Madison NORML

Typical of these sad stories is the case of Chris Lankford.

Of the hundreds gathered at Library Mall to parade up State Street, as part of the annual Marijuana Harvest Fest last October 8, it's safe to say none expected to spend the night in jail for passing a white cylindrical object to a fellow marcher as the parade began.

Unfortunately, while most marchers safely made it to the State St. steps of the Capitol, two were seized by UW Police Officer Mike Mansavage. One of the two, Chris Lankford, is now facing FELONY DISTRIBUTION charges for an arrest made without probable cause.

On Tuesday April 24, at 10:30 a.m., there will be a preliminary hearing on the felony charges at which Officer Mansavage will have to take the stand and submit to questioning by Peter Steinberg, Lankford's lawyer. For anyone who has ever been given a hard time by a police officer over cannabis, this will also be an opportunity to see the tables turned. Officer Mansavage is also notorious for arresting US Senate candidate Ben Masel and emptying a can of pepper spray in his face in June 2006, as Ben collected signatures for his nomination papers, like other candidates often have done.

That alone should make it worth showing up, but more importantly, we must show up to support Chris Lankford to send a strong message to Dane County DA Brian Blanchard that this wasteful persecution is just plain wrong.

Chris took a bust that could have been anyone. The rest of us got off lucky. So invest in a little time and be at the Dane County Courthouse, 215 S. Hamilton St. in downtown Madison, Room 1A at 10:30 am. As always, arrive early to clear the metal detectors, and make sure you leave anything they might detect at home.

Have a safe and hempy 4/20, and see you at the courthouse Tuesday!