Border agents should have been retried

In response to the article by Ruben Navarrette (Jan. 25), "Commutation was on Bush's terms," Navarrette's generosity in endorsing the commutation of Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean while condemning the supporters of these border agents falls into the category of pure spin.

The spin is to use this story, or as he calls it an "unfortunate tale" to condemn supporters of these agents. In making specific reference to anti-immigration activists and a shameful agenda excludes all those that would hail the notion that these border agents were doing their jobs.

The simple facts are that an illegal immigrant drug smuggler was shot after attempting to smuggle drugs across our southern border for a drug cartel. He assaulted an officer, resisted arrest, shots were fired, and yet the smuggler sprinted back across the border. This drug runner is now incarcerated for a separate smuggling offense and serving double-digit years in prison.

Given a proper trial (not accepting the testimony of the smuggler over that of sworn border agents) these agents would have been found to be acting in accordance with their job description.

There have been many citizens (not just activists) and legislative supporters (on both sides of the aisle) requesting a retrial for the last two years. The only thing to be shameful of is George Bush's refusal to allow a retrial, to illuminate proper testimonies, and not create a platform for zealous columnists to portray supporters as vigilantes.

In our world of "change," why not focus on seeking the truth rather than creating a spin and profiling specific organizations before all the facts are revealed.

Jerry Bromley

Schaumburg