Advocates of marijuana legalization gathered at the Statehouse on April 20, to push their cause, march in the plaza, and even fill the Hall of Flags with anti-drug war lyrics to the tune of Christmas carols.
The rally – 420 at 4:20 on 4/20 – was a collection of advocates, users, and other “liberty-minded” individuals, pressing their belief that drug laws are more harmful than good and that they should be allowed to smoke if they want to.
The advocates gathered outside the plaza for a litter pickup before the rally. At 4 p.m., Rich Paul, an activist from Keene, spoke from a megaphone, saying prohibition earlier in the nation’s history caused needless death and destruction. Paul even pointed to the recent shootings in Greenland that caused the death of the police chief there. (more…)
New mover from NY, Chris Cantwell describes one of his first activism experiences living in the Shire:
Yesterday I had the pleasure of joining Kelly Voluntaryist, Ian Freeman, Darryl Perry, Jason Repsher, Rich Paul Freeman, and over a hundred other activists for the 4/20 rally, at the State House in Concord, NH.
Activists from Keene, NH met at the Keene Activist Center, as we so often do, a week in advance and discussed what we would do, who wanted to go, and who could provide transportation, signs were made, channels for two way radio communications were decided on, and by the time we loaded into our cars, everything was ready to go. Other activists from across the state and political spectrum also made plans and attended.
Some people had arrived early, to clean up the streets. Liberty activists performed a litter pickup, as agents of The State wrote parking tickets nearby… (more…)
Well over 100 turned out for a 420 celebration at the Concord state house, now in its third year! The Shire Choir performed several “Chronic Carols” inside the state house, while plenty of cannabis was smoked in front of the building as state police looked on. Thanks to the police for doing the right thing and standing down and allowing peaceful people to be free.
In late 2011, the Shire Choir performed “Chronic Carols” in protest of the war on drugs, at a few state liquor stores. If you thought you had the right to assemble and right to free speech, you clearly haven’t attempted to exercise those rights. When you do, (if you do it in a place that matters, like a courthouse or other government property) you’ll find out that you don’t have them at all. Here’s video of me being served with an “order” banning me and Jason Talley and Derrick J from every state liquor store in NH, forever. For singing.
On Friday evening, some friends came to the Cheshire County House of Corrections (AKA the Keene Spiritual Retreat) with $500. They gave it to some of the agents working there with an agreement that in exchange, the agents would release me from their cage. I am now out of jail, but I am to be under house arrest.
THANK YOU to those of you who donated to my bail campaign. When it is returned after trial, it will be reinvested to help the next victim of state aggression. Any amount over the initial $500 needed will go toward paying legal council. That donation page can be found here.
Thank you also to those of you who visited, wrote letters, made phone calls, wrote blogposts, and shared links on facebook. I’ve caught up on everything facebook related, but since a lot of the letters didn’t reach the jail before I left, it will take more time to get back to those (since they have to forward them to me).
Thanks especially to those of you who filmed and edited video of the story. I have no doubt that this video helped to introduce the story and get everyone on the same page and resulted in my speedy return.
I have blogged extensively about my experience at LiveFreeOrDance.com/Released-from-Jail. It’s a dream to be a part of a community that is so supportive. Thank you.
Thanks to the Concord Patch’s Tony Schinella for this report on the successful 420 celebration at the Concord state house:
