Agent's Forum
The Agents' Forum
This column is open to any Federal enforcement
agent (member or non-member) wishing to express an
opinion concerning issues with the Federal investigative
bureaus. Letters should be reasonably short and
concise. Some letters may be edited for the sake of
confidentiality, clarity, and brevity.
The identity of the writer must be known to
NAFA, but the writer’s name will automatically
be withheld unless expressly authorized (usually
by retired agents).
Saving Obama?
Dear NAFA,
NAFA nailed it again!! Many months ago you wrote the Secret Service had better change its ways or President Obama could be in trouble. Sure enough….a couple of publicity-seeking amateurs recently talked their way past Secret Service security into an arms-length photo op with the President at a White House state dinner. What if they had been professionals…terrorists? Those “…20 of our largest cities on fire!” you worried about in your op-ed may be closer than we think. Keep up the good work. ATFSpecial Agent – Retired.
NAFA Notes… This correspondent is referring to an op-ed piece by NAFA Deputy Executive Director Jim Jorgensen entitled “Business As Usual Won’t Protect Obama!” appearing in the Winter 2008 issue of THE AGENT.
Push Your Georgia Reps
Dear NAFA,
As most Georgia retired Federal agents know, in 1985 with the help of Georgia Representative Bob Holmes, I was able to get H.B. 416 passed allowing all retired agents free license permits and authorization to carry a pistol in public places. However, when Bob and I wrote this bill I failed to include agents who retired medically and would not qualify for a free license.
Starting in June 2008, by letter sent by facsimile to Georgia Senator Kasim Reed, I requested he support all medical retired agents with an amendment to Georgia Code 16-1111-129 allowing these agents free weapons permits. Not hearing from Senator Reed, I called his office and a representative advised the senator could not help in this matter and that a Georgia House of Representatives member had to be requested to do so. The representative he referred to was one that in the past showed little to no interest in helping me in another matter. I requested that his office contact her on my behalf.
Numerous calls and follow up letters to the senator failed to get a response either in writing or by phone. It should be noted Senator Reed is running for Mayor of Atlanta and I believe all of our agents, their families, friends and fellow law enforcement officers should be advised of Reed’s lack of interest in helping Federal agents.
The above information should be noted in our next publication of THE AGENT. It also should be noted that the General Assembly in Georgia ended without Senator Reed contacting me in the above matter. H.C. Mike Holley - Special Agent – IRS Inspection - Retired
