Statement proving malfeasance by federal attorneys

"In a motion filed last month in U.S. District Court in Honolulu, federal attorneys argued the benefits of extending the trial date to July outweighed Christie’s and other defendants’ right to a speedy trial for several reasons, including that the case is “so complex” because of “the existence of novel questions of fact or law (specifically, those dealing with RFRA (Religious Freedom Restoration Act) that it is unreasonable to expect adequate preparation for pretrial proceedings or for the trial itself within the time limits established by the Speedy Trial Act.”"

Using the Religious Freedom Restoration Act as an excuse to nullify the Speedy Trial Act certainly amounts to malfeasance by federal attorneys, effectively disintegrating the credibility of a court that condones such blatant illogic.  Applying the same logic used by prosecutors, to the complexity that Reverend Roger faces in having to defend the First Amendment, his wife and himself against an unobjective federal policy that is so politically prejudiced, unreasoned and corrupt demands his immediate release.

By contrast with the disingenuity of the court, Reverend and Mrs. Christie have demonstrated their religious integrity and sincerity by enduring two years and nine months of imprisonment-without-trial-or-bail, without caving under threats, plea deals and denial of visits. The credibility of The Hawaii'i Cannabis Ministry has been forged and hardened in the fire of indefinite, coercive imprisonment, in the historical tradition of spiritual strength and patriotism reminiscent of William Penn.

In Hawai'i, where marijuana law enforcement is directly and knowingly responsible for causing a meth epidemic, [1,2] Reverend Christie is as critically essential in defending his community against the rabid "drug war" as the healing plant he stands for. Cannabis is too valuable to be within the rightful jurisdiction of any court and Reverend Christie must be returned to his ohana immediately. Anything less means the dysfunction of our species will consume us sooner than later.

1. http://www.thc-ministry.org/NIDA_Report.jpg
2. http://christie-et-al.s3.amazonaws.com/necessity/Ice-Methamphetamine-Exploratory-Study.pdf
3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDYk52lIIEA

Paul von Hartmann
Cannabis scholar
California Cannabis Ministry
6 April 2013