COLA WARS

Isn't it ironic that we are waging a war on drugs, teaching our kids to
"just say no," and at the same time encouraging them to consume caffeinated
soft drinks ["Cola Wars," Cover Story, March 23].

Let's face it, caffeine is a drug. It is addictive. Parents wouldn't dream
of serving a cup of strong brewed coffee to their elementary school age
children for breakfast. Yet in the course of a day at school, a child can
easily consume an equivalent amount of caffeine in soft drinks from school
vending machines.

Accustomed to using coffee to wake us up or sober us up, we forget about its
negative side effects--anxiety, panic attacks, nervousness, heart
palpitations and sleeplessness. I can understand that the school systems are
thrilled to be taking in some extra cash, but is it worth the price?

Martha Siegel, Garrett Park