Kansas state legislator Republican Steve Alford, recently has step down from his post after suggesting marijuana and other drugs were originally outlawed in Kansas primarily because of African Americans. According to Mr. Alford, “What you really need to do is go back in the ’30s and when they outlawed all types of drugs in Kansas [and] across the United States. What was the reason why they did that? One of the reasons why — I hate to say it — it’s the African Americans, they were basically users and they basically responded the worst off those drugs just because their character makeup, their genetics, and that.” Rep. Steve Alford was immediately regretted making the comments after word got out about the offhanded racially insensitive broadside. Kansas House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr, described the remarks as “disappointing and unfortunate.” Black leadership in the Sunshine State also made their outrage concerning Mr. Alford comments known.
Rep. Valdenia Winn, a black Kansas City, Kansas Democrat: “Alford should leave the Legislature. Giving up committee leadership jobs is insignificant. Until he resigns from the Legislature, there is no difference. You owe that to your constituents and the state of Kansas.”
Rep. Willie Dove, a black Kansas City-area Republican: Alford’s comments are unbelievable. “There were no signs he felt that way. The comments represents a statement of total ignorance. I think racism is total ignorance.”
Carl Brewer, a Democratic candidate for governor said, “It is hard to believe that in 2018, anyone would support the discredited and racist policies of the Jim Crow-era . No matter one’s feelings on medical marijuana and marijuana legalization, we can all agree that views like those of KS Rep. Alford have no place in our statehouse, in our state or in our country.”
Alford stepped down as chairman of the House Children and Seniors Committee and as vice chairman of a joint legislative task force on child welfare. He won’t keep a seat on either panel but will retain other committee assignments. Rep. Alford release the following statement of apology, “I was wrong, I regret my comments, and I sincerely apologize to anyone whom I have hurt. Substance abuse is a blight on our society, and legalizing marijuana only opens the door to harder drugs. I have seen firsthand how drug abuse destroys lives, even within my own family, and I remain committed to fighting the spread of addiction in our state.”
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