Source: http://www.americanthinker.com/2012/07/ ... xurbs.html
Fauquier (/fɔːˈkɪər/) County, Virginia has become a new battleground against the sprawl of Washington-style government bullying. Under the guise of business zoning authority, Fauquier is now depriving an agricultural community of its liberty to live the farm life when a little commerce is, and even is not, involved.
The county, you see, wants to regulate and fine farm residents on grounds of holding pumpkin carvings, birthday parties for little girls, and Boy Scout jamborees....
But Fauquier isn't just stealing liberty from wineries. Using Orwellian oversight and threats of fines, Fauquier is also bullying a tiny farm in Paris, Virginia that takes in rescued animals and sells organic tea but is not a winery. Reading the order against the farm issued by Fauquier County Zoning Administrator Kimberley Johnson, one may confuse Fauquier for an anti-family banana republic...
Ms. Johnson has shut down, or attempted to shut down, political fundraisers on residential farms for lack of a permit. The farm owners could have sued her and the county under 42 U.S.C. 1983 for violating constitutional rights under the color of state law.
Ms. Johnson, the menace, wasn't fired or sued for her imperious view of her power versus her limited view of people's rights on private property. That's a shame. Now, she's attempting to fine a county resident for holding Boy Scout jamborees on his property.
Not all victims of Ms. Johnson's lawbreaking are wealthy enough to assert their rights through civil actions. And that's how bureaucrats build on their arrogant lawbreaking. They bully citizens who are good, mind-their-own business types, or who lack the resources to file suit.
Other Fauquier County officials, of course, should be ashamed of what's happened. In the meantime, county citizens are forming a new organization to protect family farms. They've seen what happens when they wait for politicians or judges to actually stop government lawbreaking. They've learned that to protect rights, citizens need to do it on their own -- and in numbers.
"Not to worry, I got this !!! " "Stand your ground. Don't fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here." Captain John Parker
