Kentucky's House of Representatives and Senate fell silent last Wednesday for a moment to honor Gatewood Galbraith, remembering his life and service in his beloved home State. Gatewood, an accomplished criminal defense attorney was not one to back down from a fight. His career was focused on civil liberties. He embodied truth and remained dedicated to public service throughout his life and career.
Whether he was debating industrial hemp issues in Kentucky's political realms or leading marches to end the prohibition of the cannabis plant, Gatewood was unwavering in his resolve to inspire people to stand up for truth and preserve civil liberties. Gatewood spent his life watching his State and Country move from an agricultural agrarian society to an industrial synthetic society. Knowing these changes were politically charged for commercial purposes, he spent his time bridging the divide between these two Worlds, proclaiming himself an 'explorer for the truth in a jungle of political overgrowth.'
Gatewood believed cannabis prohibition was a stark example of the Government overstepping its bounds to police private behavior. As a consequence of these unethical and unnecessary laws, the people have been robbed of the opportunity to create a relationship with Mother Earth, to plant seeds in God's green Earth and enjoy the fruits of this labor.
Gatewood was well respected on all sides of the political arena. His sense of humor was sharp and quick, allowing him to articulate his views in debate better than most. He never shied away from controversial issues, but always remained respectful and walked away from the table still friends with his adversaries. Gatewood's actions were always intended to inspire people.
When Gatewood was told he was ahead of his time, he responded with a twinkle in his eye and a resonant voice.. "Now's the Time." It didn't matter to him whether he won or lost, but that he never stopped. He made every person feel like the most important person in the World. His message and inspiration will carry on, keeping the conversation going for generations to come. From those of us who shared his views, Gatewood will be greatly missed.
“Whether you agreed with Gatewood or didn’t agree with him, I think we always admired the courage with which he stated his views,” said Democratic House Speaker Greg Stumbo.
"Gatewood Galbraith is an honest politician." Willie Nelson Hempsters Plant the Seed
"Gatewood Galbraith was a good friend, and a tireless advocate for the repeal of the ridiculous ban on hemp & marijuana. His book ‘The Last Free Man Standing’ says it all." Willie Nelson's response to requests for a statement on Gatewood's death.
“That kind of voice is going to be missed. He was a valuable contributor in his own way.” Ferrell Wellman, a Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame
"Gatewood Galbraith shared so many valuable words of wisdom with me, I can't count them all. Phrases that one could live by. I feel very fortunate and blessed to have been his friend and to have known him for as long as I did." Michael Henning, Director of Hempsters Plant the Seed
"Gatewood was one of a kind, a fighter until the end..which is the beginning...he is a STAR of HEMPSTERS PLANT THE SEED DOC FILM as well as a STAR Human Being...words cannot express my sorrow and we will see you on the other side, Gatewood..THANK YOU for being my friend." Diana Oliver, Producer of Hempsters Plant the Seed
Senate President David Williams, who also ran against Galbraith, said in a statement, "I was saddened to hear about Gatewood's passing. He and I have been friends for almost four decades. His wit, humor, and intellect made him one of the most intriguing of Kentucky originals."
"I would get ... either phone calls or messages just telling me he was thinking about the people in his life who were most important to him and that he loved me more than anything," said Molly Galbraith. "He did the most amazing job of telling us how much he loved us and how proud he was of us and that he couldn't be more thrilled to be our father."
"One of the most admirable things that could ever be said about someone is that they had the courage to stand up for what they believe. Whether you agreed with Gatewood or you didn't agree with him, I think we can all say we admire the courage that he had advocating his convictions." House Speaker Greg Stumpo
Gate: See you back of the beyond. Thanks for being. -r
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