THE SMOKING POLICE

Editor I wholeheartedly agree with Bob Herbert's column, ``Siccing Cops
on Teen Smokers Is Gross Overkill'' (Chronicle, December 12).

I think it is ludicrous that we are diverting our police efforts to curb
teen smoking not only will it not work, but it violates our function of
police enforcement ``to serve and protect.''

So how can we be so foolish as to do thisto our youth? How can we treat
them more like criminals than people who are our future?

Education, understanding and love are of utmost importance for our future,
not enforcement of rules that parents are too lazy or powerless to do
themselves!

Further, this kind of education is completely assbackwards. Teens are
naturally rebellious. How do you think they react to this kind of nonsense?
They lightup and laugh!

If police were to hand teens flyers with information on where they could
find help to quit, then we would be served. And who knows, that kind of
compassion might have a slightly positive result!

But we absolutely cannot abuse our youth, for love can only be shown by
love, not force.

JOEL W. JOHNSON