A DISJOINTED PROCESS

Re "Reefer Madness" by Charles Seidel (SN&R Cover, November 29): Thank you
for publishing "Reefer Madness."

Reading this article, I found myself marveling at the disparity that seems
to exist between the desire of the American people and the government that
is supposed to represent them.

California (along with nine other states and the District of Columbia) has
passed medical marijuana laws by voter initiative. Not once has a medical
marijuana bill been introduced, and not been approved by the people. So why
does our government fight us so hard on this? Shouldn't they be representing
our wishes?

Adam Wiggins, via e-mail

QUOTING MADNESS

Re "Reefer Madness" by Charles Seidel (SN&R Cover, November 29): The DEA's
fondness for busting medical marijuana users is a conspiracy against
effective treatment for cancer, nausea, glaucoma, asthma, muscle spasms,
epilepsy, cholera, arthritis, migraine, tumor suppression and numerous other
conditions for which cannabis sativa provides relief.

The DEA crusade against medical marijuana is a plot against the health of
the United States because the marijuana laws the DEA enforces with such
vigor are based on notions like: "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." "Marijuana is an addictive drug which produces in its users
insanity, criminality and death."

"[Smoking] one [marijuana] cigarette might develop a homicidal mania,
probably to kill his brother."

From: Sworn 1937 Congressional Testimony To Outlaw Marijuana.

Because of these lies drug warriors feel justified in condemning patients to needless suffering and death.

Redford Givens

San Francisco