Pubdate: Wed, 11 Mar 1998
Date: March 11, 1998
Source: Houston Chronicle (TX)
Author: Grady Henley

Regarding, "Seizure of hotel sets precedent" (front-page Chronicle,
March 7): Good citizens of the United States of America, you had
better open your eyes and realize we are living in a police state. The
federal government assumes power and seizes private property.

The private citizen is faced with options such as: Fight federal
agents in a gun battle, battle in federal courts or throw up your
hands and give in to their demands.

Where is our Constitution? Where is the protection for private,
law-abiding citizens under this great piece of paper? It does not exist.

If you doubt this, realize that we say our school systems are
"independent" and "public." Yet, they are not independent, they are
not public: They are federally controlled by judges. The public has no
say at all about what is allowed within the halls and rooms.

This same authority used by the federal government to wield control of
"public" schools is now used to seize "public property." It is time to
stop this federally controlled government.

Grady Henley
Deer Park