Failed states anywhere are trouble for the United States’s interests, period. Having one as large as Mexico on our border is mindboggling. When it comes down to it, the President will need to be willing to throw out old policies, twist definitions of what is acceptable under international law, and act boldly to secure the United States. It may really become seat-of-your-pants leadership time.

There have been reports on Fox News about Drug Cartels coming into the border states, such as Arizona, and running rampant there while the under staffed, under armed police forces can do nothing.  Glenn Beck is trying to raise money for the Phoenix police to buy assault rifles for their own protection, and actor David Spade gave 100,000 for the purchase of the same.  They estimate that the 100 grand can purchase only 20 - 60 AR15 rifles.

Face it, if Mexico’s government collapses, we WILL see a hostile terrorist force on and over our borders in a very short time that will make the Taliban seem like a boy scout troop!

Blast, I saw a typo as I hit submit:
They estimate that the 100 grand can purchase only 50 - 60 AR-15 rifles.

The news article on David Spade’s donation can be found here.

After the travesty of injustice dealt out to Compean and Ramos, its a wonder that any law enforcement can be effective on the border. They were commuted which is a backhanded way of saying you are still guilty but we’ll let you go anyhow. Bush should hang his head in shame over this. It is doubtful that Obama will deal with the border issue.

Athan,
From what I hear, they were offered a pardon, but wanted to prove their innocence in a court through the appeals process in having the verdict overturned.  The commutation of sentence gives them that opportunity, where a pardon would not have.

Even if the verdict is upheld, however, they will not have to spend any more jail time.

Peace
Jim Elliott