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.

• David Herrick -- You made me laugh, you sent me reading material, you cared that I was incarcerated, and I shall never forget your kindness, your humor, your wit, and how you truly cared. I will miss you my friend, and I will never allow your flame to die.
• Lauren Balk -- Though I did not have the privilege of knowing him personally, he influenced my perceptions of the world around me and changed the way I think forever. Godspeed, Peter.
• Brian Bain, Houston, Texas -- I've carried around his book "...Nobody's Business.." for years. It changed my entire attitude, motivated me for change,and made Peter my personal hero. I'm very sorry to have learned of his passing on my birthday. My sincerest most heartfelt condolences.
• Alan Randell -- Reading "Ain't Nobody's Business If You Do" helped me deal with the heroin-induced death of my youngest son - also called Peter. Bless you Peter McWilliams. Victoria, BC, Canada
• Robert L. Lallier II -- "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived." -- George S. Patton, Jr.
• John McAlister - Columbus, OH -- His life was a light where there is darkness. He advocated enlightment over ignorance.
• Raymond E. Phoenix II -- Ludlow, MA
• Keith A. Langford Sr. -- Youngstown,Ohio
• Kmike76@yahoo.com --
• spike -- if you fear addiction, outlaw cigarettes not pot. but the feds will never listen.
• phyllis shelton -- As many, I never meet Peter, but I know he was a very brave figure in the war against drugs and that he will live on as in the hearts of all those wanting this injustice to stop. I am very sorry for his family and I know that the people responsible for this will face their judgement day. Indiana
• Connie Searls -- Imperial, Mo
• Mike Salamone -- Maple Hts., OHIO
• David DeMoss -- Portland Oregon
• Rob Logan -- Cleveland
• Tom Suther - Oronoco, Minnesota -- I am sadden that "our" country can treat people so poorly. Intelligence and compassion are values that are not appreciated in many US circles. We have a dark side and peter helped us realize who is on that side. Peace, "Hug your children everyday, for life is frail."
• Pearl Pullman -- Ohio, USA. Peter's case convinced me of the need to end the Drug War. I have pleaded the case on radio and in the press.
• Ruth Arquette -- You Are Still An Inspiration To Me. Tol. Ohio
• Dr. LeRoy A. Lloyd -- The drug war--what a terrible waste of life. Wake up Americans and end this nightmare.
• Robert F. Newbegin Jr. -- I just wanted to thank Peter for his help for the cause. Madison, WI
• Lucy Zinkiewicz -- Sydney, Australia - Nobody should be sacrificed in this way.
• David Means -- Seattle,Washington
• SLS -- Live free or die! Rest in peace, friend....
• Eleanor Ahrens -- I hope to be able to make your dream a reality - You're life has inspired others to keep your dream alive. - Ravenna, OH -
• Tommy B (Funkmaestro) -- I and others I know who have been inspired by Peter McWilliams must now work extra hard to liberate others like us and Peter. Thank you Peter McWilliams
• Jim White -- Peter lives through us all now, let his voice be heard.
• Anonymous (not for long) - -- Salt Lake City, UTAH
• Greg Bolyard -- Thank you Peter for all you did and tried to do for everyone. Elyria , Ohio
• Eric --
• John M Hartman -- Sad sad sad, Cleveland, Ohio.
• Mark Stromberg -- Once again the government proves to be a racket for repression and lawlessness. May God bless Peter McWilliams, his family and friends.
• Cher Ford-McCullough -- Peter's life was a bright point of light in a dark & frightening world. His teachings are etched in our hearts & in our minds. The world is a lesser place without Peter McWilliams ... A FALLEN WARRIOR in the insane War On Drugs that has been declared on the PEOPLE living in the Nazi States Of Amerika!
• mary mackenzie -- thank you peter for your courage, your fortitude and your undaunting spirit--it lives on in all of us who will continue the fight you fought until the madness has ended
• Elly Tucker -- Your book "How to Survive the Loss of a Love" helped me through a very tough miscarriage. I then bought this book for others experiencing this. God Bless You, Peter!
• Keri --
• Anonymous -- He's a hero now and will be a historic figure in the future.
