Tell Congress to re-legalize marijuana, 4/21

Below is a message I received from the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (www.norml.org) asking people to contact their Representative on Monday in support of HR 5843 (Act to Remove Federal Penalties for Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults.  It is sponsored by Barney Frank (D-MA) and Ron Paul (R-TX).

 

Congressman David Price's office numbers are 202-225-1784 (Washington), 919-688-3004 (Durham), 919-967-7924 (Chapel Hill), and 919-859-5999 (Raleigh), website www.house.gov/price. 

 

NORML's Keith Stroup: Celebrate 4/20-ReLegalize It 4/21!

April 19, 2008

Dear Friend of Freedom,

I'm writing today to urge you to be a part of history.  That's right, I said history.

For the first time in nearly 25 years, NORML is spearheading a campaign in Congress to end the federal prohibition of marijuana. Congress created cannabis prohibition, and the courts say time and again to reformers: 'Congress is the place to change marijuana laws.'

Bi-Partisan Support in Congress for Reform
To wage this long-overdue effort, NORML has teamed up with two of our closest Congressional allies: Democrat Congressman Barney Frank from Massachusetts and Republican Congressman Ron Paul of Texas.  Over the past several months I have worked closely with these courageous Representatives to draft legislation that would strip the federal government of its authority to enforce marijuana possession laws.  This legislation is now pending before Congress as House Bill HR 5843, an 'Act to Remove Federal Penalties for Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults.'

Yes indeed, for the first time in more than two decades, we have legislation in Congress that, if enacted, would end the federal prosecution of adult marijuana consumers!

The Federal Marijuana Decrim Bill
As introduced, NORML's proposal would eliminate all federal penalties prohibiting the personal use and possession of up to three ounces of marijuana.  Under our measure, adults who consume cannabis would no longer face arrest, prison, or even the threat of a civil fine.  In addition, this bill eliminates all penalties prohibiting the not-for-profit transfers of up to one ounce of pot.  In other words, for the first time since 1937, the possession, use, and transfer of marijuana by adults would be legal under federal law!

I must admit, in my 40+ years working on marijuana law reform, I've rarely been as excited about the introduction of a piece of legislation – or its prospects of success – as I am today.  That is why I'm humbly asking you to join me in making this effort the success I know it can be, but only with your help.

Sustained Funding Drives Successful Congressional Educational Campaigns
Waging and maintaining a high-profile Congressional campaign like this one requires sustained funding, and it requires the involvement of tens of thousands of dedicated citizens like you.  By donating $50.00 or more today to NORML's 2008 'Re-Legalization' Campaign, you will enable us to:

Lobby the Democrat Congress for hearings in support of ending the federal government's war on weed;
Build a broad coalition of diverse and powerful allies to petition Congress to pass HR 5843 ;
Coordinate national media efforts to generate frequent news stories and television appearances favorable to HR 5843.

Of course, generating substantive support for HR 5843, requires more than just your financial assistance; it also requires a small donation of your time. 

Celebrate Cannabis On 4/20 — Help Re-Legalize It On 4/21!
For a moment, just imagine the impact of 1,000 phone calls to Congress – all on the same day, all at the same time, all with one single message: stop arresting responsible marijuana consumers!  Now imagine the impact of 10,000 phone calls – or even 50,000 calls – jamming the Congressional phone lines!  That's the outpouring of support we need to show to Congress, and it's the type of support we intend to generate – with your help.

You are receiving this heartfelt appeal from me today, as are hundreds of thousands of other NORML supporters.  And on Monday, April 21, we need every one of you to send an unmistakeable and unforgettable message to the 110th Congress. 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS 
LET'S MAKE APRIL 21 A DAY THAT CONGRESS NEVER FORGETS!

NORML needs you to call your Congressional Representative on Monday, April 21, and deliver the following message:

"Millions of hard-working Americans use marijuana.  Most consume it responsibly, in the privacy of their own homes, and in a manner similar to alcohol.  Why then are we spending millions of dollars each year to arrest these otherwise law-abiding individuals?  It's time to end the madness; it's time to stop arresting responsible marijuana consumers.  I urge you to support House Bill HR 5843, an 'Act to Remove Federal Penalties for Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults'.

(You can contact the office of your US Representative directly dialing the Congressional Switchboard at 202-224-3121.)

After you have done so, we also ask that you please e-mail this message to Congress.  Simply click here and enter your zip code and NORML will instantly send a pre-written message in your name to your Congressional Representative. 

Imagine the 'buzz' on Capitol Hill as thousands upon thousands of phone calls and e-mails begin pouring in to the Congressional offices in support of legalizing marijuana.  Never before has the marijuana law reform movement made this sort of political statement to Washington; we intend to make it a statement that our elected officials won't soon forget.  As I said at the opening of this letter, we truly will be making history!

Sincerely,

R. Keith Stroup, Esq.
Founder
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
legal at norml period org

PS: If you are organizing one of the hundreds of '4/20' festivals taking place around the country or a SuperHighMe DVD house party, we also ask that you spread the word in support of HR 5843, and that you ask your supporters and guests to join us and take action on April 21.