Feds lawsuit against Gibson

[Muzikman7]

http://nashville.bizjournals.com/nashville/stories/2010/08/09/daily19.html

[Dave W]

Ridiculous.   

[Muzikman7]

Ridiculous.   

Its kind of ridiculous isn't it.

[Dave W]

Think of the money and manpower wasted on this, and they're making a big deal out of 6 guitars and a few pieces of wood. All over a vague law which I doubt Gibson had any intention of violating.

[uwe]

Introducing the new Les Paul Rogue Wood!


Indeed a non-scandal if I've ever seen one. Gibson would have probably given the guitars to them if they had asked nicely.

[Psycho Bass Guy]

Did anyone else notice that this is a civil, not criminal, lawsuit? I realize the law in question calls for civil damages, but what is the point? I'll bet if you do enough digging, you'll find a potential buyer or creditor is behind this.

[uwe]

Of course, it sez so:

"The suit, which is a civil action seeking possession of property already in authorities' custody, cites the Lacey Act which "authorizes forfeiture of all plants" imported, exported, transported and in any way acquired in violation of federal statute protecting various natural resources."

I assume that the law allowed prelominary confiscation/seizure of the culprit wood, but not permanent retention unless the authorities establish their case in civil court. Protection of private ownership from the state - very American I'd say!!! In Europe, a law establishing the right of an authority to confiscate would most likely also establish the authorities' right to retain permanently unless the owner sues his property back - with you guys it's the other way around hence this lawsuit.

Rogue ebony confiscated lawsuit Les Pauls under forfeiture of the Federal Government ... man, those things will fetch a high collector's value one day unless they end up here:




Perhaps an armed militia of private property enthusiasts and volunteers will try to liberate them? (I already envisage George in combat fatigues here ...  ) "No confiscation without compensation!" was their rallying cry ...

[OldManC]

Perhaps an armed militia of private property enthusiasts and volunteers will try to liberate them? (I already envisage George in combat fatigues here ...  ) "No confiscation without compensation!" was their rallying cry ...

You know me too well, Uwe.  If there were any birds in that kidnapped group I'd already be there!

[rahock]

Ridiculous.   

I could agree with the authorities if Gibson was part of a plan to go in to the rain forest with intent to rape an pillage. The fact they are guilty of not investigating their supply chain is stretching it a bit .
The good news is that Gibsons legal department is pretty darn good when it comes down to a fight.
Rick

[Chaser001]

It's always Gibson which is being targeted when something like this happens.  I find it very hard to believe that Gibson is always guilty and everyone else is always innocent.  I've said this before, but it bears repeating.

[Pilgrim]

I'll bet half the specialized lumber yards in the US have stray pieces of woods that violate this statute...and don't even know it.

Uwe, what's that idomatic German expression that translates as 'dog farts"....meaning essentially, nothing important?

[Denis]

How much taxpayer money went into the investigation to net a whole 6 guitars? 

When I worked in the medical device industry we frequently held supplier audits to make sure components supplied to us was legitimate, met the specs and legal for sale. Since exotic wood importation is regulated I would have thought Gibson would have audited their supply chain. In fact, since the company is an active member of those environmental organizations I bet they do perform audits. If they are always the ones targeted, it sounds like someone is slipping Gibson a mickey then pointing a finger.

[uwe]

Couple of idioms for that:

"Sturm im Wasserglas" (storm in a glass of water)

"oder ob in China ein Sack Reis platzt" (as important or noteworthy as a sack of rice tearing open in China),

"viel Lärm um Nichts" (much ado about nothing),

"der Berg kreiste und gebar eine Maus" (the mountain circled and gave birth to a mouse).

[Denis]

Couple of idioms for that:
"viel Lärm um Nichts" (much ado about nothing),

This is the college English major nerd coming out in me, but "Much Ado About Nothing" is even better knowing that "nothing" was a euphemism in Shakespeare's day for "female genitalia". 

[Pilgrim]

This is the college English major nerd coming out in me, but "Much Ado About Nothing" is even better knowing that "nothing" was a euphemism in Shakespeare's day for "female genitalia". 

That's one this Shakespeare buff missed!  Danke!