• Brian Martin -- Harrisburg, PA - Save and plant your seeds in the wild! Do it for Peter!
• Renee A. Greenwell -- Arlington, VA
• Miguelito -- Netherlands. Don't let his fight fade away.
• Paula Nelson --
• Nelson Kass -- I was never fortunate enough to meet Peter. His voice about the outrage of the so-called 'war on drugs' is something he will always be remembered for.
• David T. Terry -- Merlin, Oregon
• Robert H. Burns III, M.D. -- Whiteville, NC -- when will they ever learn?
• George -- Warren, MI. The government knows they will never end marijuana use. They need scapegoats.
• magic -- Seattle Washington, Member of Washington Hemp Education Network and The Hemp Coalition. Peter was an inspiration to me through his many books. "Ain't Nobody's Business If You Do," was a primary facto in motivating me to actively pursue drug policy reform. He lives on in my heart.
• n1njag1rl (cyberspace) -- vive la resistance! you will be vindicated in the end.
• Jim Moore -- Campbellsville, Kentucky
• Kit Maira -- End this insane war on drugs. No more martyrs!San Fernando
• Mike Hausenfluck (Seattle) -- I love Peter's ideas. I live for the day when our oppressive system gives way to one that would have met with McWilliam's approval. He will be forever immortalized by the precious ideas and ideals that he has left for us. mehmsadp@earthlink.net
• terry youngblut b.r.o. niagara falls -- great man from niagara falls canada
• Fat Freddy (Jay) -- Peter was a Freedom Fighter that will never be forgotten. FF---~
• Charles D. Test -- Minneapolis MN - I met Peter at the NAT LP convention in 1998. He seemed like a very neat guy. It is very wrong what the Federal Government did to him.
• Rebecca Mullen -- Peter McWilliams was a very gifted and heroic man. Gifted with tremendous wit and a wealth of common sense, he shared both with us in his books and poetry. Heroic beyond the norm, he chose to openly fight the Feds. His "voice" will be sorely missed! To his mother I extend my sympathy and my thanks.
• Bob Gibson -- MN - I never met Peter, but after viewing the video of his address at the Libertarian Party national convention I now know him as a fellow fighter for freedom. Let his sacrifice not be in vain.
• Liberty J. Lynn -- Thank God for people like you.
• Albert-John: Willms -- Thank you for your courage and you will be sorely missed. Nanaimo, BC, Canada
• CLL -- Santa Monica. Your son was very wise and very brave. Thank you for your contribution to humanity.
• Charles Behre -- A True Champion for Freedom
• Joel Grus -- I saw a video on Peter at the Libertarian National Convention. Even though I never met or knew him, what I saw was deeply inspiring. My condolences...
• Ben In San Diego -- How much longer must we wait for the Feds to wake up to what they are doing???
• Chris Peikert -- Your son was an inspiration to thousands and was one of the most courageous and kind-hearted people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I offer my deepest condolences.
• Dean Pence -- Dallas, TX
• Tata -- Philippines
• Jennifer Huff -- A martyr cannot be killed.
• Holden M. Jones -- Regards to a true patriot and a phenominal human.
• Heather Loa -- A life lost in this way is truly a tragedy.
• Theresa -- Ohio-Your efforts are neither wasted nor forgotten.
• John Jewell -- A true credit to humanity.
• anonymous --
• The Wolff -- Life has a tendency to make heroes of us whether we like it or not. Peter, you continue to live on in ways no one could ever have imagined. Thank you God. L.A., CA
• Glen Sibbeston -- Fort Simpson, Canada
• Anonymous --
• Rich Moroney -- Davenport, IA - They knock one down but a hundred spring up in his place.
• Erik Talvola -- San Mateo, CA
• Donna Nowland -- Ojai, CA --- Peter McWilliams' death is so very tragic. Our Libertarian brother will be missed. The government's war on drugs has indeed perpetrated another needless killing.
• Bill Slawson -- Spencer, IA - All lawmakers ought to be bright enough to know the beginning of the end; they ought to begin very soon to show leadership in erasing the scourge of the "War on Drugs". Pot never directly resulted in death of anyone. The harm is 99.99% from the use of force by statist controliacs.
• Meryt -- NC Liberty is on the horizon. The journey will be measured in lives.
• Don Bates -- Brockton, MA
• Brian -- Keep up the fight! (San Francisco)
• Paul Beith -- Thank you for your help,Peter. paulbeith@hotmail.com
• Davin Hatfield-Westgate -- Boston, MA
• Ben Livingston -- With every painful blow, we as a movement grow stronger.
• Patti & Ron Smith -- Bigelow, Arkansas
• Tim Peterson -- Peter has had a profound influence on my life. After reading his outstanding "The Personal Computer Book" back in 1983 I entered the computer industry. Since then I have sold several million dollars worth of information systems and recently retired to run full time as Libertarian for US Senate WI.
• David Siegel -- He lives on in his wonderful writing.
• Brett Nickell -- A ray of hope during life's fading light.
• Philip S. Henke -- Missouri
• Jim Stevens -- Thank you, Peter!
• Shane Vossen -- Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Talyn Songdog -- He was a true warrior.
• earth,air&water -- P.McWilliams must not be forgotten and the u.s of Amerika must pay up for the crime and be forgotten
• Jim Rongstad -- Woodbury, Minnesota
• windofchange -- Peace, Love and Light be with you brother
• Sara -- You were an inspiration and a teacher. Your words help me to continue working for freedom. Denver
• Paul Goronski -- Perth, Australia
• Don Bowyer -- I read I agree / Peter`s mother should be very proud!
• Mark A. Taff, Libertarian Councilmember, Colville, WA -- Peter - Your courage in the face of tyranny is inspiring, and shall forever set the standard for Libertarians everywhere. Let this tragic murder at the hands of the federal government encourage Libertarians to redouble their efforts to acheive Liberty NOW! Rest in Peace, Peter.
• Scoot,,Eastern Ohioan -- Say it Loud,,I smoke and I'm Proud,Peter did!!!
• Patrick White -- Camden, ohio
• Keith Lofstrom -- Portland OR - Marched in Portland Gay Pride Parade with a picture of Peter
• Robin J. Miller -- Farewell, Peter! With more courage and decency than our opponents, the message of tolerance you articulated and lived will inevitably triumph. We shall overcome.
• Chris Aldridge -- Evanston, IL
• Connie -- God said in genesis it is good. marijuana is a seed bearing plant. He put it on the earth for man. Government is suppost to be for the people by the people{LOL} Its really not that way
• Andrew Jones -- McWilliams touched millions in his books, even those who may not have agreed with him on everything he wrote in "Ain't Nobody's Business..." He proved that above all else, basic human decency and liberty should prevail in a free society. His death may inspire me to become a writer myself.
• MAXOMENOS -- Indict Judge King for Manslaughter in the death of McWilliams.
• Joseph B. -- McWilliams offered justice and solutions, he was rewarded (by our courts)- painful death. I'm sorry and hope for justice.
• Scott Dykstra -- What a patriot Peter was. I will remember him always...
• Marcus, Vienna (Austria) -- "We'll be singing, when we're winning!" (Chumbawamba)
• Ron Petrie -- Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, Ohio 10th District, petrie2000@aol.com
• Heather L. Little -- When will we have mercy for the humans! Thank you McWilliam's for your fight!
• Bob Hart -- Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
• Dr. LeRoy A. Lloyd -- The drug war--what a terrible waste of life. Wake up Americans and end this nightmare.
• John K. Fockler, Jr. -- When we finally win our freedom back on this issue, I have no doubt that Peter McWilliams will be remembered as a martyr to the cause just as the patriots who died to secure our independence are remembered. "We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain."
• Keith M. Donat -- Shaker Heights, Ohio - Only the United States Empire could possibly force a painful death on someone for consuming, the safest, most healing, and the most enjoyable, beautiful flower on God's green earth. Peter McWilliams stood against many, but his ideals of American liberty WILL win in the end!
• Greta, schoolteacher in Southern California -- Mr. McWilliams, may you take your glorious place in Heaven with all the other Saints.
