Operation Johnny Hempseed

Operation Johnny Hempseed

"Make the most of the Indian Hemp Seed and sow it everywhere."

~ George Washington

In the tradition of an American Legend, there is proposed a nationwide, community based, civilian act of civic minded activism with the purposeful intent of rendering, through aggressive action, the forced nullification of current prohibition laws concerning the natural, biblically sanctioned, historic agricultural product known as Hemp/Cannabis.  This is an act of passive yet aggressive civil disobedience focused on the national dispersion of seeds from hemp/cannabis plants in an effort to, as George Washington suggested, sow the seed across the land, from sea to shining sea and across the fruited plain.  Two primary methods of dispersal are to be suggested as well as a sub-cultural publicity campaign to accompany.  The ultimate effect of this program is to ensure that the Hemp/Cannabis plant is so firmly rooted across this country and as widely and diversely spread as possible so as to insure it against any future possibility of eradication.

Insofar as the propagation of the plant, the dispersal of seeds is paramount.  Therefore, any individual who finds themselves in the possession of Hemp/Cannabis seed and who does not intend any specific use of those seeds such as a food product or any other commercial or personal use, should undertake the role suggested herein.  By assuming the mantle of Johnny Hempseed, any seed possessing citizen activist should actively dispose of any unwanted seed through the simple act of tossing said seed from the window of their moving vehicle, anywhere.  For those Patriots who find this method too simple, the suggestion is to take a hike, enjoy the scenery offered in this great land, either in one’s own community or in any of the many bountiful and beautiful public expanses which span this land.  The result optimally would be a wild profusion of Hemp/Cannabis plants across the country.

For the urban-bound activist, or for those who choose to take a slightly more aggressive stance, it is recommended that the sowing of seeds to focus on those areas associated with Government use.  Though public parks may appear the perfect place for such a profusion of purposeful propagation, preferred are the planter pots positioned in place on or around such civic locations as libraries, courthouses, police stations and post offices.  In other words, in those public areas which belong to all, those locations which are designated as places wherein the public is served, the greatest attention should be made to insure that the will of the people in re the repeal of Hemp/Cannabis prohibition is expressed.  Property in use by religious institutions which accept public, taxpayer monies are to also be considered fair game for the covert yet public spreading of the Hemp/Cannabis seed, under the justification that by the acceptance of public monies, such religious institutions therefore forfeit sovereignty and become secular, government institutions.

On the cultural front, it is those hold high places who, with the influence inherent in their posts, must take firm hold the tiller of this ship of State and steer it the direction desired by those in whose service they are sworn to lead.  It is with the Musician and the Artist to whom the duty falls to spread the seed of awareness through the power of imagery, visual and visceral, of music purposeful and impassioned, to raise the consciousness of a people and herald forth the changes sought.  It is the Preacher at the pulpit and the Philosopher in the field who, from their positions of influence, must focus the attentions of a nation on the moral and ethical concerns which apply and upon solutions sanctioned through texts revered and history revealed.  At last, it is the Captains of Industry who must stand fast at the wheel to navigate the nation through the turbulent seas of change which face this Nation and guide us through to a more prosperous future wherein the seeds of progress are nurtured to fruition.

To the Musicians of America a special call is made above and beyond all others in the raising of awareness insofar as this particular operation is concerned.  Through the countless diversity of American music, a request is made for such artists of all genres to, based upon the simple concept of a modified legend, create uncounted unique compositions based on the theme of “The Legend of Johnny Hempseed”.  With not one but a multitude of variations, of lyrics, of styles all connected through a simple, unified theme, not only is the core concept of Hemp/Cannabis legal reform spread, but the beautiful, diverse heritage of American musical styles are celebrated as one through a common social, political theme.  Music as a diverse expression of American Determinism should be used to its utmost power to unify a concept and reaffirm our Founder’s aims.