Michael Flores of ProgressNow Nevada speaks to a reporter following a community meeting Tuesday at the East Las Vegas Community Center. Cameras and electronic recording devices were barred from the meeting. The meeting was held to address concerns following immigration raids in July at local bus stations.
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010 | 10:59 p.m.
Sun Coverage
On July 29, federal agents raided Las Vegas-area bus terminals, resulting in the arrest of more than two dozen suspected illegal immigrants.
On Tuesday night, members of the Hispanic community filled a small classroom at the East Las Vegas Community Center to find out from Immigration Customs Enforcement agents and Customs and Border Protection agents more details about the raids.
Some people said they were scared to even be in the same room as the agents. But they wanted to know: Did agents find what they said they were looking for that prompted the raids — “coyotes” or human smugglers, drug smugglers and victims of human trafficking?
The answer was no.
Paul Beeson, chief patrol agent of the Yuma sector for Customs and Border Protection, said the operation was to target “transportation hubs” that aid in smuggling. But the operation was cut short because of logistical and technological issues and lasted three to four hours.
“In that short period of time, we did not apprehend anybody we felt was actively engaged in alien smuggling,” Beeson said. “We did not encounter any human trafficking victims.”
The statement prompted Emmanuel Corrales, owner of the Las Vegas Shuttle Co., to ask, “Where is the intelligence?”
“Why didn’t you arrest human smugglers or drug traffickers?” Corrales asked the agents. “I really don’t buy it that you guys had intelligence. I think you guys came here to panic a community.”
“That’s right!” interjected community member Renald Ramoz, who drew applause from the room.
“It’s a joke,” Ramoz said after the meeting. “It’s pre-scripted. It’s a circus.”
The meeting began with a 30-minute moderated discussion in which Beeson answered submitted questions.
ICE Field Director Steven Branch and Richard Curry, an agent of the Homeland Security Investigative Branch, also were at the meeting.
In the last half hour, people were allowed to ask further questions, though they were encouraged to not speak about specific cases.
Vincenta Montoya, an immigration attorney representing one of those arrested in the raids, was vocal in her opposition to how the raids were handled.
“On what justification did you have to go to the bus stations here, having your ID hidden in your shirts and detaining them this far from the border?” Montoya said. “What you followed I do not believe was correct procedure. So far from the border there are different standards.”
Beeson defended the operation, saying it was based on intelligence about specific bus stations. He said there was no racial profiling.
“We did not target any particular community,” Beeson said. “We went to where the stations are located. That’s what we do, folks.”
But Corrales pointed out that the buses that were raided were headed south, making it illogical for them to be stopped if agents were looking for human smugglers. He also expressed frustration that he was asked for proof of his citizenship, even though he was just at his office doing work.
“We all look alike. If I’m going to my office, why should I prove I am a U.S. citizen for just working?” he said. “Why does John Smith not have to be asked for citizenship? You gotta be tall, blonde and blue eyes?”
Pastor Joel Menchaca of Amistad Christiana Church said he was disappointed about how the meeting turned out. He was also disappointed that news cameras were not allowed in the meeting.
“I feel that the people had a lot more questions, but they cut us short,” he said. “The people did not believe what they said.”







I am so sick of hearing people complain about racial profiling. It's necessary. The majority of people breaking our laws and sneaking into the country illegally are of Hispanic origin! Of course they will be the most sought after. DUH!
The bottom line is that if you are here illegally, you can be deported. There is no "illegal" race. Hispanics take it personally since the majority of the US illegal immigrant population is Mexican. If you are here legally, then you have nothing to worry about. You show your ID like everyone (White, Black, Asian, Latino, etc.) has to when they are stopped by any LEO. If you have a problem showing your ID, then obviously you have something to hide. If Mexican immigrants (legal and illegal)don't like our laws in the US, you can go back to Mexico. The US is not going to change their laws just for you. Illegal immigrants shoud receive NO special rights or protections above and beyond legal immigrants and natural born citizens. And as for the BP in Vegas, they have every right to be here. Illegal immigrants in Vegas have no rights to be here. That is the bottom line. What part of illegal (i.e. against the law) do these people not understand? Why is it they can earn $10K, $15K, $20K in Mexico to pay a coyote to bring them here, but they can not seem to come up with the money to become legal US citizens once here? I thought they came here for the money and a better life? Or is it they don't want to become legal US citizens, continuing alliance to another country waving that country's flag in our faces here in the US.
just a thought if they racial profiled and pulled in white people what would people be saying then?
I have seen white people pulled over in Indian communities in the UK because they are white and did not fit in with the local community..
We the people, trust the Cops less and less. Probably just a backlash from our own Metro. These immigrants are more victims of our broken law inforcement system. We all need to re-read the lofty invitation written on the Statue of Liberty (including the Cops).
The dirty little secret is that the Hispanic community is well aware of the prevalence of many illegals in Las Vegas.
Their vociferous attacks on our law enforcement agencies is a charade to divert attention from the illegals here and they follow the theory that the best defense is to go on offensive.
Americans are not fooled and become further alienated by the intrusions on our sovereignty.
bingowaba, you sound like a typical illegal trying to talk yourself away from your illegal federal activity and make you self look like you are here legally.
You are either the most pathetic American citizen out there with your pro-illegal stance and start should start taking classes on patriotism or you'd better go back to your country of origin and set your democratic standards there.
You and your ilk and not wanted here.
How dare they panic the illegal alien community. These people have the right to come here and live here. Viva LaRaza and give them the wealth. Go harry Reid.
I particularly like the lawyer
"On what justification did you have to go to the bus stations here, having your ID hidden in your shirts and detaining them this far from the border?" Montoya said. "What you followed I do not believe was correct procedure. So far from the border there are different standards."
I don't believe distance from the border changes the status from ILLEGAL to "a little less illegal because I got this far".
Steele:
"Or is it they don't want to become legal US citizens, continuing alliance to another country waving that country's flag in our faces here in the US."
Yeah Steele I'm sure that they traveled from their home country whichever one it may be (not just Mexico) to spite only you. I'm so sure of that. You're just so special like that. They specifically want to annoy you. My gosh the ignorance nowadays is truly sad.
This may not be the place for those of us who hate bigots. But your ilk can't be allowed to breed, either.
You just don't get it -- it's about the kind of freedom this republic was created to be a haven for. That's why the Declaration of Independence says we are all created equally, and born "with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." That's why the plaque in the base of the Statue of Liberty invites immigration with "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."
But you bigots would rather encourage this police state to expand rather than cultivate the very reasons for our republic's existence. Remember that next time you put your hand over your heart and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. I hope something in each of you stings hard when you get to the part about "liberty and justice for all."
"It behoves every man who values liberty of conscience for himself, to resist invasions of it in the case of others; or their case may, by change of circumstances, become his own." -- Thomas Jefferson, letter to Benjamin Rush, April 21, 1803
The sad part is many Hispanics feel they do not have to show ID to law enforcement. Blacks and "legal Hispanics" know you must show your ID if your asked by an authority of the law. The Latin Chamber of Commerce and other Hispanic organization are encouraging Hispanic to be defiant of the law by not speaking out and telling the Hispanic community this is normal process for an authority of the law to ask for your ID. You must show ID when you are ask--Period! Even if you feel you are being harassed, Blacks have been dealing with this for years, but they show their ID. At least the one that have nothing to hide, Hispanics or Blacks or anyone.
KillerB.....then you need to personally pay for all the illegals education, free school meals, free medical, section 8 housing, welfare, food stamps, WIC, etc.
When this country was founded none of these programs existed and the immigrants knew they had to work to survive. Now they come here and get all the freebies and demand that we stop pursuing them! And yes they do get them because it's only takes 10 minutes to buy a fake social security card in this town. I'm in construction, I know what I'm talking about.
KillerB alot has taken place in our countries history since the early 1800's. Laws have been passed and you either obey them or suffer the consequences.
KillerB are you trying to tell me that just because the laws that stand today weren't here in the 1800's we don't have to obey them today.
Citizens can't pick and choose the laws they want to obey, where the heck do you get off spouting that our laws today shouldn't be obeyed by federal criminals? Hell we have a hard enough time getting our federal government to enforce the laws, and 20 million illegals that won't obey our laws, where does that leave our citizens who vote and expect our government to do their job and enforce our laws. We are stuck at the back of the line again.
I hate to say it KillerB, you are either an illegal or are pushing for the Immigration reform bill to be passed. If you were an American citizen, you should be wanting our country to uphold our laws, ALL OF THEM, and the immigration reform bill will do far more damage to our citizens than help us.
What do you want, Red,White and Blue; or green, white and red? Where do your loyalties lie?
hey somebodies got to prop up social security,let them in
Vincenta Montoya is an idiot.Whether she realizes it or not ICE can stop anyone anytime and that is that. Just what did she not learn in law school. Illegal means illegal. ICE does not have to identify thier missions and thier targets. Montoya needs to shut up and go to Jenny Craig.
"KillerB.....then you need to personally pay for all the illegals education..."
Noindex -- why?
"KillerB are you trying to tell me that just because the laws that stand today weren't here in the 1800's we don't have to obey them today."
fremmasmind -- yup, with this qualification: the Bill of Rights hasn't changed, and every law must first conform to those limitations. Why do you need this explained to you? This is We the People vs. Police State 101 -- don't you know anything about this republic?
As for who I am, you can stuff your suspicions --I had ancestors on the Mayflower. If I cared a bit about the opinions from your ilk I might actually feel the need to defend myself. It's more fun just messing with you.
"Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add 'within the limits of the law' because law is often but the tyrant's will, and always so when it violates the rights of the individual." -- Thomas Jefferson, letter to Isaac H Tiffany (1819)
"Whether she realizes it or not ICE can stop anyone anytime and that is that. Just what did she not learn in law school."
homer -- right, that's why the federal government is suing Arizona on their new anti-anyone-dark law.
Without bigots like you here it wouldn't be nearly so much fun to post. My last post above yours applies to you in spades.
Ms. Montoya is an angel for using her education to help others. You should read the Bill of Rights before posting again -- maybe then you won't seem so ignorant.
"Where rights secured by the Constitution are involved, there can be no rulemaking or legislation which would abrogate them." -- Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 491 (1966)
gbigs -- you keep missing the point of this article, so you're irrelevant again.
It's obvious the feds went on a fishing expedition. They didn't get what they said they were after, it was just another one of those Kansas City Shuffles -- an excuse to do Constitutionally-shaky stops, searches and seizures.
"In a government of laws, existence of the government will be imperiled if it fails to observe the law scrupulously. Our government is the potent, the omnipresent teacher. For good or for ill, it teaches the whole people by its example. Crime is contagious. If the government becomes a lawbreaker, it breeds contempt for law; it invites every man to become a law unto himself; it invites anarchy. To declare that in the administration of the criminal law the end justifies the means - to declare that the government may commit crimes in order to secure the conviction of a private criminal - would bring terrible retribution." -- Olmstead v. United States, 277 U.S. 438 (1928), Justice Brandeis dissenting
No Killer, the Bill of Rights and our constitution have amendments, the laws in context have changed.
Where in any of these amendments does it state that our immigration laws are not to be inforced?
Where is there an amendment that states a foreigner from other countries does not have to go through our immigration process?
Where is the amendment that states we have to provide free services to foreigners here illegally and make the citizens have to pay for it?
There is a major problem here, and when citizens don't get on the side of the the law, it makes it a whole lot easier for the criminal to feel he can do what he wants.
"No Killer, the Bill of Rights and our constitution have amendments, the laws in context have changed."
fremmasmind -- show me one. And declaring "context" is the exclusive province of the courts. I see you cited nothing, therefore you have nothing.
"...the enshrinement of constitutional rights necessarily takes certain policy choices off the table." -- District of Columbia v. Heller, 128 S.Ct. 2783 (06/26/2008)
All they are doing is enforcing laws that were always in place to begin with. They are just doing their jobs.
"All they are doing is enforcing laws that were always in place to begin with. They are just doing their jobs."
Avitech -- no they're not. Pay attention and be relevant!
"Fear is the foundation of most governments." - John Adams, 1776 "Thoughts on Government"
"If the Government becomes the law breaker, it breeds contempt for law".
Is it against the law for our police, troopers, FBI,etc. not to enforce the law? Even when they know our laws are being broken?
