30 busted, 4 at large in Front Range cocaine ring
By Tracee M. Herbaugh, Rocky Mountain News , Bill Scanlon, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published July 1, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.
Updated July 1, 2008 at 4:20 p.m.
Jefferson County District Attorney's Office
Drugs seized by officers are displayed at the Jefferson County district attorney's office on Monday.
Jefferson County District Attorney's Office
Three of the six handguns taken by officers from various drug-ring suspects.
Jefferson County District Attorney's Office
Officers seized $500,000. The drug ring brought $4 million of cocaine to the Denver area each month.
Jefferson County
* HIGHEST-RANKING MEMBER Martin Vega-Beleta
Jefferson County
* DRUG RUNNER Erick Fernando Chaparro-Franco
Jefferson County
* HIGH-VOLUME DEALER: Sergio Flores-Hernandez
Jefferson County
*HIGH-VOLUME DEALER: Jaime Esparaza-Arreola
Jefferson County
* LIEUTENANT Norma Yudith Talabera-Espinoza
Jefferson County
* HIGH-VOLUME DEALER: Sergio Munoz-Maltes
Jefferson County
* HIGH-VOLUME DEALER: Juan Aguilar-Martinez
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story should have have identified Jeffrey Sweetin as Special Agent in Charge of the Denver Field Division for the Drug Enforcement Administration. Also, the story should have said that Mike Turner is a spokesman for the DEA. The error has been corrected.
The 34 people indicted in an alleged Front Range drug-trafficking ring Monday included four women; whites, blacks, Asians, and Hispanics; at least two who live in million-dollar houses; and 13 suspected illegal residents.
Thirty of the 34 have been arrested, and warrants are out for the other four. Jeffco sheriff's spokeswoman Jacki Kelly said this afternoon that those four remain at large.
Jefferson County District Attorney spokeswoman Pam Russell today identified the four suspects still at large as Eloy Flores-Hernandez, 40; Maria Esparza-Arreloa, 30; Michael Kelly, 44; and Robert Hardy, 34.
She said her office is confident that two of the four can be arrested within a month, but is unsure about the other two.
Jefferson County prosecutors said $4 million of cocaine was distributed each month in homes and other locations in Westminster, Wheat Ridge, Thornton, Arvada, Aurora, Denver, Fort Collins, Highlands Ranch and unincorporated Jefferson County.
The West Metro Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration started the operation in September, and it was ready for the grand jury in April.
Dubbed Operation Shoestring to reflect shrinking budgets for drug enforcement, the investigation effectively disabled the ring, which also had brought large amounts of marijuana to the area, said Jefferson County Sheriff Ted Mink.
A grand jury returned 141 counts.
Among those indicted was Terrie Spieker, owner of a $1.2 million home in Highlands Ranch. Prosecutors allege that she bought cocaine Feb. 3, Super Bowl Sunday, in the parking lot of the Red Robin restaurant at 63 W. Centennial Blvd.
Peter Bidgood, charged with intent to distribute cocaine, lives in Greeley in a home worth "about $2 million," said Mike Turner, spokesman for the DEA.
"This gives you an idea of the tentacles of this organization," said Jeffrey Sweetin, Special Agent in Charge of the Denver Field Division for the Drug Enforcement Administration. "What it also says is that a gated community won't do everything for you. If you leave that gated community, you may be parked next to a cocaine dealer at Red Robin on Super Bowl Sunday."
The alleged 13 highest-level members of the drug ring were charged with racketeering, violation of the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act, a Class 2 felony, in addition to other charges.
According to the indictment, Martin Vega-Beleta was the highest-ranking member of the organization and the source of cocaine that came from Mexico to the Phoenix area and then to Colorado.
His girlfriend, Norma Yudith Talabera-Espinoza, served as his lieutenant, and Erick Fernando Chaparro-Franco is suspected of being the drug runner.
Vega-Beleta would travel back and forth between Denver and the Phoenix area, transporting money for the delivery of cocaine and marijuana to Denver, authorities said.
At the next level were the high-volume dealers, purchasing cocaine in kilogram quantities and distributing it to the people below them, the indictment said. Those alleged high-level dealers included Sergio Flores-Hernandez, Jaime Esparaza-Arreola, Sergio Munoz-Maltes and Juan Aguilar-Martinez.
Those indicted for allegedly purchasing large quantities, then breaking them down to sell by the ounce, were Alejandro Banuelos-Serna and his girlfriend, Mirella DiFranco, Federico Banuelos and Samuel Martinez.
The lower-level people indicted are accused of dealing at several locations along the Front Range, including the Denver Public Library at 2401 Welton St.; Colorado Mills shopping mall, 14500 W. Colfax Ave.; and El Ballezano boot store at West First Avenue and Federal Boulevard.
The $4 million in cocaine brought to metro Denver each month amounted to about 110 pounds a month.
Agents seized about 13 pounds of cocaine with a street value of $500,000 and 25 pounds of marijuana, with a street value of $10,000.
They also seized $500,000 in cash and six handguns.
According to the indictment: "Members of the enterprise do not always know all of the other members of the enterprise, but all members of the enterprise know that there are other people involved in the various levels of sale/distribution process.
"Knowledge of the various members is intentionally limited in the enterprise to protect the enterprise from law enforcement."
Prosecutors said members of the ring often used cell phones and text messages to communicate, and their conversations were "disguised by the use of code and vague terminology to further frustrate law enforcement."
"In general, the quantities identified in this indictment are quantities that will be used for resale and not just for personal use," the indictment states.
Jefferson County District Attorney Scott Storey credited the West Metro Drug Task Force, the DEA and his prosecutors for making it "easy for the grand jury to do their job" and stopping this stream of drugs.
herbaught@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5623
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July 1, 2008
12:53 a.m.
