More unintended consequences

Now they try to use RICO to prosecute business owners.

The county's attempt to recoup its expenses would be filed under the federal Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, commonly called the RICO Act, which has been used against targets ranging from organized crime to Internet spammers.

It would be the first time that a government has sued a business under RICO, enacted in 1970, legal experts say.

The Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations act (RICO), originally created to fight gangsters, now used against businesses who fail to do the government's job for them. This would funny were it not so serious. The RICO once used to put away gangsters, then used to jail abortion protesters, and fine/jail people for what used to be called freedom of expression, now used as an assault against the economic engine of this country. Why?

"Right now people say there's no money in enforcing the law, but now there might be for attorneys and trial lawyers. It could create a vested interest in enforcement," said Steven Camarota, director of research at the Center for Immigration Studies in Washington, D.C, which supports immigration restrictions.

The RICO Act does offer a tempting prize, since winners can be awarded triple damages.

I have no doubt that the patriot act will MOSTLY be used to fight terrorism. But just like the RICO before it, it will not be long before the meanings will change and a series of lawyers and judges will use it as an instrument against non-terrorists, business owners, Christians, and the faith to which we hold. It is best that we do what we can to kill it now.