http://www.aclu.org/DrugPolicy/DrugPolicy.cfm?ID=12280&%3bamp%3bc=185 Congress Ties Anti-Rave Bill to Popular Legislation April 7, 2003 In the final days before a long Congressional recess, members of the House and Senate are seeking to override normal legislative processes by dumping two pieces of dangerous, anti-civil liberties legislation into an unrelated but more popular bill. One of the two provisions would target raves -- a social event that mixes electronic music, light shows and dancing; the other provision would seek to limit the discretion of federal judges. In fact, both provisions seek to intimidate through legislative fiat. The measure that targets raves would allow prosecutors to argue that common rave items like glow sticks and massage oils are drug paraphernalia and would impose huge fines and even prison time on owners of venues into which customers bring controlled substances. No matter how much security is put in place, owners could be held responsible for the actions of just one customer and would therefore be much less likely to allow raves to take place in their clubs or concert halls. The other dangerous provision would require the Justice Department to report to Congress every time federal judges uses their discretion to impose a lower sentence than recommended under federal sentencing guidelines. This measure represents the latest effort by some in Congress to politicize the criminal justice system by removing the already limited ability that judges have to take into account unusual circumstances that could argue for leniency against some people convicted of federal offenses. Take Action! Urge Congress to reject the popular Amber Alert legislation unless the unrelated anti-rave and judicial discretions measures are removed. www.psychicreform.com Who let that monkey in here!?! Dada is dead. Watch your overcoat.