[Epoch Times] WASHINGTON‐A porous southwest border is the gift that keeps on giving to Mexican cartels, whose multibillion-dollar businesses depend solely upon getting illicit goods into the United States.
Sheriff Andy Louderback of Jackson County, Texas, said border security efforts need to focus more on disrupting the cartels.
"The cartels remain at the heart of the problem here in the United States. They have unlimited funding. ... They’re very good at what they do. They’re very powerful, very powerful, in this country," he said.
Louderback said the cartels are exploiting weak borders and are "profiting hugely off human misery in this country‐profiting off of Americans."
"It’s imperative that the American public understand the criminality of what we’re facing. That alone is enough to secure the border," he said.
Mexican cartels, otherwise known as transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), show continued signs of growth in the United States, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in a 2018 report.
The cartels control lucrative smuggling corridors, primarily across the southwest border, and maintain the greatest drug-trafficking influence in the United States, states the DEA.
"They continue to expand their criminal influence by engaging in business alliances with other TCOs, including independent TCOs, and work in conjunction with transnational gangs, U.S.-based street gangs, prison gangs, and Asian money laundering organizations," the DEA said.
#1
I've heard a lot of progressives claim that most illegal narcotics shipments are smuggled through legal ports of entry so a wall will not stop them. But if they're not stopping those shipments, how do they know how much is coming across the border, and how do they know at which points along the border they're coming? After all, the whole point of smuggling is to get it across the border without ICE knowing about it. I don't understand how these progressives know so much.
Posted by: Abu Uluque ||
02/26/2019 10:47 Comments ||
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#2
From 1990-1995 I was the Active Duty Commander of the California National Guard Counterdrug Program, and among other things, had senior command for the unit constructing the initial border wall, the improved road network and observation posts along the border, as well as manpower support for inspections at the 5 ports of entry along the California portion of the US-Mexico border. We worked extensively with the US Customs Service and the Border Patrol during that period focused on counterdrug interdiction. Althou0gh a quarter century ago, I am confident that my information still has validity, given my subsequent years in Criminal Justice policy and Homeland Security in California. The cartels use both POE and between the POE routes, and move most quantities in small bulk, so seizures don't become too costly. And they are flexible and cunning, flooding a zone with smaller loads and mixing in illegals to overwhelm sector personnel and resources. And when enforcement is heightened, they shift the volume to other lesser enforced areas. To argue that enforcement at the POEs would solve the problem is either uninformed or disingenuous since it would merely move primary routes between the ports. Both are essential, and the physical barrier enables the limited number of BP agents to be more effective at the reduced number of incursions. The same reasoning applies to the silly argument about the wall and ladders or tunnels. While both can overcome a physical barrier, the numbers of those who do so are massively diminished, again making BP enforcement more effective. Sorry for the long post but I an deeply trou0bled by the way this isn't being countered with common sense/ There has been a crisis for decades, and the Democrat resistance is about political power, cloaked in silly reasoning to guile the public, vile and destructive motives!
I wish somebody would ask Nancy Pelosi point blank so she cannot dance away from the question: What are you afraid of?
We know it isn't the $5.7 billion cost of the wall. I think she's either afraid the wall will work or she's afraid the cartels will stop the flow of money to her coffers or both.
Posted by: Abu Uluque ||
02/26/2019 16:32 Comments ||
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#4
Comment saved in my personal notes for future reference, noMoreBS. My thanks for explaining.
[Mil Times] The Supreme Court decided last week not to review the case of a retired Marine who was court-martialed and convicted of sexual assault in 2015, upholding the Pentagon’s authority to prosecute retirees for crimes they commit even after leaving the service. When you retire it's not the same thing as a discharge. You go into retired reserve. You can be recalled to active status or request reactivation. I worked with a lieutenant colonel in 2004-05 who was on oxygen, but who had requested recall post-9/11. My own request was declined since my background was Russian and Vietnamese and my security clearance had been expired for almost ten years.
The decision leaves the possibility open for retirees to face punishment, such as sailors involved in the Navy’s "Fat Leonard" scandal and retired Army Gen. David Petraeus ‐ who pleaded guilty to providing classified information to his biographer.
On Feb. 19, the Supreme Court chose not to hear the case of retired Marine Staff Sgt. Steven M. Larrabee, who left the Corps after 20 years of service but continued to reside in Iwakuni, Japan, his final duty station, where he managed two local bars.
On Nov. 15, 2015, after a night of drinking, Larrabee sexually assaulted a bartender at one of the bars he managed and used his cell phone to record the incident.
Larrabee "was subsequently convicted by a court-martial, pursuant to his pleas, on one count of sexual assault and one count of indecent recording in violation of Articles 120 and 120c of the Uniform Code of Military Justice," according to court records.
The military judge sentenced Larrabee to eight years’ confinement, a reprimand, and a dishonorable discharge. As part of a pre-trial agreement, however, his prison term was reduced to 10 months.
