Exactly, I'm sorry but if one of our citizens went to Mexico and raped and murdered a child. Kill them too.

Doesn't matter where you are if you're in their country you live by their rules. Same thing applies when you come to America.

GOODNIGHT RAPIST!

Exactly right. There IS NO legal, moral or constitutional justification to keeping this degenerate alive.

Execute him. Pronto.

Obama seems to have an unusual amount of sympathy for criminals with phony citizenship credentials like his aunt, murders, rapists, welfare bums wonder why?

I do get a kick out the fact that he would run to the Mexican government for help.

"Congress reportedly had three years to pass the bill but did not. Hence, it is impossible to pass a bill that would spare Leal unless a stay is ordered."

Interesting that MSNBC left this sentence out of an article I read from another site. This references the law that the Obama cites for delaying the execution for six months. The democracts and the Obama administration passed on a potentially problematic vote before the 2010 elections because it could have cost them votes. Now they want to pander to the hispanics by preventing this justifiable execution.

"The legislation, backed by the State Department and the United Nations, would bring the United States into compliance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations provision regarding the arrest of foreign nationals."

Good luck with that when it involves Texas Justice. Texas "legally" executes more people than any other COUNTRY in the world. Strangely, Texans seem proud of that. The backwards attitude of "an eye for an eye." And they're really a religious state? I guess they consider themselves "religious" and self righteous when they attend on Easter and Christmas services and follow the moral majority GOP.

I can find no reason for the President to be providing additional excuses for the defense of a known murderer. What good does it do for the President to be invoking the Vienna Conventions as a means to save this dirtbag's life? My only guess is that the President is trying to get rid of the death penalty or eliminate the state's rights to do so.

I thought it was so important to give amnesty to illegals so that they can live in the US and be equals, so why not hold them to our laws and standards?

Cygnus, the blood lust in Texas is appalling isn't it?

Leal should have commited that crime in Florida. He'd now be free and rich from a book deal.

Go Texas go! The only problem I have is why did it take so long. Seventeen years of supporting an illegal alien murdering rapist..... That's costly to the tax payer. Continue in with the execution Texas. Then look towards the White House and say "I'm sorry, did you say something?"....

ewent, michelle, Cygnus: Because we love sucking the rest of you dry, lol.

But in all seriousness, in all seriousness, I am quite curious to know why it is each of you take issue with our application of the death penalty. Honest curiosity, honest question. I'm genuinely interested to hear y'all out.

Given the facts presented late in the article, his case has already been reviewed by US district court. Further the supreme court has already spoken on the issue by setting aside the ruling of a court outside the US. The Mexican government even admits that the verdict is correct and this is a technical issue that needs to be resolved. So Mr. President you have two choices, pardon a man who committed a horrible crime or but out! Another case of discrimination by the Obama administration against and American citizen in favor of a foreign national.

...so no answer then, ewent? Just more blithe, callous one-up-manship and regionalism?

Let's hope Michelle and Cygnus prove more intellectual and engaging.

ewent = TROLL PDNFTT

ewent...Why should any state, not just Texas, surrender their ability to determine the punishment for any person who would..... smash in the scull of a young woman, who would rape her with a screw laden stick and then leave the stick in her, who left DNA evidence behind, who's family confirms that this bastardization of humanity, who had no defense beyond not having contact with his consulate. Were the man here legally he probably would not have risked his visa or green card to meet some depraved urge. Then again he might have along with up front assurances that he was a foreign national and wished to talk with the Mexican Consulate.

States need to stop surrendering their rights and responsibilities to the Federal Authority when it is beyond their preview and should absolutely not surrender their ability to protect their citizens at the whim of a world court.

Obama, go ahead, pardon the bastard - you know you have the right. But if you do, not only next President elected in 2012 will be ABO (anyone but Obama), it also will be difficult to find a single Democrat on the Capitol Hill. Remember Dukakis? Leal will be your Willie Horton.

And by the way, if the sentence will be commuted to prison, the freakin murderer will regret many times he wasn't executed. The inmate population really loves rapists, especially child rapists. I, as a taxpayer, wouldn't mind to pay for all the Viagra® his cellmates can eat

One of the oddly curious things about Newsvine is that, one those occassions where I feel inclined to try and start a civil discussion in the hope people from opposing viewpoints can learn something about one another, someone always manages to swoop in and @!$%# in everyone's Cornflakes.

Does anyone, anyone (besides ewent) who feels Texas' application of the death penalty is wrong care to chip in?

ewent

Murder and rape are state crimes, not federal, this piece of trash was tried, convicted, and will be executed. My condolences for having to live in NJ.

ewent...This is where I find it difficult to discuss on equal footing. You wish to throw Bush into the mix and yet in I think 2005 Bush made the same request as President on behalf of all the foreign nationals on death row. Not just this piece of Mexican Trash.

The State of Texas has a method. It has been carried out in a unified manner regarding all foreign nationals, that I am aware of so it is not as if this rapist murder is any exception. What he did not do was dash for the border. If he had gone to Mexico then they would only have returned him if the death penalty were off the table. In which case we need to leave those alone and have a shoot to kill order if they cross the Rio Grande again.

This has nothing to do with Gonzales. And the Bush administration did nothing any different than his predecessor. I am sure you will not admit that or assign some insignificant excuse to Clinton so we best not go there.

"It's cheaper to give a guy life in prison than the state to process and prosecute all of the appeals at every level of the justice system.", Ahh, then the justice system is more costly, not the act of the execution itself. I don't understand why it takes seventeen years to put a criminal to death...

Obama is a globalist in his foreign policy. This is just an example of that. The importance of globalism is ever increasing in the modern age.

If Texas decided to go ahead with the execution anyway, I would support that. Largely because the joker has been in this country since he was a toddler apparently, and is no more a Mexican than he is an American. But sometimes it is important to think on the larger scheme of international relations in regard to how we go about things.

It's quite possible that they waited so long as to allow Texas to go ahead with the execution while also relieving the blame from the US Govt as if they didn't do anything at all to stay the execution and afford him the protection of his home country's consulate. It's diplomacy, I doubt the Mexican gov't really cares much about this particular individual... but they do care about maintaining influence in other countries in regard to its citizens.

So long as the US can reassure the international community that they have influence in our country in regard to their citizens, we're fine. Nobody really cares about this rapist, they just want assurance of their influence.

And...once agan, we have a lawyer telling us that a client is innocent of the charge. What a shock.

According to lawyers as a whole in this nation, no criminal has ever really committed the crime they are charged with.

It makes me think of that famous statue of the blindfolded lady with the scale...telling us that "justice is blind".

It certainly is getting to be that way.

Cygnus...I disagree.. I don't believe for one minute that this man claimed his Mexican Citizenship when he was arrested, not that that makes a difference in my state, but he was brought here as a child, he went through our school system, he was raised here. He knew what would happen if he chose to rape and bludgeon a girl, leaving a stick protruding from her body. This is Texas we make no secrete of what happens to the depraved among us. He did a horrible thing and for that there is a punishment in our state. We have no personal agreement to offer foreign nationals more protections than we offer our own citizens. They get the same protections.

Maybe his family should have stayed in Mexico if they did not what their little degenerate to suffer the death penalty at the hands of a true authority.

However you see it, he was in the USA and violated OUR Law, not Mexico's. When a U.S. Soldier is Stationed overseas, they are, upon arrival there, informed by the U.S Authorities that they are subject to the Host Nation's Legal system PRIOR to the U.S. Militery or Civilian Law can be enforced. 10 Years in Germany taught me and every other Soldier there that this was the Law under the Status of Forces Agreement signed by BOTH Nations prior to being allowed to place American Service Members on their Soil. ONE EXCEPTION: These Laws are extremely different when we are the Warring Party against the other Nation as Opposers.

This Chump has, according to the Article, brought here as a Toddeler, he knew the Law, and he chose to violate it in an extremely horrible fashion. Watch what Obama claims if the SC allows the walk down the Green Mile, he will cite it as being "Very rough on Illegals into this Nation", just for the chance to find out how blind our Population really is.

This is directly in line with the Sweetheart deal he, ObamaGod, made with Mexico immediatly after his Inauguration.

The Left will attack my Spelling and Grammer/Punctuation, but they fail to remember I went to THEIR Schools, so, I do hereby state that if you find fault with my Spelling/Grammer, I'm sorry!!! There, now that makes it all OK according to the Apology from Bill Clinton.

If this Herk were an American citizen, Obama wouldn't care. Well, unless the guy was a registered Democrat, as Hillary so eloquently offered up Registering Felons and Prisoners to Vote, as a Senator, PRIOR to the 2010 Election. YEP, she did it, and it's in the Congressional Record as such, backed by Pelosi and Ried. Heck, fry them ALL, the Dems aand Illegals.......

Obama wants illegal aliens to have the same rights under the Constitution as U.S. Citizens until they commit a crime. Then he wants them to have the rights that non-citizens have. Can't have it both ways "O". By the way, is he as concerned with the family of this girl as he is the murderer of this girl?

I find it immature that so many of you (I'm looking at you ewent) are attacked "Texans" in general. Ewent, are you a Texas legislator? Are you a Texas citizen? No, as you clearly stated, you live in New Jersey. Please do not spout off about something of which you have no direct knowledge. For every "dirty" politician you can name that has served in office in Texas, I can find 100 that served their state well. I can also do a Google search like you and find dirty NJ politicians. There are bad apples everywhere, and you would do well to recognize that before you launch into another diatribe with blanket statements about how all Texans make their own laws and act as vigilantes.

Oh and before you continue to employ the use of Bush's name in a tactic to incite others, please read the article. It clearly states that Bush was in favor of the legislation allowing further review.

This is not the first killer sent to death. The intervention of President Obama is part of his campaign to get support from Mexican-American voters. Nothing is on risk like nothing was on risk with the previous killer, this is just another " Chicken Little " game.

Cygnus: I can't speak for the rest of the state because I haven't had a chance to go and dig up the actual data for the past ten years, but I do know that locally, wihin the Houston metro area, violent crime has steadily decreased, barring a surge immediately after the arrival of Katrina refugees in 2005.

That aside, I can and do agree with you that the political establishment in Texas makes poor use of the death penalty in order to accrue votes from more easily-swayed voters and I certainly believe that it's led to very unfortunate situations. Not too recently, there was a man who was convicted of arson that led to the death of his family on Christmas day - despite overwhelming evidence that arson investigators and police had done everything short of planting evidence to fast-track a conviction (all this coming from a state-appointed investigatory committee!) Gov. Perry opted to disregard the commission, disbanding it before the results could go on the official record, and refused a stay on the convicted man. He was ultimately executed, I believe, last year or the year before.

That I find reprehensible and inexcusable, but I do not believe it invalidates the worthiness of capital punishment. It is a very blatant misuse of power for the sake of scoring political points, and should be an alarm klaxon for all Texans to choose our state leaders more widely in elections.

