Pubdate: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 Source: Racine Journal Times, The (WI) Copyright: 2002, The Racine Journal Times Contact: http://www.journaltimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1659 Author: Stephen Heath Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/raves.htm (Raves) RAVE EXTORTION The city of Racine's blatant attempt at extorting money from the 441 rave attendees has dissolved into an act worthy of any bumbling blackmailer. When hundreds of those charged called the bluff of Racine police and Alderman John Engel and demanded a trial by jury instead of bending over for a municipal enema, city officials offered to reduce their extortion demand to a lesser amount of $100. Yeah, that's the ticket (no pun intended). Just slide us a C-note and we'll pretend it never happened. Oh, and thank you for patronizing charity events in Racine, enjoy your drive home. I hope this pathetic law enforcement charade costs the taxpayers of Racine enough wasted dollars that they remember it and vote those officials who supported the raid right out of office in the next election. Stephen Heath, Clearwater, Fla. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager