RAVERS MISUNDERSTOOD

I JUST read the May 3 issue with Rick Bell's editorial "Plan nothing to
rave about." He focused on the recently criticized raves taking place (and
have been for more years than he knows)

I want to state for the record that I am not a "raver" but do know of a
few, but I feel I have an honest and 'first-person' perspective on this issue.

Bell often has some surprisingly accurate takes on issues facing our city
(and "Silly Hall") but here is where I draw the line and step up to the plate.

Ecstasy is a dangerous drug. Cocaine is a deadly drug. Alcohol is a
dangerous and a deadly drug. To stereotype a group of people or a social
event because those people involved choose to be under an "influence," is
one-sided and uneducated.

Rick can't deny he himself has headed to a bar or pub for a
"stress-reliever" and refresh my memory, but isn't alcohol an influence?

The mention of cocaine being present at these events is ridiculous,
considering the fact that a small number of ravers have been physically
removed from raves -- by other ravers -- because of their dealing in such a
substance.

"Kids today" aren't as bad as Bell makes us out to be, and given a time and
place for organized fun, as city hall is trying to do with the
"taxpayer-owned" Max Bell Arena, we can be given the opportunity to stay
off the street or out of crowded bars.

I'm sorry but despite what Bell believes, the majority of ravers, DJs and
organizers are all of age and we pay taxes too! Thank you for letting me
vent on behalf of the overly misunderstood.

Nicole Moench

(Rick was just reporting police concerns.)