Regarding Leal, much as I find it repugnant that someone who is guilty beyond reasonable doubt has been allowed to stew in prison for the better part of 17 years despite numerous appeals and court reviews, that all due legal options in his defense haven't been followed is a fact that cannot be ignored. Despite the fact I don't personally agree with the administration asking for a stay on his execution, the rule of law must take precedence.

About the cost of administering death penalty, well. I think the solution isn't so much an outright appeal as a reservation in it's use and application only in those scenarios where there is no conceiveable doubt to an accused's guilt in a capital crime. We are far too willing to seek it because of that aforementioned 'tough-on-crime' stance when, instead, it should be sought only when a situation truly warrants it.

I'm sure we'd save a lot of frustration, time and money otherwise.

Not giving him his right to counsel???? He had counsel during every step of this proceding and trial as directed by our constitution. The appeals court verified that ALL constitutional rules and rights were upheld. So whats your issue here hippie. This waste of oxygen needs to die for what he did to this young woman, and the clown in chief odumbo the appeaser should try supporting American law for once.......or does he think these cops acted foolishly also??

They sneak across the border and fight to try and get amnesty and become US citizens. Then when they are convicted of a crime and sentenced to death, then they are all of the sudden Mexicans again looking to the Mexican government for help and say they were entitled to consular assistance. They want it both ways, Americans when i suits them and Mexicans when it suits them. You can't hve it both ways. This SOB brutally raped an beat a girl to death. He has had numerous legally mandated appeals as required in all deah penalty cases. There is no doubt that he is guilty of this crime. They need to just go ahead and put this animal to sleep permanently. They also need to round up all the illegals and ship them back where they came from.

ewent...No we don't what cheep illegal labor...because it is not cheap for the reasons you mention. We want to keep our legal citizens at all levels of the economy employed. That actually makes the economy of the state stronger. We appreciate the efforts of those foreign nationals who wish to come to our state through legal channels and offer their positive contributions to our community. Those here legally actually participate across the spectrum in contribution. Those here illegally, not just from Mexico or SA, are nothing more than drains on our society that should be returned to their legal jurisdictions.

As for evading federal law....Exactly what "Federal Law" is Texas evading?

ewent: Perhaps you should volunteer to take these POS's into YOUR home and baby them until they rape you and shove a stick up your A$$.

TXMom32...Funny but if you bother to check an interview with a Texas Labor Dept. official on NPR about 2 months ago, he clearly stated, "Texas industry would not be as robust without illegals."

Texas legal systems certainly knows that all foreigners working in the US who commit crimes have a right to counsel from their own country. This was denied this guy. Right or wrong in his timing to request that counsel doesn't matter. The laws exist nationally and internationally as a result of treaties between the US and other countries.

ewent= first off Texas is the only state that can fly its flag at equal mast with the American flag. Texas fought for its independence and won it without help from the U.S. government. The Texian Army led by General Sam Houston beat Santa Anna at the battle of San Jacinto, he was captured and forced to sign, The Treaties of Valasco. My ancestors earned their rights. I am proud of my heritage. I am a born and raised Texan. Texas is considered as a Republic within the United States as opposed to a state within the United States. The Texas Constitution was written when Texas was still its own Country, hence why it is an independent state unlike other states. One more thing, if you do not like Texas or Texans hater, then stay out of Texas. Pretty simple. Liberals always forget about what the victims suffered. I will make it simple for the illiterate people (ewent), Texas can do more than other states can and not need an OK from the Whitehouse.

Is anyone aware of the fact that this man, born in 1973 and entered the U.S. in 1976 at the age of 3, had parents that were granted amnesty by Reagan in 1986, thereby making him a U.S. citizen by way of his legalized parents? He is desperate to avoid his fate, and is using the Mexican consular excuse to do so. But the fact is that he has no right to access the assistance of the Mexican government because he is a U.S. citizen by default.

Main article: Full Faith and Credit Clause

"

Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof.

"

The first section requires states to extend "full faith and credit" to the public acts, records and court proceedings of other states. Congress may regulate the manner in which proof of such acts, records or proceedings may be admitted.

In Mills v. Duryee, 1t1 U.S. (7 Cranch) 481 (1813), the United States Supreme Court ruled that the merits of a case, as settled by courts of one state, must be recognized by the courts of other states; state courts may not reopen cases which have been conclusively decided by the courts of another state. Later, Chief Justice John Marshall suggested that the judgment of one state court must be recognized by other states' courts as final. However, in McElmoyle v. Cohen, 38 U.S. (13 Pet.) 312 (1839), the court heard a case where one party obtained a judgment in South Carolina and sought to enforce it in Georgia, which had a statute of limitations that barred actions on judgments after a certain amount of time had passed since the judgment was entered. The court upheld Georgia's refusal to enforce the South Carolina judgment. The court found that out-of-state judgments are subject to the procedural law of the states where they are enforced, notwithstanding any priority accorded in the states in which they are issued.

Let Casey Anthony babysit him.

Hey Obama - make a stand...either pardon him or butt out.

The State has jurisdiction here and you need to focus on your job. If you feel they are wrong, pardon him and take the heat.

Otherwise focus on the economy, jobs, eliminating the deficit, ... All those thing you keep promising.

ewent....Can you actually follow a discussion and answer a very simple question?

As for evading federal law....Exactly what "Federal Law" is Texas evading?

Please state the "Federal Law" or specific treaty with Mexico or any other country that would affect this POS.

It is my understanding that they wish for the stay to attempt to pass a law that has failed to pass on several attempts before.

As for Treaties...Which one.

Very simple question to further this conversation in a civilized manner.

@michelle.....................Blood lust? No. Punishment. How about if the victim had been your daughter? How would you feel?

ewent:

ed...laugh's on you. My state is giving your beloved Lone Star a kick in the ass. No one has forgotten how hard your Big Oil bois fought Jimmy Carter when he wanted solar panels on the White House roof. Well? Looks like those solar panels are there, aren't they?

Seriously, dude....NJ kicking Texas ass???? What planet do you reside on? Also, your facts about the White House solar panels are wrong, wrong , wrong. Read below:

The official onset of summer signals the Obama administration's unmet deadline to install solar panels at the world's most famous address: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0611/57416.html#ixzz1RQlITMId

Once again, Obama is a FAILURE.

This international law was never ratified by congress, so according to this article it's not a law. Texas has every right to execute this CONVICTED MURDERER, it has nothing to do with Obama (a lawyer) so why in the world would he involve himself in something that has nothing to do with the federal government.

Wow, so much hate here for Obama, but that's nothing new from right-wing trolls.

He hasn't been pardoned, he isn't being excused, he isn't being sent home, this simply a matter of international respect and procedure.

So what, give him a new trial, if he's guilty, he'll be found guilty again. It's already 17 years old, what's a few more months before you guys get to drag his carcass through the streets (which is probably no less than he deserves).

Non-issue...unless you already hate Obama, and the ODS is THICK on this board.

ewent is a death troll and not capable in his best days of understanding what anyone outside his own little mental word is saying, DNFTT or mark as inflamitory / no value as he is trying with all the effort he can muster to get someone angry and attack him. Once that happens he'll chortle with glee and cry how the CoH has been violated with the sincere hope the other people will be banned. Seem him do this on several other seeds.

ewent...I am just looking to further a civil conversation.

As for evading federal law....Exactly what "Federal Law" is Texas evading?

I don't just trust one source blindly. Al lI am asking is if you have additional and correct knowledge as to what law requires us to offer this foreign national additional protections in the law.

Ignat...Full Faith and credit was met by the appeal to the Federal Authority who found the man to be guilty and satisfied by the penalty assessed by the State.

obama needs to put American Citizens first, not illegal immigrants.

txmom32, according the article:

"The legislation, backed by the State Department and the United Nations, would bring the United States into compliance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations provision regarding the arrest of foreign nationals.

Proceeding with the execution could put U.S. citizens who travel abroad at risk of arrest without cause and denial of diplomatic representation, said John Bellinger, a lawyer with Arnold & Porter LLP who was a top lawyer for the State Department from 2005 to 2009 under President George W. Bush."

Cygnus...Keep that in mind when the rest of us ignore Texas cry for help with the border wars. Perry already had the nerve to blame this on Obama when Texans are hiring illegals in the thousands.

The very fact that one of them posted that their state flag comes before the flag of their country makes them suspect. If it came down to Texas or the rest of the country, who do you think these cowboys would give top priority?

Cygnus: you state...

here was a federal law and international treaty in place that shouldve been followed by Texas when arresting and prosecuting this guy, and it wasnt done.

What Federal Law is in place and which Treaty are we in defiance of? This case went to a Federal court and nothing about his disposition changed.

the country is on life support and the morons that should be displaying leadership in restoring our economy can't seem to stop themselves from meddling in circumstances that do not concern them...........stupidity that never stops.

Issue Nr. 1: Does the US abide by International Treaty or not? If not, then we cannot ask for the same protection for our citizens abroad. International Treaty required that this man be given access to his Counsul on arrest. He was not. How much would you be yelling and screaming if it was a US citizen being denied Consular access abroad? Issue Nr. 2: The criminal. He is still convicted of his crime, and he would still be incarcerated for life. He simply would not be put to death. All of this came about because of prosecutorial or police misconduct at the time of his arrest. It's not Pres. Obama who made the mistake. He's just stuck having to deal with it now, because the original guys messed up and Pres. Bush passed the buck. Issue Nr. 3: Is Texas part of the United States and willing to follow Federal law, or not? Personally, I would be happy to see TX secede. Take AZ with you, guys. But until then, follow the Constitution of the United States that the TP gives so much lip service to.

Well if congress never ratified this treaty, which the article plainly states, then it is not law here is it? The supreme court has already ruled on this issue haven't they? Then it has nothing to do with Texas or Arizona they are following federal law and guidance. Bush and Obama were both wrong according to the Supreme Court.

Maybe while the Obama administration is fighting so dilegently to insure illegal aliens have full consular rights they can start presenting invoices to Mexico to recover all monies US taxpayers are paying to arrest, house, prosecute and then imprison citizens of their fine country. While we're at it we can bill them for all social programs, including education, for their citizens. I live in California so I'm obviously not as enlightened as anyone from New Jersey, as I've seen all the reality shows of the fine upstanding human beings from there, where we have schools dedicated to educating illegal aliens in their language (no, it isn't English) while we're laying off educators and hiking fees for Californians to attend college. Oh, but undocumented foreign nationals not only do not have to pay out of state fees and tuition but they qualify for financial aid, as they have no documented income. We are billions of dollars in debt (about the same amount we spend on undocumented immigrants) though so its all good.

Edits to my post at 1.44, since I'm fighting a terminal that's extremely laggy:

The line about "choosing our leaders more widely" was a typo and should've read as "choosing our leaders more wisely."

I failed to mention, leading into the overview of the arson case, that an investigations committee had been formed - to the best of my recollection - by Gov. Perry himself some years beforehand and the the case itself dated to the late 1980's, with the resolution only coming in 2009 or 2010.

