Obama did not create the EPA, it was the brain child of the Nixon administration and has turned out to be a good experiment gone wrong. Today, the EPA is run by Lisa Jackson, an Obama appointee, and like most Obama lackeys has never held a real job. She has worked for the EPA since she graduated from college more than sixteen years ago. Ms. Jackson has promised us total transparency and adherence to the rule of law in the running of her administration. It appears that all Obama appointees cry the “transparency” mantra when first chosen and then they play follow the leader. Ask any resident of a rural or farming community and they will have their favorite story about the EPA and it will not be complimentary.
But, probably the most absurd concerns the Gibson Guitar Company (“GGC”). Indubitably, the electric guitar changed the face of music for the entire world. Les Paul and Mary Ford led the musical revolution that changed and enriched our lives and culture forever. Where would the world have been had not the Beatles burst upon the music scene in the 60’s and thrilled all of us, no matter what the age. I could go on, Chet Atkins, Chuck Berry, and B.B. King. All guitar players and all varying types of guitars and music.
So if you are looking for a metaphor to suggest that the Obama administration hates freedom, it would be hard to top the DOJ’s raid on GGC plants in Nashville and Memphis last week. A federal raid on a guitar plant? No way! But sad as it may seem, that is what Attorney General Eric Holder is spending his resources on now as he tries to divert the public eye from “Fast and Furious”.
So why did this happen? A little history first. The making of electric guitars involves the use of various exotic hardwoods. This raises some environmental concerns (I’m not kidding!). In 2009, the DOJ, armed with automatic weapons raided GGC and seized huge quantities of the company’s hard woods. It’s been two years and no charges have been filed. The wheels of the DOJ turn slowly when they realize they have screwed up, big time.
However, environmental concerns are only tangential matter. GGC is being investigated for violation of the Lacey Act which was written over 100 years (!) years ago to prevent the illegal trading in certain plants and animals. OK, now follow me with this piece of federal logic. The “legality” of the trading in these plants is determined by the law of the country of origin and the Lacey Act only applies when a FOREIGN law has been broken.
I guess that made sense a century ago.
GCC says that the confiscated wood comes from a “Forest Stewardship Council (“FSC”)” certified supplier which means the wood complies with the standards of the FSC. The FSC is an industry recognized, independent, not for profit organization established to promote responsible management of the world’s forests. The Lacey Act however says ignorance of a foreign law is no excuse or defense. If, in fact, a law was even broken. But surely, even if there was an alleged violation of something, federal agents armed with automatic rifles? GGC refuses to back down to the feds and the EPA on this matter as well it should. They have publically stated “the Government says their wood is illegal if U.S. workers produce it.” I wonder how many jobs this has cost.
When the GGC case gets more publicity I hope there are more than enough defenders to force the Obama crowd to back down. IMHO I doubt that will happen. This case will be delayed until the anointed one is gone from the white house and sanity rules the country once again.
