ROCKERS DESERVES APPLAUSE

The terms "responsible" and "rock band" are hardly synonymous; indeed,
they're seldom uttered in the same sentence.

In light of that, it was particularly gratifying to hear the members of the
popular band Widespread Panic declare their support for the law enforcement
crackdown on drug use and illegal alcohol use at their concert last weekend
at the Oak Mountain amphitheater.

There were about 200 arrests at the concert, which drew about 30,000 fans.
One fan died of a drug overdose.

Realistically, no one expects a rock concert to resemble a Sunday School
picnic. Even so, illegal conduct cannot be ignored and it was encouraging
to see the band declare its support for the efforts of law enforcement
personnel.

"We fully support the actions taken by local police to eliminate drug
dealing and underage drinking at all Widespread Panic concerts," the band
said in a statement.

That's not the sort of sentiment usually heard from rock bands.

In the statement, Widespread Panic urged fans to attend its concerts
"equipped only with an appreciation for the music and respect for their
fellow concert-goers."

Now there's a concept for you. Here's hoping the band's fans will take it
to heart and make future concerts purely musical events, not police
operations. Here's also hoping other bands take the same responsible position.