Hunter testified yesterday for Compean and Ramos

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

Yesterday Congressman Duncan Hunter (CA-R) testified in front of the Senate of behalf of Border Patrol Agents Mr. Compean and Mr. Ramos. He has sent out a press release for you to be aware of all he is trying to do to have these gentlemen released from prison for which they are in due to bogus charges and the word of an illegal alien drug smuggler. [Emphasis mine.]

For immediate release:
July 17, 2007

Hunter testifies for border patrol agents.
California Congressman seeks full pardon for Ramos and Compean (Washington, D. C.)

United States Congressman Duncan Hunter took his fight to the nation's capitol today (July 17) to convince President Bush to pardon two border patrol agents he feels were unjustly imprisoned. Hunter appeared before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Terrorism, Technology and Homeland Security.

The California Congressman testified that he strongly supports a Presidential pardon of former agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean because, "there is absolutely no justification for such unfair and excessive prison sentences."

The incident dates back to February 2005, when the agents tried to stop a van driven by alleged drug smuggler Osvaldo Aldrete-Davila near the Mexico border. According to court documents, a scuffle ensued between agent Compean and suspect Aldrete-Davila. The suspect broke loose and fled on foot.

Agent Ramos says he believes that he saw a gun, a fact contradicted by the suspect. Both agents reportedly fired at Aldrete-Davila, who fell, then continued his escape across the border. Later, Ramos and Compean filed their official report listing the 743-pounds of marijuana they found in the van, but failed to mention the gunfire.

A Homeland Security agent apparently heard about the episode and traveled to Mexico. According to court documents, the Homeland Security agent offered Aldrete-Davila immunity, if he would testify against Ramos and Compean.

In his testimony today, Hunter took offense to that arrangement. "The U.S. government sadly decided to side with the drug dealer and prosecute agents Compean and Ramos for simply fulfilling their duties as border patrolmen.

The drug smuggler walked away from the incident with only a wound in his rear-end, and the opportunity to attempt another drug run."

Hunter continued, "The men and women of the border patrol are certainly not above the laws they are empowered to enforce, but, they must also know that when they apply the necessary and appropriate level of force, their government will not work aggressively to ensure they are punished while lawlessness is rewarded."

U.S. Attorney Johnny Sutton, a Bush appointee, prosecuted the agents.

In March, a jury found them guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon, discharge of a firearm during a violent crime, obstructing justice, lying about the incident, and willfully violating Aldrete-Davila's Fourth Amendment right to be free from illegal seizure.

Because there was gunfire, the mandatory-minimum prison sentence the agents will serve is 10 years. The U.S. Probation Office in El Paso, Texas, had recommended 20 years for each of the two agents.

Hunter reemphasized his belief that, "there is absolutely no justification for such unfair and excessive prison sentences."

Hunter's congressional district is in southern California near the border with Mexico. He told the members of the subcommittee, "I represent the border communities, and have for more than 26-years. I have worked with the fine men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol to ensure they receive the support and resources they need to address the constant intrusion of drug and human smugglers across our borders. It troubles me to think that questionable testimony by a drug smuggler, who was granted immunity, and free medical care for his cooperation, was put before the two border patrol agents who willingly accepted this inherently dangerous responsibility."

Hunter noted, "The very day they surrendered to federal custody, I recommended that agents Compean and Ramos be segregated and was assured they would be removed from the general population and close attention was being paid to their personal safety.

The attack against agent Ramos indicates concerns for his personal safety and protection were ignored." On February 6, 2007, Hunter wrote to the President requesting that an investigation be conducted into the attack against agent Ramos.

The letter also requested that Bureau of Prisons Director Harley Lappin be discharged from his position should it be ascertained that the proper precautions were not taken.

Hunter concluded his testimony by emphasizing his belief that, "Pardoning agents Compean and Ramos is the only option available to correct this terrible injustice and, just as importantly, restoring the confidence of the border patrol and the American people that their nation is serious about enforcing its immigration and smuggling laws."

Hunter has said when elected president, his first order of business will be to pardon the agents. Hunter has led the national campaign for border security and immigration reform. He has been joined by scores of his fellow members, and several activist groups.

He was the only Republican Presidential Candidate to attend Tuesday's hearing.

Observers believe that the subcommittee members sought Hunter's testimony because of his long fight for a more secure border and his legislative initiatives.

Hunter drafted legislation that was signed by the President to construct over 800 miles of fence on the southern border. Only a few miles of fencing have been completed. Hunter has charged that the department of Homeland Security has the money and the mandate, but "the administration has a 'case of the slows' in getting the fence built."

He has pledged that, "he will see that the fence is up within six month after he takes office as President.

Hunter for President, Inc.
9340 Fuerte Drive
La Mesa, California 91941
United States

Now THAT is what I'm talking about! Go Hunter '08!

