RAVE NOT GOOD IDEA

WHILE EUROPE has largely abandoned the drug war in favor of harm- reduction
alternatives, our so-called leaders in Congress are seemingly intent on
maximizing the harm associated with illicit drug use. The Reducing
Americans' Vulnerability to Ecstasy (RAVE) Act article targets dance clubs
that provide life-saving harm-reduction education, pill testing, and "chill
rooms" designed to prevent ecstasy-related heat exhaustion ("Bill a
buzzkill for raves," July 22). Sacrificing more children at the altar of
the failed drug war in order to "send a message" is not in America's best
interest.

In addition to pushing legislation that will lead to easily preventable
deaths, our government is spending millions on an advertising campaign that
appears to be designed to drum up political support for the war on (some)
drugs. The Partnership for a Drug-Free America's anti-ecstasy ads for kids
show apparent indifference among ecstasy users when fellow "ravers" fall
unconscious. These ads have zero credibility. Most teenagers know ecstasy
produces strong feelings of empathy.

The likely result of the government's anti-ecstasy campaign is teenagers
continuing to use ecstasy and parents continuing to support harmful
zero-tolerance policies. Apparently keeping the $50 billion drug war gravy
train chugging along is more important than protecting children from drugs.

Robert Sharpe, M.P.A.

Program officer

Drug Policy Alliance

Washington, D.C.