Suggest removal
happymike44 writes:
Such a nice group of people to improve our society.
We need to inject them with what they were selling and get rid of this scum.
Wonder were they illegals probably yes is my thought.
Wonder how they will like prison and the new lean cuisine they will now be eating everyday.
Even our worse prison is better then the ones in mexico from what I hear.
We need to deport these people back to their homeland and get them out of our society forever.
They will only get out to reoffend and murder more innocent and weak people with their dope dealing.
Stop these murdering thugs while we still can.
July 1, 2008
4:17 a.m.
Suggest removal
Shadow writes:
These are the people that Gov. Critter says this state can not do with out. Just doing the things Americans won't do.
It is about time that lkaw enforcement cracked down on these thugs. Now if only we can get ICE to do their job, ignore Critter and Trickenlooper and ENFORCE THE LAW. Maybe, just maybe, awww won't happen.
July 1, 2008
5:55 a.m.
Suggest removal
Juspassinby writes:
I wonder how many lives these parasites have had a part in destroying. I say we need to put these high-end dealers in for life at hard labor. Too bad they will use their stashed loot to get a high-priced lawyer to bail them out and they will be gone south of the border. BTW, now that there are some million dollar homes in gated communities owned by the government, maybe the idiots who support illegals will upgrade the housing program.
Just think how many sleeping boards you can nail to the wall in a 5000 sq ft house.
July 1, 2008
6:13 a.m.
Suggest removal
Mike846 writes:
I guess they were just doing jobs American's wouldn't do. Thank you "Tax" Ritter, Mayor Hick, John and Ken Salazar. You're really doing a great job protecting the citizens of our state. Mike
July 1, 2008
6:37 a.m.
Suggest removal
Ski2Liv writes:
Too bad! There goes 30 more Obama voters that won't be able to cast a vote. Not only do you need to be a citizen to vote, but you also can't have a felony. The gift for the other 13 is that we get to use our tax dollars to send these guys back to Mexico just so they can do it all again. So, can you remind me why your not for capital punishment again?
July 1, 2008
7:02 a.m.
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becket writes:
Way to go West Metro Drug Task Force. You guys never get the thanks and praise you deserve. God Bless.
July 1, 2008
7:14 a.m.
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jtriska writes:
Nothing to say here. The lineup speaks volumes. NUFF SAID
July 1, 2008
7:29 a.m.
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Frontranger writes:
Great job to the officers who shut these drug dealers down!
Some of the comments on here are interesting, its like a big right wing circle jerk.
July 1, 2008
7:41 a.m.
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vudumom writes:
Wait a minute! How are the citizens of Denver going to get their low priority less than one ounce pot? If I were his lawyer I would argue pot has no impact on society. It is alot more safe than alcohol ( which is legal ) and people want it to be a low priority drug offense. So since his client was only providing a service to fit the needs and wants of the Colorado citizens the charges should be dropped. Then figure out how to spin the cocaine charges.
If the people of Colorado want to have an ounce of pot legal or it to be a low level priority then they have to see this side of the baggie.
July 1, 2008
8:06 a.m.
Suggest removal
steel writes:
frontranger..."Some of the comments on here are interesting, its like a big right wing circle jerk."
And you're the pivot man.
July 1, 2008
8:06 a.m.
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rickg19611 writes:
Looks like a bad case of agricultural trespass.
July 1, 2008
8:19 a.m.
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medina88 writes:
I agree that these losers have ruined lots of lives and also need to be in scum prison the rest of their lives. Great job to West Metro. But you all have to remember that there are not only illegals selling drugs. Many Many Many American's are doing the same thing. Sounds like easy money with a big price to pay if your caught.
July 1, 2008
8:29 a.m.
Suggest removal
SlowWalker writes:
vudumom writes:
"Wait a minute! How are the citizens of Denver going to get their low priority less than one ounce pot? If I were his lawyer I would argue pot has no impact on society. It is alot more safe than alcohol ( which is legal ) and people want it to be a low priority drug offense."
No, it's not been clinically proven to be "alot more safe than alcohol" -- smoke is bad for the human lungs, no matter the source. And driving while stoned is as bad as DWI of alcohol.
Only potheads and dopers want it to be a "low priority drug offense" as a step closer to full legalization.
I say, drop the joint and back away slowly .... get straight, get real, and enjoy clean, fresh air for a change.
July 1, 2008
8:57 a.m.
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blacksho89 writes:
What do they mean "Drug Dealers"?
These fine, upstanding people are Undocumented Pharmacists!
July 1, 2008
9:14 a.m.
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tm3869 writes:
what does this story on drugs and the lowlifes who deal them have to do with voting for Obama? that was little far out to me.....
July 1, 2008
9:22 a.m.
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vudumom writes:
SlowWalker you are slow. My comment was sarcasm aimed at the pot heads who think it is okay. Now go get your walker and get some fresh air, oh wait there is a ozone alert. Go out anyway.
July 1, 2008
9:24 a.m.
Suggest removal
JMac writes:
These guys were just trying to make a dollar. Maybe if the parents in Highlands Raunch (pun intended), Arvada or any other suburb did some actual parenting, then their children wouldn't be buying dope from the dope dealers.
Remember, 13 of the 34 indicted are illegals! 21 of the dope dealers are just like you people, legal.
If it don't make dollars then it don't make sense..... Think capitalism people, all I see is a multi million dollar business that was being ran by a bright young entrepreneur.
July 1, 2008
9:26 a.m.
Suggest removal
glassguy writes:
What about the people who were indicted for buying and distribution charges? Where are their pictures? Nice white people with money don't get their picture in the paper? Don't get me wrong, string up all of them, lock them up, deport them, or just shoot them so they won't be back after a little while. Lets put all of them in the paper so we can all see who these people are and if they might be my neighbor!!
