MARIJUANA AND RACISM IN THE U.S.

Re: "Medical marijuana in WA: Politics and conclusions" (July 4):

Apparently, The Overton Window for most politicians has not passed the
point where they are ready to abandon the racist lies used to outlaw
cannabis to begin with:

. "Marihuana influences Negroes to look at white people in the eye,
step on white men's shadows and look at a white woman twice." (Hearst
newspapers nationwide, 1934)

. "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 can cause
white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers and
any others."

. "...the primary reason to outlaw marijuana is its effect on the
degenerate races." - Federal Bureau of Narcotics Director Harry J.
Anslinger, 1930

. "Reefer makes darkies think they're as good as white men." - Federal
Bureau of Narcotics Director Harry J. Anslinger, 1929

. "Marijuana is an addictive drug which produces in its users
insanity, criminality and death."

. "Marijuana is the most violence-causing drug in the history of
mankind."

. "(Smoking) one (marihuana) cigarette might develop a homicidal
mania, probably to kill his brother." (see U.S. Government Propaganda
To Outlaw Marijuana, www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/hemp/taxact/t3.htm
)

This absurd drivel is responsible for sending millions of people to
jail and prison. Sensible people say it is long past time to end a lie
based marijuana inquisition.

Ralph Givens

Daly City, Calif.