Pubdate: Tue, 14 Mar 2000
Source: Denver Post (CO)
Copyright: 2000 The Denver Post
Contact:  1560 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202
Fax: (303) 820.1502
Website: http://www.denverpost.com/
Forum: http://www.denverpost.com/voice/voice.htm
Author: Jennifer K. Aboaf
Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n285/a04.htm

POST IRRESPONSIBLE

Re: "Hug drug intoxicating Denverites," Feb. 27.

Your front-page article on the drug ecstasy is replete with testimonials, a
flowery invitation and photos of reveling dancers - all which suggest an
alluring and seductive aspect to the parties and clubs at which it is
consumed.

Although the author does report on the drug's risks and dangers, he pays
equal or greater attention to describing the loose conduct and deafening
music that accompany its use.

The Denver Post has a responsibility to the community to not sensationalize
or trivialize sensitive issues like drug abuse. In this case, a less
critical reader might interpret the reporter's indiffer ence as a tacit
endorsement of these activities. What's next - an expose on keg parties?

I shudder to think of our impressionable teens and young adults being
enticed to try this drug based on the photos and language in this article.

Jennifer K. Aboaf, Aurora
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MAP posted-by: Eric Ernst