Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA), who served in the Middle East Wars, said he supports House Speaker John Boehner’s debt reduction plan and will vote for it later today.
“Over the last couple months, bipartisan negotiations on the debt limit have identified almost $1 trillion in budget savings,” Hunter explained. “The Boehner plan takes those cost savings and for the first time in history, attaches them to an increase in the debt limit. In total, the plan saves $917 billion over ten years, which is more than the debt ceiling increase. This amounts to significant savings and offers a reasonable approach toward achieving substantive debt reduction over the long-run.”
The Republican plan is the second package to make it to the floor in the House that leaves military spending in place and keeps the country on offense. “It’s a plan that keeps us moving in the right direction while protecting the country’s economic interests,” Hunter said.
The Congressman warns voters that the Democrat plan could cut Pentagon spending during a war and the Republican plan may be the last chance to avoid any government disruption.
“However, in the last two days, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has derided the Speaker’s plan, in some way suggesting it’s incompatible with his vision on the debt limit when the spending cuts in the proposal were settled weeks ago. Regardless of whether Harry Reid wants to admit it, the plan the House is voting on today is perhaps the last chance for the Senate to do what’s right.”
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The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has confirmed the Republican plan cuts and caps spending by $917 billion over the next 10 years and will trim $22 billion in spending for FY2012.
The House plan reduces “discretionary spending each year compared to the President’s budget, $96 billion in 2012, $118 billion in 2013, $115 billion in 2014, $117 billion in 2015, and so on,” Hunter says. The plan also “requires Congress to draft proposals to produce reductions of at least $1.8 trillion that help protect programs like Medicare and Social Security from bankruptcy.”
It remains clear that the current Republican debt crisis bill doesn’t satisfy the “Tea Party” caucus in Washington, but as time runs out for America’s ability to borrow money, compromise may be the only option left.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com San Diego Congressman backs Boehner’s debt crisis plan - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/san-diego-congressman-backs-boehner-s-debt-crisis-plan#ixzz1TR7oz6vl
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Border Patrol foils cocaine and crystal meth smugglers
Border Patrol agents east of San Diego stopped two separate drug smuggling efforts and seized more than $300,000 worth of cocaine and methamphetamine headed for the streets of Southern California.
Yesterday, Border Patrol agents came across a female U.S. citizen driving a Plymouth Neon at the Pine Valley checkpoint. She arrived with a 22-year-old male Mexican national passenger and during the inspection process agents became suspicious of the occupants nervous behavior and directed them to a secondary inspection.
Once the K-9 team inspected the car, agents found illegal drugs in the rear of the car. Further examination lead Border Patrol agents to a non-factory compartment inside the car’s rear bumper.
“Inside the compartment, agents discovered eight bundles of cocaine with a total weight of 22.05 pounds and an estimated street value of $220,500,” according to a Customs and Border Patrol press release. “The suspected smugglers and drugs were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.”
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On Sunday agents detained a 19-year-old male United States citizen driving a 1998 Ford Mustang. Agents said the driver appeared nervous and directed him to a secondary inspection. The Border Patrol K-9 team inspected the car and alerted agents to the trunk of the Mustang.
“Agents searched the vehicle and discovered five packages of methamphetamine with a total of 5.38 pounds worth an estimated street value of $107,600. The suspected smuggler and drugs were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to a multi-agency drug taskforce,” CBP said.
Both cars were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.
The San Diego Border Patrol checkpoints have confiscated more than 65,000 pounds of marijuana, 1,368 pounds of cocaine and 317 pounds of methamphetamine since October 1, 2010.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Border Patrol foils cocaine and crystal meth smugglers - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/border-patrol-foils-cocaine-and-crystal-meth-smugglers#ixzz1TGHTfxFo
Yesterday, Border Patrol agents came across a female U.S. citizen driving a Plymouth Neon at the Pine Valley checkpoint. She arrived with a 22-year-old male Mexican national passenger and during the inspection process agents became suspicious of the occupants nervous behavior and directed them to a secondary inspection.
Once the K-9 team inspected the car, agents found illegal drugs in the rear of the car. Further examination lead Border Patrol agents to a non-factory compartment inside the car’s rear bumper.
“Inside the compartment, agents discovered eight bundles of cocaine with a total weight of 22.05 pounds and an estimated street value of $220,500,” according to a Customs and Border Patrol press release. “The suspected smugglers and drugs were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.”
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On Sunday agents detained a 19-year-old male United States citizen driving a 1998 Ford Mustang. Agents said the driver appeared nervous and directed him to a secondary inspection. The Border Patrol K-9 team inspected the car and alerted agents to the trunk of the Mustang.
“Agents searched the vehicle and discovered five packages of methamphetamine with a total of 5.38 pounds worth an estimated street value of $107,600. The suspected smuggler and drugs were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to a multi-agency drug taskforce,” CBP said.
Both cars were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.
The San Diego Border Patrol checkpoints have confiscated more than 65,000 pounds of marijuana, 1,368 pounds of cocaine and 317 pounds of methamphetamine since October 1, 2010.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Border Patrol foils cocaine and crystal meth smugglers - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/border-patrol-foils-cocaine-and-crystal-meth-smugglers#ixzz1TGHTfxFo
Monday, July 25, 2011
DEA breaks up San Diego cross-border drug smuggling ring
As part of the Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) “Project Delirium” San Diego agents arrested 24 suspected cross-border drug traffickers.
Those arrested were in procession of hundreds of pounds of illegal drugs and authorities said the smugglers belonged to brutal Mexican drug cartels.
The suspected traffickers were transporting large quantities of methamphetamine and other controlled substances into San Diego County. The seizure of the drugs prevented them from being distributed across the U.S., said William R. Sherman, acting special agent-in-charge of the San Diego DEA.
“When you take the arrests made here in San Diego and couple them with the coordinated nationwide effort this week against this violent organization, you see that we have disrupted their whole distribution chain, from the street seller to the middle man to the leaders of the organization in Mexico,” Sherman said.
The agents in San Diego seized more than 200 pounds of meth, 200 pounds of marijuana, one pound of cocaine and three pounds of heroin, Sherman said.
Today, the San Diego County District Attorney's Office filed multiple charges against 12 suspects for possession of methamphetamine, transport of drugs and hiring an under-aged minor to transport controlled substances.
The biggest offenders snagged in the DEA raid included; Francisco Saucedo, 46, Mayra Arroyo, 24, and Roberto Buenrostro Duran, 23, -all pleaded not guilty to the drug charges and held on $500,000 bond.
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One search warrant recovered more than 18 pounds of crystal meth buried in the backyard of Arroyo. In another arrest agents nabbed Buenrostro transporting a backpack filled methamphetamine during a traffic stop.
Deputy District Attorney Allison Fomon said her office arraigned three other defendants on Friday and the rest will face a judge later in the week.
The prosecutor said the suspects face just five to eight years of jail time if convicted.
Officials said the year-and-a-half long sting targeted suspects in America with ties to the vicious Mexican drug trafficking organization La Familia, located in Michoacan, Mexico.
Last week federal authorities reported the U.S. arrested 1,980 perpetrators and seized $60 million in cash. The agents also confiscated nearly 2,770 pounds of methamphetamine, 6,000 pounds of cocaine, 1,000 pounds of heroin, 14,000 pounds of marijuana and $3.8 million in assets.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved
Continue reading on Examiner.com DEA breaks up San Diego cross-border drug smuggling ring - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/dea-breaks-up-san-diego-cross-border-drug-smuggling-ring#ixzz1TAj18iwY
Those arrested were in procession of hundreds of pounds of illegal drugs and authorities said the smugglers belonged to brutal Mexican drug cartels.
The suspected traffickers were transporting large quantities of methamphetamine and other controlled substances into San Diego County. The seizure of the drugs prevented them from being distributed across the U.S., said William R. Sherman, acting special agent-in-charge of the San Diego DEA.
“When you take the arrests made here in San Diego and couple them with the coordinated nationwide effort this week against this violent organization, you see that we have disrupted their whole distribution chain, from the street seller to the middle man to the leaders of the organization in Mexico,” Sherman said.
The agents in San Diego seized more than 200 pounds of meth, 200 pounds of marijuana, one pound of cocaine and three pounds of heroin, Sherman said.
Today, the San Diego County District Attorney's Office filed multiple charges against 12 suspects for possession of methamphetamine, transport of drugs and hiring an under-aged minor to transport controlled substances.
The biggest offenders snagged in the DEA raid included; Francisco Saucedo, 46, Mayra Arroyo, 24, and Roberto Buenrostro Duran, 23, -all pleaded not guilty to the drug charges and held on $500,000 bond.
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One search warrant recovered more than 18 pounds of crystal meth buried in the backyard of Arroyo. In another arrest agents nabbed Buenrostro transporting a backpack filled methamphetamine during a traffic stop.
Deputy District Attorney Allison Fomon said her office arraigned three other defendants on Friday and the rest will face a judge later in the week.
The prosecutor said the suspects face just five to eight years of jail time if convicted.
Officials said the year-and-a-half long sting targeted suspects in America with ties to the vicious Mexican drug trafficking organization La Familia, located in Michoacan, Mexico.
Last week federal authorities reported the U.S. arrested 1,980 perpetrators and seized $60 million in cash. The agents also confiscated nearly 2,770 pounds of methamphetamine, 6,000 pounds of cocaine, 1,000 pounds of heroin, 14,000 pounds of marijuana and $3.8 million in assets.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved
Continue reading on Examiner.com DEA breaks up San Diego cross-border drug smuggling ring - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/dea-breaks-up-san-diego-cross-border-drug-smuggling-ring#ixzz1TAj18iwY
Saturday, July 23, 2011
U.S. government allegedly selling guns to Mexican drug cartels
In an alarming turn of events, ATF’s Project Gunrunner “Fast and Furious” included more programs located El Paso, Texas, Columbus, New Mexico as well as “Operation Castaway” in Miami, Florida. However, the new alleged U.S. gun-smuggling rings are larger and include the sale of military-grade weapons directly to the Mexican Los Zetas cartel.
Reports from two former CIA agents conclude the U.S. government has set up shop in stash houses located in New Mexico and Texas. Former Director of Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) Intelligence Center in El Paso, Phil Jordan alleges the Obama Administration knew about the sale of weapons to Mexican drug cartels.
The other CIA agent turned reporter Robert Plumlee said the U.S. government maneuvered weapons using an unnamed company and working with the U.S. Direct Commercial Sales program. He also believes the Los Zetas cartel has purchased property along the U.S./Mexico border to house the military-grade weapons.
To make matters worse, the U.S. Direct Commercial Sales program hails from the U.S. State Department run by Hillary Clinton. The Directorate of Defense Trade Control Program oversees private U.S. companies that sell defense weapons.
Under the Direct Commercial Sales program, the U.S. State Department regulates and licenses businesses to sell weapons and defense services and training for export. Last year, the program provided Mexico with $416.5 million worth of firearms, equipment, and military-grade weaponry.
Plumlee told the El Paso Times “From the intel, it appears that a company was set up in Mexico to purchase weapons through the U.S. Direct Commercial Sales program, and that the company may have had a direct link to the Zetas.”
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"They've found anti-aircraft weapons and hand grenades from the Vietnam War era," Plumlee said. “Other weapons found include grenade launchers, assault rifles, handguns and military gear including night-vision goggles and body armor.”
The door is still open to connect the small-town of Columbus, N.M. that witnessed the town’s Mayor and Police Chief arrested in March. Plumlee contends the U.S. authorities were aware of the weapons trafficking along the border before the “Columbus 11” scandal.
