The so-called war on drugs is a colossal disaster...drugs continue to flow into the United States, American prisons are filled to the brim with people convicted of non violent drug offenses, drug addiction continues to destroy whole communities and families, and American taxpayers continue to pay billions upon billions for the army of agents hired to "fight" the drug war, for the room and board of tens of thousands incarcerated for drug crimes, and pay billions annually for medical treatment for drug addiction and the many medical conditions that result from it. DEA agents partying down in South America is just a side show compared to this colossal failure. It's time we treat drug abuse for what it is: a social, economic, psychological, and medical problem. I had a front row seat to this horror movie for 17 years working as an Assistant U.S. Attorney.
25
Wherever there is a new incarnation of Prohibition in any form there will be gangsters benefiting from a blackmarket in the substance or activity that has been made illegal and the bribing of enforcers with money or whatever else works to impair their functioning while turning the enforcers into some form of addicts themselves, whether the addiction is to money, sex, alcohol, drugs, or whatever. Most importantly, this scenario appears to come along with unjust, arbitrary laws and the concomitant need for the creation of a class of enforcers in the first place with the enforcers finding ways to personally benefit from the unjust situation. The enforcers are given Power Over people and substances and there seems to be a predictable result that this power will be abused, whether the issue under discussion is the failed drug war or the failed prison system with its brutal guards addicted to the violence they are supposed to be preventing or even local police systems turned from the ideal of helping people to the reality of hunting the local populace for some gain for someone in the system, such as filling for profit prison beds or filling local coffers with money from unjust fines or whatever. It starts with unjust and unexamined laws and policies.
15
To describe this as disturbing in a major understatement.
Sex for favors is usually hard to prove after the fact; unlike bribes made with payments of cash which usually leave money trails, the evidence can be evanescent.
And what is worse is the strong sense of deja vu. The same story has played out at multiple other Federal agencies, including the Secret Service and the Minerals Management Service.
To those who put complete faith in the government to do its job with unwavering vigor, honor, and reliability, there is a lesson here.
Of course, the private side is no better.
The only solution, which is a partial one at best, is to have people looking over each others shoulders as they carry out their jobs. The government needs inspectors general, private enterprise needs regulations, and we all need a vigilant and free press. Which itself must be overseen by other members of the news media.
And when deliberate and serious malfeasance is found, as it has been here, it must be prosecuted to the fullest extend of the law, with whatever penalties the law allows, in hopes of providing at least some element of deterrence.
Sex for favors is usually hard to prove after the fact; unlike bribes made with payments of cash which usually leave money trails, the evidence can be evanescent.
And what is worse is the strong sense of deja vu. The same story has played out at multiple other Federal agencies, including the Secret Service and the Minerals Management Service.
To those who put complete faith in the government to do its job with unwavering vigor, honor, and reliability, there is a lesson here.
Of course, the private side is no better.
The only solution, which is a partial one at best, is to have people looking over each others shoulders as they carry out their jobs. The government needs inspectors general, private enterprise needs regulations, and we all need a vigilant and free press. Which itself must be overseen by other members of the news media.
And when deliberate and serious malfeasance is found, as it has been here, it must be prosecuted to the fullest extend of the law, with whatever penalties the law allows, in hopes of providing at least some element of deterrence.
7
"Strong guidance" is not what these agents need. They don't have to be instructed to not fraternize with drug criminals or accept gifts from them. They need to be fired. Summarily. Immediately. Dismissed with prejudice. Prosecuted if possible. Anyone superior to those involved who infers with an investigation or turns a blind eye also needs to be gone. In positions where integrity is everything, a breach of integrity requires dismissal. This is the norm to be cultivated, and we cultivate it by action.
15
Tip of the iceberg
10
Again -- lets go back into the Way-back Machine.
You have got to be kidding holding Federal agents to some moral standard when you do not hold the President of the United States to the same standard. Where was this outrage when Clinton did what he did with Monica. This is hypocritical. At least it did not happen in the Oval Office.
I say they are covered under the Clinton Rule and this is a non event.
You have got to be kidding holding Federal agents to some moral standard when you do not hold the President of the United States to the same standard. Where was this outrage when Clinton did what he did with Monica. This is hypocritical. At least it did not happen in the Oval Office.
I say they are covered under the Clinton Rule and this is a non event.
4
Where was the outrage over Clinton? Are you kidding me? The guy was impeached, remember? It was headline news for only about a year.
16
Suspended? Why do they still have jobs at all?
15
The answer has been clear for a long time- stop, cease, abandon the ridiculous war-on-drugs. Start by re-categorizing pot, decriminalize it federally, and legalize (tax) it per the wishes of the various states.
As for Feds Gone Wild - Fire 'Em!
As for Feds Gone Wild - Fire 'Em!
18
Apparently the US is unable to reverse failed policy because it piles up too many atrocities to admit the error.
8
Not only end the war on drugs, but get rid of the DEA entirely.
6
The ugly American abroad apparently isn't limited to the loud and Hawaiian shirt dressed tourist walking around in Tevas taking photos of themselves with selfie sticks....
7
If you ever needed any more of reason to cease the war on drugs then this is it !
5
It was so obvious to me and other members of a touring NGO in the Chapare coca region of Bolivia maybe 25 yrs. ago that the DEA agents were creeps and more part of the problem than any kind of solution. That´s why the DEA doesn´t trot them out publicly, they are unseemly criminal types.
12
But what happens when the Hanky Panky is internal. Even less, look at the General Pretraeus scandal. How did this ever get into the open and then what were the consequences. The usual friends and family rule, not objective law, that is why lawyers are the masters of the universe. "There is nothing in the union contract that two and two are four". As I was told by an "anointed" shop steward. And you wonder what is really going on that the media is not saying. No wonder there is an problem in the Middle East. Look here, not there, as I heard one analyst testify in front of a congressional investigative committee on YouTube
3
"... at parties paid for by local drug cartels." How can the DEA justify not firing any agent attending a party paid for by the very people they're supposed to be monitoring? Beyond belief.
18
I bet those agents don't want the wife and kiddies back home to see these antics sponsored by their hosts.
3
"Drug Enforcement Administration agents stationed in Colombia regularly cavort with prostitutes at parties paid for by local drug cartels. In a few instances, cash and expensive gifts appear to change hands. A local officer is kind enough to keep an eye on the agents’ guns and property while the agents are busy with the girls."
Our law enforcement agents "cavort" with known prostitutes, and these parties are paid for, by the drug cartel money.
And no one is arrested, or prosecuted ??
No wonder our law enforcement agencies can do whatever they want, whenever they wish, here in the United States with complete immunity.
Even the Times fails to insist on prosecution; have we all lost every single bit of common sense.
So embarrassing to know the rest of the world is watching our rapid decline.
Our law enforcement agents "cavort" with known prostitutes, and these parties are paid for, by the drug cartel money.
And no one is arrested, or prosecuted ??
No wonder our law enforcement agencies can do whatever they want, whenever they wish, here in the United States with complete immunity.
Even the Times fails to insist on prosecution; have we all lost every single bit of common sense.
So embarrassing to know the rest of the world is watching our rapid decline.
14
It gives new meaning to the term "Going undercover."
11
This is part of the sexist behavior and attitude found everywhere in the federal government and the military. No wonder the numbers of sexual assaults are so appalling.
7
If I understand this right, people in the United States in massive numbers are going to jail for using small quantities of drugs. Many lives are ruined as families are separated, or people become unemployable with a prison record.
At the same time, we have an agency whose employees enjoy the benefits of the profits from this drug trade.
