http://www.goupstate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ ... 21/OPINION

Ignorance defense

Gene Nowak, Duncan
Published December 21, 2006


The Dec. 14 Herald-Journal news article about stolen copper purchases is causing me a lot of heartburn. It seems to reflect a growing pattern of the connected entity or person being allowed a free pass to violate the law, which is then condoned by the media, the public and the law itself.

Could political considerations or connections be a factor?

It appears that if businesses buy stolen copper, and it is discovered, apparently they get a free pass. The businesses' defense is: How were they to know that it was stolen? But if an individual buys a stolen item and it is discovered, the buyer might face time in jail for receiving stolen property. Why the disparity in treatment?

Also, if Johnny borrows funds from someone without permission, he will likely be prosecuted vigorously by the media and the law. Recently, a local businessman was accused of the same thing, but it appears that he's getting a free pass. Is there a pattern here?

Also recently, a large corporation was raided, and about 1,300 employees were detained on the grounds that they were illegal aliens. The apparent defense of the corporation: How could it have known they were illegals?

It appears that the ignorance defense will work again for the connected elite. I wonder why few employers feel the need to shed their illegal alien employees. Could it be they know they will get a free pass, too?