Peter McWilliams, 1950-2000
 


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.

On June 14, we lost you. But we will not forget you.

roses


  • Norma Jean Almodovar, Los Angeles CA -- "It is MY life- why then do they not let me live?"
  • Michel Desgranges -- A french publisher, I was in awe with the struggle that Peter McWilliams fought.
  • Bonnie B. -- Houston. I wish I could thank Peter for his sacrifice. The world will remember.
  • Mike Good -- editor, Memphis, TN
  • Michel Kelly-Gagnon -- Montreal, Quebec
  • Vann Boseman -- He chose to be a hero and count more than others by bravely living.
  • Daniel Ness -- My vision of Peter is of him standing alone in front of the tank, at peace with his decision. A HERO.
  • Karen Fincher -- Peter's courage has amazed us all. His life story prods us to continue to fight the Drug War.
  • Amber Pawlik -- I am sorry for your loss. His life influenced many people, you should be proud. Erie PA
  • Bob Odden -- While I did not know Peter, it took courage to take on our Central Government.
  • Jeff Mills -- It is because of Peter's book that I got into libertarianism. I will truly miss him.
  • Scott & Maria Kimura -- WA- Your courage has inspired all of us in this War against personal freedom. Thank You!
  • Jimbo -- An example of the way central government crushes all that is good in this world. He is a true hero.
  • The Reverend James L. Koledo -- We will continue your work!
  • Jennifer Ellis -- You opened my eyes and they will never be closed again.
  • Rob Davis -- What a world we would have if we all put forth actions that match or exceed our convictions.
  • Raul Sandoval -- Austin, TX: Your struggle will NEVER be forgotten! Now you are in a place where there is no pain...
  • Joel Dake -- Your death reminds us of the escalating human toll this war continues to inflict.
  • Voice in a chior -- We will not forget, nor will we allow the war on innocents to continue
  • Rebecca Fransway -- Davis, Calfornia -- Peter McWilliam's life and death will NOT be in vain. This war WILL end.
  • Eric Winters, Portland OR -- Perhaps the most poignant example of the depravity of the War on Drugs
  • Joanne C. Clark -- Olathe, Kansas "Laws grind the poor, and rich men rule the law"..Goldsmith.
  • J. Goard -- This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you.
  • Matt Wade -- San Antonio & College Station, TX : I didn't know you, but I respect what you have done for us
  • Michael Klamer --
  • Aaron Krechel --
  • Jacques --
  • Mike Buczek -- I'm a raging homosexual who smokes marijuana. Gays pot-smokers love you, Peter
  • Brendan Kraft -- Thanks for giving up your life to show the rest of us that one man can change people's opinions. 215
  • Laurie Corzett -- http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Parthenon/8401
  • Benjy Russell -- Tulsa, Oklahoma. We will never forget the impact that you have made or the battle you have fought
  • Kyle T -- His courage inspired thousands ... St Louis
  • Richard Charboneau -- The Government Of The United States killed this man, we must never forget that Peter was a Hero!
  • Jonathan -- My condolences to the family! Perhaps his message will go even farther now that he's not trapped.
  • Pat Henry -- Liberty or Death, and we know the governments postion on this statement!
  • Andy Mowery -- Telluride, CO We will never forget
  • Sam -- North Carolina
  • David Cordova -- Phoenix Az, - May his thoughts spawn a brighter, more educated future for all of us
  • Lena Wade --
  • Erica Threnn -- You're gone, but perhaps the flame of your goal will burn stronger with your memories. We're fighting.
  • Randy Stastny -- Atlanta, GA
  • J. Saunders, Physician -- How can so many good people be blind to the plan and simple truth? Fight the good, fight.
  • Bruce Rideout, Madison, WI -- I e-mailed with Peter and was crushed at the news of his murder. His memory cries out for peace.
  • Daniel Franks--Santa Cruz CA -- A dear casualty in a desperate war of lethal ignorance. Peter will be missed but not forgotten.