Cygnus....The Vienna Convention is appropriate in times of war. We are not in a declared war with Mexico. This man is not being convicted of a war crime.

I would suppose as for American Citizens abroad...That if they commit a crime in a Foreign jurisdiction they should suffer the consequences of their actions, If the are found guilty. I trust our friends and allies to treat American Citizens with the same regrade as their own citizens. The problem is and will always be in countries where Americans will be selected randomly with evidence of a crime. Those nations don't much care about this man nor the rule of law.

The fact is this administration is doing the same thing as the Bush administration did and that is offer "special protections" to foreign nations in our country. If this man had been here on a visa and did not understand the law then it would make sense to offer him access to his consulate. However, he was not a citizen, did not have a visa and had lived here long enough to understand that if you bludgeon and viciously rape a girl in Texas you will probably end up with a needle in your arm if caught. There is nothing the Country of Mexico could have done for this man except request that he receive some special arrangement to stay off of death row.

As for the statements in the article....The law that would protect this man is still a bill and in fact is not law...rather they wish to keep this man alive long enough to have him, and around 25 other foreign nations, on Texas death row a chance to beat our current system and the verdicts they were assessed in a valid court of law. They want him to stay alive on a bet.

ewent - You obviously have a problem with Texas. Too bad. I truly wish you were able to read. Must be a Jersey problem. The guy stated that the Texas state flag is the ONLY state flag that can fly at the SAME HEIGHT as the American flag. He NEVER stated that it could fly above the American flag or was better or bigger. Your hate and ignorance of our wonderful state is amusing at best. I am proud to be an American and a Texan. Shame you can't say the same. As Americans and legal citizens of the United States of America, should we not be on the same "side"? Pity you if America ever ends up in another civil war.

Per CMLawyer above: Issue Nr. 1: Does the US abide by International Treaty or not? If not, then we cannot ask for the same protection for our citizens abroad. International Treaty required that this man be given access to his Counsul on arrest. He was not. How much would you be yelling and screaming if it was a US citizen being denied Consular access abroad?

In addition, I'd like to add that all those people screaming "kill him" most likely go to church on a regular basis and call themselves "Christians." There must be some part of christianity that eludes them; that or they're all illiterate and simply parrot what some hatemonger is feeding them. I have no religious affiliation but find the death penalty unchristian and barbaric. The man is convicted of a heinous crime. Lock him up for life and throw away the key.

To the right wing Obama haters who are so quick to rush a man to the death house - a couple of things to consider:

1. The Bush administration also intervened in this case and like the Obama administration asked for a delay on the death penalty until the rule of law could be upheld legally. Perry doesn't care about that - he just wants to give the guy the injection and be done with it.

2. No one is arguing that the crime wasn't heinous and terrible but the State of Texas must prove that this guy willfully and knowingly raped AND kidnapped the girl and then killed her. As you will recall, the girl was gang raped by several others before the defendant came along. None of those other people were charged. Why? The state has not proven beyond a reasonable doubt that he raped her or that he kidnapped her. The story suggests that the girl willingly got into the car with him to be taken home, albeit she was inebriated.

3. The prosecution and the state of Texas did not follow the law to give this defendant his due process under the law. It doesn't matter how guilty you may think he is, it's these types of mistakes that calls for intervention and oversight. Those of you who are so quick to pronounce death and judgment would sing a different tune if your rights were ignored or overlooked.

Personally, I do not believe the States or the Feds should have the power to end life. They are charged with protecting the citizens - not with taking life. Those that argue about the cost of keeping someone in prison for life clearly doesn't understand that it costs much more to execute someone than to keep them in prison for life. The point of this case is not allowing the guilty to go unpunished, but to make sure the state in it's rush to execute hasn't broken laws and rights that they are charged to keep. I find that particularly disturbing from a State and a Governor with such a penchant for executing people.

@ewent, why are you wasting your time and breathe trying to make these people understand your point? It is a waste of time. It is funny how some many are bashing PRESIDENT OBAMA for doing this but not bashing Bush for trying to do the same thing. It is we know Bush tried it in 19** and that is the end of it but President Obama, they want to break down his every being. People please get a life and learn to agree to disagree and keep it moving.

txmom: The Vienna Convention is not limited to times of war. (Perhaps you are thinking of the Geneva Convention on the treatment of prisoners?) The US did adopt the international treaty in 1963. The missing link, is that the US never actually enacted Federal law to codify the provisions of the treaty. So, the US is bound by the Convention and the requirement to provide counsular access, but the Federal law to clarify that is not in place. This has been brought up before and ignored (ummm... Pres. Bush...) and there is now a proposal in Congress to rectify the oversight.

@td3k- Thank You....enough said.

@Lenora Bush was wrong and the Supreme Court told him so and Obama is also wrong. Congress hasn't ratified this treaty so it is not law yet, nor does it look to be anytime in the future.

CMlawyer...You are correct and I was wrong I was indeed thinking of the Geneva Convention.

But the point is mute as we have never ratified the Vienna Treaty either. We are merely signatories. Largely because, as goes with the world court in the Hague, the treaties are not reconcilable with the State provisions of our Constitution.

Fine then.... I was trying to come up with a solution to solve the so-called "mis-representation" of this guy..... But I can't. Sounds pretty cut and dry to me. Carry on Texas.

If Casey Anthony had to kill her daughter, I wish she would have done it in Texas. Then maybe she wouldn't "writing books and smiling on t.v.", (Hank Williams Jr.) .

@Ed:

The application of the death penalty is a barbaric action that dates back to the dark ages of humanity. We, as the modern civilization we claim to be, have the laws and the public infrastructure to sentence criminals like Mr. Leal for many lives over before they can even see the light of the day. You will argue that this should not be a burden on tax payers, but you will have to admit that our legal system needs a rehault to begin decriminalizing lesser offenses (such as pot possession) and spend the resources where it matters most: in cases like this.

The "eye-for-an-eye" premise used for condeming individuals to the death penalty, sort of goes against all the moral premises fundamented in our Constitution. As a matter of fact, in our wars for freedom against the British empire, the good treatment of prisoners was a top priority for all regiments and commanders as it would almost certainly ensure that Brit soldiers would deflect over to the Americans. We have carried out those same principles throughout history and have held the enemy forces captive and with dignity (again, for the most part). Taking away another human being's life because some attrocity they committed is not consistent with the values this country was founded on.

Just my humble opinion.

ewent= Good one. I love sarcasm. You almost talk like a Texan. Impressive! I only wrote it that way. My country is first and foremost. My father and myself have served, my son is currently serving, so my Country is first. Oh, by the way, I moved to Colorado last year. All States of America have some sort of history and some more than others. I feel sorry for you though. You have such hatred and pent up aggresion. To keep it on subject though, this guy commited an act that is not usually heard of. He raped, bashed her head repeatedly with a 14 lb piece of asphalt, bit her all over, rammed a 2x4, with a nail sticking out, into her privates repeatedly. He mutilated her in the worst of ways.... Bush and Obama have done their part trying to stop this death sentence. He was convicted and sentenced to death. He admitted to the crime before he was even offered his rights. Even his own brother testified against him. Now all options have failed and he wants to cry help by Calderon and the Mexican Government. He deserves the death penalty. There are opinions flying around so fast on here. That girl did not have a chance. Sad thing is she knew him and trusted him. I have always been nice to people from other places when I was living in Texas. I do not know why you had a problem. Maybe it was the town or part of it. I lived in North East Texas all my growing years, served 4 years Navy, then 10 years as a Sargeant for the Texas Prison System (TDCJ-ID) in Administrative Segregation. I worked in the worst area of a prison. Admin Seg is where you put inmates that cannot make it in general population (worst of the worst). It supported my family, is about all I can say good about it. I still, after all of that, have a positive outlook on life. I am proud of my State, but only because I feel it is a great place and great memories. To keep on subject though, this guy has earned lethal injection, no matter what President over the past 15 or so years has demanded. His own confession nullified the option of consular assistance from Mexico.

Adios Humberto... And you thought Texas was hot.

He was found guilty, and the DNA proved that he was the killer. He should be thankful it is lethal injection that is killing him, unlike the way he brutalized this teen girl and then killed her.

ReasonableBeing, I am saddened that this country takes so much pity on criminals. I do not believe in rehabilitation of violent offenders.

We have become a nation of enablers. In stead of holding alcoholics, junkies, child abusers, rapists, child molesters and such, we think rehab can cure these people. It doesn't work. People need to own up and be responsible for their actions, and actions can have serious consequences as in this case of this murderous rapist.

The more the system make allowances and excuses for people, the deeper these people become more dependant on all others and the government.

Kreepy Krawler...He may be as guilty as sin. But in this country we make sure all legal bases are covered. More men guilty of rape and more violent crimes have gotten away with it because the burden of proof or some other legal loophole helped them get off.

Hell, he should be executed just for being in this country illegally. What's the freakin problem?

The Treaty to which O'Bama refers has not been accepted by the U.S.. The DEMOCRATS, when they controlled the House & Senate, had 3 years to accept and become a Signatory to the Treaty but refused. I guess O'Bama will blame this failures, like his other failures, on someone else. HEY O'BAMA, AMERICAN COURTS FOLLOW AMERICAN LAW NOT FOREIGN LAWS!! O'Bama, we all understand you got "substantial" Financial Support from Foreign Governments during you election, but even the President is required to follow U.S. Law. I also understand that you need to kiss the backsides of those groups that elected you (Muslims, Latinos, foreign governments that donated generously to your election). Your actions in this matter is another reason for Impeachment.

@SanAndresMan:

I thank you for articulating your opinion - one of the few well-spoken and rationalized posts offered on this matter today.

Unfortunately, I must disagree with you. While I understand the basis for your moral argument, I do not find that the Constitution is, in any way, violated by levelling the death penalty upon someone convicted of a capital offense. We certainly do provide for the fair and humane treatment of the accused as well as the guilty; my only qualm stems from the misuse of capital punishment to score political points.

In furtherance of that misuse, in my earlier post to Cygnus I conceded that fast-tracking has occurred and, no matter where someone stands on the broader issue, the fact that this even takes place is repugnant. If we're [Texas] going to continue to condone state executions as a necessary component of our criminal justice system then we need to make absolutely, positively certain that there is no doubt as to the guilt of the accused and that nothing - least of all the political aspirations of a select few - affect or otherwise influence criminal investigations, court proceedings or any other matter that ultimately leads a convict to the death chamber.

I do, I really do, get where you're coming from concerning perceptions of a civilized society - but I have to profess that the true benchmark for an enlightened civilization (in my own eyes) isn't whether or not it reserves the right to execute, but whether or not its populace is engaged enough with both itself and its community to render the need for the administration of the death penalthy moot.

ewent --- You want to talk about legal basis but the fact remains that CONGRESS has not ratified this international treaty, so even according to the article Texas or any other state is not bound by it yet. Bush was wrong the Supreme Court told him so, so that means Obama is also wrong in spite of what you believe or don't.

deployed...Did you read the article? Or is bashing this president and desperation to prove him wrong the only agenda?

