Pubdate: Mon, 03 Apr 2000
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2000 The Toronto Star
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Author: Lucas Weiler, Mississauga

RAVE CURFEWS WON'T STOP DRUG USE

Re Drug use by young is culprit (Letters page, March 24). Teri Gleeson
asks: "Who can do that (stay up all night dancing) without some
chemical aid?" I can. I know lots of people who can.

At the last rave I attended, I consumed three pieces of candy and
nothing more - not even a sip of Coke. Perhaps Gleeson has difficulty
staying awake past 1:30 a.m. but this is not the case with everyone
(especially young people).

The problem, contrary to her belief, is not that raves last until
morning. The problem is that people wish to use drugs. Neither curfews
nor crackdowns will stop drug use. To instigate these under the guise
of "protecting our youth" is overbearing and foolish.

You cannot control the minds of young people by insisting they go to
bed early.

Lucas Weiler,
Mississauga
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