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This is another instance of the corrupt Mexican patron system bleeding over into U.S. politics and law. The patron system is at the heart of what is disfunctional in Mexican politics, law enforcement and in its economy, and it is the reason so many of them come here. It drastically impedes efficient operations of both business and government because everything and everyone is for sale. The peons are not allowed to make decisions on their own. They must wait until told what to do by the patron. Carona was operating like a patron, and others were acting as HIS patron.

Carona, 52, was charged in October with illegally using his elected office by taking bribes of cash and gifts in exchange for favors. The federal indictment said he accepted $350,000, a Cartier watch, lavish vacations and tickets to big sporting events. In return, prosecutors said, he offered his well-heeled friends concealed weapons permits, badges and, in one case, a “get out of jail free” card that gave a campaign contributor unlimited access to the department’s resources.

People did illegal things under his orders. He did illegal things under the orders of someone else.

The patron protects the dependents, and provides jobs, favors, etc. Cross the patron, and you are screwed. This system is rife in Texas. It is basically a feudal arrangement and has no place in the United States under our Constitution.

From the quotation: "... he offered his well-heeled friends concealed weapons permits, ..."

We'll see later this year how I fare in my county. In part, I will be waiting due to the possibility of having a postive decision from the Supreme Court in Heller.