Pubdate: Sat, 17 Feb 2001
Source: Denver Post (CO)
Copyright: 2001 The Denver Post Corp
Contact:  1560 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202
Fax: (303) 820.1502
Website: http://www.denverpost.com/
Forum: http://www.denverpost.com/voice/voice.htm
Authors: Erin Machamer and Jill Dreier

TEENS: LEARN FROM MISTAKES

As a student at a local high school, I am outraged at the media's attitude 
toward the recent Ecstasy events. It is tragic that someone has died, but 
neither girl was a victim. They both made the conscious decision to take an 
illegal and dangerous drug. By making this choice they are responsible for 
the consequences.

Teenagers should be old enough to know that taking a drug could result in 
death. I encourage the media and our community to learn from the mistakes 
these girls have made, and not glorify them.

ERIN MACHAMER Highlands Ranch

A LOST CAUSE

How dare Michael Rollins, from the Douglas County sheriff's office suggest 
that the 15-year-old girl who was put in a medically induced coma "wasn't 
paying attention," referring to Brittney Chambers death from taking ecstasy.

When will people like Rollins wake up to realize that the war on drugs 
cannot be won at any expense, including the life of a child.

It doesn't matter that another child died because of drug use and another 
and another ... the U.S. government will keep spending money trying to 
fight a lost cause instead of educating from within.

Also, it makes me sick that the media exploit this "high profile-rich white 
kids" story, while daily, poor kids of color are dying from drug overdoses 
and selling on the urban streets.

But who cares about them?

JILL DREIER Denver
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