Pubdate: Thu, 21 Mar 2002
Source: Springfield News-Leader (MO)
Copyright: 2002 The Springfield News-Leader
Contact:  http://www.springfieldnews-leader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1129
Author: Keith Rodgers
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n509/a01.html?11114
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture)

FORFEITURES INFRINGE ON PROPERTY RIGHTS

Your March 17 articles about confiscation of "drug money" hit on part of 
the problem with the black-market drug trade and the war against it, but 
it's almost become politically incorrect to be in opposition to any aspect 
of the drug war.

Whenever a forfeiture or seizure-reform bill is brought up (Henry Hyde 
tried this recently), it is seen as being "soft on drugs." True, there are 
dangers inherent with drug use, one of the worst being addiction. But our 
society has created another class of addicts - people who get hooked on the 
profit potential the drug trade provides.

 From the government down to local police operations, the seizure of money 
that may or may not have come from the black market is a powerful 
intoxicant, which may explain the reluctance to change forfeiture-seizure laws.

In fact, there is an organization that deals with that aspect: Forfeiture 
Endangers American Rights (www.fear.org). It's sad that we have to have 
such organizations.

Either we have property rights, or we don't.

Keith Rodgers, Springfield
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom