To the Editor:

In response to "Don’t Blame Movies For Decision To Smoke," which ran in the March 14 issue of North Country This Week:

This is purposely off topic: I am not here to refute the fact of smoking on TV; that's a never-ending argument anyway and thinking people pretty much know the score.

What I am here for is to more or less attack any adult who decides to challenge a group of sixth graders; children, in their formative years.

In my opinion, that's a vicious attack of those kids due to their ages, and I want to stand up for them. Jeez, they are kids! Just how threatening does that author think he has been to those kids?

You have told young, malleable children, in a public platform, that:

1. They are wrong.

2. They shouldn't have said what they said (1st amendment)

3. They should feel threatened by you and your words!

But I think you are non-thinking, conscienceless and ignorant, for your comments to those kids! Your only recourse, really, is to apologize to those great kids, regardless of their opinion, and hope you haven't caused any bullying or mental scarring!

It is my belief that you have violated those children's civil rights of free speech but I am not a lawyer.

These forums are nota place anyone can attack anyone they wish to, especially kids, regardless of anyone's opinion.

Tom Rivet`

Heuvelton