It appears the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) played a big role in this gunrunning raid.
"This investigation, along with the countless others that ATF and HSI have pursued jointly over the past several years, provides further proof that the trafficking of firearms to Mexico continues to be a significant problem," said William Newell, special agent in charge of the ATF Phoenix Field Division. Newell is set to testify this week in Washington on Fast and Furious. "The good news is that all the agencies involved in this investigation were fully committed to joining forces to stop this activity, and the results speak for themselves," according to the El Paso Times.
Assuming these reports are true, DEA, ATF, and Department of Justice (DOJ) are complicit in arms trafficking. If the U.S. government is complicit in trafficking weapons to Mexico, then family members of the 36,000 murder victims could sue America for wrongful deaths.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com U.S. government allegedly selling guns to Mexican drug cartels - National Homeland Security | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/u-s-government-allegedly-selling-guns-to-mexican-drug-cartels#ixzz1SxSBGe1b
Reports from two former CIA agents conclude the U.S. government has set up shop in stash houses located in New Mexico and Texas. Former Director of Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) Intelligence Center in El Paso, Phil Jordan alleges the Obama Administration knew about the sale of weapons to Mexican drug cartels.
The other CIA agent turned reporter Robert Plumlee said the U.S. government maneuvered weapons using an unnamed company and working with the U.S. Direct Commercial Sales program. He also believes the Los Zetas cartel has purchased property along the U.S./Mexico border to house the military-grade weapons.
To make matters worse, the U.S. Direct Commercial Sales program hails from the U.S. State Department run by Hillary Clinton. The Directorate of Defense Trade Control Program oversees private U.S. companies that sell defense weapons.
Under the Direct Commercial Sales program, the U.S. State Department regulates and licenses businesses to sell weapons and defense services and training for export. Last year, the program provided Mexico with $416.5 million worth of firearms, equipment, and military-grade weaponry.
Plumlee told the El Paso Times “From the intel, it appears that a company was set up in Mexico to purchase weapons through the U.S. Direct Commercial Sales program, and that the company may have had a direct link to the Zetas.”
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Click here to find out more!
"They've found anti-aircraft weapons and hand grenades from the Vietnam War era," Plumlee said. “Other weapons found include grenade launchers, assault rifles, handguns and military gear including night-vision goggles and body armor.”
The door is still open to connect the small-town of Columbus, N.M. that witnessed the town’s Mayor and Police Chief arrested in March. Plumlee contends the U.S. authorities were aware of the weapons trafficking along the border before the “Columbus 11” scandal.
It appears the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) played a big role in this gunrunning raid.
"This investigation, along with the countless others that ATF and HSI have pursued jointly over the past several years, provides further proof that the trafficking of firearms to Mexico continues to be a significant problem," said William Newell, special agent in charge of the ATF Phoenix Field Division. Newell is set to testify this week in Washington on Fast and Furious. "The good news is that all the agencies involved in this investigation were fully committed to joining forces to stop this activity, and the results speak for themselves," according to the El Paso Times.
Assuming these reports are true, DEA, ATF, and Department of Justice (DOJ) are complicit in arms trafficking. If the U.S. government is complicit in trafficking weapons to Mexico, then family members of the 36,000 murder victims could sue America for wrongful deaths.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com U.S. government allegedly selling guns to Mexican drug cartels - National Homeland Security | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/u-s-government-allegedly-selling-guns-to-mexican-drug-cartels#ixzz1SxSBGe1b
Friday, July 22, 2011
DHS complies with some 9/11 Commission Report recommendations
The 9/11 Commission released its report seven years ago, and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano announced the agency will carry out several security measures to protect America.
The report highlights changes DHS implemented after the 9/11 commission strived to ensure the country is stronger, safer and more resilient. As the country prepares for the 10th anniversary of 9/11 terrorist attacks, the new DHS report details advancements homeland security made to better defend the evolving terrorist threats.
“Ten years after the September 11, 2001 attacks, America is stronger and more resilient than ever before, but threats from terrorism persist and challenges remain,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Over the past decade, we have made great strides to secure our nation against a large attack or disaster, to protect critical infrastructure and cyber networks, and to engage a broader range of Americans in the shared responsibility for security.”
One part stressed by DHS is the expanding information sharing program. The United States strengthened homeland security that improves information sharing with both the public and private sector. “If You See Something Say Something™” campaign is one example of a program that relies on public imput to ensure U.S. security.” This program didn’t exist on 9/11. The “National Suspicious Activities Reporting Initiative,” which trains state and local law enforcement to recognize behaviors and signals related to terrorism, crime and other threats is another new program.
Another program implemented is the “Airline Passenger Pre-screening and Targeting Terrorist Travel,” program. “Ten years ago, screening of passengers coming to the United States was limited to the visa process and inspection of a person by an immigration officer at the port of entry.” Now DHS requires all airlines flying to the U.S. to provide an “Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Records” list before departure. This list checks all passengers flying to, from, or within the United States against government watch-lists.
Protecting Cyber Networks and Critical Physical Infrastructure is one of the most difficult tasks for DHS. The National Cyber security Protection System uses the EINSTEIN cyber intrusion detection system and is a key component in protecting the country from cyber attacks. DHS also opened the “National Cyber Security and Communications Integration Center,” that will serve as the nation's hub for responding to cyber attacks.
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A 2010 landmark memo between DHS and the Department of Defense also improves America's abilities to protect against cyber threats to military computer programs and networks, according to the report.
Napolitano contends that America needs to bolster the security of U.S. borders and identification documents needs to be a top priority. “Protecting the nation's borders—land, air, and sea—from the illegal entry of people, weapons, drugs, and contraband is vital to homeland security, as well as the nation's economic prosperity.” However, the recent ATF “Project Gunrunner” and continuation of cartel violence show the Obama administration’s lack of control. This contentious border security issue has created a new firestorm- one the Democrats have yet to solve.
This last program Napolitano touts gives new meaning to “robust” and “civil liberty.”
DHS tries to feel its way through TSA by “ensuring a robust privacy, civil rights and civil liberties safeguards.” However, TSA continues to draw fire from angry passengers who say the "friskers" and too "friskee."
While the DHS report lays the groundwork for a more secure U.S., the government continues to put off finishing the border fence- something most Americans want.
To view the Department of Homeland Security's full report and related materials, please visit www.dhs.gov/9-11-progress-report.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com DHS complies with some 9/11 Commission Report recommendations - National Homeland Security | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/dhs-complies-with-some-9-11-commission-report-recommendations#ixzz1Sr3gwnFR
The report highlights changes DHS implemented after the 9/11 commission strived to ensure the country is stronger, safer and more resilient. As the country prepares for the 10th anniversary of 9/11 terrorist attacks, the new DHS report details advancements homeland security made to better defend the evolving terrorist threats.
“Ten years after the September 11, 2001 attacks, America is stronger and more resilient than ever before, but threats from terrorism persist and challenges remain,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Over the past decade, we have made great strides to secure our nation against a large attack or disaster, to protect critical infrastructure and cyber networks, and to engage a broader range of Americans in the shared responsibility for security.”
One part stressed by DHS is the expanding information sharing program. The United States strengthened homeland security that improves information sharing with both the public and private sector. “If You See Something Say Something™” campaign is one example of a program that relies on public imput to ensure U.S. security.” This program didn’t exist on 9/11. The “National Suspicious Activities Reporting Initiative,” which trains state and local law enforcement to recognize behaviors and signals related to terrorism, crime and other threats is another new program.
Another program implemented is the “Airline Passenger Pre-screening and Targeting Terrorist Travel,” program. “Ten years ago, screening of passengers coming to the United States was limited to the visa process and inspection of a person by an immigration officer at the port of entry.” Now DHS requires all airlines flying to the U.S. to provide an “Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Records” list before departure. This list checks all passengers flying to, from, or within the United States against government watch-lists.
Protecting Cyber Networks and Critical Physical Infrastructure is one of the most difficult tasks for DHS. The National Cyber security Protection System uses the EINSTEIN cyber intrusion detection system and is a key component in protecting the country from cyber attacks. DHS also opened the “National Cyber Security and Communications Integration Center,” that will serve as the nation's hub for responding to cyber attacks.
Advertisement
A 2010 landmark memo between DHS and the Department of Defense also improves America's abilities to protect against cyber threats to military computer programs and networks, according to the report.
Napolitano contends that America needs to bolster the security of U.S. borders and identification documents needs to be a top priority. “Protecting the nation's borders—land, air, and sea—from the illegal entry of people, weapons, drugs, and contraband is vital to homeland security, as well as the nation's economic prosperity.” However, the recent ATF “Project Gunrunner” and continuation of cartel violence show the Obama administration’s lack of control. This contentious border security issue has created a new firestorm- one the Democrats have yet to solve.
This last program Napolitano touts gives new meaning to “robust” and “civil liberty.”
DHS tries to feel its way through TSA by “ensuring a robust privacy, civil rights and civil liberties safeguards.” However, TSA continues to draw fire from angry passengers who say the "friskers" and too "friskee."
While the DHS report lays the groundwork for a more secure U.S., the government continues to put off finishing the border fence- something most Americans want.
To view the Department of Homeland Security's full report and related materials, please visit www.dhs.gov/9-11-progress-report.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com DHS complies with some 9/11 Commission Report recommendations - National Homeland Security | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/dhs-complies-with-some-9-11-commission-report-recommendations#ixzz1Sr3gwnFR
Thursday, July 21, 2011
San Diego Border Patrol agents seize nearly 1 million dollars in illicit drugs
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Pine Valley checkpoint just east of San Diego, spoiled several smuggling efforts yesterday that resulted in the seizure of roughly three quarters of a million dollars of crystal methamphetamine.
Border Patrol agents pulled over a 23-year-old male American citizen driving a gold 1999 Chevrolet Lumina at the San Diego checkpoint.
“During inspection, agents became suspicious of the man’s nervous demeanor and referred him for a secondary inspection,” said CBP Agent Kurtis Woods.
“Agents noticed anomalies around the engine of the vehicle,” Woods explained. On further review agents “discovered numerous plastic bags of crystal methamphetamine hidden inside of the engine compartment totaling 5.82 pounds with an estimated street value of $104,760.”
In other freeway checkpoint stops, Border Patrol agents seized marijuana from drug smugglers valued at nearly $160,000.
“The second seizure took place at 9 a.m., when agents assigned to the checkpoint encountered the driver of a gold Chrysler 300. Agents noticed the driver, a 22-year-old male United States citizen, appeared nervous and referred him for a secondary inspection,” he explained.
A Border Patrol K-9 team inspected the Chrysler and found the marijuana inside the trunk and rear bumper.
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“Agents searched the vehicle and discovered an access door to a non-factory compartment near the spare tire containing a total of 30 cellophane-wrapped bundles of crystal methamphetamine,” Woods said. “A total of 35.05 pounds was discovered with an estimated street value of $630,900.”
In yet another bust at the I-8 checkpoint agents seized 146.7 pounds of marijuana with a street value of $88,000. “The marijuana was discovered after a Border Patrol K-9 team alerted to an auxiliary fuel tank in the bed of a white 2003 Ford F-150,” Border Patrol said. “A 29-year-old male U.S. citizen and his 22-year-old Mexican female passenger were arrested as a result of the incident.”
