IT IS time to send for George Smiley. Russia’s covert foreign intelligence
operations against America have reached cold war levels under President
Vladimir Putin, according to Washington officials.
White House intelligence advisers believe no other country is as aggressive as
Russia in trying to obtain US secrets, with the possible exception of China.
In particular the SVR, as the former KGB’s foreign intelligence arm is now
known, is using a network of undercover agents in America to gather
classified information about sensitive technologies, including military
projects under development and high-tech research.
Yuri Shvets, a former KGB agent, said: “In the days of the Soviet Union, the
number of spies was limited because they had to be based at the foreign
ministry, the trade mission or the news agencies like Tass. Right now,
virtually every successful private company in Russia is being used as a
cover for Russian intelligence operations.”
Intelligence experts believe that since Putin became president in 2000, the
Russians have rebuilt a network of agents in the United States that had been
depleted during the country’s transition from communism.
Putin served 16 years in the KGB, including a spell in foreign intelligence in
East Germany. He became head of the FSB, the domestic security service.
According to Shvets, the FSB has been operating widely in America because of
its favoured status with Putin. Agents, some acting under diplomatic cover,
are said to be trying to recruit specialists in American facilities with
access to sensitive information.
A rare insight into the SVR’s methods was gained six months ago when the
authorities in Canada deported a Russian man who had been masquerading as a
Canadian citizen.
The alleged SVR agent had been living under a false identity as Paul William
Hampel and was detained carrying a fake birth certificate, £3,000 in five
currencies and several encrypted pre-paid mobile phone cards.
He claimed to be a lifeguard and travel consultant but counter-intelligence
officers believe he based himself in Montreal because the city is the centre
of the Canadian aerospace industry. Carrying a Canadian passport, he would
have been able to travel freely to the United States.
In another incident last year, the Americans arrested Ariel Weinmann, a former
US navy submariner, on charges of spying for the Russians. Weinmann was
accused of making electronic copies of classified information which he
sought to pass on to his handlers. He was sentenced to 12 years in jail.
John Pike, a military and security analyst who runs GlobalSecurity.org, said a
surge in recruitment of US intelligence operatives since the terrorist
attacks of September 11, 2001 had presented great opportunities for the
Russians to penetrate the CIA and other agencies. Shvets believes Russian
agents are also entering America legally as immigrants, a rarity in the
strictly controlled Soviet era.
The increase in Russian intelligence activity abroad is in step with Moscow’s
more aggressive stance since Putin came to power and turned the country’s
lagging economy around on the back of record high oil prices.
Putin’s abrasive style has frustrated Washington. Relations between
Russia and the United States are worse than at any time since the collapse
of the Soviet Union. Comparisons with the tension of the cold war years have
become commonplace.
“President Putin thinks the United States has been weakened by Iraq,” said
Richard Holbrooke, a former US ambassador to the United Nations. “He thinks
he has been strengthened by recent events and high-priced oil and he is
trying to put Russia back on the international map.”
Estonia, the Baltic state, appeared last week to have become the target of a
cyber attack after a row with Moscow over its decision to relocate a
Soviet-era military monument. The Estonians claim professional hackers from
Russia targeted the internet sites of ministries, parliament, banks, the
media and large companies, causing their systems to crash.
The attack followed Russian calls to impose sanctions on Estonia, cuts in
Moscow’s oil and gas deliveries and a campaign of intimidation by a
Kremlin-backed youth group against the Estonian ambassador. Nato has sent a
cyber-crime expert to help the Estonians, fearing that it could be next.
These concerns were raised last week at a European summit attended by Putin
and Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, at Samara in southern Russia.
Merkel traded barbs with Putin over Russia’s human rights record and
complained that critics of the Kremlin, including Garry Kasparov, the former
chess champion, were prevented from attending a protest march.
Moscow and Brussels are due to start talks on an agreement to cover trade,
energy and foreign policy but Poland has been blocking the negotiations as a
result of a Russian ban on its meat exports. The Kremlin’s relations with
Lithuania are also tense following Moscow’s decision to cut oil supplies to
the Baltic state.
In February Putin accused America of imposing its will on the rest of the
world. He said that Washington’s plans to install 10 interceptor missiles in
Poland and a radar station in the Czech Republic — part of an anti-missile
shield bitterly opposed by the Russians — “could provoke nothing less than
the beginning of a nuclear era”.
