for these many years.


I am so sorry for the pain this has caused you. It will be made right. I don't know how or when, but I trust that by working together it WILL be made right.

[TheKentuckian]

6. I'm really sorry to hear you've had to swim upstream like this over some nonsense.

[Liberation Angel]

7. This is so terribly f*cked up and yet...

many people are unaware of the great risks that happen when you grow your own.

I can't smoke weed myself (although I had my college years etc heh) but the main reason I stopped was because of the risks and because I did get arrested when I was a kid (well, 21) and almost went to jail for a long time in a very regressive pot-law state.

It is one reason I became a lawyer because of these injustices.

My sympathies and empathy are with you.

I actually have a film project on this subject and maybe I can interview you.

You can check out my youtube site linked in my sig line below. It deals a lot with fascism generally and resistance but the medical marijuana issue is good material for film and I have a script in the works on that as well.

Great piece of writing btw! K&R!!!

[druidity33]

8. Thank you Fly

for continuing the struggle... and for being an excellent human.

K&R.


Have you ever written up your saga? Ever had any serious publicity? (Rolling Stone, major paper, news show?) I think the more that people see that good, kind, compassionate folk have been railed by the WOD, the less likely they are to blindly support it.

Good luck Bernie...

[pipi_k]

10. Can I ask a question...

without being jumped on?


Before, or during the time when, you grew pot, did you know that it was illegal, and if you were caught doing it, what the penalty would be?


Because, you know, I am sympathetic to your plight. I don't think pot...either its use, or the growing of it...should be illegal.

But it is.

And people who know it's illegal but do it anyway, aren't they really bringing their own trouble upon themselves?


Honestly, I don't understand the mindset. People know "X" is illegal, they should also be willing to pay the consequences for doing that illegal thing....

:shrug:

[Liberation Angel]

12. Its simple, the laws are fascist and people resist them because it is necessary to resist evil

Growing marijuana and giving it or even selling it (to pay for the costs of growing it) to those who need it as medicine is a necessity to prevent suffering.

The fascist want us to suffer.

But such civil disobedience should not be a crime. We do know that these consequences exist, but to some it is simply survival and righteous activism.

The "trouble" is broughht by fascism and the laws.

But of course we know that fascists do not want us to alleviate suffering and we know they will make us pay (even with our lives sometimes)

I would say do not blame the victims here.

Blame fascism.

But you do have to pay the piper if you want to dance. He paid the fascist pipers a heavy price for being a righteous human being.

Criticizing or berating him for that would be wrong.

[pipi_k]

19. I didn't criticize or berate anybody...

And while I realize that some things should not even BE crimes, the fact is that some things are.

And if a person knows that something is a crime, and knows the penalties but does it anyway, like you said, he has to pay the piper.

Not act like our government arbitrarily decided to sell his land.

[BakedAtAMileHigh]

20. riiiiiiggght

Again, your ignorance of the history of social justice movements is simply stunning. Try reading a bit before offering an opinion on such matters, even if that opinion is framed as a question.

[pipi_k]

29. And you don't make yourself right

by being rude and obnoxious.


This isn't about "social justice".

It's about KNOWING something is a crime that is prosecuted on a daily basis, and then whining about the consequences.

Did Rosa Parks whine about being a victim? I don't think so. She knew what she did was a "crime" in those days and did it anyway. But she was ready, willing, and able to accept the consequences without whining and making herself a "victim".


I think my opinion would have been a whole lot different if people hadn't enabled the "victim" mentality by feeling sorry for someone who knowingly flouted the law.

Encourage rebellion...some laws need to be changed.

Rebellion is a good thing.


Encouraging the victim mentality? Well that just sucks.

[xxqqqzme]

93. Now, I'm really confused.

Who exactly is the whiner?

[Liberation Angel]

131. So Rosa Parks wasn't a victim of racism?

I think your problem is that you do not grok the semantics.

You are blaming the victims for complaining about oppression because they "broke the law". The laws themselves are crimes against humanity.

It is a pity that you do not see this and still accuse the OP of "whining"

That is shameful, I am sad to say.

You should be ashamed of yourself (and stop being so self righteous too)

Please?

It is terribly unseemly.

And Rosa Parks was not really making a statement. She was just tired and that was the only available seat and that was a f*cking crime. This man did not WANT to break any law, he wanted to bring hewasling to thew sick. Sure they knew there might be a price to pay fto the fascists, but doing the right thing was more important.

I''ve had this debate before: It peeves me when people say WELL if you violate and unjust law then you should willingly accept that you have commit a crime and do the time and be happy about it and quit whining.

That, to me, is BS.

If the law is a crime then breaking it is no crime and being pissed and hurt because fascists think it is is the natural and really only human response.

You should empathize not call him a whining self-created victim.

Nothing could be much further from the truth of this matter.

[defendandprotect]

139. This man's story is "whining" . . . . ??? And you don't question the "consequences".... ???

Did you hear the government response to his giving assistance to ill neighbors?

Prison -- legal fees -- interferences with his ability to be employed --

threatened lien on his property -- and finally the loss of 25 acres valued at

close to $200,000 sold for $35,000??

Is this what you want your government to be doing?

[Liberation Angel]

25. I did not say that you did. BUT...

Certainly the decision to prosecute and to sell the land was arbitrary, capricious and an abuse of discretion as a legal matter.

It was an abuse of his and the patients' Constitutional rights.

The criminals here are the prosecutors imho, not the victims. Which "crime" is greater, getting medicine to the sick who need it or stealing a person's land for doing that.

Is all I'm sayin'.

[Tsiyu]

14. I will answer your question with another question

Can I ask a question? Without being jumped on?


Before, or during the time when you made your post, were you aware that for many people, cannabis provides the only safe, effective relief for their pain, nausea, muscle tremors, stiffness, anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares and/or lack of appetite? Were you aware, when you made your post, that adults ought to be able to choose between cannabis and other pharm products which substances they - those grown, free American adults - put into their own bodies and what side effects they are willing to endure to get relief?

Because, you know, I'm not really sympathetic to people who say "but it's illegal." As a female, I know it used to be illegal for me to vote or own property, and I never made the illegality of either something I would show even the slightest regard toward.

But yet, some people can only see the "rule" and never actually look at the people affected by that rule. Some people can only see the "rule" and can never think beyond it.


Honestly, I don't understand that mindset.


"The legislators, Prison Industry, law enforcement agencies, all make a boatload persecuting sick people and those who help them....and I can see families torn apart, jobs and lives destroyed, but I, John Q. Public, think it's all YOUR OWN FAULT!!!! So just deal with it!!!!"

Maybe the help people receive from Cannabis is what makes them take such a risk. When you know someone suffering, the "rules" don't mean jack shit.


This post was about the consequences; the OP appears to know them well. If your only observation is that "the law makes this illegal," thanks, but we already know this.



This post begs these questions, rather than your own:

"Why?"

"How can we change this so more people are not hurt?"

[pipi_k]

21. Sorry, but sarcasm doesn't make your case any stronger

As I said

I am not unsympathetic to the need for medical marijuana, or even marijuana just for the sake of smoking it.

It shouldn't even be a crime to smoke or grow it.

But. It. Is.


people are totally missing my point.

[BakedAtAMileHigh]

24. no, we "get" your incredibly myopic "point". you are not misunderstood.

You're just wrong, no matter how you try to sneak your sycophancy into the form of a question.

[pipi_k]

30. Yeah...it's just so incredibly

healthy and helpful to not only BE a "victim" but to encourage someone else to be one as well.


Let's all be victims.


Because, you know...victims don't have power. Victims just get kicked around and screwed over and abused.


"It's a law that shouldn't exist, but it does, and I flouted it and look at what these EVIL people did to me!!!!

I'm nothing but a victim!!!"


Oooookay

:eyes:

[Name removed]

48. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[sabrina 1]

76. But we ARE victims when our government

becomes oppressive. What else do you call oppressed people?

Since I became aware of this case a few weeks ago and began reading about it, I did not see someone with a victim 'mentality'. I saw a victim FIGHT BACK. And he has a right to describe that fight to the rest of the world.

Were the Founding Father's whining when they complained about the British king's unfair laws? Maybe it is justified to complain sometimes?

If someone punches you in the face, then you punch back but they knock you out because they are far more powerful, is it whining to relate what happened in an honest way, rather than pretending to be happy about it?