The Drug Enforcement Agency took custody of the suspected drugs and traffickers for further investigation. Border Patrol agents at the Pine Valley checkpoint seized all the vehicles.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com San Diego Border Patrol agents seize nearly 1 million dollars in drugs - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/san-diego-border-patrol-agents-seize-nearly-1-million-dollars-illicit-drugs#ixzz1SnHCGeGm
Border Patrol agents pulled over a 23-year-old male American citizen driving a gold 1999 Chevrolet Lumina at the San Diego checkpoint.
“During inspection, agents became suspicious of the man’s nervous demeanor and referred him for a secondary inspection,” said CBP Agent Kurtis Woods.
“Agents noticed anomalies around the engine of the vehicle,” Woods explained. On further review agents “discovered numerous plastic bags of crystal methamphetamine hidden inside of the engine compartment totaling 5.82 pounds with an estimated street value of $104,760.”
In other freeway checkpoint stops, Border Patrol agents seized marijuana from drug smugglers valued at nearly $160,000.
“The second seizure took place at 9 a.m., when agents assigned to the checkpoint encountered the driver of a gold Chrysler 300. Agents noticed the driver, a 22-year-old male United States citizen, appeared nervous and referred him for a secondary inspection,” he explained.
A Border Patrol K-9 team inspected the Chrysler and found the marijuana inside the trunk and rear bumper.
Advertisement
Click here to find out more!
“Agents searched the vehicle and discovered an access door to a non-factory compartment near the spare tire containing a total of 30 cellophane-wrapped bundles of crystal methamphetamine,” Woods said. “A total of 35.05 pounds was discovered with an estimated street value of $630,900.”
In yet another bust at the I-8 checkpoint agents seized 146.7 pounds of marijuana with a street value of $88,000. “The marijuana was discovered after a Border Patrol K-9 team alerted to an auxiliary fuel tank in the bed of a white 2003 Ford F-150,” Border Patrol said. “A 29-year-old male U.S. citizen and his 22-year-old Mexican female passenger were arrested as a result of the incident.”
The Drug Enforcement Agency took custody of the suspected drugs and traffickers for further investigation. Border Patrol agents at the Pine Valley checkpoint seized all the vehicles.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com San Diego Border Patrol agents seize nearly 1 million dollars in drugs - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/san-diego-border-patrol-agents-seize-nearly-1-million-dollars-illicit-drugs#ixzz1SnHCGeGm
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
La Raza steps up efforts to keep welfare dollars for Latinos
As the debt crisis reaches the eleventh hour, lobbying organizations gear up to ensure their clients get a slice of the dwindling American pie.
“Never has it been so clear that the health and welfare of Latinos is at stake. Last-minute budget negotiations continue to keep Medicaid cuts on the table,” National Council of La Raza said.
The group urges its supporters to call Washington lawmakers to make the case for continued support of “healthy Latino families and communities.”
“You have done it once before,” said Jennifer Ng’andu, deputy director, Health Policy Project. “We need you to do it again. Overnight you flooded congressional offices with more than 3,000 messages telling them to keep their hands off the Medicaid and CHIP programs that provide valuable coverage and services for nearly 13 million Latinos—one in four in our community.”
La Raza’s pitch encourages activists to add personal stories and even offers suggestions.
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* Support the Medicaid program. Don’t devastate the lives of one in four Latinos and one in six Americans by gutting the Medicaid program.
* Without Medicaid many would have no options for health care, leaving them without the resources to take charge of their health and prevent illness and disease.
* Extreme cuts to Medicaid will also undermine health care access for vulnerable children, families, and seniors, including half of all Latino kids, who would have no way to see a doctor if they are sick.
The recession hurt many Americans, but how lawmakers tackle the trillion dollar debt crisis will decide the success of the country moving forward.
The link to La Raza; http://www.standupforhealthcare.org/get-involved/protectmedicaid
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com La Raza steps up efforts to keep welfare dollars for Latinos - National Homeland Security | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/la-raza-steps-up-efforts-to-keep-welfare-dollars-for-latinos#ixzz1SgzAMxkZ
“Never has it been so clear that the health and welfare of Latinos is at stake. Last-minute budget negotiations continue to keep Medicaid cuts on the table,” National Council of La Raza said.
The group urges its supporters to call Washington lawmakers to make the case for continued support of “healthy Latino families and communities.”
“You have done it once before,” said Jennifer Ng’andu, deputy director, Health Policy Project. “We need you to do it again. Overnight you flooded congressional offices with more than 3,000 messages telling them to keep their hands off the Medicaid and CHIP programs that provide valuable coverage and services for nearly 13 million Latinos—one in four in our community.”
La Raza’s pitch encourages activists to add personal stories and even offers suggestions.
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* Support the Medicaid program. Don’t devastate the lives of one in four Latinos and one in six Americans by gutting the Medicaid program.
* Without Medicaid many would have no options for health care, leaving them without the resources to take charge of their health and prevent illness and disease.
* Extreme cuts to Medicaid will also undermine health care access for vulnerable children, families, and seniors, including half of all Latino kids, who would have no way to see a doctor if they are sick.
The recession hurt many Americans, but how lawmakers tackle the trillion dollar debt crisis will decide the success of the country moving forward.
The link to La Raza; http://www.standupforhealthcare.org/get-involved/protectmedicaid
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com La Raza steps up efforts to keep welfare dollars for Latinos - National Homeland Security | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/la-raza-steps-up-efforts-to-keep-welfare-dollars-for-latinos#ixzz1SgzAMxkZ
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Dozens of suspected drug-cartel members arrested in San Diego
A multiagency criminal sweep in San Diego arrested dozens of alleged Mexican drug-cartel members today.
The task force titled, “Operation Second Sole,” arrested 43 “high value” drug-cartel suspects trafficking drugs, weapons and stolen property. Authorities said these assailants engaged in “incredible acts of violence” throughout San Diego communities.
“Many of the suspects arrested today have significant criminal histories and were considered to be armed and dangerous,” San Diego Police Lieutenant Kevin Ammon said. “The success of today’s operation rid the county of a serious threat to the safety and security of our citizens.”
Federal, state and local law enforcement officers used search warrants to take down and arrest 43 cartel suspects. The morning raids captured criminals without incident in and around San Diego County.
Ammon explained the joint task force was successful in “disrupting criminal enterprises.”
Law enforcement agencies launched ‘Operation Second Sole’ to “interrupt and prevent dangerous individuals from committing acts of violence in furtherance of narcotics trafficking,” said John Torres, ATF special-agent-in charge in Southern California.
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“As a result of this joint effort, suspects implicated in criminal activity ranged from homicide to armed robbery. (All) have been taken into custody along with (the) seized contraband, including illegal firearms and methamphetamine,” Torres said.
The Mexican cartel sweep is part of an effort to disrupt criminal gangs along the U.S. border and break up illicit drug rings.
The multi-agency taskforce included, San Diego Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives (BATFE), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), San Diego County District Attorney's Office, U.S. Attorney's Office, U.S. Marshals Service, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), California Border Protection Alliance Group (HIDTA), San Diego County Sheriff's Department and finally the Chula Vista Police Department.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Dozens of suspected drug-cartel members arrested in San Diego - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/dozens-of-suspected-drug-cartel-members-arrested-san-diego#ixzz1Sbamkwdu
The task force titled, “Operation Second Sole,” arrested 43 “high value” drug-cartel suspects trafficking drugs, weapons and stolen property. Authorities said these assailants engaged in “incredible acts of violence” throughout San Diego communities.
“Many of the suspects arrested today have significant criminal histories and were considered to be armed and dangerous,” San Diego Police Lieutenant Kevin Ammon said. “The success of today’s operation rid the county of a serious threat to the safety and security of our citizens.”
Federal, state and local law enforcement officers used search warrants to take down and arrest 43 cartel suspects. The morning raids captured criminals without incident in and around San Diego County.
Ammon explained the joint task force was successful in “disrupting criminal enterprises.”
Law enforcement agencies launched ‘Operation Second Sole’ to “interrupt and prevent dangerous individuals from committing acts of violence in furtherance of narcotics trafficking,” said John Torres, ATF special-agent-in charge in Southern California.
Advertisement
Click here to find out more!
“As a result of this joint effort, suspects implicated in criminal activity ranged from homicide to armed robbery. (All) have been taken into custody along with (the) seized contraband, including illegal firearms and methamphetamine,” Torres said.
The Mexican cartel sweep is part of an effort to disrupt criminal gangs along the U.S. border and break up illicit drug rings.
The multi-agency taskforce included, San Diego Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives (BATFE), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), San Diego County District Attorney's Office, U.S. Attorney's Office, U.S. Marshals Service, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), California Border Protection Alliance Group (HIDTA), San Diego County Sheriff's Department and finally the Chula Vista Police Department.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Dozens of suspected drug-cartel members arrested in San Diego - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/dozens-of-suspected-drug-cartel-members-arrested-san-diego#ixzz1Sbamkwdu
Federal agents snag a $29,000 bra at U.S. border- not exactly Victoria Secret
Normally a $29,000 bra conjures up thoughts of scantily-clad women sashaying down a rose-pedal runway, however, in San Diego the padded bra contained drugs.
Federal agents at the San Ysidro Port of Entry snagged a 22-year-old Mexican female who tried to enter the U.S. with nearly a pound-and-a-half of methamphetamine lined inside her bra.
The young women tried to enter the country through the pedestrian entrance during the busy 5 p.m. rush hour.
Agents busted the would-be drug smuggler when they noticed “discrepancies under the woman's clothing near her chest,” according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Agents.
CBP Officers sent the young women to a secondary inspection station where agents found the drugs, according to CBP.
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The brassiere contained six plastic packages filled with methamphetamine. CBP Authorities said the drugs had an estimated street value of $29,000.
Federal Agents took the suspect into custody to face drug-smuggling charges.
Customs and Border Protection did not release the suspect’s name.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Federal agents snag a $29,000 bra at U.S. border- not exactly Victoria Secret - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/federal-agents-snag-a-29-000-bra-at-u-s-border-not-exactly-victoria-secret#ixzz1SZ9ek4DP
Federal agents at the San Ysidro Port of Entry snagged a 22-year-old Mexican female who tried to enter the U.S. with nearly a pound-and-a-half of methamphetamine lined inside her bra.
The young women tried to enter the country through the pedestrian entrance during the busy 5 p.m. rush hour.
Agents busted the would-be drug smuggler when they noticed “discrepancies under the woman's clothing near her chest,” according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Agents.
CBP Officers sent the young women to a secondary inspection station where agents found the drugs, according to CBP.
Advertisement
Click here to find out more!
The brassiere contained six plastic packages filled with methamphetamine. CBP Authorities said the drugs had an estimated street value of $29,000.
Federal Agents took the suspect into custody to face drug-smuggling charges.
Customs and Border Protection did not release the suspect’s name.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Federal agents snag a $29,000 bra at U.S. border- not exactly Victoria Secret - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/federal-agents-snag-a-29-000-bra-at-u-s-border-not-exactly-victoria-secret#ixzz1SZ9ek4DP
Monday, July 18, 2011
ATF's 'fast and furious' pushes DOJ to skirt Congress to crack down on gun sales
While the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (BATFE/ATF) “gun walking” scandal has captured the mainstream media’s attention; the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) response for added gun regulation is going over like a straw purchase.
As witnessed last week, the Department of Justice issued some harsh medicine for firearm dealers in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. These dealers will soon be required to report multiple sales of long guns.
Washington’s political posturing with ATF centers on the government-gone-wild approach, as in the “Fast and Furious” program that allowed guns to cross the border and into the hands of Mexico’s ruthless drug cartels. The reckless “Fast and Furious” program has left lawful firearm dealers scratching their collective heads and many rank-and-file ATF agents seething.