A treaty doesn't have to always be ratified into law. I'll prove...How many Gentlemen's Agreements are nothing more than a handshake, a wink wink nod nod? And, even at times when an agreement was ratified such as those with Native Americans over land rights, what good were they when the US Cavalry made sure those rights were reneged upon?

A bit of backround on ewent. I've followed posts from this person before. It is clear ewent is so far to the left that the regular liberals are left wondering if they are conservatives. Ewent, in my humble opinion is an America hater. Absolutely nothing good and moral is correct. Ewent is against punishing criminals. Ewent is for giving your hard earned money to welfare bums that are NOW allowed to sucks on the govt nipple for three years. Ewent thinks capitalism is evil. Ewent thinks European Socialism is good. Ewent wants every criminal to have a second chance, but any conservatives to have none.

There is no reasoning or logic to be had with ewent. And Ewent, don't be proud of your state. It has a terrible economy. You are currently at 30.2 billion in debt trying to support the overpaid underworking unions you covet so much. And while I'm on about your unions, maybe they could pick up some of the TRASH along your roads like the other states do. New Jersey has the ungliest trash-ridden highways, and TOO MANY TOLLS!!!!

Bashing Obama? Bush was wrong, and Obama is wrong the SUPREME COURT already ruled against Bush and will do so against Obama. I find it odd Bush and Obama hold the same position on this issue and I don't agree with either of them, yet I am bashing Obama. Congress didn't ratify this treaty so it isn't law according to US law, that isn't right or left it is US law.

Jesus Cussin Christ...the ignorance of some of these posts is amazing.

Although I consider myself mostly "liberal" I still favor the death penalty as I truly believe some sickos deserve nothing less. That being said, this case is bigger than an individual murder (did you righties even read the article). I for one travel a bit and would like to not be wrongfully accused in a country I don't speak the language and not be able to get consular support. If the United Nations felt it had to support this I have to say, although I have lost a lot of respect for them, it's still noteworthy and probably a good idea to be on their side. That's just my thinking (I know a lot of people don't do that)

But I guess some of the folks on the right are so blood thirsty they don't care about the ramifications.

inconvenient truth...You follow my posts? Well hot damn! So then you must know I detest ideology right?

First of all, show me the posts where I've said I don't want criminals punished. Come on....get to it. Show me the proof or stop making up Tootsie roll sized lies.

What ewent hates is mendacity, hypocrisy, overbloated egos, bullies and Texans who can't shut the hell up about their state. Texas doesn't practice capitalism ....it practices extortion...Anyone who lives on the East Coast will attest to that. Your state gets a bad name because of the greed of Big Oil. When our elderly have to choose between heat and food in the winter because Aholes of Texas Big Oil are gouging away at our heating bills, it's time to take some of that gas out of your bags.

As for being a troll, seems like you know an awful lot about the person you are calling troll. How can that be if the pot isn't calling the kettle black?

Stupidity is a disease from which there is no cure.

@ Emanuel I agree with you that the ramifications of this issue are serious but I see it as; do international treaties override the US constitution, Texas is handling business in accordance with the US constitution, in which congress must ratify the international treaty to make it US law which they have not done, so Is Texas bound by a treaty that hasn't been sign off by US congress yet and may never do.

Adios Humberto Diablo! Have a nice time burning in hell. I truly don't see why everyone has their panties in a bunch here about this poor little innocent Humberto who just happens to be a Mexican national and just happens to be a brutal rapist and murderer capable of doing things to a child that are sub-human, sub-animal, pure evil. If an American commits this kind of crime in Mexico and the Mexican authorities decide to put the American to death, that is well-served justice and I salute them for their decision to execute someone who does not deserve to live because they are doing a great service to the American people. Same thing goes for poor little innocent Humberto, but in the reciprocal scenario- by Texas executing this monster, they are doing Mexicans, Americans, and humanity in general a great service.

Thanks Inconvenient. I've noticed the same thing on other threads that ewent has posted on. The best thing I have done in some time was add him to my ignore list and giggle at all the other posters on here who are unfortunate enough to fall in his path. They'll learn eventually to stop feeding him. I think what finally did me in was when he started referring to himself in the third person. Trolls I can handle.....crazy trolls....not so much. Ya'll let me know if he fires one back at me....I won't be able to see it. :-)

ewent, you're not my hero, but I do find your rants amusing. I'm aware half what I said about you probably isn't true, but I couldn't help taunting you. I'm like a kid with a stick beating on the hornet's nest right? I also didn't mention "trolls". I mentioned TOLLS. You live in Jersey, I know you know what they are. In VA, they have tolls too. The difference? VA is a conservative state. Even the Democrats that run it are moderate. The result? The roads are PAVED. The medians trimmed, the trash picked up. What does Jersey do w/ it's tolls??? The roads are in disrepair even with the heaviest tolls in the country.

Oh, and I don't live in TX. I live in foothills of West Virginia. You may know the state? We're the ones that lost all our jobs because President Obama doesn't like coal. I get to drive by one in 15 homes along my drive home being foreclosed. I get to watch 8 year old children standing on the side of the road trying to coax commuters into buying dad's old riding lawn mower, microwave, couch, so their families can get their next meal before being evicted. I get to join in the grand parade every day where almost all employed workers in my state commute to other states to find work.

I also listened to our coal worker owners begging the President to allow them to get back to work. Over 30,000 coal jobs have been lost so Obama can play green. Those 30,000 jobs are estimated to support nearly 150,000 more jobs, but those figures are probably tea-bagger junk, right? Did you know it costs around six cents to generate electricity from coal where the closest next source costs us twelve? Way to help a struggling economy, right? GREAT President as far as we see it from the hills.

But there's good news on the horizon. America can't use coal, but Obama is more than willing to sell it to China. Anything to help China makes things cheaper by having the world's cheapest enrergy source.

Take a trip two states south ewent. Drive down any road in West Virginia, and see just how well Obama is taking care of his fellow Americans. It may be an eye opener for you.

To all the liberal assclowns (ewent, et al) from other states, who are suggesting that Texas did not follow some law in arresting, trying and convicting this scumbag... Please refer to the U.S. Supreme Court case in connection with Bush's similar attempt to intervene in the execution of Medellin. The SCOTUS specifically held that the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations IS NOT binding on the States, absent further Congressional action which HAS NOT occurred.

Inconvenienttruth:

It IS fun to taunt her/him/it, isn't it? Rants on with NO factual support. And when called on it, disappears from the thread.

My, now they want to enforce a law that wasn't on the books to save a scumbag's life. The victim's body was mauled beyond recognition, she had been raped with a 'stick' with nails in it and the 'stick' left in her body. The ewents on the thread, bashing Texas, apparently don't have children.

Obama is once again siding with criminals and the arguments vis a vis the Vienna Convention, the UN et al, are BS. There was a rapist who was set free, his victim, a young woman, had had her hands cut off by this piece of filth and left to die. Rather than keeping him in prison forever, he was let go. Later on a police officer doing a welfare check on another matter, caught this rapist in the process of dismembering another victim on his kitchen table.

Cry me a river, ewent, et al...Folks like you, embracing the criminal and ignoring the crime are guilty of crimes yourself. Sorry, there ain't no rehab for this slime and thinking otherwise, well, invite him into YOUR home if you feel so strongly about it.

Its funny how illegal’s want to claim that they are Americans especially if they have been here all their lives but let one face the death penalty for a horrific murder of a young girl and all of a sudden they are a Mexican citizen. i hope that sh!t burns going through his veins. Also Mexico needs to bud out, this really is none of their business since they cant control their own country which forces people to invade ours.

I would also like to extend my condolences to the family for their loss once again. May she rest in peace.

ewent -

1. Regan had the solar panels that peanut boy put up in 1978 removed in 1982. Very inefficient, costly to maintain and did not provide enough juice. Cost more than they produced. Another blunder by peanut boy.

2. New Jersey can't hold a candle to Massachusetts when it comes to education. Harvard, MIT, Boston College, Wellsley College, Smith College, and many more.

3. Jersey Shore and Snooki, Pauli and the rest of those idiots. enough said

ewent... you and admittedly other "articulate" activists for illegal aliens, simply have not done your research.

What is there about the word "illegal" that you do not understand?

If an action is illegal it breaks the law. Do your research on Federal Immigration and Citizenship laws. The country of birth LOSES any remote jurisdiction to protect the illegals when they COMMIT A CRIME in the foreign country in which they elected to live.

The jurisdiction of a legal trial and the consequences of that trial REMAIN WITH THE LOCATION where A FELONY WAS FOUND TO HAVE BEEN COMMITTED. That is the LAW.

And now President Obama is striving to abort our laws protecting American citizens from heinous crimes committed by foreigners who elected NOT to go through procedures of citizenship here.

But o yes, they continue to live here, work here (or go after welfare benefits here), and a significant number commit felony crimes here.

And Mr. Obama thinks we should ignore them? Is he kidding? And you, ewent, with incredibly flawed logic and attempts to claim that totally different events apply... not remotely parallel... what is your agenda?

Why don't you go settle and live, permanently, in another country that does not protect its citizens from rape, bludgeoning, being murdered viciously, gangs, drug cartels... and all the other crimes you are dedicated to enable...

You make me sick, you make me tired.

Ewent,

Texas is more than Big oil. We happen to have wind farms, a massive natural gas reserve, and a whole lot Technology and industrial types of Businesses. Guess what, I think that you are just jealous and the old adage of "Me thinks he doth protest to much" applies to you. You secretly love us, but just can't bring yourself to admit it.

By the way, I have been out of Texas. I have visited Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. I actually thought that New Jersey smelled like Fish, decay, and filth, but that was 20 years ago. Maybe it has improved.

No state , Country is perfect. The point of this article is that an Illegal Alien who arrived when he was 3 and knew our laws committed a crime and did not disclose his nationality until he found out that it might benefit him. Then he screams that he is a Mexican National. His case has been reviewed by a Federal Court (5th US Circuit Court of Appeals) and therefore has had the Federal review for appropriateness. Obama needs to butt out and you need to get a life.

ewent:Your east coast bias is shining brightly!! Here's the deal:The top 10 states with prisoners on death row:

CA-714

FL-394

TX-322

PENN-220

ALA-203

N.C.-166

OH-160

AZ-137

GA-103

TENN-88

Somehow our bloodlust is preceded by CA and FLA but in your mind we are the worst.The only difference is that we finish the job.Why spend all the money on the death sentence and all the appeals if you are not going to finish what you started? If you are going to let them die in prison of old age,give them life w/o parole and save some money.

mexico can't vote for you next election Obama and neither can convicted rapist murders...move on and do something for us other twitter town halls and basket ball pools

Yet another WTF are you talking about moment brought you by those always amusing and always the liberal wacka doodles: Surprisingly this is not contributed directly to Ewent

the State of Texas must prove that this guy willfully and knowingly raped AND kidnapped the girl and then killed her

Prove this guy willfully and knowing kidnapped, raped and killed her??? Are you for real? I damn near blew soda on my laptop with that one!!!! I would ROFLMAO if I didn't have 32 metal surgical staples holding my abdominal section together. Please someone - I need more duct tape to keep my sides from exploding with laughter!!!!