These same employees who are profiting from it, and are not fulfilling the job requirements receive nary a punishment and the whole episode is whitewashed.
So, this is how you win a war. Maybe we should adopt Nixon's peace with honor, say we won the war on drugs, and then make drugs legal.
At the same time, we have an agency whose employees enjoy the benefits of the profits from this drug trade.
These same employees who are profiting from it, and are not fulfilling the job requirements receive nary a punishment and the whole episode is whitewashed.
So, this is how you win a war. Maybe we should adopt Nixon's peace with honor, say we won the war on drugs, and then make drugs legal.
17
Sexual misconduct while away, far away from prying eyes, is all too common, as it elicits our macho most primeval raw instincts of control and, of course, sexual satisfaction, an appetite unattached to emotional bonds or commitments beyond the fleeting moment of sheer pleasure. The fact that one happens to be 'on call', on duty, does seem to be an afterthought, an inconvenience of sorts, 'luckily' covered by a comrade-in-arms. The mafia, government or corporate interests, take advantage of corruptible guys ((and I defy anybody claiming to be immune), where money is no object; these 'officials' are easy prey to look the other way while business-as-usual goes on. Years ago, a pretty spy for Russia occasioned the fall of a high- ranking English official, as secrets were revealed while a sexual transaction was ongoing. Sounds familiar? Of note, most of these episodes go unreported and immunity is the rule. While this time the culprits belong to the ranks of the F.B.I. and D.E.A., it has occurred at the highest levels of government as well, if you are willing to go back to the 60's or 90's, just a few years back. As long as there is human interaction, we shall see, with unsatisfying regularity, our emotions dictate a course of action, then use our reason to justify it.
7
What a bunch of hogwash! "boys will be boys ". It is one of those useless sayings that has acquired a sacrosanct meaning through endless repetition and tacit endorsement. Let's call it what it is, derilectation of duty, disloyalty and damaging behavior. If these agents have the time to frolic, it means they have nothing else to do, are irrelevant and should be fired. The department of homeland security has become so huge and so cumbersome it is starting to have the reverse effect. Insecurity .
20
Section 10 CFR 710 et. al. outlines the standards of behavior for individuals in sensitive positions to hold security clearance. Most agencies have internal rules based on this regulation. When misbehavior comes to the attention of the manager under 10 CFR 710, the manger is supposed to quickly remove the offending individual's access to classified information, which in the case of the Secret Service would be a schedule of Presidential visit, drug enforcement investigation sources and methods for the DEA, and similar investigation details for the FBI.
Is it always done? No, its not. Some managers, no, I'd say most managers based on my personal experience, do not act in accordance with the law unless the managers' own personal attitudes, values, and belief systems influence their decision to act in accordance with the law. This is especially true throughout the military services, and perpetuated throughout the other federal departments and agencies by retired military personnel employed in civilian positions. Otherwise, its a boys will be boys world.
Is it always done? No, its not. Some managers, no, I'd say most managers based on my personal experience, do not act in accordance with the law unless the managers' own personal attitudes, values, and belief systems influence their decision to act in accordance with the law. This is especially true throughout the military services, and perpetuated throughout the other federal departments and agencies by retired military personnel employed in civilian positions. Otherwise, its a boys will be boys world.
26
Get a clue people, these kinds of organizations have their own culture and it is self perpetuating via who gets hired, cowboys, frat boys, and little boys. Who could resist an opportunity to ride around armed to the teeth in black SUVs, and you get to push people around with impunity. Totally above the law, even murder goes unpunished.
19
Michael S writes that the War on Drugs has corrupted our society. There is lots of evidence to support his statement. The next step, is to end the failed War on Drugs, by decriminalizing and legalizing all the addictive drugs, while regulating and taxing their commerce, and offering Norwegian Prison System style benefits for recovery to all drug addicts. Before this grand solution, or panacea occurs, perhaps our security agents should take their sex partners abroad, so they don't have the temptation of using foreign prostitutes, who might be foreign agents.
9
I just can't imagine why so many South American countries are trying to break free from Washington's domination.
10
Why do these supposedly adult men, many married with children, treat every trip abroad as a spring break opportunity?
This agency obviously recruits from the same fraternity.
Alcohol should be forbidden during all work assignments. Wheels up or down.
Hire more women, (Sikhs, Mormons?), or anyone but these obnoxious, overgrown teenagers with keys to the liquor cabinet and car.
Embarrassing and potentially lethal. Get rid of all of them.
This agency obviously recruits from the same fraternity.
Alcohol should be forbidden during all work assignments. Wheels up or down.
Hire more women, (Sikhs, Mormons?), or anyone but these obnoxious, overgrown teenagers with keys to the liquor cabinet and car.
Embarrassing and potentially lethal. Get rid of all of them.
13
This article just clarifies the meaning of undercover work
5
Wow for a second I actually thought the NYT was taking on the idiocy of the Federal Reserve with their headline...Feds Gone Wild.....
Nah, not a chance. Just more wasted ink.
Nah, not a chance. Just more wasted ink.
1
The US really is incapable of identifing the origination nodes of its own worst problems.
2
Our war on drugs is basically an extension of our war on alcohol earlier in our history. The same shenanigans happened then as happen now due to the corruption caused by the money available through the sale of the very substances we seek to control. That and our insatiable desire for these substances. At the bottom is a hole an emptiness in people's lives we seek to fill with these substances. Some turn to religions that try to tell others what to do while having their own hidden problems with emptiness and economic deterioration. Others turn to power its own aphrodisiac which holds down the less powerful and ends ups up sponsoring the use of these very drugs. A vicious circle centered on our own lowest natures There are many who are not caught in this cycle and live conscious valuable lives, but rarely enter the halls of power which have their own corrupting influence. Perhaps the meek will inherit the earth, but I sincerely doubt it.
9
Well, crime pays. Why shouldn't misconduct?
2
I don't understand. Why should men be men? What's going on and who doesn't get it?
1
Why is any of this considered "news"? Police agents and agencies in the US have always been run this way, since at least the time of prohibition.
The major difference now is that we export our naive and often "gung- ho" agents to other countries where they immediately make fools of themselves, proving to non Americans how stupid, irresponsible and ignorant,(as well as criminally vicious) we are. We celebrate the arrest of the leader of a so called "cartel", but newspaper or media writers never bothe to point out that arresting the chief executive of a large corporation-illegal or not-is not likely to affect it's business practices . The existance of such organizations is based upon the ability to replace any one individual immediately with someone else, so business never suffers.
US police and political policies concerning the growth , manufacture and distribution of drugs , is based on vast ignorance and a religious model of morality and sin, rather than any idea of what ":is possible" , regardless of what "may" be possible. Faced with the unalterable facts of human nature and economics, some agents may rail against the "unfairness" of a system that doesn't allow American prestige,money and power to brush aside such minor points and others , just as foolish, become hardened to reality and are easy marks for bribery, conspiracies and all kinds of behavior they would never consider inside the USA. These agencies and laws are a total waste.
The major difference now is that we export our naive and often "gung- ho" agents to other countries where they immediately make fools of themselves, proving to non Americans how stupid, irresponsible and ignorant,(as well as criminally vicious) we are. We celebrate the arrest of the leader of a so called "cartel", but newspaper or media writers never bothe to point out that arresting the chief executive of a large corporation-illegal or not-is not likely to affect it's business practices . The existance of such organizations is based upon the ability to replace any one individual immediately with someone else, so business never suffers.
