Texas Justice (continued)

When people are given power, especially in government, it almost always leads to abuse. Usually it is used against political enemies (or the press) at the highest levels of government. It hits at a much lower level on Maslow's hierarchy of needs for small Texas towns.

Law enforcement officials have the right to confiscate valuable assets if they have reason to believe that they were obtained through the illegal sale of drugs. They get to keep a share of the assets taken. Small Texas towns use the law to profile individuals (that means African-Americans) driving down the highway. They then confiscate all valuables from the vehicle/occupants. They threaten the occupants with arrest, then get them to sign a waiver that it was okay to take their stuff so they can go on their way. No charges made, no prosecution planned, just take the money and run. It helps them keep the local yahoos employed. One of our finest small Texas towns used the money to send the sheriff and his entire staff to Hawaii. Oh, and they included the judge that approved the expenditure. It is often a blurry line between good and evil.