No Red Lights for the JRMMA!
MADISON: A second week of targeted activism in support of the Jacki Rickert MMJ Act brought more patients and advocates to the State Capitol while others were active at locations across the state.
On Tuesday, in Oshkosh, at the corner of Wisconsin and High Streets, supporters of AB554/SB368, the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act staged an enthusiastic gathering that attracted hundreds. The organizer of the event, IMMLY Field Director Jay Selthofner, set up his Traveling Hemp and Cannabis Tour exhibits from earlier events he staged in Berlin and Wisconsin Rapids.
The event was welcomed by a large number of passersby, including students, families and local business operators. Frequent cheers of support and calls and shouts of Jacki Rickert's signature slogan, "THIS BILL, THIS TIME" rang out from the crowds and nearby UW-Oshkosh dorms, Honks of support from a wide variety of motorists including passenger cars, Oshkosh City vehicles, school buses and even a passing squad car, filled the air. Advocates held signs supporting the JRMMA, many with the phone number of State Senator Randy Hopper's Capitol office and State Rep. Richard Spanbauer, who represent parts of the Oshkosh area. So many calls flooded in that his that phone lines were frequently busy. People could be seen copying the number off signs and calling from cars, and the street.
IState Sen. Randy Hopper
Later, in solidarity with a Michigan medical marijuana patient fired by Wal-Mart despite the state's mmj law, activists headed to a local Wal-Mart and continued to raise awareness of the JRMMA and medical cannabis. Later, they circled back to Wisconsin and High Streets for more. A "second shift" of advocates came in and the event continued into the evening. Selthofner tells us that supporters also plan to be back at Wisconsin and High beginning at 12:30pm this Friday March 19 to restart the festivities.
Another event to build support and awareness is the Statewide Day of Prayer for Compassion, being held on Tuesday, March 23. There will be a noon ceremony at the Capitol's State St. steps landing outside the Capitol building, and information tabling in the first floor rotunda. Participants statewide and whereever compassion is a virtue will unite and share their hopes and prayers for this merciful change in state law with a moment of silence at 12:30 pm.
Pray for Compassion March 23
Some ways to help pass the JRMMA:
*Participate in the Tuesday, March 23, Statewide Day of Prayer for Compassion.
* Send pre-written, editable letter to Legislators:
http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=14115736 or
http://bit.ly/JRMMA
* Find out Who Represents you and their contact information: http://www.legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/waml/waml.aspx
* Call your Legislators: Toll-free Legislative Hotline: 1-800-362-9472
* Send a Letter to the Editor of a local or state paper:
http://www.mapinc.org/resource/how2lte.htm
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