I first became aware of this incident when it was shown on FOX News here at Leavenworth Prison Camp in Kansas. I was upset about the fact that this random act of nonsense could attract more publicity than the passing away of compassionate cannabis advocates such as Brownie Mary Rathburn and Tod Mikuriya. The ridiculous antics of a student’s disdain for authority had gained more notoriety than the imprisonment of freedom fighters like Stephanie Landa, Bryan Epis, Keith Alden and myself. I must be satisfied that this has been just another display of the federal government’s abolishment of the 1st Amendment in the form of controlling what news will be “aired” and when.
As a Christian, I do not condone the message, but as an American citizen I must respect the rights of others.
Let us now focus on the decision delivered by Chief Justice John Roberts. The message displayed by Joseph Frederick did not mention drug use. The implication of such use could only be interpreted by a person with intimate knowledge of the use of cannabis, and at best, it is a subliminal message. But that would not serve the multi-billion dollar fraud of the misuse of U.S. tax dollars for the eradication of cannabis.
This is just another display that the U.S. Supreme Court has been reduced to no more than Pharisees: “Having a form of authority, but being denied of the power thereof.” This is also confirmed by the announcement by U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales urging Congress to re-impose mandatory prison sentences. This will over-ride the Booker decision allowing federal judges to sentence according to the individual merits of each case in lieu of mandatory minimums. The Booker ruling allowed judges to remain, in fact, judges. Prosecutors in America are usurping more authority than was granted or implied in judicial proceedings. The Nifong/Duke University Students case is just one example of the miscarriage of justice that is eating away at our civil rights like a gangrenous infection, leaving a stench of decay in its wake.
The Supreme Court Justices and the U.S. Attorneys will bear the “scourge of injustice” in history books and memory, long after the Bush Administration has abandoned the White House like a band of Gypsies.
Now allow me to re-direct the subject here. At this time, I choose to petition one of our most powerful resources in America. I implore energetic students such as Joseph Frederick to refocus their endeavors, their heartfelt desire to be recognized, their unbridled energy into current efforts to make a positive change in the world today. Why make your mark in this world when you could build a movement? Why “tag” with graffiti when you could paint a mural?
Do not despair over current world conditions. Rather, unite constructively to divert the stampede of spiritual and moral decay into the direction of positive change. The benefits of a better world and humanity are the rewards you will inherit as you grow older and accept the “reins of responsibility.” In such a short period of time, you will be at the wheel with your sharper eyes and faster reflexes, driving a much faster vehicle. Develop your skills now and avoid the wreck that may happen later.
Focus on the few who stood out from the crowd in spite of their hardships and surroundings. These are the ones who lived in the world but did not become overwhelmed by it, like Gandhi, the Dalai Lama, Jesus Christ and Mother Teresa. These are the true heroes who made positive changes by way of their heartfelt compassion to conduct themselves in a way that many could learn from. They “walked the walk” at a time when many could only “talk the talk.” They led by example.
When I was in my youth in the 60’s, we questioned authority, protested the war in Vietnam, and encouraged nutritional reform. Many, though, fell to the lure of capitalism and after a while, we became ineffective at making change. There are still a few “Knights of the Old Code” still around, and before we disappear from the face of this earth, into oblivion, we chose to pass on to the next generation a few tools and the knowledge of how to use them to our successors. After all, it is your future, your destiny, but more important, it is your responsibility. If you do not embrace this inheritance, what will you leave for your children? What will be your epitaph?
Invest your God-given talents and energy, your limitless imagination and creativity into something that you can behold. Do not feed into the disrespectful accusations by authorities claiming that you are no more than rebellious, undisciplined, self-serving people with only an intent of instant gratification and living for the moment. I petition you to rise to the occasion and prove them to be the authors of deception that they truly are. Treat one another in a manner that you would want to be treated. Be slow to anger and quick to forgive, in support of each other and in peace. And above all, be compassionate.
A Prisoner of War,
Robert
Be first to comment this article
Only registered users can write comments. Please login or register.
Be first to comment this article
