THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012
Wide Receiver vs. Fast and Furious
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Didn't this all start under Bush? Didn't he do the same thing? Didn't his "Wide Receiver" operation use the same tactics?
The short answer is ABSOLUTELY NOT. The longer and more accurate answer follows.
Under the Bush administration, several sting operations were conducted in which straw buyers were allowed to purchase guns and attempts were made to follow the guns to, and in some cases over, the border. The largest and most well known operation was called Wide Receiver. The other operations were similar. During these operations approximately 200-250 firearms got away. The fact that some guns did cross the border is the only similarity between the Bush era program and Fast and Furious.
Lets compare the two programs:
Cooperation with Mexico:
Wide Receiver: Mexican Law Enforcement notified, Mexico consented and was a full partner.
Fast and Furious: Mexico intentionally kept in the dark. No coordination or consent.
Surveillance of Firearms:
Wide Receiver: Agents attempted to keep track of the guns at all times.
Fast and Furious: Agents were ordered not to track the guns after they were purchased.
Use of Tracking Devices:
Wide Receiver: Extensive placed in every lot of guns purchased
Fast and Furious: One agent built device in one gun
Performance of Tracking Devices:
Wide Receiver: Smugglers figured out how to defeat trackers
Fast and Furious: Smugglers didnt have to do anything
Number of Firearms Sent to Cartels:
Wide Receiver: About 250
Fast and Furious: Exact number unknown, but over 2,500
Actions at the Border:
Wide Receiver: Attempted to hand off surveillance to Mexican law enforcement
Fast and Furious: ATF worked with Customs to make sure guns were not stopped at border
Reasoned Politics: Wide Receiver vs. Fast and Furious