Partying isn’t a crime. At least not yet.
If the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has its way, that could soon change in northern Virginia.
Believe it or not, the board is currently examining whether or not it should prohibit gatherings of more than 49 individuals in private homes.
That’s right — in the shadow of our nation’s capital, just outside the home base of the world’s greatest democracy, a group of local officials is actually considering denying the right of citizens to peaceably assemble on private property.
Have you picked yourself up off the floor yet or caught your breath after choking on your coffee?
What does it say about our country that such a proposal is even up for consideration? Note to Fairfax County: this issue was settled long ago. Like in 1776.
Supervisor Pat Herrity, a Republican, has warned that the ordinance, if passed, would likely be challenged, saying “The county is risking a lawsuit and/or constitution challenge by interfering with peoples’ right to assemble.”
But even if it were legal, the Fairfax party police policy wouldn’t be a good idea. “[Do we really want government having this kind of power just to stop a minor annoyance?” the popular Virginia politics blog Bearing Drift put it.
First it was trans fats, and then it was large sodas. Now, no graduation parties, Super Bowl soirées or even yard sales? One can only imagine what’s next.
All this begs the question, when will this laughable yet serious government overreach end? Hopefully in time to celebrate your child’s birthday or your father’s retirement.
At a time when both the nation and Virginia are facing a number of serious issues — healthcare, government spending and a looming state government shutdown to name a few — it’s a truly sad state of affairs when time, energy and the very words you’re reading right now are being wasted on proposals best suited for dictators and despots.
We all have better things to do, but don’t let that stop you from fighting for your right to party like George Washington, the Continental Congress, and the Beastie Boys before you.
Our freedom and your summer plans depend on it.