As the Madison police department recently said, this is your moment of truth, Madison. Do not mess this up.
This weekend tens of thousands of costumed revelers will lay siege to the city of Madison. Debauchery and drunkenness, as expected, will dominate the festivities. But the excessive and indulgent havoc witnessed last year had to give way to change this year.
Halloween 2002 was out of control. For our own safety police forcibly pacified the riots. By daybreak our favorite State Street businesses were vandalized, and our reputation was set to shame. Last year was not a riot with purpose. It was not about change. It was not about protest. It was simply embarrassing.
We need to look out for our city and our traditions. The city of Madison is spending upward of $70,000 to make this party happen. The city did not have to do this. In other college towns across the country the police have blocked traffic, arrested party-goers and all but ended holiday celebrations-for fear of crowds far smaller than in Madison.
Indeed, it would have been understandable if the city had canceled Halloween altogether. But they did not. In fact, the police department has said they will tolerate responsible drinking and most passions of university life. What they will not tolerate is rioting, inciting or otherwise destructive behavior. And neither should we.
As students of this university we have not only a right but an obligation to defend State Street from those who would create \incidents."" While some troublemakers will be Madison's own, many will be out-of-towners. But even out-of-towners come at our invitation, and under our supervision. In the end, we have the responsibility of keeping our guests under control.
It is our responsibility and duty over the next two nights to defend our home. It is our moment of truth.