I do not see whining in the writings of Fly By Night, I see a documented case of gross injustice in a very regressive society which will remain that way if more people do not have the courage to stand up and fight.

[slampoet]

31. That isn't sarcasm. It is making a point.

[pipi_k]

36. And I wonder what "point" that would be?

That I'm way too stupid to understand the dubious "complexities" of not whining about doing something one knows is illegal?

That enabling someone else's victimhood makes them so much more intelligent and "moral" than someone of my limited mental capacities?


You know, I'm not even saying "never flout a law".

What I AM saying is that if you're going to flout a law, don't bitch and whine and cry about it when the expected happens.

In other words, don't be a Professional Victim.

[slampoet]

44. You are acting like a very sad, myopic, thread hijacker who is extremely self-absorbed

[Melissa G]

39. You are acting like a very sad, myoptic, thread hijacker

who is extremely self-absorbed and does not have enough compassion to fill a thimble. Don't be surprised if no one wants to converse with you.
For those of us in the election reform movement who count Bernie as our virtual friend, he is just keeping us posted on his life and times. I for one, value the man, the friendship and honor his struggle. I have a picture of his farm sitting in my office window. He lives in my heart through his writings. I have learned a lot from him.

[midnight]

90. Well stated. In Wisconsin pressure is coming forward to legalize

this helpful herb.

March 24,2010


The bill, currently pending in the Wisconsin Legislature, is the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act, which would allow for the use and growth of medicinal cannabis in the treatment of certain illnesses.

Among the speakers present were Gary Storck, president of Wisconsin NORML and spokesperson for IMMLY, veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, an Ojibwa Indian performer and others who have diseases for which they say medicinal cannabis is the best option.

“We are here today to raise prayers and awareness in the state Legislature,” Storck said. “We can’t go another (legislative) session without having legally available to people who can benefit from it.”http://badgerherald.com/news/2010/03/24/medical_marijuana_be.php

[defendandprotect]

140. Good reminder ... this was about MEDICAL marijuana ...!!

but I think we need to make all drugs legal --

Pharma industry is make chemical crap and much of it is harmful to patients!!

Hope Wisconsin succeeds --

but we have to overturn this Drug War before we're all suffering Mexican Drug War

insanities -- and that's what's spilling over into Arizona right now!

[BeHereNow]

185. Huge recommend on your post.

The good Germans were "following the rules" too.

Having met Bernie a few years ago- I KNOW this man
was doing humanitarian work, helping others and FUCK the rules
if they prevent the end of suffering.

The last place I want to live is in a country of
people who "follow the rules."
"The rules" are not meant to benefit the majority-
only a small minority.

BHN

[lostnfound]

15. It's illegal to dance or kiss in public some places, illegal to have premarital sex..

Human psychology is such that people feel that they actually want to act on their desires if they perceive that those desires have been made illegal unjustly or without reason. If they perceive that such a law is an unjust infringement on personal freedom.
I personally am not into it, but I think it's absurd (and wasteful) that our government has such a vendetta against those who use it or grow it. And those who 'do it anyway' are following their hearts instead of the law. Socrates "brought it upon himself" and so did Galileo and so do young couples in love in Afghanistan or Saudi Arabia. Those who follow their hearts in history have sometimes been psychopaths and sometimes been extraordinary people. Pot-growers are somewhere in between -- not necessarily psychopaths, not necessarily extraordinary people.
It is wrong to flout the law without good reason. It is much more wrong, in my opinion, for the law to punitively take away a person's land for trivial infractions.

[pipi_k]

27. You're right about it being a "trivial infraction"...

but that's not my point.


People flout the laws for their own reasons, it's true.


But, to make a comparison, anyone who sees a sign saying, "Do NOT stick hands or arms into the lion's cage" but does it anyway for whatever reason has no legitimate claim to "victimhood".

People want to flout the laws? Disobey them? Fine.


But what the hell do they expect to happen when they do?



PS...the laws you mentioned...when was the last time they were enforced or prosecuted? Pot laws are enforced all the time. Common sense says (or should say) that it's more likely one will be prosecuted for a current "crime" than one that hasn't seen a courtroom in a generation or more.

[BakedAtAMileHigh]

28. you deserve the same ideological generosity you give to others

Especially the "generosity" you show here toward those seriously ill who choose to illegally use a plant-based alternative to the legal medicines that are toxic and kill you.

Karma works, you know.

[pipi_k]

32. You still don't get it

I don't care what someone does.

Let someone have all they pot they want to have in lieu of painkillers.

But if it's illegal where they live, and if they know it, they have a few choices:


Move to where it's not illegal to use it.

Speak out to change the laws..legally.

Or use it anyway and take the consequences without whining about it.


But we're not even talking here about someone merely USING it.

We're addressing the plight of someone who took it upon him/herself to grow it. Illegally.

And then had to deal with the trauma of seeing his/her land being sold.


Well, what in God's name did this person EXPECT to happen?

[BakedAtAMileHigh]

45. no, everyone here "gets" your "analysis"

I understand your opinion perfectly, I just happen to think it is foul and inexcusable.

[BakedAtAMileHigh]

17. yeah, and "illegal" anti-segregation protestors got what they deserved for breaking the law too!

Every one of those black and white young people who followed Dr. King and got their heads split open by cops KNEW they were breaking segregation laws so they deserved their treatment!

And what about homosexuality? Hell, sodomy is still against the law nearly everywhere -- do homosexuals "bring their troubles on themselves"?

You are right about one thing: you do NOT understand. At the very least you are honest about your ignorance.

On edit: let's take this a step further. The woman in Iran about to be stoned (to death) for adultery -- she knew adultery was against Shariah law when she fell in love with a man other than her husband -- did she bring death upon herself? Does she deserve it because she knew she was breaking the law?

You really need to read some material on the history of social justice movements.

[defendandprotect]

141. -- So did the suffragettes . . . imprisoned -- beaten -- raped --

evidently the poster isn't giving much thought to the weight of the law --

and the penalty vs the crime -- !!!


"Beware of those with a strong urge to punish -- " -- !!!

[iamthebandfanman]

23. ur right, he shoulda just watched his friends suffer and die. n/t

[BakedAtAMileHigh]

26. hey, it's either you die or I break the law, so yer f**ked, buddy!

Fly by Night is a hero. This sycophantic boot-licking of the current power structure and law enforcement is a fine microcosm of the idiocy that keeps us trapped in Prohibition.

[pipi_k]

37. And you don't get it either

flout all the damned laws you want.


Just don't snivel when the expected happens.

[BakedAtAMileHigh]

46. Yeah, it's "snivelling" to actively oppose unjust laws.

:eyes: How pathetic.

[liberation]

105. "snivel" does not mean what you think it does mean...

Or what you want it to mean. For someone who just had a "question" you seem to have brought quite the load of narrative. LOL.

[awoke_in_2003]

142. "flout all the damned laws you want"

at one point and time in our history (not very long ago) it was illegal for blacks to eat at the same place as whites. Blacks had to ride at the back of the bus. Some people decided to "flout" that law, and a movement began.

[WyLoochka]

167. Sniveling?

I re-read the OP trying to discern where you had seen evidence of "sniveling" - don't see it at all.

But then maybe you read Thoreau as a sniveler too. Or perhaps you've never read his classic, "On the Duty of Civil Disobedience."

If not, I highly recommend that you put your sadly blinkered, ultimately ineffectual thinking to the challenge and hop right over here and start reading...

http://www.ibiblio.org/ebooks/Thoreau/Civil%20Disobedience.pdf

[Romulox]

41. Disgusting. nt

[Bennyboy]

65. I grew and totally knew the penalty...

Stupid though they may be. Just as now, what I do for a living, I know is illegal but I know the penalty. I also know that living in CA and doing either is no big deal. I have no record so any punishment would mean nothing to me at all...

**Even though Humboldt county sheriffs had a gun fight yesterday with growers*****

[Hekate]

69. Four (4) terminally ill neighbors. That kind of jumped out at me. Always has.

He wasn't operating a meth lab.

The crime being perpetrated is the War on Drugs -- the name itself is indicative of a mindset that the government can "win" a "war" with weaponry and soldiers, and that drug use constitutes a "war." The crime being perpetrated is by the government at all levels against its own people. The crime being perpetrated is putting pot in the same category as heroin and meth.