Common Sense, Phoenix, Arizona Its not often someone can be so 100% wrong "the Japanese, who were fighting the US exclusively, not bothering with Europe.' Vientam -French Singapore -Britsh along with the Dutch and many others from Europe. Finally, just a few statistics, taken from Richard Woodman's book in 1994 'Arctic Convoys', an apt finale to the history of these Russian convoys. Between October 1941 and March 1946 Britain shipped to Russia war material to the value of £308 million and raw materials, foodstufs, etc. worth £120 million. The war material included no less than 5,218 tanks and 7,411 aircraft.
Tom, Brooklyn, NY
People, please explain to me how the US "singlehandedly won WW2". The US didn't even want to come into WW2 until it was forced to. Hail Britain and Russia for winning that. Did the US send reinforcements to Russia at the battle of Stalingrad, largely looked on as the turning point of the war? If Russia and all her enourmous reserves had fallen to Germany, would the US have ever won against the combination of Russia's reserves and German technology? Did the US help Russia push back the Germans from the eastern front, or liberate Poland, etc?
And when, after the fall of France and before the invasion of the USSR, Britain stood alone against Germany, where was the US then? Didn't give a damn about the rest of the world, as long as it wasn't involved. The US would would not have been able to land on the beaches of Normandy if it wern't for Britain. The only thing the US can be accredited with doing is defeating the Japanese, who were fighting the US exclusively, not bothering with Europe.
Common Sense, Phoenix, Arizona
This guy above is defending Bush and his donkey administration. Some (donkeys) people just will never get it I guess.
Putin has greatly increased the number of spies working in America through Russia's puppet "private" companies. I work argue that was forseen, as his background is intel. What was unforseen is the power vaccum that exsists because of America's invovlement in the sand box called Iraq. This and oil cash have not only emboldend his goverment but also Iran's and Sudan's.
rick james, LA, CA
We often hear President Bush say that Valadimir Putin is his "Friend". Nothing could be further from the truth. Putin and others like him, would like nothing more then to see our nation brought to it's knees. He is not a friend of our president or the West just the opposite and people must realize that. We must also be on guard for what is happening in Venezuela with Hugo Chavez who is turning that nation into a Socialist/Communist society.
Doug, Falls Church,
And you think the CIA station in Moscow is not "agressive"?.The former head of the Soviet Division in the CIA Milton Bearden says in his book "The Main Enemy, The Inside story of the CIA's Final showdown with the KGB" that the CIA Station in Moscow,after the collpase of USSR,increased immedialty his activities...The CIA station in Moscow is also agressive.
My blog articles about CIA station in Moscow:
http://lemondedurenseignement.hautetfort.com/archive/2006/10/16/la-station-de-la-cia-a-moscou-7.html
http://lemondedurenseignement.hautetfort.com/archive/2006/10/16/la-station-de-la-cia-a-moscou-6.html
Gelibter Cyril, Paris, France
EU now gets half of its oil from Russia, and the other half from the Mid-East. Russia would like to pull the old Warsaw back into its orbit, and the rest of Western Europe along with it. Instead of bashing the US, Europeans would be wise to remember the US has alot more common interest (ie free elections and speech) than does Putin. As for Bush bashing: It may be fun to them but is based on pride and ignorance. Its well known that when UN was kicked out of Iraq in 97 there were thousands of barrels Saddam admitted on treaty to having at Gulf Wars end yet to be destroyed. Clinton struck suspected remaining sites with cruise missles in retaliation & probably got lucky but of course the CIA thought he had stuff left when he was so good at hiding things. French and British intelligence thought so also so quit saying Bush lied! Its on record The CIA director told him they did and this was the same director that Clinton had as Pres! John Kerry after being briefed by him voted yes as well.
R.C. Cola, San Jose, California
i cant agree more, sometimes i feel if it wernt for the US, the rest of the world would be answering to some dictator because we R the only country it seems with any balls to stop this type of aggression in this day n age.
And if and when we do sumthin about it cause no one else has the balls the least that could be done is show some praise for the moms n dads of children who are dying to keep your world free of terrorists bombers and dictators who kill their own people for the hell of it.
I dont feel closing our borders is the answer, the answer is democracy, and by force if neccessary. People can say all the negative stuff bout the US, bout bush, bout this and that but one thing i gotta say is being free means having liberty, and if i cant have liberty Then give me Death!!!
