Letters to the Editor

Yet somehow, Denver seems to think that because a few kids had fatal incidents with Ecstasy, that must mean that all kids who spend any time in any club-type setting must be using this and other drugs, too. And because the attempt to shut down the rave scene has gotten Denver officials nowhere, they're now trying to shut down all live musical experiences for anyone under 21! I cannot grasp the reason that alcohol, the number-one cause of death in America, is still legal -- while everything else is not. And it seems to me like they ignore every fool over21 who screws up one night and ends up dead, whether the cause is alcohol or Ecstasy.

Here's another aspect they don't understand: About 50 percent of the profit at these venues comes from teenagers who spend every paycheck just to see their favorite bands live; the other 50 percent comes from the sale of alcohol to those of age who attend shows. Going to shows is what kids do today, and it's harmless as long as it's controlled. But this new law is not control; it's oppression.

I'm sorry to say this, but Denver officials need to wake up and realize that this "solution" is merely a way to put the problem on a shelf and pretend that everything is solved. I know that they know it's not going to stop the use of Ecstasy and other club drugs -- just like shutting down raves won't stop it. It's hard to say it, much less admit it, but nothing will stop this trend -- except maybe time.

Jenni Brown
Evergreen