US police and political policies concerning the growth , manufacture and distribution of drugs , is based on vast ignorance and a religious model of morality and sin, rather than any idea of what ":is possible" , regardless of what "may" be possible. Faced with the unalterable facts of human nature and economics, some agents may rail against the "unfairness" of a system that doesn't allow American prestige,money and power to brush aside such minor points and others , just as foolish, become hardened to reality and are easy marks for bribery, conspiracies and all kinds of behavior they would never consider inside the USA. These agencies and laws are a total waste.
5
The leadership of a disciplined law enforcement agency starts at the very top. And the lack of it. I'm sure J. Edgar Hoover wouldn't have tolerated cross dressing in his old-time FBI agents.
2
There is a very easy fix for this situation: send women drug enforcement agents to Colombia, instead of a bunch of hormonal guys. Even sending a small contingent of women agents as part of the group would change the free-sex-for-all DEA culture in Colombia as described here.
The tiny wrist-slaps for this behavior are even more offensive than the behavior itself. Eyeroll.
The tiny wrist-slaps for this behavior are even more offensive than the behavior itself. Eyeroll.
5
What does being abroad have to do with condemnation of these kind of acts of sexual misconduct, drunkenness or illegal drug use and gun play by our hired help federal officials?
What does gender have to do with condemnation of these kind of acts by our hired federal help?
The feds represent us and are paid by us. Some basic sense of decency, morality and legality should be the least that we can expect from them.
Indeed, by giving them the license to deprive us of our life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in and out of uniform with a badge and a gun they should be held to the highest standard of all.
What does gender have to do with condemnation of these kind of acts by our hired federal help?
The feds represent us and are paid by us. Some basic sense of decency, morality and legality should be the least that we can expect from them.
Indeed, by giving them the license to deprive us of our life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in and out of uniform with a badge and a gun they should be held to the highest standard of all.
63
What does being abroad have to do with this?
Well, quite simply, it increases the inherent risks of things going pear shaped.
Well, quite simply, it increases the inherent risks of things going pear shaped.
We should hold all high officeholders to the same standard as they are charged with overseeing our lives and welfare.
1
I am a Colombian who has lived in the US since 1962 with the exception of a hiatus from 1994 to 1998. While there, I lived in a nice condominium building in a very nice neighborhood in Bogota. One of the owners rented his apartment to the American Embassy for lodging the Marines who guard the Embassy. From the day they occupied that apartment, the parties, the orgies, the trashing of the elevator, the abusing of the door men... I tell you, you would not believe it, and you would not tolerate anything like this back here in the States. The people in the building were mortified and could not say anything for fear of having to put up with the boys' vulgarity. It was scary and embarrassing.
146
We should stop the charade of anti-drug enforcement and legalize or decriminalize most drugs and deal with education and rehabilitation and save the taxpayers a ton of money.
13
Where do I sign up!!!???
3
Yet another example of the pervasive corruption of the US government. Our nation is definitely on the decline.
4
No NYT's pick for you but you get my Uga Muga pick.
The DEA needs to be once again under the authority of The Treasury Department. I believe one of the big problems is with having all security agencies ie: DEA,FBI CIA, Secret Service etc. under the big bloated and unaccountable Dept. of Homeland Security. What a complete joke.
14
FBI and DEA are under DOJ.
1
The double standards for men and women are in no place more different than in sexual conduct: men and boys (in general) think that because their body says "hello, I want to have sex," they can do it, any where any time with anybody, whether consenting or not. Women, in general, are a lot more circumspect; vulnerability to pregnancy and disease constrain their sexual urges. Restraint is learned. It starts at home. Males need to be taught . . . and learn . . . that they are in charge of their penis, not the other way around. Whether at home or abroad, men's sexual behaviors should be constrained by women's consent and social consequences.
14
Do you think it only men who engage in this sort of licentious behavior?
Have you forgotten the reputation of the stewardess?
Have you forgotten the reputation of the stewardess?
3
I didn't read anything about lack of consent ... their behavior was bad enough without bringing up rape, I think.
1
President Obama is an extremely busy man and can't be expected to deal with everything. But it would be nice if, once in a while, he would take some time off from speeches and press conferences and start taking care of something.
7
Busy doing nothing, you mean, except for allowing our government agencies to run wild, ignoring our Constitution and our Bill of Rights.
Yes indeed, he is very very busy, God help us ...
Yes indeed, he is very very busy, God help us ...
1
The solution is simple - decriminalize drugs, then you don't need agents. Drug laws are de facto price supports for drugs and they foster violence because they are unregulated.
17
Why are we only concerned about behavior when they travel abroad? Does the editorial board believe their behavior suddenly changes when they walk off an airplane?
37
I believe that! Retired federal law enforcement here. Believe me, when people are sent on business trips, some of them act like first semester college freshmen. Wedding rings are stashed in the suitcase, and they drink like frat boys. (Not just the men, of course, but they do tend to brag more later.) It's incredible. Getting a spot to go on the union conference in Vegas wasn't just popular because people were especially dedicated to union issues, you know.
Now, if they're off-duty and not in uniform, that's really none of our business. Disgusting, yes, but not our business. The main reason this story is a problem is that in addition to drunken debauchery, their behavior caused security risks. Partying on the dime of the drug cartels? Not good. Neither is surrendering control of your weapon to someone outside the agency. If you want to cavort with a hooker, at least give your weapon to your partner! Is it too much to ask that at least one of them stay sober enough to watch the guns?
Now, if they're off-duty and not in uniform, that's really none of our business. Disgusting, yes, but not our business. The main reason this story is a problem is that in addition to drunken debauchery, their behavior caused security risks. Partying on the dime of the drug cartels? Not good. Neither is surrendering control of your weapon to someone outside the agency. If you want to cavort with a hooker, at least give your weapon to your partner! Is it too much to ask that at least one of them stay sober enough to watch the guns?
4
PS ... and remember, don't use your government travel card to pay the hooker!
:-)
:-)
2
"...It certainly holds promise as a plot for a B-list thriller: Drug Enforcement Administration agents stationed in Colombia regularly cavort with prostitutes at parties paid for by local drug cartels. In a few instances, cash and expensive gifts appear to change hands. A local officer is kind enough to keep an eye on the agents’ guns and property while the agents are busy with the girls..."
___
Come on now, you're dealing with blow. What can you expect?
___
Come on now, you're dealing with blow. What can you expect?
disturbing on three levels. first on the level of the gratuitous objectification of women in general for purely sexual purposes. second on the the level of the dehumanization of women in a foreign culture as especially acceptable for that same purely sexual objectification. third on the level of the lack of respect for the host, foreign culture that these publicly paid individuals -- our employees -- display as they represent us in their official capacities.
5
The reason the ten commandments exist is that people violated, and still do, them with impunity. That is human nature. In 1987 Marine guards at the Moscow Embassy created a scandal because they - well got messed up at the party. Most embassies send their intel officers out to troll for lonely wives or husbands identified by their services as potential targets. Its a fact of life and has worked for centuries. People are people subject to the foibles of our kind. All, already know the consequences of their behavior, they just don't believe that they will be caught. You can make any regulations, teach any course you like, but the facts are that sometimes people, like children, do things to test the limits of their world. And always will.
2
Which doesn't make it right. They may "know the consequences" but unless those consequences actually occur what difference does it make.
7
Which is why real consequences are necessary, not just a few minutes in the corner with a dunce cap.
