Gatewood Galbraith Is A Hero To Marijuana And Hemp Activists And Will Be Missed
What can you say about a marijuana and hemp legend? When I was looking at past TWB articles, I came across a few lines about Gatewood Galbraith that I wrote that I think are fitting, “There’s a clip from another film by the same producers called ‘Hempsters.’ It takes place in Lexington, KY, and it is some of the finest protesting I have ever seen, especially for the midwest. Gatewood Galbraith is leading the charge, and he’s one pissed off mother f’r. I love to see him get all fired up. He gives a very concise, yet solid breakdown of why marijuana is illegal. Usually people get long winded when they try to explain it, but he does a great job.”
Gatewood Galbraith always broke it down. Gatewood had a way with words that few, if any, in the hemp and marijuana movement will ever be able to match. The best marijuana and hemp activists can do is try their best to emulate Gatewood Galbraith and carry on the worthwhile fight that he helped lead for most of his amazing life. Losing Gatewood is similar to when the hemp and marijuana movement lost the great Jack Herer. What else can I say that Gatewood didn’t say himself? Below is a bio that was written by Gatewood Galbraith taken from his Gatewood for Governor webpage:
As of this writing, I am 62 years old, divorced, with three grown and lovely daughters. I have my law office in Lexington and practice around the entire state as a trial attorney. I consider it an honor to go to these small towns to speak to the people on behalf of one of their own. And they seem to like it too.
I was born in a small town (Carlisle, Ky. pop. 1520) and lived there until we moved to Lexington when I was 12. I went to Lexington Catholic for some time and graduated from Lafayette High School in 1965. I joined the United State Marine Corps in 1966 but had an attack of asthma on Parris Island and received an Honorable Discharge.For the next 6 years I held many jobs including lifeguarding, automobile assembly and sales. In 1969, I hitchhiked around the country doing migrant farm labor, hopping railroad cars and living life “On The Road”.I returned to Lexington and in 1971, I was 24 years old and a milkman.
During the student demonstrations against the war, I learned what true activism and work for social change really is about. Hard work and commitment. I also realized I really did not understand how our system worked. We were supposed to be free but it didn’t seem that way.So I made a vow right then to make my life worthwhile by going to college to become an attorney (thereby learning the system), becoming Governor of Kentucky, and taking the government off the backs of the People. My view is that government’s role should be to uplift, enlighten, educate and ennoble the citizen, not oppress them with taxation and intrusive laws.I began the University of Kentucky in 1971 and graduated in 1974.
I went to the UK Law School and graduated in 1977. I owned a tractor company from ‘77 until ’81 when I began the practice of law.I have concentrated on Criminal Law and Serious Personal Injury. I will also be glad to counsel Lottery winners.In 1983, I ran for the Democrat’s nomination for Agriculture Commissioner and for their nomination for Governor in 1991 and 1995. I chose the Democrats because whoever won their Primary won the General Election. However, they froze us out of the Party and didn’t allow our views to be heard or considered. And the Republicans had the same attitude. Kentucky’s systems was as dysfunctional then as it is now.
In rebellion, we ran for Governor/Lt. Governor in 1999 in the General Election as Reform Party candidates garnering 15.9 % of the vote on a $20,000 budget.I ran for Congress in 2000 and 2002.In 2003, I ran as an Independent in the General Election for Attorney General. I went to 12 of Kentucky’s 120 counties and spent $20,000. I got 110,000 votes. The message was strong but we again lacked the money to get it out to everyone.In 2007, I thought that both parties were in such disarray that I could win the Dem’s nomination. I was wrong.
They circled the wagons and elected one of their old warhorses who is as incapable of bringing about the necessary changes as all those who went before him. It proved to me once and for all THAT NEITHER PARTY IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A CANDIDATE WHO CAN SOLVE THE PROBLEMS. Therefore, our only hope is to elect an Independent who puts the People before the Parties.I am that Independent and we are counting on You, your Vote and your Contribution!”
The memorial service for Gatewood will be Thursday, January 12th at 4:00 pm in The Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning, 251 West Second Street in Lexington, KY.
I hope you will all join his family and friends in celebrating his life.
Louis Gatewood Galbraith
GALBRAITH Louis Gatewood, 64, beloved father, grandfather, attorney and civil rights advocate, died peacefully at his home with family on Wed, Jan 4, 2012. Born in Carlisle, KY, he was the son of the late Henry Clay and Dollie Eliza Gatewood Galbraith. He was a former Marine, a graduate of the University of Kentucky, and the University of Kentucky College of Law. He was a humanitarian, friend, and author – who worked tirelessly for the people of Kentucky. He is survived by his three daughters, Summer Galbraith Sears (Kate), Dunedin, New Zealand; Abby Sears Galbraith (Ryan Moldt); and Molly Galbraith, both of Lexington. He is also survived his two grandchildren, Connor Gatewood Moldt and Ella Grace Middleton Sears; his siblings, Don Lynam, Liz Whitehorn (Ken), Edna Hancock (Terrell), Hank Galbraith (Judy), Mike Galbraith (Julie), all of Lexington, Tim Galbraith (LuAnn) of Louisville; his former wife and the mother of his children, Susan C. Sears; his lifelong friend, Kim Eisner; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Judy G. Lynam. Milward-Broadway is in charge of arrangements.
