The American Spectator : The Spectacle Blog : Football: A Matter of National Security?

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The Spectacle Blog

Football: A Matter of National Security?

By Robert Stacy McCain on 1.7.10 @ 10:48AM

PASADENA, Calif. -- "US Customs and Border Protection secures the homeland by preventing the illegal entry of people and goods while facilitating legitimate travel and trade," explains the Web site of the agency, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security. So why were CBP agents guarding the Rose Bowl yesterday?

This was one of several CBP vehicles deployed around the Rose Bowl. When I tried to take photos of the federal agents who accompanied the vehicles, their response was, "No photos allowed." So this may be an illegal photo.

Don't worry America: If the Mexican drug cartels plan to smuggle dope into the Rose Bowl, CPS will be ready for them -- like the Alabama defense is ready for Colt McCoy.

View all comments (12) | Leave a comment

sean| 1.7.10 @ 11:49AM

This is just one of the perks of being a government employee. You get to attend big events for free and get paid for doing so. Every fireman and cop knows about this.

Ken (Old Texican)| 1.7.10 @ 12:01PM

Heh, just keep beating that horse....and have a little fun.

SoCon | 1.7.10 @ 2:03PM

Ha ha ha. Good one, RSM.

Ken Gentry| 1.7.10 @ 3:32PM

The only time I or any of my friends have ever seen these vehicles was at Tea Party Rallies taking pictures of the public.

Jamie| 1.7.10 @ 5:49PM

What did you expect Ken? You're on Janet's Terrorist Watch list.

nceeno| 1.7.10 @ 6:17PM

They were just using the company car to take them to the game and to get good parking.

The "No pictures" thing is quite funny. I'd take extra just to piss him off.

Matt| 1.7.10 @ 10:22PM

Part of their mission is to prevent terrorism. You are looking at a Federal Protective Service vehicle.

Scott| 1.7.10 @ 10:35PM

"Part of their mission is to prevent terrorism. You are looking at a Federal Protective Service vehicle."

Look closer. CBP.

mkb| 1.8.10 @ 1:22AM

Not to rain on this parade but doesn't Homeland security oversee the Border Patrol? If you think about it wouldn't a high profile football (all-American) game, televised during prime-time be a rather significant terror target? Fabulous exposure, high casualties and aimed at a sport unique to America. (Disrupting and forever marring an American tradition).
Since we don't know the real reason they were present maybe we should cut these guys who protect our borders some slack - it's not their fault they work for an incompetent boss.

John D| 1.8.10 @ 1:34AM

It is a well known ruse in federal law enforcement, that if, lets say, an agent wants to see the Indy 500 and can't get tickets, he will pick a name off the FBI most wanted list, go to the brickyard on race day, go to someone in charge, and say, "Hi, I am Special Agent so and so (flash badge) and I am looking for Joe Blow, FBI Most Wanted #X, and an informant tells us he is a big car racing fan, and he might be in attendance today. I (or My partner and I) need to enter the public seating areas and take a look around, maybe ask around if anyone has seen him here today." 100 times out of 100 you will be waved in, and for good measure you might actually ask a few people happening by if they "have seen this man" (flash picture).

pamela| 4.24.10 @ 4:38AM

American tradition).
Since we don't know the real reason they were present maybe we should cut these guys who protect our borders some slack - it's not their fault they work for an incompetent boss. Download t pain mp3