[Jeff Head]

Sutton applied the firearms provision to a condition it should never have been applied to. These were border agents who carried firearms as a part of their job. It wasn't as if though they wnet and got a firearm to specifically commit a crime, which is what that provision covers for criminals.

The drug smuggler evaded and resisted arrest. When one agent saw the other fall in the conforntation, he opened fire at the fleeing drug smuggler.

These men stopped a drug smuggler who was actively bringing drugs into this country as an illegal. The did not know they had hit the man at the time, so they did not report it (which was a mistake) and then proceeded with that story (another mistake).

For those mistakes there should have been administrative punishment...but not criminal prosecution IMHO.

Sutton wanted to make an abject example of these men and he did so. But they did not deserve on tenth or one one hundredth of what they got from a politically charged prosecutor and environment.

I am grateful they will be free in March and hope and pray they achieve a successful appeal of their convictions and the harm that has been done their careers, reputations and families.

But I will never forget the way they were treated. It was and is a travestuy and a very shameful thing. I am glad Bush finally commuted their sentence...I wish there had been a full pardon. At least now they will be free to pursue their appeal...and I believe if they get together and write a good book about their experiences, they will be able to provide for themselves and their families in any case.

It's a story that should be told...it's a story that needs to be told from their perspective.

[American_Centurion]

did not report it (which was a mistake) and then proceeded with that story (another mistake).... For those mistakes there should have been administrative punishment...but not criminal prosecution

I disagree, criminal prosecution should be in line for ANY LEO who covers their mistakes by lying, especially when the "mistake" involves shooting someone. If they can get away with it when it's an illegal drug smuggler, they'll get away with it when it's a US citizen regardless of criminality.

I don't think they should've gotten prison, that's nearly a death sentance. But they shouldn't be allowed to be LEO's any longer.

[righteousindignation]

I couldn’t be more grateful for your post and am praising the Lord that folks like you really understand what this is all about!!!

[Hawthorn]

>> I wish there had been a full pardon. <<

It’s my understanding that Ramos and Compean didn’t really want a pardon, since accepting a pardon is sorta like an admission of guilt. Moreover, a pardon would have ended their chances for an appeal.

So what they apparently wanted (and still want) is an opportunity to follow thru on their appeal and thereby establish their innocence.

[a fool in paradise]

It wasn't as if though they wnet and got a firearm to specifically commit a crime

You must've missed it when the Justice Department claimed that these Hispanic men said "I'm gonna go shoot me some Mexicans today".

THAT was the case that was made against these men by our own crooked government. Johnny Sutton engaged in Nifongism.

Nifong got brought up on charged afterwards. I would like to see Johnny Sutton charged for his own prosecutorial abuse. Lies of omission are lies as well. "you promise to tell the truth, the WHOLE truth, and nothing but the truth".

[muawiyah]

When they write their book someone should make sure their "ghost" checks out Free Republic threads. I think we've prepared some of the most innovative motives for Sutton ~ and you just know he's not going to sit still for any indepth interviews with the "ghost".

His life is ruined.