So…there’s this “crackhouse law” that’s used to punish folks who foster environments (e.g. crackhouses) condusive to drug use. Now, prosecutors in New Orleans are trying to use the law to nail the owners of the State Palace Theatre, who have promoted and hosted the city’s largest raves over the past 5 years or so. The argument goes, “the owners knew that all the little ravers would be taking drugs, so they did everything in their power to promote drug use and enhance the collective trip.”
I guess the case has some merit. I mean, it’d be different if the owners were just renting out the space to someone else, but they were active parties. They shared in promoting the event and the profits.
Still, I can’t help feeling there’s something excessive about all this hub bub–especially since these parties have been going on for so long. It’s not like the kids just suddenly discovered ecstasy or anything. Frankly, if anyone should be indicted, it should probably be Barbara Walters. You know how she’s always doing those insightful, tearful exposes? Well, that’s where America’s youth learn about illicit substances…. But then again, I’ve got a soft spot for recreational drug use.
The Times-Picayune applauds the lawsuit, but imply that the rationale of the prosecuting attorneys is seriously flawed. I agree: sue the pants off the owners–not because they promoted drug use among rebellious teenagers (which is like shooting fish in a barrel), but because they insisted on calling the damn things “raves.” I mean, maybe in 1987, but jeez, Louise…
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