Bush commutes two sentences

New Independent — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:17:48 GMT

THey should have been pardoned, not just commuted. Nothing like waiting till the last minute, but at least he did it, finally.

Bush commutes two sentences

Parson M., NY NY — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:20:33 GMT

Here is the reason that we have pardons. These two guys got a very raw deal. They're not contributors to Bush or the GOP either. Nice move W.

Bush commutes two sentences

Poll Light — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:28:08 GMT

[but he [Bush] did so before he received a recommendation from the Justice Department's pardon attorney.]

That's called making an executive decision. Obama would have told the pollsters to run a poll so he could figure out what to do.

Bush commutes two sentences

Lani Hanrahan — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:30:29 GMT

YES!! I am sooooo happy for these men and their families. It was such a travesty. I just wonder why it will take up to two more months to release them. Haven't they spent waaaaay too much time in jail already?

Bush commutes two sentences

eagle1776 — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:30:33 GMT

Good for him. He did the right thing.

Bush commutes two sentences

Diane from Illinois — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:31:01 GMT

As long as he doesn't pardon the former Governor of Illinois Georger Ryan. He's exactly where he should be.....behind bars.....warming the seat for the current Governor.

Bush commutes two sentences

E from Tennessee — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:36:49 GMT

They should have never even been arrested, much less convicted.

Bush commutes two sentences

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:38:18 GMT

I don't know the complete details regarding Compean and Ramos to make an educated comment as to whether or not these pardons were appropriate. I have read that they were convicted for shooting an unarmed drug dealer in the a-- as he attempted to flee across the border, and for messing with some of the evidence at the scene (bullet shell casings).

While we cannot condone law enforcement officers shooting unarmed persons I find I have no sympathy for this particular individual whose career included the destruction of many teen lives here in the States by way of his drug dealing. Too bad Compean and Ramos did not aim a little higher and put this guy out of his misery permanently.

Bush commutes two sentences

Nicholas: Minnesota — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:38:56 GMT

[In short, this president has used the pardon power less than any of his modern predecessors.]
--I think that we can all remember how, 8 years ago, Pres. Bush came to the presidency by saying that he would act in a manner that was dignified for the office he held--an obvious dig at Pres. Clinton's sexual indiscretions. I have not doubt there will be a number of vitriolic posts on this topic, and I agree that it is easy to dislike Bush/see everything in the-opposite-of-rose-colored glasses when a topic involves Bush. But as of yet, he has not been caught with certain indiscretions and he is not making a string of very controversial pardons. I think that is a good thing, and I just wanted to make note of it. It's easy to hate, but hard to see the good.

--Granted, I am not too familiar with pardon controversy, but from my vantage point, it is a good thing.

Bush commutes two sentences

Judy in AZ — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:43:22 GMT

What took him so long? Oh! I foergot. He doesn't read the paper nor watch the news. And public opinion polls be damned. What an idiot. Don't let the door hit you in the a$$ on the way out.

Bush commutes two sentences

Let God sort them out... — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:51:41 GMT

Hooray!!!

Now give them back thier jobs, guns, and ammo.

Put them in charge of training other border agents.

Enough namby-pamby BS when it comes to protecting the border.

BUILD THE DAMN WALL AND ARM IT WITH MEN WILLING TO SHOOT!

Bush commutes two sentences

Aimee Allen, Salt Lake City, Utah — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:52:10 GMT

YES!!!!!! I am so glad.

Bush commutes two sentences

BJ, CA — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:56:07 GMT

Still playing with guns...sad

Bush commutes two sentences

Cheryl Reynolds, Deep River, CT — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:57:00 GMT

THANK GOD!!!! About time!!! The idea that a drug dealer was given all sorts of perks over our border patrol agents has been a huge miscarriage of justice. The jailing of these men has been a clear reason that most Americans have little or no confidence in our legal system.

Bush commutes two sentences

New Indi — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:57:13 GMT

Sounds like Bush made his mind up and the rule of law had nothing to do with it......what is new?

Bush commutes two sentences

Art Garcia, Honolulu, HI — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:59:32 GMT

This is a very nobel thing for Bush to do. Did the agents do wrong yes, they have lost a lot. The right to vote, there jobs, and at least two years of there life. They shot a drug dealer. Some one who was going to sell drugs in this nation.