Jay, Milwaukee, WI
The russians...the germans or even the french for that matter. You see them on tv constantly trying to chip away at america, but then what can you expect, fallen powers still hoping to hold sway in the world. Come on america lets give in to the europeans demand, close our borders let europe go back into the dark ages. Oh yeah and lets see west europe and ivan hold hands in peace, unlikely.
B, TX, USA
Why would you not expect the Russians to increase their spying activities when Bush's own supporter do not trust him.
Rebel Joe, Union, MS
Too bad the Liberals in America along with the backing of anti-America organization like the ACLU will never allow the discovery of spies and their treasonous activities. Still to this day, Liberals think that Joseph McCarthy was was crazy and they discredit his exposure of the infiltration of Communist spies in America in the 1950's. Liberals always leave out the fact that in 1995, documents from the secret US program that recorded and analyzed Soviet communictions (code named Venona) proved McCarthy was correct and that many of his critics were actually involved in Soviet espionage.
I'm sure that Liberals and thier pet oganizations are all very well rested for thier next round of treason and will do everything in their power to stop the exposure of spies and foreign agents in America
Emil Heller, El Paso, Texas
Ok, I hear alot of people from other countries saying we shouldn't be "policing" the world. Well what happened when the USA wasn't policing the world until WWI? We saved Europe in both wars. We saved your hides from nazi rule and now you all want to bash us. I think maybe saving yall was a big mistake, so when Iran, Russia or, most likely, the muslim world Declares war in Europe and starts taking countries over 1 by 1 a 3rd time in the last 100 years, I ask all americans. Are the Europeans really worth the time, effort and life lost a 3rd time? I think not. So when WWIII happens, I won't make the mistake my ancestors have made by saving Europe. I say we close our borders, Start charging tarrifs on all nations, as they do to us, and when the ish hits the fan, save yourselves. Your not worth it in my book. Proud american
tom, pawtucket,
Let's face it--Putin is a communist dictator and always will be. We should not be suprised at his regime's spying. Of course, we spy, also. I'm just not sure in the industrial area what the Russians have that is of any value to us.
His efforts at coming across as anything other than a dictator are a charade. He is ruthless with his internal "enemies" and he likes to punish the smaller countries that used to be part of the Soviet Union. I bet even thinking about the word democracy raises the bile in his throat. The only American politician who really saw these guys for what the truly are was Ronald Reagan.
Bob T, Phillipsburg, New Jersey
Im an american. The anti american comments are nothing but jealousy and stupidity.. All everyone else wants to do is appease. You morons. You still dont see there we are all up against evil.....They may have attacked America on 911, but they attacked the "world" trade center! Killing not just americans but people from all over the world.....Open you eyes!
PD, NY, USA
Heavy is the head that wears the crown. These days remind me of a good ole fashion gold rush. One mountain known to have gold is picked apart by so many folks vying for a mountain of status. Maybe John Nash was right? What I do know is there isn't much reason for the mountain to send its gold away. So, why do we never hear about American spies? Personally, I understand spies to be used for military secrets. In that area, the United States hold the crown. Translation, why would we need another countries military secrets other than to learn what they've stolen from ourselves and friendlies? They could only offer a nugget here and a nugget there.
With all the nonsense I read these days all I can say to Russia is "March westward hungry bear!" Just as long as you stop at the English Channel, there is no reason the US should stop you & you'll probably be welcomed by generations of enlightened Euros who have never known real world struggle thanks to decades of US insurance.
Pseudobliss, Savannah, GA/USA
People have their views of the US and I, for one won't try to correct their views. They refuse to see the nose on their own faces and believe all that is said by secular liberals with whom the Soviets have a friend. Since the Russians cut off heating oil and gas from Europe because Vlad didn't get enough money from them, their has been a chasm of doubt of him. It is time for the people of Russia to embolden themselves to put him (vlad) back in place or remove him and his cold war mentality, and for America to finish off the war in Iraq. I don't mean to say "cut and run" but the war needs to be done as efficiently and effectively as we can to end it. To win it.
In all cases, America is still the best country in the world, even with all her faults. God bless this country and God bless our troops.
Find those who are spys and shoot them or give them enough time in a pen to show the rest it isn't worth it. And let God have mercy on their souls. We can't afford it.