Killer you are telling me that with all the high tech equipment our governments have they have no idea what's going on? That has got to be the lamest excuse I have ever heard of.
If we can't depend on law enforcement to clean up the mess, who's going to take care of business?
Face it Killer you should change you name to "Angel", quit your present job, and go to work for the church. We are having enough problems dealing with our elected officials, we don't need citizens taking sides with people who break our federal laws. We as as a country, the United States of America have got to start taking care of our own.
Remember 20 million people without work, how could you even consider to side with undocumented aliens?
They are citizens of another country, as pathetic as their country is, their country should be taking care of them. These foreigners should find what little pride they have in themselves and go back to their country of origin and take back their country.
Leave us to our own.
"Is it against the law for our police, troopers, FBI,etc. not to enforce the law?"
fremmasmind -- I see you left out anything referring to their oaths. You might want to start that inquiry @ http://oathkeepers.org/
I see you also ignored that Jefferson quote about laws being the tyrant's will.
"Let us dare to read, THINK, speak, and write." -- John Adams "A Dissertation on the Canon and Feudal Law," from "The Works of John Adams" (1851) volume 3, page 462 (my emphasis added)
The new-day KKK -- because it's fun terrorizing minorities -- "that's what we do, folks".
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Las Vegas Sun, you just insulted me by adding Miguel Flores' face to your article. That little punk should not be catered to by either quoting him or splashing him all over the paper. Does he really make any sense to you?
He should be held accountable for aiding and abetting illegals. Want to bet that he knows every one of them and where they work and hide?
As a democrat, I deeply resent what my party has become.
I would love to see ICE conduct an operation on the Strip to round up the dozens of illegals who harass tourists and block the sidewalks in their effort to bring "HOT GIRLS DIRECT TO YOU". Why does this community tolerate this illicit behavior by these low-lifes?
"Why does this community tolerate this illicit behavior by these low-lifes?"
pdxjim -- could it possibly be the First Amendment?
You from/in Portland?
Doesn't ICE know that a ceratin segment of this hemisphere's people have the inalienable God given right to break the laws of the United States?
PBMcWatt -- see the above quotes from the U.S. Supreme Court's Miranda v. Arizona and Heller. "inalienable God given right" trumps conflicting laws every time.
"You can only protect your liberties in this world by protecting the other man's freedom. You can only be free if I am free." -- Clarence Darrow, Address to the Court, The Communist Trial (1920)
Now we know why the government took over the college loan program....it will become a process for the democrats to register these "students".
According to killer open up the borders, let every other countryman in that wants to be here in and give them all the rights available. You happy now killer. All I know that the way you think we'll have over 30million new citizens coming into our country. At that point we might as well forget about our citizens futures.
KIller wants the one world order.
fremmasmind -- I see when someone disagrees with you, you degenerate to insults and slander. That makes you irrelevant here and to any reasonable Discussion -- expect to be disrespected and ignored.
KillerB...What does it say about invading other countries?
Take a little vacation to Iran and see how they welcome you there. For that matter, visit any european country and find out how fast they throw you out.
Only America has fools that don't get it. Count yourself among them.
KillerB
Your hero Thomas Jefferson OWNED over 600 slaves!
How many do you think that you are entitled to?
"I would have challenged Thomas Jefferson instead of Alex if I would have known that some loony 'jailhouse lawyer' was going to use Tommys quotes to attempt to rationalize his irrevelant mutterings!"
Aaron Burr 1805
Killer what you are saying is that no matter what laws we have, they don't hold water.
So the only law enforcement we have only protects our Government?
fremmasmind -- why is it so hard for you to grasp the concept an unConstitutional law has no legal effect?
The tyranny part -- which Jefferson understood, as shown by the quote above -- comes in because that doesn't for a second stop either legislatures (including Congress) from making them or police enforcing them. This is nothing new:
"The Government of the United States has been emphatically termed a government of laws, and not of men. It will certainly cease to deserve this high appellation if the laws furnish no remedy for the violation of a vested legal right ..... Certainly all those who have framed written Constitutions contemplate them as forming the fundamental and paramount law of the nation, and consequently the theory of every such government must be that an act of the Legislature repugnant to the Constitution is void." -- Marbury v. Madison, 5 U.S. 137, 164, 177 (1803)
"Only America has fools that don't get it. Count yourself among them."
richka -- why exactly? As for invading other countries, I'd recommend reading about Smedley Butler. Wikipedia is a good place to start.
pmmart -- I don't engage in Discussions with buffoons. Either post something relevant or expect, here as there, to be disrespected and ignored.
