A Glimmer of Hope for Agents Compean and Ramos...?

I've blogged repeatedly about the fates of decorated, veteran Border Patrol agents Jose Compean and Ignacio Ramos, each sentenced to more than a decade in prison for doing their jobs. The government contends they violated the "civil rights" of an illegal immigrant drug smuggler (as if such a thing even exists) by shooting him in an attempt to apprehend him. These men were also denied the opportunity to remain free on bail pending the disposition of their appeal by the trial judge...more than a little ironic in light of their combined almost 30 years of service to their country between them. Hundreds of thousands of citizens have signed petitions asking the President to pardon these men, as have more than 50 legislators. While the pardon may or may not yet happen, it at least appears that the President has heard the uproar. President Bush has at least promised to review the agents' case and consider a pardon. While I am not encouraged given this President's unfortunate and ill-conceived ties to and spinelessness in the face of Mexico, at least there is now some hope for these men. I pray that the President, who once seemed to have a pretty clear idea of what doing the right thing looks like, rediscovers what that means and sends these good men home to their families.

"The Border Patrol or law enforcement have no stronger supporter than me,' Bush said in an interview with an El Paso, Texas, TV station. 'There are standards that need to be met in law enforcement, and according to a jury of their peers, these officers violated some standards.'

The Daily Bulletin obtained a transcript of the interview from the White House.

'On this case, people need to take a hard look at the facts, at the evidence that the jury looked at, as well as a judge. And that's ... I will do the same thing,' Bush said."