IS FIRST AMENDMENT JUST A PETTY CONCERN

Mark Dailey has no problem with the government insinuating anti-drug
messages into network TV shows, because he believes their intentions are
good (letter, "Deliver right message on dangers of drugs,'' Times Union,
Jan. 27). Personally, I agree with George Bernard Shaw who said, "Hell is
paved with good intentions.'' Apparently, Dailey accepts the notion that
government propaganda is OK because he agrees with the anti-drug message.
But what will he do when he encounters a message he doesn't agree with? How
will he know who the messenger is? Is safeguarding the First Amendment
really a such "petty concern?''

WALTER F. WOUK, Cobleskill

The writer is president of the Capital Region Chapter of The National
Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws