(January 23, 1947 – January 4, 2012)
Early life, education, and law career
Born in Carlisle, Kentucky[1] to Henry Clay and Dollie Galbraith, on January 23, 1947. Gatewood was the fourth of seven children. He graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1974 and from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1977. Galbraith's law practice focused on criminal law and personal injury civil actions.[1] According to his [2] Linkedin resume, he specialized in the difficult ones, and his interest included the preservation of the Constitution and justice for all.[3] Speaking of difficult ones. It should be noted that during his career, beginning in around June of 1997, he spent nearly 6 yrs driving back and forth, from Lexington Ky. where he resided to Bowling Green, Ky. where practicing as a pro bono attorney in the first felony medical marijuana defense case of advocate, minister and patent Mary L. Thomas aka Rev. Mary Thomas-Spears Indictment # 97-CR-517. Charged originally with 6 Felonies for Trafficking in a Controlled Substance = Marijuana. A case which made U.S. legal history in a marijuana trafficking cases before the Kentucky Courts and the Honorable Judge John D. Minton, Jr. {then known as "hang them high Minton"} in 2001/2002. When Judge Minton granted a "Stay" in the case, after the appeal in the case had been denied by the Commonwealth Court of Appeals in 2001. [4] Shortly after which, A Review of Tax Law Changes predicted Enacted the Marijuana Tax Stamp by the 2003 General Assembly. John D. Minton, Jr. then was later elected to the Commonwealth Court of Appeals and then moved up to the Supreme Court and in March 3, 2011 Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office Gov. released "Beshear signs landmark corrections reform bill into law" which decriminalizes personal use of up to 8 oz's of marijuana to a ticket-able offense.
[5]Press Release Date: Thursday, March 03, 2011 " I’m pleased we’re making progress in tackling the problems facing our penal code,” Chief Justice of Kentucky John D. Minton Jr. said. “With all three branches involved in this deliberative process, I’m confident that the outcome will be positive for Kentucky.”
[6]During this time, Gatewood Galbraith represented Richard J. Rawlings, former President of, many years and an official Board Member of the U.S. Marijuana Party pro bono in 2011 in Barren County, Kentucky at the Barren County Courthouse. Where Rawlings faced felony marijuana cultivation, possession, and paraphernalia charge's stemming from a raid on his girlfriend's Sheree Krider's property in Cave City. Sheree former Vice President of the U.S. Marijuana Party and a Board Member herself. A case that on Nov. 21st, 2011 ended with a [7]Plea Bargain where Felony charges were dropped and Richard Rawlings agreed to time served, court cost and 4 weekends to serve. One weekend for each plant that didn't have a tax stamp.
A quote by Richard J. Rawlings from his Facebook status updates about this case. "I've came back wounded, but not beat. They agreed with a deal that Gatewood Galbraith went to them with. They dropped the felony cultivation to a misdemeanor and I would do 30 days in Jail. After talking to Gatewood he went back in and did some more talking. After a few minutes in the courtroom he came back out and said the final offer, 4 weekends in jail, and no drug testing. I hate to make deals but this was one I just could not fight without taking a chance of getting Sheree Krider thrown in jail or losing her property. I want to Say Thanks to Mary, Diverse Sanctuary for her support and all the help she has been. She will have some pics and video up in the next day or two. And a Big Thanks to Gatewood, Again!!!" In which he also refers to or connects advocate, minister and patient, Mary L. Thomas-Spears founder of Diverse Sanctuary Community Ministries, whom Gatewood had also represented.
There are those who believe this is evidence that Gatewood Galbraith was successful indeed and is just one reason he was called a "Hero of the people" by many.
Galbraith died of natural causes, though "complications from chronic emphysema" were noted.[8] on January 4, 2012[9] leaving behind three daughters.
