SHAME ON DRUG CRUSADERS

Re "Ashamed of government" (Speak Out, Sept. 17):

Letter writer David Parker isn't the only one who should be ashamed of
marijuana laws. Marijuana prohibition is now and always has been based on
absurd lies, such as:

"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.

Putting people in prison because of ridiculous fictions is on a par with
Nazi Germany's persecution of Jews and others based on lies.

America's drug crusaders should hang their heads in shame because of the
injustices they cause.

Ralph Givens

Daly City, Calif.