Bush commutes two sentences

Brian Williams, Northridge, CA — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:15:58 GMT

Finally, Justice for these men! Bush goes out on a high-note in my book

Bush commutes two sentences

K Reid, Lima, OH — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:27:40 GMT

Finally! It seems that this is one issue in which conservatives and liberals can agree...

Bush commutes two sentences

MCJ Colorado — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:28:46 GMT

Bush is a moron and will always be one. It will be great just to have him out of the White House. Now we can ALL get to work!

Bush commutes two sentences

Mike Groshong, McMinnville, Or — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:29:13 GMT

At last, President Bush did something positive! Too bad he didn't start sooner!

Bush commutes two sentences

Crystal — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:33:38 GMT

I am so happy that this has finally happened. It should have happened a long time ago. I'm glad Bush at least did the right thing here. How thrilled their families must be. I can not imagine! I pray they will have a great reunion and I'm sure they'll have alot of interviews and show offers!

Bush commutes two sentences

Tombstone Shadow — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:35:27 GMT

Thank you President Bush. These two border patrol agents needed your help. The PC Police were out to get them big time. I'm only sorry you waited this long.

Bush commutes two sentences

Mark Maye — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:38:14 GMT

The only thing Bush did that was almost right. They never should have been jailed in the first place. They should have been awarded medals and promoted, but not in the state of lawlessness that this country is in these days.

Bush commutes two sentences

No pardons for Govs., IL — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:38:35 GMT

At least he didn't pardon or commute our current jailed ex-governor of Illinois, Gov. Ryan....maybe Blitheringidiot will be his roomie?

Bush commutes two sentences

Linda K, Fenton, MO — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:39:30 GMT

I'm so grateful that Bush did the right thing in this case! Thank you, Pres. Bush, for being an honorable president!

Bush commutes two sentences

A Reader — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:41:41 GMT

Agents Ramos and Compean’s conviction was not only a gross miscarriage of justice and a violation of common sense, but was also unconstitutional and, therefore, unlawful, as the article linked below argues in great detail:

The Blessings of Liberty

http://geocities.com/readerswrite/commentaries/Blessings_of_the_Liberty.htm

And to all those who are (wrongly) suggesting that an unusually harsh sentence was necessary to prevent abuse of power by Border Patrol agents, consider this.

Mistreatment of border violators, and this includes drug smugglers who shoot at BP agents, are as rare as total eclipses of the moon, and once they happen, they are being reported and broadcasted coast to coast on all major TV networks.

On the other hand, border violations are overwhelming the existing means of enforcement and are on the rise. Up to four million intruders a year illegally crosses the American-Mexican border headed north. This, however, is not news that you would see on MSNBC or CBS, and the perpetrators, if at al caught, are being given a slap on a wrist for the damage that they have inflicted to our country.

Deterrence of criminal acts is one of the main objectives of the punishment. Judging from the results, punishments of border enforcement personnel must have been more than adequate deterrent, while punishments of the border violators were not.

So, if you are so concerned about lawbreaking that may get off hands, soon, the logical conclusion should be to go after the border violators, and not the Border Patrol agents, with harsh punishment that would discourage others for disrespecting our country, its border, and the laws.

Bush commutes two sentences

JT — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:46:17 GMT

Probably the only two intelligent sentences he ever handled back to back in 8 years. :-)

Bush commutes two sentences

Carol Knight, Llano, Texas — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:48:57 GMT

I have prayed many, many prayers that these two agents be pardoned. At this point, I am just so happy they will be out of prison, whether they are pardoned or not. I believe the only reason they were not pardoned is that Bush is a buddy of Johnny Sutton and Bush did not want to totally go against Mr. Sutton's wishes. Whatever - my prayer (and those of many others) have been answered and they will both soon be out of prison.

Bush commutes two sentences

Roger — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:50:05 GMT

So much for the rule of law. Looks like you can break the law and the President will give you a free pass..