Congressional leaders investigating “Fast and Furious” have swiftly criticized DOJ’s handling of the program. Republican leaders say U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is trying to divert the “Fast and Furious” investigation by punishing Federal Firearms Licensees who operate in southwestern states. The plan President Obama and DOJ have cooked up targets some southwestern dealers and forced them to report multiple long-gun sales.
“The Judiciary Committee has primary jurisdiction over policy related to the Justice Department,” said Sen. Chuck Grassley, (R-Iowa) Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “We’ve learned from our investigation of ‘Fast and Furious’ that reporting multiple long gun sales would do nothing to stop the flow of firearms to known-straw purchasers because many Federal Firearms Dealers are already voluntarily reporting suspicious transactions,” Grassley explained.
In fact, documents obtained by Senator Grassley about BATFE’s “Fast and Furious” showed at least 150 long guns were reported in real time by law-abiding firearm dealers. Keeping that in mind, ATF leaders in D.C. watched (on closed circuit TV) the firearms transferred from known-straw purchasers (people who buy guns for those who cannot legally buy firearms) to third parties. The result of ATF’s rogue program put guns into the hands of Mexican drug trafficking organizations (DTOs), which have lead to countless slayings in Mexico as well as complicity in the murder of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry in December of 2010.
“This (data) makes it pretty clear that the problem isn’t lack of burdensome reporting requirements. The administration’s overreach with regulations continues, and is an (attempted) distraction from its reckless policy to allow guns to walk into Mexico,” Grassley said.
Department of Justice new overreaching firearm laws
Last week, the Justice Department announced it will move forward with a new reporting system despite its lack of authority to create legislation without Congress.
According to the National Rifle Association, a reporting procedure was proposed implemented last fall was an “emergency" measure by ATF. The new procedure specifically called for all the firearm retailers in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas to report multiple long-gun sales.
The flawed program would force dealers to report law-abiding citizens who buy two long guns within five days. “For example, a dealer would have to tell the government every time a deer hunter in Sacramento or Amarillo finds a good deal on a pair of semi-automatic .30-06s like the popular Remington 7400,” the NRA explains.
Nevertheless, a DOJ statement from, Deputy Attorney General James Cole said; this new reporting measure “will improve the ability of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to detect and disrupt the illegal weapons trafficking networks responsible for diverting firearms from lawful commerce to criminals and criminal organizations.”
However, dealers contend the flood of new paperwork (ATF estimates 18,000 reports a year) would cost the agency and firearm dealers more money and labor as well as squander already limited resources that could focus on legitimate investigations.
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The NRA also points out that the ill-conceived and ill-fated “Fast and Furious” program encouraged Arizona gun dealers to sell thousands of guns to suspicious buyers, despite documented objections from dealers and ATF agents alike.
“The (Obama) administration knowingly and intentionally allowed guns to be trafficked into Mexico,” said Lamar Smith (R-TX). The Texas lawmaker explained that “Limiting the Second Amendment rights’ of law-abiding citizens is not going to solve the problem…this is the height of hypocrisy.”
Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont) and Richard Burr (R-N.C.) introduced S 570 a bill that would also “prohibit the Department of Justice from tracking and cataloguing the purchases of multiple rifles and shotguns.”
The Obama Administration’s approach is to skirt Congress by issuing regulations by “executive order” will only result in multiple legal actions from the NRA, Second Amendment advocates as well as the California Association of Firearms Retailers (CAFR).
A spokesman for the CAFR posed the following question; “What part of federal law is so difficult for this administration to understand? Federal law applies to all states not just a select few. It may very well be the ATF ‘fast and furious’ program that has placed more firearms in the hands of (Mexican) criminals than any one legitimate firearm retailer in any state targeted by the DOJ proposal.”
Dealers and citizens contend Mexico needs to be held accountable for its own actions regarding firearm purchases and importation.
“The $40 billion transnational criminal enterprises don't fill out paperwork and are not deterred by paperwork violations,” said Chris W. Cox, NRA-ILA Executive Director. “This is a blatant effort by the Obama administration and ATF to divert the focus of Congress and the general public from their gross incompetence in the 'Fast and Furious' scandal. This scheme will unjustly burden law abiding retailers in Border States. It will not affect drug cartels and it won't prevent violence along our borders.”
The NRA and other Second Amendment organizations are preparing for the lawsuit and will file the moment “demand letters” are received from ATF or DOJ.
Next a report of Senator Feinstein’s efforts to limit guns…
Taking a serious look at the unique problems America faces with our southern neighbor is critical if the U.S. wants to gain the upper hand with narco-traffickers. Last month, to no one’s surprise, Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA) issued a report that AG Eric Holder and President Obama have taken seriously. (Feinstein report here)
Included in the Senator’s firearm assessment are;
- Enactment of legislation to close gun show loopholes regarding background checks.
- Better enforcement of existing bans of military-style imports.
- Reinstatement of Assault Weapons Ban.
- Federal Firearms Licenses required for multiple long-gun sales.
- Senate ratification of the Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking of Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives and other related materials (CIFTA).
The Obama Administration has already begun implementing Senator Feinstein’s wish list much to the dismay of firearm retailers.
Stay tuned for more updates on the ATF scandal…
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com ATF's 'fast and furious' pushes DOJ to skirt Congress to crack down on gun sales - National Homeland Security | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/atf-s-fast-and-furious-pushes-doj-to-skirt-congress-to-crack-down-on-gun-sales#ixzz1STldDbk5
As witnessed last week, the Department of Justice issued some harsh medicine for firearm dealers in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. These dealers will soon be required to report multiple sales of long guns.
Washington’s political posturing with ATF centers on the government-gone-wild approach, as in the “Fast and Furious” program that allowed guns to cross the border and into the hands of Mexico’s ruthless drug cartels. The reckless “Fast and Furious” program has left lawful firearm dealers scratching their collective heads and many rank-and-file ATF agents seething.
Congressional leaders investigating “Fast and Furious” have swiftly criticized DOJ’s handling of the program. Republican leaders say U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is trying to divert the “Fast and Furious” investigation by punishing Federal Firearms Licensees who operate in southwestern states. The plan President Obama and DOJ have cooked up targets some southwestern dealers and forced them to report multiple long-gun sales.
“The Judiciary Committee has primary jurisdiction over policy related to the Justice Department,” said Sen. Chuck Grassley, (R-Iowa) Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “We’ve learned from our investigation of ‘Fast and Furious’ that reporting multiple long gun sales would do nothing to stop the flow of firearms to known-straw purchasers because many Federal Firearms Dealers are already voluntarily reporting suspicious transactions,” Grassley explained.
In fact, documents obtained by Senator Grassley about BATFE’s “Fast and Furious” showed at least 150 long guns were reported in real time by law-abiding firearm dealers. Keeping that in mind, ATF leaders in D.C. watched (on closed circuit TV) the firearms transferred from known-straw purchasers (people who buy guns for those who cannot legally buy firearms) to third parties. The result of ATF’s rogue program put guns into the hands of Mexican drug trafficking organizations (DTOs), which have lead to countless slayings in Mexico as well as complicity in the murder of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry in December of 2010.
“This (data) makes it pretty clear that the problem isn’t lack of burdensome reporting requirements. The administration’s overreach with regulations continues, and is an (attempted) distraction from its reckless policy to allow guns to walk into Mexico,” Grassley said.
Department of Justice new overreaching firearm laws
Last week, the Justice Department announced it will move forward with a new reporting system despite its lack of authority to create legislation without Congress.
According to the National Rifle Association, a reporting procedure was proposed implemented last fall was an “emergency" measure by ATF. The new procedure specifically called for all the firearm retailers in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas to report multiple long-gun sales.
The flawed program would force dealers to report law-abiding citizens who buy two long guns within five days. “For example, a dealer would have to tell the government every time a deer hunter in Sacramento or Amarillo finds a good deal on a pair of semi-automatic .30-06s like the popular Remington 7400,” the NRA explains.
Nevertheless, a DOJ statement from, Deputy Attorney General James Cole said; this new reporting measure “will improve the ability of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to detect and disrupt the illegal weapons trafficking networks responsible for diverting firearms from lawful commerce to criminals and criminal organizations.”
However, dealers contend the flood of new paperwork (ATF estimates 18,000 reports a year) would cost the agency and firearm dealers more money and labor as well as squander already limited resources that could focus on legitimate investigations.
Advertisement
Click here to find out more!
The NRA also points out that the ill-conceived and ill-fated “Fast and Furious” program encouraged Arizona gun dealers to sell thousands of guns to suspicious buyers, despite documented objections from dealers and ATF agents alike.
“The (Obama) administration knowingly and intentionally allowed guns to be trafficked into Mexico,” said Lamar Smith (R-TX). The Texas lawmaker explained that “Limiting the Second Amendment rights’ of law-abiding citizens is not going to solve the problem…this is the height of hypocrisy.”
Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont) and Richard Burr (R-N.C.) introduced S 570 a bill that would also “prohibit the Department of Justice from tracking and cataloguing the purchases of multiple rifles and shotguns.”
The Obama Administration’s approach is to skirt Congress by issuing regulations by “executive order” will only result in multiple legal actions from the NRA, Second Amendment advocates as well as the California Association of Firearms Retailers (CAFR).
A spokesman for the CAFR posed the following question; “What part of federal law is so difficult for this administration to understand? Federal law applies to all states not just a select few. It may very well be the ATF ‘fast and furious’ program that has placed more firearms in the hands of (Mexican) criminals than any one legitimate firearm retailer in any state targeted by the DOJ proposal.”
Dealers and citizens contend Mexico needs to be held accountable for its own actions regarding firearm purchases and importation.
“The $40 billion transnational criminal enterprises don't fill out paperwork and are not deterred by paperwork violations,” said Chris W. Cox, NRA-ILA Executive Director. “This is a blatant effort by the Obama administration and ATF to divert the focus of Congress and the general public from their gross incompetence in the 'Fast and Furious' scandal. This scheme will unjustly burden law abiding retailers in Border States. It will not affect drug cartels and it won't prevent violence along our borders.”
The NRA and other Second Amendment organizations are preparing for the lawsuit and will file the moment “demand letters” are received from ATF or DOJ.
Next a report of Senator Feinstein’s efforts to limit guns…
Taking a serious look at the unique problems America faces with our southern neighbor is critical if the U.S. wants to gain the upper hand with narco-traffickers. Last month, to no one’s surprise, Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA) issued a report that AG Eric Holder and President Obama have taken seriously. (Feinstein report here)
Included in the Senator’s firearm assessment are;
- Enactment of legislation to close gun show loopholes regarding background checks.
- Better enforcement of existing bans of military-style imports.
- Reinstatement of Assault Weapons Ban.
- Federal Firearms Licenses required for multiple long-gun sales.
- Senate ratification of the Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking of Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives and other related materials (CIFTA).
The Obama Administration has already begun implementing Senator Feinstein’s wish list much to the dismay of firearm retailers.
Stay tuned for more updates on the ATF scandal…
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com ATF's 'fast and furious' pushes DOJ to skirt Congress to crack down on gun sales - National Homeland Security | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/atf-s-fast-and-furious-pushes-doj-to-skirt-congress-to-crack-down-on-gun-sales#ixzz1STldDbk5
Friday, July 15, 2011
Congress moves closer to implementing E-Verify for government new hires
Congress voted today for an amendment that would restrict any federal agency funded by the 2012 Energy and Water Appropriations bill to hire an employee without using the federal government’s E-Verify program.