[10]Governor Steve Beshear: "Jane and I were shocked and saddened to learn of Gatewood's passing, Galbraith was a gutsy, articulate and passionate advocate who never shied away from a challenge or potential controversy. His runs for office prove he was willing to do more than just argue about the best direction for the state — he was willing to serve, and was keenly interested in discussing issues directly with our citizens. He will be missed."
[11]Sen. Mitch McConnell: "I am saddened to hear of the passing of Gatewood Galbraith. He was a truly memorable character who loved our state and its people."
[12]NORML remembers Gatewood
[13]Take Back Kentucky a grassroots political organization founded by a long time good friend, Norm Davis remembers Gatewood.
[14]Jan. 5, 2012, Kentucky remembers Gatewood as an Iconic political figure in history.
[15]NPR remembers Gatewood as a Colorful Kentucky Politician.
[16]His good friend Willie Nelson remembers him with a tribute ~ "Rest in Peace".
[17]Jan. 6, 2012, Kentucky ready for hemp? - Bowling Green Daily News: Local News - State Sen. Joey Pendleton, D-Hopkinsville, says as an agricultural product, its time has come. The push for hemp production comes the wake of the death of longtime Kentucky political figure Gatewood Galbraith
[18]Jul 6, 2012 – State Senator Perry Clark introduces Gatewood Galbraith Memorial Medical Marijuana Act
[19]Jan. 4, 2013, ACE Lexington's Weekly Newspaper writes, "Iconic Kentuckian Gatewood Galbraith, the Lexington defense attorney and perennial candidate, died one year ago. “A Celebration of the Life and Times of Gatewood” is scheduled for Sunday, January 6"
[20]Jan. 4, 2013, Mary L. Thomas-Spears launched a web site memorial dedicated to her lawyer, friend, colleague, hero,... [21] and on Feb. 4th, 2013, Ms. Thomas-Spears announces she has re-worded, tailored and slightly redefined the Jack Herer Initiative dubbed [22] CCHI2014 in Cali. An initiative she among others had helped a mutual friend and colleague of Gatewood's, Jack, to word for repeal... [23] Now, this time, she had reworded, redefined CCHHI with Gatewood's understanding, his desires for the Commonwealth, the plant, the people and the continued Repeal of Prohibition in mind for Kentucky and the Kentucky Cannabis Hemp Health Initiative 2014 grassroots lobby campaign for repeal of all Commonwealth, U.S. and U.N. drug policies on all levels of government defining cannabis/marijuana/hemp as prohibit is launched in Kentucky. It is immediately endorsed by the grassroots repeal organization she herself is a founding board member of [24] Americans For Cannabis and their chapter [25] Kentucky For Cannabis, which she currently heads. [26] On February 6 the Facebook page KCHHI was launched.[27] On Feb 12th, it is announced a KCHHI page is added to the Constitutional Cannabis web site she had built as a memorial to Gatewood.
[28] Feb. 14th, It is announced Hemp bill passes first hurdles in Senate by Kentucky media.
Feb. 15th, 2013, It is announced by [29] Kentucky Government "another Senate committee unanimously approved – and the full chamber voted 31-6 to pass – a bill legalizing industrial hemp production in Kentucky" and the [30] Associated Press and media all over Kentucky lead with headlines reading "Industrial hemp bill passes Kentucky Senate".
Political activism
Gatewood was creatively active in many issues and groups. In an amusing stunt Gatewood laid down to protest the UN themed interdependance float for Independence Day Parade (July 4, 1995) in Lexington Kentucky, which got him a charge of interfering with a procession. In 2004, he became a columnist for the Louisville-based alternative weekly Snitch Newsweekly, writing on cases he has handled, and debating with other contributors on civil liberties.In his writings and speeches Galbraith went into detail on what he termed "Synthetic Subversion". This theory seeks to explain when, how and why America, specifically Kentucky, moved from an agricultural agrarian society into an industrial synthetic society. Galbraith claimed that the beginning of this shift can be traced back to the New Deal era spearheaded by Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration. Up until the early 1930s, America and Kentucky relied solely on agriculture to fuel the economy. Galbraith argued that, out of necessity, Roosevelt shifted America toward a more industrial (synthetic) society fueled by alliances with “Greedy Corporations.”
