I've been reenacting in the Northeast since 1999. I've seen all the questionable behavior mentioned in this thread, and a lot more. In none of these incidents have I ever seen the possibility that the police might be called. With rare exceptions, every reenactor I see at events (even the intoxicated people) acts like an adult and understands that he is making a choice either to take part in these activities, or to seek different company elsewhere. I don't think there is anything new going on here to warrant this type of discussion. It seems to me that drunkenness (and all the rowdiness and ungentlemanly behavior that goes with it) has been a fact of life in this hobby for a long time. It seems like the major concern being expressed here is that we might lose the ability to have events at certain places if some of this behavior came to the attention of the parties in charge of these sites. I doubt that that might happen. Money talks... It seems to me that if something like underage drinking came to the attention of these authorities, it would most likely be sufficient to expel the guilty unit. I mean, if an event site is comfortable with having people wearing Nazi uniforms and vendors selling racist propaganda, one would think that they might be a bit lenient with some other social norms as well. Some of the people in units that might be involved in this behavior might be really good, quality reenactors, especially in large units that might have all kinds of people. I think it is possible that after some of the things that have happened at events, the units involved may have disciplined their own people quietly, which seems fitting- certainly better than broadcasting rumors about this behavior, that might attract negative attention. I don't think event organisers WANT to ban such units because they may not percieve the allegations as serious or they may not think it is a big deal. Lots of rumors out there, I suppose proof could be provided- but has there ever been a formal complaint filed? I think not. No criminal charges, nothing really serious. I can sympathise with the people who want to curb this behavior. I can understand those who are concerned about the effect this may have on underage people and the potential negative consequences that could perhaps become a reality (though this possibility seems, to me, extremely remote). However, I don't feel like making all these allegations public is a good idea. If something bad happens, and no one finds out about it, how is it a good idea to say "Everyone should know, something bad happened, and no one found out, but what if the bad thing happens again, and someone finds out?" Reenactors who do not want to attend events where this type of thing takes place should work to put together events with other like-minded reenacting units. I am seeing a trend towards smaller, invitation-only events with an emphasis on first person impressions and authenticity, and I think this is a great thing. At the same time, I do enjoy tearing it up at Saturday night parties at events from time to time, most reenactors do. I'm not endorsing illegal activities at events, nor do I condemn anybody. Large-scale events will always have a wide variety of people and some of them are sure to be drunk. This goes for Germans, GIs, Commonwealth troops, and Russians too. It is a fact of life, I fear. And I am OK with that.
