I would like to address my speech directly to the man himself,
Dear President Biden:
My name is Mitzi Wall, my son Jonathan will spend his upcoming 30th birthday in federal prison for a first offense, non-violent cannabis crime. Jonathan has been in prison now for 5 years. Our family has been forever altered. We had so much hope four years ago when you took office as President of the United States and pledged to decriminalize and expunge all records of people with cannabis convictions. Remember the statement you made, “No one deserves to be in jail for marijuana”?
Unfortunately, that day has yet to come. We believed you and you had our votes now none of us are free and many will be in prison long after you’ve passed unless you take decisive action and intervene today. But there is still time because you are not done. What do you want your legacy to be? I think a man who kept his word and his promise to over 4,000 families. At least, I would like to think that is what you would want.
Over the last 30 years this country has seen mass incarceration soar. As a result, families have been torn apart and thrust into abject poverty and pain. I took my pain and got involved with non profits like Freedom Grow and The Last Prisoner Project to advocate for both the prisoners and their families. It helped me cope.
Unfortunately, President Biden, you had a part in constructing and implementing the 1994 crime bill that resulted in mass incarceration and mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug offenders.
I believe that weighs heavily on your conscience so I am asking you to grant clemency to all non-violent cannabis offenders, many of whom need help and recovery, not more prison time. These are people just like your son and parents just like you. I know you have a son who disappointed you greatly, but whom you still love unconditionally. President Biden, you can help and make a profound difference in all these prisoners and their families lives.
We have all made mistakes and we have all suffered the consequences of those mistakes but there comes a time that forgiveness and grace is needed. That time is now and you can help. This can be a part of your legacy. How wonderful would that be?
Earlier this year I attended the historic pardon action where Maryland Governor Wes Moore used his Pen to Write History to grant clemency to more than 145,000 cannabis offenders with possession and paraphernalia charges. Yet other Marylanders like my son who is incarcerated on federal charges can only get that type of clemency relief by The President of the United States taking that pen………
Imagine how you would feel if someone granted your child clemency. Your beautiful, bright, kind child. Maybe they made mistakes and messed up but they need help and guidance, not prison. Imagine if someone told you the President of the United States of America set your child free.
Just imagine that. President Biden, you have already taken the first steps. But I would like to now challenge you to go further. Grant as many clemencies as you can. Grant them all! Take the Pen..
Thank you…..Mitzi Wall
Mitzi Wall
Mitzi Wall serves as Freedom Grow’s Board Secretary and Wish Coordinator, dedicating her time and energy to supporting those impacted by cannabis incarceration. Her son, Jonathan, is currently serving a seven-year federal prison sentence for a first-time, nonviolent cannabis offense, which fuels Mitzi’s passion for advocacy and outreach.
Every day, Mitzi works tirelessly to bring comfort and connection to cannabis prisoners by ordering books and magazines, coordinating wish fulfillment, and providing vital support through Freedom Grow’s initiatives. Beyond her official roles, she is a steadfast advocate for justice, using her extra time to amplify the voices of those still behind bars and work toward meaningful change.
Daniel’s:
As your administration draws to a close and a new regime known for their capriciousness and cruelty makes ready to erase your work, we ask that you honor the promise you made in 2020.
That no one should be in prison for cannabis.
We believed you then and those of us who were free have you our votes.
Now, none of us are free and many will be in prison long after you’ve passed unless you take decisive action and intervene today.
I know your decision-making process is laborious and subjected to numerous layers of review and debate.
You must abandon this new. There is no time. The last hour to act is hurling forth and for many of us after there will be naught but the sepulchral silence of the tomb.
We have been years without seeing our loved ones holding our children, hugging our parents and kissing our wives.
We cannot work or contribute. We just rot. We die a day at a time through the fractional murder of the cage.
And we do so for a crime that is a crime no longer.
Society has made its decision far before you or congress could manage to do so.
With every new dispensary and grow that opens and every state that legalizes it rebukes the antiquated, racist, and ludicrous laws that keep us in chains.
Now it has come time to make good on your word and those of your surrogates and free us all.
With one stroke of the pen you could end a pointless war that has ruined so many lives for nothing.
I received 5 years in prison on my first arrest for an offense that CEOs fly private jets to Washington to lobby your administration and congress for permission to commit. Under the law, myself and the other 2000+ are no different than them. But they make millions and live like pharaohs while we starve and sicken in conditions that would appal anyone who holds our nation to be the greatest on earth.
I speak not just as a prisoner. But as a son who has disappointed their father and wants a chance to make it right.
My dad grew up on food stamps in a ghetto in Upper Manhattan. His father and mother were Holocaust refugees who fled Germany and Austria to try and create better lives. My father watched his father drown in front of him at 11 years old and became the man of his house. Through genius, grit, and determination he made himself a multimillionaire with a degree from the University of Chicago. Him and my mom did all they could for me and arguably I threw it all away.
I know you have a son who has disappointed you greatly but whom you still love unconditionally. So I know you feel some of the same things my father and I do. He probably feels like he could never measure up you and that he’s let you down and regrets a lot.
I know he’s also scared to go to prison. I know I was. And I won’t lie to you or him. That fear is justified. I’ve been stabbed and tortured in here. It’s a crucible of pain and a human warehouse. Not a place for rehabilitation.
I don’t know if you can or will pardon him. I understand either way. I don’t deign to know your mind or your burdens.
But I know how he feels. Somewhat. And how you do about him.
My father isn’t the president. Nor are any of the other cannabis prisoner’s parents in a position to free their children with the stroke of a pen.
But you can.
Society has spoken loudly.
This war is over.
Give us our lives back and you’ll create thousands of passionate surrogates in the very communities your party has been accused of leaving behind.
Ignore us and it will sound and feel like more of the same.
Either way what you do with us will be part of your legacy.
I ask you to chose boldness and mercy.
Be what this moment demands.
Show the nation who you are the values you profess to embody.
Compassion
Understanding
Mercy
Progress
I have never seen or held my daughter.
My wife is alone with her.
Please let me and so many others come home to those we love.
Daniel Muessig
61770-509
Fort Dix
Daniel Muessig, also known as “Dos,” is a 43-year-old from Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, PA. Former rapper, writer, defense attorney, and developer. In 2019, he was raided and later indicted in 2021 for his involvement in the cannabis market. Since 2022, Daniel has been incarcerated, maintaining his integrity by refusing to cooperate with authorities. During his imprisonment, he became the father of a baby girl, Hannah Nasiah Muessig, whom he has yet to meet. His wife, Laura, is raising Hannah alone. Daniel’s life and career were profoundly affected by cannabis prohibition, leading to the loss of everything he had built.
