John Ashcroft Supports Government Theft

Former attorney general confronted on police robbery
Infowars
May. 22, 2015

John Ashcroft, former U.S. attorney general in the George W Bush administration was confronted by an Infowars.com reporter and asked about the current civil asset forfeiture controversy which is currently accelerating.

The practice of civil asset forfeiture, where police take a citizen’s property, usually cash, under the presumption that there is a criminal reason for the cash is in direct violation of the 5th amendment of the Constitution where it clearly states No person shall be deprived life, liberty or property, without due process of law. To quote Ashcroft from this clip if he agrees with civil asset forfeiture, he says, “it depends on the charge”.

The whole point is that people’s property is being taken without charges and absent due process or court proceedings. Often the amount forfeited is disproportionate to the offenses charged, if any are filed.

The former attorney general acknowledged states’ rights to repeal forfeiture provisions, but under Ashcroft’s reign civil and criminal forfeiture laws were broadened, implying he’s well aware the policy violates civil liberties.