The power of an ad
The article ``Advertising standards get tighter rein,'' Nov. 10, quotes Wallace Snyder of the Advertising Federation as saying, ``Congress might stop advertising for cigarettes or alcohol, but I don't think a ban is going to have an impact on consumption.'' That is the oldest, stalest, most deceptive argument ever prompted by ad people and the drug industry. They hold in their hands the greatest weapon to be used for or against a successful antidrug campaign: enticement.
It behooves an electorate, the two legislative bodies, and the proper governmental regulatory agencies to wake up and put the clamps on. Shirley Selby Escondido, Calif.
Ode to the Y Major donors and volunteers who give leadership to YMCAs would not support them if they were not ``modern,'' well managed, and efficient, because only that kind of YMCA could be of service to its community in ways no private health club owner ever could [``Tax-exempt YMCAs criticized for imitating ritzy health clubs,'' Nov. 6].
Why must organizations always be exactly the same as they were in the beginning? YMCAs, too, are not the same as they were when first introduced to this country from England back in 1851 - in Boston, incidentally. Even so, YMCAs started health programs long before private health clubs were formed and have certainly never tried to copy them. If anything, it was the other way around.
In all the audits made by the IRS, not a YMCA has been found that does not meet the requirements of a tax-exempt not-for-profit organization. As one who has had a YMCA connection since 1936 in several parts of this country as well as overseas, I say let the private health club owners do as much for the communities off of which they make money as YMCAs do. Then let them complain. Eugene A. Turner Jr. Blue Bell, Pa.
They can't protest Most of us would agree that the practice of using humans as `nuclear guinea pigs' is atrocious [``A national disgrace: humans used as `nuclear guinea pigs,''' Nov. 4]. Many feel strongly that the use of animals for experimental purposes is equally heinous and disgraceful. Humans can protest such senseless abuse. Animals are helpless, which makes the practice more cowardly and heartless. Lillian R. Weir Raymond, Wash.