PETITION to remove Rep. Steve Alford (R-KS) #ByeRacist
Hi, Strangers 
I peruse DU periodically but haven't posted in AGES. This Steve Alford thing was the straw that broke the camel's back as far as the overt racism and bigotry exhibited by those in power, so I decided to create a petition and twitter page with a larger message/movement in mind beyond this one person. He's merely the first.
In case you missed it:
Rep. Steve Alford (R-KS) exhibited such ignorant behavior, which influences how he legislates, on 12/6/18 when he spoke to a group of (all white) people at a "Legislative Coffee" on why he thinks marijuana should not be legalized in his state, even with the potential financial boon it offers:
“Basically any way you say it, marijuana is an entry drug into the higher drugs. What you really need to do is go back in the '30s, 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, was that the African-Americans, they were basically users and they basically responded the worst to those drugs just because of their character makeup, their genetics and that. And so basically what we’re trying to do is we’re trying to do a complete reverse, with people not remembering what has happened in the past.”
Seeing how #MeToo has made an impact, I see no reason why we can't take the same approach with the racists in positions of power, one by one, using their own words and actions, not allegations.
Link to petition:
https://www.change.org/p/ron-ryckman-rep-steve-alford-must-resign
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/ByeRacismBye
Thanks!
EDIT TO ADD: Please help keep this kicked!
= new reply since forum marked as read
the #MeToo movement would result in so many in power resigning or being removed?
It's worth a shot.
Nice to "see" you, and thanks very much!
At a minimum you'll be sending a strong message. This man needs an attitude adjustment and it's sad that it may never happen.
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I figure instead of simply expressing our disgust whenever we hear about their dangerous ignorance, let's try to do something about it. We can at least shine a much stronger, more sustained light on their beliefs and behavior, say it is NOT ACCEPTABLE and that we want them to resign or be removed from their position of power. Send a strong message, as you said.
Thank you.
Much of this is inflamed by self-righteous church folks who hide in their bubble of false and antiquated beliefs (been there).
Can't imagine where he got the idea that many blacks were heavy drug users back in the 30s. Maybe someone should point out the hypocrisy with alcohol abuse virtually since the inception of our nation. I'm sure his state is well versed on that issue.
Perhaps it would help to send him and the area GOP leader copies of the research that debunk those false beliefs, particularly on black history and marijuana's risks. Certainly, an apology to folks he spoke to is in order for his deception.
Good luck and keep up the good work!...............
