The Wall Street Journal

Wednesday, September 30, 1992
Letters to the Editor: The Real Murderer Of Chief Crazy Horse

James Bovard has it all backward ("The Second Murder of Crazy
Horse," editorial page, Sept. 15). "One hundred and 15 years after a
U.S. cavalry soldier murdered Crazy Horse in a jail cell," a New
York brewery, not the federal government, is trying to murder him
again.

Crazy Horse Malt Liquor not only offends many Americans, it also
mocks a cultural symbol held dear by Native Americans. Ironically,
the symbol is important in the fight against alcoholism among Native
Americans. As Surgeon General Antonia Novello points out, this is
not an insignificant fight. The incidence of alcoholism among Native
American teenagers is twice the national average, and the Fetal
Alcohol Syndrome rate among Native American infants is 20 times the
national average.

Crazy Horse was a spiritual and military leader of the Sioux
Nation who witnessed the destructive force of alcohol among his
people and adamantly opposed its consumption. Even today, substance
abuse counselors use his teachings in their work with Native
Americans. The Hornell Brewing Co. could not have picked a more
inapt symbol for their product.

As for the legality of our action, the federal government has
broad authority to regulate the sale, distribution and advertising
of alcoholic beverages.

In short, contrary to what Mr. Bovard has written, no one is
being lynched, but Crazy Horse is being hijacked and we intend to
stop it.

Rep. Pat Schroeder (D., Colo.)

Washington