RANTING ABOUT THE RAVE ACT

Editor:

Apparently the DEA is using the RAVE Act to target political groups
that they don't like ("Will RAVE Act Stomp Out Drugs -- Or Dissent?,"
June 20).

Drug use occurs everyday at concerts and other events around the
country.

It is a miscarriage of justice that the DEA would use the law to only
target events that advocate for changes in drug policy.

It's abhorrent that American taxpayers' money is being used to stifle
free speech and political activity. Regardless, the RAVE Act does
nothing to reduce the harms associated with substance abuse. It only
puts youth at greater danger by holding event organizers negligent for
adopting effective harm reduction techniques like providing water or
"chill out" rooms where dancers can relax.

The RAVE Act should be repealed immediately and the DEA's budget
should be reduced by the amount it spent on this political charade.

Sincerely,

TOM ANGELL

Board of Directors,

Students for Sensible Drug Policy

www.ssdp.org