• Dennis J Gaffney -- my sincere condolences
• Brad Moyers -- Ashland, OH
• cyn day -- Peter wrote the book that needed to be written. He took risks for his beliefs that many of us are too timid to take. Thank You Peter for writing "Ain't Nobody' s Business if You Do"...and for your wonderful sense of humor that you managed to keep despite your illness. (Indiana)
• Robin -- What happened to Peter McWilliams has the same degree of harshness as burning people at the stake. Screw the Constitution!!!
• Juan Costo -- Washington, DC
• t. brown -- may you rest in god's arms
• Mark "avoidant" Valenti -- Your vision of liberty will be realized some day, Peter.
• Greg Bolyard -- Thank you peter for all you did and tried to do to help others, Elyria, Ohio
• Christopher Formulak -- It is truely sad to lose a spirit like Peter's. This world needs more like his and less like those whose political agendas caused his death.
• Greg Kascewicz-Carbondale, IL -- Peter's had the courage to stand when so many others, including myself, have remained silent out of fear. Let his courage be an example to us all, so that his death need not be in vain.
• Arthur Torrey -- Your battle for liberty shall not be in vain
• Carole Stewart -- Greeneville, TN
• Colin Husson -- New York, NY
• Paul Weir -- I wish I could have met you. You were really funny and smart.
• Joel C. Turner -- Shaker Heights, Ohio. As a bookseller and as a Libertarian candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, I am inspired by Peter's life and work.
• Noel Boelte -- He lived for freedom
• william foskey -- maryland
• Craig Chapman -- your book is on my must read list
• Johnny Thomas Hanslovan -- Nationwide/USA
• Brian Crain -- Peter's book, Aint nobody's business, crystallized my feelings on consesual crimes.
• Eugene Paczelt -- I read some of his books, and met him at the libertarian convention in 98. I learned a lot from him
• Paul E. Lutz -- You paid the ultimate price for all of us. We must now work to assure that your sacrifice was not in vain.
• Emil R. Wolanski -- Fly on proud bird now that you are free! We will continue the fight! POWER TO THE POEPLE!!!!!!!!!
• Marty Keef, Girdwood Alaska -- Only the crude hand of government would create a Marijauna Martyr.nor could they have picked a more riteous man. I am honored to have shared in his wisdom.
• magic --
• Michel Bouchard -- Trois-Pistoles,Quebec(CAN(
• Rachel -- Peter is continuing the fight through us ... thank you Peter ....
• Ken Van Doren -- Now more than ever it is apparent that the Insane War on Drugs must be ended. How ironic that the law enforcement establishment, includeding the federal judge, broke established California law and in effect murdered McWilliams. Perhaps a wrongful death lawsuit is in order.
• William B Bunch -- Dallas, Texas - May I find half the courage that Peter had for fighting injustice
• Jeff Norman -- Los Angeles, CA - Peter and "Ain't Nobody's Business If You Do" are the greatest! Thank you, Peter.
• Dan Freeman -- Its time for the federal government to reprioritize the crimes they prosecute and spend our tax dollars on. Far too often the failing "war on drugs" causes more misery than the drugs themselves ever could.
• dt in ca -- You cleared the way for many others and showed us that freedom is maintained one life at a time. May we all make such brave choices.
• Richard Lake -- Peter was the first to give when I asked for funds to support a Journey for Justice wheel chair trek in Wisconsin. The medical marijuana patients will always honor you, Peter!
• Sandy @ mydigs77@aol.com -- Peter, I heard you on an interview and thought you to be a wise person. Your death illustrates how certain folks don't care about life and the qulity thereof just of how they can control you to make the most amount of money from you. You spoke of truth and the right to be left alone. May you find
• Randall Bart -- We will have war crimes trials, and charge Judge King and Scott Imler for their part in Peter's death
• Barbara O'Connor -- Any one who takes on the government to uphold personal freedom and choice is a hero, I am sorry that his struggle was the direct cause of his death. The world needs more men and women with his good sense and convictions.
• Traci Pitts -- Your spirit and your writing shall live on forever within my soul.. Thankyou Peter!!!! ----Southern California
• Sally Armstrong -- Santa Fe, NM. He made me think, he made me smile.
