Magic’s Sponsors Are Criticized

Unfortunately for mankind, the “Scarlet Letter” has made a comeback. In Puritan times the “A” stood for adultery. Nowadays it stands for AIDS.

Hester Prynne had to wear the letter. Magic Johnson voluntarily chose to wear it to help prevent others from getting the terrible virus that he contracted. In each case, however, the stigma is strong.

Advertising sponsors such as Target, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pepsi, Nestle and Spalding, who publicly said they would support Johnson after his announcement, either no longer use his services or are reconsidering, “Sidelined” (Dec. 28). Maybe they should be required to wear the letter “A” for abandonment.

KENNETH L. ZIMMERMAN

Cypress