House legislation, H.R. 2354, adopted the E-Verify amendment in the full Appropriations Committee. However activists promise it will find more scrutiny as it works its way through the full legislative process.
“With 9.2 percent of Americans out of work, I am pleased to see the E-Verify language approved by my colleagues in the House,” Rep. Alan Nunnelee (R-MISS) said about his amendment. “Over 22 million Americans search for work on a daily basis, while research estimates that over 7 million U.S. jobs are held by illegal aliens. This is a common-sense amendment that simply uses the appropriations process to enforce the E-Verify system that is currently in place.”
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Currently the E-Verify Program is a voluntary program that enables employers to verify the name, Social Security Number and alien identification number (for non-citizens) for employment. E-Verify boasts of a 96 percent accuracy rate, but dissenters argue it’s the remaining 4 percent that warrants employers not to participate with the government program.
“Illegal employment is a contributing factor to our nation’s current debt problem. In these harsh economic times, it is important to make sure illegal aliens are not in the workforce. U.S. jobs should go to legal workers,” Nunnelee finished.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Congress moves closer to implementing E-Verify for government new hires - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/congress-moves-closer-to-implementing-e-verify-for-government-new-hires#ixzz1SD6eUzdT
House legislation, H.R. 2354, adopted the E-Verify amendment in the full Appropriations Committee. However activists promise it will find more scrutiny as it works its way through the full legislative process.
“With 9.2 percent of Americans out of work, I am pleased to see the E-Verify language approved by my colleagues in the House,” Rep. Alan Nunnelee (R-MISS) said about his amendment. “Over 22 million Americans search for work on a daily basis, while research estimates that over 7 million U.S. jobs are held by illegal aliens. This is a common-sense amendment that simply uses the appropriations process to enforce the E-Verify system that is currently in place.”
Advertisement
Click here to find out more!
Currently the E-Verify Program is a voluntary program that enables employers to verify the name, Social Security Number and alien identification number (for non-citizens) for employment. E-Verify boasts of a 96 percent accuracy rate, but dissenters argue it’s the remaining 4 percent that warrants employers not to participate with the government program.
“Illegal employment is a contributing factor to our nation’s current debt problem. In these harsh economic times, it is important to make sure illegal aliens are not in the workforce. U.S. jobs should go to legal workers,” Nunnelee finished.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Congress moves closer to implementing E-Verify for government new hires - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/congress-moves-closer-to-implementing-e-verify-for-government-new-hires#ixzz1SD6eUzdT
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Tip from informant leads authorities to an abandoned million-dollar drug load
A confidential informant tipped Pinal County Sheriff’s Office that a possible "load vehicle" carrying illicit drugs was spotted in the Vekol Valley, a known-drug smuggling corridor.
A multi-agency effort including Pinal Regional SWAT, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, Search and Rescue as well as the Maricopa County HIDTA worked together to seize the drug-laden truck. Authorities located the abandoned truck in a rugged desert area roughly eight miles from Interstate 8.
The Sheriff’s Office reported the abandoned truck showed signs the occupants left within the hour. Evidence also suggested the truck carried at least three occupants who escaped arrest.
Despite the triple-digit heat the drug smugglers fled into the desert and remain at large.
A Sheriff spokesperson, Tim Gaffney said the 4-door GMC truck had been stolen.
“Located in the cab and bed of the truck was approximately 1,849 pounds of marijuana,” he said. “The marijuana had a street value of over one million dollars.”
Pinal County Arizona is the number one “pass through” corridor for drugs in the country and Sheriff Paul Babeu has been an outspoken critic of former Arizona Governor-turned Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Napolitano.
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“Last week myself and several officials met with Secretary Janet Napolitano regarding our southern border. Secretary Napolitano told our group we are never going to seal the border, and since the beginning of time, we’ve always had contraband going through it,” Sheriff Babeu explained. “Myself along with most Americans wonder how the person in charge of securing the border can say we can’t do it.”
Pointing to the Yuma border sector, Babeu stated; “The border can be secured. It has already happened in the Yuma Sector where border crossings have been reduced by 96 percent. Why can we put 28,000 soldiers in Korea to secure and protect their border but we can’t put 6,000 here to protect our own border?”
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
Or http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Tip from informant leads authorities to an abandoned million-dollar drug load - National Homeland Security | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/tip-from-informant-leads-authorities-to-an-abandoned-million-dollar-drug-load#ixzz1S6AUIHEP
A multi-agency effort including Pinal Regional SWAT, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, Search and Rescue as well as the Maricopa County HIDTA worked together to seize the drug-laden truck. Authorities located the abandoned truck in a rugged desert area roughly eight miles from Interstate 8.
The Sheriff’s Office reported the abandoned truck showed signs the occupants left within the hour. Evidence also suggested the truck carried at least three occupants who escaped arrest.
Despite the triple-digit heat the drug smugglers fled into the desert and remain at large.
A Sheriff spokesperson, Tim Gaffney said the 4-door GMC truck had been stolen.
“Located in the cab and bed of the truck was approximately 1,849 pounds of marijuana,” he said. “The marijuana had a street value of over one million dollars.”
Pinal County Arizona is the number one “pass through” corridor for drugs in the country and Sheriff Paul Babeu has been an outspoken critic of former Arizona Governor-turned Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Napolitano.
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“Last week myself and several officials met with Secretary Janet Napolitano regarding our southern border. Secretary Napolitano told our group we are never going to seal the border, and since the beginning of time, we’ve always had contraband going through it,” Sheriff Babeu explained. “Myself along with most Americans wonder how the person in charge of securing the border can say we can’t do it.”
Pointing to the Yuma border sector, Babeu stated; “The border can be secured. It has already happened in the Yuma Sector where border crossings have been reduced by 96 percent. Why can we put 28,000 soldiers in Korea to secure and protect their border but we can’t put 6,000 here to protect our own border?”
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
Or http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Tip from informant leads authorities to an abandoned million-dollar drug load - National Homeland Security | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/tip-from-informant-leads-authorities-to-an-abandoned-million-dollar-drug-load#ixzz1S6AUIHEP
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Afghan President’s brother gunned down – U.S. opinion remains low
Ahmed Wali Karzai, Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s controversial half brother, was shot twice in the head at point blank range by a trusted employee yesterday. The murder will surely cause more instability for Afghanis loyal to the President.
As reported in this column (read here) in April, Ahmed Karzai had well established links to drug traffickers, a reputation for ruthless corruption, and also links to the CIA.
He was assassination at his well-protected compound in central Kandahar during a routine meeting with petitioners and provincial contemporaries. According to friends at the upscale compound, there were more than 60 guests present at the time of the slaying.
While President Karzai tried to rebuild his brother’s reputation inside the country the past few years, Ahmed was never able to shake his connection with the illicit drug world and thug-like politics. Mr. Ahmed Karzai was reputed to have amassed a fortune of U.S. dollars since his return to Afghanistan from San Francisco to support his brother.
Ahmed Karzai’s killer, Sardar Mohammed, was immediately shot and killed by loyal bodyguards. Speculation surrounding Mohammed’s motivation for the assassination of President Karzai’s brother remains unclear. However, the Taliban did claim responsibility for the murder, but political leaders say there is no proof the Taliban was involved.
Just two hours after the news of his brother’s murder was delivered, President Karzai spoke at a joint press conference with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, confirming the assassination had taken place.
“This is the life of Afghan people, this sorrow is in every Afghan home, every one of us has this sorrow,” Karzai told his loyal followers.
Despite Ahmed Karzai’s tarnished reputation, the President relied heavily on his half-brother to control the crime-and-drug laden southern region of Afghanistan. Another issue that dogged Ahmed Karzai at home and abroad was the not-so-secret relationship he shared with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
It’s been reported that Ahmed Karzai was receiving customary payments for a number of shadowy services. This relationship with the U.S. was seen negatively by many Afghans in the southern part of the country. Yet it was his heavy-handed tactics that secured order despite resistance from the Taliban over the democratization of Afghanistan.
In an effort to reassure Afghan leadership, Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, released a statement regarding the murder of President Karzai’s divisive half-brother.
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“I called President Karzai today to extend my deepest condolences to him and to his family on the death of Ahmed Wali Karzai. The United States condemns this murder in the strongest terms,” Clinton said. “For too long, the people of Afghanistan have suffered under the threat of violence, intolerance, and extremism. We join President Karzai in his prayer for peace and stability in Afghanistan and remain committed to supporting the government and people of Afghanistan in their struggle for peace.”
The American people remain solidly on the side of peace for the war-torn tribal nation, however, 58 percent of U.S. public want the soldiers’ home, according to a June 24-28 CBS News/New York Times Poll.
It is unclear if Afghanistan will ever become a democratic nation, but it is imperative that the Afghan people decide what kind of government they are willing to fight for.
The power vacuum created by the assassination of Ahmed Karzai will most definitely leave President Karzai’s government in a much weaker position when it comes to the Taliban – opening the door to even more instability in the war-torn region.
For Parts 1-5 of this series;
#1 U.S. troops fight and die to preserve Shariah Law in Afghanistan
#2 U.S. payments to Taliban & Afghan warlords threaten American/NATO troops
#3 Billion dollar corruption within the U.S.-picked Afghan regime
#4 Terrorism’s down payment in the form of drugs and U.S. aid money
#5 Obama begins to wind-down the costly war in Afghanistan
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Afghan President’s brother gunned down – U.S. opinion remains low - National Homeland Security | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/afghan-president-s-brother-gunned-down-u-s-opinion-remains-low#ixzz1S130Igmg
As reported in this column (read here) in April, Ahmed Karzai had well established links to drug traffickers, a reputation for ruthless corruption, and also links to the CIA.
He was assassination at his well-protected compound in central Kandahar during a routine meeting with petitioners and provincial contemporaries. According to friends at the upscale compound, there were more than 60 guests present at the time of the slaying.
While President Karzai tried to rebuild his brother’s reputation inside the country the past few years, Ahmed was never able to shake his connection with the illicit drug world and thug-like politics. Mr. Ahmed Karzai was reputed to have amassed a fortune of U.S. dollars since his return to Afghanistan from San Francisco to support his brother.
Ahmed Karzai’s killer, Sardar Mohammed, was immediately shot and killed by loyal bodyguards. Speculation surrounding Mohammed’s motivation for the assassination of President Karzai’s brother remains unclear. However, the Taliban did claim responsibility for the murder, but political leaders say there is no proof the Taliban was involved.
Just two hours after the news of his brother’s murder was delivered, President Karzai spoke at a joint press conference with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, confirming the assassination had taken place.
“This is the life of Afghan people, this sorrow is in every Afghan home, every one of us has this sorrow,” Karzai told his loyal followers.
Despite Ahmed Karzai’s tarnished reputation, the President relied heavily on his half-brother to control the crime-and-drug laden southern region of Afghanistan. Another issue that dogged Ahmed Karzai at home and abroad was the not-so-secret relationship he shared with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
It’s been reported that Ahmed Karzai was receiving customary payments for a number of shadowy services. This relationship with the U.S. was seen negatively by many Afghans in the southern part of the country. Yet it was his heavy-handed tactics that secured order despite resistance from the Taliban over the democratization of Afghanistan.
In an effort to reassure Afghan leadership, Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, released a statement regarding the murder of President Karzai’s divisive half-brother.