Bush commutes two sentences

Bonney, Howell, MI — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:53:27 GMT

Hey Judy in Arizona, there isn't much in the way of real journalism going on out there to warrant reading or watching. After this "joke" of campaign coverage, I have no respect for the majority of media - - with the exception of Fox News, real journalism is dead.

Bush commutes two sentences

moir — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:57:47 GMT

Hey Cons, Notice that libs as well as cons are praising your boy for this. When he does good he deserves and gets praise. When he screws up he gets criticism. That's how it works. If Obama makes similar blunders we'll criticize him too. Nothing peronal. In a democracy it is a good thing to criticize leaders. Democracy thrives on dissent and difference of opinion. No goon squad here to make one dissappear for daring to criticize fearless leader.

Bush commutes two sentences

Donald Platten Crestline,Ca — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:06:01 GMT

I have followed this case from the begining to the final end,it's about time. These Guys got imprisoned for doing the job they were hired to do. THANK YOU GEORGE W!

Bush commutes two sentences

Haward Keneard, Orlando Florida — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:07:23 GMT

I personally feel this has gone on too long. How can we as a nation standby and consider this drug dealer rights were being violated. I feel Bush prolonged the process so he could try and go out on a good note.....NOT

Bush commutes two sentences

Chas, Chicago, il — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:07:34 GMT

Bush commutes two sentences

Greg Stapleton, Elizabethtown, KY — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:12:55 GMT

You might think that he is an idiot, but I am willing to wager that he can spell "forgot".

Bush commutes two sentences

Robert Clark Tampa, Fl(CENTCOM) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:29:49 GMT

They shot an unarmed man in his back, then tried to cover their tracks. They should have been arrested and convicted... just like Joe Horn for shooting 2 people in the back AFTER calling 911. This is NOT the old west.

What's it like in the peaceful, utopian town of Chicago, where law abiding citizens can't own guns, but thugs can? Give me the Old West over PC Chicago any day, moron

Bush commutes two sentences

PReed — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:36:43 GMT

Great! That was the WORSE thing he could have done. Those men belong in prison! And if anyone out there thinks the victim deserved it because we call him a "drug dealer", you better read your Constitution again and try to remember the way REAL Americans are supposed to treat the accused.

Bush commutes two sentences

JoAnn, Moundsville, WV — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:41:05 GMT

It's about time!

Bush commutes two sentences

TC, Arkport, NY — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:41:44 GMT

to: So much for the rule of law. Looks like you can break the law and the President will give you a free pass..
and: They shot an unarmed man in his back, then tried to cover their tracks. They should have been arrested and convicted... just like Joe Horn for shooting 2 people in the back AFTER calling 911. This is NOT the old west.

You are right that they should have been tried and convicted. They discharged their firearms in the line of duty (probably rightfully) but then made the mistake of trying to cover it up. This is what they should have been charged with and convicted of. But they weren't, the US attorney out their made an example out of them and charged them with "using their firearms in the commission of a felony". They were mis-charged and way over sentenced. W finally did the right thing!

Bush commutes two sentences

roger smith augusta ga — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:44:00 GMT

just wait at 11:59 pm on the dot scooter libby will
be pardoned having never spent a second in jail for
his crimes !!! i guess being cheney's boy is PRICELESS
!!!

Bush commutes two sentences

Roy Bean, Hayfork, Texas — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:48:06 GMT

Put police on the street corner w/ several thousand rounds and let them shoot anyone they feel needs shot. That's justice.

Bush commutes two sentences

Mary Ann, Montgomery, AL — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:51:02 GMT

Thank God HE finally done something right!!!

Bush commutes two sentences

Rob, Cali-FUBAR-nia — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:00:36 GMT

Hey Roger. I hope your children were not affected by the drugs the guy they shot was selling. The "rule of law" you elude to , says his "wares" were illegal.

When a cop, any cop, says "halt or I'll shoot", do so. There will not always be a law-making judge around to bend the Constitution for you.

Bush commutes two sentences

Howard, Homestead, FL — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:03:43 GMT

Now Obama, it's up to you to finish the job. Pardon these men! Don't wait until your second day!

