President Bush Feeling Heat Over Pardon!
By Dave Gibson (01/21/07)
Apparently, President Bush is feeling the pressure which dozens of Congressmen, many political commentators, and scores of citizens are applying in the fight to free wrongly convicted Border Patrol Agents Ramos and Compean. A few days ago, Bush announced in a televised interview that he is aware of the case and will now review the evidence (or lack thereof).
During the interview Bush said: "On this case, people need to take a hard look at the facts, at the evidence that the jury looked at, as well as the judge. And that's...I will do the same thing." The President went on to say: "There's a process for pardons. It's got to work its way through a system here in the government."
Contrary to Bush's statement, the only process to which a pardon is subject is simply the President signing his name. While Bush is either confused or simply lying about the 'pardon process,' his words represent the first time that he has publicly even acknowledged the case. It was obvious to anyone who watched the interview that our efforts on behalf of Agents Ramos and Compean are beginning to take a toll on the President.
More encouraging news came Friday from Monica Ramos, the agent's wife. Mrs. Ramos reported that White House staffers contacted her and announced that President Bush himself would soon be calling her.
Over 70 Congressmen have signed on to a bill sponsored by Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA), which calls for a full and unconditional pardon for the two agents. Currently, the online petition calling for a pardon offered by grassfire.org has received over 263,000 signatures. In addition, the White House has taken countless phone calls and emails demanding a pardon.
We all know that President Bush does not truly care about the fate of these, nor any other Border Patrol agents who aggressively pursue Mexican criminals invading this country. However, he may issue a pardon in this case simply to improve his abysmal poll numbers. The latest numbers (by Newsweek) showed the President's approval rating at an all-time low of 31 percent. The country has lost confidence in his abilities and if he does not restore some measure of his popularity, he risks becoming completely insignificant.
Our efforts are not only being felt by the White House, they are also bringing a much needed morale boost to the agents' families. Monica Ramos told a reporter for Canada's Daily Bulletin: "Right now I'm at peace because I know there are a lot of people fighting for us."
While we are now seeing signs of encouragement, we cannot relent. We must continue to pressure President Bush to issue a full pardon for Agents Ramos and Compean. Please contact your Congressmen and Senators to support the bill introduced by Rep. Duncan Hunter for a Congressional pardon.
Also, please continue to contact the White House and demand a pardon for Agents Ramos and Compean.
White House comment line...202-456-1111
White House fax...202-456-2461
White House Email...comments @whitehouse.gov
(Printer friendly version) Email: Dave Gibson
