WHAT IS SAFE?

Readers Share Views About Raves, Ecstasy

Dear Ann Landers: This is in response to the letter from DEA administrator
Donnie Marshall about ecstasy. The ecstasy knock-off known as PMA that has
been taking the lives of young Americans is today's version of bathtub gin.

Unlike legitimate businesses that sell alcohol, illegal drug dealers do not
ask for ID. They push trendy, synthetic "club drugs" when given the chance.
The drug war fails miserably at its primary mandate - protecting children
from drugs.

The Netherlands has successfully reduced overall drug use by regulating and
taxing marijuana as a legal drug and establishing age controls.

Politicians should stop worrying about the message that drug-policy reform
sends and start thinking about the children. - Robert Sharpe, MPA, Program
Officer, the Lindesmith Center-Drug Policy Foundation, Washington, D.C.

Dear Robert Sharpe: Thanks for your interesting viewpoint. I hope that your
letter will wake up some of those "sleeping beauties." Here's more:

Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.: A lot of ravers use drugs, but it is not fair to
label all of us as drug users. I am 17 and go to raves every Saturday, and
I don't use drugs. Ecstasy is available in lots of places, including rock
concerts and college parties. If I want ecstasy, I don't have to go to a
rave to get it.

Johnstown, Pa.: I am a senior in high school and have been going to raves
almost weekly. I took my mother to a rave, and we danced until 5 a.m. She
had the time of her life. We were drug-free and surrounded by friends.

Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio: I am 19 and have been attending raves for two years.
People go for the music, not the drugs. Security personnel frisk everyone.

Nashville: It's been two years since my experience with ecstasy, and I am
still in therapy. I was almost raped and have lost my short-term memory.

Oakland, Calif.: If ecstasy was legal, rave promoters and staff would be
able to help injured kids without fear of legal reprisal. People are
worried they will be arrested if they take someone to the hospital or call
911. That's the real problem.

New York: I used ecstasy for five years, but only on weekends. I often felt
depressed on Monday mornings but continued to take ecstasy because it was
so pleasant. This is classic addicted behavior. I can no longer ignore the
effect that it has had on my health. My hair is thin and breaks off easily.
My skin is sallow, and I have perpetual acne. Due to the grinding, my teeth
have become crooked and sharp. Ecstasy is not worth the misery later on.

Cincinnati: Some raves let you in for a reduced fee if you bring canned
goods for food drives. Others raise money for charities. Ravers have a
saying, P.L.U.R., which means Peace, Love, Unity, Respect.