"White House wants Texas to delay execution."

Well, to all of those in the White House, just like you "want" this to happen, the people of this country "want" you to get the budget balanced, but is that happening, no, and it looks as though it never will happen. How does it feel to "want"? If the man and his family was made citizens of this country back when Reagan was president, then why is the Mexican Consulate involved now? He lost that right when he became a citizen here. So who is this show being put on for, Mexico, the rest of the world? That is what this all boils down to, a show. If we have our citizens in other countries, and they broke their laws and it got them arrested, that is their own fault. That is not the same thing as this situation, this man was made a citizen of this country years ago, and broke the laws of this country, not Mexico's, and Mexico has no say in it and never will. You need to learn the limitations of your authority, and need to learn them fast before you push the states into moving out of this union.

"...He may be as guilty as sin. But in this country we make sure all legal bases are covered."

ewent, I notice you used the statement "He may be guilty as sin". So I gather there may be reasonable doubt in your mind that he may be guilty? Do you know why "we make sure all legal bases are covered"? Covering all those bases is a very costly thing, in money terms, and those who benefit the most from all of that base covering isn't the one being prosecuted, it's the lawyers covering all of those bases, especially if the one being prosecuted is found guilty in the end.

Eliminate all executions!

txmom32 -how is this guy a "wetback"? After living in SATX for three years, I take it you're from east texas, right?

Here in Texas if they wanna come here and commit crimes then ask for assistance from the council to get by with murder and the obama adm is trying to push this, then send him to dc and let them foot the cost. The Libs are no worse than the pubes are about immigration. If the pubes wanted to do something bout it then do it and quit putting the blame on the libs. You have the power now, Get off the pot or shad up. I love our hispanic neighbors that live here and pay taxes and are here legally but these criminals that sneak into this country are nothing but criminals. Send them home and fine the people that hire them. Stop all the free health care and schooling for their kids. If a kid is born here and his parents are illegals then so is the kid. It's not cheap labor if you taken into account the cost these illegals are costing us with everything else. No auto insurance, health care we have to provide, teaching their kids and the list goes on. How can we keep this up. Our infracture is suffering cause of all the illegals. We have 2 bedroom house with one toilet with 17 illegals living in it. The system is over worked and we're cannot keep supporting these illegal low lives. Send em all home. Shall i continue of how much i hate these people?

Ewent...

Wow.. why cant the east coast with all their fine ivy league schools and history (that was once a the centerpiece of conservative freedom) get it right? Your comments are typical of a self proclaimed intellect from the east coast, a state as broke as broke gets at that. That alone reflects your credibility.

Unfortunately for you, the state of Texas is becoming a leader to the American people in reference to a simple principal called doing the right thing. The guy was found guilty, term him. Waste no more time, no more money.

Oh.. and fine job of TRYING to skip over your solar panel at the White House MISTAKE. There is no disputing your politics.

No I'm not from East Texas. Are you kidding me....The guy smashes in a teenagers head rapes her impales her with a board and you are seriously concerned with me using the term "wetback"? Do you even have priorities?

Hey, OB - (which, coincidentally is the name of a tampon):

Do you remember "Federalism ?" Paybacks are a BIATCH ! You, in the name of, and in furtherance of your political party (who, NOT coincidentally gets 86% of the Latino vote), refuse to address immigration, but frustrate ALL state efforts to deal with immigration problems within their own borders) -

Well, guess what ? You LOSE this one, baby !

Ride the lightening, Humberto !

ewent: I don't hate or mistrust foreigners, I hate and mistrust MURDERERS!!

Jeff

No political party receives anywhere close to 86% of the Latino vote. If you need to make up numbers to make a point, you probably don't really have a point.

usa

If you favor the death penalty you are supporting murder.

And another question ewent...you are very quick to cast your stones at Texas Big Oil yet yours is the state of the Big Pharmaceutical boys who are the poster children of corruption.

My question... why are so many of you folks in NJ hypocrites?

Obama's request has very little to do with the death penalty or if he is guilty or innocent. It has to do with how Americans living in other countries are treated. If other countries perceive Americans as not treating him fairly or giving him the right to consult with his government-they may not give Americans in their country this right. We have a fair and just criminal justice system-flawed though it may be-some other countries do not-in which case American intervention is needed. Recent cases include the journaists held in North korea, Iran, China...

We do not need for these countries to use this to treat Americans badly. "They executed a man without giving him the right to speak with his government-why should we not do the same for their citizens?"

HIGHSPD

Maybe you should take a look at the number of prisoners actually executed before you defend your murdering state of Texas. You win, hands down, in the state murder race. Hooray for you.

uchusky.. while I agree with your feelings on Americans over seas... I do not feel we need to consult another country when one of its citizens (one who had no right to be here) murders a 16 year old girl.

I would expect that if a U.S Citizen were held trial for doing the same thing in Mexico, they would/should execute them just the same. If people are afraid to leave our country, then don't. We have not abused our authority in the case, but if other countries begin to do just that.. its should be something we deal with heavily at that time.

I remember that kid that got cained in Asia a few years back. I had no issues with that, no U.S consulting required. Live by the law of the land.

Cue...Mexico does not execute...Thus the problem with the Cartels...They can kill in mass and the worst they will get is to have to run their organization from the jail.

In Texas we have runners. Those who commit crimes and run for the border. It is no secret that if a Mexican National or a Hispanic American National with Mexican family makes it to Mexico the only way they will extradite is if the death penalty is off of the table. This isn't the first brutal crime committed by a Mexican National, not even the first committed by a Mexican National that lived most of their life in our State.

Honestly, in Mexico you don't actually have to commit a crime to be executed. You just have to cross paths with the wrong cartel member or refuse to have your ransom negotiated or refuse to carry their product back. It is a very sad state of affairs when the criminals are ruthless and the Government is toothless.

Cue

The "law of the land" in this country is that we contact the accused person's country prior to trial. That is OUR law. So if I understand you correctly the accused person should be subject to our laws but our judicial system does not have to follow our laws. Ridiculous? Absolutely!

And don...what current law says we must contact the accused consulate before we try them? See that law is sort of steeped in shadows. For a time and still to this day many areas in Texas are considered safe havens from asking victims or criminals about their immigration status. This is a very good policy for the victims of crimes, regardless of their immigration status no one deserves to be victimized.

However, some ignorant folks thought that that courtesy also extends to those arrested for crimes. Sort of a don't ask don't tell policy. So are we supposed to guess. I suppose that we could take the stance, and maybe should, of advising every Consulate of every Latin Country every time someone with a Latin sounding name is arrested. We could do the same for Indians and Africans and well Europe. Let the consulates sort it out because criminals lie and our law enforcement and judiciary are a bit too busy to sort through the BS.

Wonder how the Mexican or Honduran or Salvadorian consulates would respond to each and every report they received on an individual arrested?

I think we should give Mexico back their Drug King Pins and let them handle their criminals on their own.

I thought Obama didn't want criminal suspects to be questioned about their citizenship because it somehow violated their imaginary rights.... now he wants to postpone a sentence because police didn't know he was a foriegner? VP of Mexico, Obama, doesn't mind contradicting himself as long at it always hurts America does he?

"Leal -- who has lived in the United States since age 2 -- never revealed his Mexican citizenship at arrest,"

"Leal is one of 40 Mexican citizens in a similar situation awaiting lethal injection in U.S. prisons."

How many murders until politicians start caring about U.S. citizens instead of pandering for votes? Obviously for Obama we are nowhere near that amount.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/07/07/texas.mexican.execution/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

txmom.. I have read most of your replies and cannot find anything I have disagreed with.

don... some of what I post is the way I feel the issue should be address which would require an entirely new process.. one I think Texas had taken the lead to get resolved. Don't kid yourself into thinking that ignoring laws that are wrong to force change cannot bring favorable results.. .see our forefathers. Their initiative became legendary and they were at first criminals.

The issues in Mexico are beyond my comprehension.. I am not there on the boarder and really think that the way other countries treat our citizens is an entirely different issue. If we are to contact the accused persons country.. ok. But if its not done.. it does not throw out a guilty verdict and will not prevent the punishment set forth.

txmom

"And don...what current law says we must contact the accused consulate before we try them?"

Did you read the article? That requirement is the basis of the request to stay the execution.

don.. that requirement has no justification on guilt or innocence. It SHOULD have no grounds.

I understand what you are saying though.. and based on the information of this article you are correct. My issue is with a system that could potentially release into custody a murderer to a government that will not police its own society.

don...the law they are talking about in the article is not a law rather a bill that has been introduced to be voted on at a later time. It is in fact a law that has been voted down several times before.

Did you read the article? That pipe dream is the basis of the request for the stay.

I had to stop reading the article because I got so angry AT OBAMA.

What the F is Obama doing TRYING TO STOP THE EXECUTION OF MURDERING RAPIST?

Obama needs to be booted out of town. He supports a MEXICAN MURDERER OVER A UNITED STATES CITIZEN WHO DIED AT THE HAND OF THIS MEXICAN MURDERER.

I would like to know how many people on this seed plan to vote for a TRAITOR.

If you don't know who that is - his name is Barack Hussein Obama.

He needs to go. He supports lawbreakers over Americans.

In addition to bye Humberto it should also be bye Obama.

txmom

Actually it was neither a bill nor a law, but a treaty that directed that we contact Mexico before the trial. And we do honor our treaties, don't we? Just like laws, right?

If this is the case, then we should not have any problem prosecuting foreign corporations and their executives who continually violate our laws.

Karen

You get mad and immediately start throwing around the Hussein stuff again. What a thing to get mad about ..... no death to satisfy your sick need for revenge. Look, it's not like President Obama wanted to free the prisoner. He just wanted to honor our treaty, just as we would want a treaty honored if a US citizen in another country were involved. Get some perspective before you lose your grip completely.

WOW Karen in LA...I have not seen you so angry on a Newsvine seed in a long time. I agree with you totally. I also had to stop reading for a while.

Don

WHO ARE YOU? I have no idea.

Immediately throw the Hussein stuff? WHAT IS THE HUSSEIN STUFF?

I think Obama is a TRAITOR for defending a MEXICAN MURDERER OVER AN AMERICAN CITIZEN.

Even the HIGHEST COURT IN THE LAND said F U to the Mexican Murderer who murdered an American citizen IN THE UNITED STATES.

I am reminding everyone that BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA SUPPORTS MEXICANS OVER AMERICANS AND THAT IS A FACT.

Don

You need to realize that the US Supreme Court refused to hear the case for a reason.

I don't think they are worried about our violating a treaty.

