This puts me in mind of the less than appealing history of other social phenonoma, such as the eugenic theories behind abortion and birth control, or the racial ones behind gun control. Most modern adherents to these policies would be outraged to be accused of supporting such antediluvian attitudes, but examining the theoretical underpinnings of their programs might give them pause, or at least moderate their zeal and perhaps ratchet down their self righteous proselytizing.

I suppose the defense could be offered that while these "movements" began to keep down undesirable populations or prevent them exercising self defense, they today apply equally to all and are thus untainted. Statistical examination of violent crime or abortion by race or ethnic category might suggest their effects are not evenly distributed, however.

Steve,

Blacks disproportionately use abortion as a method of birth control. Violent crime has been declining. Some people think there is a connection.

They also dance and play basketball well according to some.

For most hetero couples a marriage license is needed because of the law not from desire. They plan a marriage to be held at a church or a romantic place. The ceremony is the important part and the party where all acknowledge the marriage.

Gays have focused on the license which they do not need to be joined. They like heteros can have a ceremony and a party. They can write their own partnership agreement as to spoils of property and power of attorney and medical power of attorney whhic can encompass all the legal entanglements they wish.

They do not need a state license.

M. Simon, I am aware that Blacks use abortion disproportionately, and also that violent crime affects them disproportionately. I was waiting, however, for you to blame both on Confederate Republican Klansmen.

Steve,

If you know your history you would know that the Klan drove the Republicans out of the South. Blacks in that time were Republicans. Lincoln and all that.

So I will assume sarcasm on your part.

However, things change. Johnson drove Southern racists out of the Democrat Party and Nixon invited Southerners in. Easy pickins. Now Nixon was not specifically looking for racists. He was looking for Southern folks who did not feel at home any more with Democrats. Heh.

And Reagan sealed the deal.

Political opportunity is where you find it. Now the racism for the most part is gone. However, the branding persists.

What would I do to reverse the perception: come out and say that the Drug War is oppressing the Blacks and other minorities and Republicans are against it.

BTW the drug war was specifically designed to oppress minorities. Read this history. It is very much worth your time.

Drug War History

This is a lecture given to Judges in California. A similar lecture was given to the FBI. The guy is no flake. He had access to government files for his research.