[Charles Martel]

...There were many old timers working for the ATF who had their heads screwed on straight and who were pro-gun, pro-Second Amendment types. I have two friends, both retired from the ATF, who are fine fellows. One in particular dedicated a good part of his life to youth firearms safety training in the 4H. He was a man of the highest “caliber.” No doubt, there are still people working for the ATF who are reputable, but the agency’s whole mission and focus has been so turned against the citizens of the United States that I have little respect for what it’s now doing.

I'm sure that Butch is correct about the newer crop of agents suffering in contrast to some of the older guys, but the problem of "overly zealous" agents has actually plagued BATFE from its earliest days. The era of Prohibition, still-busting and Eliot Ness is long gone, boys. Quit trying to find "Public Enemy Number One" behind every gunshop sales counter.

[infowarrior]

Quit trying to find "Public Enemy Number One" behind every gunshop sales counter.

*THIS* is the real reason that batfe is the way it is. Illegal booze, and illegal smokes? Then you're dealing with *real* criminals, who are apt to shoot at you. Law abiding gun/gunshop owners, on the other hand, until recently have not. If the "brave and loyal" agents of the batfe aren't willing to go against moonshiners and mobsters, then its time to disband them...

the infowarrior

[InABunkerUnderSF]

Quit trying to find "Public Enemy Number One" behind every gunshop sales counter.

Remember, the first goal of every bureaucracy is self preservation. If they didn't hassle innocent civilians they would have t risk their lives going after real criminals.