Advertisement
“I called President Karzai today to extend my deepest condolences to him and to his family on the death of Ahmed Wali Karzai. The United States condemns this murder in the strongest terms,” Clinton said. “For too long, the people of Afghanistan have suffered under the threat of violence, intolerance, and extremism. We join President Karzai in his prayer for peace and stability in Afghanistan and remain committed to supporting the government and people of Afghanistan in their struggle for peace.”
The American people remain solidly on the side of peace for the war-torn tribal nation, however, 58 percent of U.S. public want the soldiers’ home, according to a June 24-28 CBS News/New York Times Poll.
It is unclear if Afghanistan will ever become a democratic nation, but it is imperative that the Afghan people decide what kind of government they are willing to fight for.
The power vacuum created by the assassination of Ahmed Karzai will most definitely leave President Karzai’s government in a much weaker position when it comes to the Taliban – opening the door to even more instability in the war-torn region.
For Parts 1-5 of this series;
#1 U.S. troops fight and die to preserve Shariah Law in Afghanistan
#2 U.S. payments to Taliban & Afghan warlords threaten American/NATO troops
#3 Billion dollar corruption within the U.S.-picked Afghan regime
#4 Terrorism’s down payment in the form of drugs and U.S. aid money
#5 Obama begins to wind-down the costly war in Afghanistan
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Afghan President’s brother gunned down – U.S. opinion remains low - National Homeland Security | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/afghan-president-s-brother-gunned-down-u-s-opinion-remains-low#ixzz1S130Igmg
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
A 2011 ATF internal report confirms 1 million guns go missing each year
As reported in this column (March story here), Senator Grassley has been investigating ATF gun programs “Project Gunrunner and Operation Fast and Furious.” His investigations led to the discovery of Department of Justice (DOJ) and ATF misrepresentations the number of “missing or walked” firearms. An internal ATF inspection findings report finds, on average, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) loses track of roughly one million guns per year.
As demand for a special prosecutor rises in this scandal, the prosecutor assigned to litigate “Project Gunrunner” and its investigation companion “Fast and Furious” would find that the internal ATF report provides both statistics and a motive for a cover-up.
The report clearly states that 10, 538 inspections were performed in FY2010 or approximately 9 percent of dealers received a visit from an ATF Agent. (The ATF report also said the agency assigned less than 600 agents to perform dealer inspections around the country.)
Nevertheless, in FY2010 the ATF report draws attention to the initial-missing and final-missing firearms at those 9 percent of dealers are 87,225 and 21,041 respectively. “This means that roughly 1 million firearms are lost each year in the United States,” said a veteran ATF Agent.
The sheer volume of missing weapons could certainly cause any agency to stonewall outside investigations as well as members of Congress.
A July 4 meeting between the ATF front man Kenneth Melson and Congressional investigators revealed the Department of Justice has actively engaged in a “cover-up” and “remain silent” campaign concerning the controversial firearm program that allowed U.S. weapons to cross into Mexico in the hands of criminals.
The hush, hush meeting revealed a couple of things, first, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder knew a lot more about this operation than he has previously admitted and Melson, will not be the Obama Administration fall guy. This point was driven home when Melson brought his own attorney and didn’t inform AG Holder about the July 4 meeting until it was over.
Furthermore, Rep. Darrell Issa, (R-CA) chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, wrote in a letter last week to AG Eric Holder. "If his (Melson’s) account is accurate, then ATF leadership appears to have been effectively muzzled while the DOJ sent over false denials and buried its head in the sand. That approach distorted the truth and obstructed our investigation."
The ATF’s Fog of War approach to recordkeeping can be found in a November 2010 a Department of Justice report where the Office of Inspector General highlighted ATF’s incompetence regarding record keeping. “Discrepancies were caused by incomplete data in ATF’s N-Force and N-Spect databases, inconsistent coding of work activities by ATF, errors in ATF’s description of the data, unsupportable data entries by ATF, and variations in the time frame covered by ATF’s data.”
These conflicting reports only lead to more questions. Is the ATF flat out incompetent or is DOJ orchestrating a major cover-up? If it’s the latter, the misinformation campaign waged by the Obama Administration regarding “Project Gunrunner” would postdate the Bush Administration.
Advertisement
However, the internal ATF January 2011 report does tie the lack of inspections of firearm businesses to understaffing. Another ATF Agent points to a severely under-staffed agency as a key component to ATF’s failure to effectively monitor gun sales in the country. Currently there are approximately 119,556 firearm dealers in America and less than 2,600 ATF Agents to staff all American offices as well as overseas operations.
Typically the ATF Agents find a broad stroke of infractions at firearm businesses and in 2010 there were 1,366 store violations and additional 1,408 received a warning letter from ATF. Of those dealers in violation only one-half of one percent saw their licenses revoked or denied renewal.
However, ATF officials said in most cases business owners corrected the paperwork while the remaining few dealers transferred the firearm company ownership to a friend or family member-- making the closure of a gun store violator a rarity.
The most frequently cited firearm violations are failure to record sales information either accurately or in a timely fashion. This may be due to the complexity of the dealer paperwork involved (federal, state and local) that results in a greater number of administrative violations. Examples of these include a transferee that doesn’t properly complete the application or a licensee that fails to obtain or document the purchaser’s identification information. The use of abbreviations also plays a key role in paperwork that the ATF sends back to a dealer in the form of violations.
Inconsistence application of ATF rules have also led to a large number of violations. For example; An inside industry source says “ATF reporting parallels that of the IRS in as much as you could ask three ATF inspectors about three similar situations and receive three different answers. Often it is the firearm dealer/manufacturer that is more knowledgeable about ATF rules and regulations.”
Another little-known fact about ATF is the number of agents employed remains similar to the agency’s 1920s Prohibition era, yet the number of duties tasked to ATF Agents has increased exponentially to include tobacco, firearms and post- 9/11, explosives.
Nowhere is ATF’s job more important than on the nation’s southern border where the cartel violence continues to explode with nearly 40,000 murders in the past four years.
This past weekend in Mexico at least 40 murders were recorded in a 24-hour period. This escalating violence highlights the need for the American government to control firearms and money that are trafficked south of the border into the hands of cartels, gangs or terrorists. (Not ownership by law-abiding private American citizens).
The number of inconsistencies also confirms that ATF does not know where the thousands of missing guns end up. Even if ATF wanted to intensify their gun inspections, they don’t have the manpower to locate such a large cache of missing weapons.
However, one thing is clear; ATF requires a heavy-dose of housecleaning.
This investigation is evolving on a daily basis and this reporter encourages readers to check back for new stories as information warrants.
First ATF story; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/doj-working-fast-and-furious-to-cover-its-gun-walking-program
For more information on ATF; http://www.atf.gov/
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com A 2011 ATF internal report confirms 1 million guns go missing each year - National Homeland Security | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/a-2011-atf-internal-report-confirms-1-million-guns-go-missing-each-year#ixzz1Rukj82qW
As demand for a special prosecutor rises in this scandal, the prosecutor assigned to litigate “Project Gunrunner” and its investigation companion “Fast and Furious” would find that the internal ATF report provides both statistics and a motive for a cover-up.
The report clearly states that 10, 538 inspections were performed in FY2010 or approximately 9 percent of dealers received a visit from an ATF Agent. (The ATF report also said the agency assigned less than 600 agents to perform dealer inspections around the country.)
Nevertheless, in FY2010 the ATF report draws attention to the initial-missing and final-missing firearms at those 9 percent of dealers are 87,225 and 21,041 respectively. “This means that roughly 1 million firearms are lost each year in the United States,” said a veteran ATF Agent.
The sheer volume of missing weapons could certainly cause any agency to stonewall outside investigations as well as members of Congress.
A July 4 meeting between the ATF front man Kenneth Melson and Congressional investigators revealed the Department of Justice has actively engaged in a “cover-up” and “remain silent” campaign concerning the controversial firearm program that allowed U.S. weapons to cross into Mexico in the hands of criminals.
The hush, hush meeting revealed a couple of things, first, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder knew a lot more about this operation than he has previously admitted and Melson, will not be the Obama Administration fall guy. This point was driven home when Melson brought his own attorney and didn’t inform AG Holder about the July 4 meeting until it was over.
Furthermore, Rep. Darrell Issa, (R-CA) chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, wrote in a letter last week to AG Eric Holder. "If his (Melson’s) account is accurate, then ATF leadership appears to have been effectively muzzled while the DOJ sent over false denials and buried its head in the sand. That approach distorted the truth and obstructed our investigation."
The ATF’s Fog of War approach to recordkeeping can be found in a November 2010 a Department of Justice report where the Office of Inspector General highlighted ATF’s incompetence regarding record keeping. “Discrepancies were caused by incomplete data in ATF’s N-Force and N-Spect databases, inconsistent coding of work activities by ATF, errors in ATF’s description of the data, unsupportable data entries by ATF, and variations in the time frame covered by ATF’s data.”
These conflicting reports only lead to more questions. Is the ATF flat out incompetent or is DOJ orchestrating a major cover-up? If it’s the latter, the misinformation campaign waged by the Obama Administration regarding “Project Gunrunner” would postdate the Bush Administration.
Advertisement
However, the internal ATF January 2011 report does tie the lack of inspections of firearm businesses to understaffing. Another ATF Agent points to a severely under-staffed agency as a key component to ATF’s failure to effectively monitor gun sales in the country. Currently there are approximately 119,556 firearm dealers in America and less than 2,600 ATF Agents to staff all American offices as well as overseas operations.
Typically the ATF Agents find a broad stroke of infractions at firearm businesses and in 2010 there were 1,366 store violations and additional 1,408 received a warning letter from ATF. Of those dealers in violation only one-half of one percent saw their licenses revoked or denied renewal.
However, ATF officials said in most cases business owners corrected the paperwork while the remaining few dealers transferred the firearm company ownership to a friend or family member-- making the closure of a gun store violator a rarity.
The most frequently cited firearm violations are failure to record sales information either accurately or in a timely fashion. This may be due to the complexity of the dealer paperwork involved (federal, state and local) that results in a greater number of administrative violations. Examples of these include a transferee that doesn’t properly complete the application or a licensee that fails to obtain or document the purchaser’s identification information. The use of abbreviations also plays a key role in paperwork that the ATF sends back to a dealer in the form of violations.
Inconsistence application of ATF rules have also led to a large number of violations. For example; An inside industry source says “ATF reporting parallels that of the IRS in as much as you could ask three ATF inspectors about three similar situations and receive three different answers. Often it is the firearm dealer/manufacturer that is more knowledgeable about ATF rules and regulations.”
Another little-known fact about ATF is the number of agents employed remains similar to the agency’s 1920s Prohibition era, yet the number of duties tasked to ATF Agents has increased exponentially to include tobacco, firearms and post- 9/11, explosives.
Nowhere is ATF’s job more important than on the nation’s southern border where the cartel violence continues to explode with nearly 40,000 murders in the past four years.
This past weekend in Mexico at least 40 murders were recorded in a 24-hour period. This escalating violence highlights the need for the American government to control firearms and money that are trafficked south of the border into the hands of cartels, gangs or terrorists. (Not ownership by law-abiding private American citizens).
The number of inconsistencies also confirms that ATF does not know where the thousands of missing guns end up. Even if ATF wanted to intensify their gun inspections, they don’t have the manpower to locate such a large cache of missing weapons.
However, one thing is clear; ATF requires a heavy-dose of housecleaning.
This investigation is evolving on a daily basis and this reporter encourages readers to check back for new stories as information warrants.
