In Wide Receiver the BATFE attempted to track the weapons and the effort proved unreliable. Hence, the program was discontinued.
You're correct. I meant the net result was the same, i.e. guns walked. I meant that after their experience with Wide Receiver, why would they expect anything different with Fast & Furious?
From what I understand, when some ATF agents protested they were overruled. My take on this monster is that the idea originated in the Department of State as a way to justify ratifying the Small Arms Treaty while simultaneously driving Mexico into chaos to force more future Democrats to immigrate. Holder simply ran with it while Napolitano had her people shut up and look the other way. That means the decision to go had to have been concluded in the White House.