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.

• Deborah King and Taylor Wells -- Peter was the heart of hope to my son taylor who is serving time. I so wanted to see Peter in person we have communicated by letter and deed for over 7 years. My heart and tears are so many for I missed my chance to be with him in physical being. I will hold his spirit always.
• Dennis C -- I cried for the first time for WACO, I cried again for PETER, I intend to cry no more! It's time we just did what is our right on ALL things together, and let THEM prove US wrong. Our forefathers took only so much, then realized. ... they are not listening! "GOD bless AMERICA"
• steve leindecker -- cranberry township, pa.
• Bjoern Kahlenberg -- Your history should encourage any intelligent to man to join in the fight for individual freedom - because it is not yet established although it is nothing less, nothing more than the american dream!
• Mike Hepting -- BC, Canada
• Kenneth T. Celmer, II -- Orlando, FL - Peter showed me what America is SUPPOSED to be, and I it's a lesson I shall never forget
• Charles Davis --
• Pat Mulloy -- Minneapolis, MN - I have enjoyed Peter's work for at least 15 years. He will be missed.
• Marcia -- Washington DC -- Such a time and place for martyrdom to still exist! You will not be forgotten.
• Tony Busse -- Long Island, New York, Peter's work had a very profound influence on my life for which I will be eternally grateful.
• Kiri Aradia Morgan -- San Francisco California -- you will be missed!
• Rev. Guido S. DeLuxe -- the pen is mightier than the sword -- and this pen is mightier than the entire war on drugs! may peter's writings never die! may we all keep him in our memories and our hearts! peter, before you i never knew how a writer could be a hero.
• Paul Rosenberg -- Farewell my friend, you were brave and bold. I will not forget you.
• Micah -- Every time I quote a passage, every time I turn a page, Peter lives and fights still. Mary is an appropriate name, for your son was and is a Saint, Savior, and mentor to so many, whether he realized it or not. You should be so proud of him. We will never forget. Enjoy, as Peter always did.
• Peter Sullivan -- Peter, you will be sorely missed. I'm reading Life 101 and feel such a sadness that you are gone. Your writings are a testament and monument to you. But we should have another monument also. God bless and consule you, Mrs. Williams. New Milford, N.J.
• Howard Schoen -- Edison, New Jersey. Your pen is stilled, but "Ain't Nobody's Business if You Do" lives on.
• Jason M Nelson --
• Amanda Sulock -- I'm in Atlanta and I followed much of Peter's actions as an impressionable (and impressed) college student and beyond. He was a tremendous personality that contributed a lot to this world. There are many here who will help to carry on.
• Margaret Jirik -- Mahnomen, MN
• schabe@walkingdead.net -- Thanks for the great site. I hope Peter's message continues to spread.
• Hardy Macia -- Grand Isle, Vermont
• Brian Allinson -- Brookfield, IL; Peter died in the unjust, insane War on Drugs, but his memory and messages will live forever. May he rest in peace.
• Kris Johnstone -- Gary, Indiana
• Andrew Nigrinis -- Absolutely tragic. This drug war is turning the U.S. into a police state. We must continue fighting this tyranny.
• Alberto Mingardi -- Another victim of the State. When they'll stop it?
• Jeffery P. Hodgson -- New Bethlehem, Pa.
• Ronald Pottol -- Keeping up the struggle for freedom
• Anthony Willis -- Media, Pa
• Charles L. Guatney -- A favourite writer who will be missed. Hiawassee, Georgia
• cry2heaven2@aol.com - Kansas City, Missouri -- Peter, your writing changed my life; may your cries no longer fall upon deaf ears, but rather shatter, like a dome made of glass, Heaven's ceiling. It is ironic that I just ordered 15 copies of your book to give to my loved ones, and I find out that you moved on to earn the wings you so deserve.
• Lee -- Washington - Peter was a great influence to peaceful activists everywhere and will be remembered as a martyr for all times. His spirit was full of humor, insite, compassion and wisdom. He will not soon be forgot. Thank You Peter for the inspiration.
• j.h. -- MN. thank you Peter for your compassion, humor, wisdom, reflection and fight. you touched many lives, including mine. "enjoy"
• Major Blair -- "They" can take away your body but NEVER can "they" touch your soul.
• Starchild -- San Francisco / Wherever you are now, I hope that you are in peace. We will carry on the struggle in your name, that there will come a day here on earth when the peaceful possession and use of any substance shall not be a crime. But we'll miss you.
