Does anyone remember the pothead libertarian who was arrested by the federal government for filming himself loading a shotgun in Washington, DC? It’s like he just fell off the face of the planet. As a refresher, in early May of this year, Adam announced an armed and peaceful march on Washington, DC set for July 4 of 2013. I interviewed him and he said he would march alone if need be.
Shortly after that announcement, Adam was arrested on May 18th at a marijuana smoke-out rally in Philadelphia. He was charged with assaulting a federal officer and resisting arrest. According to the videotape footage the charges appear to be false. Adam Kokesh was released on May 24th.
Although the mass armed march on Washington, DC didn’t materialize, Adam kept good on his word and filmed himself loading a shotgun in Washington, DC at Freedom Plaza in violation of DC law. He then posted the video on YouTube. On July 9th his home was raided by a National Park Service SWAT team complete with helicopters. Adam was released on July 26th, but was immediately re-arrested by the Park Service on charges related to his July 4th YouTube video.
According to his girlfriend, Carey, who speaks with him as often as possible (sorry, Adam, no conjugal visits) Adam is doing fine in prison. He spent the first two months in solitary confinement, purportedly for his own protection. He had a bed but no mattress or chair or desk. He had enough food, but only enough calories to live a sedentary lifestyle. He’s been in trouble with prison administration because he checks too many books out of the prison library. On occasion he can send Facebook messages to his supporters, and he’s even planning a prison podcast. Two weeks ago he was moved to the general population and is making friends and influencing people. Apparently he has a captive audience, and he’s preaching his libertarian message of freedom to all the inmates. Next month Adam is scheduled for another hearing before a judge. In the meantime he’s just chilling, reading, and preaching libertarianism.
Why should you care about Adam Kokesh?
Like I said in my previous articles: He’s a pothead. He’s an atheist. He has a foul mouth. I would never want him dating my daughter. There are a lot of things to dislike about Adam Kokesh. But here’s the deal. If things don’t change in Washington, DC, Adam Kokesh is your future. Are you so naïve as to think the government will voluntarily shrink the size and scope of their intrusiveness or that they will give back freedoms lost? America has been on this slippery slope for decades, slouching toward Gomorrah and bondage.
Let’s cut through all the crap and admit that Adam Kokesh is guilty of violating a federal law that shouldn’t exist. Most gun laws are unconstitutional and should be revoked. When it comes to the Second Amendment, Adam Kokesh and I are of one mind, standing shoulder to shoulder, working to restore liberty to America. The only difference is our methodology.
But here’s the sad reality. It’s quite possible all freedom-loving Americans could be driven to civil disobedience before this whole thing is over. This time it was Adam Kokesh. Next time the Park Service could be kicking down your door and dragging you away. In my opinion, Adam Kokesh isn’t in prison for drug-related or firearm-related crimes. He’s in prison for pissing off the federal government. He stood up to them and they cut him out of the herd before he could spread his dissent. They are using Adam Kokesh to send a message to all of America. Resistance is futile. If you stand up to our tyranny, we will break down your door, handcuff you and put you in prison – for a very long time.
One of my favorite authors, Mark Twain, once said “In the beginning of a change, the Patriot is a scarce man, Brave, Hated, and Scorned. When his cause succeeds however, the timid join him. For then it costs nothing to be a Patriot.”
So the question you have to ask and answer is this: “Is Adam Kokesh a patriot or a criminal?”
And why do so many conservatives dislike Adam? Is it because he pushes them to move outside their comfort zone? Is it because he makes them feel a tiny, secret twinge of guilt at their own inaction in the face of despotism?
And the question I have to ask is, “How much more time do I have before the federal government visits me merely for writing anything positive about Adam Kokesh. The day is coming. I see it looming. Get ready, folks.
Adam Kokesh is now prisoner number 338454. You can write him at this address:
Adam Kokesh
#338454
1901 E Street SE
Washington, DC 20003
Tell him Skip Coryell sent you.
Note: If you wish to contribute to Adam’s legal defense fund, go to http://www.adamvstheman.com/invest
Image: Ragesoss; cropped by Beyond My Ken; Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported, 2.5 Generic, 2.0 Generic and 1.0 Generic license
