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.

• Jess T. -- Wisconsin -- Like Dave, I learned late (11-9-00) of Peter's passing. I will miss his craaazy e-mails, empassioned arguments for what we all know is right, and humor. I am torn between feeling fortunate for the words he wrote, and terribly sad for the ones we'll never read.
• wendy schroeder -- He was a kind man who taken time to converse with me by mail and sent me copies of his books free. I cried when I read of his death. Trying to ease pain or just attempting to stay alive shouldn't be illegal.
• Tracy Hall -- I've read three of his books, he seemed a caring and wonderful person who deserved better.
• Anonymous --
• Julian Noble -- Sydney Australia
• anonymousJay -- Book of the century/nobody's business, thank you Peter
• Paul Elliott -- He is an inspiration for freedom fighters all over the world
• Jimmy -- I have personally fought against and struggled with the outdated and antiquated ways of the US government so that myself, my lover and many others may reap the benefits of medical mariuana. May Mr. McWilliams' words NEVER be forgotten and his legacy always be with us. (West Hollywood, Ca.)
• Daisy May -- I agree with legalizing Marijuana, because it's a good drug to use to take away the pain the cancer causes.
• anonymous -- Very sad, seems like he woulda been cool to know. :(
• Tom Rowland -- His was truly a tragic death, but an inspiring life.
• Natalie -- So sad that I only found him after he died. Peace.
• Oofoe -- Enjoyed his early computer books greatly. Later ones very thought provoking.
• Phyllis Long -- He was a gifted author, and died needlessly--killed by our own government, one could say
• anonymous -- Rock On
• Amelia Airheart --
• Anonymous -- I love Peter's works, many of them are masterpieces. I have to wonder about his death, the reports stated that he was prohibated to use marijuana by a judge, why should that stop a true rebel?
• Chris Goodwin -- End Marijuana Prohibition from Canada
• H. Phillips -- just reading "Life 102". Peace be with him
• Gregory Allen -- Everett WA
• Marco Tulio -- Free thinker, inspiring writer. Outraging how it all ended. Sao Joao del-Rei, Brazil
• BASS MAN D --
• ben hammock --
• craig johnson -- you inspired me
• Thomas Lee -- I have great respect for Mr. McWilliams. Life 101, which I read in the 80s, is uplifting and uncompromisingly positive. I was dismayed when I learned about his cult connections. Then I saw Life 102 in the bookstore, and was so happy that he had achieved his freedom. He made me proud to be human.
• Cara Wagner
• Reverend S. Michael Wilson -- A man who proved that there are still people out there willing to fight ignorance and injustice, tooth and nail, until their dying breath. There aren't many true heroes in this world, so it is all the more sad that we had to lose one.
• cheryl
• EJT -- Mr. McWilliams book about concensual crimes should be required reading. If the average person knew what was really going on, there would be no way for the special interests to impose their will on the rest of us. Thank you Mr. McWilliams for your courage to document our society's ignorance.
• zapata -- It was the GOP's J. Edgar Hoover and his legacy that killed you. The Right Wing picks on the wrong people, considering everything but booze and perscription drugs subversive.
• lisa campbell -- god bless you
• Ian Walsh -- unbelieveable, you where basically executed for marijuana...
• Tania Beeby
• Rick Cline -- that the people responsible for keeping it going all these years will be brought before the courts & prosecuted as war criminals ... for all the peoples lives that were ruined because of it. Thanks for your efforts Peter ... You sir are a true patriot!
• Maria Elena. Thank you, may you rest in peace. -- Today I was and read your books. It did my soul good. Tonight I surfed the web to see how you were doing and was shocked to hear of your passing. I never knew you, but how you have touched my life! In your own words, God created all things but he took special care in crafting the rose and you.
• Brenda Miller -- New Orleans
• anonymous
• UNCLE REMIS -- LITTLE CHILDREN
• Michael -- for a man who gave so much to so many, it's really sad that so much was taken from him. Peter's books help me realize that life is what I made of it, and made want to spread his words. I feel as if we lost another great social commentator that ranks with the likes of Lenny Bruce, Dick Gregory ...
• The Blackshoe Pirate -- Maine, USA Mr. McWilliams inspires me. He is common sense, humor, reason. I only know him through his writings but what an impact he has had on me! I will miss him. I will keep fighting the "War on Drugs" in Mr. McWilliams honor.
• Lisa and todd -- The best thing in life is to be in the God word
• Renee
• Ridge and Lindsey -- We used to have a friend who was afraid to admit he was gay but after hearing about Peter it all changed.
