Even though I think economic growth is very important for human flourishing and strongly support the laissez-faire policies that will generate more prosperity, I’m mostly a libertarian because of moral reasons.
Simply stated, I hate when government bullies people like Jerry Johnson.
As explained in the video, Jerry is a victim of asset forfeiture, a policy that literally allows bureaucrats to steal from citizens.
I wish I was joking or exaggerating.
Moreover, this isn’t something that only happens in very rare instances. It’s so pervasive that in some years, bureaucrats actually steal more from people than burglars!
Indeed, the law actually gives cops an incentive to steal. That’s why it’s known as “policing for profit.”
The silver lining to this dark cloud is that America’s best Supreme Court Justice wants to end this awful scam.
P.S. I’m tempted to create a Victims of Thuggery Hall of Fame. If so, Jerry Johnson will be a member along with these other people who have been abused by government.
- Andy Johnson
- Anthony Smelley
- The Hammond family
- Charlie Engle
Tammy Cooper
- Nancy Black
- Russ Caswell
- Jacques Wajsfelner
- Jeff Councelller
- Eric Garner
- Martha Boneta
- Corey Statham
- James Slatic
- Carole Hinders
- Salvatore Culosi
- James Lieto
- the Sierra Pacific Company
- The Meitev family
- Dimitrios Patlias
P.P.S. It’s worth noting the first two people in charge of the federal government’s asset forfeiture program have since announced their opposition to this despicable practice.
P.P.P.S. Just like intrusive and ineffective money-laundering laws, wretched asset forfeiture laws are largely the result of the foolish War on Drugs. One bad policy generates another bad policy. Lather, rinse, repeat.
[…] I might argue that asset forfeiture is the worst policy. It is reprehensible that government officials seize property without ever convicting someone of a […]
[…] I read about some of the real-world cases involving asset forfeiture, it gets my blood […]
Some people lose a lot, but the rest of you have lower taxes! As an Australian, we don’t have asset forfeiture, and as a person of colour, he is probably used to injustice anyway!
[…] Another Victim of Government Thuggery […]
Reblogged this on Freedom Is Just Another Word….
Have you considered moving to an up and coming country like Georgia or Estonia? From memory, both rank higher than the US for economic freedom.
Thomas is also my favorite Justice.
Looking forward to hearing about the G-Day game and Delta Rho
[…] Another Victim of Government Thuggery […]