http://www.ep.tc/realist/131/03.html
The
Realist, #131, Autumn 1996, p. 3
Paul
Krassner
In
the course of attempting to get a marijuana-legalization initiative on the
ballot, six times since 1972, Jack Herer and other activists have lived on the
front lawn of the Federal
Building in Westwood for
a hundred days at a time. They would feed, clothe, and provide portable
bathrooms for petitioners. On the flagpole, the pot-people's flag flew proudly
underneath the American flag.
One
morning in 1981, President-elect Ronald Reagan came to Westwood. It was five
days before his inauguration, and he needed a haircut from his favorite barber.
With his entourage of Secret Service agents, Reagan visited the Federal Building.
"You're
doing a fine job," he told the manager, "and I want you to know that
you can bring any of your problems to us. Incidentally, why are those Canadians
down on the lawn?"
"They're
not Canadians. Those are marijuana protestors, and they live down there 24
hours a day."
Reagan
had mistaken the five-pointed hemp leaf for the maple leaf that is featured on
the Canadian flag. [...]
[Anecdote
repeated at:]
http://hightimes.com/lounge/pkrassner/6638
High
Times, 16 August 2010
The
legacy of Jack Herer is tinged with moments of humor and triumph.
by
Paul Krassner