STOPPING THE 'RAVES'

The editorial "Parents in denial on ecstasy" (Nov. 18) correctly pointed out
the danger of ecstasy use among our youth. Drugs are eating away at
Americans' lives. We cannot ignore the problem.

I recently introduced legislation, the Reducing Americans' Vulnerability to
Ecstasy Act, to deter illicit drug use and protect children.

The bill ensures that those who seek to profit from drug activity at "raves"
- -- dance events often portrayed as alcohol-free parties for young adults --
will not be able to use any loophole in the law to escape prosecution.

The most important thing we can do to win the war on drugs is keep young
people from ever using them.

U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith