United States v. $35,131

Powerline ^ | Scott Johnson

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

Reader Rob Carty has directed our attention to this week’s opinion by Judge Lynn N. Hughes of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas in the forfeiture case of The United States of America v. $35,131.00 in United States Currency. Mr Carty briefly summarizes the decision:

Judge Hughes spanked Homeland Security for tricking an American family into “evading” their duty to report how much cash they were taking out of the country. It contains some very choice words. My favorite quote: “In addition to overreaching the people whom they are to serve, three officers wasted one-half day watching four others embarrass themselves.”

Here is my favorite quote:

A lack of leadership at the agency allowed this. Its mission statement – which none of the officers could recall at the trial – is to serve the American public with vigilance, integrity, and professionalism. They displayed none of these. The agency says that integrity is its cornerstone; that its officers are guided by the highest ethical and moral principles. A gang of armed security officers bullied this family – a family who cooperated with the officers to their detriment. Our homeland will not be secure by these rascals. They played agency games, abused the people they are to serve, and violated their oaths to support the Constitution.

[SaraJohnson]

I doubt they would put “foreign student” on a University ID. Using the word “foreign”in describing an “international” student would be politically incorrect.

This kind of false information is distributed in an attempt to discredit all questions about Obama’s background. It’s getting old.

[Tainan]

I did a MA in the mid-80s and strangely enough, I happen to have my student I.D. card in a box behind my desk.

In looking at it, there is a magnetic strip along the lower part of the back of the card.
There is no bar coding on the card.
It is a thick plastic photo ID. (I had a lot more hair back then)
Card is from a major mid-western University circa 1985.

[joe fonebone]

That’s the fact, Jack... :) I am amazed at how many so called conservatives not only allow the creep of totaltarianism into their lives, but actually applaud it (the patriot act is a prime example).. I guess that is why I can no longer call myself conservative. As the gipper once said (paraphrased) I did not leave conservatism, conservatism left me....

[muawiyah]

Scopes says it’s a rework of a 1998 student ID anyway.

[andy58-in-nh]

In recent years, I’ve discovered why people should never keep old ID cards: the damn picture keeps getting younger. ;-)

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

Apparently, they do.

[G Larry]

I would never declare Traveler’s Checks.

The law says “currency” and they are NOT currency.

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

I don’t know what the law says, but apparently the Homeland Security form includes cash-like instruments. Regardless, I’m gratified with the judge’s ruling.