Pubdate: Thu, 20 Jan 2000
Source: New York Times (NY)
Copyright: 2000 The New York Times Company
Contact:  http://www.nytimes.com/
Forum: http://www10.nytimes.com/comment/
Author: Anil K. Singh
Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n045/a05.html
Note: Headline by newshawk

DISMAYED BY TV ANTI-DRUG MESSAGES

To the Editor:

I am dismayed that television network executives have decided to insert
anti-drug messages into their entertainment programs (front page, Jan. 14).

From now on, if Dr. Frasier Crane of "Frasier" refuses a glass of sherry,
or if a character on "E.R." warns young patients about the dangers of
cocaine, or if some walk-on character on "Friends" gives up smoking
marijuana, I will question whether these plot devices are coming from the
writers' souls or if they are the product of collusion between the
government and network executives.

I cannot enjoy what I do not trust, and I certainly won't waste my time
watching it.

Anil K. Singh, New York, Jan. 14, 2000
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D