But whether or not this case is successful for them, this means nothing of the sort. Drug users will find drugs and prosecuting two venue operators is not going to diminish the drug problem in New Orleans. Or in any other American city. If you do not attack the root of a problem, then the surface victories are empty. And attacking one music genre is not going to solve the problems that the DEA faces.
Raves are a legitimate and integral part of America's cultural landscape.
Just as rock concerts, art openings, film festivals, and blues clubs are linked to one genre of culture or music, so do raves. Delivering prosecution that jeopardizes that freedom of expression, assembly, and speech is unconstitutional. And this type of case only furthers a cynical public's opinion that government agencies such as the DEA utilize and bend legislature to fit their own agenda. This Act was developed and passed by the government to strengthen penalties for those caught trafficking ecstasy and provides money for educational public programs funded by the federal government. The question remains for this writer as to how the government picks and chooses its battles.