Gil Gilbertson

Sheriff of and for the People

US~Observer

Sheriff Gil Gilbertson

Every great now and again, people in positions of authority actually work for the betterment of their constituents by standing for the principles of the Constitution. People like Oregon’s Josephine County Sheriff Gil Gilbertson whose belief in a limited federal government has him fighting for his rights as the chief law enforcement officer (CLEO) in the county.

Gilbertson is working with sheriffs from across Oregon and California in an attempt to deal with federal law enforcement’s overt disregard for the public and the publicly elected position of sheriff.

In a letter Gilbertson recently sent to United States Forestry, he states in part:

“… I am concerned that information is withheld from this Office. This uncooperative posture appears to present a challenge of authority. Frankly, I was somewhat taken aback by your legal department’s position advising you to not discuss issues with me. I am further aghast to the suggestion I must file a FOIA to find out what your agency is doing in regards to the citizens of this county.

“As the CLEO of this County, elected by the citizens, saddled with the expectation and responsibility to safeguard their rights I fully intend to uphold the laws against any threat, inappropriate or unlawful actions against them. The citizens of this County are complaining about unfair treatment and harassment by the federal government LEOs.

“The issues of illegal road closures, grazing, logging, minerals, taking land under the auspices of “Monument” status, citizen complaints against your LEO agents, high unemployment and other socio-economic issues we all face today; coupled with the uncooperative nature presented by the USFS are causing me great concern about our relationship and future cooperation…”

Gilbertson is to be commended.

Even though each public office holder takes an oath to uphold the Constitution the vast majority seemingly either forget or simply don’t know what the Constitution so plainly says. Bottom-line, the Constitution doesn’t grant you rights; it limits government from taking them, specifically protecting certain rights that should be without question.

When an official stands for the people, we will feature it here in the Spotlight.

Please contact Gilbertson’s office at (541) 474-5123
or via e-mail at jocosheriff@co.josephine.or.us and let them know he is doing a great job! Also, call your sheriff and see where he stands on the Constitution.