• Jim Sullivan -- As an American raised by immigrants, I was steeped in the greatness of this country. Now that I'm trying to raise my own two children, I don't know what to say about your death from an overdose of government. Too bad you aren't still here to help me with your articulate style. Rest easy, Peter.
• J. D. B. -- Berkeley, CA -- Peter McWilliams' legacy will crystallize into a worldwide democratic revolution led by drug war victims and others who still live to fight society's latest inquisition.
• Billy VerPlanck -- Your not forgotten, Peter.
• Bruce Judelson -- a tragedy our govt to waste a man for no reason at all. It's criminal action does not go unnoticed. This in the supposed land of the free. May our country finally wake up from the nightmare of prohibition and the crime it spawns and make no mistake the biggest crime is official government crime.
• D.Ellie KING, RN, HNC -- Melbourne, Florida- I miss him and will always carry his spirit with me. I'm in grieving with others the lose of a real human being.
• R. A. Russell -- I liked his writing from the time of his books on computers first came out. Remember when a personal computer cost $11K? I am that sad that he is gone. Rest in peace, Peter.
• Logos -- He truly was a great man! Another casualty of the federal government. Who is the real criminal here?
• Larry Raynak, Palo Alto, Ca -- The pen is mightier than the sword
• Chris Delanoy -- Peter's life and death will help rekindle the passionate fire of liberty in many minds. -- Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
• Bruce Armstrong -- A truly great man — Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
• Michael Cust -- Peter was a man of virtue beat down senselessly by federal thugs. Despite this, he persevered. Peter will be remembered as a libertarian who fought for the principles he believed in. -- Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
• Matthew Johnston -- Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
• Chris Florance -- Peter was a martyr. Smash the state.
• Bram Celis -- Belgium
• Jen -- Anchorage AK, we wont forget you and will continue the fight
• Melissa Toering -- Thank You Peter Thank you so very very much! I miss you.
• Sourdough Dru -- Hope, Alaska -- Thank you Peter! It's brave patriotic honest Americans like you that make this country great!
• Todd Tylek --
• Nat Edmands -- Your son was a martyr
• Gregor Michels -- One day logic and science will prevail thanks to Peter.
• andrew doro -- New York City
• Michael A. Emanuele -- It was refreshing for me to encounter someone who was so different, so absent pretense. If the hosting of his books is not picked up elsewhere, please contact me at memanuele@NOSPAM.netwalk.com (remove the NOSPAM to send).
• Lars Peterson -- Kodiak, AK
• Palle Steen Jensen -- Copenhagen, Denmark
• Trevor Peck -- Branch, Michigan. Thank you, Peter. Thank you.
• deb --
• AJA -- Your writing got me through many low times in my life. I am sorry that you are gone. You have helped so many people--and you will be missed.
• Stephen McKenzie -- Annandale, NJ - May Peter's legacy be an inspiration to all in the fight to make marijuana legal for medicinal purposes. God bless his soul.
• Jane Yoder -- Littleton, Colorado
• Oliver Bowen -- Norman, OK
• Terry Brock -- Peter was a great man who stood for liberty and freedom. He will be sorely missed. Orlando, Florida
• Robert Ludgate -- Saddened and outraged by his passing, comforted that warriors still live, and live on.
• Luke Francl -- Minneapolis, Minnesota. Peter, you may be gone, but we still have your books. The are our best ammunition in the fight for freedom. Thank you.
• Karl J. Sokalski -- Pittsburgh, PA. Freedom is always at stake, even in this country. May the fight to preserve it never end.
• groovygas -- sad story, happy I found a party (Libertarian) that can see the sadness with me.
• K R "Doc" Miller -- Stop the insanity, help the ill, support the US farmers and empty our jails of non-violent people NOW! My heart goes out to Mr. McWilliams and his family from the suffering that has been caused by thoughtless politicos and the senseless so-called "war" on drugs.
• Dan Lagueux -- Augusta , Maine
• Toffel - Christin Christopher von Kostrzewski -- Oranienburg, East-Germany --- "Gimme Liberty or Gimme Death !" --- I didn't know him, but he did fight for Freedom! --- R.I.P.
• Jeff S. -- His books came to me exactly when I needed them. I miss him terribly.
• Preston Major -- Denver, CO. Life 101 changed my life in very positive ways.
