Targets of Big Tobacco

Regarding “No smoke screen” (Editorial, April 9): I personally think that tobacco and other candy-flavored drugs should be banned. As a parent of a 10-year-old boy, I support Proposition E to end the sale of candy-flavored tobacco! These sweet nicotine products are so popular mainly with our children and youth by making it easier for them to be exposed to these products and making them addicts for life. Many kids are on the streets in gangs, stealing or committing crimes to be able to afford enough money to buy cigarettes or other drugs. Nicotine, being an alkaloid, is one of the most addictive chemicals known.

Teens and young adults are more inclined than adults to take risks, including smoking or using other drugs. These flavors are attracting children and youth and should be prohibited. Stop all the messages that are targeting children! I am tired of corporations like R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. that are not aware of the harm they can cause and only worry about the well-being of their company; to not go out of business, to attract more popularity without caring who that popularity is.

Ana Bravo, Redwood City

Worthy of the bench

Regarding “Why 4 public defenders deserve a seat on S.F. bench” (May 20): Prof. George Bisharat is absolutely right to identify the vital need for criminal justice reform in California; even without that crisis, however, all four of the public defenders are lawyers of incredible skill and experience who are worthy of the bench on their own merits.

During the year I interned in their office, I witnessed firsthand their work in the trenches of the legal system. As Nicole Solis’ law clerk, I was struck by her powerful courtroom advocacy,

Praise for the centenarian

her strong sense of justice, and a work ethic and attention to detail that would keep the team going well into the night. The voters should know that when they cast their ballots for the four public defenders, they’re not only voting for reform, but also for a group of the most qualified attorneys in the city.

Ace Katano, Los Angeles

Regarding “‘Not so fast,’ centenarian tells feds who killed her off ” (May 24): Thank you, Steve Rubenstein, for the story. As an octogenarian, I enjoyed reading that super centenarian Lucy Mirigian was able to keep her pension benefits after (with the help of Rep. Jackie Speier) proving to officials that she is, indeed, still alive. And I particularly liked Mirigian’s response to this whole brouhaha: “I’m old, but I’m not stupid.” On behalf of all of us aging folks, I’d like to say to this spunky 111-year-old woman: “Amen, sister, amen!”

Hiram Fletcher, San Francisco

Deflect-and-attack strategy

Will President Trump’s next book be called “The Art of the Smear”? In order to derail Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, the president has gone from calling it a witch hunt to “Spygate.” By tossing out baseless accusations, such as that former President Barack Obama illegally wiretapped his offices or that an FBI informant was involved, Trump has resorted to his familiar deflect-and-attack strategy. Such conduct is unbecoming of a chief executive who insists that he is innocent of any wrongdoing.

Demetrius McDaniel, Oakland