DRUG ARTICLE MUDDIES WATER

Articles such as Ecstasy -- drug world's rising star (Aug. 6) make it
difficult to impart objective information about the actual risks of Ecstasy
to users who have been numbed by the hype and who consequently resist any
cautionary information, regardless of the source. The editorial from the
publication New Scientist (Jan. 25, 1997) put it most eloquently:

"It seems pretty clear that the short-term dangers [of Ecstasy] are not as
great as media and many public figures portray them. Ecstasy takers know
this, and become understandably cynical about warnings issued by those in
authority. Trust disappears -- another victim of panic. It would be far
better to present an honest assessment of the risks and benefits of illegal
drugs and maintain the trust without which any influence over young people
is impossible."

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to ferret out the truth. It is,
however, the media's responsibility to aid in that task, not to make it
more difficult.

SHANE V. DZIOBA, Winnipeg