And Senator Leahy needs to visit me in Los Angeles for a few days. He sits in his beautiful state far away from any borders. You think Vermont has any illegal aliens? NO! He needs to see how they violate us so he can withdraw his STUPID bill.

Let me see if I understand this correctly. The Bummer wants to stay the execution because of a potential that future laws might change. Whether the laws change or not doesn't change the fact that he was convicted and sentenced. There is no going back and changing his penalty because of a change in laws.

Take for example Charlie Manson. He was tried, convicted and sentenced when California didn't have the death penalty. But when the death penalty was reinstated, the state doesn't get to go back and change his penalty to death sentence instead of life sentence.

The bottom line is that The Bummer is pandering to the hispanic votes. He assumes we are too stupid to see through his campaigning.

Texas "legally" executes more people than any other COUNTRY in the world. Strangely, Texans seem proud of that.

Yep. Break the law, pay the price. If everyone took the Texan attitude we might actually make some progress in crime prevention. Wouldn't that be terrible?

Whatever this guy did is beside the point that he may not have adequate or timely representation from his government.

That's his defense counsel's fault. Go to another country, rape, torture, and murder a 16-yr-old, and see how much help you are allowed to seek and how much you get. You are subject to their laws. He committed a crime here, and was tried and sentenced by our laws.

Texas wants it both ways....cheap illegal labor and no cost to house, feed or educate them.

They get welfare, food stamps, public housing, medicaid, and public education. I do not know a single person in TX that would protest a mass deportation.

just string him up from a gallows by the posse, like the good ole days.

There wasn't as much crime in those good ol' days, either.

Eliminate all executions!

And would you still say that if this animal had done the same things he did to Adria Sauceda to your sister or daughter? Would any of you? I certainly hope none of you ever have to find out.

Go ahead, defend the monster's rights. And as usual, conveniently ignore the fact that he raped, tortured, and murdered an innocent young woman. The foremost concern should be justice for HER, not the animal that made sure her last hours in this life were worse than any hell he will ever see.

If cops can't ask Hispanics their immigration status or citizenship how are they suppose to know to get the Mexican Consolute involved? Can't have it both ways now can you? You can also say that about any group be it Mexican, Polish, Korean etc.

In addition to bye Humberto it should also be bye Obama.

Let's make it a threesome and add your dumb ass to the list.

Yep. Break the law, pay the price. If everyone took the Texan attitude we might actually make some progress in crime prevention. Wouldn't that be terrible?

Personally I am about sick of the Texass attitude, why wait for Perry, I'm all for kicking Texas out of the union.

@ewent maybe too late now as it not relevant, hes shocked or drugged by now. (6pm CST) but you do realize this rapist has been in the US since he was 2. He had 17 years of appeals. He raped and killed her when he was an adult. P>

KNX1070 CBS Radio News has just reported that THE MEXICAN MURDERER HAS BEEN EXECUTED IN TEXAS.

DRANO

In response to your inquiry, why don't we flush you down the drain ?

My comments ref 1.147 were out of line and I apologize. Karen, I have no wish to "murder" anyone, but I think your comments are those of someone totally uninformed but at the end of the day I refuse to get down in the gutter and argue with you. Furthermore it seems with your post at 1.149 that you're the only one that enjoys watching others murdered.

Go ahead, defend the monster's rights. And as usual, conveniently ignore the fact that he raped, tortured, and murdered an innocent young woman. The foremost concern should be justice for HER, not the animal that made sure her last hours in this life were worse than any hell he will ever see.

I won't defend the MEXICAN MURDERER WHO IS NOW DEAD.

I completely agree with your point. What is wrong with our country when some people actually defend murderers?

They are sick people if you ask me.

Drano

Thanks but no thanks for the back-handed apology.

I could CARE LESS what you think.

I'll clue you in. YOU'RE the UNINFORMED ONE.

You don't have to read my posts so why bother?

The ONLY reason is because I have something to say.

OH I C how he is working this. As for gay marriage he thinks the states know best. He lied once again. That was one of his campaign promises to get the gay vote. He can freeze in hell before he'll get another vote from me. But when it comes to murder/rapist he thinks the government knows better. He is so obvious it's rediculous. This case is none of his business, kill the murderer and to hell with obama.

A little full of yourself there Karen? YOU have something to say, but no one else does? You're like a flamethrower, you have nothing of substance to say, you just want others to listen to YOU. Hey, good luck with that, like I said before, I'm not getting in the gutter with you to argue about this. From what you've posted so far I don't think you'll ever get beyond your hate, racism, and anger to clue anyone in, as far as you are concerned the best one can hope for is that you have been spayed and don't have any children to influence.

He can freeze in hell before he'll get another vote from me.

He never got a vote from you to begin with, who are you trying to fool.

"I was all worried about this victory for the pubs, but then reassured ain't really changed nuttin in the bigger picture by another liberal. But I can't believe how stupid the dems are in that state to support a pub after they elected Obama. Did they wake up and decide I'm straight/conservative now."

Remember your post from Jan 2010?

"Don't mess with Texas"

Geez, you guys are a bunch of idiots yelling and screaming like our politicians. It is as if someone is paying you to act stupid.

Ever heard of Amanda Knox? From now on, I better not hear the same idiots complaining about her foreign court trial and her sentensing. In additoin, you chumps better not have any problem with people executing our soldiers and citizens in foreign countries. Yes, that would include HAMAS (who is now the legit governing body in Palestine) or Americans being poorly treated under foreign judicial system. Foreigners being executed in American justice system is not new. This is not an Obama thing. It is you who is making it an Obama thing....

What a bunch of lunatics.

THANK YOU GOVERNOR PERRY FOR NOT GIVING IN TO OBAMA THE BULLY.

Score Team Texas!!

Doesn't matter where you are if you're in their country you live by their rules. Same thing applies when you come to America.

yes, and the rules via international treaty say a foreign suspect has the right to speak with his or her home country's consulate; that wasn't done here, in Texas (no surprise), and supported by the conservative-activist SCOTUS (again, no surprise).

@!$%#; even North Korea and Iran abide by it.

Texas, hmmmmm. Here's a mental picture: George Walker Bush. Clearly an absolute imbecile and Texas's favorite son. Let that wacko Governor help them secede - the state is a financial drain on the U.S.. Hell, Mexico doesn't even want it back.

thturd: Love your rationalizing. Obama and the White House personally stepped in on this issue, even went to the Supreme Court asking them to intercede. How could it not be an Obama thing when he is the one pushing for amnesty? Obama had his fingerprints ALL over this and somehow, that fact escapes you?

Problem is, the law or bill they were basing this on was never enacted. You think Hamas gives a sh*t about Americans? How many Americans have been beheaded in Iraq and Afghanistan? Think Mexico would be so kind to an American who brutally raped and murdered a sixteen year old girl? Bashed her head in with a chunk of concrete and raped her with a nail studded "stick?'

Then, there is the fact that the slime didn't tell them he was Mexican or illegal. Your liberal partners complain if questions of citizenship are raised by police when someone is apprehended for a crime. The cops supposed to be mind readers? Your logic is flawed, as usual.

In addition, I'd like to add that all those people screaming "kill him" most likely go to church on a regular basis and call themselves "Christians."

I think he should fry big time ..... and no, I don't claim to be a Christian, and haven't been in a church in 20 years.

Perfect solution! Give Texas back to Mexico. We could even throw in a little money to seal the deal. No need to worry about treaties because Mexico has just executed one of its own. Too bad that will mean needing my passport every time I want to go to San Antonio.

As a signatory of the Vienna Convention, we just violated United States law.

Sooooo his lawyers NEVER knew that they could contact the consulate? All these years they never knew? Just so happens they find out right before his execution.......

17 years is too long to wait to be executed for having taken a life. That poor beautiful girl. Whose side is President Obama on?

Lethal injection was too humane, he should have had his head smashed in with a rock same as he gave. Mexico don't send anymore like this our way.

He's on the side of the law, Scott. Are you suggesting there is another side?

ed3891

I personally have no opinion with regards to the punishment itself; well that isn't true, but I don't believe it is germane to this particular issue but I do have a concern.

The United States government has signed an international treaty guaranteeing that foreign nationals will receive consular access. This is one of many treaties.

So my question is this, what good is that treaty if a state can, without any sanction, violate that international treaty. And if this treaty that the US has signed, isn't worth the paper that it is printed on, then what good is any other treaty, and what is going to happen when the tables are turned.

For those of you who think we should have just let the poor soul who raped and brutally murdered this girl live and whine about the state of Texas not pandering to the Gvmnt....Do you think the Army Officer who killed those people should get the death penalty??

ewent - I live in NJ too - and I have to say that you are a major embarrassment to our state.

Didn't an American kill his wife while on vacation in Mexico last year or so if I am not mistaken? Perhaps the Mexican govt can return the favour..... but no doubt this guy can buy himself free...... after all he is rich if I am not mistaken..... but then again he probably already contacted the USA embassy if or when he was arrested..... Hmmmm

But the thing is that....... do you realize that an american travelling or living abroad could be 'set up' for say a murder and then denied access to his consulate?

How about those hitch-hikers who crossed over into Iran by mistake...... what if they were denied access to their consulate..... would we have known they were arrested and locked up.... and would that be ok by you folks? What if the penalty was death for what they were accused of doing? Would that still be ok by you folks.....?

How about other countries just picking up americans and locking them up...... now knowing that they need not allow the american to consult with his/her embassy? Is that ok with you folks?

I suppose that that would be ok with those of you who believed that texas did the right thing.... while not taking into consideration the ramifications of what has just occured.

Boy is the ignorance and stupidity now coupled with bloodlust in this country getting rampant and at fever pitch....... Hmmmm

BZ...If an American snuck into Mexico and then brutally raped and killed someone then by all means do what the law says you can do...And to equate the people "straying" into Iran by saying:

What if the penalty was death for what they were accused of doing?

That woulod just show the type of country...But because you don't agree with the death penalty doesn't make you more right than someone who does....Freedom of being an American...

What ramifications just occured? We pissed Mexico off?? Wow....Wake me when it actually means something....

Why does Obama want to treat illegals like they are American citizens until they are going to be executed by American law.

Why do illegals want all the benefits of living here until they have to face our justice system.

Why should the state of Texas or any of the States be subject to the laws of the UN above the laws of our own Country.

The bottom line is, allowing the UN to dictate what we are supposed to do legally subjagates us to the whims of every country in the UN. By the way when this case was originally pushed to the Supreme Court back in 2005 90 countries signed on to the UN protest. However; all 90 of those countries do not adhere to the world courts decisions nor do they allow them into their own court rooms or judicial systems.

Those of you trying to give illegals more rights than you have yourselves is ridiculous. If you don't like it, tough, the POS got better than he deserved. He got a room and board for 17 years on the tax payers dime. Thats one more year than his victim got to live. He got a quick needle and an easy death. We should have paid some cartel members to do him up right!

