MAYOR MEL, COME RAVE WITH ME -- WEAR FUNKY PINK FUZZY PANTS

Mayor Mel Lastman: Have you ever attended a rave? Because it really sounds
as if you are positively misinformed and out of touch regarding the whole
situation.

Please do not take this as an insult, okay? I am a 20-year-old
intelligent university student, and, yes, I am a "raver." I am also
extremely upset about the incorrect information now circulating
regarding the rave culture.

In the May 11 article, Council votes to suspend raves, you are quoted
as saying that, "When people take this ecstasy . . . they go nuts . .
. the cops cannot control them."

Those who choose to take "e" are not usually looking for fights: They
don't call it the "Love Drug" for nuthin', catch my drift?

You also stated that the controlled "rave" atmospheres (for example,
venues like the Better Living Centre) are ineffective as a means of
improving the overall safety of the party. You said, "Let me tell you,
it's not working." I, for one, disagree.

I really doubt that the 24 arrests made during the April 22 party
would have been possible if security (and a secure venue) had not been
provided.

As for young people squirming about in their own pools of vomit, I
find that very hard to believe. You see, we so-called "ravers" have a
habit of looking out for our friends, whether we have known them for
years, or for a total of about five minutes.

Now would you let your friends roll about in pools of vomit? I think
not.

Mayor Mel, please educate yourself before passing judgment on our
culture.

Pick up a copy of Tribe magazine, pop in a few House, Trance or Jungle
CDs, and then cruise Web sites, such as Toronto Rave Connection,
RaveSafe, or even Nocturnal Magazine.net.

Trying on a pair of funky pink fuzzy pants might also be a good
idea.

And, Mel? I'm personally inviting you to join me at the next party.
But please, enter into our world with an open mind. Nobody likes a bad
vibe.

Emily Balon, a.k.a. Nifty Pixie,
Bradford, Ont.