In September 2018, Larrabee filed a petition for his conviction to be overturned on appeal based on the argument that he should have been tried as a civilian. However, the Supreme Court has denied that appeal, upholding the past standard that retirees are still subject to the UCMJ.
#1
Unmentioned was the question of 'who' prosecutes. Often times the question is rather local law enforcement or military enforcement is to be employed. Unless unusual circumstances are involved the SOP is to defer to civil authority upon request. In 'civilized' areas, the question is who can render the stiffest punishment.
The individual is still protected against double jeopardy. The subject may not be prosecuted in both courts for the same crime. However, military law is not civil law. Something that is not a crime under civil law may be a crime under military law. Thus the associated events to the crime may fall under military law that are not covered or prosecuted under civil law.
#3
If I am still subject to the UCMJ, why am I not eligible to all the benefits of active service? Why Medicare and Tricare-for-life as the supplement, (Which causes my wife and I to pay over $2500 a year in SS deductions, and $11 copays for meds, {so much for free healthcare for life, the 1968 promise when I enlisted in the USMC}) Why no legal, or travel benefits, etc. You can't have it both ways, either I'm subject to all the rules of active duty and get all the benefits, or I'm an annuitant, outside the umbrella of service? You can't be some of each? At least not in a place where honest contracts apply....
#4
If I am still subject to the UCMJ, why am I not eligible to all the benefits of active service?
It effects 'retirees' not prior service personnel. As noted in the piece, retirees go into the retired reserve subject to recall. You are on standby. Retirees get a monthly check, get commissary and AAFES access, space availability on transportation, some medical coverage (certainly not like it was in the 60s and 70s, but neither do the families of active duty personnel). You just don't get orders shipping you to different 'exotic' locations every three years or so, you get to choose your career specialty and any job related management to work for or with. Till they call.
Back in the early 70s when I was added to the rolls, I signed a Regular Army accession. I read it. Said I could be recalled to active duty at anytime afterwards. Did you read your contract carefully?
#5
As a retiree I understand I am subject to recall to active duty. My question is how as a member of the Retired Reserve I am subject to the UCMJ in my daily life in my retired status.
As for the snarky comment.....
[Breitbart] Monday on ABC’s "The View," the panel discussed filmmaker Spike Lee’s acceptance speech for the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for "BlacKkKlansman."
Lee said, "The 2020 election is around the corner ‐ let’s all mobilize and be on the right side of history. Make the moral choice between love versus hate."
President Donald Trump responded with a tweet that read, "Be nice if Spike Lee could read his notes, or better yet not have to use notes at all, when doing his racist hit on your President, who has done more for African Americans (Criminal Justice Reform, Lowest Unemployment numbers in History, Tax Cuts, etc.) than almost any other Pres!"
Co-host Sunny Hostin asked, "Why was that a racist hit? I don’t understand that."
Co-host Joy Behar said, "Because if the shoe fits and you think every little remark about you is racist, maybe you oughta look in the mirror."
Co-host Meghan McCain said, "Art is political. I’m on a different side than he is politically, but I like people taking time when they have a moment. I’m not one of these people that’s like everybody in Hollywood should shut the blank up. I actually think we have a reality show president. He’s using his time this way, and I don’t understand what the problem is, and I wish the Oscars and all awards shows would lean into it a little bit. These are tumultuous times. We are in a pool that we say controversial things all the time. It’s not so bad, life does go on, and it’s okay for people to speak their truth when they get an award."
[IsraelTimes] As in the 2017 metal detector controversy, Jordan and the Paleostinian factions have made a significant achievement, taking over the Gate of Mercy after 15 years.
The latest flareup at the Temple Mount flashpoint holy site in Jerusalem over the reopening of the Gate of Mercy, a section just off the Al Aqsa Mosque plaza, has been making headlines in the Arab and Paleostinian media.
The media attention is focusing on what is being hailed as a knockout victory for the Paleostinian and Jordanian side in the battle over the site. A prominent Paleostinian analyst, Nasser al-Laham, was quick to adopt the victory narrative and wrote that it was a message to Ramallah and Gazoo on how the struggle with Israel should be conducted.
Continued on Page 49
[Babylon Bee] SANTA CARLO, CA ‐ A revealing new report on privilege in America was published by a research team at Santa Carlo University on Wednesday. Researchers conducted the study with the goal to find recurring traits in those who enjoy extreme privilege in America. The results were more or less predictable: the very people griping about privilege all day are by far the most privileged people on the planet.
"We found that if an individual spends their time doing things like sitting around on Twitter telling white people not to eat Thai food, or men to quit trying to get jobs, or Asians to quit getting such good grades, then there is a good chance they are the beneficiaries of a highly privileged society," said lead research administrator Susan Perry. "The consistent through-line we found was boredom. Privilege leads to boredom, which leads to looking for things to gripe about, and many people choose to gripe about perceived privilege issues," she added.