"I spent 33 years and four months in active military service and during that period I spent most of my time as a high class thug for Big Business, for Wall Street and the bankers. In short, I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism. I helped make Mexico and especially Tampico safe for American oil interests in 1914. I helped make Haiti and Cuba a decent place for the National City Bank boys to collect revenues in. I helped in the raping of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefit of Wall Street. I helped purify Nicaragua for the International Banking House of Brown Brothers in 1902--1912. I brought light to the Dominican Republic for the American sugar interests in 1916. I helped make Honduras right for the American fruit companies in 1903. In China in 1927 I helped see to it that Standard Oil went on its way unmolested. Looking back on it, I might have given Al Capone a few hints. The best he could do was to operate his racket in three districts. I operated on three continents." -- Major General Smedley Butler, a Marine and one of only 19 people to be TWICE awarded the Medal of Honor, from a 1935 issue of the socialist magazine "Common Sense"
This Path to citizenship is not limited to a few College grad's but an amnesty that includes illegal aliens up to age 35! And the illegal families homesteading arrival can even incorporate children as late as age 15! This bill is a giant fraudulent loophole that nationals can claim an amnesty without providing proof of meeting certain criteria. Even the faction of the DREAM ACT amnesty divulges that around 2.1 million people could be eligible. This amnesty has no restriction procedures at all as it still allows businesses to persist in hiring illegal aliens. Further--it temps millions more parents to fetch their children here illegally and stay long enough for them to become high school students and demand another amnesty in a few years.
If this bill is passed it leaves intact the "chain migration system" that will permit these 2.1 million illegal aliens, to eventually send for millions more relatives. The ominous DREAM ACT leaves intact the chain migration system that will allow these 2.1 million illegal aliens to ultimately send for millions more relatives. In quick succession, the legitimized illegal aliens would be able to get green cards for their parents. In the future millions of additional relatives would be able to start planning their applications and getting in line. This starts with adult siblings and moves on to aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. A large percentage of the illegal aliens in the U.S. today are extended family members of the illegal aliens who got amnesty in 1986 and also those in the six more-limited amnesties throughout the 1990s.
Vent your anger on the phone lines to Washington and your Senator and Congressman at 202-224-3121. Join millions of other Americans and freely email, fax or you can aid in stopping the corruption in the Capitol. NumbersUSA has all the tools to return this country to THE PEOPLE. Be aware that illegal households may try and vote for Reid in November as our voting system is easily compromised.
This Path to citizenship is not limited to a few College grad's but an amnesty that includes illegal aliens up to age 35! And the illegal families homesteading arrival can even incorporate children as late as age 15! This bill is a giant fraudulent loophole that nationals can claim an amnesty without providing proof of meeting certain criteria. Even the faction of the DREAM ACT amnesty divulges that around 2.1 million people could be eligible. This amnesty has no restriction procedures at all as it still allows businesses to persist in hiring illegal aliens. Further--it temps millions more parents to fetch their children here illegally and stay long enough for them to become high school students and demand another amnesty in a few years.
If this bill is passed it leaves intact the "chain migration system" that will permit these 2.1 million illegal aliens, to eventually send for millions more relatives. The ominous DREAM ACT leaves intact the chain migration system that will allow these 2.1 million illegal aliens to ultimately send for millions more relatives. In quick succession, the legitimized illegal aliens would be able to get green cards for their parents. In the future millions of additional relatives would be able to start planning their applications and getting in line. This starts with adult siblings and moves on to aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. A large percentage of the illegal aliens in the U.S. today are extended family members of the illegal aliens who got amnesty in 1986 and also those in the six more-limited amnesties throughout the 1990s.
Vent your anger on the phone lines to Washington and your Senator and Congressman at 202-224-3121. Join millions of other Americans and freely email, fax or you can aid in stopping the corruption in the Capitol. NumbersUSA has all the tools to return this country to THE PEOPLE. Be aware that illegal households may try and vote for Reid in November as our voting system is easily compromised.