• Daniel A. Madden -- I remember the days when Rolthgar and I used to play. We would read about Peter and frolic in green meadows.
• Jonathon Haff -- "I have always supported gays and I think this isn't the way we should be treated, longlive chronic."
• Herbert Cheebs -- McWilliams, reminds me of Fedigan Hall, always a blast.
• Dan M. -- So I says in his memory, may Peter continue to grow along with my seed, cyborg.
• Kate maldonado -- Mourning the passage of one of history's true revolutionaries ... just as courageous as John Locke or Benjamin Franklin.
• susiea1000 -- Missing you, fortunately we who own your books possess some of your wisdom and can share your life through them
• Susan Crabtree -- I hope that one day the people of this country will wake up and realize that more crimes are being done by our own law enforcement agents in the name of "The War on Drugs." What the DEA and the Justice Department has done to Peter McWilliams is a travesty of justice! Big brother is watching.
• Michael A. Bell -- your life and work provided endless inspiration
• melanie kaweck
• anonymous
• Robert Ross -- Peter was my friend and made me laugh often. I hadn't seen him in many years. I wish I had a chance to wish him good-bye.
• The Tennell Family -- You are true inspiration!!
• Shawn Wheeler -- Your books and your life have been a great inspiration to me. I only hope that I can do a small portion for the world that you have done.
• Brian Burdick -- Repeal these cruel anti-marijuana laws!
• anonymous -- north carolina
• Judy Stilwell -- Stoneville, North Carolina USA
• Alison Williams -- your poerty has inspired me, thank you.
• Penny -- Georgia
• Robert D. Holder -- Denver, Colorado, USA
• Nancy -- His books helped me...
• Robert Unferth -- I read Peter McWilliams book on word processing about fifteen years ago. It was very helpful to me and many others. McWilliams life will be looked on in the future, the same way we look on the victims of slavery 140 years ago. "My God, how could they have done that?"
• anonymous
• ernie -- ga
• David Ben Moishe Ben Eliazar -- To paraphrase Rousseau, this man was born free yet he died enslaved by an outdated Federal Statute, the Drug Laws SUCK because they are promulgated and administered by total putzes
• Rich Birkett -- Freedom Network, www.freedomnet.org, www.freedomnet.org/activists.html#mcwilliams
• Peter Lampre -- Adelaide Australia
• forouhi -- los angeles
• James Adkins
• Chris P Beecraft -- Australia - "This generation will have to repent, not so much for the evil deeds of the wicked people, but for the appalling silence of the good people" - Martin Luther King
• african black
• Steve Springer -- El Paso, Tx.
• poems of the heart
• Gary Pietila -- There is no getting around the fact that the Federal Government MURDERED an innocent citizen.
• Phillip -- Chicago
• Robert -- Helsinki, Finland - Using Marijuana is nobodys business but your own. Especially if it's for medical use. Current drug laws suck!
• rshelton@jps.net -- from beautiful Lake Tahoe, CA
• zach hill
• anon -- yes for maryjane
• Lana Martin -- weed on for better health choices
• Ashley Bakken -- Weyburn, Saskatchewan CANADA
• Chris L. - Portland, OR -- A calm and assuring voice
• Dave -- I only heard now (11/3/2000) -- I guess I knew this would happen, but I'm saddened and outraged all the same. I'm proud to have lent a little support to Peter's courageous struggle; ashamed that we could let this happen in America.
• anonymous -- Can I ever say how the horror of Peter's experiences altered me? I knew him as humorist and a free man, if only through his writings. When I found out about his arrest and trials, I gaped in astonishment. Was this really happening in America? I hope his death brings attention to the issue.
• anonymous
• john -- the effort will continue...
• Ken Stevens
• -- Your wrong WILL be made right.
• Bill from Metro Detroit area -- I met Peter in the 70's and he gave me a copy of his first book. Although I don't know what happened to the book , I will never foget his charm & craziness. Were the same age and played & partied the same hard way..I guess I just got lucky. May your eternity be the most grandest life you ever live
• Mike -- New York - This man showed me much about how to live, and how to die. I already knew the nature of his aggressor, and mine. I wish I had known him personally.
• Anonymous -- Moderation is the key
• Lauren Lagergren -- His books helped me to see things more clearly in myself and around me. Here's to a great human being.
• Victor V -- "If the government's denial to Mr. McWilliams to use marijuana to ease his pain during his ordeal doesn't prove that we are heading down a dark road, I don't know what does. Peter, your books inspire me and make me want to be a better person. I will remember your cause."
