PORTRAIT OF HEROIN USER IRRESPONSIBLE, OUT-OF-PLACE

I do not agree with the prominent placement of this image.

Although I do not obscure the truth from my 6-year-old child, I do attempt
to introduce the realities of life gradually, and in a manner suitable for
the child's developmental level. I should not be forced to explain the "how
to" of injection drug abuse at the breakfast table.

We are avid readers of the newspaper and our children look to the printed
page for information and entertainment.

The Sun's commitment to "Reading by 9" should include responsible editorial
decisions that support and invite young readers, not ones that may alienate
children, scare them with harsh or disturbing images or prematurely place
parents in unnecessarily difficult teaching situations.

A.I. Schneiderman
Baltimore