Pubdate: Tue, 27 Mar 2012
Source: Edmonton Journal (CN AB)
Copyright: 2012 The Edmonton Journal
Contact: 
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/opinion/letters/letters-to-the-editor.html
Website: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/134
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v12/n191/a05.html
Author: Calvin Lee

RAVE BAN WON'T WORK

Re: "City should consider rave ban: councillor," the Journal, March 21.

Remember prohibition? It still won't work.

Reading about the injuries and damages that result from raves is 
distressing, but a citywide ban on all raves is not the correct response.

Making something illegal does not stop people from doing it.

When prohibition was in place, things worsened. People smuggled 
alcohol and paid inflated black-market prices just to get it. Gangs 
competed for territory. Violent crime saw a dramatic rise.

Legislation against drugs, alcohol and, in this case, raves is 
well-intended, but its goals are unrealistic. Much like a person has 
the freedom to imbibe alcohol, a person should have the freedom to 
attend a rave. That person should have enough agency and 
responsibility to decide whether or not they want to attend a party 
where many patrons are under the influence.

Restricting people from their wants and desires simply does not work. 
Grant people autonomy over their own bodies.

Calvin Lee,

Edmonton
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom