OFTEN, THE editorial remarks following letters to the editor seem
hostile and ignorant. I'd like to protest one of the most recent.
Scynthia Ross ended her letter with the statement: "The government has
no right to dictate to adults what they can or can not put into their
bodies." The reply was: "Yes they can, they do and they should. Care
for some thalidomide, Scynthia?

"For the record, I'd like to point out there are accepted beneficial
uses for thalidomide ( leprosy, I believe). That it can result in
birth defects simply rules out its use in cases where a pregnancy
might be compromised. Should ignorant governments prevent legitimate
use just because of potential misuse?

Danny Terwey (Canada doesn't have a leprosy problem, Danny.)