First ATF story; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/doj-working-fast-and-furious-to-cover-its-gun-walking-program
For more information on ATF; http://www.atf.gov/
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com A 2011 ATF internal report confirms 1 million guns go missing each year - National Homeland Security | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/a-2011-atf-internal-report-confirms-1-million-guns-go-missing-each-year#ixzz1Rukj82qW
Monday, July 11, 2011
La Raza pushes Obama to save college Pell Grants for Latinos
In another all-hands-on deck campaign La Raza is calling on the Obama Administration to spare college Pell Grants for Latino students in the 2011/12 budget.
The country’s extended recession has hit all Americans hard, regardless of racial divide, yet La Raza continues to push racially-baited politics in an effort to put money in Latino’s hands.
Their latest Pell Grant campaign doesn’t mention the poor African-American, American-Indian or Caucasian children that can’t afford to attend college. Furthermore numerous experts have reported that black Americans continue to fall out of the middle class due to the influx of illegal immigrants who will work for less money.
The current fragile debt-ceiling negotiations are prompting members from both sides of the aisle to prepare a list of programs they are willing to defund. And college Pell Grants for Latinos are on the line.
“Latino students struggling to afford higher education are at risk of losing the opportunity to attend college. Right now, congressional Republicans and President Obama are negotiating a budget deal, and Pell Grants are on the table,” a La Raza email blast read. “Cuts to Pell Grants would follow the elimination of the Summer Pell program earlier this year. So far, needy students have “contributed” $4 billion to debt reduction through cuts to Summer Pell, but they may be asked to make more sacrifices, even if it means that they can’t pay for college.”
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La Raza’s pitch continues, “President Obama understands that more Hispanic students must get college degrees for our country to remain economically competitive, but the cost of college has skyrocketed over the past 30 years.”
The price of a college education (tuition, fees and books) has increased dramatically since 1982. The Education Trust organization says the increase is somewhere around 439 percent.
“It’s true that Pell Grants are a lifeline for many college students who may not attend college,” according to La Raza. They contend that further cuts to Pell Grants would make college unaffordable and unattainable for needy students.
“What President Obama and congressional Republicans decide to do about Pell Grants will impact millions of Latinos hoping to graduate from college, enter the workforce, and climb the economic ladder,” La Raza said. “Without a college degree, Latino groups contend Hispanic youth will earn significantly less than more 'affluent students' with the means to pay for higher education.”
For more information on La Raza; http://action.nclr.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=4417
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
The country’s extended recession has hit all Americans hard, regardless of racial divide, yet La Raza continues to push racially-baited politics in an effort to put money in Latino’s hands.
Their latest Pell Grant campaign doesn’t mention the poor African-American, American-Indian or Caucasian children that can’t afford to attend college. Furthermore numerous experts have reported that black Americans continue to fall out of the middle class due to the influx of illegal immigrants who will work for less money.
The current fragile debt-ceiling negotiations are prompting members from both sides of the aisle to prepare a list of programs they are willing to defund. And college Pell Grants for Latinos are on the line.
“Latino students struggling to afford higher education are at risk of losing the opportunity to attend college. Right now, congressional Republicans and President Obama are negotiating a budget deal, and Pell Grants are on the table,” a La Raza email blast read. “Cuts to Pell Grants would follow the elimination of the Summer Pell program earlier this year. So far, needy students have “contributed” $4 billion to debt reduction through cuts to Summer Pell, but they may be asked to make more sacrifices, even if it means that they can’t pay for college.”
Advertisement
La Raza’s pitch continues, “President Obama understands that more Hispanic students must get college degrees for our country to remain economically competitive, but the cost of college has skyrocketed over the past 30 years.”
The price of a college education (tuition, fees and books) has increased dramatically since 1982. The Education Trust organization says the increase is somewhere around 439 percent.
“It’s true that Pell Grants are a lifeline for many college students who may not attend college,” according to La Raza. They contend that further cuts to Pell Grants would make college unaffordable and unattainable for needy students.
“What President Obama and congressional Republicans decide to do about Pell Grants will impact millions of Latinos hoping to graduate from college, enter the workforce, and climb the economic ladder,” La Raza said. “Without a college degree, Latino groups contend Hispanic youth will earn significantly less than more 'affluent students' with the means to pay for higher education.”
For more information on La Raza; http://action.nclr.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=4417
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
DOJ working fast and furious to cover its gun walking program
A July 4 meeting between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) front man Kenneth Melson and Congressional investigators revealed the Department of Justice has actively engaged in a “cover-up” and “remain silent” campaign concerning the controversial firearm program that allowed U.S. weapons to cross into Mexico in the hands of criminals.
The hush, hush meeting revealed a couple of things, first, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder knew a lot more about this operation than he has previously admitted and Melson will not be the Obama Administration fall guy.
This investigation began when senior Republican Congressional lawmakers embarked on quest to find out why Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry was murdered in December of last year with a gun that traced back to an ATF program. However, Agent Terry’s family and lawmakers were met with roadblocks from ATF leaders.
That all changed with the Fourth of July meeting between lawmakers and investigators when Melson exposed that it was the Department of Justice (DOJ) who silenced ATF leaders.
"If his account is accurate, then ATF leadership appears to have been effectively muzzled while the DOJ sent over false denials and buried its head in the sand," Rep. Darrell Issa, (R-CA) chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, wrote in a letter Tuesday to AG Eric Holder. "That approach distorted the truth and obstructed our investigation."
"According to Acting Director Melson, he became aware of this startling possibility only after the murder of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry and the indictments of the straw purchasers." (Straw purchasers are criminals who buy weapons for other known criminals who cannot legally buy firearms)
The secret meeting also produced admissions that ATF “made many mistakes” with the controversial gun walking program “Fast and Furious.” In fact Melson's private attorney, Richard Cullen, a former federal prosecutor was present at the July 4 meeting with investigators to protect the acting director.
Congressman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) who also sits on the Government Oversight Committee said this scandal has quickly lent itself to a “he said, she said” scenario.
Chaffetz also cited his concern about AG Holder’s knowledge of the reckless ATF program. “We received page after page of redacted ATF documents. And in May Holder said he only learned about the gun walking program, even though we have questionable ATF memos that date back to January of this year.”
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Another concern with ATF's "Fast and Furious" program is wire-tapping. “Wire tapes require senior administration approval and we still don’t know who authorized them for this program,” Chaffetz finished.
Lawmakers also learned over the holiday weekend that the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) were involved in buying guns with taxpayer money using an informant in order to target Mexican drug cartels.
The informant in question happened to be a high-ranking drug dealer the DEA used as an informant before deporting him for undisclosed reasons. His name resurfaced after the FBI reportedly hired the drug dealer as a counter-terrorism informant who claimed he could offer intelligence that al Qaeda suspects were traveling back and forth along the southern border.
Once the FBI activated the former-DEA informant a new DEA wiretap overheard a questionable conversation and alerted the ATF.
Adding insult to injury are claims from a high-ranking Los Zetas leader that the U.S. sanctioned firearm sales. The Los Zetas leader was arrested over the weekend in connection with the murder of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agent Jamie Zapata earlier this year.
Mexican federal police say, Jesus Rejon Aguiler boasted that all the weapons his cartel uses are bought in the U.S. The cartel leader even accused the American government of participating in the sale of weapons, something U.S. officials adamantly deny.
While the exact number of weapons that have walked to Mexico is not known, the disastrous result is violent cartel members are now in procession of these guns and they will turn up at crime scenes on both sides of the border for years to come.
The question Americans’ must demand from lawmakers is “why?” Why were guns allowed to be purchased by known criminals? Why was Mexico kept in the dark about the failing program? Why did DOJ allow this program flourish and carry on?
The level of incompetence surrounding this program is very telling. It appears that the U.S. government’s intelligence agencies have failed to learn the tragic 9/11 lesson; it is imperative that three-letter acronym agencies must share information.
As the country approaches the 10-year anniversary of 9/11, America and her enemies now recognize that agencies like the DOJ, FBI, DEA and ATF are not sharing intelligence and continue to put intra-agency politics ahead of national security.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com DOJ working fast and furious to cover its gun walking program - National Homeland Security | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/doj-working-fast-and-furious-to-cover-its-gun-walking-program#ixzz1RSWIDFCJ
The hush, hush meeting revealed a couple of things, first, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder knew a lot more about this operation than he has previously admitted and Melson will not be the Obama Administration fall guy.
This investigation began when senior Republican Congressional lawmakers embarked on quest to find out why Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry was murdered in December of last year with a gun that traced back to an ATF program. However, Agent Terry’s family and lawmakers were met with roadblocks from ATF leaders.
That all changed with the Fourth of July meeting between lawmakers and investigators when Melson exposed that it was the Department of Justice (DOJ) who silenced ATF leaders.
"If his account is accurate, then ATF leadership appears to have been effectively muzzled while the DOJ sent over false denials and buried its head in the sand," Rep. Darrell Issa, (R-CA) chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, wrote in a letter Tuesday to AG Eric Holder. "That approach distorted the truth and obstructed our investigation."
"According to Acting Director Melson, he became aware of this startling possibility only after the murder of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry and the indictments of the straw purchasers." (Straw purchasers are criminals who buy weapons for other known criminals who cannot legally buy firearms)
The secret meeting also produced admissions that ATF “made many mistakes” with the controversial gun walking program “Fast and Furious.” In fact Melson's private attorney, Richard Cullen, a former federal prosecutor was present at the July 4 meeting with investigators to protect the acting director.
Congressman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) who also sits on the Government Oversight Committee said this scandal has quickly lent itself to a “he said, she said” scenario.
Chaffetz also cited his concern about AG Holder’s knowledge of the reckless ATF program. “We received page after page of redacted ATF documents. And in May Holder said he only learned about the gun walking program, even though we have questionable ATF memos that date back to January of this year.”
Advertisement
Another concern with ATF's "Fast and Furious" program is wire-tapping. “Wire tapes require senior administration approval and we still don’t know who authorized them for this program,” Chaffetz finished.
Lawmakers also learned over the holiday weekend that the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) were involved in buying guns with taxpayer money using an informant in order to target Mexican drug cartels.
The informant in question happened to be a high-ranking drug dealer the DEA used as an informant before deporting him for undisclosed reasons. His name resurfaced after the FBI reportedly hired the drug dealer as a counter-terrorism informant who claimed he could offer intelligence that al Qaeda suspects were traveling back and forth along the southern border.
Once the FBI activated the former-DEA informant a new DEA wiretap overheard a questionable conversation and alerted the ATF.
Adding insult to injury are claims from a high-ranking Los Zetas leader that the U.S. sanctioned firearm sales. The Los Zetas leader was arrested over the weekend in connection with the murder of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agent Jamie Zapata earlier this year.
Mexican federal police say, Jesus Rejon Aguiler boasted that all the weapons his cartel uses are bought in the U.S. The cartel leader even accused the American government of participating in the sale of weapons, something U.S. officials adamantly deny.
While the exact number of weapons that have walked to Mexico is not known, the disastrous result is violent cartel members are now in procession of these guns and they will turn up at crime scenes on both sides of the border for years to come.
The question Americans’ must demand from lawmakers is “why?” Why were guns allowed to be purchased by known criminals? Why was Mexico kept in the dark about the failing program? Why did DOJ allow this program flourish and carry on?
The level of incompetence surrounding this program is very telling. It appears that the U.S. government’s intelligence agencies have failed to learn the tragic 9/11 lesson; it is imperative that three-letter acronym agencies must share information.
