rapidmaker54
Member
17 messages
joined Dec 2008
Vlad, check your inbox!
January 27, 2009
A coalition of fans gathered at the European Parliament to make one thing clear: we aren't just a bunch of hooligans. We are intelligent people capable of drafting both legal arguments and plain-English critiques. Our goal isn't to whine to the press about police brutality or how this new fan law is designed to crush us; rather, we want to demonstrate that we won't be treated like lab rats or used as pawns to open up new markets for those looking to exploit the European Union.
We presented the media and the public with the most controversial points—those that infringe upon the rights of both hardcore supporters and casual spectators—as well as specific areas where we are demanding stricter regulations regarding convicted individuals. That is the core of our argument: the police shouldn't have the authority to unilaterally decide who is a "hooligan" and who isn't; that is a judgment for the judicial system based on actual convictions. We aren't asking for permission to riot or destroy property—that’s already illegal and we don't want it—we are demanding that the law itself remains constitutional. All the specifics are in the documentation we provided to the press. Honestly, I think first-year law students could draft a more coherent piece of legislation than this.
The response from Times Square didn't take long, though. That wannabe "Iron Lady" showed her true colors by claiming they never even received our email proposals. It's funny, because we had no trouble reaching them via that same email when they were hosting those cozy meetings with the Administration over milk and cookies. Now, they’re showing their arrogance by pushing through a law that is unique in all of Europe for its lack of professional expertise. The Administration has fast-tracked this bill through Congress, leading that "Tin Lady" to suggest we'll just sit down again and somehow end up with a "good" law. Based on the latest word from the square under the disputed crest, there is no turning back; with this emergency procedure, the vote is 99% a done deal.
That’s when "American democracy" kicks in, where party discipline reigns supreme and votes are traded like commodities. To be fair, we've actually heard positive feedback on our criticisms from both sides of the aisle; both the "left" and the "right" agree that certain provisions are shocking. Of course, you actually have to read those ten pages to see why. And don't even get me started on the support we have from civil liberties experts and relevant professionals. They were right there at those meetings, sitting across from the Administration, warning them about these problematic articles.
A huge chunk of this law targets clubs and organizers, but nobody seems to care about that part since it’s been ignored until now, and they basically have a year to do absolutely nothing. Furthermore, the law doesn't even specify which sports or levels of competition it actually applies to.
Are minor league soccer teams, basketball players, or handball teams going to be forced to buy ticket scanners, numbered seats, and extra security? If my local minor league soccer team makes it deep into the Cup, will someone swoop into our small town just to stop the people from celebrating? Will anyone actually storm the VIP box to confront Jerry Maguire, Mark, or some politician, snatch a glass of wine out of their hand, slap them, and then have them arrested only to be released two hours after the game?
Will the police shut down a Real Madrid vs. Barcelona match, or a national team game, just because a few thousand counterfeit tickets were floating around?
Will the police seize the passports of paid assassins, drug dealers, pedophiles, or crooked doctors?
No. But the fan movement isn't going anywhere either!!
Attached is the proof that the email was indeed sent to our dear friend Vlad.