July 1, 2008
9:28 a.m.
Suggest removal
hakj writes:
Where is Terrie Spieker's and Peter Bidgood's pictures? Are they protected because of their money? These two will get off light since they will be able to afford private attorneys. Especially Terrie since she is only accused of buying and not buying to distribute. And Peter. I don't know how much he bought but perhaps he was buying to stock up for a week or two for his own personal use.
These two will get off light. The others? They more than likely will get Jeffco's finest public defenders.
July 1, 2008
9:32 a.m.
Suggest removal
T1anda writes:
"Undocumented pharmacists??" At least 13 of em are Blacksho89!! Excellent description and funny too!!
July 1, 2008
9:35 a.m.
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Frontranger writes:
Vudumom, you are the slow one here. Equating the decriminalization of Pot in denver as the reason why a drug ring smuggles 100 of pounds of cocaine a month. Its apples to oranges! Plus what real stoner buys Mexican weed?
July 1, 2008
9:43 a.m.
Suggest removal
T1anda writes:
Hey Glassguy..many people on these blogs have accused the RMN and DP of failing to identify illegals when they commit crimes in Colorado. This time they did..and with pictures to boot!!
Good job RMN!!
Don't want to "push" it but would also like to see pics of the White,Black,and Asians involved!
July 1, 2008
9:50 a.m.
Suggest removal
hdfresh writes:
These owners of million dollar homes. Can everybody say foreclosure?
July 1, 2008
10 a.m.
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JMac writes:
pj,
you have no room to talk, you pitiful old shrew ;-(
July 1, 2008
10:11 a.m.
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American100 writes:
One illegal is too many.
July 1, 2008
10:26 a.m.
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JMac writes:
American100 says "One illegal is too many." And this is 100% true, the illegal immigrant problem started as far back as 1860 if not beforehand. There were millions of illegal Irish, Italian, German, Polish and Chinese whom flooded our country from 1860 to 1930. Many of the same seniments were indeed harbored towards those illegal immigrants just as the illegal immigrants from Mexico and further south of the border. It was said that the illegal Irish and Chinese immigrants were "taking all of our good cannery and railroad jobs". Now the Mexicans are taking all of our "good" toilet cleaning, burger flipping and crop harvesting jobs.
It has been the policy of the Federal Government to "look the other way" regarding illegal immigrants, starting over 100 years ago and it continues today. The ONLY difference is that the illegals of yesteryear crossed oceans and most of the illegals of today only cross an unmanned border.
July 1, 2008
11:11 a.m.
Suggest removal
FlyfishDude52 writes:
First - Kudos to all agencies and individuals that put this together!!!! I can't say enough good stuff to appropriately commend this investigation.
Second - JMac - You are correct that illegal immigration is not new to the US. However, have you ever had to press 2 to speak Chinese, German, Polish, etc? I thought so. Neither have I. One of the big issues with the present problem is a total lack of assimilating the English language. This, in itself, is polarizing our country.
Third - Just cause it's been going on forever doesn't make it acceptable. The politician's are pointing fingers at the costs associated with the services non-citizens receive, but refuse to eliminate or even take minor steps to minimize these costs. I think it is the appropriate time to take action and do away with the drain on our economy. I despise all those who celebrate May 5th. It has nothing to do with the US. We celebrate religous holidays and others that have to do with the history of the United States. Any special treatment of other countries holidays is, to me, unacceptable and should be given no special attention.
Go anywhere else in the world and see what happens if you don't have documents proving that you are there legally.
July 1, 2008
11:25 a.m.
Suggest removal
JMac writes:
FlyfishDude52,
You too are correct, I've never had to press 2 to speak Chinese, Polish, etc. Times are different now.... If you or I would have ventured into an Italian or a Polish or a Chinese neighborhood in the late 1800's, we would have needed to speak the language. Signs in store fronts were printed in the native tounge, if you needed to communicate with someone, you would need to speak the language, period. It took generations, ie. decades for these people from different cultures to assimlate and the illegal Mexicans should do the same.
I am in total agreement that something needs to be done about the current situation of illegals.
July 1, 2008
11:34 a.m.
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HE5t writes:
All of you people harping on illegals are not commenting on the White and Black people involved in this. American100 are these people free from sin?
July 1, 2008
11:37 a.m.
Suggest removal
American100 writes:
JMAC- there is a difference between immigration & illegal immigration.
Today we are dealing with illegals.
125 years ago America needed workers and populace.
That isn't the case now.
Illegals bring disease the US hasn't seen in decades.
I am mostly offended by the blatant lack of respect for America and Americans.
They come from raw sewage and squaler and yet trash America for being America and will claim Mexico is better.
July 1, 2008
11:42 a.m.
Suggest removal
American100 writes:
HE5t - not free of sin but not illegal.
We have enough bad crap in America without the additional burden of system s*ucking illegals and their anc hors.
So yes, illegal criminals are worse than American criminals.
July 1, 2008
11:43 a.m.
Suggest removal
ToriEllis007 writes:
According to people like American, Gene, Steele and a few others, ilegals are the cause for the worlds worst problems! Global warming?? Blame the illegals. Priests molesting our children?? Blame the illegals. The economy?? Blame the illegals. Lets skim right past the names like Wade Kyner, Michael O'Brien, Jonathan Smith, Tom Raynor and David Harrington and the fact that most of the deals were to individuals in Highlands Ranch (predominately white neighborhood). After all, they were just innocent victims in this all. Surely the cops have made a mistake, right guys?
July 1, 2008
11:52 a.m.
Suggest removal
American100 writes:
Get your story straight Tori- Show me where I even once blamed illegals for global warming, or molesting priests.