• Steve Trinward -- Nashville, TN
• Mark Renfro -- Mission Viejo: We watch as our jails are turned into corrals for the politically incorrect,as in drug users,Yet our leaders admit to doing the same.Where is this headed?Revolution!There is no other choice.
• Gene Trosper -- Life is precious and to be valued. Your death has proven that the federal govenment has no respect for the sanctity of life. Your spirit will live on in those who cherish life and freedom. Your life will not have been lived in vain. (Wildomar, CA)
• Matthew E. Nelson -- God Bless!
• Robert Lunday -- Seattle, WA
• Sara -- Denver, CO
• Donna Andrews -- Philadelphia PA
• Brittny Pinegar -- Springfield, IL
• Bob Kefauver -- Thank you, Peter. You and I, both lovers of words. We shared a love for the magic, beauty, humor and power words may convey. Yet, there are no words worthy of what you've given beyond the simple sincerity of, "Thank you."
• Leo Schneggenburger -- He had a profound effect on how I now think
• C.Downey -- Waco, TX
• Michel Haag -- Malden, MA
• Joseph Ignat -- Good night, sweet prince.
• Millard Gaddis --
• Danny Bettiol -- Peter: Your book, Do It, was my call to action. That book changed my life. So, in essence, Peter, you have had a profound effect on me and on my family and I wish to Thank You for gracing this Earth with your presence. You are a true angel.
• Michael Eckles -- Denver, CO - His books and poetry impacted my life.
• Balboa -- I also sat back helpless as Cancer claimed the life of my Mother. All this and others who have never had the disease dictated what she could and could not take to ease her pain. Give my sincere condolences to the family of Mr McWilliams and I Express my gratitude to Peter McKwilliams. Thanks.
• Spencer Lawson -- Spencer, IA - Peter McWilliams was a brave soul. Great spirits will live on, sparking life force to overcome the darkness of terrible gloom wherever it raises its ugly club. Decent folks obtain new strength when they are touched by truly great spirits. Mother, know you have many fine grandchildren
• p n Jones -- Spencer, IA - The worst thing by far that can happen as a result of being "near" pot, is that you could get caught, labeled, jailed, stigmatized, and suffer humiliating restrictions of freedom for the rest of your life - all as a result of the controliacs power over the mechanisms of state.
• Don Bates -- Peter was an infinitely finer human being than the judge who condemned him. We shall not forget.
• Rosa Saunders, Rochester, MI --
• Sister Teresa -- Boston Cacophony Society (You may already be a member !!)
• Ben Robins -- Ottawa, Canada
• Mike Brinkman -- Rest In Peace, Peter McWilliams. We will continue to fight for the rights that were denied you.
• Patrick Breinig -- Arlington, VA
• David Yett -- Peter's writings have informed many. His clear voice will be sorely missed.
• Trinka Enell -- Portland, Oregon
• Donovan Conrad -- Atlanta, GA
• Bradford W. Sherman --
• Loren R -- We will continue to fight for reform!
• Tim Spong -- Dover, Del. I'll always value hearing Peter at th 1998 LP convention, and shaking his hand while receiving an autographed gift copy of "Ain't Nobody's Business If You Do."
• wes gainer -- "Don't give up the fight..."
• Jeanmarie Todd -- I was touched by Peter through one of his books. I later read an article in Liberty. Wish I'd discovered him earlier. What a courageous man.
• Cathy LaParche -- Marquette, Michigan
• Crystal Overstreet -- Austin, TX
• Steven J. D'Ippolito -- You shall not be forgotten. And we shall not forget who did this to you.
• Paul Giroux -- Forgive Them Father, They know not what they do. Quebec
• anonymous in Athens, Ga. -- we all must fight to stop tragedies like this from ever happening again. Let us keep Peter's death from having been in vain.
• Ronnie Dukes -- The pain is over yet the war goes on. I dont consider you a martyr... You are inspiration
• Ronnie Stark -- Gratitude for your books and devotion.
• Neal Donner -- You educated me half my life, starting with "The Personal Computer Book"
• David F. Nolan -- Let us show the world that Peter McWilliams did not die in vain ...that the battle he fought is not over, and will not be over until we are victorious.

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