STOP CIVIL FORFEITURE" RALLY

Law enforcement throughout the country are on a binge seizing property from citizens, expecially inner-city poor and minorities. They are justified in doing this, they say, because it helps fight crime. In fact, it is simply uncontrolled extortion and legalized theft. Often referred to as "Policing for Profit"!

PRWEB) December 16 2003--

What: Rally to Repeal Civil Forfeiture Laws
Where: Freedom Plaza, Washington, D.C., 14th & Pennsylvania N.W.
When: December 16, 2003 12:30 p.m.

Why: These laws defy the Constitution. The police don't have to prove the property owner guilty or even bring charges against anyone. They can seize property with the flimsiest of suspicions. Worst of all, the police get to keep the proceeds. This has resulted in corruption of law enforcement agencies, abuse of citizens (particularly minorities), a deterioration of the respect for police and a disregard of the Constitution. Prominent speakers at the rally will expand upon these topics and more. Asset forfeiture laws, which allow police to confiscate private property based solely on the suspicion that the property is drug proceeds or used to facilitate some crime    are one of the worst consequences of the War on Drugs. Forfeiture is no longer limited to drug offenses now there are over 400 federal offenses that trigger forfeiture, with more being added every year. The U.S.A. Patriot Act recently expanded forfeiture powers, and created all kinds of Constitution-defying powers to make it easier for the police to seize property.

Currently scheduled speakers include:
*Gary Nolan, Libertarian Party Presidential Candidate
*Steve Dasbach, Former National Chairman, Libertarian Party
*Kelvin R. Davis, Author, Driving While Black
*John Judge, Washington Peace Center
*Kevin Zeese, Common Sense for Drug Policy & F.E.A.R.
*Abdul Khadir Muhammad - Nation of Islam
*Darrell Rogers, Students for Sensible Drug Policy
*Musical guest 20X20 "the President of Rap"

Other presidential candidates and a prominent Congressman have been invited but have not yet confirmed. Further updates will be provided.

Contact:
S. Leon Felkins, Executive Director, FEAR (601) 629 3969, leon@fear.org
Alicia Bradley, FEAR Activist and Coordinator of this Rally (760) 409 3209, Bgeorgeeb@aol.com
John Judge, Washington Peace Center, 202 234 2000, wpc@igc.org
Abby Bair, SSDP, abby@ssdp.org   --   Tyler Smith, tyler@cjpf.org

Support: Several agencies and individuals have helped in putting together this rally. Space does not allow listing them all but we do wish to acknowledge the co sponsors and supporters: Washington Peace Center, Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), The Institute for Justice, The Libertarian Party, and others. If your organization would like to co-sponsor the event or send a speaker please contact Leon or Alicia.

Forfeiture Endangers American Rights (F.E.A.R.)
265 Miller Avenue
Mill Valley, CA 94941   888-FEAR-001   
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