The government it being stupid and inhumane past belief.

Citizens in over a dozen states have voted to legalize pot for at least medical use. The citizens are trying to tell their government something. I don't use -- never have -- but I voted to legalize pot in California.

When my 75 y.o. mother was puking herself into a literal heart attack while on chemo for breast cancer -- I wish Utah, the state she lived in, had allowed medical pot or had at least allowed growing it for personal use. It is well known for calming nausea and increasing appetite, something both cancer patients and AIDS patients are in desperate need of. Sure there are prescription drugs for that, but good old Mom took one look at the price tag and decided to tough it out so she'd have some money left to live on after surviving cancer. When she was 80 she developed Rheumatoid Arthritis and discovered that of the 5 RA specialists in Salt Lake City, none (0) would accept MediCare patients. Bring your credit card or don't bother, seemed to be the message. But pot? Cheap, easy to grow, and so good for easing pain and bringing a peaceful night's sleep.

She would never do anything illegal, but her grandchildren who have all smoked at one time or another would have been glad to try to help her get over that. But the kids lived a thousand miles away, so she just suffered.

Mom passed on several years ago, but I don't forget. The pot laws are stupid, stupid, stupid, and cruel, cruel, cruel. The federal and state governments have destroyed far more lives with their laws than the Evil Weed With Roots in Hell ever did.

Just sayin'

Hekate

[sabrina 1]

75. When laws are unjust, people must resist them before

justice will be restored. Most of us are too afraid to do so, so I deeply admire and support those who do.

This very country was established by people who refused to abide by unfair laws which at the time, made them traitors.

I don't know Bernie's answer to your questions, but imagine if EVERYONE resisted unjust laws.

The FFs were very aware that bad people would get into power and pass bad laws. So they provided a way for the people to legally resist them. The problem is most people are not aware that there is anything they can do, legally. Jury nullification is a way for the people to judge the LAW when they believe that a person is accused under a bad law.

As I understand it, Bernie did not have a jury, his case was decided by a judge? But since a majority of the people now oppose the drug laws, maybe a movement education people how, if they are on a jury, they can prevent someone from being oppressed, because that is what bad laws do, they oppressed, by a government that is out of control.

[Uncle Joe]

77. Would you have risked sneaking slaves across the border via the Underground Railroad or

getting arrested because at one time women couldn't vote?

What about dumping tea in the harbor of Boston to protest what was perceived as "taxation without representation?"

It's not that anyone wishes to bring trouble upon themselves, it's that sometimes, government; especially when it becomes dominated by self-serving corporate/oligarch interests brings trouble to the people as a matter of policy.

At times laws can be unjust, immoral and downright evil, the drug forfeiture laws; spawned by the insane Bill of Rights raping so called "War on Drugs" most certainly fit that category.

The OP doesn't just view him self; as a passive victim, but also those terminally ill people, which he had been giving relief to, furthermore the ending of the OP is a challenge to keep up the fight to overturn the current greed based, insanity.

[liberation]

104. Ah, yes... here comes the "Good American" traditional blaming of the victim...

few things are as systemic and predictable in this society of ours.

[BakedAtAMileHigh]

172. Doing The Right Thing When You Could Get Arrested is Called HEROISM

But you don't "get" this type of heroism, do you? Being obedient = being good, right?

:eyes:

[Fly by night]

184. Postscript: Trying to understand pipi_k's failed highjack attempt, I PMed her (& she BMed me back.)

Baked,

I want to thank you and the two dozen+ others who responded to pipi_k's (aka McGruff, the mangy crime dog's) attempt to highjack this thread. For the life of me, I could not understand anyone taking her inflexible position. (Neither, it seems, could all y'all.) I might expect her voice in late 30s Germany or late 40s Russia. But not here, not now, not after almost eight decades of a failed war on marijuana, a medicine that a former DEA administrative law judge called "... the safest therapeutically active substance known to man...." (Thanks again, Judge Young. If only your recommendation to reclassify marijuana had been heeded – twenty two years ago.)

Anywho, I got up Sunday morning and PMed pipi_k to try to have a dialogue with her about her persistent position. Here is our exchange – I do hope you enjoy. Thanks again for standing up for me and for the Goddess so well in this thread. Peace out (and bake one for me, would ya'!)

FBN
-----

My first message to pipi-K:

I wanted to follow up your persistent (and insistent) efforts to highjack my recent thread by offering to hold a PM-based conversation with you. It wasn't necessary to respond to you in the thread because other DUers responded quite well. I agree with them all, but I remain puzzled at your behavior there, starting out with "can I just ask a question?" and ending by calling me a sniveling whiner. In truth, in the eight years I fought this battle with the feds, I never had anyone (anyone) speak in such harsh and goose-stepping tones as you did. I just wonder what all was behind all that.

So, if you'd like, I would be happy to answer your questions. Beforehand, I would appreciate your visiting post #9 in my thread in which I posted a YouTube clip, four articles and a link to the web-site set up by friends to save my farm when I was in the "house." They won't take long to watch and read and they might just help answer your questions about me and why I fought this fight so openly and loudly. For all the world to see.

In particular, I would recommend that you click on "the case" tab on my web-site and read some of the letters that were sent to the judge on my behalf. I believe we have around 40 letters posted there, of the 300+ that the judge received.

Once you've done that, I would be happy to have a conversation with you. But we don't have to, if you don't want to. Though I've been a DU member for six years now, this is my first contact with you so I have nothing to base my impression of you on other than your continued criticisms and name-calling in my thread, despite not having a single other poster join in on your side. Most folks can take a hint -- I am really curious to know why you couldn't. My guess, though, is summarized in these two quotes;

"Never argue with a man (or woman) whose job depends on not being convinced." H.L. Mencken

"It is difficult to get a man (or woman) to understand something when his(her) salary depends upon his not understanding it." Upton Sinclair

In closing, I want you to know that I grew cannabis for seventeen years (from the time I helped organize Tennessee's AIDS program) to give away to sick and dying people I became aware of. During that time, my sheriff knew what I was doing. In fact, he knew some of the people I was providing cannabis to. After the raid, my sheriff said that he had twice sent people to try to buy pot from me and, because I refused to sell it to them, he just left me alone. In August, 2002, a local drug dealer tried (again) to buy from me. When I refused (and chased him off my farm), the dealer turned me in to the TN Marijuana Eradication Task Force.

And the rest is (tortured) history.

Look forward to hearing from you. Or not. It's your call. One warning: I am limited to dial-up internet service here in the country and have only one phone line (and am still picking blueberries), so our communication will likely stretch out as a result. But I am happy to try.

Take care.

Fly by night
-----

Here's pipi_k's BM in response:

Fly by night,

It's all very simple.

As we grow up, we come to realize that some acts have negative consequences.

If we're not mentally challenged, and we choose to do certain things that could have negative consequences, we have to be prepared to accept those consequences.

The fact that you got away with growing pot for a number of years didn't exempt you from having to pay some sort of penalty if, and when, you were ever caught doing it.

The pot laws have to be changed, but until they are, it's still illegal to grow the stuff. You did. There's a penalty for doing it. What more can I say?

I didn't so much call YOU a sniveling whiner or whatever terms I used as much as that I recalled many people in real life (and on other sites) who HAVE sniveled and whined when they got caught doing things they ought not to have done, and the fact that there are always going to be enablers out there encouraging a victim mentality.

As far as "hijacking" your thread goes...it's a discussion board. Again, if you put a story out there, do you honestly believe that:

1. Everyone is going to agree with you or
2. Everyone should agree with you

In accusing me of "hijacking" your thread you are once again assuming the role of The Victim.

Quite frankly, I lost interest in the whole issue once I realized that people didn't want to discuss the simple issue of doing something illegal and then being SURPRISED! SHOCKED! SADDENED! about the fact that there would be consequences, and that the consequences happened.

I don't often see the world in terms of black and white, but on this issue, I do. It may not be right for some things to BE illegal, but if they are, and if someone does those things, they have no right to be shocked, surprised, sad, traumatized, or make themselves victims of something they should have known would happen.
----

Here's my final "goodbye (and good riddance)" to the failed highjacker:

Oh, if it were all so simple. (Though some things are, like looking at yourself in the mirror.)