ALL PRO-AMNESTY INCUMBENTS MUST GO IN NOVEMBER.
Scrutinize the growing list of Democrats falling along the wayside, as more and more Tea Party candidates take their place. This is a non-violent revolution that displays the people have the--REAL--power. Not the Republican elites, not the Liberal progressives, but just the average voter. But it's not over, until it's--OVER? We must take back our government, the trite fellowship of politicians who have sought to undermine the values of our constitution. The issues are many that needs a new direction, beginning with today's push by leading Democrat Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, who is trying to influence the a major minority vote in attaching a bill, to the War appropriation bill. This is a sad state of affairs when Reid, Menendez of New Jersey, Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.), Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-N.Y.) have the unrivaled audacity to promote the illegal immigration ticket, when our kids cannot get into college, because of the sky-high costs.
But not only that, to push this attachment bill, otherwise our troops don't get the necessary financial backing. This is really a sick manifestation on behalf of the Democrats-to get votes. This bill gives life to the "Dream Act." Don't let Reid use your good nature to force along this measure, which will further cripple our economy. Reid nearly obliterated E-Verify, a business computer program that identifies illegal workers. Sen. Menendez even ridiculed our immigration system and said he is clearing the way to introduce a path to citizenship in the coming weeks. even though we have 15 million US citizens and permanent residents, drumming the streets for a job.
Reid is a ruthless power monger that has crippled Nevada's financial status, with the highest unemployment rate. Reid and his retinue have refused to implement any restrictions on millions of illegal aliens squatting there, taking jobs and lowering wages and benefits. He is likely under the thumb of the service and entertainment unions, who are using illegal labor? This illegal alien occupation is destabilizing our country, caused by both parties through many previous years of doing nothing. The propaganda for DREAM ACT is false and deceptive. This amnesty is NOT limited to high school valedictorians or other high-achieving college students, who were brought to the U.S. illegally when they were babies. It is yet another terrible strain on taxes, caused by yet another part of the "Instant citizenship" syndrome that effects public benefits and alienates many of our own impoverished Americans.
Manifest Destiny Part 2!!!!
Well, at least KillerB finally shut up and called it a day.
Very good posts by Casca, LasVegas2009, gbigs,fremmasmind, pmmart, Noindex and a few others. Sorry KillerB, you're not on that list.
Good night all.
I'm sure you really hurt his feelings.
KillerB, it seems you are in the minority against some folks on this thread.
In a democracy, that means you have lost this debate, although, in principle your position is judicially sound. "In a court of crows, a cricket gets no justice" (paraphrased).
The point being, ICE or LEO cannot just raid any business they see fit on a whim or otherwise without a warrant; IAW the Fourth Amendment. How would some of the folks who are in opposition to you and our constitution feel if their homes or business were summarily raided and they were made to feel powerless against a tyrannical government agency.
"Beeson defended the operation, saying it was based on intelligence about specific bus stations. He said there was no racial profiling".
What that wihte-washed, Terry Law (Terry v. Ohio 1968) statement means to say, intellegable action (articulable suspicion) was kown that undocumented persons frequented those stations. The bigger question is whether all persons at that station were detained, regardless of ethnicity, abillity to speak english, or appearace and made to produce ID, or papers to prove legal status for being in America. If not, then it is indefenceable for ICE, LEO to galavant around our community and script law to meet their needs of justification; that would be a big bubue.
Nevada Revised Statute 171.123 is extremely well circumscribed. It could be the model for the rest of the country. LOE can only detain someone if there is reasonable suspicion that a crime has been, is, or is about to be committed. The detention must be brief (60 minutes or less). The detainee is not required to answer any questions (Fifth Amendment) except one: Who are you?
As is always the case, in most USSC cases, writ of certiorari, the term reasonable (= furtive) comes to bear, so what you think is reasonable is not in question, rather it is up to LEO, their allowed a wide latitude on reasonable under the guise of safety.
All of which, is how the Judicial has stacked the deck against US citizens in support of a police heavy handed culture in America.
PS. I almost forgot about "Old Gimlet Eye"