As the country approaches the 10-year anniversary of 9/11, America and her enemies now recognize that agencies like the DOJ, FBI, DEA and ATF are not sharing intelligence and continue to put intra-agency politics ahead of national security.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com DOJ working fast and furious to cover its gun walking program - National Homeland Security | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/doj-working-fast-and-furious-to-cover-its-gun-walking-program#ixzz1RSWIDFCJ
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Man dies after rock attack- proving Border Patrol Agents claim that rocks kill
Police reported today that a San Diego man attacked in June with a rock has succumbed to his injuries. Authorities say they are withholding the name of the 31-year-old victim pending family notification.
Joshua Larson, 37, is accused of the crime and was arrested on June 24 for his role in the assault. Prosecutors originally booked him on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and attempted murder; however, the charges have now been upgraded to murder. The defendant remains in custody with a $1 million bail requirement and could receive life in prison if he is convicted on all charges.
“Larson was arrested on June 24, and is suspected of hitting the victim in the head with a rock,” said SDPD Lt. Ernie Herbert. “The victim walked out of a canyon to Washington Street and flagged down a car.”
Lt. Herbert went on to explain that the victim was only able to tell the driver of a passing car that he had been hit with a rock.
It was only two weeks ago that a San Diego Border Patrol Agent shot and killed a rock thrower along the international border. The Agency came under fire for using excessive force by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other illegal alien sympathizers.
U.S. Border Patrol released this statement; “Our agents face many dangers while protecting our country. It is unacceptable for our agents to come under assault by members of criminal organizations that have no regard for our laws or the well-being of our agents. There is no doubt that large rocks thrown at a person can seriously injure or kill them. Our agents, like all law enforcement officers, are trained to protect themselves and others against serious bodily harm, while performing the duties that they swore an oath to uphold.”
Continue reading on Examiner.com Man dies after rock attack- proving Border Patrol Agents claim that rocks kill - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/man-dies-after-rock-attack-proving-border-patrol-agents-claim-that-rocks-kill#ixzz1RN0AsD7S
San Diego Border Patrol shooting death of Mexican national rock thrower (previous story)
The San Diego Police Department has taken over the overnight shooting death investigation, where a Border Patrol Agent shot and killed a Mexican National. The illegal alien allegedly crossed the international border fence one-and-half miles east of the San Ysidro port of entry.
Border Patrol Agents reported that the agent on the scene encountered three illegal border crossers. Once the agent, who has not been identified yet, proceeded to question the suspects, the men fled and threw several large rocks.
The Border Patrol Agent immediately called for back-up, according to the San Diego Police Department. Once the second agent arrived, police say two suspected illegal aliens fled back into Mexico, and a third threw rocks and a large piece of wood with exposed nails.
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A struggled ensued during the apprehension of the third assailant, and the BP Agents were pelted with rocks and wood, according to SDPD homicide Lt. Ernie Herbert.
The Border Patrol Agent, who was first at the scene, fired his gun, killing an illegal border crosser after the agents were under attack. The suspect fell onto the Mexican side of the border where officials say he succumbed to his injuries.
Mexican authorities identified the 40-year-old dead man as, Jose Alfredo Yanez Reyes.
The injured agent was treated for his injures and later released.
Herbert said, one suspect was arrested, but his name has not been released.
Neither Border Patrol Agent has been named, according to the San Diego Police Department who has taken over the investigation.
The American Civil Liberties Union called for the Border Patrol to review its shooting policy regarding rock throwers (on the Mexican side of the fence) and want to make sure agents don't used excessive force.
San Diego Border Patrol is no stranger to the daily barrage of illegal border crossers, in fact, BP Agent Robert Rosas was murdered in July of 2009 by illegal smugglers just yards from the U.S./Mexico fence.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the violence Border Patrol Agents face while securing the nation’s southern border every day.
Continue reading on Examiner.com San Diego Border Patrol Agent kills an illegal border crosser in self-defense - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com
© Copyright 2011Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Man dies after rock attack- proving Border Patrol Agents claim that rocks kill - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/man-dies-after-rock-attack-proving-border-patrol-agents-claim-that-rocks-kill#ixzz1RMz4kini
Joshua Larson, 37, is accused of the crime and was arrested on June 24 for his role in the assault. Prosecutors originally booked him on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and attempted murder; however, the charges have now been upgraded to murder. The defendant remains in custody with a $1 million bail requirement and could receive life in prison if he is convicted on all charges.
“Larson was arrested on June 24, and is suspected of hitting the victim in the head with a rock,” said SDPD Lt. Ernie Herbert. “The victim walked out of a canyon to Washington Street and flagged down a car.”
Lt. Herbert went on to explain that the victim was only able to tell the driver of a passing car that he had been hit with a rock.
It was only two weeks ago that a San Diego Border Patrol Agent shot and killed a rock thrower along the international border. The Agency came under fire for using excessive force by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other illegal alien sympathizers.
U.S. Border Patrol released this statement; “Our agents face many dangers while protecting our country. It is unacceptable for our agents to come under assault by members of criminal organizations that have no regard for our laws or the well-being of our agents. There is no doubt that large rocks thrown at a person can seriously injure or kill them. Our agents, like all law enforcement officers, are trained to protect themselves and others against serious bodily harm, while performing the duties that they swore an oath to uphold.”
Continue reading on Examiner.com Man dies after rock attack- proving Border Patrol Agents claim that rocks kill - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/man-dies-after-rock-attack-proving-border-patrol-agents-claim-that-rocks-kill#ixzz1RN0AsD7S
San Diego Border Patrol shooting death of Mexican national rock thrower (previous story)
The San Diego Police Department has taken over the overnight shooting death investigation, where a Border Patrol Agent shot and killed a Mexican National. The illegal alien allegedly crossed the international border fence one-and-half miles east of the San Ysidro port of entry.
Border Patrol Agents reported that the agent on the scene encountered three illegal border crossers. Once the agent, who has not been identified yet, proceeded to question the suspects, the men fled and threw several large rocks.
The Border Patrol Agent immediately called for back-up, according to the San Diego Police Department. Once the second agent arrived, police say two suspected illegal aliens fled back into Mexico, and a third threw rocks and a large piece of wood with exposed nails.
Advertisement
A struggled ensued during the apprehension of the third assailant, and the BP Agents were pelted with rocks and wood, according to SDPD homicide Lt. Ernie Herbert.
The Border Patrol Agent, who was first at the scene, fired his gun, killing an illegal border crosser after the agents were under attack. The suspect fell onto the Mexican side of the border where officials say he succumbed to his injuries.
Mexican authorities identified the 40-year-old dead man as, Jose Alfredo Yanez Reyes.
The injured agent was treated for his injures and later released.
Herbert said, one suspect was arrested, but his name has not been released.
Neither Border Patrol Agent has been named, according to the San Diego Police Department who has taken over the investigation.
The American Civil Liberties Union called for the Border Patrol to review its shooting policy regarding rock throwers (on the Mexican side of the fence) and want to make sure agents don't used excessive force.
San Diego Border Patrol is no stranger to the daily barrage of illegal border crossers, in fact, BP Agent Robert Rosas was murdered in July of 2009 by illegal smugglers just yards from the U.S./Mexico fence.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the violence Border Patrol Agents face while securing the nation’s southern border every day.
Continue reading on Examiner.com San Diego Border Patrol Agent kills an illegal border crosser in self-defense - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com
© Copyright 2011Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Man dies after rock attack- proving Border Patrol Agents claim that rocks kill - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/man-dies-after-rock-attack-proving-border-patrol-agents-claim-that-rocks-kill#ixzz1RMz4kini
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Taxpayers to give $1 billion to HUD to bail out 30,000 hand-picked homeowners
Are you having trouble paying your bills? Did your money tree perish in the backyard? If so, members of Congress have given the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), $1 billion to help a small group of homeowners avoid losing their homes.
It is no secret that the lagging economy lent a hand to collapsing the nation’s housing market, but picking winners and losers or class warfare will only anger millions of homeowners who are forced to solve their housing issues without government help.
HUD allotted funds to 27 states to help distressed homeowners who have fallen behind on their payments with “Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program (EHLP).” However the left-leaning state of California, who has been hit hard by the recession, was left off HUD's relief program.
As part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Congress, HUD will receive $1 billion in taxpayer funds to implement EHLP.
“The program will assist homeowners who have experienced a reduction in income and are at risk of foreclosure due to involuntary unemployment, underemployment, due to economic conditions or a medical condition,” according to HUD.
The mortgage modification program qualifies eligible homeowners for an interest free $50,000 loan which pays part of their monthly mortgage for two years.
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"Through the Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program, the Obama Administration is continuing our strong commitment to help keep families in their homes during tough economic times," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan.
EHLP is expected to assist approximately 30,000 homeowners with an average loan of $35,000.
The new government program will cover approved applicant’s monthly mortgage including missed payments or past due charges including principal, interest, taxes, insurances, and attorney fees.
"Through our work around the country, NeighborWorks® America knows all too well that in these tough economic times, homeowners facing foreclosure are seeking help wherever they can find it. The deadline is July 22, 2011, so we encourage homeowners to apply now in order to find out if they qualify for this new mortgage assistance program and learn more about the many options available to assist those with housing needs," stated Eileen M. Fitzgerald, CEO of NeighborWorks® America.
The EHLP program complements the “Hardest Hit Fund” which handed out approximately $7.6 billion to 18 states hardest hit by the housing crisis. Millions of Americans have foreclosed on their homes during this current housing crisis.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Taxpayers to give $1 billion to HUD to bail out 30,000 hand-picked homeowners - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/taxpayers-to-give-1-billion-to-hud-to-bail-out-30-000-hand-picked-homeowners#ixzz1RGBe7YZP
It is no secret that the lagging economy lent a hand to collapsing the nation’s housing market, but picking winners and losers or class warfare will only anger millions of homeowners who are forced to solve their housing issues without government help.
HUD allotted funds to 27 states to help distressed homeowners who have fallen behind on their payments with “Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program (EHLP).” However the left-leaning state of California, who has been hit hard by the recession, was left off HUD's relief program.
As part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Congress, HUD will receive $1 billion in taxpayer funds to implement EHLP.
“The program will assist homeowners who have experienced a reduction in income and are at risk of foreclosure due to involuntary unemployment, underemployment, due to economic conditions or a medical condition,” according to HUD.
The mortgage modification program qualifies eligible homeowners for an interest free $50,000 loan which pays part of their monthly mortgage for two years.
Advertisement
"Through the Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program, the Obama Administration is continuing our strong commitment to help keep families in their homes during tough economic times," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan.
EHLP is expected to assist approximately 30,000 homeowners with an average loan of $35,000.
The new government program will cover approved applicant’s monthly mortgage including missed payments or past due charges including principal, interest, taxes, insurances, and attorney fees.
"Through our work around the country, NeighborWorks® America knows all too well that in these tough economic times, homeowners facing foreclosure are seeking help wherever they can find it. The deadline is July 22, 2011, so we encourage homeowners to apply now in order to find out if they qualify for this new mortgage assistance program and learn more about the many options available to assist those with housing needs," stated Eileen M. Fitzgerald, CEO of NeighborWorks® America.
The EHLP program complements the “Hardest Hit Fund” which handed out approximately $7.6 billion to 18 states hardest hit by the housing crisis. Millions of Americans have foreclosed on their homes during this current housing crisis.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Taxpayers to give $1 billion to HUD to bail out 30,000 hand-picked homeowners - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/taxpayers-to-give-1-billion-to-hud-to-bail-out-30-000-hand-picked-homeowners#ixzz1RGBe7YZP
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