Since it appears you still haven't (and likely won't) look at the links provided in the thread, let me make it simple for you. I never denied growing medical cannabis and fully cooperated with the Task Force on the day of the raid. That is why I was never arrested. I expected to be punished though I also expected that the circumstances of what I was doing would be taken into account. Since the feds wanted me to serve 40 years (and I got two years probation) and they wanted my entire farm (and they got only 25 acres), it very clearly was.

However, I remain unconvinced that losing my career, my freedom, my savings and some of my land is commensurate with the "crime" of growing cannabis and giving it away. (BTW, if I had murdered the drug dealer who turned me in, my farm would not have been at risk. Is that what you consider punishment commensurate with the crime?)

You deny calling me a sniveling whiner. Nice try, but you don't win a teddy bear for honesty or even being willing to defend your own behavior two days later. In truth, I was happy you tried to highjack the thread (not my original words, but those of several other DUers who took the time to respond to you) because you gave many (many) others an opportunity to rip you a new asshole. It was heartening to read, and very heartening to see, the many parallels to your flawed logic in our nation's flawed history that were pointed out by other posters for the almost 5,000 people who have read the thread (so far).

Thanks for sharing. Really. You constructed the best straw-man I've ever seen and it quickly and completely went up in flames.

Finally, you kept saying that you believe that pot laws should be changed. (I don't believe you, but that is what you said.) One way to change those laws is to shine a light on how they are administered. That is the opportunity that my case provided me, and that is an opportunity I took, and will continue to take, until we end this war on "illegal smiles". Unlike you, I am working to change those laws, here in Tennessee and around the world. As witness for that, here is a link to my hour-long testimony to the TN legislature this spring. After my testimony, the House Health committee voted 20-4 to move forward in re-establishing our state's medical cannabis program.

http://tnga.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=28&cli...

I am glad that I took the time to write you this morning. However, it is clear that your logic is atherosclerotic and that you won't take even a little time to educate yourself to the facts in my case. It is also clear that you won't even defend, or acknowledge, your own wrong-headed behavior on the thread. I met lots of folks like you when I was locked up in the federal Bureau of Prisons "house".

I tried, though, and that's enough for me. Have a nice life. Really.

Bernie Ellis (Fly by night)

[yowzayowzayowza]

11. I am so sorry, FbN!!!

K&R

[WhiteTara]

13. I'm so happy that you got to keep the best part of the land

and your house. I agree these laws are there only for the money. An enormous industry has been built around the "war" and they are hard pressed to let it go!

[Mimosa]

149. ^ YES! The 'war on drugs' is about the money ^

Since the 1980s Sheriff's depts have been *extra funding* themselves with the proceeds from confiscating houses, land, cars and other personal property.

It's wrong.

[CrownPrinceBandar]

16. You have my support, Dr. Bernie.....

Maybe someday soon we'll come to our senses.

[BakedAtAMileHigh]

18. Thank you, sir, for your dedication and sacrifice to this life-saving plant

There are millions of Americans who are disgusted by the way yourself and other cannabis users and patients have been treated during Prohibition. The waste and brutality MUST end!

On behalf of every American who uses medical cannabis as a safer, non-toxic alternative to deadly pharmaceutical dope, thank you.

[OneGrassRoot]

33. Dear Goddess...

The injustices in this world are staggering. :cry:

Fewer and fewer things make any sense to me, I must say.

But, Dear Sir, what an absolutely remarkable storyteller you are. I felt like I was sitting at your kitchen table with you while you shared your journey, and struggles.

You're obviously gifted in so many ways, not the least of which is your ability to maintain that attitude of gratitude and radiate the same to others.

I am truly so very sorry for what you've been through and continue to endure, and the other senseless struggles and tragedies others endure that are simply unnecessary. So much of what people are experiencing isn't necessary at all. Some shit happens...Mother Nature creates her own measure of grief as she goes through her cycles and rebirth/destruction and that's a part of life. But the destruction wrought by other humans is what is so difficult to accept, nor should we.

Again, I'm profoundly sorry, and profoundly grateful.

:hug:

[sabrina 1]

152. Very well said, especially this:

But, Dear Sir, what an absolutely remarkable storyteller you are. I felt like I was sitting at your kitchen table with you while you shared your journey, and struggles.

That is exactly how I felt when I first read FBN's diaries a few weeks ago. I could SEE every scene he described and felt like I was right there.

It is a gift and I do hope he publishes this story someday, the sooner the better.

[BakedAtAMileHigh]

175. The War on Cannabis is a war on the Green Goddess

No other plant heals and protects as much as cannabis; the female flowers are the blooming, healing grace of the Goddess. The war on cannabis users is violence against Her.

[OneGrassRoot]

177. Well said. Thank you...

:hug:

[lame54]

34. K&R

[Pathwalker]

35. I'm so sorry for what has happened to you, that I'm sobbing,

and I am truly heartbroken FOR you. You were only trying to help your fellow humans, and have been made to pay such a terrible, horrendous price, that is so unfair it makes me want to scream in rage at this stupid, stupid war on a Plant has destroyed far many more lives than this plant ever could. You are a GOOD MAN who was only trying to HELP, and this is how you were repaid for your kindness and decency - SHAME ON THEM!!! I don't know what else to say, but I am just so sorry this happened, and I so admire your decency and kindness to your fellow humans!

:cry: :hug: :cry: :hug: :cry: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[leveymg]

38. KNR - You're a gifted writer. Put this into a NYT best-seller book, and buy back your land.

An incredibly sad and bittersweet account, but I'm encouraged that you have the gifts to tell the story so well.

Now, start writing!

[aquart]

51. It is a book. And it sure as hell is a movie.

May I suggest NO GOOD DEED as a title?

[sabrina 1]

151. Excellent title! n/t

[montanto]

40. Man, I had always though / hoped

that there would be a change before this could go down. Peace to you, and best wishes. May your loss, your sacrifice, contribute to proper change yet.

[emilyg]

42. I am sorry. k/r

[Melissa G]

43. ((((((((Bernie))))))))

:grouphug: :hug:

[Taverner]

47. This is such a fucking travesty

It burns me up just reading it

[MadHound]

49. I'm so sorry that you've gone through this, and a few words to help others not experience the same

First, thank you for what you've done, and to keep up the good fight. Forfeiture laws are, despite court rulings to the contrary, unlawful, unconstitutional and an abomination.

That said, they are a reality still here in our country. A few words to the wise for others thinking of doing the same.

(Disclaimer for any authorities out there who are reading this. I no longer grow dope, being fifty years old and no longer smoking. I had my fun twenty years ago, and this post is simply an informative piece based on my experiences back then. So please, save yourself and myself the hassle and don't bother trying to come out to my place and find dope, you won't, nor will you find hops either(I'll explain that in a minute) all you'll do is spend a few hours in the hot sun, getting bitten by bugs and being uncomfortable)

First, never, ever grow dope on your own property. Don't grow it inside, that's a sucker's move. Don't grow it outside on your land, otherwise you can easily wind up like FBN and lose part or all of your property.

If you want to grow dope you really have two options. Either guerrilla grow on land that isn't yours, or somehow disguise your bud.

If you are going to guerrilla grow, first of all, be considerate, don't grow on your neighbor's property. They're folks just like you and don't need their land seized. Grow on park land, corporate land, or if it is an individual, make sure that person is stinking rich and prominent in the community, the cops won't tough them. Second, don't grow a bunch together, sting your plants out over a few miles. When I was growing I went up and down a creek that ran through the land of one of the richest people in the world. I would plant about one plant every hundred yards or so. Once you've put in your seeds, leave and don't come back for awhile. When I planted I would visit the plants only twice, once in mid summer to see how they were doing sex the plants. The other time was at harvest. That's it. Otherwise people are going to notice you wandering around where you don't belong. Preferably go at night.

If you want to disguise your growing activities, then you need to start brewing beer. You can legally brew beer, and if you're brewing beer, then you have every excuse in the world to be growing hops. Hops are the key, they are closely related to marijuana, close enough that you can graft the two plants. Start your plants, both dope and hops, indoors. Let them get about eight to ten inches tall. You cut off the top of the dope plant, right at surface level, leaving just the roots. Using a V graft, graft the top of the hops plant onto the roots of the marijuana, and grow the resulting plant just like you would hops, namely on a trellis. The roots will provide THC, and you can either smoke or cook with the resulting hops buds, just like you would dope. Make sure that after a couple of weeks, when the plant has taken hold well, to remove all signs of your graft work. You can grow this right out in the open with nobody the wiser. But, in case the authorities do come around, make sure you have an active beer brewing set up, "hey, I'm growing hops for my own beer."

