ARTICLE PORTRAYED THE SCENE AS IT IS

Thank you for running such a balanced article about the rave in Milwaukee
("Ravers make their return," Oct. 14). As a Milwaukee high school student,
I started attending parties in 1996 and have since witnessed the ups and
downs of the Midwest rave scene.

It is a rare occurrence that our music scene isn't demonized and
sensationalized by politicians and scandal-addicted "journalists." I
applaud reporter James H. Burnett III's accurate portrayal of a spectrum of
average ravers. His interviews let the rave-goers speak for themselves,
none of whom fit the inaccurate stereotype of some drugged-out kid
attending an "All-Night Teenage Dance Party of Death." They're articulate
and well-adjusted dance and music enthusiasts enjoying their unique,
vibrant and oft-maligned culture.

Also appreciated was the highlight of the DanceSafe volunteers - who
traveled from Madison and Chicago, respectively - who are average people
who care about their fellow ravers, and put forth their best efforts to
keep kids safe whether they choose to use drugs or not. I commend Burnett's
article as a model of fair and accurate reporting.

Sarah Wainright, DanceSafe Chicago liaison, Chicago