2
The root of this problem isn't a particular political party or a deficient bureaucracy. The problem is the prudish and paranoid fascination that Americans have about sex. That fascination explains much about the fear of the culture of prostitution and the insistence that sex be culturally regulated rather than holding individuals responsible for indiscretions that endanger the nation's security. We treat sex as the crime when the actual crime is the behavior of individuals who ignore the responsibilities of their jobs. There is no societal crime in having sex during non-work hours. It is not treason to have sex if one doesn't gossip about confidential work issues. It's long past time to get over sex and to get over those who have serious obsessions about it.
59
Consensual sex is one thing. It's the drunken, entitled fraternity attitude that's the issue. Taking advantage of prostitution opportunities with poor third world women while representing your country is a valid job issue.
35
Exactly. Why should women have the right to earn big money by having sex when they can make miserable salaries clearning up in hospitals while doctors earn huge salaries? Dr M thinks we`made a mistake to give women the right to choose and earn a large salary--at least poor women.
3
"The problem is the prudish and paranoid fascination that Americans have about sex."
I agree. The problem isn't really the sex. It is the drug lords providing it to the DEA. It is the corruption, the cover up (!), not the sex.
I agree. The problem isn't really the sex. It is the drug lords providing it to the DEA. It is the corruption, the cover up (!), not the sex.
14
Local police are above the law, federal police just want to be treated equally.
14
The war on drugs is not just a 'republican' situation. The worst of it was brought about by Clinton. His crime bills lead to mass incarceration and the US having 25 percent of all the prisoners in the world. A larger issue is the militarism in this country, our constant wars outside the country and inside the country. Militarism is a threat to democracy, I also think the boys were well aware they were not supposed to be doing what they did.
6
This unsettling story speaks to issues of national ethics and discipline that burrow far deeper into our moral fiber than the DEA.
6
Congress should also investigate the Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) that 1811 law enforcement agents receive. LEAP pay amounts to an extra 25% of an agents' salary, and is supposed to supplement for their time in the field investigating...However, I work for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and many of the civilian agents work at HQ's assignments, 9-5, and suck up the LEAP pay without hardly ever working overtime. Also, if there is a crack investigative reporter in the viewing audience, ask for the 124 internal investigation records of AFOSI, and you will quickly find out how rotten and corrupt this agency is. It is time for Congress to get involved and clean out this den of corruption.
19
What is worse than this dishonest behavior is that there are other agents who know of it and do NOT report it. They are equally culpable. The command climate then taints the investigations and the mission of these agencies.
It is corruption that rises to the level of impunity of the corruption in those countries we are supposedly "helping".
These people and their supervisors should be prosecuted and if convicted incarcerated.
It is corruption that rises to the level of impunity of the corruption in those countries we are supposedly "helping".
These people and their supervisors should be prosecuted and if convicted incarcerated.
45
Let's just building an impenetrable wall around Washington DC and call it a day...
5
This could be the 1st infrastructure project to build on to put people to work....
2
Let's hope the jury isn't all young fraternity men.
1
Federal agents are bound by a code of conduct. They are held to a higher standard because of the responsibilities of their job. Rule one is not to accept favors from drug cartels -- it's a flagrant conflict of interest, When these folks sign up for the job, they know the rules and flaunting them like this is outrageous.
96
Sorry. Federal agents are bound by rules of conduct ONLY when the agree to be bound by them...
And isn't that really the problem?
And isn't that really at the root of the problem with Hillary Clinton and her current problems with the e-mails?
And isn't that really the problem?
And isn't that really at the root of the problem with Hillary Clinton and her current problems with the e-mails?
Obviously, they are NOT held to a higher standard or, possibly, to any standard at all.
3
Instead of giggling like schoolboys over sexual misconduct of a few agents, the Times should look at all the outrageous and illegal act of all America's "Drug Warriors".
I used to read the Times to get away from this sort of silly superficial nonsense.
I used to read the Times to get away from this sort of silly superficial nonsense.
4
It doesn't at all sounds like "boys will be boys", an expression that I find demeaning to men and would never be tolerated if the gender were reversed under such serious matters. These men are violating an oath and behaving in ways that tarnish and corrupt their reputation and duty, not to mention endangering any agent who decides not to behave this way. They should be fired.
The boys will be boys comment is yet another example of how men are denigrated in the culture. You should elevate and educate in the choice of words within an opinion, not stoop to the lowest stereotype.
The boys will be boys comment is yet another example of how men are denigrated in the culture. You should elevate and educate in the choice of words within an opinion, not stoop to the lowest stereotype.
53
More from the comedy titled, The War on Drugs. Like all wars, man made and for profit. When the entire effort is a scam the troops will always run a muck. Drug policy has always been a sham and nothing but another form of war on the people. The federal government is the worlds largest dysfunctional corporation and broken in every way. Layered with nepotism, incompetence, evil and parallelized by it's own ignorance. It's "To Big To Fix" and you can take that to the bank.
11
Puritanism: The nagging feeling that someone somewhere is having fun.
I suggest that all federal jobs will be filled with good, church going family men and women from the sobriety league.
If you can't fill the available jobs, then maybe one needs to think about the ridiculous laws that our puritanical system is trying to enforce. Maybe it is not the task of the US to keep the whole world from getting high. Just maybe, 25 years after 'Pretty Woman', it is time to rethink US laws against prostitution and face the reality of human social life.
Let's remember that the boss of the impeccable G-men, of the untouchables was a cross dressing homosexual who spun a vast net of corruption and intimidation across the nation and blackmailed whoever he felt like.
The heroes that the US wants live only in Marvel comics and campaign promises of politicians.
I suggest that all federal jobs will be filled with good, church going family men and women from the sobriety league.
If you can't fill the available jobs, then maybe one needs to think about the ridiculous laws that our puritanical system is trying to enforce. Maybe it is not the task of the US to keep the whole world from getting high. Just maybe, 25 years after 'Pretty Woman', it is time to rethink US laws against prostitution and face the reality of human social life.
Let's remember that the boss of the impeccable G-men, of the untouchables was a cross dressing homosexual who spun a vast net of corruption and intimidation across the nation and blackmailed whoever he felt like.
The heroes that the US wants live only in Marvel comics and campaign promises of politicians.
17
With all that is now known about the corruption of J. Edgar Hoover, I think that is disgusting that the FBI building in Washington is still named after him.
4
DEA, FBI, USSS... Rape in the Military... Sounds like federal agencies have a major problem. But wait... rape on campuses... gross racism in fraternities... steroids in sports, from baseball to cycling… Sounds more like American males have a major problem, which is to say, American society has a major problem.
It's not just "boys will be boys." It's more that too many men no longer consider themselves subject to the rules of society. It looks dangerously as if some no longer consider themselves part of modern American society, but rather adherents to an outworn cult of American superiority and Male entitlement. Pretending that the DEA problem is an isolated matter is like Bush saying in summer 2001 that he’d “read the report on terror threats, thank you, and now I’m off to Texas.”
It's not just "boys will be boys." It's more that too many men no longer consider themselves subject to the rules of society. It looks dangerously as if some no longer consider themselves part of modern American society, but rather adherents to an outworn cult of American superiority and Male entitlement. Pretending that the DEA problem is an isolated matter is like Bush saying in summer 2001 that he’d “read the report on terror threats, thank you, and now I’m off to Texas.”
25
A failure of leadership? Federal employment conferring status immunity? Can anyone claim surprise?
We have a Congress thoroughly captured by corporate money. As you point out in an editorial today Congress is dedicated to maintaining the secrecy of corporate political contributions. Secrecy provides immunity to the members of Congress.
As you point out in that same editorial, Mary Jo White has more important things to do as the SEC. She too wants to keep the corporate money flowing. She will undoubtedly go back to representing corporate interests when her tenure at the SEC ends.
