Asset forfeiture has always been a patently unconstitutional program since its inception.

We might reconsider our view on this if anyone successfully challenging an asset forfeiture case to get triple damages plus legal fees from the offending agency – and some of that damages to come from those who made the seizures personally.

It further irritates, bordering on angers us that Obama has expanded rules to allow the ATF to seize guns.

Here it is:  A short article from Breitbart.

(And a Hat tip to Shona D. for sending this to me!)

 

Obama has expanded civil-forfeiture rules making it permissible for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to seize weapons from citizens without the hassle of due process.

by AWR Hawkins

(Breitbart) – This effectively gives Attorney General Eric Holder, of Fast and Furious fame, extended power over guns and gun-related property.

 

The rules were broadened under the guise of giving the ATF authority “to seize and administatively forfeit property involved in controlled substance abuses.” And if that doesn’t strike you as extreme on first glance, consider the fact that this expansion of civil-forfeiture allows the ATF to forego almost all “due process” in making their seizures — in effect, placing the burden of proof on the citizen instead of federal agents.

Last year, even without these expanded powers, ATF confiscated more than 11,000 guns, and nearly four hundred of them were taken from innocent citizens. With the expanded powers and the ease of bypassing due process now in place, the number of guns confiscated could rise exponentially.

We cannot view this expansion of civil-forfeiture without remembering Obama’s May 2011 pledge to pursue gun control “under the radar.” For what could be more “under the radar” that quietly expanding federal  power to bypass due process and confiscate private citizens’ guns?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11 thoughts on “Obama expands BATF’s asset forfeiture powers”
  1. I think these idiots are trying to foment a civil war. How much more do they think the American citizen will tolerate? I’ve been saying for a LONG time that we should be looking for a “Reichstag moment”.

    1. They will tollerate it until they are staning on the proverbial gallows. Noone has cried fowel loud enough yet. Otherwise unconstitutional garbage like this wouldn’t happen nor would we have criminals like holder in a position of authority. Instead scum like him would be in prison where he belongs. The ATF would have lost its authority as a government agency with the work load being handed over to a more respectible agency. Assuming there is one. How manytimes have you seen people actually take a serious stand on gun issues? Nada. Zilch. not even once. We all just bicker and moan and continue on. I don’t see anything diffrent happening. Ever.

    1. As well as getting rid of all of Congress who have failed to do their job of impeaching for high crimes and misdemenors. Where are those supposedly wonderful tea party Republicans? They were sucked into the collective within an hour of arriving in D.C. Even Rand Paul sux.

  2. I used to tell my sons to be prepared for a new revolution, and that I would be gone when it happened. I now think it may happen within the next five years. As Thomas Jefferson said, the tree of liberty needs to be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots.

    1. I’m sure that is what a bunch of those people in NOLA said before Katrina. After Katrina they handed them over with little to no resistance.

  3. IT’LL happen a few times – until its finally challenged – and the ATF will lose. Even the Supreme Court knows the ATF is rogue, political & lawless! They really have “ZERO” popularity at any level.

    Trust me on this one. It’ll be short lived. Senators smoke too! : )

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