Discourage drinking

As a longtime subscriber to this newspaper (almost 30 years) and as a former published cartoonist, I’ve noticed several recent letters concerning the comics. Overall, my wife and I really enjoy the comics section. However, there is one thing in particular that we believe is absolutely inappropriate for something that many of our youth are being subjected to in some of the comics.

We believe it is entirely wrong to publish a comic that jokes about drinking alcohol and getting drunk in a bar. We wonder how many young people may go on to become alcoholics after being encouraged in this direction.

This newspaper must share in the guilt if it contributes to wrecking people’s lives with alcohol addiction. If you have ever known anyone who has become an alcoholic, you will certainly agree that this is not a joking matter!

The most frequent offenders concerning booze are The Duplex, Hagar the Horrible, and Wizard of Id. We ask that you seriously consider a change in policy in which you refuse to publish any comic strip that glorifies drinking. Please simply do the right thing concerning this. You could be helping to save people’s lives by doing so (drinking and driving, binge drinking, ruined marriages, etc.).

We would also appreciate you discontinuing the horoscopes in the comics section (or anywhere else in your newspaper). As a Christian, I can assure you that the Bible warns us about occult things such as astrology, which can result in false guidance from the dark side. This can also be a harmful influence for our young folks. Our youth need all the help they can get in these troubled times.

LLOYD HOFFMAN Hot Springs