Peter McWilliams, you will not be forgotten.

Some of us knew your personal warmth and love. Many of us knew you through your best-selling books, or your work for personal freedom. Millions more will feel your impact.

You died a casualty in the war on drugs. The battle was over medical marijuana. Voters in your own home state of California agreed with you that marijuana should be legal for medical purposes. Proposition 215 passed overwhelmingly in 1996, but the federal drug warriors ignored the voters, and your activism made you a target. For helping a friend produce medical marijuana, you were charged as a drug kingpin in federal court.

In the end, you were facing five years in prison, you were bankrupt from legal battles, unable to work, and forbidden to use the medical marijuana you yourself needed to keep down the medication for your AIDS and AIDS-related cancer.

You were awaiting the final sentence from the judge. But you could not wait very long. You could not keep down your medication.

• Liz McMann (Garland, TX) -- Ain't Nobody's Business If You Do changed the way that I think about everything. It is the most amazing book-everyone should read it. Peter McWilliams can be an inspiration to everyone that has ever stood up for what they believe in.
• anonymous
• Tammy -- I quoted Peter's poem on my wedding day and although the marriage failed my love for Peter still lives. He was a remarkable man of incredible strength and courage. Thank you for taking the road not taken. You were a joy to all who truly understand the meaning of love.
• Ben Okopnik -- Damn. Damn, damn, *DAMN*. Quite some time ago, I'd downloaded "Ain't Nobody's Business If You Do", and it's been a source of inspiration and hope to me ever since. Peter was a brilliant writer -- and I speak as a writer myself -- and an incredible human being, a man able to see clearly. Goodbye,Peter.
• Julie Jordan Scott -- In searching the Internet today for quotes on dreams, I found this quote from Peter McWilliams. "To the degree we're not living our dreams, our comfort zone has more control of us than we have over ourselves." Being ever curious, I did a web search to learn more about this incredibly insightful man.
• Susan Samuels Drake -- Twelve years ago, on the break-up of what I'd hoped would finallly be a permanent relationship, someone gave me "How to Survive the Loss of a Love". Since then, I've given it to at least half a dozen people. One more person whose light shone brilliantly into many of our lives--and we never met him.
• Matt Craighead -- Cambridge, MA
• Daniel Farago -- I read "Aint Nobody's Business" -- twice -- and it communicated the absurdity of consensual crimes with great clarity, wit and common sense. A great book written by a great writer, I wish I could have met him or at least emailed him. Peter, I hope you are in a better place and at peace.
• Brian & Joanne Frederick -- Thank you Peter. You fought the good fight. You will not be forgotten. Rest in the peace you deserve and know that good people love you.
• Charles Moore -- I used to e-mail Peter until he stopped replying. I did not know why. But now I do, he is dead.
• Garry Land -- I am a photographer in Richmond, Virginia and Peter's book, "Portraits" is on of my favorite possesions. I am not familiar with his writings, but I am a fan of his wonderful and beuatiful portraiture. I wish I could have known you, Peter. Rest in peace, perfect peace.
• Tom Shaw -- Perth
• Raven James, Annapolis -- Peter, your words have finally, unimaginably, abandoned me. The full daily impact finally here. I still search my email for you, a habit I can't seem to break. Still heartbroken each time you're not there, asking the impossible, making me feel guilty for not jumping right on it. Thanks for it all.
• Brummbaer L.A. -- A friend in need is a friend in deed. When I asked the late Timothy Leary if he knew Peter he said: "You're sitting on his desk. This is the desk he gave me when I got out of jail and nobody cared if I lived or died."
• PatStep, Illinois -- We Must Unite! Legalize It!
• Jill England -- Thank you, for standing up to injustice, inequality, and for Freedom! (Seattle)
• karie k* -- i am from peter's home state of california and they are always looking to bust our friends/family out here. it's barely even safe to live ... i will not die with out medical marijuana, but it does help alot when i need it. unfortunately i did not know too much about peter, but now i will be reading up
• Devin L Seattle Wa. -- peter was and is a war hero who leads this new age revolution
• Jonathan Swann -- Kingston, Ontario
• Tim Fuller www.thetimtimes.com -- Friend and Fallen War Hero. A sad day for democracy.
