Madison Activist Dies From Lung Cancer Complications
Masel Known For Civil Rights, Marijuana Activism

Longtime Madison activist Ben Masel, 56, died due to complications from lung cancer on Saturday morning, according to close friends.

Masel had run for several public offices and had planned on running against Herb Kohl in the Democratic primary in 2012. He also was known for his work with the Madison Chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws and leadership in the annual Midwest Harvest Fest.

But close friend Leslie Amsterdam said Masel, who moved to Madison in 1972, will be remembered for much more than just fighting for the legalization of marijuana.

"I think people think he was some marijuana activist," Amsterdam said. "Yes, that was part of it, but I believe his real legacy was in the first amendment and the constitutional protections he fought for."

Amsterdam said she met Masel in 1985 during anti-apartheid protests and saw him again in 1986 during the tent-city demonstrations.

"I don't think he would have been as successful without his downright determination," Amsterdam said. "I mean, he set out to change the world and he was successful."

Amsterdam said Masel's fighting was done in court.

"Ben was very determined that if it was his right via the constitution to do something, he was going to do it," Amsterdam said. "And if he was arrested for that and his rights were violated, he was then going to sue him. It's what he built his whole life on."

A photo taken during the recent protests at the Capitol showed Masel holding a large sign that read, "This is a test of the emergency free speech system."

Amsterdam said Masel made that sign and stood on the first floor of the Capitol after word was received that others had been cited for similar actions, Amsterdam said

Masel wanted to be cited, but she said his reputation for litigation and fighting for human rights kept that from happening.

"Ben lived a very simple life," Amsterdam said. "He was all about our civil rights and our freedoms, and that is what he did every day."

Masel died of an infection that he suffered after several weeks of radiation treatment, Amsterdam said.

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