POLICE STATE ON HORIZON

To The Editor:

I have never arrived at a point in my 44 years when I felt so much
utter disgust and amazement at how our basic human rights have slowly
been taken away from us by the government and the police. And we as a
people just put up our hands, shrug our shoulders and say "what can we
do?"

Last year's legislation permitting police to stop you "for no reason"
whatsoever was just the beginning, although they have been doing this
for years, as we can all tell a story or two about that. Now with the
introduction by Attorney General Kelly Lamrock of the "Civil
Forfeiture Act" police will be able to come into your home and seize
your property without anyone being charged if they "suspect" you have
received these from the profits of crime. A similar law has been on
the books for years, however the government had to prove their case in
criminal court. But I guess it was too difficult, so they have decided
to change the rules of the game (must be nice to have that kind of
power).

Mr. Lamrock describes the bill as a way to fight against child porn
and drug dealers etc. I find it very convenient that he chooses two of
the most sensitive topics to most of us, which tugs at our
heartstrings. Most people immediately think "oh well, I don't produce
child porn and I don't sell or do drugs, I have nothing to worry about."

Wrong. Unfortunately this legislation can cover anything. That's
right, even if the police "suspect" (and when used correctly that can
be used in any situation and abused dramatically) you have obtained
property through illegal acts (no charges need to be laid) they can
take it from you! Then you will have to go to "civil" court. Not
criminal court, as the legislation calls for civil proceedings.
"Guilty beyond a reasonable doubt" would not apply. Just believing it
would be sufficient for a conviction.

Never mind the thousands of dollars you would need to defend yourself.
If found innocent, do you actually think the government would
reimburse you for your legal costs? By this time, however, your whole
life and future could be destroyed, along with many of the collateral
damages that can follow (divorce, loss of job etc.).

This proposed legislation is disgusting and plain wrong! It just opens
the door to widespread abuse by government and the police. Can anyone
say "police state"? Stand up people and take note. Slowly it's
slipping away.

Michel Lavigne,

Bathurst