By the way CAIR is having a meeting at 6pm tonight in Northglenn.
Put a stop to the economy draining, disease bringing, crime ridden illegals.
www.CAIRCO.org
July 1, 2008
11:53 a.m.
Suggest removal
FlyfishDude52 writes:
If there were no demand this could not happen. So fellow Americans what do you say we take a stronger approach? Oh! Just how are we going to do that without curtailing the rights of individuals? This isn't an easy thing to deal with. We here that the jails & prisons are filled with a lot of minor drug offenders (not like the dispicable scum in the article). How do eliminate the demand? Make it illegal? Oh, it already is. So without bashing anyone or anything what is the answer. There will always be vermin who would cross any line to make a buck. This isn't just a problem in the US. Columbia exports world-wide.
I don't have a solution. Likely there is none. Sad...
July 1, 2008
11:57 a.m.
Suggest removal
MaxInEnglewood writes:
American, I believe ToriEllis was being funny. LOL, I got the joke.
July 1, 2008
11:58 a.m.
Suggest removal
JMac writes:
American100,
Illegal immigration happened 125 years ago too, pal. Pick up a book and read it instead believing all of the propaganda sent to you via email.
Anybody who wasn't documented through Ellis Island and whom didn't receive "papers" was indeed ILLEGAL.
Have you ever heard of the enormous subset of an ethnicity whom came here ILLEGALLY and had an acronym that stood for WithOutPapers? Don't worry, I'll wait.....
You probably wouldn't know these things because once you stepped foot on the beautiful beaches of The United States of America, after drifting 90 miles from your homeland, you were granted immediate citizenship. You should be more than thankful for the opportunities you were afforded in this great land; and even more so, you should feel the plight of one, who was not as fortunate to be raised a communist as yourself.
You too sir, have brought a miserable contageous disease to our country, it's called stupidity. I'll make sure to stay clear of you and let you spread your disease to all like minded individuals. You sicken me and this great country, you should be deported!!
July 1, 2008
12:06 p.m.
Suggest removal
American100 writes:
JMAC- You are a crybaby- you can't stand the truth so you go on to call names like a playground sissy.
Actually, I and my family was granted political asylum so we flew over. We didn't slither across the border as those you defend do.
Show some facts. My wife's family came through Ellis Island because that's where the ships were REQUIRED to dock. Maybe YOU should read a book.
It's pretty friggin hard to hard to swim from europe to the US.
Some more sissy talk from you big guy. You're going to deport me? boohoo. I probably pay more in taxes than you make in a year.
You're welcome.
July 1, 2008
12:08 p.m.
Suggest removal
steel writes:
ToriEllis... Thank you for including me in your rant.
My resentment towards illegals grows proportionately with the amount of illegals stuck on the nipples of our welfare system.
July 1, 2008
12:10 p.m.
Suggest removal
American100 writes:
Oh and don't forget the CAIR meeting tonight in Northglenn. Deport deport deport.
North Suburban Republican Forum
Invites you to an evening of entertainment and information
Guest Speaker:
Terry Anderson
Host of: "The Terry Anderson Show - Articulating the Popular Rage"
"If You Ain't Mad, You Ain't Payin' Attention"
KRLA Radio Los Angeles, California
www.theterryandersonshow.com
Tuesday, July 1st, 2008
6:00 p.m.
D L. Parsons Theatre
Northglenn Rec Center
11801 Community Center Drive
Northglenn, CO 80233
Map here
Sincerely,
Stan Weekes
Colorado Alliance for Immigration Reform
PO Box 151270, Lakewood, CO 80215
www.CAIRCO.org
July 1, 2008
12:13 p.m.
Suggest removal
ToriEllis007 writes:
Max gets a cookie!
American,
You blame illegals for EVERYTHING. Maybe the borders should be more controlled, but blame your government for their lack of not securing your borders. Maybe if they weren't so busy trying to secure their interests in the Middle East and sticking their nose in the the rest of the worlds business, they could take care of you all at home. Don't get me wrong, I loved America the short time I was there! Its just terribly sad and disgusting to see that there are people that have the mindset that you have. Its people like you that discouraged me from staying in America! Oh, and before you get started on another rant, Im caucasian woman from London!
July 1, 2008
12:15 p.m.
Suggest removal
American100 writes:
Adios Tori & good riddence.
July 1, 2008
12:16 p.m.
Suggest removal
ToriEllis007 writes:
Sidenote: I wasnt in the States illegally either, I was granted a work Visa to help educate your children!
July 1, 2008
12:16 p.m.
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granny_gear writes:
I'm glad they got all these criminals off the street regardless of their nationality.
July 1, 2008
12:20 p.m.
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steel writes:
Tori, thank you for leaving voluntarily. Perhaps you could convince others to do the same.
July 1, 2008
12:22 p.m.
Suggest removal
RickyLee writes:
JMac, was it on par with a million or so a year? Why don't you dig up some info and enlighten us, instead of just spewing an OPINION?
July 1, 2008
12:24 p.m.
Suggest removal
RockyTalk writes:
Hey Tori- You don't live here, you were a guest and now you think your opinion counts?
Glad you're gone. Nothing that happens in MY counrty is any of your damn business.
July 1, 2008
12:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
RickyLee writes:
JMac, I say you've made this up. I call LIE!!!!
'....There were millions of illegal Irish, Italian, German, Polish and Chinese whom flooded our country from 1860 to 1930....'
Let's see some historical data to back this LIE up!
July 1, 2008
12:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
RockyTalk writes:
Oh and I'm a caucasian woman from Littleton.
July 1, 2008
12:28 p.m.
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MaxInEnglewood writes:
Darn it ToriEllis, look what you've started!
July 1, 2008
12:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
RickyLee writes:
tori, good riddance...and stay out.