• Aaron in South Dakota -- In death there is a release and new attention.
• Adam Scriven -- Rest In Peace, Mr. McWilliams. You will not be forgotten. Thank you for standing up for your freedom, and helping us see the importance.
• Benjamin Muniz, Puerto Rico -- I am reading all your books and I think that you are a real Teacher. I hope to see a lot of people learning from your ideas and from your example. God bless you, my new amigo.
• L Mound -- New Hampshire
• Adriana -- When I read two of his books last April, I had a strong wish to send him an e-mail telling him what a wonderful person he was, and how his books were helping me, and so I did. I don't if he ever read it, but I'm glad I had written him. São Paulo, Brazil
• Jay -- He was a defender of freedom!
• Charles Moore, Ireland. -- YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN!!!
• nick -- bucks county pa I pray that peters death makes the ignorants in washington relize that something must be done, hes in a better place now where he feals no pain ,,, Thank you peter for all that you have done God Bless
• anonymous --
• Mary Jizzane -- I luv ya mane
• Dave Tolan -- Peter, you will be missed. I thank you for helping me with my website when I knew you were so ill, how caring and giving, thank-you..
• greg and monica drew --
• anonymous -- florida
• Lisa Lineberry -- Peter seems to have been a lover of life and of reason. So sad that one who had such penetrating viewpoints is gone so soon: a man labelled " heretic" by a government founded on the heresy of English rule. Peter, I would have liked to have known you. Godspeed, Lisa
• Colleen M -- I'm actually speechless because I just found out. "Love 101" is wonderful and the fact that he put all of his books online for anyone to read for free just shows what kind of person he must have been. I was blessed to have been introduced to his work, it
• Pica -- Peter, your soul is strong...and you'll glow for eternity with the hopes of many others alike. Take care in your journey and be well, heart of hearts.
• scott R. Cameron -- It is interesting that the very political parties that either proclaim tolerance for personal behavior, or that they are for less government continue to support the opressive, wastful and bigoted war on drugs.
• John -- Minneapolis, MN
• Mike Vincenti -- If Peter taught me anything, it was that one man can change the way the world thinks. Thank you, Peter.
• Aaron -- Dammit! Another patriot and hero martyred by the government. I feel like a part of me is gone too.
• Ron Crickenberger -- Thank you Peter, for all you did for Liberty. And wherever you are, "Enjoy."
• Craig J. Mathias -- Chairman, Board of Selectmen, Town of Ashland, Massachusetts
• Ben Franklin
• anonymous
• Michelle Konieczny -- Thank you Peter for fighting so valiently. I had the opportunity to speak with Todd's Mother in July ... you will never be forgotten and you are an inspiration to me whenever I am asked to speak on the Insane War against the people of America... FOR LIBERTY!
• dean loy -- washington
• cheryl -- Im so sorry, the backward thinkers in the world will get their karma, what goes around comes around, peace and love you to all !!
• EJT -- Mr. McWilliams book about concensual crimes should be requ
• Bill H. NYC -- Peter was a gift to this Earth. His workhelped me more than I can ever say.
• lisa campbell -- god bless you
• Tina -- Philadelphia Pennsylvania
• Terry Gross -- Thank you Peter for your eternal message of sublime inspiration and uncompromising truth. You have been a powerful healer in upon this earth and I know that you are well now. You have made an Ultimate difference in us all. We LOVE you, forever. Siempreviva!
• Rick Cline -- Note: for some reason my comments were seperated into two paragraphs..the first one is located several paragraphs before the other one? Oh well I guess just so my sentiment is expressed I feel that Pete, wherever he is, will appreciate it...thank you for letting me express......R.C.....
• Rick Cline -- I've had other heros in my time(Martin Luther King, R.F.K., most recently Edward Abbey for his defense of the great southwestern wilderness. Pete's live & let live policies are attitudes that more people ought to live by. I sincerely hope & pray that once this pointless, stupid war is over....that t
• anonymous -- LIFE 101, what more can I say?
• Diana Goldate -- I love pigs, bats and McWilliams
• Wayne Heller -- Haff is gay, although he is a good guy
• David Barkwith
• Jackson North Carolina -- love the poetry. love TM. Love Peter's work
• Jeffrey Dorn -- westbrook, Maine USA
• 2pac Sacor
• cherylkarma -- Australia, but travelling at the moment, so this is how the human race that were voted in treat fellow humans that voted them in, It angers me when these things happen, we all need to stick together, the tyrants of this world in the end it will be their loss and they dont even know it YET!
