Stand for OUR RIGHTS! Vote NO on the Anti-Rave Act of 2011!

Dear Members of the California State Assembly

I'm writing on behalf of all dancers and music lovers in California and all around the world.; I implore you to deny support for AB 74. The intent of this law might carry the pretense that it aims reduce drug use, abuse, and prevent drug related accidents/deaths. Yet, it is a blatant attack on the rights of millions of people that have not committed crime. This bill is targeting a specific scene, seriously discriminating against our type of music, peaceful gatherings, musicians, philosophers, artists, engineers, politicians,and the music and dance enthusiasts, who happen to be law abiding citizens that support you. It is globally known and understood that mind and body altering substances have been around LONG before "pre-recorded music" and they will continue to be a part of our civilization no matter the force that is inflicted upon the people. Punishing everyone for the tragic accidents of a minority of people infringes on our rights as human beings.

More people die from alcohol related accidents, but I haven't heard of a bill to limiting the length and type of sporting events, concerts, or any other type of event that has beer sales. And as prescription overdoses are continuing to rise; no one is mentioning fining the pharmacies or the doctor offices that prescribed the pills. It is discrimination of the Electronic Music Scene; we are singled out, while the government choses to deal with these other deathly practices in completely different manner; like collecting the tax from sales. This bill is an abusive way to collect monies that are missed at Electronic Music events by criminally charging and then fining the people that hold an event that exceeds 3 1/2 hours and includes pre-recorded music. This states that the 'unlicensed' birthday party I threw for my 13 year old son, with long time family friend DJing and was an overnighter that lasted for at least 8 hours was a misdemeanor and should be fined up to $10,000? How ridiculous does that sound? Welcome to the obtuse language of AB 75 - The Anti-Rave Act of 2011.

This bill is offensive: taking away the cornerstone of America -- FREEDOM. Freedom of assembly. Freedom of expression. And the protection of rights not enumerated in the Constitution. Stop this unconstitutional move by Assemblywoman Fiona Ma and avoid an increase in underground scenes; don't repeat the mistakes that were made when passing the Prohibition bill. Pushing any scene underground will be cause more unnecessary struggle between civilians and government run politics, and which I believe will lead to even more crime and violence. The bill does not stand to solve any problems we face today, but instead further revokes our human rights to gather together and dance to the music we love. This behavior reflects the action similar to Nazi's, as they banned various genres of music, gatherings, and dancing.

Music is incredibly powerful and important to our society and the right to gather and enjoy that music with others will not be taken from us without a fight. I urge you to take action against AB 74. I want no part of becoming a police state, and ask that you please stand with me to make sure that our rights are protected. This is our life, let us live it as we like. Don't let this suppressive bill pass, instead support our country's claim of 'freedom,' for the sake of the first and ninth amendments, our sanity, free thought, and community, vote NO on the Anti-Rave Act of 2011! Dancing is not a crime. Music is not a crime. Gathering is not a crime. Keep America free, keep America dancing!

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter; our future depends on it. May you be blessed with the wisdom to handle this with the care it deserves.


Peace to You,

Yarah Volkman

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