It's not clear whether the President will issue orders requiring disclosure of political contributions by government contractors.
Short suspensions of DEA agents for accepting "gifts" from drug cartels are business as usual in the federal government. At least some penalty has been assessed.
We have a Congress thoroughly captured by corporate money. As you point out in an editorial today Congress is dedicated to maintaining the secrecy of corporate political contributions. Secrecy provides immunity to the members of Congress.
As you point out in that same editorial, Mary Jo White has more important things to do as the SEC. She too wants to keep the corporate money flowing. She will undoubtedly go back to representing corporate interests when her tenure at the SEC ends.
It's not clear whether the President will issue orders requiring disclosure of political contributions by government contractors.
Short suspensions of DEA agents for accepting "gifts" from drug cartels are business as usual in the federal government. At least some penalty has been assessed.
4
The federal law enforcement agencies are rife with misconduct. The whoring, while most salacious, is the tip of the iceberg. There are too many thugs who think the badge and the gun give them a "pass" for illegal behavior correct: these silly "suspensions" prove the point.
Inspector General reports are a waste of time and taxpayer money. The work belongs in the hands of the Offices of Internal Affairs. But they are overwhelmed with cases, so the end result is that the fulminations of the Times Editorial Board will go nowhere. In the meantime, these subpar embarrassments will continue in their jobs doing what they always do: embarrassing America.
Inspector General reports are a waste of time and taxpayer money. The work belongs in the hands of the Offices of Internal Affairs. But they are overwhelmed with cases, so the end result is that the fulminations of the Times Editorial Board will go nowhere. In the meantime, these subpar embarrassments will continue in their jobs doing what they always do: embarrassing America.
11
In view of a grossly dysfunctional Congress it is of little surprise that our various government "watchdogs" are failing to walk the straight and narrow. I am sure there are capable replacements waiting to be employed who can take the place of wayward agents.
1
This reminds me of the differing policies on sex and alcohol usage between the Dutch and American offices within the same overseas organization. When in a muslim country, for example, the Dutch policy was to show respect and discretion. The American policy was NO SEX, NO ALCOHOL.
3
It should warm the cockles of all Americans hearts to know that we have some members of our FBI and other security officials who are no better than the randy boy next door. After all, sex is the driver of so much in America --- advertising, programs, big books selling like hotcakes. And when they get caught, they are slapped on the wrist, told to behave, and sent to their corner for a few days.
Unprofessional behavior showing a lack of moral integrity at the same time seems to be almost standard procedure with security agents within the past few years. I'm sure they give a shine to our image abroad which is so fantastic already it cannot be dimmed. Right?
Unprofessional behavior showing a lack of moral integrity at the same time seems to be almost standard procedure with security agents within the past few years. I'm sure they give a shine to our image abroad which is so fantastic already it cannot be dimmed. Right?
49
Eeeeverybody is happy... The cartels, including the FARC guerrillas, get their product to market, the Frat Boys have fun and look the other way, the dealers here make 60% of the profit, the users get their fix, and the rest of the world watches, gets to pay for their salaries and fix the broken dishes. Just follow the money trail and see who is buying all that obscenely over-priced real estate in NYC, in Florida...
13
Impunity is the general attitude of most local police and county sheriff's offices, also.
9
Frankly, impunity is the proper attitude. Keep the police out of everyone's bedroom. If a real crime hurts society, then punish because of the act. After all, sex doesn't kill - people do.
4
I thought that the main reason to expect a higher standard from politicians and those in power (and that includes these agents) was to reduce their exposure to blackmail or extortion. Since clearly noone cares, including their superiors, I guess they are not at risk for that. Still, I'd rather see these graduated frat boys grow up- but that would be expecting too much.
4
The solution is simple: legalize all drugs, tax them and offer help to anyone who wants "re-hab". At least the DEA, FBI, ATF etc. wouldn't be breaking any "drug" laws.
As for their "partying and carousing", just how is that any different than the way most of our "legislators" operate at fund raisers, PAC parties, junkets to ski areas, etc.?
Talk about a "pot" and a "kettle"!
As for their "partying and carousing", just how is that any different than the way most of our "legislators" operate at fund raisers, PAC parties, junkets to ski areas, etc.?
Talk about a "pot" and a "kettle"!
12
The Ugly American just keeps on getting uglier. Way to go Feds.
7
There is a common cause here. It is the war on drugs. The same war that is responsible for half of our incarcerated population that have never hurt anyone. The same war that is responsible for millions of dollars being stolen from citizens with no recourse to any type of law.
This is not a civil society. it is a rogue state at war with it's own people. The first step in solving it will be to legalize marijuana. Until then we will continue to destroy peoples lives and property.
This is not a civil society. it is a rogue state at war with it's own people. The first step in solving it will be to legalize marijuana. Until then we will continue to destroy peoples lives and property.
84
Ah, declare the "war on drugs" won and walk away...
Brilliant solution to the problem of sex and alcohol with our law enforcement personnel.
Brilliant solution to the problem of sex and alcohol with our law enforcement personnel.
2
I'm sure the relationship between the DEA and the drug lords is as complicated as that between the neo-cons, the DOD, the weapons manufacturers and the CIA, which fights terrorists when it isn't funding terrorists.
But isn't the underlying problem Americans problems with sexuality.
I would ask why do we think our guys should live as monks, but then we now know that monks don't live as monks.
But isn't the underlying problem Americans problems with sexuality.
I would ask why do we think our guys should live as monks, but then we now know that monks don't live as monks.
3
For their lack of discretion alone they should be fired: for leaving their firearms unsecured with someone not in their organization, and for being so stupid as to hook up with prostitutes (bringing for the agency into disrepute, conduct unbecoming, and are they really that stupid about STDs?)
So for the firearms stunt and cavorting with hookers at a known cartel-front nightspot they got SUSPENSIONS? What do they have to do to be fired? Sell cocaine to Malia Obama?
So for the firearms stunt and cavorting with hookers at a known cartel-front nightspot they got SUSPENSIONS? What do they have to do to be fired? Sell cocaine to Malia Obama?
40
>
J. Edgar Hoover never really went after organized crime for fear they'd corrupt his agents with their large sums of money. These new drug cartels make the past organized crime figures look like paupers.
The drug war (essentially another GOP war) has been a colossal disaster and trail of tears for the vast majority of this country, but for a small group of State and Federal employees and privateer contractors it means a paycheck, benefits and a sweet pension, e.g., the prison industrial complex, the police industrial complex.
The cyclopic nature of the GOP and its long held zeitgeist love these law and order vistas. So they'll attack them to attack Obama, but they'll not touch their budgets.
Note: The war on drugs was essentially the creation of Reagan, Rockefeller and a host of other rightwing goofballs; yes!!!! as alway the Dems folded like a cheap Walmart lawn chair, that is what Dems do.
J. Edgar Hoover never really went after organized crime for fear they'd corrupt his agents with their large sums of money. These new drug cartels make the past organized crime figures look like paupers.
The drug war (essentially another GOP war) has been a colossal disaster and trail of tears for the vast majority of this country, but for a small group of State and Federal employees and privateer contractors it means a paycheck, benefits and a sweet pension, e.g., the prison industrial complex, the police industrial complex.
The cyclopic nature of the GOP and its long held zeitgeist love these law and order vistas. So they'll attack them to attack Obama, but they'll not touch their budgets.
Note: The war on drugs was essentially the creation of Reagan, Rockefeller and a host of other rightwing goofballs; yes!!!! as alway the Dems folded like a cheap Walmart lawn chair, that is what Dems do.
