On the steps of the Long Beach court house for Joe Grumbine and Joe Byron December 11th, 2012. Join them again in January @ 415 W. Ocean Boulevard. 4th. Floor - Dept. C.
Free and Open to the Public.
The day started like most court support days, putting on our Sunday best, a smile, a Solidarity Ribbon, and an early start! With protest signs, banners, and great energy, the activists began their daunting job of trying to enlighten the public of the injustice happening to these two innocent people, and to the many thousands of others just like them.
Jury Nullification, "Free Joe" pleas, and No Jail for a Plant signs stomped up and down the sidewalk. Activists and protesters stopping to talk and educate anyone interested. Those that continued to go by without a glance or a question - could not avoid hearing Rory Murray's songs of injustice and their messages being sung.
Even our four legged friends know right from wrong and come out in support! Meatball is just one of our fearless K9's that fight for freedom. Come out and say hello to him, grab a brochure, or even go inside and witness the injustice happening for yourself! Many can't believe just how bad it is until they see it firsthand.
Friends and supporters from all over come to Long Beach and attempt to educate the public outside the courthouse while waiting for the 8:30 AM hearing.
Even though Joe was not released yet due to technicalities of the property bail, supporters caught a glimpse of Joe and he them as he was shuttled in and out of the courtroom in handcuffs behind his back. When Joe entered, 23 people quietly and proudly, stood up. Just like an audience must do when a judge or jury enters a room. The battle he's fighting and his stance, is that important.
Solidarity Ribbon wearers continue to make history as it was realized later, this proud act has never been done for someone being prosecuted for Cannabis, and many supporters are considering a "standing" ritual.
Joe Grumbine's every motion, everything said or whispered, indeed every movement of the judge and everyone beyond that little wall is constantly scrutinized by 10 to 30 people or more, at any given time.
costano (purposely spelled lower case because of her loathsome role) was late, and it was humorous to witness prosecutions pathetic attempts to suck up to the judge and explain why. her added weight and nerves seem to have affected her facial twitches, which were more comical and exaggerated than usual. Her sloppy appearance and poor ability to hide her depravity from the scrutiny of the audience, seems to have obvious affects every time.
As Joe stands strong and his undying supporters continue to show up, we know that the prosecution is losing, and she knows she's losing. The city of Long Beach wants blood. They've spent too much money, (upwards of over 1 million dollars to date), attempting to prosecute these TWO innocent people. They're not spending that kind of money prosecuting hundreds of rapists or drug pushers on the streets (that continue to sell to our children because of prohibition), no. And not to bad people that have hurt someone or their property.
costano and the city of Long Beach are attempting to send to jail these two caring men that followed California State laws to provide law abiding patients with their natural, legal medicine of choice.
Sometimes better known as Marijuana, Cannabis has proven to be a harmless plant with amazing medicinal properties. Marijuana and Hemp have played and continue to play great roles in the history of humanity's progress, in our religions, our medicines, our traditions, and our countries.
It was a combination of silly and sad to see Joe's glasses sliding down his nose without him being able to push them up and back into place. But he of course didn't seem to notice. Focused on this battle, nothing will stop him. Nothing will stop the wall from falling over.
The question of the day, to people like, costano, and oscar valenzuela, to Judges presiding over cases like these is: Will you be on the right side of history when the wall of prohibition falls over, or the wrong side?
Will you be proud of your accomplishments, your ill gotten battles? Will you tell your children with pride that you were the slave owners of modern times? That you were the prosecutors of innocent people, that you enjoyed locking them up? Will you share with them how families were torn apart, how you stole from them, and how you lied?
The history books will, even if you don't.
Activists and supporters from across this fine country of ours will take your hand and forgive you, we will educate you and help you to see the light. But do not reach out or ask forgiveness after the wall falls or it WILL be too late for you.
Stay tuned for video interviews with Aaron Sandusky's wife Darlene, and Roger Christie's wife, Share. Both came out in support of the Joe's when they could easily be huddled on a couch, not fighting, not standing strong, and not reaching out to those that need them. Big name "activists" dispensary managers, anyone hurt by this war, where are you? Your community needs you. Help us, help you!
Supporters with recognizable faces in this movement, help to give added coverage and attention to the victims of these trials. Ed, the "New Jersey Weedman" giving his support and Jury Nullification education to anyone that will listen, is an invaluable form of activism.
Joe Byon's cafe in Long Beach, "Egg Heaven" has been a Haven for many activists. It's here they are treated to free breakfasts for anyone wearing a Solidarity Ribbon and providing court support. Thank you for breakfast Joe Byron, the 2-2-2 combo is the bomb!
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On our way home Shannon Moreno took some video of our side adventure, a flat tire on Stephanie Landa's car. After circling back and picking them up, we quickly headed straight to court support for Candace Klie, Joe Grumbine's daughter.
Candace valiantly stood up for herself. Seven of us women and one of our men (thank you Parki!) were with her as she bravely told her story while standing next to, the two very large people that physically assaulter her and a friend a few months ago. It seems there's more injustice happening to this family than any family I've ever known, I do hope you'll continue to follow this story and tell everyone you know about ending prohibition.
The war on drugs isn't about saving us, it's money and politics, and it's place in our country and our lives is eventually coming to an end. "No deal!" Stand strong and fight, we aren't criminals, and together we will end this.
If you cannot make it to court support, remember that you can help in other ways. Donations for Joe's legal defense are always appreciated. Phone calls and letters on his behalf are invaluable. Please visit www.The-Human-Solution.org to see what you can do, or donate whatever you can afford. Gas money and paying legal fees help us to continue getting to and fighting at the front lines of every battle.
Thank you for your support. In Solidarity we Stand!
No one should be in jail for a plant. No victim, no crime! Remember to pass the message of Jury Nullification whenever possible! Visit www.fija.org for valuable "Fully Informed Jury Nullification" information!
Next court date for Long Beach set for:
January 24th. - 8:30 AM - 415 West Ocean Blvd. Long Beach. - 4th. Floor - Dept. C
~Joe's family and friends hope that he'll be home in time for Christmas.
Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.~