• Jeffrey Kiviat -- St. Louis, MO
• Craig Ceely -- Alexandria, Egypt
• David Collver -- I didn't know Peter, I only know the legend. Peter died as a warrior with honor.
• morgan pileggi -- peters books were a great inspiration to me, i am quite upset that i never got to tell him that he had such a positive influence on me.
• Tym Swain -- let reason have a voice. let the light at the end have a voice.
• Kenneth E. Nahigian -- In grief, from Sacramento
• Bill Ott -- Peace
• juston groff --
• Ellen Lewit -- Life isn't fair but people could be just. Atlanta, Ga
• Peter Orvetti --
• Priit Pedastsaar -- Estonia, Tartu
• David Willms -- Illustrates that "the price of freedom is not free", Del Mar, CA
• Graham Leonard --
• drazy -- tennessee
• DAVID M. HUROWITZ -- I knew Peter 25 years ago, when the Publisher I worked for published his poetry. I enjoyed his company and miss his presence.
• Nick Wiltgen -- Peter's death provides the consummate human symbol of the consequences of the heinous evils perpetrated by our own government on innocent citizens. His death will surely not be in vain. May we all aspire to such courage as he displayed. (West Chester, PA)
• DendeCannabist -- Thank You Peter The fight has only just begun. We will see a victory in this unjust war. Thanks for being there. Cannabis food, fuel, fiber and farmaceuticals!
• George Johnson -- Freedom comes at a dear price. It is won and maintained with the shed blood of our young. Our greatest enemy is complacency. Thank you Peter for having the guts to stand up to the forces of evil. As an patriotic American Citizen I salute you. You will be missed.
• Gary -- Peter is a Peacemaker even in his death.
• Adam Buker -- It is a sad world when a man like Peter is stopped for saving his own life. Nobody had any right to do this to him. He was a good man.
• Kurt Haslbauer -- Peter was a gifted author, an inspiration, and, truly, a hero to me. I am saddened by his loss, and angry at the legalized persecution that resulted in his death. I fervently hope that his sacrifices will prove to empower others in the battle for true liberty and individualism. Dallas, TX
• Jason Reider -- Condolances to a hero ... from a libertarian from the small town of Oley, Pennsylvania
• Steve Shmurak -- It is hard to imagine a more graphic example of what we are fighting for and against than the blind ugliness that brought down the beautiful Peter McWilliams.
• David M. Brown -- He was a man of large spirit who was destroyed by small-minded functionaries and clerks, of the same breed that would have followed orders at Auschwitz.
• Brigette Crossland -- I'm outraged. It is a war on people.
• Nicole Heinen --
• john saunders -- sydney, australia.
• Penney Robinson -- Peter, wherever you are, thanks for caring.
• BEM -- He will be missed
• David Allen -- Your voice will be missed but not forgotten.
• Diane -- Calgary, Canada
• Laurie Brunner -- Boston, MA. -- You fought the good fight, Peter. I hope someday soon this bullshit War on Some Drugs will end so that your death will not have been in vain. Rest in peace.
• bob marinelli -- PA. an inspirational, peaceful warrior for freedom. a great man. a shining example.
• Jason, a fan of Peter's written words. -- Downriver Michigan
• Gino -- Borneo Island, Sarawak.
• Terry and Marcy Levan -- We have seen how painful cancer can be to its victims- it took both of our fathers. It is hard to believe that the gov't. could deny someone the relief they need from such a painful disease. If it was them laying there suffering, do you think they would make the same choice? Rest in peace, Peter!
• Natasha -- Australia
• Jim Gallagher -- Peter was a hero, never a victim. End the War!!
• katie morse -- i will never forget your courage and strength, or what you sacrificed for all of you
• Barbara Dunn -- IL -- Peter McWilliams was a logical, humorous writer whose message will live on.
• Steve Philson -- Minneapolis, MN
• Sue - Boston, MA --
• Gail Allinson -- Thanks for fighting the good fight. You were a voice for the voiceless. You brought hope to so many who struggle with pain, with cancer, with AIDS. Your pain has ended. Your legacy lives.
• Liz Wang -- Chicago, IL
• scott donnelly -- Ohio-A true inspiration to all ... for which we'll never forget ... Thank you Peter
• Perry D. Luna -- Peter the Matyr -- inspired us all to keep the fight alive. Peter the General -- led the battle against the great war machine, the U.S. Government. We must join together to fight for a free tomorrow. Onward to Victory! Thank You Peter! May God Shine on Your Soul. Your legacy will live on!
