From: Sammons, Catherine [csammons@MEDNET.ucla.edu]
Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2002 2:41 PM
To: 'fdadockets@oc.fda.gov'
Subject: FDA authority over commercials

Profits should NEVER come before the health and welfare of our citizens. 
First-right amendments are essential for individuals, but when it comes to
corporations that have millions of dollars to spend promoting their products
- especially tobacco, alcohol, drugs and unhealthy foods - then special
rules should apply. These rules should have the health and welfare of all
citizens as a top priority -- particularly those citizens who are not
fortunate enough to have caring and involved parents and so are more
vulnerable to the suggestions, exaggerations and misleading statements that
are rampant in advertising.
Failing to restrict advertising with proven harmful effects on children and
youth is not a protection of free speech, but an abdication of parental and
community responsibility.
Catherine Sammons
parent and mental health professional working with families