"We’ve uncovered a loop. The more privilege people have, the more unprivileged they feel," said Prentice Henson, another researcher on the project. This privilege loop has become known by researchers as the "spoiled bunch of crybabies" effect. "It turns out if you are looking at your insanely wealthy, free society that is full of opportunities for all, you should take a deep breath, quit your whining, and be thankful."
"There is a consistent pattern of joylessness, boredom, and self-hate at work here," said psychologist Carl Menton, who helped write the study. "These people just can’t stand themselves. What they need most is probably a hug, if they didn’t find hugs so micro-aggressive."
#1
What they need most is probably a hug to spend several years on their own in the North Woods, dependent on their own ingenuity and efforts to survive. FIFY
#5
Actually I rather suspect Anguper Hupomosing9418 is vastly more right than he thinks.
There's no adulthood ritual anymore, there's no hardship/physical self Test/ often "fail" to build humility and make someone deserving of being called adult
#7
I cant find the source of this article or any of the people mentioned in the article citing them as researchers.
The Babylon Bee is a satirical site – that’s why its articles are found in Opinion.
But it’s good to know that Ebboluns Shong6204 has the research skills to check out stories. There will be plenty of occasions in the future when those skills will benefit us all.
[Free Beacon] Senate Democrats voted to ensure that babies who survive abortion can die without care on Monday evening.
Democrats blocked the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act in a Monday roll call vote, which would have made it mandatory for doctors to provide medical care to babies who are born alive during an abortion. The bill needed 60 votes to pass, but fell on a 53-44 vote. Democrats voted in favor of the position outlined by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam in a radio interview defending legislation defending abortion.
"The infant would be delivered. The infant would be kept comfortable," Northam said. "The infant would be resuscitated if that's what the mother and the family desired, and then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother."
The legislation sponsored by Sen. Ben Sasse (R., Neb.) had nothing to do with Roe v. Wade and the ability to obtain an abortion, but only babies outside of the womb‐like those described by Northam. The bill is overwhelmingly popular with voters, including a vast majority of those who identify as pro-choice; 70 percent of Democrats, 75 percent of independents, and 86 percent of Republicans support providing care to abortion survivors, according to the McLaughlin & Associates poll commissioned by the pro-life Susan B. Anthony List.
Why did the media fall so swiftly for the Jussie Smollett hoax right after falling for the Covington Catholic hoax? The easy answer is bias. And that might have even been the right answer a generation ago.
These days the media isn’t biased. It’s tribal.
Bias leads us to make mistakes. But the media wasn’t making a mistake when it loudly broadcast false claims with plenty of red flags about Trump supporters wearing red hats. Just as the media wasn’t making a mistake when it spread fake news about attacks on Muslim women by Trump supporters after the election. This wasn’t an error due to prejudice, but an active effort to reinforce tribal prejudices.
The Covington Catholic story in particular was not newsworthy by any rational definition of the term. The media insisted on making it news because it perfectly encapsulated the tribal prejudices of its base of urban and suburban lefties by pitting anti-abortion kids in MAGA hats against saintly minorities.
...In a liberal society, people from different tribes can agree to disagree because they recognize their mutual humanity. In a tribal society, the ’other’ is less than human. Tribal narratives are about the superiority of ’our’ people to ’their’ people. Outrage at selective incidents is used to dehumanize the ’other’ tribe, to call for violence against them, and then to urge their utter destruction.
...The media is the voice of the leftist tribes reinforcing their identities, policing their boundaries and stirring up hatred, outrage and violence against the rest of the country. It lets no incident pass it by that it can use to stir up more tribal enmity, whether it is a boy in a red cap in Washington D.C. or a mall store closing in Colorado Springs. It has become the greatest enemy of a tolerant and open society.
[Babylon Bee - Satire, Herb] The nation breathed a collective sigh of relief Monday while watching footage in which Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez appeared to come out against the concept of reproducing.
Stating they realized that we really dodged a bullet this time, citizens all over the country expressed their sudden sense of comfort and serenity at the fact that Ocasio-Cortez would probably never have children. Fear and trepidation had swept the nation upon the realization that Ocasio-Cortez likely possessed the capability to reproduce actual human children, whom she would then ingrain with her values and politics for their entire childhoods before they would go on to have political careers of their own.
"This is a huge burden off my chest," said Lyle Billings of Lawrence, Kansas. "I suddenly realized that there could be two, three, or even four little Ocasio-Cortezes running around one day. So I totally support the congresswoman's position against having children. It's really what's best for the nation as a whole."
While the nation is typically baffled at Ocasio-Cortez's positions, her bold stand against having children has become her most popular policy position yet, garnering a 97% approval rating
Posted by: Frank G ||
02/26/2019 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
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A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.
Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing
the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.
Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence
over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has
dominated Mexico for six years.
Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No
trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
[Babylon Bee - Satire, Herb] The nation breathed a collective sigh of relief Monday while watching footage in which Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez appeared to come out against the concept of reproducing.