81
Please, extend the concern to foreign and domestic 'Feds'. We have a Federal government that totally has gone rough. The hallmark of our Federal government, top to bottom, is dishonesty, untruthfulness and corruption. With the recent report of an annual $125 Billion, and rising, of waste, fraud and abuse, you wonder what and who is being held accountable. The answer is no one. So, what difference does it make, the Ms. Hillary refrain. None. As Hillary would say this war on prostitutes is sexist.
4
They are enforcing drug laws as well as they are enforcing immigration laws. About the only thing being enforced is secrecy.
7
When half the voters buy Reagan's nonsense that government is the problem, government will be the problem because many recruits will carry that toxin with them into the services. To them, a position of responsibility is more like a position of personal opportunity. Reagan began it, and had acolytes like Gingrich, Norquist, Limbaugh, and Fox who are only too willing to trash America and demean idealism. The Tea Party got on board, and with the acquiescence of Boehner et al, have made a bad joke of the Legislative branch. Why should foot-soldiers in any service be better than the lawmakers?
7
Drug warriors get higher on their enablement than users get on drugs.
5
The Secret Service could use a tuning up, CIA, all of these have gotten so used to lax, mediocre bureaucracy are coming into the 21st century kicking and screaming, trying to avoid oversight or judgement that could force change in the culture.
What we need is a GIANT change in the culture of all of them, but entrenched interests are not giving an inch lightly.
Witness Republicans pulling out all the stops, openly, seeking political advantage in cutting most citizens off at the knees, trying to pit similar groups against each other & all the while transferring wealth to 1%.
Change is happening underfoot right now but vested interests are banding together to not only block change but regress decades .
These cases will keep popping up; the old boys' way of handling things is over, they know it's soon but still pushing the old "Cut a fella a break". Thin blue lines are evaporating, international groups investigating. Who has the authority to insist on recommendations to be followed in truth, not lip service? We must set and achieve higher standards.
What we need is a GIANT change in the culture of all of them, but entrenched interests are not giving an inch lightly.
Witness Republicans pulling out all the stops, openly, seeking political advantage in cutting most citizens off at the knees, trying to pit similar groups against each other & all the while transferring wealth to 1%.
Change is happening underfoot right now but vested interests are banding together to not only block change but regress decades .
These cases will keep popping up; the old boys' way of handling things is over, they know it's soon but still pushing the old "Cut a fella a break". Thin blue lines are evaporating, international groups investigating. Who has the authority to insist on recommendations to be followed in truth, not lip service? We must set and achieve higher standards.
9
Abuse of power, and dereliction of duty.
Dismiss them all !!!!
This generation of public servants are feeding at the public trough.
Time to clean house right up to the leadership of the DEA and FBI
Dismiss them all !!!!
This generation of public servants are feeding at the public trough.
Time to clean house right up to the leadership of the DEA and FBI
15
Actually, we need to clean house right up through the Congress. Afterall, Congress feeds at the public AND private trough.
5
I will tell a little open secret that isn't really a secret at all. It is well known in intelligence circles. Wherever there is a world hot spot, if you want to find the government agents (not saying which agency), find the closest beach with the best bars, the most available female companionship and, you know, views and cool apartments. Bingo. There they are.
I have seen this in Portugal long ago. Beyond that, the agents stationed in one Latin American country were so well known to have placed themselves in a seaside resort that a reference to them even made it into a movie. I guess the idea is that it is tough work, so why make it tougher with a crummy location. Live while you can.
Another little truism is that men who are by nature more restless than the average male wind up, or somehow find themselves, working jobs that require them to be away from home a lot. Airline pilots, journalists...and various agents for the CIA and other agencies fit this general mode. If one takes away all of the opportunities for transgressions against solid, middle class suburban life, why be an agent in the first place? (Not my reasoning, but it might be that of some.)
One of the reasons these things are likely not treated more seriously is that drinking and having sex whenever it is available is utterly common. I couldn't testify to that, but observation, reading and recent developments indicate it to be true.
http://terryreport.com
I have seen this in Portugal long ago. Beyond that, the agents stationed in one Latin American country were so well known to have placed themselves in a seaside resort that a reference to them even made it into a movie. I guess the idea is that it is tough work, so why make it tougher with a crummy location. Live while you can.
Another little truism is that men who are by nature more restless than the average male wind up, or somehow find themselves, working jobs that require them to be away from home a lot. Airline pilots, journalists...and various agents for the CIA and other agencies fit this general mode. If one takes away all of the opportunities for transgressions against solid, middle class suburban life, why be an agent in the first place? (Not my reasoning, but it might be that of some.)
One of the reasons these things are likely not treated more seriously is that drinking and having sex whenever it is available is utterly common. I couldn't testify to that, but observation, reading and recent developments indicate it to be true.
http://terryreport.com
14
"As long as there is a sense of impunity in some corners of the federal work force abroad, it will very likely continue to be tempting for some agents to believe that they can operate under boys-will-be-boys rules."
Wow. That is understatement of the year. Never mind the self-satirizing concept of American "Law Enforcement" officers stationed abroad. On the other hand, maybe more of our trigger happy men in blue should ship out for light duty, to "party" on the taxpayers' dime, instead of preying on unarmed Blacks.
Wow. That is understatement of the year. Never mind the self-satirizing concept of American "Law Enforcement" officers stationed abroad. On the other hand, maybe more of our trigger happy men in blue should ship out for light duty, to "party" on the taxpayers' dime, instead of preying on unarmed Blacks.
7
Two to ten days.
Astonishing, given the breach.
Astonishing, given the breach.
10
We live in a sexually libertine society - and then we're surprised when those sworn to protect us act out the fantasies the media portrays. A man who's grown up immersed in porn and dabbling in drugs doesn't suddenly become Elliot Ness when he joins the DEA.
4
Cowboys is what they are. A "Wild Bunch". Late 19th/early 20th century slang for a gang of train-robbing desperadoes; this particular gang possessing DEA badges although their leader might say, in all seriousness, "we don't need no stinking badges". They could behave recklessly, carelessly, even break local and national laws with impunity because they knew nothing would happen to them even if something, anything -- anything short of murder, actually -- went wrong. They could pull strings and make it go away. It wouldn't matter because the system itself would protect them. Their misconduct would be covered up.
But this is also true at the FBI, ATF, NYPD, Rikers Island, the Secret Service and in the higher echelons of the military. Does anyone actually believe the epidemic of unpunished rape in the US military isn't tolerated, sanctioned even, by the chain of command? Does anyone actually believe that ex-Gen. Petraeus' leaking CIA secrets to his mistress was his only transgression during his entire career?
They do as they please because they believe themselves to be privileged. And woe unto anyone, any "civilian", who just happens to catch them in the act or gets in their way. Against their victims and witnesses, actual and potential, the full force of prosecutorial misconduct will be brought to bear.
But this is also true at the FBI, ATF, NYPD, Rikers Island, the Secret Service and in the higher echelons of the military. Does anyone actually believe the epidemic of unpunished rape in the US military isn't tolerated, sanctioned even, by the chain of command? Does anyone actually believe that ex-Gen. Petraeus' leaking CIA secrets to his mistress was his only transgression during his entire career?
They do as they please because they believe themselves to be privileged. And woe unto anyone, any "civilian", who just happens to catch them in the act or gets in their way. Against their victims and witnesses, actual and potential, the full force of prosecutorial misconduct will be brought to bear.
