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Bush failed to pardon Ramos, Compean

Published/Last Modified on Thursday, Jan 01, 2009 - 05:11:52 am MST

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To the Editor:

Shame on Bush. Pardons apparently have nothing to do with the overwhelming opinion of the public that a miscarriage of justice has occurred; but everything to do with appeasing the Mexican government and accepting pay-offs.

President Bush has pardoned more than a dozen thieves, seven embezzlers, an arsonist, several mail thieves, a man who violated the Neutrality Act, a convicted methamphetamine dealer, a cocaine distributor and marijuana suppliers; yet he refuses to pardon former U.S. Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean, who shot Osvaldo Aldrete-Davila in the buttocks. Further, he pardoned Issac Robert Toussie, convicted of false statements to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and mail fraud. This sentence was reversed after it was “brought to light” that Toussie’s father had donated a large sum of money to the National Republican Party just months before Toussie’s pardon petition.

Briefly, Agents Ramos and Compean were attempting to apprehend Aldrete-Davila and fired at Aldrete-Davila as he was fleeting, having seen a shiny item flash in his hand and assumed it to be a gun.

Aldrete-Davila was transporting 743 pounds of marijuana valued at $1,000,000 at the time. It has since been noted that Aldrete-Davila re-entered the U.S. on at least 10 other occasions in 2005 and was again caught smuggling marijuana while he was waiting to testify against Ramos and Compean. Aldrete-Davila was given immunity in exchange for his testimony against the agents.

Agents Ramos and Compean were sentenced to 11- and 12-year sentences, considered to be excessive for the “crimes” committed. Several petitions with signatures nearing 100,000 were forwarded requesting their pardon.

In addition, members of Congress asked President Bush to pardon the agents or commute their sentences. In December, members of the House introduced a nonbinding resolution asking for the immediate commutation of Ramos’ and Compean’s prison terms.

In the past, I have resented reporters referring to “Mr. Bush.” I felt they owed him the courtesy of his title “President.” I am now happy to say — Adios, Mr. Bush.

Lorena Martin

Hereford

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To SierraVistan wrote on Jan 5, 2009 9:57 AM:

" I agree with you on one point. In YOUR opinion they are much more deserving of a pardon. Who are you to judge who is more deserving than someone else? They are all criminals. I don’t think any criminal should be pardoned and I highly doubt that you or anyone else should pick and choose who is more deserving. All criminals should serve their sentences in their entirety. "

Timothy wrote on Jan 4, 2009 5:51 PM:

" To SierraVistan. "Hello..American" is not complaining. He is merely pointing out to all you bellyachers that these agents were "not performing their jobs" properly to have been found guilty at trial. Write and complain to those who might bring about your desired end. Your vapid commentary accomplishes nothing...., but you're welcome to do so if that turns your crank. "

Jake wrote on Jan 4, 2009 5:41 PM:

" Ramo's and Compean's Commander in Chief apparently didn't feel these agents deserved a pardon. End of story. "

Brenda wrote on Jan 2, 2009 7:20 PM:

" I am disappointed when any of our presidents pardon scumbags and leave the ones worthy of pardons sitting behind bars. Bush is not the first nor will he be the last. I think we should do a national pardon ballot and vote for the pardons during elections. I sure would like a say in which criminals are allowed to roam free. or Stop the pardons all together, it's just a way for the exiting president to line their pockets or the parties pockets. "

SierraVistan wrote on Jan 2, 2009 1:02 AM:

" To: Hello....America. Nacho Ramos and Jose Compean were found guilty. What more do you want? Why are you still complaining? We are asking for a pardon from President Bush. In our opinion they are much more deserving than many of those he's pardoned to date. You may now get the twist out of your knickers. Sheeesh! "

Hello...America... wrote on Jan 1, 2009 6:23 PM:

" Has it not occured to anyone that fleeing people are not a threat? BP are allowed to shoot when they are in danger, not when suspects are running away. I know this guy was a creep, but you cannot shoot someone running away plain and simple. If you read the documentation provided on this matter (internet search) you will see they also tried to hide evidence--they knew it was wrong. I disagree with the length of their sentences, but their actions were not justified. "

ConcernedPatron wrote on Jan 1, 2009 5:10 PM:

" Of course, Curious George did nothing for these BP agent because he has always been in the back pocket of other countries. He will never be none for his smarts, in the realm of politics let alone doing what is just and right! Mr. Bush leaves behind a legacy of failures upon more failures. It was a joke when he prematurely declared that we won the war on terrorism in Iraq nearly 5-6 years in advance, that War is still NOT over and the legacy of Afghanistan will drag for another 3 years or more. Bush's legacy an idiot! "

Jacqueline OConnor wrote on Jan 1, 2009 3:13 PM:

" Thank you, Ms. Martin, a great letter. When deserving people like Ramos and Campean are overlooked while crooks get pardoned, it somehow demeans all of us, doesn't it? Now, as Mr. Bush is busy trying to burnish his "legacy"--which has little but failures on this "balance sheet"-- I wonder why he or his advisors don't recognize that pardoning these men would provide one of the few worthwhile actions on his "account". Well, he never was bright and now we know he is mean as well. "

Iris Lynch wrote on Jan 1, 2009 10:11 AM:

" I agree with you. Thanks for the letter. "

Agreed wrote on Jan 1, 2009 8:37 AM:

" Well said, Ms Martin "

richard a. winkler wrote on Jan 1, 2009 7:09 AM:

" Your letter is right on. Bush made some agreement with Mexico long ago which we know nothing about. Probably involves Mexican oil. His only interest is money, never justice. "

Another Bush Legacy wrote on Jan 1, 2009 6:42 AM:

" Right you are. Another legacy from the Bush administration and years of failed leadership. The political contributions can buy a lot as you stated. Too bad no one thought to buy the freedom of the agents instead of seeking justice through Bush and legal means. "