Don’t be fooled

Dear Editor,

In the past, tobacco companies have manipulated consumers through a variety of marketing strategies and they continue to do so today.

In 2009, the U.S. Congress gave the FDA the authority to regulate the marketing and packaging of tobacco products. You may notice the words “light,” “mild” and “low tar” no longer appear on tobacco packaging.

For years, these words misled smokers into thinking that these products are safer than “regular” cigarettes; however, they are not. This restriction in package labeling, which became effective last June, is a result of FDA oversight.

How did the tobacco industry respond? They now use nonverbal cues, such as packaging colors or different terms such as “gold” and “silver” to send messages to consumers. For example, RJ Reynolds packages Salem cigarettes in different shades of green. The “full flavor” box is the darkest color green; lighter shades are used for their previously marketed “light, mild and low tar” brands.

Without realizing it, consumers may choose products based on the assumption that the cigarettes in this particular redesigned pack are the healthier choice.

Please do not be fooled by these tactics. No tobacco product is safe. The tobacco industry is big business, and as a result is pro-profit, not pro-health.

Your wellbeing is in your hands. If you are a smoker interested in stopping, speak to your doctor and call the New York State Quitline (1-866-NY-Quits, 1-866-697-8487).

The Quitline is a free service to New York state residents. Quitline coaches offer tips to stop smoking and a two-week supply of free patches to eligible callers.

Margot Gold, North Country Healthy Heart Network, Inc., Saranac Lake

Your vote counts

Editor,

As the summer warmth fades, the heat now being generated is of a different kind. The election season will focus, rightfully so, on the very important presidential choice our country now has. Stripping away the slogans and sound bites, we have two distinct philosophies of government’s role in our lives, and must vote for who is best equipped to right our floundering economic ship.

Closer to home, we have a competition between our sitting congressman, Bill Owens, and Matt Doheny. Here, back in upstate New York, the votes and policies Rep. Owens has supported have not done well.

He continues to tell us in the district one thing, and then puts in with Nancy Pelosi when he gets back to D.C.. The ridiculous regulations he derides in his TV ads are bad for business and farming, but he fails to point out they are all products of the administration he supports at every turn.

Matt Doheny, candidate for your new 21st Congressional District, is a self-made man, a local Alexander Bay fellow who has had extensive experience in the private sector. His keen awareness of what it takes to manage and save companies, and start new ones, is precisely what our region needs now.

Matt, and his new wife, Mary, will be tireless workers for the people and future of the North Country. His ideas, and innovations for positive growth here (at a time when our region lags far behind in jobs and opportunity for our young), coupled with his remarkable energy make Matt Doheny our best choice on Election Day.

Your vote counts, now more than ever.

Neil P. McGovern, Speculator

Thanks for the help

Dear Cris,

Last Monday a small group from the geriatric society enjoyed their last 2012 Pinochle Party at the Indian Lake American Legion Hall. We want to thank the members of the American Legion who granted us the use of their facility, and I want to personally thank Mary Farrell for coordinating the refreshments and everything she did to make our Monday nights very enjoyable throughout the past summer.

Phil Joseph, Indian Lake

Benefit dinner planned

Dear Cris,

The Speculator Volunteer Fire Department invites everyone to a benefit dinner. The department will be sponsoring a spaghetti dinner Saturday, Oct. 13, at Lake Pleasant Central School from 5-7 p.m. The cost of the dinner will be donation and all proceeds from that evening will be placed in a separate Benevolent Fund Account.

The department’s benevolent fund is used to assist community members and firefighters in need. The fund has been used to help families with travel expenses to and from the hospital after loved ones have been injured or sick for an extended period of time.

The fund has also been used to help fellow firefighters from neighboring communities who have experienced needs due to fire, injury or illness. I do not want to cite specific incidences as the fire department strives to use the funds in a private yet encouraging manner for those experiencing difficult times.

All are invited to attend and to support the dinner. Thank you.

Arthur Page, president

Speculator Volunteer Fire Department