• Brooke
• Cyclonus -- You did NOT DIE IN VAIN.....Rest till he comes...
• jennifer
• Kayla -- Peter, you were a strong man and I respect you for standing for what you believe in no matter the consecences that takes alot of courage and dignity and for this I Thank You.
• Saved by You -- You saved my life when I was going through a bad break-up. May you rest in peace. Thank you so much for so many beautiful books.
• Eon -- You Are My INSPIRATION.
• Brad Lowe -- I feel for you and the cause
• greg janetka -- thank you for all of you work, I carry on your message every day
• Erich William Blume -- Orange County, Ca
• Justin Pasqualini -- sorry and thank you
• Karen Rice -- A good man!
• good girl
• matt-in-onslow -- The Insane War on Drugs must end.
• Mitzi Pitcock -- The book "You Can't Afford the Luxury of a Negative Thought" changed my life. Paris, TX
• Dana Redditt -- Vicksburg, Mississippi
• Mike M -- If you're reborn into this world, may it be a world of peace and liberty,WY
• Phillip DaBong --
• Peter N. -- You will be missed
• Josh Wollstein -- I heard your story and it crushed my heart. I have not read any of your books and I plan to read some soon. You were "indirectly" slain by the intolerant right-wing good ol' boys. I thought of you at the Seattle Hempfest 2000 and I will remember you till I die. One true love and FREE the herb.
• Cassandra M. (DC) -- I was saddened to learn today (10/2/00) of Peter's passing. Ironically I only learned of his life a few days ago. I was so moved by his story that I sent him an email "prayer" 3 days ago. The message: "Peter you are a gentle and gifted Life Force. Be always in peace & health."
• laura dalfonso -- i am forever grateful for your words of wisdom, may your spirit be carried on the wind forever.
• Ed Barner -- For A Hero and a martyr
• brc -- okc
• Josh
• Justin -- One more thing. Peter is a martyr & like all martyrs will only become stronger through death if we refuse to let his memory die and continue where he left off. I know I feel an even stronger commitment to the cause. I hope I'm not alone...
• Justin Van Aken -- Just finishing "Ain't Nobody's Buisness.." and I planned to contact him to let him know how much I loved it. Well, thank you, Peter, for putting so many thoughts I have had into great words for the world to read & giving me so many new things to think about and care about & try to change. r.i.p.
• Delbert O. Lewis, CRC (Ret.), Little Rock, AR -- A HERO who made contributions to the disability rights movement as well as fighting for freedom for ALL of us-I learned so very much. It will not be wasted.
• Matt -- rip. We owe Peter a lot. In his name, I wish to work to help see that this happens to as few people as possible.
• Richard Reynolds -- We knew when ... a high school kid who wrote poetry for our literary magazine and brought creative joy to us all. He died too young, and because he was adventurous ...
• Joey -- god bless
• Shirlely Mann -- Rest in Peace, and God Bless your family
• audrey -- God bless Peter and his family. peter was o good man who fought very hard!
• Lindsey Hodge
• LEE TEWELL
• Retta -- I'm just learning about this man and what he fought so hard for. I for one will do my best to continue the fight against this senseless war on drugs.
• Vivian McPeak -- They have created their hell, you created our heaven. Thank you peter. We dedicated a stage permanently in your honor this year at seattle hempfest. Rest In Peace...your work here is over. V McPeak, Seattle
• Jennifer Rex -- God Bless You
• Brigitte Barrett -- Peter, rest in Peace. If you are not in Heaven, I don't want to be either!!! YOU THE MAN!!!
• Bri -- Peter used to send me emails about his crusades. I came to know him as a friend. Then I lost my computer through poverty, but now (21st September, 2000) I have purchased a new one due to a very generous fiance. I felt like I loved Peter, for his humour, his intelligence, his everything.
• Bridget Barrett, Ireland. -- Peter used to send me emails about his crusades. I came to know him as a friend. Then I lost my computer through poverty, but now (21st September, 2000) I have purchased a new one due to a very generous fiance. I felt like I loved Peter, for his humour, his intelligence, his everything. I have only this minute heard that Peter has died. I am so sad. I lost touch with him through losing my computer through poverty. Now I own a new one. I accessed his page and to my utter dismay and heartbreak find that he has died. Oh Dear!!! Please God, let the world chane for good people
• Jules M. -- Ain't Nobody's Business fell into my hands by mistake one day, and it has changed the way I view the world. It saddens me to read about Peter's death. Once again, a mistake brought me to this webpage, and it has changed how I view the world.
