FROM THE NEWSWIRE: 11/17/07 - A two year long undercover FBI investigation of monetary-reform activists focused on Asheville came to a head last Wednesday when federal agents raided properties in Indiana and Idaho. The raid targeted Liberty Services, a company which markets and distributes Liberty Dollars, a private currency consisting of gold, silver and redeemable certificates. Government officials seized nearly 2 tons of Liberty Dollars and over $1 million in gold and silver warehoused by the company to back its paper certificates. The FBI is referring all inquiries to the US Attorney's WNC branch which has, thus far, declined to comment on the raids.

Liberty Dollars, accepted by some 85 Asheville-area businesses, are not "legal tender" but have generally been assumed to constitute a legal barter medium by users and authorities. The currency had been previously reviewed by the Treasury Department and a spokeswoman stated that there was "nothing illegal about this". Local activist Kevin Innes, a target of the FBI investigation, told the Mountain Xpress that he had approached the Asheville Police Department about his distribution of the dollars and had been given a green light. "They said we were within our rights."

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Do you have a story to tell about the USSF? We are collecting accounts to be included in an Asheville Indymedia article that will highlight the experience of Asheville folks in Atlanta. Come to 37 Grail St, Apt #4 at 7:30 PM on Wednesday July 4 to eat food, share your experience, commune with other Asheville attendees, and go on record (if you want to).

We are also interested in stories from people who hail from other parts of NC. Please contact us if you don't live in Asheville or can't make it to the potluck.

Email hand_sanitizer at hotmail dot com to share your story or for more info.