Hope this is useful information to somebody out there.

Again, for the authorities, this information is from my experiences TWENTY YEARS AGO. You missed your chance then, please don't get pissy and try coming after me now. You'll find nothing except, perhaps, a big fat lawsuit.

Fly by Night, again, sorry for what happened to you. Thanks for your work and hope that all turns out well for you.

[aquart]

My mom has a silver pin that says "No good deed goes unpunished."

My sister made it for her.

I know you suffered for it, but THANK YOU for growing that marijuana and giving it to the people who needed it. It is poor recompense but THANK YOU. You did good. And you did right. THANK YOU.

[aquart]

50. My mom has a silver pin that says "No good deed goes unpunished."

on edit: I posted twice again. My mouse has a mental defect.

[democrank]

52. I have tears rolling down my cheek

because I care about what you`ve been through. I`ve been there. Different reasons...alone, in poverty and with a life-threatening medical situation. Nobody ever has to prove to me what sheer hell a person goes through when the government is determined to make a point....using you, especially if you`re the type that tries to fight back.

Luxuriate in any teeny blessing you can find: the wind, a piece of oatmeal toast, a bird feather. Find some peace and pat yourself on the back for still being vertical.

Take care~

[deaniac21]

53. When President Franklin Pierce offered to buy the lands of Chief

Seattle's tribe, his response illustrated how abhorrent the idea of giving up land was to his people:

The great -- and good, I believe -- White Chief sends us word that he wants to buy land. But he will reserve us enough that we can live comfortably. This seems generous, since the red man no longer has rights he need respect....
So your offer seems fair, and I think my people will accept it and go to the reservation you offer them. We will live apart, and in peace.... It matters little where we pass the rest of our days. They are not many. The Indians' night will be dark. No bright star shines on his horizons. The wind is sad. Fate hunts the red man down. Wherever he goes, he will hear the approaching steps of his destroyer, and prepare to die, like the wounded doe who hears the step of the hunter....
We will consider your offer. When we have decided, we will let you know. Should we accept, I here and now make this condition: we will never be denied to visit, at any time, the graves of our fathers and our friends.
Every part of this earth is sacred to my people. Every hillside, every valley, every clearing and wood, is holy in the memory and experience of my people. Even those unspeaking stones along the shore are loud with events and memories in the life of my people. The ground beneath your feet responds more lovingly to our steps than yours, because it is the ashes of our grandfathers. Our bare feet know the kindred touch. The earth is rich with the lives of our kin.

[annabanana]

54. I admire your strength in the face of the long game

that these rogue officials are playing with you. I am glad you still have most of your land.
I hope that the fed forces are spent in your case and that you will be left in peace.

[asdjrocky]

55. Find some peace my friend.

I can't imagine what you have been through, but I've heard your story, form many others, many time.

Fly, in Cali we're leading the way with prop 19, you get some time before November, you c'mon out and fight the good fight with us!

By they way, had to look up the word bucolic, sounds like a lot of folks that live around me.

K&R!

[Joe Fields]

56. You have my respect, my sympathies and my gratitude.

Authentic, caring, demonstrably compassionate and articulate. It would be my pleasure and privilege to get to really know you.

[catzies]

57. Speechless.

:wow:

:hug:

:cry:

:hug:

[Kali]

58. another reader with tears, here Bernie

and another reader urging a book from you

sorry to see a "law and order" type jumping in to disrupt your thread. I don't usually recognize the less-than-liberal people from GD I occasionally allow myself to get stuck arguing with, but I was so "impressed" with the lack of empathy and the view that all crimes are the same (despite claims re: marijuana - clearly showing the hypocrisy right now, even) in a long thread about local law enforcement accessing food stamp applications to find suspects (not convicts or other "scofflaws) with federal warrants out on them. Of course the poster was totally in favor of ANY method to CATCH and PUNISH CRIMINAL with no regard to anybody else's civil rights, much less those of the accused criminal.

Anyway, it sounds like the buyer won't be doing much and you can continue the natural connection to the land that you had previously. It is actually somewhat comforting to me in a very sick, victim/captor sort of way that they settled for a small parcel and not the whole thing. The loss of a few toes while a violation of the whole body, is still survivable. One can heal and go on from that. You have gone through hell and come out refined rather than beaten so you WIN. Write the book.

[peace13]

59. Thanks for this.

Love and energy to you.

[GuvWurld]

61. Stay strong Bernie

I admire your courage and character. Thanks for sharing the latest chapter in your story.

Peace and Love,
Dave

[bleever]

62. You are an inspiration, Bernie,

and I'm grateful to you.

May your corn grow taller, and your air taste sweeter now that this chapter is over and the next begun.

[mike_c]

63. thank you for your service in ending this stupid drug war, my friend....

:patriot:

[amborin]

64. so sorry!

[Minimus]

66. A much deserved K & R.

[Laelth]

67. k&r n/t

-Laelth

[Luciferous]

68. K&R Beautifully written and heartbreaking. I'm sorry you had to go through this.

[Greyhound]

71. K&R for more of that "change". n/t

[OnyxCollie]

72. K&R. Sorry, Fly by night. nt

[Hekate]

73. I think there's a lot of us who wish we could have been there. If "Liddy" doesn't like his new land

... maybe he can auction it off here. I'm sure we could all pony up about half of what he paid to take it off his hands.

You take care. :hug:

May the Triple Goddess bless you and your land from Solstice to Solstice, in the turning of the Wheel of the the Year, as your work blesses Her each day of your life. :hug:

Hekate

[Greyskye]

74. Eloquent as always.

I'm glad that this painful part of your life is at least behind you now. All the best to you, Bernie.

[Uncle Joe]

78. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for sharing, Fly by night, peace to you.

[dlfuller]

79. been there tooooo

My sorrow to you
I have been put through this several times before, they took my home, my money, my freedom.

I will not quit.

Dave

[Crystal Clarity]

80. Wow, what an incredible story of injustice

I really hope you will consider writing a book about this...

What's happening with the legislation? The most recent YouTube video I watched was from 4 months ago. Is it being carried over to the next legislative session or will it have to be resubmitted? I'm amazed at the obstinacy of some of the legislators in your State... From what info I've gathered so far, this really is a very modest proposal.

Have you thought of going the citizen initiative route? I don't know how difficult that process would be in your state, but if you were to get it on the ballot in such a manner, you'd stand a much better chance of passing the proposal.

At any rate, good luck with whatever you choose to do. You're a very impressive person and after all you've been through, you deserve every bit of peace and happiness you can find from here on out.

And thank you for sharing your story. You're truly an inspiration... no wonder your neighbors are rallying around you! :-)

[Fly by night]

182. We've made significant progress in Tennessee to re-establish our medical cannabis program.

This year, our Safe Access to Medical Cannabis Act passed out of EVERY House committee (including a 20-4 vote in the House Health and Human Resources committee.) However, since it went nowhere in the Senate, we will have to start the process all over again next January. (And we will.)

If you are interested, here is a link to the hour of testimony and Q&A on the bill in the House Health committee that helped it move forward. (Be forewarned: You'll get a big dose of me in this link.)

http://tnga.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=28&clip_id=2841

There are two things I am thankful for in my eight year dance with federal weasels. First, it has helped me write, which is something I have always wanted to do. Second, it has allowed me to be a visible spokesman for medical marijuana. As one of the House committee chairmen said in introducing me, "Mr. Ellis has a unique combination of resume and rap sheet that definitely qualifies him to speak to us today."

Now back to picking blueberries on this beautiful Sunday morning ... on what's left of my farm.

[Odin2005]

81. K&R

[sonias]

82. I'm crying and heartbroken

I can't find the words to console you dear friend.:hug:

Fuck the war on drugs! :mad:

But I'll have to admit that the image of you mooning the pilots was sweet. :)

:loveya: Fly by night! :hug:

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

83. Why is crime in quotation marks.

Furthermore, can't they only confiscate and sell property if they can prove that you used proceeds from drug sales to pay for it?