• Nick M -- Tennessee
• feck -- thanks. that's all, just a thank you.
• James Garfield -- Peter McWilliams was a truly courageous human being. I would not be surprised to see him mentioned in history books after a few decades from now.
• Christina Bollinger -- i don't know u, but i'm sure u should not be forgotten
• crayz -- this drug war will end, and when it does Peter McWilliams will recieve the recognition he deserves as a hero and a freedom fighter. his death was not in vain.
• Richard Vos -- I am overwhelmed with sadness at this wonderful man's death. His writing has helped me and guided me. I greave for his loss.
• Lee -- Washington
• Sebastian Mekas -- New York City
• Timothy Billups -- A true freedom advocate. He will be missed, but his legacy will continue as we all stand for our own freedom, which he helped to energize.
• Matt -- Funny, wise, and fundamentally right. The world needs more people like Peter McWilliams
• Spacegal72@aol.com -- His thoughts were--and are--an inspiration to all who read them ... his insights were remarkable in their ephemeral saneness -- he'll be sorely missed.
• u.k. -- seek and subvert!
• Bruce Judelson -- a tragedy our govt to waste a man for no reason at all. It's criminal action does not go unnoticed. This in the supposed land of the free. May our country finally wake up from the nightmare of prohibition and the crime it spawns and make no mistake the biggest crime is official government crime.
• pigsltb -- i am glad that peter fought so hard for this very good cause and i feel so bad that he is now gone RIP peter you are loved bye many people
• Taylor Wells -- Taylor was incarcerated at age 18 years. Peter gave him hope. Taylor Peter and I Deborah have many wonderful letters and e-mails we would love to share it shows the courage and heart of Peter a Human with humanity and Love
• Miss Clayton -- Gainesville Fl. I am so personally sorry that this great nation did this to u. Peace and Love
• Becky Henning -- Northern Virginia, USA - Peter will be missed, but never forgotten. His work is an inspiration to me and thousands of other freedom lovers.
• Chris Delanoy -- Peter's life and death will help rekindle the passionate fire of liberty in many minds. His greatest achievement may yet lie ahead, if his memory helps us to see the terrible evil that goes unnoticed, though it looms so ominously over us: the state. -- Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
• Matthew Johnston -- Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
• Eric R. -- You will be remembered, Peter. Thanks.
• Jason Toering -- I did not know Peter but I highly admire his courage and comitment to his beliefs.
• A true martyr for the cause. -- THANKS, propotsmoker - san diego
• Colin Campbell (New Zealand) -- Peter is a shining example of a man ready to change history and to lay his own life on the line. People like Peter are the foundation of civilisation. My condolences to all his friends and family.
• Roger Dertinger -- To a human who tried to show us all how good it could be to be free, thank you Peter.
• Pavel Dimotoff -- Keep Dancing, Brother Peter
• Gerard J. B. Carton -- Vote Libertarian to have Freedom in our Lifetime
• Stacey -- I did not know him personally but he was my friend because he shared so much of himself with me through his books. He is an inspiration to me and we have all lost a friend.
• Michelle-Minneapolis -- I can only cry now. Thank you for being so brave Peter.
• R. Dennis Corrigan -- Boston, MA
• Ratnagar Rao -- Peter's book "Life 102: What To Do When Your Guru Sues You," is an absolutely brilliant classic in the cult expose literature.
• Chet Alan Jenkins -- Thank you for your strength!
• anonymous --
• Dave E. -- You were a true hero - and now a true martyr!
• Cendie B. -- Bethany,Oklahoma ... your poetry helped me through a time when i could not have done it alone. You will always be remembered!
• neil --
• Joe Hauptmann -- Indianapolis, IN The government may have forced on you a death without dignity, but it was truly a death with honor. Your message will be heard.
• anonymous -- from a muslim country where an individual is enslaved and all his life choices are made for him even before he is born. I hope that Peter's online books may start changing lives here in this part of the world.
• Christopher Bingham -- Peter was the most eloquent voice for freedom of the 1990s, one of the most eloquent of the century. His contribution will live on.
• Lane Andress -- May the wisdom of his words and philosophy become commonplace. May the drug war be ended and may all beings accecpt each other for their differences and create a world of diverse beauty and creativity! I thank Peter for the courage to stand out and state the obvious!
• Taper Wickel -- Thank you. And may what comes next be a better place than this sad world.
