FW:420

[Guest guest]

NORML's Keith Stroup: Celebrate 4/20-ReLegalize It 4/21!

April 19, 2008

Dear Friend of Freedom,

I'm writing today to urge you to be a part of history. That's right, I said

history.

For the first time in nearly 25 years, NORML is spearheading a campaign in

Congress to end the federal prohibition of marijuana. Congress created

cannabis prohibition, and the courts say time and again to reformers:

'Congress is the place to change marijuana laws.'

Bi-Partisan Support in Congress for Reform

To wage this long-overdue effort, NORML has teamed up with two of our

closest Congressional allies: Democrat Congressman Barney Frank from

Massachusetts and Republican Congressman Ron Paul of Texas. Over the past

several months I have worked closely with these courageous Representatives

to draft legislation that would strip the federal government of its

authority to enforce marijuana possession laws. This legislation is now

pending before Congress as House Bill HR 5843, an 'Act to Remove Federal

Penalties for Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults.'

Yes indeed, for the first time in more than two decades, we have legislation

in Congress that, if enacted, would end the federal prosecution of adult

marijuana consumers!

The Federal Marijuana Decrim Bill

As introduced, NORML's proposal would eliminate all federal penalties

prohibiting the personal use and possession of up to three ounces of

marijuana. Under our measure, adults who consume cannabis would no longer

face arrest, prison, or even the threat of a civil fine. In addition, this

bill eliminates all penalties prohibiting the not-for-profit transfers of up

to one ounce of pot. In other words, for the first time since 1937, the

possession, use, and transfer of marijuana by adults would be legal under

federal law!

I must admit, in my 40+ years working on marijuana law reform, I've rarely

been as excited about the introduction of a piece of legislation - or its

prospects of success - as I am today. That is why I'm humbly asking you to

join me in making this effort the success I know it can be, but only with

your help.

Sustained Funding Drives Successful Congressional Educational Campaigns

Waging and maintaining a high-profile Congressional campaign like this one

requires sustained funding, and it requires the involvement of tens of

thousands of dedicated citizens like you. By donating $50.00 or more today

to NORML's 2008 'Re-Legalization' Campaign, you will enable us to:

Lobby the Democrat Congress for hearings in support of ending the federal

government's war on weed;

Build a broad coalition of diverse and powerful allies to petition Congress

to pass HR 5843 ;

Coordinate national media efforts to generate frequent news stories and

television appearances favorable to HR 5843.

Of course, generating substantive support for HR 5843, requires more than

just your financial assistance; it also requires a small donation of your

time.

Celebrate Cannabis On 4/20 - Help Re-Legalize It On 4/21!

For a moment, just imagine the impact of 1,000 phone calls to Congress - all

on the same day, all at the same time, all with one single message: stop

arresting responsible marijuana consumers! Now imagine the impact of 10,000

phone calls - or even 50,000 calls - jamming the Congressional phone lines!

That's the outpouring of support we need to show to Congress, and it's the

type of support we intend to generate - with your help.

You are receiving this heartfelt appeal from me today, as are hundreds of

thousands of other NORML supporters. And on Monday, April 21, we need every

one of you to send an unmistakeable and unforgettable message to the 110th

Congress.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

LET'S MAKE APRIL 21 A DAY THAT CONGRESS NEVER FORGETS!

NORML needs you to call your Congressional Representative on Monday, April

21, and deliver the following message:

" Millions of hard-working Americans use marijuana. Most consume it

responsibly, in the privacy of their own homes, and in a manner similar to

alcohol. Why then are we spending millions of dollars each year to arrest

these otherwise law-abiding individuals? It's time to end the madness; it's

time to stop arresting responsible marijuana consumers. I urge you to

support House Bill HR 5843, an 'Act to Remove Federal Penalties for Personal

Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults'.

 

(You can contact the office of your US Representative directly dialing the

Congressional Switchboard at 202-224-3121.)

After you have done so, we also ask that you please e-mail this message to

Congress. Simply click here and enter your zip code and NORML will

instantly send a pre-written message in your name to your Congressional

Representative.

Imagine the 'buzz' on Capitol Hill as thousands upon thousands of phone

calls and e-mails begin pouring in to the Congressional offices in support

of legalizing marijuana. Never before has the marijuana law reform movement

made this sort of political statement to Washington; we intend to make it a

statement that our elected officials won't soon forget. As I said at the

opening of this letter, we truly will be making history!

Sincerely,

R. Keith Stroup, Esq.

Founder

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws

legal

PS: If you are organizing one of the hundreds of '4/20' festivals taking

place around the country or a SuperHighMe DVD house party, we also ask that

you spread the word in support of HR 5843, and that you ask your supporters

and guests to join us and take action on April 21.

 

 

NORML and the NORML Foundation: 1600 K Street NW, Suite 501, Washington DC,

20006-2832

Tel: (202) 483-5500 • Fax: (202) 483-0057 • Email: norml