  • Bob B. -- His writings impressed me greatly. He is an American true martyr. BB, Florida
  • Kevin O'Hare --
  • Omied Moayedi -- Peter was a great inspiration to speak out w/out any inhibitions. He was also a vast source of wisdom
  • Bob and Christine Shock -- Peter did not go gently into that good night...nor shall we...we will continue the fight.
  • Charles A. Stuppy -- For your courageous contribution to the freedom movement, we thank you. We shall fight on.
  • Joshua Ligon --
  • starfighter0 --
  • Dan Overholtzer -- Edgewood, Washington - Farewell, Peter. You are an example for us all to folllow.
  • Tom Barrus, Pharmacist -- The federal government, a continuing criminal enterprise, murdered Peter through prohibition.
  • anonymous -- Bush called it a war. When they finally lose, they must be tried and convicted. Pro Patria Vigilans
  • Joseph Crowe -- Austin, TX - Another shining light for liberty passes on....good journey, Peter.
  • Robin Parham -- Dallas,Tx....Peter, we will not let your fight go down in vain... your legacy will live on. Peace
  • William D. Cameron -- a free man
  • Brian Bustamante -- Boca Raton, Florida--Peter's demise has sparked anew the need to stop government dictated morality.
  • Eve Maler -- Peter, rest in peace. We'll make sure your message is heard.
  • Susan Lady Knight -- We will not forget. God Bless You. From California
  • Donald D. Henson -- El Paso, Texas
  • Donna Tello -- San Diego, CA
  • Irene -- Thank you Peter for your humor and standing up for freedom and rights. God bless you forever.
  • Greg --
  • abbey laine -- new orleans
  • Joshua Richard -- Lake Arthur, LA
  • PaLoma -- God Bless you for your courage and faith
  • Lene Johansen -- Norway - This was a meaningless death
  • me --
  • Joe Michael Cobb -- Rest in peace, my friend.
  • Greg Clark -- I thank Peter for his books. "How to Survive" helped me live through my worst days.
  • Gene Berkman -- I have sold Peter's books at the Renaissance Bookshop, & they were alway full of humor & compassion
  • Ronald T Shaw -- Peter, a True Warrior.
  • Benjamin Parkinson - Hayward, CA -- Peter McWilliams deserves eternal life. This man who has stood up to injustice could never die.
  • Benjamin Parkinson -- I wish that I had as much courage as Peter McWilliams. He stands for bravery and wisdom. BP
  • Jim Rongstad -- Woodbury, Minnesota
  • Absaraka --
  • Lauren Oliver -- Houston, Tx.- Thank You Peter. You will not be be forgotten.
  • Maggie Kohls -- Libertarian Party of Chicago - what a shame! You couldn't meet a nicer person.
  • Randy Hafner -- La Crescent, MN
  • Mark J. Shar -- Truly sorry I never got to meet Peter. I would like to have spoken with him at least once.
  • Lance M. Brown -- Nevada City, CA- Thanks for helping me be freer, Peter! Don't worry, we'll finish what you started.
  • anonymous Waupaca WI -- The second civil war in this country is raging. McWilliams was another honorable freedom fighter.
  • Bob Rodgers of San Diego -- It's a crime that our sick are treated as criminals while so many of us plead for help.
  • Diane C. Wood -- ...truly an inspiration and hero...
  • Juanita Ramirez -- Upland, CA...Few are willing to stand up in the face of final adversity and continue to shout the
  • Gary L. Fincher -- Windsor, Connecticut
  • Jeff Dallacqua -- ". . . fear the time when Manself will not suffer and die for a concept . . ."
  • vatroslav -- croatia(hrvatska)
  • james reinke -- im sorry this can happen in america
  • Yael R. Dragwyla -- Peter, may you reincarnate into a free world.
  • Arch Wakefield -- I spoke with Peter McWilliams
  • Diane R. Fornbacher aka Honeybud Weedwhacker -- A hero is never celebrated or remembered enough but always endures through time.
  • Teena Southern -- Peter will be remembered with Jefferson, Paine, Lincoln and the rest of the true patriots.
  • Jane Marcus -- Your martyrdom will not be in vain.
