‘Cheers’ for Respect

The juxtaposition in Calendar of “The Last Hurrah for NBC’s ‘Cheers’ ” and an article about AIDS anti-discrimination (“Hollywood Sends a Sign of Support,” Dec. 9) suggests a way for “Cheers” to make a socially responsible statement in its last episodes and show that AIDS does not discriminate.

Have Sam Malone show symptoms that he is in the first stages of AIDS, probably having had the HIV virus for years and probably having spread the virus to some of his partners in promiscuous sex. A secondary statement would be for Carla to test HIV-positive.

“Cheers” and other shows have glorified promiscuity. Isn’t it time for the networks to acknowledge that such a lifestyle is the greatest contributor to the spread of this deadly epidemic? Perhaps such a responsible step would encourage some to curb their promiscuity and save their lives and the lives of others.

KEN BEHNKEN

San Clemente