Kennedy 0 #1 March 20, 2011 Defendant Convicted of Minting His Own Currency Liberty Dollar creator convicted in federal court QuoteSTATESVILLE, NC—Bernard von NotHaus, 67, was convicted today by a federal jury of making, possessing, and selling his own coins, announced Anne M. Tompkins, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Following an eight-day trial and less than two hours of deliberation, von NotHaus, the founder and monetary architect of a currency known as the Liberty Dollar, was found guilty by a jury in Statesville, North Carolina, of making coins resembling and similar to United States coins; of issuing, passing, selling, and possessing Liberty Dollar coins; of issuing and passing Liberty Dollar coins intended for use as current money; and of conspiracy against the United States. witty subliminal message Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards. 1* Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #2 March 20, 2011 I think this overstates the case against; Quote “Attempts to undermine the legitimate currency of this country are simply a unique form of domestic terrorism,” U.S. Attorney Tompkins said in announcing the verdict. “While these forms of anti-government activities do not involve violence, they are every bit as insidious and represent a clear and present danger to the economic stability of this country,” she added. “We are determined to meet these threats through infiltration, disruption, and dismantling of organizations which seek to challenge the legitimacy of our democratic form of government.” No. While some "Patriot Act" era non-sense may have attempted to define it as such, no. It's not "domestic terrorism." It's probably a con job on the value of the metal in the coins and I agree with the law stopping regular citizens from attempting to create new coinage, but domestic terrorism? Gimme a break.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kennedy 0 #3 March 20, 2011 I thought the same thing. If it's not ok for him to use "dollar" and "US" and if it looked too much like US currency, fine, go after him. What I don't get is the conspiracy against the govt charge, and this nonsense about terrorism. Plenty of folks don't like the federal reserve. This sounds like going after him to send a message, rather than based on the seriousness of his conduct.witty subliminal message Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards. 1* Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #4 March 20, 2011 QuoteI thought the same thing. If it's not ok for him to use "dollar" and "US" and if it looked too much like US currency, fine, go after him. What I don't get is the conspiracy against the govt charge, and this nonsense about terrorism. Plenty of folks don't like the federal reserve. This sounds like going after him to send a message, rather than based on the seriousness of his conduct. Well, the bit about "dollar" is pretty shaky from an etymological point of view. http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=dollar&searchmode=nonequade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #5 March 21, 2011 QuoteQuote“Attempts to undermine the legitimate currency of this country are simply a unique form of domestic terrorism,” U.S. Attorney Tompkins said in announcing the verdict. “While these forms of anti-government activities do not involve violence, they are every bit as insidious and represent a clear and present danger to the economic stability of this country,” she added. “We are determined to meet these threats through infiltration, disruption, and dismantling of organizations which seek to challenge the legitimacy of our democratic form of government.” So, I wonder when they will prosecute the President for doing this exact same thing with his monetary policy? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kennedy 0 #6 March 21, 2011 Are they trying to make up for not going after every POTUS since Nixon? witty subliminal message Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards. 1* Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy9o8 2 #7 March 21, 2011 QuotePlenty of folks don't like the federal reserve. This sounds like going after him to send a message, rather than based on the seriousness of his conduct. OK, let's give this a bit of mature perspective. He created $7 million worth of counterfeit money for the purpose of circulating it. Maybe the government's press release rhetoric was a bit over the top; but the rest of the criticism over his conviction is just plain silly. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kennedy 0 #8 March 21, 2011 QuoteOK, let's give this a bit of mature perspective. He created $7 million worth of counterfeit money for the purpose of circulating it. Maybe the government's press release rhetoric was a bit over the top; but the rest of the criticism over his conviction is just plain silly. Changed your bold to highlight the part that interests me. What makes it counterfeit. Was he ever trying to say that his coins were US Government money? Why can't folks stamp out their own coins? Is the biggest problem that he stamped them witha suggested US dollar value? There are other "alternative currencies" out there. Are they facing prosecution/persecution? I just don't see the resemblance to US money. Who would mistake them for money issued by the Feds? Lord knows I never bought any or wanted any, and it looked like a pyramid scheme to some extent, but why toss him in the federal lockup? (of course, now I want one or two for shits and giggles)witty subliminal message Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards. 1* Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,119 #9 March 21, 2011 >What makes it counterfeit. Was he ever trying to say that his coins were US >Government money? Yes; indeed, he was trying to create a new US currency. From the article you posted: ============== Von NotHaus designed the Liberty Dollar currency in 1998 and the Liberty coins were marked with the dollar sign ($); the words dollar, USA, Liberty, Trust in God (instead of In God We Trust); and other features associated with legitimate U.S. coinage. Since 1998, NORFED has been issuing, disseminating, and placing into circulation the Liberty Dollar in all its forms throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. NORFED’s purpose was to mix Liberty Dollars into the current money of the United States. NORFED intended for the Liberty Dollar to be used as current money in order to limit reliance on, and to compete with, United States currency. ================ >Why can't folks stamp out their own coins? Same reason they can't print their own $20's. >Is the biggest problem that he stamped them with a suggested US dollar value? And that he made them look very much like a valid US currency. And that he stated that it was intended to be passed off as US currency. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