• C. Torgersen -- Oslo, Norway
• J. Levine -- I came across Life 102 in the bookstore at a time I first got out of a cult. This book made me feel like I wasnt alone."Do It!" got me to stop whinning. Ain't Nobody's Business, describes liberatarianism much simpler than Rand or Rothbard . History will remember you!
• David Faren -- peace be with you brother
• Matthew Wootton -- Columbus OH - Your courage will never be forgotten.
• Sarah -- I must conquer my loneliness alone.
• Julian -- Never Forgotten
• dustin Sunflower Cantwell -- A mans life given in the name of freedom, we shall never forget your heroic deeds Peter.
• M Ousey -West Chester, PA -- This is what big government is all about and why Americans must redouble their efforts to change it.
• Walt Thiessen -- To Peter -- who inspired libertarians everywhere, even those who didn't know they were libertarian.
• Mark Laufgraben -- What is a Hero? You are dead and gone, and what remains? I despair for this country. I fear for the world.
• Melissa -- Newport, RI
• Mark D. Bolton -- Vineland, NJ - I first saw Peter on Phil Donahue's show when he was publicizing, "Ain't Nobody's Business If You Do". What an amazing book! So many people today are called "hero". Peter really fits my definition of the word (a lone voice crying out against the mob). I wish his family peace.
• Raphael Samuels, Salem MA -- Peter's book "Ain't Nobody's's Business If You Do" should be required reading in every high school. Peter's demise as a victim of our foolish so-called "War on Drugs", more precisely a war on drug users, should motivate us to redouble our efforts to end the US' nihilistic, destructive Prohibitionism
• Andrew Seidenfeld -- Your writing changed my life.
• Dr. Bob Melamede -- People who believe in truth and justice must speak out. Eviland small minded fools rely on the silence of others in order to continue their destructive policies. http://www.uvm.edu/~rmelamed
• Loren Wiberg, president, ZYX Corporation, bidding to grow medical marijuana for Canadian Government. -- ZYX Corporation, Innisfail, Alberta http://www.zyx1.com Wherever you are I hope you suffering is over and you find the peace in death that was taken from you in life. It is hard to imagine a more senseless, cruel and unnecessary death than yours. Yours is a story of great sadness and waste. Goodbye.
• Rob Newberry -- I was fortunate to know Peter through an e-mail correspondence in regard to our common interest in marijuana. God Bless You Brother! Smoke one for us. Hamilton, Ontario
• Joe Mama -- I read some of Peter's material (healing depression) , online and realized that I had already read - and learned from it in several medical journals
• Aundre Speciale -- love
• Joanne Sauve -- sad ! Sturgeon Falls Ontario
• Sarita Guth -- I thank you for your courage and pray for your peace
• Reverends Tucker & Baldasaro - Church of the Universe -- http://www.iamm.com
• KB -- ~~~From Tyngsborough...... Horrible
• Jason C. -- New Hampshire
• Ivy Amelia Eads -- Seattle, WA === A great man whose country killed him...Shame...
• Chris A. Coffey -- Asheville, NC---sentiments are nice, action is essential--Vote,Vote, Vote!
• Delbert O. Lewis, CRC (Ret.) -- Little Rock, AR -- Peter was also a hero of the disability rights movement, as well as a casualty of America's war on its own disablled and ill people, including me
• Greg -- Durham N.C.
• Dutch -- High Springs
• Geribeth -- http://www.geocities.com/spritelydragon/tribute.html
• ghdgsd -- dxfhdfh
• anonymous -- New Mexico
• Julie Jordan Scott (again) -- (continuing from previous) Reading this story reminds me, to keep Peter alive is to follow our dreams and HIS dreams, for freedom, courage, and continuing to let our lives shine because of lessons he taught. THANK YOU PETER! Much love, Julie
• Paul Weidler, Felton CA -- We must stop the war. Prohibition kills.
