POWERFULLY PERSUASIVE

To the Editor:
You report that during testimony before the House Government Reform
Committee, Gen. Barry R. McCaffrey, director of the Office of National Drug
Control Policy, gave assurances regarding his office's contacts with
Hollywood studios, directors and writers (news article, July 12). You say
"General McCaffrey emphasized that the government was using only its power
of persuasion, not financial incentives, to influence cinematic themes."

In defending the program, General McCaffrey illustrates precisely why
the government should not be involved in propaganda efforts of this
nature. His office is an arm of the White House and has a vast array
of federal law enforcement and regulatory agencies as well as antidrug
and forfeiture laws at its disposal. Federal "power of persuasion" is
akin to a debt collector's holding a hammer over your head while
offering financial advice on your debt repayment plans.

WILLIAM H. TIEDE
Paoli, Pa., July 12, 2000