Posted on 11/28/2002 3:54:14 AM PST by madfly
Chris Halsne You're paying millions more than you should for a high-tech security system along the Washington-British Columbia border that doesn't work very well. Investigative Reporter Chris Halsne reveals what the federal government wants to keep a secret. We've discovered a series of computers and cameras that are supposed to stop terrorists, drug smugglers, and other illegals from entering the US malfunction on a regular basis. What we've uncovered has grabbed the attention of both Congress and the Department of Justice. In theory, the lenses aimed at a rural stretch of the U.S.-Canadian border, create an impenetrable shield. 32 cameras that see miles in the dark aren't suppose to miss any movement. However, an exclusive six-month KIRO Team 7 Investigation discovered massive deficiencies in the system. "It's a threat to national security if this information isn't made available," says Retired Border Patrol Chief Carey James. James says Remote Video Surveillance (or RVS) was a great idea in the beginning, but bureaucratic meddling from Washington, D.C. ruined its chances of succeeding. "I will have a little trouble sleeping at night and I think all of us should be a little worried," James says. We obtained documents, which reveal hundreds of specific daily breakdowns with RVS near Blaine. "All cameras: Controls not working 95 percent of the time." The system was suppose to be a $5 million pilot project, but it's already ballooned to $8 million, and counting. "We continually pour money into these systems and people are not held accountable or responsible." A 100 page report, filed deep inside INS headquarters in Washington DC, says it will take millions more tax money to fix equipment. KIRO Team 7 Investigators were denied the report under a new Homeland Security law. We were told release "would cause the government harm," even though camera failure rates are considered "sensitive, but unclassified papers." "We've requested a copy of this report that you've brought to our attention," says U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell. Cantwell has been a big supporter of funding more agents and more technology along Washington's border. "We need accountability by the INS and we need accountability by the individual contractor of the technology. We need to give the border agents the tools to do their job," Cantwell says. Our investigation discovered that the main contractor on the camera project is a company called International Microwave Corporation. The company's Vice President is the daughter of Texas Congressman Silvester Reyes. IMC recently received a $200 million no-bid contract from the Department of Justice to install security systems along all US borders. Congressman Reyes says he did not exert influence on behalf of his daughters company. |
Just as President Bush fought for and won the authority to hire, fire, promote, and demote federal employees as part of homeland security, he can close down, open up, rearrange, etc., military establishments. Yes, it'll take plenty of maneuvering.
Meanwhile, troops can be stationed on the borders, training, drilling, partying, and securing the borders.
Bush may be reluctant to do this for fear of alienating the hispanic vote.
It'll be another 'mistakes were made' and we've taken steps to ensure it never happens again, while they laugh all the way to the bank.
That's only partly true. Law enforcement has a lot of discretion on how to do their jobs. It's OUR job to create the environment for law enforcement to be encouraged to follow the will of the people.
Congressman Silvestre Reyes (note the spelling), a Democrat, is Chairman, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute.
Think he has a conflict of interest, or not?
Were do you suggest I move to? Indiana? LOL! We have relatives in Ohio and Georgia, and the places are crawling with them. I'll stick it out here thanks....
Oh, and I have been reading that over 85 percent of illegals now crashing our borders are headed everywhere, but California. I can show you more articles if you like. Only so many labor jobs here, and they be taken and the housing prices are so high, that welfare and other taxpayer handouts don't quite cut it.
The article below is an eye opener, and hopefully, the midwest will wake to this government sponsored lunacy.
Mexican Consulate Opens In Downtown Indianapolis. (Shop after shop, sign after sign in Spanish) WISHTV 8 11-2-02
Indianapolis
The Mexican Consulate in Indianapolis will be open for business Monday. It's an office that will serve a group of people that's growing rapidly in our city and state. Mayor Bart Peterson's office has worked for about two years with the Mexican government and the state of Indiana to get this consulate opened.
You don't have to look hard to see why the consulate is needed. Drive down Washington Street a few miles west of downtown, and you'll see the fruits of our Hispanic and Latino community's labor. Shop after shop, sign after sign in Spanish. There are now some 34,000 Latinos and Hispanics in Indianapolis, and 60% of them are Mexican.
"We have an education system that welcomes the immigrants and we like the way we are treated because we find that the American community is welcoming in general," said Roberto Curci, La Guia Magazine.
The city even has two publications geared toward this growing community. "The Voice of Indiana," a bilingual newspaper and "The Guide of Indianapolis," a magazine for Hispanics and Latinos. There's even a new Hispanic and Latino yellow pages.
Local businesses are forging ties with that community. Kroger just donated a van to the Hispanic Center of Indianapolis to thank them for translation help that the center has provided for the grocery chain.
"As we change and we are changing as a city, I think it was important for business to recognize that and we have recognized it," said Jeff Golc, Kroger.
The change will continue. Just ask the woman who helps run the grocery store on West Washington Street. New Hispanic and Latino customers come in for her authentic products all the time.
"Like once in a while there will be somebody new that comes. You know, like, "Oh, we just moved here and we came to see how it is." So yeah, we always get new people that come here," said Irasema Delgado, store manager.
The Mexican Consulate will serve three states: Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. It will serve as the Mexican government's primary link with those states on issues such as immigration, trade and economic development.
Shop after shop, sign after sign in Spanish. There are now some 34,000 Latinos and Hispanics in Indianapolis, and 60% of them are Mexican.
Welcome aboard Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.
This is getting pretty obvious, and their goal is certainly not raising the standard of living and education for they young and middle class. This much is inordinately clear!
Horse manure.
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