  • No More War -- Atlanta, Your birthday will someday be a national holiday. Peace be with you.
  • Will Philips -- Another voice silenced by the war on drugs, another man murdered by his own government.
  • Debbie Helms, RN -- You died like you lived- fighting to the end. We have lost a great warrior- dallas, tx
  • Mary R. - Chicago bookseller -- Thank you for a lifetime of beautiful writing. Your words will live on. I will miss you dearly.
  • John Taylor of Carolina -- Greater love hath no man ...
  • Zoot -- Ligth pushes away darkness. The evil minds directing the war on drugs will be defeated.
  • Shawna "ziggy" Martin -- keep your chin up. blessed be. mesa az
  • Butch Davidson -- There are no hero's. Just normal people who are asked to do heroic things. Peter said YES, loudly.
  • Jennifer Lukich, California -- Our prayers are with you
  • Victor Milán -- American hero, assassination victim. Never forget, never forgive.
  • Molly McDonald -- Hattiesburg, MS---You are gone, but not forgotten. Pot smokers of the world unite and give thanks.
  • dj Mo'Negro -- My deepest condolences to friends and family. I shed tears in memory of your strength
  • Ramsay Monegro -- Los Angeles Ca
  • Jeff Wolfe -- Columbus, OH -- I knew him only through his work, but he influenced me as few others have.
  • Grier Ellis - Callahan, FL -- Peter was a real American hero, a gentle freedom fighter, a man to be proud of.
  • John Perich -- Boston, MA
  • Adam Wheeler -- Seek freedom or it will disappear. Elmira, NY
  • Leslie Kilgore -- Overland Park, KS
  • JERRELL -- When will the day come that the government will see that this is an herb that helps not hurts...
  • dianne&scott -- RIP 8)
  • Allan Wallace -- Atlanta, Georgia -- You will live on in the word you wrote and in the hearts & minds you still touch
  • Jennifer W. -- Missouri
  • Doyle P. Jones -- To a great fighter for freedom-we thank you!
  • Jacques --
  • Alex Knapp -- Worcester, MA -- Peter was a testement to those who loved life. May he rest in peace.
  • Nick -- United Kingdom
  • Andrew S. Rogers -- Seattle, Washington
  • poison -- hell yeah! i love ya..... maybe up in heaven you are still getting smoked up :)
  • Samantha Bolden -- KCMO~ Your memory lives on...and so does the fight!
  • Bruce A.Smth -- Douglas, Michigan 49406-0708
  • Rick Wolff -- What is the objective of what killed him--his safety? Renoist logic. Sadly, Reno outlived him.
  • Misty Isaacs -- Hamilton, Ohio
  • laur -- cincinnati,oh
  • Rudy Coby -- We'll miss you....
  • Sam (again) -- My wish is that one day Peter will be hailed as a Patriot who gave all for individual freedom.
  • Pat Douglas -- Omaha - resistance - recognition
  • Bethann -- Fitchburg, Massachusetts
  • Eric Crampton -- Fairfax, VA
  • william godoy --
  • Jake Troughton -- Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. We were more for having him, and we shouldn't have lost him.
  • Robert Hall -- Mr. McWilliam's story is testimony to the continuing evils of an overreaching government.
  • Beth Doblosky, NJ -- One of the many victims of the War on Drugs. The federal agents who put him in jail are murderers.
  • James Waddell -- Murdered by the State...Farewell, good man.
  • Jimmy Wheeler -- Peter is not gone, his heart and soul live on in the words he so generously left us. Tacoma, WA.
  • Dee David Gallatin -- Salt Lake City, UT. Like pro-freedom writers of the past, Peter's writing will change the world.
  • Eric Oppen -- McWilliams was murdered as sure as if they'd shot him. My condolences to his near and dear ones.
  • Dave Rizzo -- Peter's personal warmth will server to keep his spirit and memory alive in our hearts forever.
  • Brian Tomlinson -- Peter wasall we all should be. This is a friendship and example cannot be replaced. Austin, Texas.
  • Nekospaceman -- Thanks for your contributions to keeping America free. You will not be forgotten
  • Jess G.Williams -- Washington State; Peter was a victim of the war on us. may he rest in peace. FF---~
