[dr_lew]

There always comes a point where you have to get the contraband back.

The news reports are saying this didn't happen. They're reporting numerous cases where the weapons sold have been used in crimes. I thought this was the whole thrust of the scandal.

[USNBandit]

That is the thrust of the whole scandal and that is my point. A normal operation tracks and then recovers the illegal stuff. This operation was based upon uncontrolled deliveries. This ATF operation is so far removed from the fundamentals of law enforcement that there is no excuse for what they have done.

The "this was a local operation" story doesn't fly either because if a local SAIC pulled this on his own he would be fired.