Estefan’s Message

John D’Agostino’s “Estefan-Bacardi Link Protested” (July 19, Calendar) just goes to show you that money talks. Unfortunately, the $18-million mixed message Gloria Estefan is now sending (don’t drink and drive, but if you do drink, make it a Bacardi Breezer) contradicts her formerly straightforward message of “Stay Smart, Don’t Start--Just Say No to Alcohol and Other Drugs.”

It’s no wonder that role models for youth are hard to come by, when Estefan has sold out to Bacardi. By using Estefan as the spokesperson, these rum-based coolers are being marketed directly to her young audience. With 35% of all wine coolers being consumed by junior and senior high school students, it’s no wonder that Bacardi wanted Estefan.

HOLLY RICHARDSON, Peer Educator Student-to-Student, San Diego State University