Holder Fires Back at 'Fast and Furious' Charges

[delta22]

Attorney General Eric Holder admitted late on Friday that the Fast and Furious gunrunning operation was “fundamentally flawed” and “completely unacceptable,” in a lengthy explanatory letter sent to six leading Congressmen.

But for much of the five-page letter, Holder attacked Republican members of Congress for anything from criticism of him to their defense of gun rights.

Holder’s highly partisan letter was immediately slammed as “self-serving” by the House Oversight Committee, whose chairman, California GOP Rep. Darrell Issa has led the probe into the scandal.

“If Attorney General Holder had said these things five months ago when Congress asked him about Operation Fast and Furious, it might have been more believable,” said committee spokesman Frederick Hill.

“At this point, however, it’s hard to take at face value a defense that is factually questionable, entirely self-serving, and a still incomplete account of what senior Justice Department officials knew about gun walking.”

Holder has come under increasing attack in the past week for his role in Fast and Furious, a scheme which allowed hundreds of assault weapons to fall into the hands of Mexican drug cartels in the hope that they could be traced. Nearly all the weapons went missing and have been involved in dozens of crimes both in the U.S. and Mexico and have led to the deaths of two U.S. agents.

In the letter to Republican Reps. Issa and Lamar Smith and Sen. Chuck Grassley and Democrat Reps. Elijah Cummings and John Conyers and Sen. Patrick Leahy, Holder said he had to address the issues surrounding Fast and Furious as they have “become so base and so harmful to interests that I hope we all share.”

Holder had particularly harsh words for GOP Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona for saying that administration officials may be “accessories to murder” for their role in the project.

“Such irresponsible and inflammatory rhetoric must be repudiated in the strongest possible terms,” said Holder. “Those who serve in the ranks of law enforcement are our Nation’s heroes and deserve our Nation’s thanks, not the disrespect that is being heaped on them by those who seek political advantage. I trust you feel similarly and I call on you to denounce these statements.”

Holder said that gunrunning schemes are part and parcel of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) work on the southwest border.

“To be sure, during 2010 I knew generally that ATF was conducting gun trafficking operations along the Southwest Border and elsewhere in the country since that is a core part of its mission given the large number of firearms flowing to Mexico each year from the United States,” he wrote.

He said he knew of some of those schemes, but not Fast and Furious.

“Much has been made in the past few days about my congressional testimony earlier this year regarding Fast and Furious,” he wrote. “My testimony was truthful and accurate and I have been consistent on this point throughout. I have no recollection of knowing about Fast and Furious or of hearing its name prior to the public controversy about it. Prior to early 2011, I certainly never knew about the tactics employed in the operation.”

Holder dismissed accusations that he should have known of the scheme because it was mentioned in at least five weekly emails sent to him by Director of National Drug Intelligence Michael Walther. In doing so, he seemed to be laying blame at his subordinates for not bringing the matter to his attention.

“On a weekly basis, my office typically receives over a hundred pages of so-called ‘weekly reports’ that, while addressed to me, actually are provided to and reviewed by members of my staff and the staff of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General. The weekly reports contain short summaries of matters that the agencies deem of interest that week.

“Attorneys in my office … review these weekly reports and bring to my attention only those matters deemed to require my consideration or action; given the volume of material to which I must devote my attention, I do not and cannot read them cover-to-cover.”

He said there are channels for notifying him of problems “and a weekly report is not one of them.”

“As Attorney General, I am not and cannot be familiar with the operational details of any particular investigation being conducted in an ATF field office unless those details are brought to my attention. That did not happen with Fast and Furious until the public controversy arose in 2011.”

He also refuted claims that Sen. Grassley of Iowa, the ranking Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, made to Newsmax, concerning two letters he handed Holder in January asking about Fast and Furious. Those letter actually asked about another scheme called Project Gunrunner, which was started under the Bush administration, Holder claimed.

The Attorney General took the opportunity in the letter to attack gun-rights supporting politicians who blocked moves to report large gun purchases near the border.

“The lack of reporting requirements for multiple long gun purchases in a short period of time hindered law enforcement efforts to combat gun trafficking. Yet the House of Representatives has voted to block a rule that requires such reporting on the Southwest Border,” he wrote.

He also called for stiffer penalties for people buying guns for the cartels. “ATF witnesses testified before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform that the agency’s ability to stem the flow of guns from the United States into Mexico is severely impaired by a lack of effective law enforcement tools,” he wrote.

“For example, a number of witnesses indicated that current penalties for illegal straw purchases are inadequate to deter such activity or to induce cooperation with law enforcement authorities after a violation is detected.”

Much of the letter was spent openly blasting Republicans, including Issa, who he said had cut off Democrat Rep. Carolyn Maloney of New York when she attempted to quiz an ATF witness about law reforms that would help to stem the flow of illegal weapons.