Tell us, what happens to a British SUBJECT who bad mouths your government in a public forum? We enjoy free speech here.
And, how's the gun-grabbing going? Did your crime rate go down?
July 1, 2008
12:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
steel writes:
RockyTalk, I guess you told her...
July 1, 2008
12:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
Finding_Forever writes:
Um Tori, you Brits arent so squeaky clean either and "stick your noses in the worlds business" as well. I recall reading an article this morning about Britain denoucing the Zimbabwean election. Isnt that the pot calling the kettle black?
July 1, 2008
12:37 p.m.
Suggest removal
RockyTalk writes:
I don't really have much time to browse the forums and find there are those here who express opinions similar to mine, only probably more eloquently, but when people from other countries presume to understand this issue, well, you saw my reaction.
July 1, 2008
12:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
steel writes:
RockyTalk, you spoke eloquently enough. I've got your back anytime.
July 1, 2008
12:40 p.m.
Suggest removal
MaxInEnglewood writes:
Its pretty late over there, maybe she went night night?
July 1, 2008
12:41 p.m.
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steel writes:
Should be about 7:45 pm over there.
July 1, 2008
12:44 p.m.
Suggest removal
Big_D writes:
Peter Bidgood stands about a 99.5% chance of being a GOP member so I don't think politics are in play just money. I bet some of the Colorado GOP campaigns better look at their donor rolls. The poster about driving under the influence of Marijuana should look at the studies not their preconceived notion. I don't think the big market for the coke is the poor in Greeley. I would look at Bidgood's rich neighbors that look tired and upset this week.
July 1, 2008
12:58 p.m.
Suggest removal
vudumom writes:
American100, Is there a fee to hear Terry Anderson speak? I like this guy, and I have to take my daughter to acting lessons at Northglenn. I can save gas and have something to do while I'm waiting for her.
July 1, 2008
1:13 p.m.
Suggest removal
redwhiteandBLUE writes:
Yeah Tori,
And don't let the door hit you where...
July 1, 2008
1:22 p.m.
Suggest removal
redwhiteandBLUE writes:
Medina88
You are right in your comment..but you know the big source of all the drugs have always been from Mexico. Huge, huge amounts, and the American citizens doing the little drug dealing get all the prison time, our prisons are overflowing.
Anyway..a little or alot its all the same..guilty. The Mexican drug dealers are the ones prospering, till they get caught.
July 1, 2008
1:28 p.m.
Suggest removal
Cowboy63 writes:
Public Service Announcement:
JMac writes: "all I see is a multi million dollar business that was being ran by a bright young entrepreneur"
(this is your mind on Crack)
July 1, 2008
1:41 p.m.
Suggest removal
FlyfishDude52 writes:
Just browsed for a while and am unable to find statistics, much less mention, illegal immigration in the 19th century.
JMac - Where did you get your information? I'd like to know. Along with others in this string.
July 1, 2008
1:50 p.m.
Suggest removal
American100 writes:
Yes the CAIRCO meetings are free and informative.
July 1, 2008
1:54 p.m.
Suggest removal
RockyTalk writes:
Thanks Steel
July 1, 2008
2:07 p.m.
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Marshdale writes:
This is bigger than the DEA and local law enforcement are telling us. Drug dealing like this goes to the top of the political chain in Mexico and corrupt officials in both countries. They don't call it a cartel for nothing. A lot of these drug profits are used to buy so called illegal weapons for a political cause in other countries. Often times the US agencies will turn a blind eye to this because these weapons will be used for a cause that supports secret agendas that bennefit US interests in a foriegn country. Often times these illegal weapons are provided at the request of some covert opperation and drug money is used to do it because it stays off of the books that way. Most of these people who were busted are realy actualy small time. I would venture to guess that the million dollar homes some of these people were living in are not even owned by them. Just my opinion. Could be wrong, but this blood money runs deep I'm sure.
July 1, 2008
2:10 p.m.
Suggest removal
FlyfishDude52 writes:
Just like a typical brit (I've known & worked with a few). They still think of us as the colonies. Glad you're gone Tori. I wouldn't want you infecting our children with the "british" attitude.
July 1, 2008
2:11 p.m.
Suggest removal
YourMom writes:
I love illegal immigrants. They rock.
July 1, 2008
2:12 p.m.
Suggest removal
American100 writes:
For those of you who think American cops are so bad and American laws are so absurd:
The headline is "Police 'torture' videos cause uproar in Mexico"
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25479839/
July 1, 2008
2:13 p.m.
Suggest removal
RickyLee writes:
WOW
Pressed for data(facts)....JMac disappears!!!!
Big suprise there...
July 1, 2008
2:16 p.m.
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FlyfishDude52 writes:
Amazing, isn't it RickyLee?
July 1, 2008
2:24 p.m.
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Marshdale writes:
Point being that, this is bigger than some debate on illegal imigration.
July 1, 2008
2:31 p.m.
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FlyfishDude52 writes:
Marshdale - I think not, that this is bigger than the illegal immigration issue. Unquestionably this is a huge drug bust that involves US citizens and others. It is a mere shadow of the immigration issue. Obviously, the cocaine is not being consumed by the destitute, rather by the middle & upper calsses to consume this much $ value of the stuff. Back to supply & demand. How does it get fixed? If there's no demand there will be little in the way of illicit drugs being peddled.
July 1, 2008
2:41 p.m.
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Marshdale writes:
Flyfish. Do you honestly think stopping illegal immigration will stop drugs from comming into this country? It only creates an even bigger black underground market. Did prohibition stop people from drinking. I think not. Or, am I missing your point?
July 1, 2008
3:45 p.m.
