NO RAVE REVIEWS FOR DEA POLICY

To the Editor:

Apparently the DEA is using the RAVE Act to target political groups that
they don't like (News To Us, "Smoked Out," 5.26). 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
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 if they adopt
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The RAVE Act should be repealed immediately and the DEA's budget should be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)

Warwick, RI