Karen, et al

The central issue here was never about whether this prisoner should be put to death (although I believe it is an medieval practice based solely on revenge and has no place in a civilized society). This was and is about honoring our treaties with other countries. Based on Texas' refusal to honor our commitment to Mexico to give them the opportunity to be part of this case other countries can now point to this case as evidence that the United States acted dishonorably.

This is very much analogous to our refusal to abide by the Geneva Convention rules as we tortured prisoners. Our "word of honor" is conditional on what we feel like at the time, or what is politically expedient.

Never mind that torture is a generally ineffective interrogation technique, or that the death penalty has been proven over and over again not to deter crime, or that we lose the ability in many international cases to have criminals transferred back to the United States because other countries will not extradite when the death penalty is on the table.

But Karen from LA is so angry because the death penalty might be delayed while we meet our obligations that she drags out the "Barack Hussein Obama" label, which I thought we had gotten rid of during the 2008 election campaign because everyone realized that the Hussein stuff was just poorly disguised racism and was way over-the-top inflammatory rhetoric. But I'm sure that, in her own mind, Karen's need for an immediate state-sponsored murder to satisfy her need for revenge was worth having the United States default on a promise made to another country.

Don.

The guy has lived here since he was a toddler. It has NOTHING to do with Mexico ! The guy enjoyed every bit that America had to offer him. AND then he MURDERED a girl.

Immediate state sponsored murder??? HELLLOOOO!!! he had 17 years to still get food , exercise and a place to lay his head! You bleeding hearts should have to have a convicted murderer live with you, at your expense, until we execute them!

At least the rapist/murderer was willing to take responsibility for his actions... despite our own president wanting to use him as a political pawn to garner more support from criminals.

"I am sorry for everything I have done," Leal said at the Huntsville facility before he was executed. "I have hurt a lot of people. Let this be final and be done. I take the full blame for this."

Why on earth do illegals proclaim to love the country that they fled? Um, why did you run away from it if it is so great? This guy never even lived there since he was a toddler but you can tell he no intention of ever respecting America.

Leal then shouted "Viva Mexico," followed by "I'm ready warden, let's get the show on the road."

http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/07/07/texas.mexican.execution/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

don: the central issue is that congress never enacted legislation validating the Vienna Convention. Obama wanted a waiting period until said legislation would be enacted, IF it would be enacted. That would take an indefinite period of time since no bill is currently in front of congress. Sorry, if you want to scream about the law, look to congress and the Supreme Court.

As to Hussein, that is his middle name. The media played it down, their love affair was all about getting him elected. As to default to another country, please look to Medellin vs. Texas, 2008. You might find it enlightening.

Do you think the Army Officer who killed those people should get the death penalty??

I do. Fortunately, if he is tried by a military court there is a better chance he will. They are not as bleeding-heart as civilian courts and won't have the public and political pressure. I don't think those trials are even open to the public, but I think all high profile trials should be closed to the general public.

"I have hurt a lot of people. ... I take full blame for everything. I am sorry for what I did," he said in the death chamber.

Leal's uncle Alberto Rodriguez criticized the U.S. justice system and the Mexican government

Tio Alberto criticized the U.S. justice system because his nephew admitted he raped and killed the teenaged girl?

Leal's attorney Sandra L. Babcock said that with consular help her client could have shown that he was not guilty.

That's kind of odd. How does that work? He admits he is guilty but with the consulate's help he would have been found not guilty?

I don't count myself as a Democrat or Republican, however, I got to say: GO TEXAS GO! This man commited an unspeakable crime, and for whatever reason he suddenly starts up this "I'm a Mexican!" bullcrap when his life is in danger? He was illegal. He came and stayed here illegally. This was perfectly alright until he got caught, now suddenly he's a Mexican National. Mexico has had a lot of trouble sending OUR crooks back over here to face justice, why should we do it?

As for Obama? This is another lapse in sanity from him. I'm tired of him handing off get-out-of-jail-free cards to every latino he sees. He's taking Arizona to Court for enforcing federal law, he's started a third war, backed up on all his campaign promises and/or made them WORSE... Besides, this would have started up one of those Slippery Slopes: Could this defense be used again? Would foreign nationals prance in here, kill someone, then when caught go on about their foreign nationality? Yeah. That doesn't fly, sorry.

This man got what he deserved, end of story. They proved he did it, and his family can cry and whine all they want. That 16 year old's family is forever messed up, why should the murderer get special treatment that he never gave her? It's justice, so butt out, Obama. You can't save the frelling world.

We signed a international law that requires foreign national have access to their consulates. Don't you think America should respect the laws it signs. I guess an another example of American Exceptional ism, international laws apply to everyone except us. Given Texas's record of killing and or incarcerating people on death row who were later found innocent, why is everyone so quick to pull thew switch. There is a lot of hate and vengeance in these post and way too little reason and compassion.

Adios, Humberto. Maybe you can open a taco stand in hell.

Bloger: So, what about an American who illegally enters a country, no visa, permit, whatever, and commits a crime as heinous as this one? The American criminal broke the law twice, once by being there illegally, without authorization, then by commiting said crime. Should that person be accorded special privileges because he is an American criminal?

As to compassion, where is your compassion for the victim???

Ever heard of Amanda Knox? From now on, I better not hear the same idiots complaining about her foreign court trial and her sentensing.

She broke their laws and she is being handled accordingly, as it should be. She's been tried and they can keep her. We don't need another murderer. we have too many already.

In additoin, you chumps better not have any problem with people executing our soldiers and citizens in foreign countries.

That is not even comparable. This was a civilian murdering another civilian ON US SOIL, not soldiers being executed in wartime.

ewent, now look here what you have gone and done, you got everybody pissed off at ya.

I want to invite you on down here to Austin. Be sure to drive your Obamamobile, I mean Chevy Volt. Be sure to be talkin all that smack when you get here and don't forget to come packin.

Nevermind that Obamamobile wouldn't make it this far,

Leal's attorney Sandra L. Babcock said that with consular help her client could have shown that he was not guilty.

Complete and utter BS. A "counsular" would have had NO EFFECT on this guy getting death row. I also wonder if ANYONE additionally charged him with being in the country ILLEGALLY, violated Federal Laws, and referred him to FEDERAL COURT ?

Wait, maybe Mr. Obama will have the DOJ issue a directive for all the States release all those Illegal Aliens (Immigrants) within their prisons because their "sovereignty" was violated.

Cerebrally Superior Comment collapsed by the community

Liberals insist on nurturing criminals and deviants in our society while at the same time punishing our heroes who sacrificed to keep our country safe and strong.

Little by little we are destroying the foundation of our great nation.

It is obvious that these folks that are spewing forth their lack of understanding about honoring the treatsies that we signed with other countries are probably of the type who do not understand nuance..... Hmmm

It is therefore not worth the bother trying to explain that it was not necessarily about the guy but about the agreements that we have with other countries...... so that if our citizens are arrested in other countries they will have access to their consulate......

Talk about lacking in honor, being stupid and filled with bloodlust.......

Now the guy is dead..... has this resurected the victim yet...... hmmm

Ido: Don't laugh, under Obama, such a thing is a distinct possibility. The DOJ with Holder in charge, selectively enforces certain laws and ignores others. Obama is a fan of the global, UN, international law thingy. America is secondary to the UN. Look at Libya for a perfect example.

Wonder why Obama was taking such an interest in this particular Texas case? If Perry runs Obama can call him bloodthirsty and unfeeling for going ahead with the execution. It also spotlights the illegal issue, perhaps pushing for amnesty. Don't forget the La Raza appointee he just named. This is an end-around game. That the Supreme Court refused to grant a stay will be ignored, Obama will attempt to make political hay with this. It may just backfire.

BZE: Hasn't resurrected the victim, it has prevented this criminal from commiting a similar crime should he ever had been set free. As to the treaty, hmmm. Think said treaty has made a difference elsewhere? Should Mexico intervene in a death penalty case because the criminal was Mexican? So, according to you every illegal alien commiting a crime in this country should have their country intervene for them. Will this encourage illegal alien criminals since they can be 'protected' from prosecution simply because their foreigners?

Bze, Which treaties are you all fired up about? The one US Supreme Court said did not exist?

17 years is too long to wait to be executed for having taken a life.

No kidding and the GIRLTHE MEXICAN MURDERED was 16 years old.

THE MEXICAN MURDERER WAS ON DEATH ROW LONGER THAN HIS VICTIM WAS ALIVE.

And if the US Supreme Court won't get involved, THAT IS ALL THE LAW I NEED TO KNOW.

By the way, if I were ever a victim, I would want the criminal to rot in jail for the rest of his/her stinking life.

However, the death penalty is the law in my state and Texas.

If a victim wants the criminal to be executed, I stand behind their decision.

Who am I to choose for them? For some people, it helps them get over their victimization and since I hope I never have to experience their pain, whatever it takes for them, I support them.

Bze: There was a serial killer from Mexico, named Resendez, know as the Railroad Killer. He murdered nine people that the authorities were aware of. Probably many more since he road the rails across country. He rode the rails and killed opportunistically and gruesomely, one victim had a hatchet buried in her face another was beaten to death with a pry bar, after he raped her. One was a doctor in Houston, he raped her and beat her to death with a small statuette. He was apprehended and tried in 1999. I sat through the trial, saw the autopsy photos.

He had served prison time in Texas for lesser crimes and was released on parole and deported. He was deported several times. During one of his last deportations, within 48 hours he was back in the states and had commited four more murders.

What kind of clemency and stay of execution should he have received? Do you think he should have had clemency and been released back into Mexico> Google Angel Maturino Resendez, the Railroad Killer for some additional info. Sorry, this case for amnesty or clemency because of illegality is bogus.

Karen (1.194), nice sentiment, but we can't very well have victims deciding the fate of criminals. We'd have a bigger mess than the one we have now. Laws are broken, trials are had, sentences are given, time is served...due process is preserved.

txmom

Actually it was neither a bill nor a law, but a treaty that directed that we contact Mexico before the trial. And we do honor our treaties, don't we? Just like laws, right?

Are you kidding me....Then what Treaty are you talking about that has been violated? The Federal Court did review this case and found it in order. The Supreme Court for the second time has now said that the FED needs to step out. The measure that would have assured this man access to his consulate, even after he waited two years to claim his Mexican Citizenship, has failed twice before and is now being presented again by the Senator from Vermont.

The short and long of it is: We can be a signatory on a Treaty but if we cannot reconcile our laws to match that Treaty then the document itself can be found null until those laws are reconciled.

What is so difficult about that?

Sorry Humberto's family is sitting in Mexico upset. I suppose they should just stay out of America.

I hope the victims family have found peace but often a long and hard road, where a crime is so vicious well tear at the fabric of a family and leaves them tattered in the wind. Prayers to them all.

