Another Country Heard From

Yes, the people in India have weighed in on the Gibson Guitar Raids.

"India's Timber Exporters' Association members say they will seek the intervention of Department of Foreign Trade and Chemical and Allied Export Promotion Council of India (CAPEXIL) to settle the issue. Association members are also planning to take up the issue with the Indian Embassy in the US."

Indian wood exporters see these raids as the work of disgruntled European Luthiers who sell inferior quality ebony and rosewood from other countries. That may be so, but it is American authorities who continue to have a problem with Gibson.

Upon reading the case file for the suit to regain possession of the wood that was seized in the first raid, I have to say that it looks to me like there is something else going on and that the government is behaving in a punitive fashion towards Gibson. For what reason, I am not as sure. Upon reading (at least the parts of the records that weren't sealed) it seems as though the government is trying to make Gibson "an offer they can't refuse".

Before the records on the case were sealed, it was made apparent that the government wished to retain possession of the wood as evidence in another long running case that they have been investigating. It looks very much to me as though there was to be an informal type of meeting to discuss that possibility when the government decided to raid Gibson again in August.
If that were not enough, now the Government is demanding that Gibson hand over yet more of the wood to them. If I were Mr. Juszkiewicz, I would cease to be very cooperative at that point.

That bare facts of the matter are that the government has seized two shipments of wood that was certified under the forest stewardship council. The government of India as well as India's Timber Exporters' Association say that the wood is legally a finished product under their laws and that the American government misinterpreted their laws and now the government wants Gibson to give up more of this legally finished, exported and purchased wood without having charged Gibson Guitars with any crime.

Now, I'm not saying that Gibson is pure as the driven snow, but in order for the law to be effective, it must be clear. The Lacey act is neither clear, nor set up for ease of compliance.

Doesn't sound like America to me. Okay, maybe a little like Chicago.If you would like to keep informed on this issue, check out these two facebook pages:Support for Gibson Guitars against DOJ intimidation and Musicians For Gibson Guitars And if you're in the Nashville area next weekend check out the Gibson Guitar rally

The reason I am so intent on this case is because it is demonstrating how we are losing our freedoms incrementally across the board. What can't be done with over criminalization and over regulation will be accomplished with intimidation. It behooves us all to keep an eye on this one. Perhaps I am overstating the case here, but a goodly part of the government's effectiveness depends upon the trust of the people. How much do you trust the government these days?

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;" ~ 1 Tim 2:1-3