Help for Gibson Guitars

The following is a letter I sent to both the Lt. Governor and Governor of Tennessee…

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Dear Lt Gov Ramsey,

I have recently become aware of an ARMED federal raid on Gibson Guitars’ manufacturing facilities in Memphis and Nashville that took place on 24 August.  Despite evidence provided by Gibson that they are in compliance with the laws allegedly broken, the federal government refuses to drop the matter.

For more details, please follow this link:

http://blog.tenthamendmentcenter.com/2011/09/feds-conduct-gestapo-style-raids-on-tennessee-guitar-maker/

While I live in Louisiana, how this conflict is resolved will affect me (and other States).  For if the federal government can act with this kind of violence and lawlessness toward my sister State of Tennessee without repercussion, then it is not a matter of IF such violations will happen again but WHEN and WHERE.

Thus, I make my appeal to you to use the powers of your office to protect Gibson from the unlawful actions of the federal government.  This would not be a radical innovation on your part but rather the upholding of our federated, constitutional system.  James Madison considered it the duty of the States to act as a check on the federal government in such instances:

…in case of a deliberate, palpable, and dangerous exercise of other powers, not granted by the said compact, the states who are parties thereto, have the right, and are in duty bound, to interpose for arresting the progress of the evil, and for maintaining within their respective limits, the authorities, rights and liberties appertaining to them.

You have spoken passionately about your devotion to the 10^th Amendment in the past:

http://blog.tenthamendmentcenter.com/2010/08/ron-ramsey-on-the-10th-amendment/

Please turn that rhetoric into action and come to the aid of Gibson Guitars.  We need leaders and advocates for limited government now more than ever.

Sincerely,

Walt Garlington