To the Editor:

As I read of Diane McLeod’s unfortunate financial plight, I was struck by the photograph of her with cigarette in hand and ashtray on table. I wonder if Ms. McLeod has considered how much she could increase her cash flow if she were to quit smoking. $100 a month? $300 a month?

Jonathan Ballon
Darnestown, Md., July 20, 2008
The writer is a medical doctor.

Note from KBJ: Come on! A pack of cigarettes a day, at 35¢ a pack, comes to $127.75 a year, or $10.64 a month.