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PAMB writes:
The talk about illegal immigration seems to stem from paranoia to racism to genuine concern about our country. I want to know how many of you here who complain, are willing to go work out on a very hot field 8 to 12 hours a day with subpar wages and with no benefits? Now be very honest to yourself when answering ...because I for one wouldn't.
July 1, 2008
3:48 p.m.
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YourMom writes:
YIOTA:
Do you suggest kicking the illegals out immediately or some sort of amnesty for illegal immigrants already here?
July 1, 2008
3:50 p.m.
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steel writes:
PAMB writes: "The talk about illegal immigration seems to stem from paranoia to racism to genuine concern about our country. I want to know how many of you here who complain, are willing to go work out on a very hot field 8 to 12 hours a day with subpar wages and with no benefits? Now be very honest to yourself when answering ...because I for one wouldn't."
Would we have to relieve ourselves in the fields like they do, too?
July 1, 2008
3:57 p.m.
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PAMB writes:
YourMom...I think it will be impossible to kick out illegal immigrants immediately. That would have too much of a negative impact on our economy. I don't feel ammnesty is the answer either, our governmaent needs to work not only with the mexican governmant but as well with El Salvador, Nicaragua and other latin countries to find ways to boost their economies. That's one reason why many immigrants come to this country because the economy is much better here. It has to be an international solution, that's what I think.
July 1, 2008
3:57 p.m.
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Right2U writes:
Take a look around at all the Mexican's in our state, looks like Mexico in the US they get goverment jobs and duplicate SSN#, Birth CERT. and can not speek English yet they let them cross over every day by the truckload. We can not even protect our homeland from these people! Send our TROOPS Home already! 2 last names are people from Mexico!!
July 1, 2008
3:58 p.m.
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shorty2987 writes:
What a bunch of racist, and stereotypical people you are, not all illegals are criminals, and anyways if it wasn't for these illegals you wouldnt be driving on the highways that you drive on today, and you wouldn 't be eating fresh produce either because everyone else is too lazy to do it. I would like to know of one "American" that does everything an illegal does and yes I admit that some are criminals but it's not like "Americans" dont to it either.
July 1, 2008
4:01 p.m.
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RickyLee writes:
PAMB. Point taken. But I'm for LEGAL migrant workers as opposed to
ILLEGAL ALIENS. Is that confusing? I don't believe for one minute that the economy will be ruined if we control the borders and enforce immigration limits.
YourMom. Any ILLEGAL ALIEN felon should be kicked out immediately.
We have enough criminals that are citizens without adding to the criminal pool by allowing ILLEGAL ALIEN criminals to stay.
The rest can probably stay as they make their way through the process, from the BACK OF THE LINE.
OR...we could simply enforce the borders and immigration EXACLTY
as Mexico does. How's that grab ya?
July 1, 2008
4:03 p.m.
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PAMB writes:
Steel you have every right to relieve yourself in your own yard! ;)
July 1, 2008
4:05 p.m.
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RickyLee writes:
Shorty. Just recently there was a news story about how American
teens are having a hard time finding jobs. I wonder why?
BTW, I swept floors, bussed tables, and cleaned toilets when I was
younger, and I'm as American as it gets.
How do you feel about enforcing the borders and immigration EXACLY
as Mexico does? Would that be...'racist, and stereotypical'?...
How?
July 1, 2008
4:07 p.m.
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PAMB writes:
I disagree Ricky...As I asked, how many of use would actually go out there and work in those conditions. Would you do it Ricky?
July 1, 2008
4:08 p.m.
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RickyLee writes:
Still waiting for JMac to produce some data on his claims. I say he can't because, of course, it's a LIE!!!!
July 1, 2008
4:10 p.m.
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RickyLee writes:
So, you're saying the U.S. NEEDS illegal aliens?!?
If the economy so depends on them, why is it in the tank right now, with 12-20 million ILLEGAL ALIENS here?
July 1, 2008
4:11 p.m.
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RickyLee writes:
PAMB, care to address this legitimate question?
How do you feel about enforcing the borders and immigration EXACLY
as Mexico does?
July 1, 2008
4:13 p.m.
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PAMB writes:
And I did those same things you did when I was a kid, Ricky. But as an adult, would you give up your job and do what they do? I know for one...I wouldn't. If our country decides to enforce the border and immigration because we feel as a people we are being over taken by immigrants then lets do it. But whatever happens from it...lets not complain if life gets more expensive.
July 1, 2008
4:14 p.m.
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PAMB writes:
Patience Ricky...patience. Not everyone is quick on the trigger ;)
July 1, 2008
4:18 p.m.
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YourMom writes:
RickyLee: As PAMB has said kicking out illegals immediately would KILL the economy. As sad as that sounds, it's the truth.
The only was you can solve this solution is with an amnesty plan and a secure, troop patrolled border going forward. You might kick all the illegals out now as you described, but they will be back before you can run to Del Taco.
Isn't it better to solve a problem through compromise rather than short-sighted solutions?
July 1, 2008
4:20 p.m.
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PAMB writes:
The economy is hurting because of the choices this country has made, from the housing industry collaspe to the war in two countries(wars are expensive no matter what decade we live in) to credit card companies about to do the same thing as the housing industry has done. And yes it will have more of a negative impact on our strainful economy if we get rid of the illegal immigrants.
July 1, 2008
4:24 p.m.
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LuckyMe writes:
RickyLee,
I saw a similar news story. Only it was about an average middle income (white) american family in Michigan. The dad was having to get a paper routes and the like. Taking the younger generations jobs because his was being shipped over seas. The other (white) family was having to flip burgers because of their plant shutting down. Seems like jobs are in short supply because of various reasons, not just illegals..... BTW, I'm not an illegal apologist. I just see things from a bigger piture on this particular issue.
July 1, 2008
4:25 p.m.