Gave it away to four terminally ill people indeed.

[Fly by night]

85. The answer to your embedded question is "no".

The government never accused me of selling pot to anyone and, in eight years, they never found such a person. (BTW, I have owned my farm for 41 years, since I was 19.) They can confiscate your land (or try to do so) if you used it to grow pot on, even if you only grew it for personal use and to give away.

You ought to read up on the civil asset forfeiture process sometime. You might also read up on my case. (See links above.) Or not.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

87. What specific felonies were you actually convicted of?

[Fly by night]

89. I pled guilty to one count of manufacturing marijuana -- no other charges were filed.

You are welcome to look me up under my federal Bureau of Prisons number also, since you seem so curious but not curious enough to visit www.saveberniesfarm.com where questions of this sort are answered.

My BOP number is 16502-075.

[Hekate]

95. HFPS, this has been an ongoing saga on DU--there's a huge and well documented backstory here

The various links will tell the tale pretty well, I think.

Hekate

[Romulox]

97. Well, you know as much about the law as any subject.

"Furthermore, can't they only confiscate and sell property if they can prove that you used proceeds from drug sales to pay for it?"

Nope. Wrong. :hi:

[asdjrocky]

107. Think about this-

Your response to this compassionate Op is who you are.

[OneGrassRoot]

163. Bingo. n/t

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

113. Because it is deserving of quotation marks. Next question.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

116. OK, I accept that "argument."

[Bennyboy]

84. Wow, just wow....

So sorry for you....

[JeffR]

88. K & R and my best wishes to you.

Some day, reason and science will replace what passes for a "drug policy" in America, and it will happen because of the efforts of good people like you. It will happen.

Thanks for trying to drag the country into the 21st Century. You should be very proud.

[mnhtnbb]

91. Write your story to help change the law. I'll buy your book.

I'm sorry this turned into such a nightmare for you.

[Time for change]

92. I much appreciate your efforts on this

Our "War on Drugs" is much more than a pathetic and useless government project. It is symptomatic of the sorry state of affairs of our country. It is symptomatic of our path to imperialism and fascism. I don't know if you saw this expression of my feelings on this "War":

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/Time%20for%20change/564

[gateley]

94. K&R nt

[truedelphi]

96. Not enough words

To try and reach out to you and ex
not enough words to express my outrage at this Government of ours.

Just not enough words at all.

[Spheric]

98. K&R

Heart wrenching.

[Warpy]

99. Men who want to create heaven on earth by declaring pleasurable vice illegal

have done a great job of making this world hell for everybody else.

That's all I have to say.

I think it's enough.

[Duppers]

120. Wholly Agreed.

But nit-pickingly speaking, it's not truly a vice ("moral weakness")...and I'm certain you agree.

[midnight]

100. I see so much ignorance running the show.

I wonder why, at this time, while some states are ramping up to legalize marijuana, your farm is/has being/been auctioned off. I would hope a better outcome for you and wish someone with common sense would intervene.


Gov. Jim Doyle supports legislation to legalize marijuana for medical purposes in Wisconsin.

Doyle spoke last Wednesday at Maine Elementary School in Wausau, Wis. After explaining his plan for Wisconsin education, he said he agrees with the Obama administration's decision not to prosecute those in possession of medical marijuana in the 14 states where it has been legalized and believes that if a doctor prescribes it, a patient should be allowed to have it.
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n977/a08.html

[liberal N proud]

101. Sorry for your loss

Keep strong

[duhneece]

102. Thought of the injustice at our county fair booth with LEAP speaker

I thought of you and your farm at this year's county fair. This was our second year to host a LEAP speaker
http://www.leap.cc/cms/index.php
so we could open up the community to discussion about the failure of the 'war on drugs.'

Losing your farm, locking people in cages like dangerous animals for what they chose to put in their bodies is so wrong on so many levels.

[Pastiche423]

103. Bernie, from the 1st time I made your aquaintance...

after you had been sprung from the Big House almost four years ago, I knew I had been introduced to an exceptional human being. From that time on, I have enjoyed your storytelling and marveled at how you have coped with a government that is nowhere close to being of the people, by the people, for the people.

Your quest for preventing more sufferring to the sick and/or dying should have been applauded. But, not so in this greed is good country whose priorities are assbackward. As one of those suffering people, I know that I am lucky to live in a state that has a Medical Marijuana law. If only Tennessee had the same...

I am going to echo those in this thread that have encourged you to write a book about your experience. Not only can you help even more people. but your wordsmithing will make it a delight to read.

Although I do not have a picture of your farm, I do have a print of the painting your friend rendered of your cabin on your farm. It is a reminder to me of the struggles you have experienced for the good of the cause. A just cause.

It hurts my heart that a portion of your beloved farm was auctioned off. It is my hope that J. Gordon Liddy (love that descriptive name) will one day regret his bid. Sorry, I am not as nice a person as you.

Thank you.

To everyone else reading this thread, I will leave the writing Bernie included w/the picture and now stays tucked behind the frame.





Hopi Elders' Prophecy

You have been telling people that this is the Eleventh Hour, now you
must go back and tell the people that this is the Hour.

Here are things to be considered. . . .
Where are you living?
What are you doing?
What are your relationships?
Are you in right relation?
Where is your water?

Know your garden.
It is time to speak your truth.

Create your community.
Be good to each other.
And do not look outside yourself for your leader.

"This could be a good time!

There is a river flowing now very fast.
It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid.
They will try to hold onto the shore.
They will feel they are being torn apart and will suffer greatly.

Know the river has its destination.
The elders say we must letgo of the shore, push off into the middle of the river,
keep our eyes open, and our heads above the water.
See who is in there with you and celebrate.

At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally, least of all ourselves.
For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey come to a halt.

The time of the one wolf is over. Gather yourselves!
Banish the word 'struggle' from your attitude and your vocabulary.
All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.

We are the ones we've been waiting for.

The Elders, Oraibi, Arizona, Hopi Nation

[upi402]

106. The contra-cocaine connection comes to mind

Eugene Hossenfuss (sp?) was given up, Freeway Ricky too. Ya need to be of a certain societal strata to play that game, it seems. America lets the big crooks off, or pays them with our taxes. While the little guys are feeding the private prison profiteers. If there was an opposition party we would investigate the big crooks. But we let them scoop cash instead. And we don't even investigate the big stuff that has happened.

Yeah, best to avoid that game.

[liberation]

108. If the US government does not feel like paying for the upkeep of our bodies w. universal healthcare

Fine... but then the Federales should not get to dictate what we can or can't do with our bodies. Much less with our own fucking farm land.

It gets really tiring to have to pay taxes through the nose for basically being repressed like almost nowhere else in the industrialized world. This is worse than taxation without representation, it is being a whore and having to pay for the screw.

Sorry to hear what you are going through. This country and society stopped making sense long ago, at least to me.

[ooglymoogly]

109. Good stuff, The drug wars began our downfall as a democracy

and taught the government it could break any law it chose, flaunt the constitution and use Nazi tactics with no blowback from a domesticated people; On something as harmless as consuming a weed with far too many benefits for our overlords, the drug industry to risk even $1 of its billions from blackmailing the sick, the dying; Anyone disparately needing a drug; Sometimes costing any one of us 3 or four hundred dollars for a months supply for a single drug; Costing big pharma pennies. And that my friend is twisted. This country has allowed itself to be tormented to insanity and cowardly compliance. Sorry for what you are needlessly going through, hope things get better. kr

[AzDar]

110. K & R

:kick:

[johnaries]

111. Such a sad story, so beautifully told.

It's a sad story for so many reasons, not the least of which is that you were charged for the "crime" of helping others relieve their pain.

As someone who lives on 20 acres of beautiful woods also in Mid-TN, I know it may be hard for many to understand just how much one can fall in love with the land.

I have told my friends many times that I don't own my land, it owns me. I feel like it's protector, even as it sustains me. I cannot imagine the agony of having part of it stolen from me for the crime of helping others.

Fly, you have already done so much for our State in getting rid of DRE's so we can have fair elections. Now, you are taking up another challenge to improve life here, and have already paid dearly for it. I am glad you are on our side. Anything I can do to help the cause, count me in.

