Despite all the bad news available today there is a slice of good news on the horizon for two Texas families, who will see their sons, fathers and husbands return from a torturous ordeal at the hands of the federal government. The well known story of two border patrol agents who shot a drug dealer, has finally taken a turn for the better, with the final act of president Bush commuting their sentence.

   While some are disappointed with the lack of pardon, it may rightly be argued that they broke the law they were sworn to uphold and must suffer the consequences. What begs to be answered is why two border agents would feel threatened by the simple act of discharging their duties. What begs further question is the untenable atmosphere of indecent constraint which is foist upon so many law enforcement agents, to the point that they dare not enforce the laws they are sworn to uphold. They must deal with the severe challenge of criminal violence, while at the same time keep an eye on their own backs, lest they be cast under the bus by the politically correct maelstrom that seems to follow every criminal action which is met with forcible restraint by the law enforcement community.

   Particularly outrageous is the current atmosphere of cultural, federal, and international indifference to the immigration laws of the United States. With Mexico and other nations publishing guidelines, which instruct their citizens on the procedures for entering the US illegally, it is an affront to many Americans that needs to be addressed with determined action. Opposed to this transgression, is the seemingly endemic indifference to this national affront on the part of our own government.

   Enter agents Ramos and Compean. In the eyes of many Americans they represent men taking action to defend America against a serious threat. Their thanks from their country is to take their jobs, ruin their lives, and in a final act of cowardice, throw them in jail. In contrast to the two agents’ actions, many Americans see their treatment by their government as a metaphor of the cowardly, indifferent, and politically expedient attitude that has come to characterize so many leaders who would not take a stand if their political life depended on it.

   Hats off to Rep Culbertson, and the delegation from Texas, who pushed for these two men up until the very last minute, and finally achieved some measured results. Hats off to the military servicemen, border agents, local police, and every other solid law enforcement agent who must face his or her duty, all the while searching their rear for the knife aimed at their back by those who should be gauging their flanks.