Pubdate: Sun, 10 Feb 2002
Source: Salisbury Post (NC)
Copyright: 2002 Post Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.salisburypost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/380
Author: Domenic Martinello
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n188/a04.html?2198
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/raves.htm (Raves)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

TEEN CLUBS

In response to Kristen Pitel's well-informed Feb. 2 letter regarding a teen 
clubs, I must agree 100 percent.

As a medical student clear across the country in Reno, NV, I see a similar 
problem! All of our nightlife revolves around bars and casinos and leaves 
many kids bored and spending their nights drinking and cruising the roads. 
This is why our teen-age drunken-driving level is so high compared to 
California, which has nightclubs for teens (under 18) and young adults (18-21).

Recently I became a member of a local rave production company that threw an 
event called "Mission 2 Mars" at the local convention center. What was the 
outcome? About 1,200 happy people ages 14-35 came together to celebrate 
music and dance. We had no fights; our security found no drugs.

Thinking that raves and nightclubs for kids is a problem is insane. If done 
properly, they are a gracious gift to parents and bored teens who otherwise 
could put their lives at risk trying to find "fun" in an otherwise boring town.

Domenic Martinello

Reno, Nev.
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MAP posted-by: Alex