Blackburn Questions Motives Behind Gibson Guitar Raid

Statement

Congressman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) today called on President Obama to provide a full explanation as to the motives behind the 2011 raids carried out by his administration on Gibson Guitar.

Following the 2011 raids of Gibson's facilities in Nashville and Memphis, Blackburn joined members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in a letter requesting answers from the Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Interior (DOI) as to why the raid was necessary. While the Obama administration offered assurances that musicians would not be targeted, they provided no real answers about the raid itself.

"The recent scandals surrounding this administration raise a number of questions about who they choose to target and why," said Blackburn. "The arrogance and lack of transparency displayed by this President and his cabinet officials in events such as the raids on Gibson Guitar and the IRS targeting of conservative groups show a complete disregard for the rule of law.

"It is clear that this administration made a choice to use excessive regulatory methods to intimidate conservative groups and individuals who disagree with their political ideology. Not only is this wrong, but it is illegal. No one should have to live in fear of their government. President Obama owes the American people a full explanation as to why these decisions were made, and anyone responsible for plotting these politically motivated attacks should be punished to the fullest extent of the law."

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