John M, Saint Charles, USA
The West had its chance when the old Soviet Union disintegrated by removing Russia from Security Council membership. Its failure to act has resulted in a reactionary revolution where by the old secret services and the clergy of the Orthodox church have become a world wide spy network.
Jerome Whitney, London, England
We should not be surprised. The fact is that the West has tried to make Russia into a puppet state during the Jeltsin years. Particularly Western Europe time and time again has berated Russia. Russia however was , is and will be a major power. Putin would forsake his duties when he would not try to take advantage of the present sorry state of America.
He is doing an excellent job!
m Van Egdom, Rhenen, Holland
Putin definately is not to be trusted as he is 2 faced. To the Politicians, like gullible Tony Bliar, he smiles and says nice things, and on the other side he plots against us. Definately I hope that he is replaced soon by a moderate ,educated person rather than Putin.
Whether it was Putin who ordered the blowing up of apartments in Moscow as has been alleged is uncertain , as yet.
Sergei, London, UK
Clinton's administration all but gutted the CIA because he did not see the need for "Cold war era levels of agents" abroad. Bush has tried to re-invigorate the intelligence agency, however, it seems that we are behind the Russians in this area. Does this sound familiar?
...and for our Canadian friends who seem to bask under our protection and denounce our actions. Canada is "lucky we allow them to exist on the same continent, without the U.S., Canada is essentially Honduras"...
We are at war with "Islamic Fascists" abroad, and they want to take over everything, including the UK and Canada. It should surprise no one that Russia has a weapons contract with Iran for building nuclear weapons and producing copious quantities of fissionable materials. North Korea is cash strapped with nukes and Iran has plenty of cash and needs nuclear weapons. That is scary situation.
The Democrats are the best friends that Islamic Fascists have ever hoped to obtain. Treason lurks in congress.
T, NC, US
To my anti-American cousins across the pond I say, "Perhaps America should stand by the sidelines during the next European bloodfest?" Be careful what you wish for, we might not be willing to rescue you a THIRD time.
Anthony Toglia, Midland, USA
It is a foolish thing to say that the USA is weaked by Iraq. You can surgically remove a cancer or nearly kill the body which hosts it. The differance between the USA and the likes of Russia is that our leaders have choosen the former, and we are not there to gain territory! Maybe some of you poor souls would rather live in Russia than the USA, not me! I am pleased to live in a FREE country. In our country we allow fools and democrats alike and no one disappears for there opinions.
Why that is difficult for some in the world to understand I can only chalk up to envy. Never the less if you the nay sayer are in need of help one day it will be the USA who will be there for you NOT Russia, China, North Korea, or any country from the middle east! And again do not be fooled, if helping your country requires the use of both hands or one tyed behind our backs it will be decided honerably.
Human being, Millers Island , MD, USA!!!
It is a fact that the usa tries to gain world dominance through financed so called colored "revolutions" in ukraine and serbia for example.It is therefore necessary to defend itself against us-imperialism.Putin is right to resist that threat and now its pay back time.
"Nazi deaths - over 60 million." Hiroshima was done by the luftwaffe ? don´t know yet
Time to look at your own crimes around the world such as provoke a civil war in palestine - there are plenty of them.World dominance is not for free
greetings from germany
P.S: "Many of us regret saving your butts." Nobody called your - you did this for your own...
OswaldSpengler, Tomania, Germany
President Ronny Ray-gun had it right. This country will fall if the liberals are allowed to lead. And I'm afraid that after the propoganda campain they are winning over the Iraq war, they will be leading it soon. They fail to realize that this is a long term WAR on terror. Not clean, sterile like they wish it. They would have had us talk to the Taliban and Al qaeeda, and see if we couldn't understand why they hate us so much. And then what? Conform to their way of life so that we wouldn't offend them anymore? Yes, lets label all our merchandise in nintey different languages to appease the immigrants, ( I being one of them). Lets open our borders and show the world that this is a free country. Destroy our WMDs to show good will towards our enemies. Yes we are our own worst enemy. And thats because we don't use our full might. It might offend someone. We are still in Europe since WWII for stability's sake. Why should we leave the middle east?