  • Michael Serafin -- Chicopee,MA. The flame of Liberty burns weaker with your passing.
  • Ray Thomas, "Bull Cutter," "Sierra Times" -- Denver, CO: I wish I could say this was the first government murder of a dissident. But I can't.
  • James Simons -- Don't let what he fought for die along with him.
  • Mike McIntyre -- Birmingham, AL - Our loss is Heaven's gain, as I am sure that Peter is as entertaining as ever.
  • Matt Vest -- Irving, TX - Thanks for coming.
  • D. Paul Stanford -- Portland, Oregon. Your work lives on. We shall overcome. Thank you for your inspirational wit. Love!
  • Seraph -- Dallas, TX - The war on drugs keeps raging on, we should all fight like Peter did...
  • Jordan Phillips -- Houston, Tx
  • Kate Nicholls, FL -- Peter's case is what made me look into the libertarian party. Now I'm becoming an activist!
  • Edward Tj Brown -- McWilliams writings opened my eyes, my mind, my heart and my soul. 357 Second St SWPerham MN 56573
  • Matt Niemi --
  • Donna Tello -- Upon the death of my husband, Libertarian activist, Dennis Thompson in 1994 Peter's book helped me.
  • Russell Bonner Bentley III -- On the run from federal marijuana charges. I read Pete's book in prison. God bless him.
  • Jim Davidson - the originator of Reefers to Reno -- http://www.DoingFreedom.com/df.0600.lrtupd72.html take action!
  • Stewart Smith -- Edinburgh
  • dlojksennaD -- In aggravating some with truth, you set an admirable example for the rest of us. HayekMises@aol.com
  • Jesper Juul Keller -- http://kyotaku.tripod.com/libertarian.html
  • John -- Omaha, NE- You were my hero and i will always remember you, thank you
  • Gabe Rivera -- Portland, OR
  • David Malmo-Levine -- A good book and a great life is a wonderful gift for all of us.
  • Greg Clark -- Dear Peter:
  • JIM GILLAM -- FALKLAND, BC, CANADA.....freedom and truth..words to live by..thanks Peter
  • Denise -- Topeka, KS - The world is lonlier without your warmth courage and humor
  • Matt, Houston -- A great man who will be missed.
  • Richard N. Freedman -- North Billerica, MA - We must end this sham "war on drugs" - too many losses to "friendly fire."
  • kathleen chippi -- colorado. towards truth march on with us great spirit
  • Charles Williams --
  • Rev. George Nelson -- You used your life and along the way you have gained a few pearls of wisdom that are forever yours.
  • Chad Inmon -- Peter was a true hero
  • Mark Phillip Mannina -- For a Hero: De Opressor Liber!
  • John Flados -- I and other member of HoustonNORML are saddened by this cruel and sad twist of fate. We'll remember!
  • Michael Long -- North East, PA. All the best. May your death help unite us.
  • Bill Gilliland -- Nuremburg trials for drug warriors!
  • Brad Spangler -- What times these are - that being good, decent and courageous makes one an Enemy of the State...
  • Juanita Ramirez -- truth. I salute you!
  • Todd Zullinger (PA) -- Peter's book, Ain't Nobody's Business If You Do, was an incredible work. He will be missed greatly.
  • Kamye Craig -- May you rest in peace
  • vatroslav -- croatia(hrvatska),i think he was a great man and a true fighter for his rights and ideals
  • Vicente Garcia -- When will enough be enough God Bless ,Lovell,Wyo.
  • Yael R. Dragwyla -- We lost a giant when Peter McWilliams died. Now it behooves us to become giants ourselves. God bless
  • Bruce Baecher -- Abilene, Texas
  • Mark B. Wilson, Killeen, TX -- Peter's writing and example helped me see the real meaning of freedom. Peter, you are a hero indeed.
  • micheal porter -- a pointless, tragic death
  • S J Williams -- My the Angels above Hold you for all the love you have given and for what was denied you...Peace
  • Rebecca Stempfle -- Minneapolis, Minnesota: He was a great man who died fighting for liberty
  • Peter and Elaine St. John-Lagenaur -- Cincinnati
  • Ted Kane -- L. A. I exchanged email with Peter. He was always informative and entertaining. I miss him.
  • LST -- For Freedom, For Liberty, Forever.


 
 
 

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