Whereas, on August 29, 2011, the enforcement authority of the federal government, for which the Department of Justice of the United States bears accountability, was used in the form of armed federal officers to raid the corporate and manufacturing facilities of Gibson Guitar Corporation in Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee, respectively. Whereas, this 2011 raid is the second time in two years that such an aggressive action was conducted; in both instances, manufacturing raw materials, finished products, and company records were seized . . . allegedly based on the possibility that the Lacey Act of 1907 was violated by Gibson Guitar Corporation in its obtaining, manufacturing, and selling of musical instruments that consist of alleged forbidden/improperly documented wood products from U.S. and or foreign origin. Whereas, Gibson Guitar Corporation (TN) and CF Martin & Co., Inc. (PA) are in similar businesses, using similar wood products from foreign and U.S. sources—only Gibson Guitar has been selected for raids by environmental enforcement arms of the federal government; “coincidentally”, Gibson ownership supports Republican causes and candidates while the CF Martin ownership supports Democrat causes and candidates. Whereas, the immediately preceding paragraph presents at least the appearance—if not the reality—of a country that is ruled by men rather than a country that is ruled by law, most certainly subverting, thereby, the U.S. Constitution: Amendments IV and V; and Article I, Section 8; Article III, Section 2 . . . and, potentially, Amendment X. Whereas, property and records seized have shown no evidence of legal violation—but were, arguably, seized for the purpose of punishing a perceived political enemy—all such Gibson property, therefore, must be returned forthwith to its lawful owner, Gibson Guitar Corporation. Whereas, the respective sheriffs of Davidson and Shelby counties must communicate with all federal agencies such that federal enforcement of law by federal authorities cannot take place without showing just cause before the sheriff of said counties prior to the execution of said enforcement action. Whereas, the state representatives and senators of the Gibson Guitar Corporation-related state districts in Shelby and Davidson counties, must inquire of the Department of Justice the justification for the apparent harassment executed twice on the Gibson Guitar operation in Tennessee . . . with the same expectation for Governor Haslam. Whereas, signatures hereto attached support this petition in defense of Gibson Guitar Corporation of Tennessee.

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