My Open Letter To Ross | Jamie Redman

Dear Ross,

My name is Jamie Redman, and I’ve written many stories about your life because I write about Bitcoin every day. But more importantly to me I’ve written about your experience and life on occasion because I believe in what you were doing and think of you as a pioneer. Because I’ve shown passionate support for you and your family, I’ve also become friendly with your mom who is a wonderful woman and a courageous spirit. Earlier this year I received a letter from you, and I haven’t had a chance to respond. I’m in the process of moving my family hundreds of miles from Boston to Florida. This has become a stressful occasion for my family and me as we are packing ten years of our stuff in a storage container to ship down south. Our two sons are little anarchists with hearts of gold, and they are pretty excited but for Mom and Dad, it’s a touch different. Probably because we have more worries than them. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all have the worry free mentality young children hold?

As far as my response to your letter I was quite grateful to receive it when your letter arrived in the mail. It’s nice to hear that you appreciate all the articles I’ve written in support of your case. It’s a reciprocal energy from two people who’ve never met, and that’s pretty cool. I bet you have a lot of connections like this. I was also thrilled to hear that you really dug the cartoon picture of your mom and the judge in a boxing ring. An editor I used to work with came up with the idea with me and we both thought it was pretty hilarious. Cheryl, my editor at the time, is also a supporter of your fight to be free and some of my articles written about you were made to be a touch more beautiful with her work.

I only have a few words to say about your incarceration and case this evening. I’m really ashamed we live in a society today that has brought you to this fate that rests on your shoulders daily. The pseudo-religious nature of the state has weakened many minds in this world. Because of this, you have received a horrible sentence unjustified by any valid ethical means. However a tremendous amount of people will see things for what it’s worth, and your legacy has opened the eyes of many.

When I was younger, I used to read a publication called Relix Magazine and High Times occasionally. You could write to incarcerated Dead Heads or those in prison for marijuana convictions and just send them some kind thoughts. I always thought it was the coolest idea, and I wrote to a few people. It was from those magazine letter concepts that inspired me to come up with the notion for people to write to you via Bitcoin.com and I hope others will continue it.

Happy Birthday, Ross I sincerely hope you can enjoy it someday as a free man. I also hope society releases thousands upon thousands of people incarcerated for victimless crimes as well. It’s a little belated but this is my birthday letter to you and thank you for writing to me over the holidays. Warm wishes and take care.

Sincerely,

Jamie Redman

Today, March 27, is Ross Ulbricht’s birthday. Bitcoin.com will be posting letters from members of the Bitcoin community who want to wish Ross a happy birthday, as well as lend their moral support in his unfortunate ordeal. If you would like to help Ross, feel free to donate to his appeal fund at FreeRoss.org.

Images courtesy of Jamie Redman