17
I have a good friend who's a Mormon who told me rather proudly (a number of years ago) that most Secret Service agents were Mormons, and that they were heavily recruited. No drinking, no extra-marital sex, patriotic, well-educated. If this is true, why on earth did we end this practice in favor of recruiting insipid, overgrown frat boys who really would be a disgrace in *any* profession, let alone this one -- more interested in binges and sex parties than the very serious job at hand...?
7
Although the Times editorial board is to be commended for following up on these lightly covered most recently reported incidents of law enforcement DEA drug agents' criminal misconduct effectively taking bribes in the form of sex parties, weapons, expensive gifts and money directly from drug cartels while untold thousands of United States citizens' lives are ruined sitting wasting their lives in prisons for much less "drug offenses", the editorial board of the Ninth Amendment at www.waronnothing.blogspot.com urges that the much larger issue of the spectacular failures of the Nixon-fabricated cynical bogus now forty-plus year "War On Drugs" must be emphasized at every available opportunity as the ceaseless series of unintended negative consequences has steadily grown until it has become a menace not only domestically but now undeniably to global order extending to the point of becoming a most serious threat to the very national security of the United States.
6
What's really incredible, and depressing, about these stories of around-the-world debauchery by federal law enforcement officers is that they even need someone to tell them how they should act when working overseas. That they appear to need chapter and verse about what constitutes sexual misconduct doesn't say much for the hiring practices, or their common sense. How complicated is it, really, to conduct oneself honorably and sensibly when you are representing your country abroad, in law enforcement no less? Not rocket science, but apparently it is for these guys.
6
Finally you ask, "What could possibly go wrong?" Let me speak freely. Everything with the "War on Drugs," is wrong. This includes the corruption at every level, including not only the Feds at the drug cartel funded prostitute parties, but also all the Judges, the Lawyers, the CIA involvement (since the beginning), all the way down to the local level law enforcement, and the prison industrial complex, who all profit from the proceeds of this farce of a war.
Also lets talk about the main stream media, including The New York Times, who have attacked and smeared true investigative journalists such as Gary Webb, when they had the guts to report the truth about those who are behind it all...and then the readers who believed the smears and disregarded the truth. We all share a partial responsibility for the mess this war has left behind.
From 1983 to 1987 I served on the front lines of this "Drug War" in the United States Coast Guard, aboard the Cutter "Steadfast." During that time, (when Crack Cocaine was emerging in virtually every inner-city in America), the “Steadfast” was underway over 200 days out of the year trying to interdict the flow of illegal drugs into our country. Then Vice President George Bush Sr., (former head of the CIA), even visited the “Steadfast” on New years day while we were underway. He gave us the thumbs up and told us we were winning the "War on Drugs." The entire time I served aboard the "Steadfast," we did not seize one gram of cocaine.
Also lets talk about the main stream media, including The New York Times, who have attacked and smeared true investigative journalists such as Gary Webb, when they had the guts to report the truth about those who are behind it all...and then the readers who believed the smears and disregarded the truth. We all share a partial responsibility for the mess this war has left behind.
From 1983 to 1987 I served on the front lines of this "Drug War" in the United States Coast Guard, aboard the Cutter "Steadfast." During that time, (when Crack Cocaine was emerging in virtually every inner-city in America), the “Steadfast” was underway over 200 days out of the year trying to interdict the flow of illegal drugs into our country. Then Vice President George Bush Sr., (former head of the CIA), even visited the “Steadfast” on New years day while we were underway. He gave us the thumbs up and told us we were winning the "War on Drugs." The entire time I served aboard the "Steadfast," we did not seize one gram of cocaine.
30
Of course you didn't seize any, because the CIA was routing it ashore by air for the "Contras'. The CIA Inspector Genreal's report tells all about it.
10
"A sense of impunity in some corners of the federal work force abroad". Only abroad? The perpetual 'War on Drugs' has, in the finest Orwellian tradition, turned all too much of our law enforcement system, on all levels, into Big Brother.
How bad can it get? In my state the traditional common law standards for criminal responsibility - knowledge and intent - have actually, by legislative act, been removed from the drug laws. The stuff can be planted on you and you have no defense. Still want to move to Florida, my friends?
How bad can it get? In my state the traditional common law standards for criminal responsibility - knowledge and intent - have actually, by legislative act, been removed from the drug laws. The stuff can be planted on you and you have no defense. Still want to move to Florida, my friends?
4
I'd be more concerned if they weren't interested in sex parties.
4
So is it sexual misconduct for an agent to consort with a prostitute in our own state of Nevada where it is legal? If not, why does it matter that they do so in a country where it is legal or tolerated? Consorting with narcotrafficantes is one obviously misconduct. But it's the 21st century and we need to stop pillorying people whose sexual behavior isn't politically correct. If we didn't have an IG on a witch hunt there wouldn't be a security threat because no one would care.
30
John Smith commented, "So is it sexual misconduct for an agent to consort with a prostitute in our own state of Nevada where it is legal?"
In his eagerness to defend Drug Enforcement Administration agents' access to prostitutes, he appears to have missed the fact that the prostitutes described in the article were side dishes, so to speak, at "parties paid for by local drug cartels." The answer to his question is: "The agents are accused of partying with prostitutes paid for by drug cartels, which would indeed also be illegal in Nevada."
In his eagerness to defend Drug Enforcement Administration agents' access to prostitutes, he appears to have missed the fact that the prostitutes described in the article were side dishes, so to speak, at "parties paid for by local drug cartels." The answer to his question is: "The agents are accused of partying with prostitutes paid for by drug cartels, which would indeed also be illegal in Nevada."
8
but if I may add, if the Federal agents regular visit a legal house of prostitution in Nevada, would that business have to operate under the regulations of the EEOC?
They left their unsecured service firearms in the hands of some local yahoo, and that ALONE isn't enough for you? And you've never heard of "Conduct Unbecoming on Officer" or "actions that bring [the organization] into disrepute"?
Any local COP who loses his gun gets fried; why aren't these reprobate drunks who partied in a cartel nightspot all just tossed out on their ear: no job, no pensions, no debate, just GONE, why not? Both to punish them for their foolishness and utter lack of discretion but also, as Napoleon would say, "to encourage the others."
Any local COP who loses his gun gets fried; why aren't these reprobate drunks who partied in a cartel nightspot all just tossed out on their ear: no job, no pensions, no debate, just GONE, why not? Both to punish them for their foolishness and utter lack of discretion but also, as Napoleon would say, "to encourage the others."
9
They cavort with prostitutes paid for by drug cartels and get 2-10 days' suspension? How about 2-10 years at hard labor instead!
55
The DEA mission "The War on Drugs" has shown over the decades everything the US should aspire not to be: cruel & in humane sentencing, unequal application of the law. Constitutional violations of every flavor, taking of properties without due process, etc... Enough of the War - it's been lost!
100
I wear a badge, I'm immune. For shame. As Americans, we are setting a horrid example.
29
It would be good if law enforcement were as tough on itself as it is on civilians. By not so being they lose the faith and confidence of those they are to protect and become vulnerable to those they are supposed to be protecting us from. That is pretty sad and all too common.
20
There is only one way that the point may be made about such unacceptable conduct - termination. Otherwise, it just becomes a game of not getting caught or having your hand slapped if you do.
The 'War on Drugs' is a lost cause. Legalize the drugs and eliminate the massive corruption of law enforcement amounting to billions as well as much of the criminal element. I don't think everyone will be lining up for heroin and cocaine if it's legalized and they can get it anyway if they really want it. People make bad choices everyday whether it's smoking, excessive drinking or eating while others do the opposite.