• Kevin M. Brown -- I will miss you, Peter, your books will remind me, always, how much you loved. Owosso, MI
• Daniel Farago -- I just now (10/29/00) learned of the death of Peter McWilliams. I am deeply saddened by this news, and I offer my sincerest condolences to his family and friends. ItÕs tragic and criminal that the US government is responsible for causing the man such senseless suffering and ultimately his death.
• Charles Moore -- I am from Ireland
• elli -- Strange how today I looked into poetry.com for long lost prose, but couldn't find his name. Years ago, like many others no doubt, I came across a slim poetry book when down in the dumps over some lost soul. I bought every book he wrote and lived to love again....and again!!! THANK YOU & GOD BLESS
• Kamal Bakhazi -- an inkredible human being... i stumbled upon "aint nobody's" and read chapter after chapter, nonstop through the night of oktober 27. later that night i found out you were dead. i think the greatest service we kan do to you is spread the word, and preserve your memory.
• Taylor James Zingsheim -- The death of such a brilliant and courageous man is truly a sad thing; sadder when it is through the system which has taken it upon itself to 'protect' people from themselves.
• Ashley Lester -- St. Cloud F.L.
• Dan Krafsig -- We have all benefitted from you life and you will live on through your thoughts, words, and deeds.
• A. Michael --
• karie k* -- (cont.) i wish we didn't have to lose people just to make our own desicions in this FREE country. i lost my boyfrind temperarily to the jail down here because of their stupid drug war and we'll all probably lose alot more people before this is ever over... isn't it sad?j
• Jess H, Seattle, WA -- The love of my life survived a lost love with the help of Peter's book. She said, "It saved my life!" I cannot thank you enough for that . . .
• Devin L.
• David R. Scott -- He helped lift my spirits
• Michael Day
• Merrilee V. Adler -- Your books said what I blieve! Your actions should be applauded by everyone who believes in freedom. You are a martyr! May you live in our hears forever!!
• AtomShock -- Only in the USA!! Tragic...
• Susan Ott -- san luis obispo,california
• anonymous
• Donna -- Texas His books helped me grow and think, and I pray his death will reach those who were deaf to his life.
• Mathew R. -- The only casualties of unpopular wars are good people. Damn the man legalize the herb!
• benjamin evans -- Thank you for standing up to the immoral and insane war on drugs.
• pasqualini --
• Ari Elias-Bachrach -- The war on drugs hurts everyone and helps almost no one except the politicians and the prison industry. It is time for a change
• awi -- ks
• Star Tripper -- Montreal - Toronto, Canada
• anonymous -- I stumbled upon Peter's web site and read his story. I started to write a letter to the judge and it was too late. Therefore I looked for current information ... but it is too late to help Peter. What can we do to make sure this doesn't happen again? So sad to see people suffer for no reason.
• Dana Redditt -- Vicksburg Mississippi
• jefree -- figher of truth and liberty 04101
• Mike M
• Patricia Poet -- The few times I heard Peter McWilliams speak, I knew I was listening to a clear thinking, fair minded mench (sp?), I will always admire his bravery and intellect in the face of his own eminent death. There aren't enough Peter McWilliams in this world. Hope I see him in the next.
• newleag book dist -- you will never be forgotten
• Frank Ziegler -- Collegeville MN
• Maran Banta -- Miami, Florida
• Ed Barner -- Washington Jefferson and Franklin could have done no better in the fight against tyrany
• Heather, Los Angeles -- People like Peter are the reason I support prop 215. It is now our responsibility as Americans to pick up his banner and fight in his honour.
• Josh -- This joint is for you.
• Momir -- Thank you for your enlightening words.
• anonymous -- boston
• Brooke -- RIP
• M. King -- Earlysville, Va: I just found out about his death; I'm presently reading "You Don't Have the Luxury of a Negative Thought "
• James Alburger -- I first discovered Peter from his book Life 101. It changed the way I thouht and lived. I continue to recommend it today, as well as his other outstanding books. I truly admired Peter for taking a stand. I will miss his wit and wisdom.
• -- rest i n peace! mi
• Shirley Mann -- Rest in Peace, and God Bless your family.....Michigan
• Ron Gerstle -- St Louis, MO. Toward freedom.
• Ray Masters -- The Pocono Libertarians will be honoring Peter in a special memorial service, October 21, 7pm. "It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness." Peter showed us how to dispel the gloom of ignorance and transcend adversity. www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/Senate/5449
• Dwight Politte -- A voice of reason and realism, and a true hero for both the human spirit and mind...how we will miss you, Peter McWilliams.
