Armed federal agents raided Gibson Guitar’s Nashville headquarters in August, creating a national outcry over the high-profile persecution. But today, six months after the raid, the Department of Justice has yet to file any charges against the company.
Why did the government go after Gibson? A new video from Reason.tv explores the implications of the case, problems with the Lacey Act and how overcriminalization is threatening the American way of life.
At the time of the August raid, the second on the company since 2009, agents were working off a tip that Gibson broke laws in India and Madagascar, two countries that supply Gibson with ebony and other scarce woods for its guitars. At issue is the Lacey Act, which makes it illegal to import some tropical hardwoods in violation of foreign laws. As a result of both raids, federal agents seized more than $1 million of Gibson’s property.
Gibson’s supporters have rallied behind the company. Musicians ranging from blues legend B.B. King to rock stars with Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith have used its guitars. Gibson chairman and chief executive Henry Juszkiewicz has testified before Congress about the ordeal. He visited Heritage last year to speak out against what he called unfair persecution from his own government.
>> Watch our interview with Gibson chairman and chief executive Henry Juszkiewicz
Even though both India and Madagascar say Gibson did nothing wrong, the company is facing an uncertain future as a result of the government’s actions. It is unclear when or if the Department of Justice will file charges.
Juszkiewicz, himself a conservationist devoted to preserving natural resources, said it is a classic case of Washington’s overreach.
More Obama despotism.
just hire workers from madagascar get ok from obama
For far too long our federal government (legislative, executive, judiciary) has through legislation, regulation, and decision exceeded the powers granted in the US Constitution while ignoring the basic principles of the rule of law. It is past time to begin reeling in the erosion of liberty.
The Lacey Act should be nullified in its entirety by Congress!!
holder should be thrown in a cell (hidden) while Congress thinks about impeaching him for this assault on a private american business. This proves that the DOJ has been completely corrupted by self-serving bureaucrats
Has our federal tax collectors returned the 500,000 dollars of wood back to gibson or payed for it???
@Tom: Nope. You are 110 years off. The Lacey Act was signed into law by President William McKinley on May 25, 1900.
Not 2009, not 2010, not 2011, not 2012. 1900.
that so right lacey Ack was signed into law on may 25 1900 by president william McKinley so whats up it wasnt signed 2009. nor 2010 ,nor 2012 in 1900 110 years ago stop adding or changen things leave Gibson Guitar alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! over crimalization is Bull hay Goverment the only crooks are u