IT SEEMS MORE LIKE CRIME

It's obvious that Bradenton Police Chief Michael Radzilowski is less
interested in protecting the rights of citizens -- his job -- than in
collecting money, for police use, the old-fashioned way: just taking it.

I fail to see the difference between the current "forfeiture" actions
and similar actions by organized crime.

Since there is no direct victim in "crimes" of vice, it is easy to
accuse anyone of anything. Indeed, police have been known to plant
drug "evidence" and then take whatever is attractive to them --
houses, boats, cars, ad infinitum. Vice squads have traditionally
been the most corrupt police agencies.

Would it be asking too much for the Bradenton police to show a little
courage and oppose these un-American and unconstitutional actions?

Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (current and former members of
law enforcement who support drug regulation rather than prohibition)
shows the way: http:// leap.cc. Additionally, an organization that
has formed to counter the forfeiture juggernaut is Forfeiture
Endangers American Rights, www.fear. org.

Everyone should be aware of the positions of both LEAP and FEAR,
which argue against the views of the Bradenton police chief.

Mark Day

Englewood