So who authored this internal memo? One would think if the author has access to this memo, the name of the author would be provided.
. . .which at least requires that the property be accused of a crime, and can be fought in court.
Um, what? How can property be accused of a crime?
You didn't get the memo? *Property is criminal*
In the hands of the wrong people, that is...
Government regularly accuses property of a crime—that’s how it “justifies” accusing you of a crime, and then taking your property without having to actually convict you of anything. It’s a huge scam, and a big problem that doesn’t get enough attention, imo.
More info here (or just google “civil asset forfeiture”):
Here’s another good article:
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/2010/04/05/20100405keller06.html
Doing some digging,I found this: "ABC News obtained a 1996 internal memo in which the lawyer for the Bureau of Unclaimed Property argued against expanding programs to notify rightful owners. He wrote, "It could well result in additional claims of monies that would otherwise flow into the general fund."
The same article also says something that the Mises.org article fails to mention: "California's unclaimed property program was so out of control that, last year, the courts issued injunctions barring the state from seizing any more property until it made reforms. Since then, Chiang has taken several steps to try to clean up the program."
Um, what? How can property be accused of a crime?
Same legal principle as drug asset forfeitures. They don't even need to file criminal charges against a person. They just file against the property and take it.