How the DEA took a young man’s life savings without charging him with a crime

Re:How the DEA took a young man’s life savings without charg... by Goronmon on Wednesday May 13, 2015 @01:48AM (#9537020)

You may not agree with the principle (I certainly don't), but calling it theft is no different from a libertarian doing the same with taxation.

I would say that calling civil forfeiture as theft makes more sense then comparing civil forfeiture to taxation. Unless you live in an area where "taxation" means armed men come to your house and demand all your cash on April 15th.

Honestly, I don't really buy the argument that in cases like this, its wrong to call the action theft. I don't find the terms mutually exclusive depending on the context.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:How the DEA took a young man’s life savings without charg... by thedufer on Wednesday May 13, 2015 @10:12AM (#9539031)

> Unless you live in an area where "taxation" means armed men come to your house and demand all your cash on April 15th.

They don't bother with armed men. If I refuse to pay long enough, they just take it straight out of my paycheck (wage garnishment). No need to intimidate someone when you own their bank.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:How the DEA took a young man’s life savings without charg... by LordKano on Thursday May 14, 2015 @01:06PM (#9546202)

Unless you live in an area where "taxation" means armed men come to your house and demand all your cash on April 15th.

It's the threat of armed men being sent for them that compels most people to pay their taxes and file the return.

Both taxation and civil forfeiture have much in common with theft.

[ Parent | on HN ]