“While failing to interdict weapons is an unacceptable tactic to stop the flow of illegal weapons, it seems clear that some in Congress are more interested in using this regrettable incident to score political points than in addressing the underlying problem,” he wrote.

“Even in the face of an unprecedented flow of guns across the border, too many in Congress still oppose every effort to reform our gun laws in ways that would make the United States and our Mexican neighbors safer.

“Until we move beyond the current political climate – where real solutions take a back seat to both political posturing and making headlines on cable news programs, and is deemed more important than actually solving our country’s difficult challenges – nothing is going to change.”

Holder ended his letter by pleading to the politicians, “I hope we can engage in a more responsible dialogue on this subject in the future. There is much we need to do together to stop gun violence on both sides of our border and make our Nation safer.”

© Newsmax. All rights reserved.

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[gidma]

That's just a wonderful idea Holder, NOT. Change the gun laws so law abiding citizens can't own a gun. We all know that criminal are going to get guns when they want them. The good guys = no guns and the bad guys = lots of guns....NO THANKS. Thanks to our founding fathers we have the right to bear arms. Let's make sure we keep that right.

[Chape]

“Even in the face of an unprecedented flow of guns across the border, too many in Congress still oppose every effort to reform our gun laws in ways that would make the United States and our Mexican neighbors safer.

Read more:

Dear, Dear .. It appears to me that thou dost protest too much !

Best Regards

[desimo]

Go back a year or two and Hillarious was saying how a large number of American guns were finding their way into Mexico and that stronger gun restrictions were needed. Connect the dots. IMO if the dots would be connected not only would you go into the White House but it would show that a well devised plan to create a crisis that would have demanded stronger anti gun laws was in action. A crisis was being created for political and anti-gun purposes.

[Mongo]

“Even in the face of an unprecedented flow of guns across the border, too many in Congress still oppose every effort to reform our gun laws in ways that would make the United States and our Mexican neighbors safer.

Read more: http://dinarvets.com.../#ixzz1aCjMmbSr

Dear, Dear .. It appears to me that thou dost protest too much !

Best Regards

Why don't you leave this country, we don't need your type here, move to the UK

What a BLOWHARD LIBERAL Socialist

[parmenio]

Holder and several other marxists liberals including Barry Sotero MUST be impeached. They took their Oath of Office to protect the people and uphold the Constitution and are doing EVERYTHING but. They have deliberately tried to bring this country to its knees. WON"T WORK FELLAS!!

[aliciadogz]

IT didn't work holder,you got caught tring to make crisis and I'don't doubt obama was involve too.Tring to take to are 2nd amendment way from the American people.Whats next holder and obama? Whats the next crisis holder and obama ? Who put two you as are dictators? It's American people that rule.

[1929harleydavidson]

THIS FAST AND FURIOUS?? WAS THIS PLAN TO PUT ASALT RIFLES IN THE HANDS OF THE DRUG CARTELS? AND FOR WHAT PERPOSE? LOOKS TO ME THERE IS ALSO A(FUTURE OF MEXICO PROJECT) IN THE AIR, AND IT DOESNT SMELL GOOD!!!!!!! CAN ANY OF THE DINAR VETS HAVE LINKS TO FURTHER INFO ON FAST AND FURIOUS??????? THANKS GUYS AND GALS / THE FORMS MY GUN DEALER REQUESTS ME TO FILL OUT/ AND THEN FORWARED TO THE FBI, ARE NOT ONLY MENT TO STOP COVICTED FELLIONS FROM PERCHACEING FIRE ARMS AND AMO/ IT ALSO GIVES THEM A DATA BASE COMPOSED OF US CITIZENS THAT HAVE PERMITS TO BUY AMO AND SEMI AUTO LONG RIFLES/ PLEASE POINT ME IN THE WRITE DIRECTION, IN ORDER FOR ME TO MANTAIN MY RIGHTS TO BEAR ARMS, THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN/ 1929 HD!!!!!!

[divemaster5734]

“Even in the face of an unprecedented flow of guns across the border, too many in Congress still oppose every effort to reform our gun laws in ways that would make the United States and our Mexican neighbors safer.

Read more:

Dear, Dear .. It appears to me that thou dost protest too much !

Best Regards

Was this meant in jest?

I have understood you to be a fair and Christian based person.

I see all the negs, and can only believe this is sarcasm as misinterpreted.

I don't mean to imply a position against gun ownership is evil, everyone has a right to their own position.

I personally agree with the 2nd Amendment whole heartily.

It is the only thing that kept us from being invaded by both China and Germany.

It is the reason the puppet masters must go slowly, and destroy America from within, because an all out assault would decimate any invading army with return fire from over 70% of every household.

Sadly enough, unless Americans wake up soon, the only guns left will be the ones owned by the oppressors, or the ones hidden by the patriots. But you can bet, trying to erase the 2nd Amendment will only spark a civil war.