The 'War on Drugs' is a lost cause. Legalize the drugs and eliminate the massive corruption of law enforcement amounting to billions as well as much of the criminal element. I don't think everyone will be lining up for heroin and cocaine if it's legalized and they can get it anyway if they really want it. People make bad choices everyday whether it's smoking, excessive drinking or eating while others do the opposite.
24
It should be noted that the agents were NOT working undercover and that their "frolicking" was not in any way justifiied to protect undercover identities.
11
Just keep in mind that this is Colombia,graft and corruption are endemic ,and is insidious . How can you keep everyone honest when around you ,you know that the reality is totally corrupted...
2
Easy: stay honest.
5
This doesn't mean, we have to add insult to injury.
1
This is utterly bizarre. Drug enforcement officers have sex with prostitutes provided by drug lords and they are somehow NOT considered to be irredeemably compromised? How on earth is it possible to trust that such men are carrying out their duties with integrity? They have already accepted obvious bribes and provided their supposed enemies with copious amounts of blackmail material. They should all be fired immediately and charged with accepting bribes. The DEA comes across as being corrupt and incompetent.
116
"The DEA comes across as being corrupt and incompetent."
Welcome to the real world. The DEA is corrupt. It always has been. It has been a focus of drugs and corruption from Day One. It has been a problem for decades, all over the US, not just in this episode in Colombia.
Very many "vice squads" have been infamous for the same sort of corruption, not just with drugs but prostitution and gambling too. It was a clearly identified problem in Prohibition too. This ought not to be a revelation.
Welcome to the real world. The DEA is corrupt. It always has been. It has been a focus of drugs and corruption from Day One. It has been a problem for decades, all over the US, not just in this episode in Colombia.
Very many "vice squads" have been infamous for the same sort of corruption, not just with drugs but prostitution and gambling too. It was a clearly identified problem in Prohibition too. This ought not to be a revelation.
16
Sometimes the solutions to complex problems aren't that simple. Our country has a pattern of throwing out those that we feel are incompetent and or corrupt and then we find that 4 years later, the replacements are the same, if not worse than the bunch we thought we had gotten rid of. I believe many levels have to be addressed. First and foremost is the money angle. Follow the money to the source and you will then find the root of the evil. We need to cease fighting everything and locking up everyone. Adequate treatment on demand for the millions of addicts that our culture has created is another important part. Cut the profit margins of the illegal drug trade by making it legal, take the tax revenue generated by this step and put it into building treatment centers instead of private prisons. This is only the first step in solving the problem.
1
When the rectitude of the civil service is in question, the legitimacy of the government that employs them is also in question.
2
Cops on the take and palsy-walsy with the mob bosses. So what else is new?
It sounds like a re-run of Chicago in prohibition days.
It sounds like a re-run of Chicago in prohibition days.
8
Sexual misconduct is not the cause, it is a symptom--of a lack of discipline and failure of leadership. Frankly, I am more concerned with the excessive use of alcohol, which would directly impair the agent's judgment and ability to perform their job. Whether it is the Secret Service, the CIA, the DEA or any other government law enforcement agency,the lapses of discipline and judgment that have grabbed the headlines lately demonstrate a need for a complete change of leadership. And I think it is unlikely that anyone who has risen to the top in these agencies has the necessary qualities to revamp them. The Secret Service's recent White House debacle after a change in leadership is a good example.
94
Bingo with the booze. Our society is in deep denial when it comes to alcoholism.
6
There are NO consequences for any law enforcement agency or personnel, they all operate with impunity.
2
Our federal government and its associates agencies and departments are thoroughly corrupt. The Secret Service imbroglio was the tip of the iceberg. It is futile to oppose this. Enjoy, Mr Fed. Enjoy
6
Fine, just define sexual misconduct. Are we going to send wives or girlfriends to the foreign posts so the agents don't engage in sexual activity with locals? Are the agents on duty 24/7? If so, what do we pay them ? And who is going to police the agents, more agents from an IG office? Not so easy as implied in your editorial We could end up with fewer agents willing to work in places like Columbia et al.
2
Too many people have forgotten how to live by the main Washington rule - don't do anything that would embarrass you, get you in trouble with the boss, or get you arrested if it shows up on page 1 of the Washington Post. Or the New York Times, for that matter. Actually, that's a pretty good rule to live by no matter what city you live in.
3
DEA agents are often recruited from local US police narco squads, e,g, NYPD, LAPD … and we know how straight & uncorrupt those forces are.
3
Sounds like the FED is an "equal opportunity employer"
hooray...
Eric
hooray...
Eric
Excuse me. Guidance from agency heads about sexual misconduct? Are they hiring adults? Aren't adults working in drug enforcement aware that they are not supposed to take any kind of favors from cartels in Columbia...be it money, prostitutes or whatever. How devoid of ethical behavior are the hirees if they don't know this? How backward are the agencies if they don't believe in discharging agents who lack a basic umnderstanding of proper on the job behavior? And letting local enforcement mind their weapons? It sounds like three stooges spoof.
10
As long as these agencies employ mostly men, we can look forward to a never ending list of Frat Boys Gone Bad stories. Maybe it's time to put the grown-ups in charge and hire mostly women.
150
Women are minorities in all law enforcement jobs. They are well-represented, though, among Colombian prostitutes. I'm not sure that either imbalance is due to prejudice.
2
Does the name Julia Pierson ring a bell?
2
would you suggest we string together the "endless" stories of women who marry for money, or talk incessantly, or are unskilled, or drive badly. These stereotypes exist but are only perpetuated by the same formula you use towards men. I correct my male friends against this, it'd be nice to know people of both genders see the harm in this thinking. If you search for an enemy, you'll be sure to create one.
1
Clearly, there are not enough women in high-ranking positions in either the DEA or the FBI, which would go a long way in preventing the worst of these abuses. Boys will be boys, it seems, until women force them to act like men. These agents, outside of US borders, seem to act as though they are untouchable, at liberty to take enormous, stupid liberties. Incidentally, this kind of misconduct is also used by the hard right to smear all federal employees and as an excuse to make their total pay as little as possible, especially if they work for the executive in a time of Democratic White House control.
As embarrassing as these revelations are to read, it is good that we are learning about them because that gives us some small hope that things will improve. The DEA and FBI will only implement changes under pressure, exactly the kind that an Obama Justice Department is supposed to provide to keep them committed to resolving the problem. Could we really expect a Republican one to take "Feds Gone Wild" seriously?
As embarrassing as these revelations are to read, it is good that we are learning about them because that gives us some small hope that things will improve. The DEA and FBI will only implement changes under pressure, exactly the kind that an Obama Justice Department is supposed to provide to keep them committed to resolving the problem. Could we really expect a Republican one to take "Feds Gone Wild" seriously?
4
I hardly think more Lois Lerners or Valerie Jarretts are going to solve this problem. This Administration has a management problem. Period.
8
The War on Drugs has corrupted our society. DEA agents have often carried on as a law unto themselves so carousing with prostitute comes as no surprise. Carrying on in Columbia suggests they were the guest of one the of drug cartel - they are not accustomed to paying their own way.
law enforcement have stolen and resold drugs from evidence lockers and taken bribes for forty years. Clearly the agency is bloated and could use a reduction in size and effective supervision.
law enforcement have stolen and resold drugs from evidence lockers and taken bribes for forty years. Clearly the agency is bloated and could use a reduction in size and effective supervision.
124
Ask yourself "Whom does it benefit when the US is made to look bad especially when the actors are actually bad?"