[sabrina 1]

153. Very nice post. I am glad he is on our side also ~

[Schema Thing]

112. kicking

[bertman]

117. Thank you for that poignant memory, Fly by night. I'm sorry for all you

have suffered at the hands of "our" government.

Many of us are joining in this fight to bring sanity to our justice system.

Peace to you.

[mirrera]

118. Bernie well written! If you need a trip to Maine...

PM me. You could use a little cool northern air. What a farce you have been through. I can not imagine keeping my cool.

Your descriptions of your farm matches my family's love for our little organic patch that we have tended for 25 years. You end up knowing exactly where to give up and give in because mamma nature is taking over and doing so much better vs. those places where it must be decided —raspberries or more rugosa vines.

At least your pain is from right action... so much better than the pain of regret and guilt.

May the great spirit fill you up!

[Duppers]

121. Damn, Fly. Just damn!

I hope Liddy-looking chokes, along the all those fucking govt. agents.

Beautifully written, btw.

Wishing you good health. :hug:

[Canuckistanian]

122. "Drug worriers"

Good term to describe the brainless, clueless politicians who call themselves "lawmakers".

You know, ultimately, the battle for marijuana will be be won for those who know it's a harmless substance.

But until that day, we'll have to deal with the assholes who know no bounds in their zeal to persecute YOU, Bernie, and all others like you.

I wish you all the best.

[Blue_Tires]

123. thanks for the update...

just remember you are fighting the good fight, and our side will eventually win out...

[Usrename]

125. Kicking for justice!

:kick:

[opihimoimoi]

126. + 1 more kick....never vote "conservative"....they are heartless....

[Usrename]

127. I'd rather vote for something I want and not get it,

than vote for something I don't want, and get it.” --Eugene Debs

[MagickMuffin]

129. Let this nightmare fade, but never ever forget the reason that caused this injustice

You ever helping others in need of your help. You rose to the challenge even knowing the cost of doing so. For that you deserve a Silver Star in the War On (certain) Drugs.


While you fight the good fight, I am reminded of taking my MIL to many of her doctor appointments. While waiting to see the doc. watching ALL the pharma repres. mostly attractive young women, wearing their cum hump me pumps, and carrying their big satchels of legal drugs. Which BTW are actually more dangerous than Cannabis, but the Pharma Industry gets to push their drugs through without having to prove the effectiveness or the harm it might do to other areas of the body.

I started doing research in this phenomena and was appalled at how many drugs currently being pushed by the Legal Drug Kingpins on TV are harmful to the body. It is mind boggling to say the least.



With that said as others have stated you really need to write a book on this topic. Hell, it's almost written now, you just need to formulate the narrative a little more and bingo you are good to go.

Also, I hope you have someone who is interested in the research you have started that you can pass this on to. It needs to be passed on to several people in hopes of continuing the fight when you are no longer able to do so.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From an email I received from the Marijuana Policy Project:

It’s been another big year for medical marijuana in 2010. New Jersey and Washington, D.C., joined the growing list of jurisdictions where patients can legally obtain medical marijuana, with South Dakota, Oregon, and Arizona slated to vote on medical marijuana initiatives in November. Perhaps most shocking, though, was the introduction and success of medical marijuana bills in the legislatures of states where one might not expect a lot of support for medical marijuana. Kansas, Virginia, and North Carolina considered medical marijuana bills, and bills in Tennessee and Alabama were actually approved by one or more legislative committees. Now Texas joins the list of conservative states that may be considering medical marijuana.

Late last month the Texas Democratic Party held their statewide convention, at which the party decides what issues are important enough to be made a part of their campaign platform. In addition to resolutions calling for improving public education, promoting green jobs, and calling for development of renewable energy resources, delegates at the convention voted in favor of adopting a resolution calling on legislators in Austin to pass medical marijuana in the Lone Star State. The resolution noted that medical marijuana has the capacity to ease the symptoms associated with certain medical conditions and treatments, and correctly pointed out that revenue from taxation would help raise revenue toward state budget shortfalls.

Stay Strong MY Friend, we still need your voice on the Battlefield :patriot:

[unapatriciated]

130. Just stopped by to K&R and give you a great big

:hug:

[Dragonfli]

132. Thank you for your service and for your sacrifice, my wife died of breast cancer

And none of the very expensive, side effect ridden medications they prescribed for her helped her to eat or to deal, only Pot did. I broke the law for her and have never regretted it. Relieving some of her misery was not to me a matter of legalities but a necessity.

You are a good man in a world with so few,
Thank you

[Axle_techie]

133. K&R

I am truly sorry that the federal thieves stole your land. I'm glad they didn't take more, but what they did take was inexcusable anyways.

[blaze]

135. "From the banks of my creek,

just south of my Garden, on what's left of my farm."

Your writing put me right there with you... And I'm so glad you still have 147 acres!!

I looked at the photos on your website... what beautiful land!

Thank you for all you have done.

[Q3JR4]

136. Bookmarked for later but k&r til then.

Q3JR4.

[malaise]

137. What a sad story

:grouphug:

[defendandprotect]

138. This isn't justice, it's government insanity gone wild! Years of litigation, FEDS/helicopters ....

all of that for growing medical marijuana --

while I'm sure in Tennessee there must be some oil company polluting the land -

and/or some other capitalistic venture destroying the environment?

We have to end this Drug War -- it's a money maker for the wrong people -- and

a destroyer of liberty!!

[defendandprotect]

143. Thank you for telling us what is actually going on in our country ....

we often think we know the injustices --

this is mind-boggling!!

Trust there will be happier days ahead for you --

Best wishes!

:hi: :hug:

[InvisibleTouch]

144. This is awful and completely injust. Giving you a K&R for visibility. n/t

[Mnemosyne]

145. Oh, Bernie,

:hug::cry::hug::cry::hug:

I am so grateful that you have survived all of this, though the pain will linger for awhile, with such grace (are you Tuesday's child perchance?) and humor. It makes the Universe a so much better place to live in knowing you are out there. :yourock::hug:

They may sell your land, but they have never been able to touch your beautiful heart and spirit. You have suffered so deeply for your compassion and I wish I had half of your courage to do as much. :hug:

I understand your gratitude attitude. Sometimes gratitude has been all that has gotten me through the last 6 years of my repuke h-sisters' emotional/verbal abuse of my mother, my daughter and myself. I am grateful it was not/is not any worse! :rofl:

Thank you for sharing your life here with us. :hi:

[handmade34]

146. just... wow

we are frickin nuts in this country. I am sorry

[Downwinder]

147. History repeats. If I am not mistaken your area has a long and

colorful relationship with the "revenuers."

[Mr_Jefferson_24]

148. K&R. Pot should be legal....

...and everyone knows the reason it's not is that the Feds make too much money on it being criminalized.

[BrklynLiberal]

150. K&R..Your story is enough to make one believe we are living in a world created by Kafka.

[Liberation Angel]

155. Or Hitler and the Bushes and Standard Oil... Oh wait

We are,,,

[roguevalley]

154. If it gives you any consolation, you helped other people in dire

need. You did the best you could to help others and I have only the warmest regards and deepest sympathy to you for all the sorrow you've suffered.

[lonestarnot]

156. I'm sorry you had to go through all of that.

[Lugnut]

157. K&R n/t

[Land Shark]

158. Definitely wishing you all the best!

[inna]

159. K&R & Solidarity

[shireen]

160. you're my hero ...

Fly, you are one of the most remarkable human beings i have ever had the pleasure to know, even if it's just been from your DU posts and a couple of PMs. i cannot begin to express how much i admire and respect you.

The best part of those 25 acres will always belong to you. No one can take those memories away.

Thanks for sharing your story, in your thoughtful graceful eloquent words. It is always a pleasure to hear what you have to say.

:hug:

[laughingliberal]

161. K & R nt

[ClayZ]

162. They stole your land ...

But they did not steal the beauty that is in your heart and hands! F them and remember.. living well is the best revenge! F them! Let them rot in their suits!

Sandi the Seed Saver

K and R

[era veteran]

164. Thanks for helping the sick Fly

Priorities are fucked in this country. Sorry you lost your land. I am reading this about 4:00 this AM and am going out on my porch with my dog. KY looks 3rd world at times with all the fucking hueys flying around. Peace

[eridani]

165. Without people to put it all on the line to help others, where would we be?

In way deeper shit than we are already in, for sure. Thank you for your courage.

