Teen Smoking

Past anti-smoking messages aimed at teenagers and stressing the lethal nature of cigarette consumption have consistently fallen upon deaf ears, largely because of the propensity for young people to regard themselves as invincible.

Now, in light of the recent discovery of “smoking gun” memos proving that R.J. Reynolds targeted children as young as 14 (Jan. 15), perhaps a new campaign should be mounted. If teenagers could see for themselves how these mega-corporations have played them for suckers over the years, they might become indignant enough to turn their backs on cigarette advertising and avoid the trap that has ensnared so many for so long.

STEVE MARSHALL

Los Angeles