What started out as a battle pitting the U.S. Government vs. Gibson Guitar has rapidly spiraled into a multi-front, war over what if anything should be done to change the Lacey Act.

Responding to the recent controversy over the Lacey Act and actions taken against Gibson Guitar for alleged violations, Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), voiced his continued support for the illegal logging rule.

The Gibson Guitar saga is bar none the strangest and most intriguing tangle of events I have followed in my 26 years covering the woodworking industry. The image of gun-toting federal marshals swooping down on a wood products plant, especially one of Gibson’s renown, is surreal to say the least.

MEMPHIS, TN -- Gibson Guitar, under federal investigation for alleged violation of the Lacey Act, has initiated a petition drive requesting President Barack Obama to intervene on its behalf.

WASHINGTON, DC – Energy and Commerce Committee leaders are seeking answers from Obama Administration officials on the recent government raid of an iconic U.S. guitar manufacturer, Tennessee’s Gibson Guitar Corporation..

Dear President Barack Obama, Gibson Guitar is currently under investigation by the U.S. Justice Department regarding imported wood used to manufacture instruments. Gibson has been raided twice by armed government agents, even though the wood has been legally obtained and the company has complied with all foreign laws.

The Internet is abuzz with dozens upon dozens of news stories and commentaries about the legendary guitar maker's second run-in with armed agents of the DOJ in the past two years.

MINNEAPOLIS MN -- The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) issued a statement noting that the wood seized by the Department of Justice in the August 24 raid of Gibson Guitar's factory in Nashville in not FSC certified.

Gibson Guitar's manufacturing plants in Memphis and Nashville were raided by federal agents. A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agent told local media the raid related to a Texas case, but declined to elaborate.

The world community is banding together to punish those who profit from illegal timber harvesting.