Bush commutes two sentences

Michael Guymon — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:11:00 GMT

The two border agents believed that the assaliant was armed, and there is no doubt that he usually would be. I don't know if the agents failed to follow proper proceedure by picking up the shell casings, but they were accused of trying to cover up evidence.
Personally I believe an drug dealer in the united states illegaly and commiting crimes while here deserves to be shot.

Bush commutes two sentences

desertrose — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:11:40 GMT

Hooray! Better late than never....they should have been given medals instead of going to prison!

Bush commutes two sentences

Christal, Tomabll, Tx — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:28:08 GMT

I have prayed many times for their release. I have read much on this subject and know that they got a "raw deal". I'm am happy that they will be let out and that Bush finally did the right thing. I did not agree with everything Bush did but he was still the best choice at the time - no doubt about it. And - all you Bush haters - good luck - now who will you hate since his term is over? Your problems are just that - yours - no one else is to blame but you!!

Bush commutes two sentences

VVade — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:29:07 GMT

These should have been full pardons and they are coming a little late. They should never have been allowed a day in jail for doing their jobs.

Bush commutes two sentences

mark tulsa oklahoma — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:51:30 GMT

I think that as information becomes more and more available that there are times that our media should start to remember that those gentlemen standing at our borders are the final line of defense into our great nation. when we as a society start to condem those men for protecting it then we become just as guilty as those drug runners. So to those who are standing there and protecting our borders I say "good job and thank you....."

Bush commutes two sentences

Caroline, Chino, Ca — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 23:03:30 GMT

Thank god they were finally pardoned. Bush should of done this 4 years ago and it is sad that they had to suffer for this long. They are heroes because they were defending our country. The illegal alien broke our laws we owe him NOTHING. Bush only pardoned these men because of the pressure from the American people. He may think he will walk out of the White House with his head held high, but we all know the truth!

Bush commutes two sentences

Rick, NC — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 23:15:36 GMT

wasn't it a bush appointee that went out of their way to prosecute these guys? Goodbye to the most incompetent and cowardly administration in history...finally

Bush commutes two sentences

Mattie Fleming Island FL — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:01:28 GMT

All you idiots who say, "Bush, finally did the right thing" he kept you safe didn't he? Ya better hang on, because the criminals will be in charge real soon!

Bush commutes two sentences

AUDREY, SEDALIA, CO. — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:02:56 GMT

Thank God! About time. Thanks to everyone that got involved to help it happen.

Bush commutes two sentences

Jim McMahon, Chicago, IL — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:29:09 GMT

Well it's about time. Now we conservatives should start a campaign for getting them their jobs back, backpay, and millions in compensatory damages for these American patriots.

Bush commutes two sentences

Jim McMahon, Chicago, IL — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:30:10 GMT

Oh yeah, thanks George W.

Bush commutes two sentences

Kathy Jones , Taylors SC. — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:55:46 GMT

God bless these men and their families I'm thankful to the Lord! I've kept them in my prayers and their families! Thank God they are free!

Bush commutes two sentences

carlo panera Millille,N.J. — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 01:04:24 GMT

Free at last. The dirtbag drug dealer actually was apprehended again after his immunity deal. If the border patrol agents were guilty of anything it was of not finshing the job. Think of all the money and energy wasted on the trials and false imprisonment, not mentioning the destruction of Compean and Ramo's lives. Can you imagine how reluctant a Border Patrol Agent will be to fire their weapon?

Bush commutes two sentences

David Portland Oregon — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 02:10:51 GMT

The letter of the law or the spirit of same...the letter kills and the spirit brings release and hope. Anytime a drug dealer can play lets make a deal and have two border patrol guards arrested is a sad and worrisome time for the USA. Random shooting is not condoned but plugging this desperado was a good call.
Now the men should be pardoned and given back pay, and jobs. Unfortunately, I think Bush is far too proud to admit mistakes, even when they cost lives and futures. Love all the great comments here. Happy New Year all!

Bush commutes two sentences

Linda, Ventura, CA. — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 02:11:51 GMT

Thank God for putting into President Bush's heart to set these men free! I hope that people will remember to give them a hand up after they're released. It can be very difficult to find employment when you're a convicted felon and Ignacio Ramos is still suffering from his injuries from that beating he took while in custody. They and their families are in for a huge adjustment!