Giulio, Kenmore, NY/USA
Europe is busy bashing America and ignoring the fact that Russia is not and will never be a democracy under Putin. He is simply not a good man. Europeans should ask themselves how they would react if a U.S. President was poisoning political opponents. Imagine the outrage if Bush was having journalists shot that bashed him. This is what Putin does routinely. This is a man dreaming of another Cold War where he plays the role of Stalin.
Everyone spends far too much time putting the U.S. under the microscope and focusing on all things negative while giving others a free pass. That is because the U.S. is held to a higher standard then the power hungry "nutjobs" of the world. With each passing day, Putin is one step closer to Dictator. Let's see if he actually steps down after spending so much time consolidating power. I expect some event will be orchestrated to provide an excuse for him to stay on for life.
Commonsense, Taunton, MA
The real threat to America is not coming from Russia. America is quickly turning in to nothing but a "Theme Park". It is very close to a Disneyland. Just step up to the window and buy a Visa. Our immigration policy does not need to be modified, it simply needs to be enforced. Millions of people from around the world would love to come here legally but are refused the visa. The Mexicans simply wade across the river and go to work. After a short time they realize that the "American Dream", can not be accomplished on what they are getting payed. It isnt that Americans will not do the work Mexicans will do. It is because we will not do the work for what they are paying the Mexicans because we know it isnt a living wage. The jails in Arizona are filled with the proof of what a Mexican will do to make it in America. As far as Russian spys are concerned, if they know how to use the internet they need not travel to America. We will always have spys on the payroll and so will they.
Denny
AZ
Denny Wash, Gilbert, Arizona
One of the possible benefits to the former Soviets is the confirmation or American Military Capability. On the surface this appears potentially threatening, but if confirmation of American industrial and military capacity serves to calm Russian anxieties over the absence of American Intentions for Hegemony, they are welcome to check us out. The Global War on Terror is simply an effort to halt disruption to the growth of a third through first world free trade environment, which should be welcomed especially by Russians. Open markets require open sealanes for commerce, and massive reduction in the cost of insurance when moving product to market--including their oil. Their increased understanding of defensive anti-balistic missiles along their borders in Poland as serving to protect their pipelines from disruption by medium range weapons from Iran should also be reassuring. Paranoia is the stock in trade for espionage agents, not statesmen.
Bruce Hansberry, Euless, TX
Why all the hating on America? We're not as bad as you all seem to think, you know. And John Doe from London, you can't be seriously complaining. You know why everyone only remembers the U.S. in World War II? We went across the freakin Atlantic Ocean to help you guys out, ended up doing most of the fighting, and saved Europe from Hitler. We could have always stayed out of it, if that's what you would have preferred; I mean, you'd be speaking German right now, but at least America would be remembered over England, right?
Patrick, Orlando, FL
Poor Jane in China. She can only read this website because all others are censored by her perfectly humane government. And she has to do what the government says because if not they will kill her family. And THIS is what Americans fear most. And also why we wont sit around and wait for every islamic militant to kill us. France is finding out the hard way how well islam works in a society. So to Jane, I'm sorry you don't know what freedom is, and never will. But don't take it out on the best country in the world, OK? And to Britain, where did your leadership in the world go? Any chance Churchill could be brought back from the dead? If not, you will be the next France, not us....remember that.
Mike Lee, tulsa, usa, ok
Many Americans and numerous allies opposed our nations entry into WWII. Only a well crafted propaganda plan helped us stay the course. Thankfully, the country was on it's way to buiding it's military when Japan attacked. Today, no one would disagree that we did the right thing by freeing western Europe. In 30 years, no one will disagree that we did the right thing in freeing Iraq. More Americans died and were wounded on the beaches of Normandy and Omaha than has in the entire Iraqi conflict. Let's not forget that our freedom has a price.
Scott, St Croix, Virgin Islands
Despite her faults, America is the glue that holds the world together. She is progressive and a real hope for humanity. Say what you will, but when the Nazi's were marching to take over, it was America who was able, and when the next "Nazi" arises, it will be America who again will be able. America needs to be strong; and she is and will be. I'm a proud American!
James, Tallahassee, Florida
I'm an American. I'm proud to be an American. I'm not sure why the previous posts are so anti American. But one thing is for sure. I don't care if you hate us as Americans...as long as you fear us...I'm okay with that!
