It was interesting to read today of the Department of Homeland Security's involvement in some recent grand jury indictments in the islands. One concerned charges of fraud dating back to hurricanes Bertha in 1996 and George in 1998. The other was related to the alleged harboring of illegal aliens.
Considering that both hurricanes preceded by several years the department's creation, I presume that the department deserves congratulations for accomplishing what other territorial and federal had failed to get around to during all those years. I also presume that the department's activity in this area did not detract from its commitment to defense of the homeland.
Homeland Security's role in the case of the illegal aliens does seem somewhat more related to its mission to defend the homeland, but here too one has to wonder where the other law enforcement folk were when this dastardly crime was taking place.
Whatever, 'tis a fine and wonderful thing when a federal department with such tremendous responsibilities will find a way to help out in matters such as these.
John Thompson
Fairfax, Virginia
