The “do gooders” of Project Extra Mile have lost and have turned their ugly words at the City Council Raising the common standard of beating down opponents with the “child” clause. You know the clause – the “for the children” clause.

So please tell me Ms. Riibe – how is a child going to get a notorized permission slip from their parents if parents don’t approve? I think the measure is far more than adequate – if not too far by any means.

This has nothing to do with profiteering. The reality is that these venues have existed for some time. The Ranch Bowl had separated sections for adults who wanted to drink. Other bars have let slide some rules to allow these kids to perform in bars although it is rare and often limited to performances only.

You see, if you want to keep kids pent up in their homes, completely protected from anything and everything potentially dangerous, you do nothing but increase their propensity to do less than admirable things. Give them lattitude and leeway and they do better far more often.

The reality is that *most* shows that go on are generally cheap and cover the expenses of booking the bands. Ask many of the promoters who do so for profit and ask them just how much cash they make. The reality is it is a tough business and most of the cover charges go to the bands.

The second point is that for any artistic growth to happen, kids need an outlet to build experience and have fun with their friends in a non-destructive manner. This is what people don’t seem to get. Since the close of the CogFactory in Omaha, teen musicians have had precious few outlets to display their efforts. If bar owners are both willing to open their doors to kids to watch, they are more than happy to open their doors to let kids play.

As a music fan, I generally laugh at kids who get on stage to play. But it also gives me the chance to see some of the talent Omaha has where we may not otherwise be looking. It also gives kids a great ability to network with older people who are generally more experienced and may be able to offer advice.

If anything, the City Council was wise in its decision and the bar owners are willing to risk their liquor licenses to let kids have some alcohol-less fun.