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.
The momentum behind this petition is finally showing that people see the truth about these unfair raids. It takes a toll to keep fighting against such overwhelming federal power but your response proves I am not doing this alone.
Reached 100 supporters
September 14, 2011
6 Comments
D
Dave Oliver
14 years ago
Featured
GIBSON GUITARS ARE AMERICAN MADE! Stop attacking our companies just because of who they vote for.
K
Kevin Mehta
14 years ago
Featured
Total overreach. They just want to play music and employ people. Big government at its worst.
T
Tom Schwartz
14 years ago
Featured
My Les Paul is my life. Leave Gibson alone.
L
Lisa Kapoor
14 years ago
Featured
Why target them and not the other guys? Seems pretty clear what is going on here.
M
Mike Powell
14 years ago
Featured
This is nothing but political harassment. Let them build their guitars in peace. Shame on the DOJ.
S
Sarah Patel
14 years ago
Featured
Ridiculous waste of tax dollars over some wood. Gibson is a legend and this whole thing stinks.
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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.
The momentum behind this petition is finally showing that people see the truth about these unfair raids. It takes a toll to keep fighting against such overwhelming federal power but your response proves I am not doing this alone.
Reached 100 supporters
September 14, 2011
6 Comments
D
Dave Oliver
14 years ago
Featured
GIBSON GUITARS ARE AMERICAN MADE! Stop attacking our companies just because of who they vote for.
K
Kevin Mehta
14 years ago
Featured
Total overreach. They just want to play music and employ people. Big government at its worst.
T
Tom Schwartz
14 years ago
Featured
My Les Paul is my life. Leave Gibson alone.
L
Lisa Kapoor
14 years ago
Featured
Why target them and not the other guys? Seems pretty clear what is going on here.
M
Mike Powell
14 years ago
Featured
This is nothing but political harassment. Let them build their guitars in peace. Shame on the DOJ.
S
Sarah Patel
14 years ago
Featured
Ridiculous waste of tax dollars over some wood. Gibson is a legend and this whole thing stinks.
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach
250 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
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Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
GIBSON GUITARS ARE AMERICAN MADE! Stop attacking our companies just because of who they vote for.