I want to re-emphasize the point being made that a vital, crucial element of the music and SOCIAL scene here in Portland is being cut off by not allowing underage citizens access to local music events. I and most other musicians look to this stage of our own upbringing as the time in which we found our reasons for working, found our passion, found our mentors and heroes, and sparked our interest in the creative work we still engage in 15 years later, with no signs of slowing-down. It is quite simple, a different stamp, with a bit of work on the club staff's part at making sure minors aren't holding drinks (just look for the stamp or bracelet), and that's it. It is not a big deal, not a big workload issue for the club which will love the extra business, and gives young people the benifit of having creative exposure and fun on their nights out rather than hanging out in cul-de-sacs drinking because there's no other diversion. It's crucial, crucial, crucial, otherwise our young-people's chief cultural informers will be what's broadcast from elsewhere on lowest-common-denominator television, in their socially-isolated homes. That, and the latest drug fad you can do in your dorm or apartment or parent's garage. Let's give them an alternative, something real. Let's continue to bring creativity and arts to the Portland public.