The physicians of the American Medical Association take strong exception to your condescending June 18 editorial “What about the beer and bubbly?” Our efforts to reduce tobacco use through new policy passed last week reaffirms our ongoing commitment to the health of our nation’s children. Where, may we ask, is your commitment to them?
The intent of our resolution was not to rain on the Bulls parade but rather to capture a teachable moment to remind all professional athletes that they are being watched and emulated by an adoring audience of youngsters both on and off the court. Consider the multimillion-dollar endorsements that rely on this fact. Let’s face it, who doesn’t “want to be like Mike.”
More than 3,000 children begin smoking each day in this country, and cigar use is at an all-time high. We see firsthand the devastating toll tobacco takes on the lives of our patients. So pardon us if we suggest that the Tribune editorialists “get a grip” before condemning us for enlisting the help of our children’s heroes in saving them from a life-threatening disease and death.
