FORBIDDEN FRUIT EFFECT OF POT INCREASES ITS USE

To the Daily:

I would like to commend Jared Goldberg's outstanding column (The war
on common sense, 01/23/07). I especially noted the quote from former
Commissioner of Narcotics Harry Anslinger: "There are 100,000 total
marijuana smokers in the U.S., and most are Negroes, Hispanics,
Filipinos and entertainers. Their Satanic music, jazz and swing
result from marijuana use. This marijuana causes white women to seek
sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers and any others."

That quote was from 1937.

If anything, marijuana prohibition has been very successful in
promoting the use of marijuana. The U.S. government estimates that at
least 95 million Americans have used marijuana. It also estimates
that nearly half of all high school students will use marijuana
before they graduate.

The allure of the forbidden fruit is too powerful, especially for children.

Kirk Muse

Mesa, Ariz.