As organizers of one of the largest, most controversial political rallies in Northwest history we have continuously held an enormous responsibility to the hemp movement, our supporters and the community at large to choose the course we feel most effective at achieving our primary goal.
We believe our track record as it relates to public safety, community relations and popular support to be impeccable. However, in our opinion both the anticipated financial and personal costs of obtaining the neccessarry permits and production of this year's event would be greater than the potential outcome. Here is why...
Seattle Hempfest has grown exponentially, keeping pace with the sleeping giant that is America's hemp movement, and has undisputably conquered many obstacles while achieving great strides towards establishing the local hemp movement and gaining national noteriety. However, decent and gentle human beings remain in prisons, medical patients are still denied relief from suffering, as you read this forests are being leveled and citizens are being denied the economic benefits that would come from agricultural and industrial hemp production.
It is because of the reasons above, and in light of the scheduled "Hemp Education Day" (Aug.5, Olympia) and the"1996 Northwest Hemp and Music Festival"(Aug.11, Eugene) both of which will bring the majority of national hemp activists to the Northwest, that we have chosen to suspend Hempfest and embark on a mission to transform a popular movement in Washington State into a political force. It is to this end that we are concentrating our efforts into producing the first ever "Washington State Hemp Voter's Guide" covering all of this state's 49 legislative districts and the candidates within. We hope to tap in to the enormous hemp vote with a statewide voter registration drive and the subsequent voter information listing candidate's positions on the multi-faceted issue.
Summary: There is a war being waged against our culture by those who stand to profit from prohibition. Like all wars this produces atrocities. We ask for your support in our attempts to bring reason and justice to the debate around this issue. When these things are accomplished we will tirelessly work to produce the greatest hempfest of all time.
This decision has left us with a task that is not as fun, sexy or exciting as producing a gathering in the park but it is just as challenging. True change of public policy continues to come with great sacrifice and dedication and we will use all avenues available in our quest for freedom and liberty for all peoples of all nations.
Sincerly,
Vivian McPeak
Seattle Hempfest