• Ridge Lindsey -- We used to have a friend who wouldn't accept who he really was, but after hearing about Peter he accepted Gods choice.
• Sarah Haff -- I remember when I first found out my brother was gay, but I accepted it when I heard the story of McWilliams, frater skin skin
• deuce -- louisiana
• Rolthgar -- AIDS is like Dan it never goes away
• Herbert -- I love Peter and those boys at Nova
• R. Lynne Briar -- South Louisiana - It is the mark of the prophet to feel the disunity intensely.
• Susan Anderson -- Tampa, Florida
• anonymous
• I will miss you friend.
• mellyk
• MANX -- COP
• Jim Etchison -- I have been profoundly moved by your books and your life. You may have died unjustly, but you lived for what was right and good.
• Allison Bigelow -- Thank you, Peter, you are a true inspiration! I was one of the lucky ones that "had" you daily in my living room, via electronic mail! To be part of your life for a year, the last of your life, has affected me greatly. Your wit and perspective are sorely missed.
• cody allan west -- north carolina
• Steve Gothard -- I would like to see a prosecutor in California indict Federal Judge George H. King for murder.
• Smokin Louie -- Peter was Murdered! Remember the KIA's of the war on you!
• Duane- Hawaii -- A few years ago I started reading Peter's books. I regularly went to his website for an injection of strength. It all was simplified and clear. It was as if he was knowing what I wanted the answers to... He continues to be an inspiration to me. There aren't enough Peter Mcwilliams in this world.
• Patrick Henry -- This man's death will be repaid in full.
• J. Dixon -- Thank you, Peter, for being a voice of Libertarianism. In a world populated by those that would see their fellow man enslaved you spoke out freely and with much sincerity. You will be sorely missed, my friend. May the revolution of society commence!
• Clint Makowichuk -- I live in Smoky Lake AB
• mds1954 -- TEXAS
• Beverly Bavaro -- ohmygod ... I just found out he's dead and I am grieving. I am in shock. And so saddened. This man did so much good in his lifetime. He will live forever through his words, his books. I will always pass along his words, his insights and his beliefs - which I share. I'm so sorry you are gone...
• David Ben Moishe Ben Eliazar -- Man is born free and this man was enslaved by an outdated Federal Statute, The Drug Laws SUCK because they are promulgated and administered by putzesKr This Man
• Pat B. -- His poetry was inspiring. I have read the books so many times that they are falling apart. He will be missed.
• eccentric -- sydney nsw australia
• Teresa Garrett -- You were an inspiration to me.
• matt
• Dave Buote -- "OverGrow The Goverment!!!" if you got it plant it!
• John Leap -- An amazing man whose writings helped me open my eyes to the lack of reason that permeates our society. Ignorance is an incredibly hard thing to overcome. He will be sorely missed.
• anonynous
• Steve Stackhouse -- He was a great and funny writer, despite an obvious and great deal of personal pain. I can only imagine how many others he may have touched through his life and his writings.
• Elaine -- I have known Peter since he first published his first book. I have only talked on the phone with him, but we talked and laughed many times. I do miss this man of wisdom.
• bobobee
• Stephanie Matthew
• Shasha [Virginia] -- Please legalize medical marijuana. If tobacco and alcohol are legal; there is NO reason to ban marijuana!
• Craig Savel -- Killed by McCaffrey and the DEA because he chose to use a plant that the Government does not give permission for its subjects to use.
• Sherry Yates -- Peter's book, Come Love With Me and Be My Life has been my inspiration to write and to love. You will not be forgotten and sadly missed by many. Heaven is blessed with your presence. Jacksonville, Florida
• Anonymous -- Wisconsin
• Nadine -- Peter McWilliams' poetry has made an indescribable impat on my life. I never got the chance to know him, but I will never forget him.
• azurensces -- South Africa /''''' I feel your pain - You felt our strength / We are one being
• anonymous
• Will Andrews -- Ain't Nobody's Business If You Do is easily the most influential book I have ever read. I have bought several copies of it because I keep loaning it to people and never get it back. It's a small price to pay if we can start to open some minds though. Than
• Willis B. Boyce -- New York City
• Ramon Dailey -- McWilliams never failed to touch me through his books. I briefly spoke with him by email a few months ago and found him intelligent, charming and kind. His writings heavily influenced me in my own search for truth. And he gives them away for free online! Truly an admirable man. He is missed.
• Alan -- Peter's book You Can't Afford the Luxury... changed my life by making me understand the power of my thoughts. I'll always be grateful to Peter for helping me change the way I think about myself and my life.

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