Gibson settles with Justice Department over exotic woods

http://twitter.com/#!/hubrisreport/status/232573532440240128

While the Department of Justice drags its feet on an investigation into American guns crossing the border into Mexico, the nation can rest at ease knowing that Eric Holder and crew stand vigilant over exotic woods falling into the hands of American workers. Gibson Guitars, raided by the Feds in 2009 and again last August, has agreed to a settlement involving a $300,000 fine and a $50,000 donation to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Justice Dept fines Gibson Guitars $1000 for every Mexican killed by Justice Dept http://t.co/qMB34ZKF

— David Burge (@iowahawkblog) August 6, 2012

Gibson CEO Henry Juszkiewicz claimed the raids were bullying by the federal government. “We are one company manufacturing in the United States that’s hiring people, that is succeeding exporting, and yet the government is spending millions of dollars on this issue,” he said last August. The bullying charge has struck a chord with Gibson supporters.

Gibson’s chief legal counsel argued that under the terms of the Lacey Act, the exotic woods would be perfectly legal to import were they finished in India by Indian workers and imported as “finished.”

Gibson guitars fined $300k for having work done in the US that should have been done overseas: http://t.co/31QYATp8

— Doug Powers (@ThePowersThatBe) August 6, 2012

Gibson Guitars hit with $300,000 fine by Obama Justice Dept. Gibson wants to use American workers, JD doesn't. http://t.co/FDId3Pfr

— Biker Guy (@GrodenBiker) August 6, 2012

After raiding Gibson Guitar, the Admin has shaken down them down for $350,000 under the guise of "environmentalism" http://t.co/N3bjVU6S

— Free Market America (@FreeMarket_US) August 6, 2012

But they didn't build that! RT @Red__Rover: Gibson Guitars hit with $300,000 fine by Justice http://t.co/mbGhHU8w via @examinercom

— Debbie, BS, MS, PMP (@mosesmosesmoses) August 6, 2012

They broke no law, did nothing wrong RT @Red__Rover: Gibson Guitars hit with $300,000 fine by Justice http://t.co/cpfRTHOL via @examinercom

— Jimmie (@jimmiebjr) August 6, 2012

The 3-year Gibson v. US Government dispute ended today. Keep your laws off my guitars! http://t.co/f6Abyzdf

— Independent Sky (@IndySkyMusic) August 6, 2012