You have brought many good ideas and concepts to this board, I respect your right to disagree.

Peace.

[Chape]

Why don't you leave this country, we don't need your type here, move to the UK

What a BLOWHARD LIBERAL Socialist

WHO THE HE*** ARE YOU?

Calliing names to?

I certainly hope you are not directing your poisonous insults to me!!!!

If you have taken my words out of context, then that is YOUR fault.

As for myself, I am a TRUE AMERICAN patriot.

And I stand for the American Constitution..that is more than I can say about YOU. I am sure of it..

You need to apologise kid..for that is what you appear to be here with this kind of rhetoric.

Best Regards.

[Chape]

Was this meant in jest?

I have understood you to be a fair and Christian based person.

I see all the negs, and can only believe this is sarcasm as misinterpreted.

I don't mean to imply a position against gun ownership is evil, everyone has a right to their own position.

I personally agree with the 2nd Amendment whole heartily.

It is the only thing that kept us from being invaded by both China and Germany.

It is the reason the puppet masters must go slowly, and destroy America from within, because an all out assault would decimate any invading army with return fire from over 70% of every household.

Sadly enough, unless Americans wake up soon, the only guns left will be the ones owned by the oppressors, or the ones hidden by the patriots. But you can bet, trying to erase the 2nd Amendment will only spark a civil war.

You have brought many good ideas and concepts to this board, I respect your right to disagree.

Peace.

Thank you Divemanster..

I was merely pointing out that the speaker of those words, AG Eric Holder.. Simply protests too much.

YES, I too do personally agree STRONGLY with the 2nd Amendment.

Sorry that some people seem to have taken my words and twisted them to suit their own sort of anger.

Contrary to what a certain poster has written "What a BLOWHARD LIBERAL Socialist "

I take this as a personal insult, AM NOT ANY OF THESE THINGS.

Surely any of my previous postings will verify that.

This person does not even know me, and obvioulsy has never read any of my postings.

Best Regards

[divemaster5734]

Thank you Divemanster..

I was merely pointing out that the speaker of those words, AG Eric Holder.. Simply protests too much.

YES, I too do personally agree STRONGLY with the 2nd Amendment.

Sorry that some people seem to have taken my words and twisted them to suit their own sort of anger.

Contrary to what a certain poster has written "What a BLOWHARD LIBERAL Socialist "

I take this as a personal insult, AM NOT ANY OF THESE THINGS.

Surely any of my previous postings will verify that.

This person does not even know me, and obvioulsy has never read any of my postings.

Best Regards

There is nothing worse than being judged without a fair hearing.

Unfortunately, in this age on unrestrained anger and striking out immediately at all perceived adversaries, we all sometimes make mistakes.

You have been one of a handful that has consistently brought logic, truth, and patriotic issues, and helped unpack the decades of deceit perpetrated on Americans by people that only intend to harm us.

I took away one of the negs, please, don't let a misunderstanding keep you from continuing to be engaged here.

You have far too many friends and compatriots.

Edited October 9, 2011 by divemaster5734

[DinarMillionaire]

Chape and Mongo,

I am certain this was a misunderstanding on Mongo's part. You two are on the same side. In Mongo's defense, I too, at first, didn't notice it was a quote, but knew well enough that it didn't sound like Chape. Maybe you two need a "beer summit", that's all.

[Chape]

Chape and Mongo,

I am certain this was a misunderstanding on Mongo's part. You two are on the same side. In Mongo's defense, I too, at first, didn't notice it was a quote, but knew well enough that it didn't sound like Chape. Maybe you two need a "beer summit", that's all.

Ha Ha thanks DM...

I prefer wine though..

How bout it Mongo?

We can go dutch...

We certainly do not need any more animosity than has already been dished out to us from the PTB..(powers that be)

Best Regards

[Chape]

There is nothing worse than being judged without a fair hearing.

Unfortunately, in this age on unrestrained anger and striking out immediately at all perceived adversaries, we all sometimes make mistakes.

You have been one of a handful that has consistently brought logic, truth, and patriotic issues, and helped unpack the decades of deceit perpetrated on Americans by people that only intend to harm us.

I took away one of the negs, please, don't let a misunderstanding keep you from continuing to be engaged here.

You have far too many friends and compatriots.

This post has been edited by divemaster5734: Today, 09:51 AM

Read more:

I too have the greatest respect for you and ALL alike.

There are many times when any of us feel the need to, and perhaps lash out at what may appear to have been some mispoken words.

And no wonder, there is a lot of pressure in this country lately. After all, look what we have dragging us into, what I call a black hole!

As far as waking people up, I certainly hope we can !!

Before it is too late..

Thank You once again for your support.

Best Regards.

[uncirculd]

cuff hi, and hope we don't get our guns annie!

Edited October 9, 2011 by uncirculd

[Mongo]

sorry chape ..........this was meant for anyone that thinks this way