Posted by
The Patriot on Monday, January 19, 2009 3:18:46 PM
In about two more months, Jose Compean and Ignacio Ramos will finally walk free. In one of his last acts as President, George W. Bush has today commuted the sentences of two Border Patrol officers, convicted of shooting a suspected drug smuggler in the backside and subsequently imprisoned in 2007. While a full pardon given two years ago would have been better, commutation is hardly a consolation prize. Especially when you consider that these two men were looking at 12 and 11 year sentences, which they likely would have served in full had this not been done prior to noon tomorrow.
Still the news is not all good , as without pardons Ramos and Compean are now felons, convicted of crimes of violence involving firearms. They can never work in law enforcement again, cannot possess a firearm, and cannot vote. They still have a long hard road ahead of them. So if you think that this case will not have an effect on the Border Patrol in particular, and law enforcement in general, think again. If you can still get people willing to take on the job, at best they will be more reluctant to take decisive action to enforce the law, and criminals will benefit. At worst, they will be more hesitant to act forcefully when confronted with violence, and cops will get hurt.
I pray that Ramos, Compean and their families they will soon be reunited, and able to find some peace, and that they may someday soon enjoy a happy and fulfilling life once again. It's a good day.