To: Brian Downey, Senate Judicary Committee Staff
Dear Mr. Downey,
Charlie Harman, Chief of Staff for Sen. Saxby Chambliss tells us you are the appropriate Senate Judiciary Committee contact to discuss "Project Gunwalker" with, and says he has already forwarded some relevant documentation to you. Here's why:
ATF employees are looking to come forward and provide testimony and documentation about guns being illegally transported to Mexico, with management cognizance, in order to pad numbers and justify Project Gunrunner expansion. This includes gun stores being used to allow illegal sales to proceed. Additionally, the gun used in the recent killing of a Border Patrol agent is alleged to be one of the guns involved. My colleagues and I working to bring this to light are told the Mexican authorities have been intentionally kept in the dark about this, with the approval to do so coming from Washington, and protests have been overridden.
In order for these people to come forward, they require whistle-blower protection. Because the allegations involve high levels in Washington, they require the extra protection afforded through separation of powers, rather than going directly to a US Attorney reporting to Justice.
Here are some background summaries for you to start at, which contain additional links for further information:
- Sources, Timeline & Summary of the ATF "Project Gunwalker" scandal and the death of BP agent Brian Terry.
- Is ‘Project Gunwalker’ about to bust wide open?
Once you can guarantee their safety when our sources talk to you, you will have the opportunity to fully validate the reliability of their testimony and documentation for yourself.
Understand that representatives from major media are aware of this situation and we have let them know our sources want to open up under protection of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Here is what I am telling reporters asking about this:
--BEGIN MEDIA RESPONSE--
We have several media folks who have noticed this. Here's where we are and what I can personally tell you without saying more than I should at this time:
Our guys are not in position to talk to the media yet, preferring to speak to a senator or congressman. We're working on getting the story out that way, although if we don't get movement soon they'll probably have no choice but to reconsider a direct media route.
Here's a place to start--aside from the links in my latest. Mike Vanderboegh just released a timeline at:
http://sipseystreetirregulars.blogspot.com/2011/01/sources-timeline-summary-of-atf-project.html
Per Mike: "Urge them to use their own sources. With the clues in the Timeline, they can easily track down some of these guys themselves."
One that he's referring to:
"(REDACTED) former attache to Mexico is an honest and honorable guy. He was forcefully removed from Mexico w o warning in Nov in large part because he wouldn't sit silent on these matters. He will tell the truth if asked by competent authority. He retired Dec 31 because of all this."
Again per Mike: "I believe that if we can get the Timeline and Summary out there, the Senators will fold by afternoon."
That's one way a reporter could expedite things.
Sorry to sound so evasive, but I'm not the one taking the really big risks here.
I will make sure our sources have your contact info. and let them know you're asking about this. If you have anything you'd like me to pass along to them, let me know and I will.
--END MEDIA RESPONSE--
But also understand that so far, attempts to generate interest among various senate and congressional staffers over the past few days has been a frustrating experience of evasiveness and deflection, and that also is being documented. There is far too much at stake for the brave people who are putting themselves on the line to let this continue. To do so is inexcusable. That's why this is being sent to you as an open letter, published on the Internet to apprise the media and interested citizens of the efforts we are taking to bring this matter to light.
What do we tell our guys, Mr. Downey? How can we get this process started where they can safely prove themselves to the Senate Judiciary Committee?
You can contact me at dcodreaAThotmailDOTcom [Phone # redacted in posted version] or Mike Vanderboegh at georgemason1776ATaolDOTcom [Phone # redacted in posted version]
Please advise by today, 5:00PM EST so we can pass that information along to our sources and let them know if they can disclose what they know under Committee protection, or if they need to consider other avenues of disclosure.
Sincerely,
David Codrea
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Trigger Sports LIVE!
