While some decry the spirit of the original Mifflin Street Block Party--a 1969 protest against the Vietnam War--is wholly and tragically lost from recent year's festivities, others are proposing steps that would wring out every last drop of spirit it's got left. Which ain’t much.

Ald. Mike Verveer has proposed finding an organizing group for Mifflin that would shift the block party from a beer party into a "celebration." Of what? Commercialization?

The rules this year were already over the top. More than 400 party-goers were arrested this year--another new record--up about 10 percent from last year despite a similar estimated attendance of about 10,000. Perhaps that is less a result of a rowdier environment and more a result of asinine rules. Step one foot on the sidewalk with beverage in hand and you're sportin' a pair of plastic handcuffs on your way to the "transport van." In reality, this year's block party has been reported as quite peaceful.

Verveer concedes the “pro-arrest zero-tolerance policy of heavy enforcement of all laws makes it seem as if this party is absolutely out of control, which it is not.”

"Many state they either didn't know the rules or had one foot on the sidewalk or were pushed. I'm not blaming the cops or saying the arrests are not valid, but it's ludicrous to continue this approach," he said. Well, we agree on one thing.

But his proposal of a "happy medium" ain't so happy.

"We have turned the corner on Halloween (now grudgingly called "Freakfest") and had a great relationship with Frank Productions in 2007 to manage it," Verveer said. "My hope is that we could replicate that."

No.  No replicating.  Paying admission to Mifflin? *Insert sh*tty semi-famous band here* headlining? Mifflin brought to you by Mountain Dew? Talk about losing the event's original spirit.

His other suggestion? A student or community organization taking charge. That's better, but still highly questionable. The most amusing suggestion? "I don't know whether ASM (Associated Students of Madison) or some other organization would be interested, but we would be glad to work with anyone," said George Twigg, spokesman for Mayor Dave Cieslewicz. ASM?! They can't even organize themselves. 

This should be quite the on-going debate. 

For more info:
The Badger Herald
The Daily Cardinal