APPEAL TO ADDICTS FOR HELP IS GOOD IDEA - NOT!

I am a devoted admirer of genius wherever and whenever it should rear its
ugly head. And I am totally awe-struck at the idea of tapping the deep
mother-lode vein of patriotism of American drug addicts, as suggested in
recent TV commercials. The thought of harnessing this force to eradicate
international terrorism is inspired beyond words.

Surely these addicts, who for whatever other worthy reasons have up to now
steadfastly "refused" to kick it, will link arms and unanimously go cold
turkey for the greater good of the country that has persecuted, prosecuted,
disdained and ignored them! I would; you would; and they will!

On the other hand and much more realistically and seriously, if we each
trimmed our travel and climate control-related energy consumption by 3
percent, we could have a vastly greater impact (by a multiplying factor of
thousands) on the terrorist coffers. Furthermore, we would set a better
example for the rest of the world, which very carefully watches the
American model of commerce and fashion.

We won't, of course. And that is why relying on the patriotism of drug
addicts is so brilliant! Neither will happen, and it is a terrific use of
"blue smoke and mirrors" to distract us.

Gosh, I wisht I'da thought of that! I coulda been president, maybe! I can
even pronounce "nuclear" properly.

SAUL GOLDBERG

Gaithersburg