Yes, clubs have closed down because of legislation pushed through by the
Bush clan in the security culture in place in post Sept. 11th US.
Perhaps the most obvious example is the RAVE act that was sneaked into the
"Amber Alert" laws (kind of like Orange Alert) one of the many sweeping and
highly politicized security laws pushed into effect in the security
crackdown atmosphere fomented post Sept. 11th including the infamous
Patriot Act and the soon to be released Patriot Act II which promises the
unique ability of taking away a US citizen's citizenship. But about the
RAVE act. I guess I should just link, but here's a quote:
"The "RAVE" Act attached to the AMBER Alert legislation passed both the
House and the Senate despite the fact there had been no public hearing,
debate or vote in Congress this year. The AMBER Alert bill with the "RAVE"
Act attachment was signed into law by President Bush on April 30, 2003. The
Rave Act has the force to stop licensed and law-abiding business owners
from hosting events out of fear of massive fines and prison sentences. It
would amend the federal "crack house law" to make it easier for federal
prosecutors to fine and imprison business owners that fail to stop drug
offenses from occurring. Businessmen and women could be prosecuted even if
they were not involved in drugs - and even if they took steps to stop drug
use on their property. Although proponents of the bill are seeking to
target raves (and DJs, nightclub owners, and rave promoters have the most
to fear), the law would apply to any business owner, including bar owners,
motel owners, concert promoters, and cruise ship owners. Because of its
broad language, the proposed law would even potentially subject people to
twenty years in federal prison if guests smoked marijuana at their party or
barbecue.
The RAVE Act will also stifle musical expression and is a threat to free
speech and the right to dance. It is clearly an assault on raves and
electronic music. If the bill becomes law, property owners may be too
afraid to rent or lease their property to groups holding all-night dance
parties, rock or Hip-Hop concerts, hemp festivals or any other event
rightly or wrongly perceived as attracting drug users.
This will drive these gatherings further underground and away from public
health and safety regulations. Prosecutors are already insinuating that
selling bottled water and offering "cool off" rooms is proof that owners
and promoters know drug use is occurring at their events and if the Act
becomes law business owners may be too afraid to implement any
harm-reduction measures, and the safety of our nation's young people will
suffer."
http://www.nomoredrugwar.org/music/rave_act.htm
Yeah, more underground parties! But seriously, Crazy old John Ashcroft and
the Bush junta are poised to take back every right fought for by every
activist in the last century, so come out from the rock.
http://www.aclu.org/DrugPolicy/DrugPolicy.cfm?ID=12280&c=185
And since this is probably my only political rant for awhile I'll shoot
some spam for a Reclaim the Streets party coming up in San Francisco on
Valentines Day with some detroit booty and techno on the sound system:
www.rts-sf.com
Reclaim the Streets! Reclaim Your Heart!
Valentines Day Renegade Street Party
Just imagine if the things that drove this world were
stalled for a day...No cars clogging the streets, no
money changing hands
would that change the
perspectives on what is really important, even just
for a moment?...You have the power to effect that
change, to step off of the sidewalks and into the
streets, to say no to greed, alienation and despair,
and say yes to love, to hope, to beauty and
possibility...Will you choose to claim your power, to
claim your hearts desire? Join us, reclaim your
life, reclaim the streets!
Our love is not for sale!
Saturday, February 14, 2004
Meet at the corner of Haight and Stanyan at noon for
march at 1pm (sharp!)
Bring your friends, family, joy, creativity, passion
and food and drink to share.
