Bush’s record on pardons is not encouraging for these guys.
Why would he pardon them?
They hurt one of Mr. Bush’s constituents.
These men should never have been convicted IMHO of criminal charges. Perhaps some admninstrative issues and a slap on the hand over the paperwork issues, but not criminal and not at all worthy of prison sentences. These men prevented (at the time) a wanton drug criminal from entering and distributing illegal drugs in this country. They should have gotten comendations for the actions that prevented that.
In fact, it was the US Attorney who enabled this criminal to come back in this country, under the color and protection of law, to continue his criminal behavior, which is now a proven fact.
There should be a FULL PARDON for both Border Patrol Agents! Very publically clearing their record and restoring their reputation.
ping
These two started out doing the right thing, but they screwed up trying to cover-up their deeds.
I am sorry, but I have to take the opposite view.
One of them kept on shooting the guy as he flees back to Mexico? What kind of s$%t is that for a law enforcement guy to do? No.
We are still a nation of law. When they raise their right hand and recited their oath of office, these two law enforcers swore to ‘faithfully execute their duties...according to the laws established...by the Constitution...’
In this particular instance, they have’t, violating even their own agency rules. And it’s been proven that they lied and can’t back up their ‘story’ before a jury of their peers.
C’mon, people. Let us NOT be defending the indefensible.
Ramos and Compean did not intercept a van carrying 700 lbs. of pot nor did they shoot an illegal alien drug smuggler because none of those facts were known until after they shot the guy. All they knew is a van with Texas plates and an hispanic looking driver took them on a short high speed pursuit. He was prepared to give himself up when Compean took a swing at his head with the butt of his shotgun.
One has to consider that they were convicted by a jury of twelve which was upheld by a court of appeals that had three judges appointed by Ronald Reagan. When reading these articles one had to wonder “what aren't they telling me?”
I don't R&C should have been sentenced under the 924-C, but they did shoot an unarmed fleeing suspect in the back, avoided reporting the incident and then engaged in a cover up. The obstruction of justice counts that were thrown out by the appeals court were done so because the court ruled they didn't apply since a Border Patrol investigation is not an “official proceeding”, a technicality, not that it didn't happen.
Removing the ten year mandatory sentence would be appropriate but pardoning law enforcement officers who engage in such actions should also not be condoned...and that’s the message a pardon would send.
If they had come forward, said “we screwed up” and threw themselves on the mercy of the court I would have supported no jail time. But they decided to go for the gold and lost. They made their bed, they have to sleep in it.
The Border Patrol is a fine agency with thousands of men and women who deserve our respect and support. Unfortunately, Ramos and Compean lost the right to that from us when they engaged in the cover up and destroyed evidence. They are not heroes and to treat them so is a slap in the face to all other BP agents who conduct their duties with honor and integrity.
PING!
RAMOS/COMPEAN Ping
Please freepmail me if you want on or off this list.
PING!
RAMOS/COMPEAN Ping
Please freepmail me if you want on or off this list.