Pubdate: Thu, 25 Jan 2001
Source: Medford Mail Tribune (OR)
Copyright: 2001 The Mail Tribune
Contact:  PO Box 1108, Medford OR 97501
=46ax: (541) 776-4376
Website: http://www.mailtribune.com/
=46orum: http://www.mailtribune.com/speak_out/
Author: Hap Happenstall

STOP PROPERTY SEIZURES

Now that the die has been cast and the dust has settled, it is time 
that our new president and Congress tackle the job of running our 
great country. We know that there is a whole slate of problems now 
facing this new administration. It is hoped that our nation will have 
a smooth and productive transition.

Here on the home front we face, once again, a threat to our freedom. 
No one is safe in this state (or the whole nation for that matter) 
from the over-zealous and heavy-handed Drug Enforcement 
Administration and other government agencies which have the power to 
seize your property on the flimsy excuse of probable cause. One would 
think that, when 952,792 Oregonians passed Ballot Measure 3 (by a 2-1 
margin) which guarantees that we are innocent until proven guilty in 
a court of law, that would be the end of the story.

But now we are back to square one, having to go into court because 
these money-hungry government agencies have had their gravy train 
derailed. Do we want the DEA and the other Gestapo agencies to serve 
as cop, judge, jury and executioner? I for one am dismayed and angry 
that any agency has unbridled power to seize your property and never 
have to prove any wrongdoing. Let=EDs nip this outrageous attempt to 
thwart the will of the people. And to do that your voice needs to be 
heard. The folks in Salem are a good place to start, from governor on 
down. Talk to your friends, people at church and service clubs, etc. 
Let them know that the battle for our freedom is hanging in the 
balance.

Our message we sent on Nov. 7 was loud and clear. However, some folks 
are deaf, so let's shout so loud that even they will know we mean to 
keep our freedom.

Hap Happenstall
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MAP posted-by: Josh Sutcliffe