VIGILS VIGILS VIGILS

Seattle Vigil in the urban core

You will be happy to know that our most recent vigil on September 29th went superbly. Much to our surprise the vigil's presence would soon disrupt the regular "business" of 3rd and Pine St. Upon our arrival, it might seem that the street dealers would see the worst possible situation happen for their "business turf".

Suddenly, out of nowhere, there we were. Dozens of people arrived on an already highly policed turf drawing attention more to themselves. And what were we talking about? Drug Arrests! "Anything but this," said one of the dealers. Although some of them became extremely nervous at first, soon several were standing right there with us and convincing their friends about our humane approach to drug policy. It was an encouraging cross-cultural alliance and victory.

We found that every type of person goes downtown, and our vigil was noticed by a diverse cross-section of society including high-powered executives, city government officials and many racial minorities. Hundreds of people stopped to talk with us about the issue including local police officers. Not only were the cops supportive of our cause, but they had Hempfest stickers on their bikes to boot! We look forward to our next venture to the concrete jungle and await the chance to talk to the masses again.

Dominic Holden - Seattle TNC/Hemp Coalition/NORML of Washington

I recently held the first of one-week vigils at the historic corners of Palm Canyon Drive and Taquitz McCallum Drive. Thanks to the thoughtful November Coalition.

Missouri National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws proudly held The Third Annual MedicaLegal Conference Taking Place at Washington University's Busch Hall on Saturday October 21st.

Social and political aspects of The War on Some Drugs include the health benefits of marijuana, which are being denied an estimated 30% of the American populace.
Reverend Jeffrey Christen-Mitchell.com

(Editor's note: the following email language is what a lot of Internet communication actually looks like on paper. This electronic correspondence from TNC's John Chase in Florida to November l-list people (all over the country) is the organizational 'blood' of our large and growing network of local volunteers. John simply shares Teresa's dedicated commitment with others.)

Wed, 25 Oct 2000 02:18:07 -0400
From:"John Chase" <chaseng@mindspring.com>
Organization: November Coalition http://www.november.org/
To:november-l@november.org
All -
This message is from Teresa Aviles, a woman in the Bronx whose son, Isidro Aviles, died in prison, probably from lack of medical care, even though she will never know for sure.
She and I have been in touch ever since I helped her with a flyer she used to announce periodic lunch-vigils at a public park in the Bronx to tell the world about her son.
Please read on . . .
John Chase
johnc@november.org

~~~~~~~~~
Dear John,
Every morning I get up filled with rage and thinking of my son. I try to channel that anger towards something positive, and this morning I was thinking about something that was said in Church on Sunday about November being the month that we remember those who have passed away.

I decided that I would hold a vigil in memory of those who are casualties of the war on drugs. I will get a few of my family members together and march to the cemetery with my posters. This way I will feel that I am keeping the vigils alive and doing a little public awareness at the same time. I think it is very important to keep this going. I know we all have a tendency to stay inside during the winter months, but I think that one day a month during the winter is not too much to ask of friends and family so I am committing myself to one day a month.
In December I will do the Christmas party and I will decide on something for January. If you get any ideas let me know. Also, if you or anyone you know wants to donate items suitable for a gift for a child, please let me know.
Until then, peace and love, - Teresa