Marc if ALL the companies are using the same wood then they are all breaking the rules.......Like speeding just because most people do it does not make it legal.

If it is political and they are being singled out then Gibson have due law processes to sort that out.

If the law is wrong or being interpreted wrongly then due law process can sort that out also.

One thing for sure international laws protecting our flora and fauna should not be flouted just to make a few guitars.

Now correct me if I am wrong but the countries producing the wood have created laws to protect their livelihood IE the production of exotic lumber...and protect their industries......EG the wood has to be processed and finished by their own craftsmen rather than allowing just the raw materials to be stripped. I see nothing wrong with this especially as America has similar type laws where they tax imports in an attempt to protect their own industry by forcing people to buy American rather than allow cheaper foreign imports. I see no difference but it would appear that some right wingers want to have it both ways. They want to protect American industry but deny other countries that same right of protecting their own.

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/songInfo.cfm?bandID=687727&songID=5238055