Editor:

Concerning the “Max’s Favorite Things” column of December 18th, 2013, we feel compelled to comment. We were very disappointed to read an unpaid advertisement for e-cigarettes within his column.

Regardless of Max’s lifestyle choices, it seems irresponsible to be using ‘The World’ to encourage buying tobacco products as presents. There are very few local columnists and as such, Max’s words carry a fair amount of weight and he should be aware of that responsibility as he chooses his subject matter. Having witnessed two family members die in the past couple of years from lung cancer, we are keenly aware of the insidious and gruesome effects of lifelong smoking. E-cigarettes may be a safer alternative to regular cigarettes, but e-cigarettes still contain nicotine and carcinogens and a host of other toxic chemicals.

There is a reason that NYC banned them from indoor establishments, for instance.

Seeing the high rates of tobacco use in the Montpelier community as compared to other places our family has lived is alarming to us as parents, and we hope those who hold any sway in the matter, such as local news outlets, will use their power in a positive way.

Josh and Rachel Wykle

Montpelier