I have read in the newspapers that you have called upon the state to ban certain electronic music events from the Cow Palace, citing the recent death of Anthony Mata, and associated drug arrests, as grounds for such a ban.

That request is misguided, and I would ask you to reconsider.

Sixteen thousand people went to the Cow Palace on the night of Mr. Mata’s tragic death. Sixteen thousand people went there because they greatly enjoy the combination of a large dancing crowd and electronic dance music; they went because they knew they would experience the joy that comes from doing the things one loves to do.

Fifteen thousand, nine hundred and eighty eight people did so safely. They knew that a hot crowded dance floor is a risky environment, and they took care of themselves, had fun, and experienced joy.

Twelve did not.

But those twelve knew the risks; they were aware – as anyone who has spent any time on a dance floor is – of the danger of dehydration when dancing in a crowd; and they chose not to take care of themselves.

Is the joy of fifteen thousand, nine hundred and eighty eight people to be prevented because twelve people who knew the risks involved with their activities were not sufficiently careful?

Should we apply the same rule to anything risky that people enjoy?

Electronic dance music massives are events which are, for their fans, the highlights of the year; people come from hundreds of miles around to have fun dancing in a crowd. They are a great experience for those who enjoy them responsibly; they are miserable experiences for those who don’t enjoy them or who are not responsible.

But fans of such events should have the freedom to choose to take the risks for an experience they love.