Teen-Age Smokers

The Times is to be commended for its editorial “Be Cool, Be Glamorous, Be Dead” (editorial, July 24) on the dangerous trend in teen-age smoking.

You are absolutely correct in criticizing those in the media that glamorize smoking. However, you fail to mention the complicity of Gov. Pete Wilson and the state Legislature. They are again planning to raid Proposition 99 funds that pay for the anti-smoking education program and tobacco research program. This action was struck down by the Superior Court last year but Wilson seems to believe that it is less expensive to stall by appealing and continuing to raid the funds, than dealing with the real problems, effective programs and realistic budgeting.

The actions by the state Legislature and the governor last year eliminated funding for virtually all of the high school anti-smoking education programs. Research tells us that these teen-age years are the most vulnerable age for getting hooked on smoking.

GERALD LARUE Jr.

Downey

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* Draconian cuts! But Jesse Helms’ sacred cow, the tobacco subsidy, is alive and well and grazing in the ever-so-green public pasture.

GEORGE MARGO

Malibu

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* Since government imposes its oppressive, arrogant will upon the people by legislating mandatory seat-belt and helmet laws, then the same logic should apply in the area of smoking.

If this isn’t done, then this glaring double standard should be eliminated by repealing all seat-belt and helmet laws.

EDDIE FRERICH

Lytle Creek