[decimon]

Someone once suggested tha the ATF be dissolved and the agents moved into the FBI. The FBI stood up and said that they did not want the ATF agents because when you mix polluted water with good water, you get polluted water.

It's been said that there is a DEA because Hoover knew drug enforcement would corrupt his agents.

[ExSoldier]

Actually it was once suggested that the BATF be folded into the US Marshal's Service...and it was the Chief US Marshal who said: "Mix dirty water with clean water and what do you get? Answer: Dirty water"

I think the only reason the FBI wouldn't welcome them with open arms (after all they worked so well together at Waco) is the inherent snobbery of the FBI as being elite so that they once had to be either lawyers or accountants to be a special agent....whereas any old brutal cop with his own jack-boots can get into the ATF.