The Impact of the Fast and Furious incident on government operations
The investigation involving the Fast and Furious operation being conducted now has another incident with a border patrol agent being killed. The issue of the safety of our border patrol agents requires that something be done. While it has been some time since the killing of the last agent that sparked the investigation, we still do not have answers which the families of both deserve.
The impact of the Fast and Furious operation raises many questions as to how government departments/agencies operate and whether they are within their jurisdiction and responsibilities.
There are always going to be issues which Congress feels needs to be investigated and this one is a prime example. Those who serve our country whether it be a border patrol agent or other federal employee that puts their life on the line for us deserve answers.
It is true there are actions being taken by government entities to keep our country secure the details of which should not be made public. Bringing such details forth may hinder the ability of departments and agencies to do their jobs and may put lives in danger. The system of checks and balance we have in this country are important principles and the actions of Congress in initiating this investigation is an example of this principle at work. Some say that this investigation is political but let them tell that to the family of the slain border control agents who lost their lives serving our country. Granted every life that is lost by individuals serving our country does not necessarily require an investigation but this case is an exception.
Congressional investigations are well within the authority of Congress as part of the checks and balance system we have in place. Many government agencies and departments make decisions everyday and it is the job of Congress to question decisions made when things go wrong as in the case of Fast and Furious. This does not mean there needs to be an all out investigation in every incident. Sometimes Congress does become too involved with initiating investigations but there are times where they are appropriate. Congress also has the right and authority to request documents to get satisfactory answers to questions being asked.
The public and Congress have the right to know what happened when investigations are conducted. They like Congress deserve answers. Our system of checks and balance is alive and well with regards to investigations today and investigations in the past. Granted it may be uncomfortable for some individuals who are called to testify at a Congressional hearing but the main purpose is to understand what happened and how to avoid issues in the future.
It is also true that some investigations in the past involved private companies where decisions made affected individuals and society as a whole. Investigations being conducted by Congress involving government entities is appropriate. One of the purposes and authority of Congress involves making sure government organizations are operating within the law and if mistakes were made determining the cause. Determining the cause can lead to a better understanding by both Congress and any government entity involved in an investigation so appropriate action is taken to prevent an issue from repeating.
Some individuals may feel that Congressional investigations are a waste of time or are political in nature. In some cases this may be true while in others individuals or parties try to make some investigations a political issue. Any investigation conducted by Congress must be based on sound judgment regardless of the political party involved. It is what we expect from our elected officials in Congress and in some cases we have been disappointed. It is hoped that some resolution in the current investigation can be achieved to get answers the family of the slain border patrol agent deserve to have. The impact of Fast and Furious on future government operations it is hoped that government entities have learned a lesson with regards to decisions they make which could have disastrous impact to the lives of those who serve to protect us.