• Vivian McPeak -- They have created their hell, you created our heaven. Thank you peter. We dedicated a stage permanently in your honor this year at seattle hempfest. Rest In Peace...your work here is over. V McPeak, Seattle
• Richard mcEvilly
• B. Barrett, Cork, Ireland. -- It's me again. I cannot believe it. I looked forward to Peter's e-mails. I really thought he would be still around. What a sad, miserable world. Peter you the man!!!!!!!!!
• Ras Iyah Ben Makahna -- Rest in Peace Bredda Peter! Birth/Earth-Life, Spirit/Zion-Life! (Guam-Western Pacific)
• Kathy Hood -- Elgin, Illinois
• Twista Jaye -- I had the honor being the stage manager at the Peter Mcwilliams Memorial stage at Seattle HempFest 2000. I since have found some of peters material and only wish that there were strong people like him to bless this world. Peter will never be forgotton Keep on Twistin` Peter.
• J. Levine -- California
• inventions
• Sangwoo Je -- Berkeley, CA-read many articles about him. Very sorry. Will read his book soon promise to spread news of his courage
• Ed Brown -- North Carolina
• unclbud@ix.netcom.com -- Tampa, Fla. I read his book and keep it beside my chair for quick reference. A fallen leader in in this governments unholy war on drugs.
• Jon Airheart -- so young...so sad.
• kevin b -simi valley, ca -- an inspiration, a voice of reason, someone to be remembered for the ages.
• Michael Brassell -- Aurora, Colorado
• Berin -- Durham, NC -- Peter McWiliams is only the latest victim of Big Brother's failed War on Drugs. Vote Libetarian to end this madness once and for all.
• G.T.Stanley(Irvine,CA) -- Long live the memory of Peter Mcwilliams, the courageous warrior in the fight for liberty. "War on Drugs" no, this is a "War on People, Property and Freedom." The foundig fathers stood up to King George and threw off the shackels of oppression and gave us a repulican( not democratic ) gov't.
• Cheryl Taylor -- VA
• Terry Parker Jr. -- Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Brother Kornelis Klevering, Missionary, Assembly of the Church of the Universe -- University of Amsterdam, Holland
• Loren Wiberg -- ZYX Corporation, Innisfail, Alberta, Canada
• Jess/Fat Freddy Williams -- Tacoma Washington
• Jay Lindberg -- Injustice is a dish best served cold. You pushed the killing of Paul Wells under the rug in August of 1997 because you could not go there. . You should have taken some of those dirty bastards with you. I guess that will end up being my job.
• Natalie Fisher -- I will miss you very much your housekeeper ,personal assit and best friend.
• Billy, Northern California -- Peter, your premature death was inexcusable. I think it may almost be time to start throwing the tea into the harbor again. Rest well, and know that your hard work was not in vain.
• James W. Taylor, Prescott, Arkansas. -- He is one of the heroes who will be held up and praised when this senseless War on Drugs is fially over. I will never give up the fight to free the Plant of Life that could have given this man relief and healing from his terrible disease.
• Saavik L. Leary -- Peter McWilliams will always be a hero to me. My condolences to his friends and family -- what the government did to this poor man was unspeakably draconian.
• Mac McWilliams -- If all could think as he did, what a world we could live in.
• Avraam Jack Dectis -- I was on Peter's listserv and he sent me quite a few emails. We corresponded on occasion. He was a nice guy. It seems so weird that one day you are talking to someone and now he is dead. All because the USA demonized and criminalized a virtually harmless and medically important plant.
• Bob Maloney III -- Fremont, California-- Ain't nobodys business who does what! Bless Peter R.I.P.
• Mark Bahner -- I just bought his "Ain't Nobody's Business..." . Haven't read too far, but it's a good book. What was done by to Peter McWilliams was very, very wrong. Durham, NC
• Jim Pillinger -- sadness
• Doug Church -- Enjoy the After or Next life Peter.
• Cleo -- I never cared about the politics (politics are NOT us) or the legalities -- but I did care about you. I started loving you 32 years ago when I first read the poetry -- and I still read the poetry. Years later I learned to love your courage and your humor. I will miss you

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