This is in reference to the editorial on Ecstasy (June 4). The
editorial made it seem as if club-goers are lost sheep who need to be
herded back to the right path by the government. This theory is
misguided, as well as sad.

Why don't you give our generation a little bit of credit? Do you
really think that we are so feeble-minded that we need the state and
federal government to make our decisions for us? I am old enough to
smoke, drink, own a handgun and die for my country. I would hope that
I am rational and intelligent enough to make my own choices. To
typecast club-goers as "confused youngsters" who need to be saved from
their own devices is inane. I, along with my peers, am well versed on
the pros and cons of Ecstasy, and any dangers that I might or might
not face will be a product of my own free will.

Your editorial encourages the demonization of Ecstasy and the
prosecution of casual users to the highest letter of the law (and
raising that bar).

According to you, I should be locked away in prison for no less than
10 years for possessing one little pill that is less harmful than a
six-pack of beer.

You need to compare our drug crime statistics with those of Europe,
where it is all but legalized.

Patrick O'Rourke,
Tampa