[31] He worked closely with his long time friend and supporter Norm Davis, gun rights advocate, activist and Founder of the grassroots organization "Take Back Kentucky" in support of smaller government and preservation of our constitutional freedoms and rights with-in the commonwealth.
[32]A quote from his book "THE LAST FREE MAN IN AMERICA" and the chapter titled "I DECLARE MARIJUANA LEGAL" which begins on page 281. Lays out for all Americans their Constitutional Rights to utilize Marijuana and his Constitutional Argument concerning the Prohibition of Marijuana ~ "They did not say we have a Constitutional right to possess alcohol.
They said we have a Constitutional right to privacy in our homes, under which fits the possession of an extremely poisonous alcohol.
Now this is the law in Kentucky today. In fact, it is these rulings that keep the Kentucky State Police from kicking down the doors of people possessing alcohol in Kentucky's 77 `dry' counties right now and hauling their buts off to jail."
Now Marijuana a demonstrably less harmful substance than alcohol and presents far less of threat to public welfare. So it also fits in a person's right to privacy in their home. It's beyond the police power of the state as long as I don't sell it and it's for my own personal use."
Referring to a discussion he had been targeted in during a Debate while running for Attorney General in Kentucky with current running mate Greg Stumbo he said, "He obviously thought he could hang me over the marijuana issue, and here I was explaining Constitutional Law to him which, I still don't think he comprehends."
Evidence he was, if anything, a Constitutionalists in his activism who was indeed about protecting, defending the rights and freedoms of the citizens under the U.S. Constitution he swore to uphold and defend as not only an Attorney, but as a young man who had served in the U.S. Military.
Galbraith appeared onstage, on TV and in films with many notable public figures, including well known environmental activist Julia Butterfly Hill, author/filmmaker Christopher Largen, author/activist Jack Herer, country music artist/singer/film star Willie Nelson, artist/author/film star/producer Woody Harrelson,...
Galbraith appeared in the 2003 movie [33] The Hempsters Plant the Seed along with Woody Harrelson, Ralph Nader, Julia "Butterfly" Hill, and other political Activist who stood against Marijuana Prohibition in an attempt to educate the world on the subject of Marijuana/Cannabis/Hemp.
[34]In 2011 CELEBSTONER of Entertainment News wrote their review of it.
[35]He was featured in the documentary film, "A NORML Life."
Political campaigns
Galbraith ran for various offices in Kentucky including commissioner of agriculture, governor (five times - as a Democrat in 1991, 1995, and 2007, as a Reform Party candidate in 1999,[36] and as an independent in 2011[1]), U.S. representative (twice), and attorney general.Galbraith was a vocal advocate for ending the prohibition of marijuana cannabis hemp[37] and was known for his witty quips.[38]
Galbraith pitched his campaign for economic, education, and environmental development to voters of all ages throughout the commonwealth. In particular, he proposed real change through what he called, restoring the people's agenda to government and by putting Kentucky values first. Promises included a freeze on college tuition, a $5,000 grant or voucher provided to motivated high school graduates to any institution of higher learning, college or technical school; Moratorium on all university and college tuition increases; Advancing education through technology; Restore hemp as an agriculture crop; Ending marijuana cannabis hemp prohibition in Kentucky. Restoration of voting and gun rights of non-violent felons; Agricultural Market Development; Stringent natural resources stewardship; Recreational and tourism development; Water standard enforcement; Expansion of Fish and Wildlife Programs; No state worker furloughs; Expanded energy development; Internet access to all counties; Tax reform, including No income tax for those who earn 50K or less, and small business tax exemptions; Job development; Return investment policy established; Regional economic development offices; Marketing Kentucky's signature industries; An end to fracking and mountain top removal. He raised $100,000 of his $500,000 budget and was endorsed by the United Mine Workers, the first time the union has backed an independent.[39]
1983 run for Agriculture Commissioner
He ran for Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner after incumbent Democrat Alben Barkley II decided to run instead for Lieutenant Governor. Galbraith ran as a Democrat and ranked last among four candidates in the Democratic primary with 12 percent of the vote. David Boswell won with a plurality of 35 percent.[40]1991 gubernatorial election
Main article: Kentucky gubernatorial election, 1991
He ran for Kentucky Governor. He ranked last in a four candidate Democratic primary with 5 percent of the vote. Lieutenant Governor Brereton Jones won the primary with a plurality of 38 percent.[41]1995 gubernatorial election
Main article: Kentucky gubernatorial election, 1995
He ran for governor again at the end of Brereton Jones's term -- although Jones was able to pass an amendment to the state constitution
allowing officials to succeed themselves in office once, the amendment
exempted then-sitting officials, including Jones. In the Democratic
primary, he ranked fourth in a five candidate field with 9 percent of
the vote. Lieutenant Governor Paul Patton won with a plurality of 45 percent of the vote.[42] In the general election, Galbraith decided to run as a write in candidate and got just 0.4 percent of the vote.[43]1999 gubernatorial election
Main article: Kentucky gubernatorial election, 1999
He ran again for governor. This time he ran on the Reform Party ticket and got 15 percent of the vote, the best statewide general election performance of his career. The Republican candidates were Peppy Martin for governor and Wanda Cornelius for lieutenant governor. Incumbent Democratic Governor Paul Patton won re-election with 61 percent of the vote.[44]2000 congressional election
Galbraith ran for Kentucky's 6th congressional district of the U.S. House of Representatives as an independent. Incumbent Republican U.S. Congressman Ernie Fletcher won re-election with 53 percent of the vote. Democratic nominee, former U.S. Congressman Scotty Baesler, got 35 percent of the vote. Galbraith ranked third with 12 percent.[45]2002 congressional election
Galbraith decided to run in the 6th District again. Incumbent Republican U.S. Congressman Ernie Fletcher won re-election with 72 percent of the vote. No Democrat filed to run against him. Galbraith, as an independent, ranked second with 26 percent of the vote, his highest percentage in an election.[46]2003 run for Kentucky Attorney General
Galbraith decided to run for Kentucky Attorney General as an independent. Democrat State Representative Gregory Stumbo won the election with 48 percent of the vote. Republican nominee Jack Wood ranked second with 42 percent of the vote. Galbraith ranked third with 11 percent.[47]2007 gubernatorial election
Main article: Kentucky gubernatorial election, 2007
Galbraith decided to run for governor a fourth time. This time, he
decided to run as a Democrat, the first time since 1995. In the
Democratic primary, Galbraith ranked fifth in a six- candidate field
with 6 percent of the vote. He carried Nicholas County with 32 percent. Lieutenant Governor Steve Beshear won with a plurality of 41 percent of the vote. Bruce Lunsford ranked second with 21 percent. Former Lieutenant Governor Steve Henry ranked third with 17 percent. Speaker of the Kentucky House Jody Richards ranked fourth with 13 percent.[48]2011 gubernatorial election
Main article: Kentucky gubernatorial election, 2011
Galbraith decided to run for governor a fifth time. This time, he
decided to run as an independent. Incumbent Democrat Governor Steve
Beshear won re-election with 56 percent of the vote. Republican State
Senator David Williams of Burkesville, the President of the State Senate, ranked second with 35 percent. Galbraith trailed with 9 percent.[49]Published work
- Galbraith, Gatewood (2004). The Last Free Man In America Meets The Synthetic Subversion. Outskirts Press. ISBN 1-932672-35-4.
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