Reader: Rainbow Family members range from sweet souls to criminal douchebags

Our post about a quadruple stabbing tied to a Rainbow Family gathering highlighted the disconnect between the benign, nature-loving image pushed by members and law-enforcement's concern that the group is populated by plenty of criminals and creeps. Our readers had a variety of opinions on the topic, with this comment...

By Michael Roberts

July 21, 2014

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Our post about a quadruple stabbing tied to a Rainbow Family gathering highlighted the disconnect between the benign, nature-loving image pushed by members and law-enforcement's concern that the group is populated by plenty of criminals and creeps. Our readers had a variety of opinions on the topic, with this comment being among the most evenhanded.

Willie Culkin writes:

I hesitate to label them all good or bad. Like most groups (except gay Scientologists, they are ALL really nice!) they exist on a spectrum of sweet soul to complete douchebag. That being said, the Rainbow Family is a great place for criminals, douchebags and ne'er-do-wells to hide in.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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