PUBLIC FAVORS SHOCKING AD ON SMOKING

Q I believe the public is tired of seeing the television commercial
showing the lady smoking from the tracheotomy opening in her throat.
The message is already out, and one should not be subjected to seeing
that ad all the time. Many of us are non-smokers, and should not be
punished by having to watch that commercial.

Marshall Hardeman
San Jose

A That's the whole idea -- the ad is supposed to be shocking, says
Carla Agar, deputy director for the California Department of Health
Services, which produced the ``Debi'' commercial. Agar noted that the
ad isn't intended for non-smokers, and added, ``Smokers and those
considering taking up the habit need to be shocked.'' Agar says she
understands your complaint, but you seem to be in the minority. Public
reaction has been overwhelmingly positive since the ad first appeared
two years ago, she says. Critics have contended the department has
taken a sensational, heavy-handed approach to smoking issues. If you
want to offer your two cents, write the Department of Health Services,
Director's Office, 714 P St., Room 1253, Sacramento, Calif., 95814.