Todd, Fear America,
Appease. Appease. Appease. It worked well for the UK and France. Give away that which isn't yours (like countries). It worked for Europe just before WWII. Communist deaths - over 100 million. Nazi deaths - over 60 million. Islamic conflicts in the world today - over 40. But America is to blame for everything. Many of us regret saving your butts.
steve, montreal, canada
Smiley's world is all about stories. One alternative story goes: one of the few certainties in the world is that White House intelligence advisers believe pretty much what they want to believe.
Recent events suggest that there may well be a very blurry line between what happens in the name of the Russian state and what is undertaken by enthusiastic freelancers hoping to curry favour. Couple that with former FSB agents moonlighting as industrial spies, and I'd say it's a safe bet that no-one in our now weakened intelligence services can give even an order of magnitude estimate of how many Russian spies on government business are operating in the West. And, being themselves highly politicised these days, they are more likely to over-estimate than under-estimate.
Let's see some evidence. Oops, sorry, we're not allowed to ask for evidence any more, are we?
Ian Kemmish, Biggleswade, UK
Has anyone ever asked themselves how many American spies are operating in Russia, England, Germany, France and elsewhere in the world?? But of course, if you are an AMERICAN spy, then you are one of the good guys, right?
Peter, London,
Quentin Morford, Bradenton, FL, you Americans are your own worst enemy. You don't need enemies. Just look in the mirror. That's your problem. That's also your solution.
Shirley Jackson, Oliver, BC, Canada
One country's "peace through strength" is another country's uncalled-for aggression. It might seem smart to locate missiles in the Czech Republic, right under Russia's nose: but I wonder how it looks from their perspective?
I happened to be in Russia earlier this month - during their Victory Day celebrations. Someone asked me, with no irony whatever, when England had joined in WW II.. Poor baby, everybody knows that the USA won WW II single handed... We won't have a shared security until we have a shared understanding of the past...
john doe, London, UK
Something more must be done to curtail the influx of, Russian spies and those who make a decision to turn their backs on the, U.S. Nothing worse than an turn-coat who favors padding his/her pockets a bit more at the detriment of this nation. I would take a more certain approach to due punishment...a firing squad. I have no patience for people who turn their backs on this nation...even with all it faults.
We have to be diligent and prudent regardless of political affiliation and take measure to curtail such deviant and unethical behavior, even if it means sending a real and serious message to those who wish to do this GREAT nation harm.
Mario
915, Texas, USA!!!!
Mario , 915, Texas
Beth is absolutely correct. Our security is being jeopardized by the weak-minded liberals who must not know history, or are working for the other side. We need strong borders and strong military. Mark my words: "If we continue to show Chamberlain-type weakness in the face of opposition, our enemies will one day walk all over us and we will then have to dig deep to climb back up." It won't be the weak dems that put us in the situation that will dig down either. I echo "God help my once proud country!"
Quentin Morford, Bradenton, FL
The United States of America is weaken by the wars in Iraq and elsewhere in the world, Mr. Bush will surely meet the defeat in the war against the people in Iraq and the rest of the world. Uncle Sam must go home as early as possible.
Jane, Shanghai, China
I agree (in part) with the response as far as Russia. It seems as a new detente' type of period is starting for US/Russia relations. What ever happened to peace through strength? What will be the relults of the immigration finally passed by the House' and will it survive the Senate and conference committee?
Whoa be it to the US politician who extols stripping America of it's self defensive capability then something happens. It eventually will, remember 09/11? Clinton got lucky and Russia was only too agreeable to get money, same for China. Now that both countries are able to pay and play it's a much more dangerous world.
Scott Rothwell
Scott Rothwell, PHX, USA
Just because the cold war is over does not mean that the spying has stopped. Even in times of peace every country wants to be one step ahead of everybody else. For every spy Russia has in our government we have one in theirs. For every spy we catch they just send another one over. The spy game is nothing more than a game of cat and mouse.
Bill Galluccio, New Providence, New Jersey
Russia should never have been trusted as is Mexico non-trustworthy--Point being --our borders are porous, the Dems decry security measures that Bush has put in place and the CIA is a sieve of bureaurocrats as is the State Dept.. The Dems unrelenting Jihad on Bush is hampering the security of our country on many levels, those Republicans who cave to the libs will live to regret it if Putin is successful and the immigration bill to cow-tow to Mexico passes. God help my once proud country!
Beth Hall, Memphis, Tn.