RAVERS ARE CREATIVE, EMPATHETIC

It's apparent that there is a disconnection with today's youth. As a
small-press publisher who is supportive of the electronic music communities
and a minor sponsor of a recent rave and an attendee, I find it necessary
to set the record straight.

- - Raves are age 16-plus events (and sometimes with a 19-plus licensed area
with a bracelet system in place for alcohol sales). IDs are checked at the
door (no one gets fake ID to go to a rave), and people and bags are
searched for drugs, weapons and markers. Social, responsible drinking is
the way of things. Drunkenness or drugged-out behaviour is highly
discouraged and frowned upon.

Perhaps Louise Logue, a youth intervention co-ordinator for Ottawa police,
is confusing teen 12-to-15 dances with raves, or illegal parties, or ones
out of town (raves are fairly rare in Ottawa these days). A more likely
scenario is that children under 16 run away from home for the night, are
refused entry to a rave, and then are left on the streets late at night
where they can get in trouble. It's the responsibility of parents to know
where their children are, not city councils.

- - In terms of high school absenteeism, raves are held on Saturdays during
the school year, so if a student is not at school on Monday, it is logical
to assume there are other factors in play.

- - Sexual predators are everywhere. But since the majority of rave
participants are 16 to 18, older men stand out like sore thumbs. Youths
stick together -- the rave community is tight in Ottawa due to its small
size -- and security is high. Rave organizers are ever-vigilant for signs
of trouble.

- - Raves are sanctuaries for people who love music amidst an egalitarian
environment that is free of violence and division. They are an artistic and
cultural nexus for creative minds to explore music and dance in a visually
stimulating environment. Ravers are creative, intelligent, empathetic
youths who shun violence and look for the positive in life. They will be
the ones who grow up to be the great artists of the city, computer
specialists, government employees, television reporters, and owners of
businesses.

City council has proposed a workable bylaw, though it is an obvious cash
grab. Ottawa should do more to encourage businesses to operate through the
night to increase the city's productivity and encourage business growth.

Christopher Socha,

Gloucester