ATF's Motto Misfire

Rep. Bill Sali, R-Idaho, doesn't think much of the gifts officials at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have given to their agents. The presents, handed out in connection with training programs, were Leatherman tool kits engraved with the words "Always Think Forfeiture." Agency officials said the idea was to raise awareness of the Asset Forfeiture Program, under which agents can confiscate private property in connection with criminal investigations.

But Sali thought the motto sent the wrong message. "Americans have a right to keep and bear arms," he said. "We have a right to private property. But ATF, through its engraved motto, sends a message that these rights are secondary to the government’s apparent goal to 'always' seek forfeit of private property."

Faced with Sali's criticism, ATF backed down and said it would stop handing out the tools. Sali says he'll make sure they can't in the future, either, by introducing legislation to that effect.

(Hat tip: Reason Hit and Run, via BoingBoing)