TF Archives

US Attack On Clubs To Be Extended Globally-

Author: Skrufff
Saturday, June 30, 2001
America's escalating campaign against clubs and electronic music is likely to spread to the rest of the world, Electronic Music Defence Fund (EMDEF) spokesman Will Patterson told Skrufff news this week. "The War on Drugs is an international issue, so too is our industry," said Will. "The DEA exports drug war policy the way we export music, and there is every reason to believe that this campaign will extend to other countries. There are also indications that this has been the intention of the Federal Government since it's 'Ecstasy and Club Drugs' conference in 1999. We may not be able to provide in the court legal counsel in other countries, but many of the legal arguments EM:DEF develops in the US will translate to other countries. I think people will find we are a valuable resource wherever they are."

EMDEF was formed to raise funds to fight the US government's efforts to equate nightclubs with crackhouses and provides financial support for club staff facing legal action under the new DEA strategy. With more and more club promoters under threat, the non-profit organisation is seeking greater additional financial support from both the dance industry and clubbers.

"Our industry is being attacked and the money we're asking for will only go towards defending the industry," Will continued. "For a group of people whose work is about creating things, it's hard to recognize the immediate benefit of donating money to something which doesn't create art. Still, without EM:DEF, it seems likely that the government will continue it's war against nightclubs, and
nightclubs are the galleries for our art - whether it's music, visuals or fashion."

"The government estimates that there are 1.5 million club-goers between the ages of 21 and 25. If $1 for each of these individuals were raised, we'd have enough money to fund EM:DEF through next year - possibly enough to get the attention of the federal government and force them to rethink their strategy in fighting the "War on Clubs".
http://www.emdef.org (to make donations online)
http://www.aclu.com (American Civil Liberties Union; also defending electronic music)
Tags