Puffery

Congratulations on the publication of Robert Hilburn’s laudatory article on the White Stripes and the accompanying photo (“Sitting Atop Rock’s New Wave,” March 30). How much was the check from the tobacco companies to show Jack White dragging on a cigarette? Please discontinue irresponsibly glamorizing smoking by inundating the entertainment section with pictures of actors, writers, artists and particularly musicians cultivating the myth that to be creative and cutting edge, you smoke.

Howard Neal

Los Angeles