'KELLEY'S LAW' MOM DEFENDS NEW ECSTASY LAW

Dear Editor,

Mr. Larry Stevens, I am writing in response to your recent letter, "Ecstasy
law will ultimately be counterproductive." Your analogy with regard to
skydiving and Ecstasy absolutely eludes me. Skydiving, as dangerous as it
may be, is a legal sport; the use of Ecstasy is illegal.

The hysterical provocation you mentioned that led to the passing of
"Kelley's Law" wasn't brought on by one death. My daughter, Kelley, was
but one of many young people who died from Ecstasy or a look-alike
drug. Lawmakers saw the need to help rectify a growing problem. "Kelley's
Law" sends the message that possession of Ecstasy and club drugs will not
be tolerated. The people that may end up in jail due to "Kelley's Law"
will have a second chance, Kelley won't.

You ask, "How many families will be ripped apart?" I assume you mean by a
drug dealer going off to jail. On the evening of Nov. 14, 1999, my family
was ripped apart by the four words that are every parents worst nightmare:
"Your child is dead." I will never again hear Kelley say "I love ya, Mom,"
and my young daughter will never get "just one more hug" from her only
sister. The death of a child is what truly rips apart a family. "Kelley's
Law" is neither cynical, demagogic, nor unaffordable and, to the contrary,
Mr. Stevens, it has been quite productive to date. Kelley's death from
Ecstasy has left a hole in my heart but not my spirit. I do not feel
manipulated in any way and if some good can possibly come from the tragic
loss of my daughter, then her name will never be dishonored.

Kate Patton

Rolling Meadows