Pubdate: Thu, 21 Jul 2005
Source: Eye Magazine (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 Eye Communications Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.eye.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/147
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

BROKEN CRIME SCENE

With the War on Terrorism such a resounding success (well, according
to Fox News at least), it appears that America is ready to make up for
lost time in the War on Drugs. As Broken Social Scene found out in New
York City last week, there are still grave consequences that result
from looking for pot in all the wrong places.

Minutes before the band was to take the stage July 14 at Central
Park's Summerstage to open for Dinosaur Jr., they received word that
two of their travelling companions -- video-director George Vale and
producer Dave Newfeld -- were incarcerated for purchasing marijuana on
Lexington Avenue the previous night. But instead of a slap on the
wrist, they received a boot to the head.

Moments after the deal went down, Vale (who initiated the transaction)
and Newfeld (who claims he was just a spectator) were swarmed by four
undercover police officers. Thinking he was being mugged, Newfeld says
he tried to wiggle away. For his efforts, he received two black eyes;
bloodied cuts on his face; bruises all over his body; a night in jail;
and, of course, a charge of resisting arrest. What's more, the
incident forced Newfeld to miss a crucial afternoon meeting with
emo-rockers Brand New, who are interested in having him produce their
next album.

Vale, meanwhile, was held until Friday afternoon (the delay due to a
riot breaking out in his holding cell), at which time he was released
and had his possession charge dropped -- it turns out that Vale and
Newfeld had unwittingly stumbled into an NYPD sting operation to bust
crack dealers. However, Newfeld must still return to New York in
August to stand trial for the resisting arrest charge.

But as BSS brain trust Kevin Drew revealed at Chicago's Intonation
Festival on July 16, the best defence is a good offence. To resounding
cheers from the 15,000-strong crowd, he announced: "Broken Social
Scene is suing the cops of New York City...[Newfeld] is 125 pounds.
Your girlfriends weigh more than that at times."

The lawsuit is pending.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin