TEENS: LEARN FROM MISTAKES

As a student at a local high school, I am outraged at the media's attitude
toward the recent Ecstasy events. It is tragic that someone has died, but
neither girl was a victim. They both made the conscious decision to take an
illegal and dangerous drug. By making this choice they are responsible for
the consequences.

Teenagers should be old enough to know that taking a drug could result in
death. I encourage the media and our community to learn from the mistakes
these girls have made, and not glorify them.

ERIN MACHAMER Highlands Ranch

A LOST CAUSE

How dare Michael Rollins, from the Douglas County sheriff's office suggest
that the 15-year-old girl who was put in a medically induced coma "wasn't
paying attention," referring to Brittney Chambers death from taking ecstasy.

When will people like Rollins wake up to realize that the war on drugs
cannot be won at any expense, including the life of a child.

It doesn't matter that another child died because of drug use and another
and another ... the U.S. government will keep spending money trying to
fight a lost cause instead of educating from within.

Also, it makes me sick that the media exploit this "high profile-rich white
kids" story, while daily, poor kids of color are dying from drug overdoses
and selling on the urban streets.

But who cares about them?

JILL DREIER Denver