Hi Folks.
Update: The IF&W have issued summons for Importing Exotic Species. Court is Dec. 14. The IF&W's Prosecuting Attorney staes that they will drop importing charge if we allow them to poison our pond. I am having a difficult time allowing this on principal alone. What was used to get the search warrant, the warrant that produced 4 trucks, 6 wardens and 3 biologists, that gave them nothing except license to steal my research from my barn? I do hope it was substantial evidence of criminal activity acquired completely independent of the accused under investigation. An article in the newspaper doesn't cut it. The first fish acquired was done so deceptively for we were not informed that we were under investigation for criminal activity before the Investigator acquired that fish. So again, what was used to get the search warrant?
I have been speaking plainly. We have been willing from when we were informed the first time that they believe that the fish are bluegill to allow the IF&W to deal with the pond in an appropriate manner necessary. Just show the proof of the findings. They have been completely unwilling and evasive about any findings. Have they done a genetic analysis? Is any of the proof part of the "discovery"? Why are they willing to drop charges of importing if they have a case? If the fish in my pond have been positively identified as bluegill than doesn't the State have absolute jurisdiction to deal appropriately with an invasive species? Whether we object or not? (I need an answer regarding that question and I hope my lawyer will have it.) If so, why are they bargaining? The lines between private and State are grayed only when #1 the sovereign owner breaks the law and #2: if the goings on will ill effect public lands. If I am missing something here please let me know. It seems to me that they have no case to pursue regarding importing...they have no proof at all because there is none. We didn't import. There is substantial evidence to support the contrary, in our favor, including bank records. And it also seems to me that they didn't positively identify the fish or they would be here dealing with it, with the Rule of Law on their side. Not bargaining.
Separate issue: Since when is it Constitutionally legal for a State to make it illegal to grow your own food without a permit? When did eating become a privilege? And in the State of Maine, the fish are poisonous to us. So why is it a privilege issued at the discretion of some government agency to grow uncontaminated food for consumption?
We are going to the papers. We have had enough.
