SENDING WRONG MESSAGE . . .

Who made the editorial decision to include "Marijuana Dreams" as the
lead article in the Features section of the Nov. 22 edition? Is The
Courier-Journal now promoting marijuana use among its readership? What
message was the writer giving readers as she described the restaurant
decor of the Cheba Hut and the views of the owners (a 23-year-old
college student and his mother)?

I have worked in youth violence and drug-use prevention for the past
20 years, and one lesson that we have consistently taught is to
refrain from giving kids messages that promote drug use and/or give
mixed messages about drug use. Doing so increases the risk of use. Was
that your intention?

Even though the article was (on the surface) about food, the implicit
message was that marijuana use is OK. Use of marijuana is illegal, and
smoking is not a healthy life choice. Although Josh Lee and his mother
have the freedom to decorate their restaurant as they choose, the
publication of "Marijuana Dreams" was an example of poor editorial
judgment on the part of The C-J and a disservice to kids in our community.

Nancy Cunningham

Louisville