[Fly by night]

166. My heartfelt thanks to all y'all for your kind thoughts and feelings.

This has, indeed, been a long, strange trip. But the journey (on "the road of happy destiny") has been easier by being a part of this community for the past six years.

I especially appreciate the encouragement to try to make a book out of my eight year dance with federal weasels. I have been thinking of attempting that task, with a working title of "My Hollow Tale: what it was like, what happened, what it's like now." Of course, as an old hippie farmer and former public health epidemiologist, I don't have the first clue on how to do that (other than just to keep writing.) So if any of y'all are more familiar with the publishing world, please PM me.

On a more important note, it is imperative that real Democrats (and democrats) hold Obama and Holder to their word to end the war on medical marijuana. At this point, despite their statements, the DEA continues to operate as a rogue element in our government, raiding lawfully established and lawfully administered medical marijuana programs in California, Colorado, Michigan and likely elsewhere. Right now, the DEA calls the shots, not the Justice Department. Holder has compounded this problem by nominating Michelle Leonhart, the acting DEA administrator, to become its administrator. If Michelle has just been "acting" over the past few years, just imagine how much heartache she can impose with a more permanent position as our nation's chief "drug worrier". Perish the thought.

So once again, thanks to every one of y'all (including the two trolls who attempted to highjack this thread, only to be shouted down and finally shunned. Get a clue, morans.)

Let me end with my favorite quote from Jack Kerouac, the quote I ended one of my last DU threads ("Giving thanks, I lit three fires") that described a 12 hour visit to my farm for the first time in a year while I was locked in the federal Bureau of Prisons halfway house in Nashville. It says it all for me. Peace out. Y'all come.
-----

“Get yourself a hut house not too far from town, live cheap, go ball in the bars once in a while, write and rumble in the hills and learn how to saw boards and talk to grandmas you damn fool, carry loads of wood for them, clap your hands at shrines, get supernatural favors, take flower-arrangement classes and grow chrysanthemums by the door, and get married for krissakes, get a friendly human-being gal who don’t give a shit for martinis every night and all that dumb white machinery in the kitchen.”

(“Oh”, says Alvah sitting up glad, “And what else?”)

“Think of barn swallows and nighthawks filling the fields….”

Dharma Bums, Jack Kerouac (1922-1969)

[sabrina 1]

189. No, thank you for fighting for everyone's rights.

As for the book, I don't know how to go about that either, but if you were a Republican, some wealthy donor would get behind you and find you a publisher and buy up all of them to make it a best-seller if necessary. We on the left don't support our best writers. Ann Coulter would never have been heard of if she was a leftie and didn't have a bought-and-paid-for publisher ready to publish her latest maniacal rantings.

This madness that has stolen so many of our rights needs to end.

Btw, I loved that diary, 'I lit three fires'. It was beautifully written and as others have said, you have a gift for making people feel that they are right there with you which is, whether you know it or not, a very rare gift.

[underpants]

168. That is an incredible story

quite the read early in the morning.

I don't know what to say after only one read.

[datasuspect]

169. these sick fuckers will just fuck anyone and not have one lick of humanity

ugh

[a la izquierda]

170. I don't know how you do it...

you display such a strength that I think most people wouldn't be able to produce after such a terrible battle.
From a woman whose mom uses medical marijuana for glaucoma (which saves her lots of money in Rx bills), I heartily thank you for standing up to the man.

But your story is why I, on a daily basis, wonder why the hell any of us bother any more. How sad is that?

[pleah]

171. K&R I'm so sorry.

:hug:

[Richard Steele]

173. Sorry I saw this too late to REC it. I can still KICK it, tho. nm

[Kajsa]

174. FBN, I am so sorry you have been put through

this hell!!

I live in Kahlifornia land where the Feds and local law allowing
medicinal marijuana keep butting heads- dispensaries shut down-
re-opened again, shut down, etc.----

IT'S FUCKING RIDICULOUS!!!!!
( you won't often see me throw the 'F' bomb out there)

It's gotten to the point where even long term dyed in the wool Repubs.
are supporting legalizing small amounts for personal use. ( those 21 and over)

We stop this insane cat and mouse chase to criminalize pot growers.
We can tax it, helping CA out of the economic hole it is in.
AND, LAST BUT NOT LEAST,

but a HUGE dent in the cash flow going into the drug cartels down south,
fueling the deadly drug wars that have killed thousands of people.

I concur with many here that you should write your story and publish it.

I would buy it in a heartbeat.

Bless you, FBN!
You are in my thoughts and prayers.

:hug:

[LWolf]

176. Too late to recommend, but I'm glad for the chance to read.

Thank you for sharing your story. It means a great deal. I hope that G. Gordon treats the land well. Maybe he will learn from it. Maybe he'll pass it on to someone who will nurture it, and be nurtured by it. I hope so.

One of the things that comes through so loud and clear is your true love of and connection to the land. I'm glad to meet, even in as limited a way as an online conversation, a fellow spirit.

May you, and your remaining farm, be blessed as you move forward.

[earth mom]

178. I'm so sorry that your land was stolen from you by those bastards!

:grouphug:

[voteearlyvoteoften]

179. rec y'all

[Yellow Horse]

181. too late to rec but horse kick here

:kick:

[Pavulon]

183. All to perpetuate the absolute stupidity of the "Drug War"

I consider it to be one of the last remaining moralist crusades and a MASSIVE waste of money.

I can NOT wait for the day the drug war fails, it has yielded nothing productive and just serves to perpetuate crime and bankrupt people.

I wish you the best and you should write a book. I would buy it.

[BeHereNow]

186. Thanks for the PM Bernie and HUGE hugs to you.

You are loved, and THAT is what matters.
WE all know the bastards have taken the wheel
of the bus- but they can't take our humanity.

BHN:hug:

[BeHereNow]

187. Kick for the night owls...n/t

bhn

[Warren DeMontague]

188. Fucking madness. Pure and simple.

And it's well past time that it end. Absurd that our tax dollars are going to 'fight' terminally ill people- or anyone else, for that matter- smoking pot. What a giant, stupid waste.

Just plain madness. I salute you, sir. Sorry you've been put through this.

[H2O Man]

190. Earlier tonight, I had

posted a notice on DU:GD that the documentary "Stolen Land" was premiering on Sundance. It is about the efforts of the Nasa (aka "Pawz") to reclaim their land in Colombia. They need that land to grow food. The corporations need it to "develop."

While watching it (soon after first reading this OP), I was reminded of many years ago, when Onondaga Chief Oren Lyons was speaking to a group of non-Indians about the Native experience with the US government/corporations. I remember him telling the audience that what happens to the "least" in our society -- the Indians -- would soon begin to happen to middle class Americans.

From everything I know of you, my opinion is that you are in the spirit of the Nasa/Paez. A land-based natural human being, who understands the land that you live upon. Including that the land provides medicine as part of its willingness to supply nourishment. The Machine does not tolerate that.

[Fly by night]

191. Postscript: This OP gets posted (in its entirety, with intro commentary) on the NORML homepage.

Well, boy howdy, how about that?!?

Forty two comments so far, and the thread has been picked up (because of the NORML support) on a half dozen other web-sites, as of (a little past) 4:20 am this Tuesday morning.

Ah, the power of the internets!

Thank you, President Gore.

[Cetacea]

192. Kick

Sorry it's to late to recommend. Thanks

[Ellipsis]

193. First and fore most I do enjoy your scribbles... all be it a very unpleasant topic.

One has to wonder if this was just a convenient way to get you out of the game because of your efforts in the election fraud arena. It was a way to get you as many other who have been involved through the years were each conveniently side tracked in one aspect or another when they seemed to be making a difference.

As with other characters I have come to enjoy on DU (and it is a wide spectrum) your plight and journey to me has been the most fascinating to read and vicariously share from your incarceration.... to the halfway house... to your journey to the playboy mansion and that cool and groovy picture of you in the shades. May your story some day be told. May you find your place in history. Life is a journey sir and you have certainly had your share of fortunate and unfortunate experiences. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger and for you I would say wiser... and from what I have read makes you very wise indeed. If I ever get down your way I Will indeed stop by and break bread with you Bernie.

And if you ever find yourself up in Wisconsin in the terminal moraine, the door swings in.



My best to you and may the dust finally settle on your plight.

Mark