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RickyLee writes:
Please show where I said this....'You might kick all the illegals out now as you described...'
WHere did I say that? Got a problem with ENGLISH?!?
I said the FELONS, smarties! Are you telling me if we get rid of the CRIMINAL FELON ILLEGAL ALIENS the economy will be worse?
Pull you head out, PLEASE!
ANSWER THIS QUESTION YOU'RE AVOIDING:
Why not enforce the borders and immigration EXACTLY as Mexico does?
July 1, 2008
4:27 p.m.
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shorty2987 writes:
Well ricky I understand that you might have been working doing that when you were younger and i am pressuming that you are an adult now and I am wondering do you still do it? I bet the answer is no and that is because you now have better opportunities. Illegals dont, they dont have the opportunities that you do and yes I understand it's not their country, but dont you agree that they have helped out this country a lot?
July 1, 2008
4:27 p.m.
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RickyLee writes:
Lucky me, you've got a point. But it's quite the LIE, all this crap about jobs "Americans won't do", because I've done them, and there's American kids looking for jobs and not finding them.
July 1, 2008
4:28 p.m.
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PAMB writes:
And if u read carefully ...you would know I have nothing against if we enforce borders and immigration like Mexico ;) It's you who needs to read more carefully ;)
July 1, 2008
4:31 p.m.
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shorty2987 writes:
Have you ever thought that not everyone is like you? Hello times change kids now a days are not like the ones back in the day. Think about it.
July 1, 2008
4:33 p.m.
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PAMB writes:
Kids will do most of the basic jobs like cleaning, working fast food restaurants, movie theaters...but how many of them will actually choose to work in the agriculture area...I don't think many would. So Rick are saying you went out to pick up lettuce,tomato and other produce in the on fields? You have to remember as well Rick...it's big corporations that are hiring illegal immigrants...dont take out your frustration and anger on the illegal immigrants, take out on the AMERICAN companies.
July 1, 2008
4:33 p.m.
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RickyLee writes:
OK, PAMB, where did you say that? Show me and I'll digress.
shorty says:'...they dont have the opportunities that you do...'
So, that obligates the U.S. to allow them in? There's something like a BILLION people in the world living below the poverty level.
Sure, let's let them ALL in and make America a third world country overnight. Grreat idea!
If that's not your idea, then where do we draw the line? We start
with border enforcement and a LIMIT on how many LEGAL immigrants
are allowed in. Am I right, or am I correct?
July 1, 2008
4:34 p.m.
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YourMom writes:
RickyLee: You said: "Any ILLEGAL ALIEN felon should be kicked out immediately.
We have enough criminals that are citizens without adding to the criminal pool by allowing ILLEGAL ALIEN criminals to stay."
So illegally being in this country is okay as long as they're not a felon? I see. But they can still be here ILLEGALLY if they only have some misdemeanors floating around? And if they get arrested for any crime, correct me if I am wrong, but wouldn't they be deported?
A crime is a crime, but as long as there are no felons then RickyLee is cool with it!
July 1, 2008
4:35 p.m.
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Squatch writes:
Kids feel they are above flipping burgers & mowing lawns they would rather work 8 hours a week at the mall. Teenagers dont want the hours or resposiblity of working at mcdonalds, burger king or their own business like mowing lawns.
July 1, 2008
4:36 p.m.
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YourMom writes:
In addition RickyLee: since when don't felons work? I don't understand your logic.
You must think all felons sit around and watch Jerry Springer and smoke pot.
July 1, 2008
4:36 p.m.
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RickyLee writes:
Point well taken PAMB.
I've said many, many times here:
It's time for a citizen's iniative to FINE HEAVILY and JAIL repeat
employers if ILLEGAL ALIENS.
And, I've read carefully, and I don't see where, before your 4:28 post, that you agree we should do as Mexico does. Once again, show me and I'll digress.
July 1, 2008
4:38 p.m.
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LuckyMe writes:
RickyLee,
Tell me, how is this a lie? What evidence do you have to back that up with? Because the news story and subsequent stories sound pretty legitimate to me. Most of the families that were interviewed had college degrees, or had been on the job for 20+ years. Surely all of America's problems (employment, drugs, etc.) can't be soley the responsibility of the illegals. That would be delusional of me if I thought that way. I am quite curious if you could please show me some evidence. In case you are wondering, I am not being sarcastic, merely intrigued. Thank you.
July 1, 2008
4:39 p.m.
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RickyLee writes:
OK, smartie, DEPORT ANY ALIEN WHO COMMITS A CRIME.
How's that? MEXICO DOES!!!! After a lengthy prison stay.
July 1, 2008
4:40 p.m.
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PAMB writes:
Pamb :
If our country decides to enforce the border and immigration because we feel as a people we are being over taken by immigrants then lets do it. But whatever happens from it...lets not complain if life gets more expensive.
I think Ricky you are letting your emotions get the best of you, think with your Brain and relax. Read it again and you will see I have nothing against it.
July 1, 2008
4:42 p.m.
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RickyLee writes:
'...Surely all of America's problems (employment, drugs, etc.) can't be soley the responsibility of the illegals....'
I agree completely. mommy seems to want to let them stay, though, because "they're just trying to feed their families".
Yeah, right.
July 1, 2008
4:44 p.m.
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RickyLee writes:
It says nothing about doing it EXACTLY as Mexico does. No digressing here.
I'm fine with life being more expensive.
July 1, 2008
4:46 p.m.
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RickyLee writes:
'...Tell me, how is this a lie? What evidence do you have to back that up with?...'
I'm living proof of it. If it were true, then I'd never have done those jobs, thus, it's a lie.
July 1, 2008
4:47 p.m.
