Wednesday, October 25, 2000

This "minor" debate on the issue of the vehicles that our local law enforcement officials are using is part of the much larger and more controversial topic of "asset forfeiture."

Captain Matson incorrectly infers that these monies and properties were seized from "drug dealers." In actuality, in order for the government to seize one's property and money, no prosecution for an alleged crime has to occur. But these "asset forfeiture" seizure laws were passed under the rhetoric they were part of the "War on Drugs." Baloney!

There is no "war on drugs" in this country there is a war on us, the citizenry, by the government. These "asset forfeiture" laws have one goal and purpose, and that is to allow the government to conduct warrantless seizures of the property of its citizens without due process.

There have been isolated instances across the country where the local law enforcement authorities planted contraband on personal vehicles and property in order to be able to seize it.

How do we know this is not a regular occurrence?

We don't! No one is looking over their shoulder when they take these actions except themselves, and when you have such a profit incentive to seize property, abuse can and does occur.

Most are not aware that, if you happen to be stopped for a minor traffic offense, you can have the cash on your person seized. The officer can create a court action which requires you to go to court and prove that the money was not from illegal activity. The burden of proof is on you!

There is a national group dedicated to informing citizens about the dangers and abuse of "asset forfeiture" laws. They are known as F.E.A.R (Forfeiture Endangers American's Rights). More information can be found on their website at http://www.fear.org.

Lee Hunt

Secretary

Libertarian Party of Fayette County

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