I'll be joining American Trigger Sports Network host James B. Towle again today for our weekly Trigger Sports LIVE! segment. I'll probably touch on the "Project Gunwalker" issue, but mostly we're going to focus on the New Jersey airport story that many of his viewers who fly to hunting trips and shooting events with guns checked in their baggage need to be aware of.
Join us at Noon PST/3:00PM EST?
Click here...
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Comments
Suggestion: Drop the 'Mike Vanderboegh/SipseyStreetIrregulars' reference, if your open letter is serious. No one in power will associate with someone who suggested property violence against politicians offices. Especially now.
A.
Excellent suggestion Mr. Reader. Dave Codrea doesn't need someone like this else to validate him. The facts alone should be able to stand on their own.
The tip of an iceberg only hints at the potential below the surface.
The thing is, I didn't introduce him into this story--his sources did when they decided he was the one they could trust to handle their part of it on their behalf. I can't go back and change what has happened, and the part Mike tells is essential to understanding the things that have unfolded to date. The story cannot be told without it.
This is not about the conduit. It's not about me and it's not about Mike. It's about some people who are taking a great personal risk and are willing to have THEIR credibility scrutinized-- under oath.
I have written my Oregon Senators, Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley. Only time will tell whether or not they will be willing to help.
Hey, AReader, why don't you give us your phone number and I'll pass it to the ATF agents? Maybe they would rather talk to you. ;-)
Putz. There are people who do, people who don't and people who try to piss on the passing shoes of those who do.
Ask yourself this: why is it that they trust me? Maybe because they understand me to be honest and unafraid of the same people who at this very minute wouldn't mind seeing them dead?
These guys are trying to keep their oaths. Who am I NOT to help them?
Appreciate your response Dave and see your point. Thanks then are due you both for your part exposing this. We the people want answers and accountability. We also do NOT want the innocents betrayed/harmed.
I too will write my congressmen and will follow this closely.
Pretty funny, really. Reminds me of the scene in The Patriot where the son tells the father, "We don't need their sort."
Don't sweat it. Plenty enough of us out here who really appreciate what you do.
AReader & Grape,
Actually, if you'd been paying attention for the past few years, Vanderboegh's informal conduits into officialdom ADD credibility to this. His track record for accuracy is pretty good.
When some one infers "these guys need to get a lawyer"- when ran through the legaleze translator means " get those guys deposed (deposition)
I would venture to say that somewhere in the Southwest a group could find a sympathetic judge to get on record.
At the very least they should have an "in the event of my demise" back up.
For what it's worth, Dave and Mike, being a Life Member of GOA I sent an email to them, asking Larry Pratt to do whatever he can to expedite this. Hopefully he can bring some pressure to bear through his contacts as well. Especially since the NRA - as usual - is totally silent. (And Sebastian Snowflake should show a little truth-in-advertising and just change his name to Flake.)
Dave - a response from Larry Pratt at GOA:
Hi Reg,
Yes, we have been seeking to get hearings held in both the Senate and the House.
Larry Pratt
Thanks Reg--we have been in close communication with LP on this and appreciate his efforts to date.
My thanks, repect, and admiration to all those involved in attempting to bring this issue to light. A special thanks to David and Mike for their continued activities keeping us informed and fighting for our rights!
I've written both of my Senators, Bingaman and Udall, of New Mexico. Unfortunately both of them are Dems and have no interest in upholding any laws when Government officials or other law enforcement people are involved. It's sad to say but I have NO representation in the U.S. Congress.
If true, I can imagine the following conversation:
Dr. Mr. & Mrs. Terry,
It is with great sadness that we must inform you that your government is complicit in your honorable and brave son's death.
Sincerely,
The parents of Pat Tillman.
This need to be pursued, those being complicate in the fraud and deception need to spend time with those they themselves put behind bars. The Whistle blowers should be praised for their courage, character, and honesty. Some of which is sorely lacking in our Government today. It's refreshing to know that there are honest and truthful people in this country, that are selfless in their service to their country.
This needs to move forward and very quickly.
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