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PAMB writes:
Then I guess u don't know how to read Ricky, the more I read your commments...the more I feel like i'm talking to a teenager. lol Sorry dude...but you really don't come across as somebody I can have an intelligent debate with ...lol
July 1, 2008
4:49 p.m.
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YourMom writes:
"I agree completely. mommy seems to want to let them stay, though, because "they're just trying to feed their families".
I'm not sure if this line was directed at me? In order to understand the ramifications of deporting even illegal felons you would need to have a grasp of basic economics.
Are you prepared to be taxed to ship all the illegal felons to camps to be processed and housed until deportation is complete? What about money for the trip back to Mexico? What about the repercussions of lost productivity from their jobs because someone can't or won't step in to take over the illegals felon's job?
Would you cry about the increased tax burden at that point?
July 1, 2008
4:50 p.m.
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PAMB writes:
Don't even try YourMom...he is to over zealous and emotional. When someone is like that, they can not see the BIG PICTURE.
July 1, 2008
4:53 p.m.
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portal_pyramids writes:
Legalize it all and eliminate the black market. No? Of course not the war on drugs is a very profitable business here in the U.S. of A. And undoubtedly there are many wagging their fingers here that are using the very same coke on the weekends pretending to be better than everyone else. Don't be casting stones from a glass house.
July 1, 2008
4:53 p.m.
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Frontranger writes:
The only way to ever stop illegal immigration is to help create a better mexico. Until mexico can offer its citizens a better future they will continue to seek it out here in the US. Same with most latin american countries.
On a side note, up until about 1846 the majority of the Western US was actually Northen Mexico.
July 1, 2008
5:36 p.m.
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American100 writes:
Speak for your own kids Squatch.
My teenaged kids are not above flipping burgers or cleaning the john after the restaurant they work at closes.
They do yard work and snow removal for our elderly neighbors and both have save money so they could buy their own cars.
July 1, 2008
6:25 p.m.
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jacka writes:
Sanctuary City - open for international business
July 1, 2008
7:04 p.m.
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hogarm writes:
Were they forcing people to take drugs?
Oh, they were just satisfying a market need?
So now we have to add them to Colorado's overcrowded prison system.
Why don't the cops take their limited budget and go chase a terrorist or something.
July 1, 2008
8:57 p.m.
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snow writes:
They should sever these Mexicans heads and impale them on poles at all the highway entrances to Colorado!
July 1, 2008
9:03 p.m.
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redwhiteandBLUE writes:
Illegals have always worked the fields ..keep them there! And no..Americans are not used to hot sun..getting sun baked faces! We're
used to air condition..if we want hot we'll go on vacation to a hot state or country. They are used to hot heat and working for 8-12 hrs,in Mexico or Guatemala, or Honduras, or where ever they are from.
Groceries and everything else is already expensive..and no ones been deported! WTF!! America never needed 30 million +.
July 1, 2008
9:52 p.m.
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Houstongolfnut writes:
Hey lighten up! These guys are just trying to make some money so they can take care of their families. Doing the drug deals that Americans won't do.
July 1, 2008
10:16 p.m.
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garciasrus writes:
It would appear that we have all missed the main issue here, drugs are a cancer that effect every ethnic group and cultuer all over the globe. I would like to give my thanks to the cops for all their hard work at this operation and taking these guys out GOD BLESS YOU. I am born and raised American, however I dont have to lose my cultural identity. All the illeagal comments sounds to me like paranoia just remember "that paranoia will destroy ya"
July 2, 2008
1:45 a.m.
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redwhiteandBLUE writes:
Steel @12:20
Are you telling Tori to self deport ? lol
July 2, 2008
6:27 a.m.
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RickyLee writes:
'...Then I guess u don't know how to read Ricky...'
It's you, PMAB, who are trying claim you've said one thing when you really did NOT.
It's just like the fed. gov. when they claim they have provisions for border enforcement, when they really do not intend to do anything. Are you a wannabe politician?
You never agreed to Mexico-like border enforcement before your
4:28 post, but you claim you did. That's a lie verifiable right here on this thread.
Tell us, when you lie about something so easily found out as that, how can we lend credence to anything else you say?
July 2, 2008
9:51 a.m.
Suggest removal
therealvoiceofreason writes:
Here is what is amazing to me....The cops gripe about operating on a "shoestring" for a budget, yet they knew about this ring on Super Bowl Sunday and did not do anything about it until then. I am constantly dumbfounded that law enforcement, who are sworn to uphold the law, let criminals and addicts buy and sell drugs for months, rather than make an arrest the first time the crime is committed. So for over 5 months, law enforcement has continued to allow drugs to be sold, new addicts to be hooked, and only God knows how many lives to be ruined. And all for headlines like today's.
Can you imagine of the State Highway Patrol caught you speeding, but wanted to make a more "airtight" case and began spending time and money for 5 months to follow you around? And since you are a speeder, what about your family and friends? What if they investigated rapists or predators in this way? Rather than nab them after the first one, we "watch them" while they commit more and more crimes. It is easy to see the absurdity, waste, and danger in this policy.
They just spent, according to the article, millions of dollars buying cocaine and they complain about budget? Let's start nipping this thing in the bud (as we learned from Barney Fife), because no matter how high up the "ladder" we go in these organizations, as long as their is demand, there will be supply, and it will be filled.
I pity the families who have children who were continued to be served cocaine from this ring while we were "investigating" crimes that law enforcement knew were happening.
Quit playing "cops and robbers" gentlemen, and start busting folks in the Red Robin on Super Bowl Saturday, not right before the 4th of July.
July 6, 2008
12:59 a.m.
Suggest removal
JimmyTheSaint writes:
RicketyLee--only you could take an issue about cocaine busts and turn it into a rant about immigration.
You and "One-Note" Tom Tancredo. Get a clue.