Duncan Hunter on radio with Pundit Review tonight

The Pundit Review Radio program will not be heard from 7-8 pm EST tonight because of sports, but they will be on the air as soon as the game is over. This should be approxiamately 8pm. At 8pm, the guest will be Congressman Duncan Hunter, candidate for president of the United States. Don't miss this opportunity to ask him your most important questions. It will be live streaming from WRKO in Boston. (That just means you can listen through your computer. How cool is that?!)

At 9pm EST, there will be someone to present the "Someone You Should Know" segment. Make sure to stop over and maybe even give them a call of encouragement. Thank you.

PS. For those of you who are new to the site, please tune in 1/2 hour early. You will have to register (free) before you can use the live feed. It may not take you as long it took me. I'm a little clumsy. lol. Thank you.

Post-Debate

I must say, they all knew what everyone wanted to hear, but I was not impressed. Not at all. The top tier? THEY ALL SUCKED. The second tier? They all did well, but I cannot remember one quote. Maybe it's just me, but I do not think Chris what's-his-name was the right person for this forum. God, how many times are they going to ask about religion? Why was the emphasis so heavily about abortion? Could it be that they wanted to 'scare' women?

Why were there no questions about the economy, trade, China, North Korea, Sudan, oil dependency, education, etc? Because they don't believe Republicans have any worthwhile ideas!

The whole thing sucked, and the American people are the worse off for it.

Political eyes and ears front and center!

I have just been informed that my site for Duncan Hunter for President is up and ready. I am really going to depend on everyone to keep their eyes opened to any speeches, interviews, forums, letters to the editor you might come across during your daily surfing. Please let me know immediately by e-mailing me.

If you would like to join me in electing Congressman Hunter for President, or if you would like some information on who he is and what issues are important to him, just ask me. I will be writing about them over there, but I will also try to post them here as well.

Here are just some of the issues I can confirm that he stands for:

• 1. He saw to it that the first and only fence so far to keep illegal aliens out was built in San Diego, CA.
• 2. He is for FAIR trade, not 'free' rip-me-off-through-deficit-spending trade.
• 3. He has served our country well as an Army Ranger in the VietNam War (173rd Airborne Brigade and the 75th Army Rangers).

I am not asking you to drop your life and join the race. However I am asking you to inform yourself about Duncan. In 2006, Duncan and Lynne celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary; they have two sons, Duncan Duane, who served two tours in Iraq in the U.S. Marine Corps and will be serving his 3rd term this month. Sam Hunter, a business student at San Diego State University. Duncan D. and his wife, Margaret, have three children, Duncan Lee, Elizabeth Grace and Sarah Louise, and reside in Boise, Idaho. Sam was married on Valentine’s Day 2004 to the former Theresa Heger of Jamul and they had their first child, Marin, in October of 2006.

Thank you for your time. :)

Asian News 4/11/2007

I am going to keep down to a list today. There are many good articles. Check out the ones that interest you.

N. Korea funds impasse resolved.
Tokyo re-elects nationalist governor.
U.S. presses N. Korea to shut reactor.
Navy plans massive war games off Guam.
Report: Asia upgrading military.
China, Japan pledge closer ties.
Japanese PM sets 1st visit to U.S..
Malaysian political bloggers form alliance.

Have a nice day.

PM Shinzo Abe to visit President Bush April 26-27

During the weekend of April 26-27, the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, shall visit President Bush at Camp David to discuss North Korea and Iraq. As usual, if you get along with President Bush then they throw a lot of dirt at you.

I am NOT saying that it is okay to deny that women were forced into prostitution during WWII. BY NO MEANS! It was not right then, and it is not right now. What I am saying, however, is what does that have to do with the price of eggs in China?

Apparently, he was misquoted (ah-hem) while speaking earlier in the week. The US Congress is seeking a 'nonbinding' resolution urging Japan to apologize formally for forcing thousands of women into the brothels.

One question. Why? Are we not at war? What's up with all of these 'nonbinding' resolutions? If you are not going to make them stick, then shut up. Now, back to the story (sorry, but that is part of the story that CNN wrote).

Next is the fact that the PM went to China first instead of the USA. This is a big deal? Oh, it breaks tradition, does it? I thought you didn't want anyone to feel obliged. So what's up with that? He can go where and when he wants!

BTW, we have over 50,000 troops on Japan's soil, and we have over 37,000 troops on the 37th (?) parallel line in South Korea. WHEN ARE THEY COMING HOME, HUH? What's the plan, man? You've got all the answer. What's the damn plan? Don't have one, do ya? Ha. Didn't think so. So shut up!

What is wrong with me, you ask? I know. It does look unlike me. When I read about this article, Sudan's government attacks Darfurian civillians, kills 65, I lost it. I've had enough BS, and I just don't feel like taking it anymore. Everyone can hate me. Fine. But when you go after innocent, helpless people and children? I get PISSED OFF. See? I thought you might. After all, even Jesus got anger. The only difference is, He did not sin in His anger. *Oops*

And I don't even think I covered the article! The link for the source will take you to the article. Just give her a click. Thank you, and have a great day!

When Reagan was President and communists were Red

The Year: 1984.