• Meridian Firestorn -- Yet another victim proving the war on drugs (along with the Democrat's war on gun owners) is flying in the face of liberty and good judgement. How many more have to die before our leaders learn? Vote Libertarian!!
• pete miller -- I WOULD LIKE TO THANK PETE MCWILLIAMS FOR HIS BOOK "AIN'T NOBODY'S BUSINESS IF I DO". THIS BOOK WAS THE BEST IN DESCRIBING WHAT PERSONAL FREEDOM WAS ALL ABOUT.
• Joe -- United States of Amerika
• Samuel L. Schiff -- Englewood, NJ
• Ian Archer -- Boston, Such an absolute tragedy and waste of a truly amazing life! It makes me very discouraged and sad to hear of this tremendous abuse of state power.
• Greg Landry aka Libman -- Reading his book "Ain't Nobodys Business" introduced me to this thoughtful person. Peter took time out of his busy schedule to personally email me a number of times to answer questions that perplexed me. A great loss of a great heart and mind. With affection, Greg Landry
• Thomas M. Johanson -- Norway
• Jeffrey Bennett -- Pittsburgh, PA. "Ain't nobody's business" was my first introduction to Peter. I was inspired by his courage, angered by his persecution, and now saddened at his passing.
• David Bzdak -- I never met Peter, but I miss him horribly nonetheless.
• Jerry Gloekler, Pittsburgh, PA -- I only met Peter once, yet his cheerfulness and optimism, despite his troubles, were admirable and inspiring. He was a quietly great man, and we will miss him.
• Christopher T. Perry -- Norfolk, Virginia USA
• Jorge -- Canada - My admiration for him is great, my sadness at the loss of his humour and wit transcends any words. The misguided agents evil who participated in his pain are beneath contempt!
• Matthew Vandergrift -- The _people_ agree with you!
• Ben Cornett -- Rest in peace, friend. (Riverside, CA)
• Eric Ernst -- Berlin, Germany
• Matthew Toll -- At least some of us have the courage to fight for justice. New York, NY
• Alfred A. Hambidge, Jr. -- New Milford, CT "Lay down, my dear Brother, Lay down and take your rest. I want you to lay your head, Upon your Saviour's breast. I love you, Oh, but Jesus loves you the best. And we bid you good night, good night, good night."
• Kevin O'Hara -- It is a shame that some lives are not as valuable as other lives. Thank you Peter, for standing up for what is right. It is now up to us to demand that your death not be in vain.
• Bryan Drozd -- The irony of your death is overshadowed only by the absurdity of it.
• Thomas T. "anonamous" Allan, Jr. --
• S.Pillsbury -- Portland, OR (past lives in Seattle, WA; San Diego, CA & small town, Idaho...)
• Fred Downs -- Peter is only the first of many casualties in the war for freedom and liberty. I hope that when my time comes, I can be as valiant as he was.
• anonmyous -- A nice guy. The war on marijuana is insanity.
• DdC -- a poem
• Anthony Cook -- Peter was an inspiration to me and thousands like me--we who hold dear to the cause of Liberty will hold him in our hearts forever.
• Penny Mitcheltree -- I also have a serious illness and to be denied aany and all help we need is a crime.
• MPH -- If the tree of liberty must occasionally be watered with the blood of patriots and tyrants, then here lies a true patriot. He risked his life, and lost it, in a cause he believed in. If we could all display 1/10th of his courage, perhaps we could realise
• Mark D. Fulwiler -- San Francisco, CA
• Christopher Hampton Johnson --
• Steve Zimmerman -- Peter McWilliams had rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Sadly, our government maliciously infringed on those rights. We lost a bright and articulate advocate of liberty far too soon.
• George P. Masologites -- Statism is evil. The War on Drugs is evil. This man is our Tiananmen Square hero, rendered a martyr by a federal tank that did not stop.
• Michael Stanzel -- Tacoma, Washington
• brankort -- My salute to a man of principle who took a stand. These are the type of people who change the world.
• Paul T. Ireland -- I would like to offer my condolences to Peter's mother. I want her to know that I will do my best to make sure that this never happens again. I can no longer sit in the sidelines. I am going to let my friends, family, and colleagues know that Peter McWilliams is a martyr for his noble cause.
• Janice Roberts -- I began reading Peter's poetry in the late 70's. He had a profound influence on my life. I am treasuring his poetry books to share with my daughter someday.
• Natalie Fisher -- I was his housekeeper and personal assistant.

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