Bush commutes two sentences

Joe Blow, Somewherein, NM — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 07:02:58 GMT

These men were convicted of trying to cover up the shooting and were sentenced according to federal guide lines. The "victim" i believed received monetary compensation for the shooting. He was consequently arrested again for smuggling. These agents deserved the commutation of their sentences as the 10 and 12 years they received was to harsh, but they will not be able to be federal officers again and rightly so.

Bush commutes two sentences

Danomatic Boise Idaho — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 07:13:56 GMT

The ignorance evident on these posts is a sad reminder of why that moron Bush was ever given a position of power in the first place. He certainly never deserved it, nor did these lying, law-breaking, power abusing "law-enforcement" officers. They were rightly convicted for their lies and cover-up by a jury of PEOPLE far more familiar with the circumstances than any of you. But just like Bush, damn the law, damn the people and let GREED GREED GREED reign supreme. That POS Bush is the worst thing that ever happened to this country, and his disgrace will be felt for decades.

Bush commutes two sentences

Canada_1 — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 07:54:41 GMT

You know, I am sick of hearing about George W. Bush.
He is such a little war monger, it's almost unbelievable!
I don't know too much about the case at hand, but what about being innocent until proven guilty. This applies to both the so called "drug dealer" and the border guards.
Yes, they shot and killed him......he didn't have his day in court.
But god almight, you of the almight and super power USA charged, convicted and punished the border guards. Rightfully so.......shooting someone in the back is the sign of cowardice......did they not teach them how to discharge a firearm.......what happened to the knees, legs, arms etc

Great country........"The right to bare arms".

You wonder why you are in the mess you are in!

Think about it?

Ding Dong Bush is gone, and his puppet wife too!

Bush commutes two sentences

Jerry Edmison, Abilene, Texas — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:37:52 GMT

Let's not forget that the drug smuggler was finally identified as a major cartel member who was looking for a 5 million dollar payout. His lies put Ramos and Compean in jail. Sutton's quid pro quo game with the Mexican government was the driving force behind the convictions and his PR tour around the country whining as to why people found his prosecution of the Agents repugnant was very unprofessional, if not pathetic. I hope a full pardon for the Agents is in the works. They deserve it.

Bush commutes two sentences

Meloney Thomas Hargrove(Preacher's sister) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:06:27 GMT

I prayed daily that our God in heaven would find a way to get these 2 noble men out of prison because they did no wrong, they just did their jobs protecting our borders. If anything, they should be given Congressional Medals of Honor and a public apology from the Justice Department for protecting our borders from monster of this sort. Monica, I am so happy for you, Nacho,and the boys, as well as the Compean Family. I am also very very grateful, God sent my little brother, Roderick Thomas or as Nacho would say, "Preacher", to be that guardian angel to Nacho and saving his life. I am elated for all of you. I can't wait for us all to get together and celebrate this reunion! It's been along time coming, although not soon enough. I love you all.

Bush commutes two sentences

AZrebel, Fort Mohave, AZ — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:30:26 GMT

Compean and Ramos should have been given complete pardons. We tie the hands of our Border Patrol when they are being shot at and also give immunity to a convicted drug smuggler for giving testimony against agents. This is justice? At least these two will be free and I hope that they will be granted full pardons in the future. This is a step in the right direction.

And for you bleeding hearts out there - why don't you volunteer to patrol the border and see how many bullets, rocks and other missiles you have to duck? Go to a border town on our side of the border and see what the dangers are there, plus the overcrowded ERs, the schools with so many kids of illegals, the money it is costing these towns for jail space for illegals, etc. If you feel so strongly about the "rights" of the illegals, then you pay for them!

Bush commutes two sentences

BUSH WASTED NO TIME COMMUTTING SCOOTER LIBBY.. — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:39:40 GMT

CONTRAST. IT TOOK BUSH 48 HOURS TO COMMUTTE HIS BUDDY, SCOOTER LIBBY'S, SENTENCE! JUDICIOUS?

Bush commutes two sentences

TJ — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:34:25 GMT

"In fact, the Justice Department was still reviewing the applications and had not made a recommendation to the White House." Well, when the @#*& were they going to finish their review? A few minutes after Obama was sworn in??