Arlene Levinson wrote for the Associated Press, "The scar in Rich Webb's back is dark pink and puckered, a souvenir of the night in 1995 when he was attacked by a crowd of straight edgers. They carved an X, the movement's signature, just above Webb's waist. The doctor said a knife must have been used to slice his flesh so cleanly."

Straight Edge is increasingly proving itself not to be what Levinson referred to as "every parent's dream."

Straight Edge is a youth movement born from the underground punk rock scene of the early 1980s. It promised to be a revolt against the perilous temptations of youth and later linked to a strong support of animal rights.

Straight Edgers do not drink, smoke or take drugs.

In refraining from such activities, Straight Edgers may come across as sensitive, congenial youths concerned about their health and the well-being of a generation prone to drug abuse.

Straight Edgers did not seem so sensitive and congenial at an Anderson punk rock show featuring local bands Falling Action and After the Fall.

At the show, the Straight Edge lead singer of the band Towards an End, from San Ramon, punched Eric Manley, a non-Straight-Edger and former member of the Redding punk rock band The Routies.

This triggered an all-out brawl between Straight Edgers and non-Straight Edgers.

The fight was provoked when the lead singer of After the Fall vocalized the tension between Straight Edgers and non-Straight Edgers. He said something to the effect of, "This one's dedicated to the Routies- They hate us and we love it."

According to Manley, one of his friends lit a marijuana cigarette in the building in reaction to the statement. A San Ramon Straight Edger vented his frustration by attempting to physically overhaul Manley, which caused Straight Edgers and non-Straight Edgers to defend their allies.

After the fight subsided, the San Ramon teen was battered and bleeding from his head, but perhaps felt he had prevailed in his battle for his health.

Straight Edge may give teens a sense of security and identity, but the image is hard to stomach for those who are victims of the movement's violent actions.

In The Salt Lake City Tribune, Tom Zoellner wrote, "Two college students who were smoking cigarettes on a Salt Lake City street were confronted by a gang of 20 bleach-haired teenagers wielding chains, bricks and a giant spray can of pepper gas."

The gang was said to be Straight Edgers and the confrontation put one University of Utah student in the hospital for treatment of head injuries. He was beaten on the head with a baseball bat for smoking on a public street.

A movement which portrays its beliefs in a manner that sends people to the hospital for smoking is perhaps a movement in the wrong direction.

The movement may create a feeling of security for its members, but how secure does it make those two college students feel?

Most of my friends are Straight Edge. I once believed in the Straight edge movement and its positive impact on today's youth.

I don't believe in it anymore.

What began as a personal revolt against chemical temptation seems to have become an exclusive club. Members of this club are intolerant of those outside this club.

What started out as youths binding together to rid tempting impurities from their lives has ended up being a breeding ground for bigotry.

It seems that these people, who share common goals and recognize the need for reform in their generation have bonded together, but allow no mercy for outsiders.

In my opinion, bigotry and sanctimoniousness are just as offensive as addiction. Intolerance is more abhorent than eating meat.

Furthermore, I feel that fantastic loyalty to a cause is derived from an initial disbelief in it.

Devoted Straight Edgers may be seen sporting specific attire. Adidas shoes, sports jerseys with band names, cargo pants, wide legged jeans, X's drawn on the hands and wooden beaded necklaces are typical trappings of an ardent Straight Edger.

Come, on guys. Can't we believe in something without having to wear a uniform?

Can't we be something without constantly talking about it?

Can't we live our lives free of substances without calling ourselves Straight Edge?