I'm glad to report that it t'was a sunny day and God shined on our event at Burlington City Hall Park, just a few blocks from Lake Champlain.

We probably had over 1,000 people in attendance through the course of the event, which ran from 12:30 til 4:20.

I emceed the event and didn't have any dead air time, introducing various speakers and the Channel 2 Dub Band who provided excellent musical entertainment.

We had a medical marijuana petition that was signed by over 240 people recommending our legislators pass the most stringent med. mj. law in the country.

I had a variety of politicians and anti-prohibitionists including a neurologist and the former? Head of Western Ops for the CIA speaking out against the WAR.

All 3 major TV networks did a story on their 6 o'clock and 11 o'clock evening news. None were negative and actually had myself and another person interviewed so we could say our piece without too much editorializing and censorship. The biggest alternative paper in Vt.- Seven Days (they have a website) sent some reporters and I and others did interviews with them that should be published this Thursday.

There were no arrests!

Just as I did in '99, I reminded people that this was a serious protest and not an excuse to get high in public and that we wanted to send the right image to the TV public.

Everyone said they had a great time which was great but I reminded them of all the PO's that weren't having such a good day and they all better get off their butts and do something - ANYTHING! - write to your legislators, call them, email them, get rid of them and elect people who will change the laws, write LTE's, talk to your neighbors and friends, etc. etc.

I discussed the medical, industrial uses of hemp in addition to the civil liberties issue and how prohibition began. We gave out a lot of literature on cannabis facts and figures and had NORML and MPP literature to dispense as well as stuff from FIJA.

Only 3 uniformed cops were at the event and when I asked them how they enjoyed this easy assignment they said they were having a pleasant time except for some drunk.

In '99 we had no uniformed officers and I was really surprised. Until the 3 uniforms showed up there was a cop car that circled the park for a couple hours, but all was peaceful and there was no reason for them to get involved.

So since it's pretty much of a thankless job-organizing an MMM(I started jan.1st and worked til May 4th with just a couple hours of sleep the nite before), I'll take this opportunity to pat myself on the back for a job well done and well received and well-publicized and attended.

Unfortunately most of the UVM students would rather have a 4/20 smoke-in in the sanctuary of their campus than to venture forth in the real world and stand up and speak out. I did allow a tent for a student trying to start a Students for a Sensible Drug Policy, and as mentioned got people interested in NORML and the MPP and other groups as well.

Hopefully everyone came away more informed and more motivated and for those that watched it on TV, they too will become more active. Hope everyone else organizing an MMM had good weather, turnout and a peaceful event! Best wishes,

Denny Lane