Leal's relatives may think it is acceptable in Mexico to kill and rape children, but in America we do not take kindly to those individuals that attack our LEGAL CITIZENS. Leal got what he deserved, only it took longer than necessary. It was definitely wrong for O'Bama to try to intercede for Leal. Maybe O'Bama should become President of Mexico, he wouldn't last past Lunch. The man killed and raped a 16 year old girl, had his day in court and was found guilty and sentenced (if he was an Illegal he already got more than he deserved from the U.S. Justice System). O'Bama is just attempting to get the Latino Vote any way he can. As for this Treaty, the U.S. did not agree to give immunity to every non-U.S. Citizen that commits a crime in this country, as it should be. It was under O'Bama, with the Democratic controlled House & Senate, that this treaty did not pass. Legal U.S. Citizens are sending a message to Mexico and the Illegals in this country, you break our laws you pay the price. Legal U.S. Citizens will rid the U.S. of the Illegals regardless of O'Bama, hopefully we will soon be rid of him also. Maybe O'Bama can become an Illegal in Mexico, but in Mexico Illegals are not treated well.

Agreed--good riddance to bad rubbish!

Alternate reality where Leal gets to call Mexican counsular follows.

Leal: ...So there it is, can you help?

Counsular: You had to do it in Texas? Pin-che ben-day-ho. Sorry, can't help you main.

Leal: (lengthy silence) Can you at least have my family burn an American flag?

Counsular: There are no American flags in Mexico. Only little Mexican flags ready to hang from rear view mirrors once illegal access has been gained to America.

Leal: Maybe burn an American flag T-Shirt then?

For what it is worth, leave the responsibility of notifying the alleged country of origin to that country. All individuals arrested, should be photographed, their images and implied country of origin could be posted on line. If that country doesn’t monitor the national arrest database … how would it be our fault? If they have issues with someone in that database being arrested and being tried in our country or one of our states for a crime, they should have ninety days to raise a finger of protest, and then they can pay for that criminal’s incarceration and defense. For crimes less than murder, they should pick up the convicted criminal and take them home after their trials. For crimes of murder and above … after initial conviction, we could drop them off free of charge … without landing from about 6000 feet with a twenty pound rock secured ‘loosely’ around their necks. End of problem.

I am sure both our past and current president were simply politically posturing in their similar attempts at stays of execution. I am glad Texas snuffed this one out so the executioner could turn back around and recite a simple phrase ... 'My job is done with this one. Next!'

Personally, I think some deported Mexican family in Mexico burning an American Flag T-Shirt is actually a win for America. It shows that we have stilled managed to maintain the rule of law and justice system in spite of Mexican entitlement. Oh well...guess this poor family has just burned $8.50.

Ed - I like how nicely and articulately you stated your position. I agree that capital punishment is, however regrettably, a necessary evil. What saddens me is how unequal the distribution of justice is. A homeless man was arrested and sent to jail for 15 year for stealing $100 while a CEO was indicted for helping steal 3billion dollars and only got 40 months. One cannot help but wonder how often the poor are sentenced to death while the wealthy are slapped on the wrist. I do think the death penalty helps to deter crime.

For all the others: Don't feed trolls. I'm scared of Texas, but I know its a good state with a fine economy and good folks. So don't go lambasting someone who insults texas by insulting HIS area because you're insulting a lot of good people as well (who may, by your insults, think either texas or the south is a bad place). Play nice, eh?

First of all legal or illegal if you commit a crime like this you should pay the price, and he admitted he did it just before they put him down. So the right thing was done he was guilty. As for the way his family acted by burning a shirt with the American flag on it, disgusting and someone should have spit in there faces. They do not care about America at all. They come here for a better life and expect to have more rights then we do. You Americans who support illegals and American Companies that hire them are no better then a criminal. You are so lazy or blind that you do not see what is happening to your country! Grow a pair and stand up for YOUR country like they do theres. I have no problem with legal aliens who want to become an American Citizen and assimilate to this country. They are welcome here. But obviously even if his family are legal they are not Americans. I am sickened by there behavior. If my own son committed these crimes I would be upset, heartbroken and devastated, BUT, at him not America. It would possibly kill me to know he was being put to death but I would know he has to pay for what he did. What happened to people taking responsibility for there actions, instead of whinning about THERE RIGHTS and spending more taxpayers money to keep them in jail over frivolous appeals when they know good and well they are guilty and should be man/women enough to take there punishment. He sure thought he was a BIG MAN when he stuck that stick inside of her! What about this young girls family, you think it would be fair to delay this, its already been 17 years how much more time should this man be spared? I live in Texas and I'm proud to be a Texan and I support the death penalty especially when there is no doubt the person is guilty. EWENT keep bad mouthing Texas if you want it doesnt bother us, since the beginning of time there has always been individuals who run there mouth about what the see as barbaric behaviour, but when push comes to shove you will be glad you have us strong ones to carry the likes of you!

Good Job Texas and Good Riddance to a Rapist murdering Sonsofbitch.

Please google the 16 year old child that he brutally raped and murdered and put yourself in her fathers shoes.

I would want to pull the plug on that bastard myself.

As for Obama to try and stop this what an @!$%# just shows you his true colors and intentions.

I wish California was more like Texas our state is so completely screwed we have over 700 death row inmates we pay 45k per year to keep alive.

Personally I am about sick of the Texass attitude, why wait for Perry, I'm all for kicking Texas out of the union.

Great. We can just start sending the rapists and murderers to YOUR state and y'all can support them until some bleeding-heart judge grants parole and they move in next door to you. This man deserves the same consideration he gave his victim and nothing less. Compared to the suffering she endured at his hands, a needle is kid gloves and potassium chloride is champagne.

I wanna know how I can sign up to be an illegal alien. Seems Obama cares more about the illegals than he does our own citizens. They get free health care, driver's license, schooling their children and the list goes on. I was born and raised here in TexASS and seems the illegals have more rights that us natural born citizens. There is something seriously wrong with our country

I agree. If you are in this country, or any country for that matter, illegally you should have no "consular" rights of protection.

This man was tried and convicted of killing a 16 year old girl. Our justice system has condemed him to death and we should follow through. I am saddened that this country takes so much pity on criminals. I do not believe in rehabilitation of violent offenders. The recidivism rate is rediculous.

Our prisons are over crowded, more executions = fewer prisoners. Problem solved.

Or

Don't mess with Texas!!

Why wait another day? I'm with tenbears!

ewent your bleeding heart liberal ignorance is over whelming. Put down your western dime novel and look at what a updated, vibrant place Texas 2011 is. We love our State, love God in all his forms, love honesty, legality and racial diversity. But we do not need the Feds, Obama in particular, interfering with OUR STATE'S lawful enforcement of State and Federal laws.

Everyone should ignore ewent...too many personal issues! I replied to an ewent post once..wasted effort on someone so obviously disturbed.

Well. This is certainly enlightening, just not in the fashion I'd hoped for.

ed3891...That's the problem ....Texans need to leave that state once in a while. They haven't a clue what goes on in the other 49 states because Texans assume they ARE the only state.

The only good thing about New Jersey is...well...nothing! I take that back, Christie is the only good thing to come out of Jersey.

I have to second that Ann F. Clearly ewent has some personal issue with Texans. I love how he speaks for the rest of the nation - how completely arrogant. We are proud to be Texans, but what is so wrong with being proud of where you come from? What is wrong with supporting your state's rights to punish those who do something so heinous? He is getting lost in his own rhetoric and forgetting the main point of the issue - a young girl lost her life to someone who should not even be here - which is sadly what many jails are full of. He's had years and appeals and he lost. Ewent must have never lost a loved one to a violent crime. Perhaps he/she would whistle a different tune. And I hate to break it to many of you out there, but you are thinking like someone who has never been to jail - not seen what many criminals are like. Perhaps you should take a tour of these institutions ... or read the cards of the inmates and their crimes and visualize what they have done. Put a face with the names of the victims or better yet picture your loved one as being at the receiving end of their inability to control themselves ... then see if you still sympathize with those who are serving time or receiving death for what they have done. And if you still sympathize - please take them - then we won't have to pay for them to continue to breath while their victims weren't given the same chance to live.

Texas may not be "the only state"...but it is the only state that seems to be economically succeeding these days. Over a third of all new jobs in this country are jobs in Texas.

They must be doing something right !

ewent

Having lived a period in Texas -- and with all respect to the honorable and hardworking individuals in that state -- I agree with your opinion of Texas culture.

One more tidbit for your toolbox...while many conservatives complain endlessly about hordes of illegal immigrants and gleefully spread vicious propaganda, I wonder how many know that the 100% Census count (which was extraordinarily successful in 2010) includes illegals and contributes to the number of representatives they have in Congress as well as the allocation of federal dollars. Probably as few who will give Obama credit for the increased exportation of illegal immigrant criminals (i.e. zero).

Pragmatist...I have two nephews who live in Texas. They weren't born there. They were shipped to that state by their companies. If what they tell me about having been there for 10 years is true, unless you are born in that Godforsaken state, you are never accepted as a Texan. That's the BS attitude I cannot possibly abide.

My state always has a number of people from other states moving here. They blend in. In Texas, they don't don't.

The other thing I detest about Texas is the ignorance and bragging. At some point, they began to believe that they are the ONLY state. They always claim such success in business...but the real lies are that they are killing people in their state with the enormous pollution that is growing. Texas is in the top 5 of the most polluted states.

Texas can only make itself successful by buying up companies in other states and then price gouging the hell out of those living in other states. How some Americans don't see this trend is beyond explanation.

If the only way Texas can have a glowing economy is to reduce the value of human life in that state by allowing all manner of industry that avoids regulatory compliance, that nothing they should brag about.

You guys take it easy on poor ewent, he is still mad that his state is basically a landfill for New York City and without the mafia would have no state history at all. Either that or his ponytail got tangled up in his headband again...

Azrancher...Ewent is a she...Now being a swagger swagger boom boom male, I'm sure that means that anything a female thinks, says or does can't hold a candle to the genius guys of Wild West states.

Texas has its merits, having lived there for some time. It's generally a pretty cool place, pretty free and relaxed. You could smoke in bars last I checked, I also remember being able to drink in a vehicle so long as I wasn't driving... I liked that. But I lived in a metropolitan area, so I'm sure it was a little less fire and brimstone and prudish victorian like the rest of the state.

I think your Board of Education made up of evangelical politicians rewriting history and social conservative moralist elected officials give you a bad name though.

ewent....>>>And if this had been your daughter???????????????

Optomyst...I wasn't arguing for the crime. I was arguing for full implementation of rights. Haven't you ever served on jury duty? What is the first thing a judge in any US court warns the jury of? That they have to find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Now ...pay attention, please. If there is ANY doubt as to the violations of this guy's rights, it must be fully and duly acknowledged by the legal system. This particular issue is tricky because if the guy isn't a bona fide legal citizen, then, beyond a doubt he has certain rights as a foreigner seeking counsel agreed to by US treaties with international laws of foreign countries.

All the state of Texas has to do to clear up the matter BEFORE they execute him is to prove they adhered to jurisprudence and the full extent of the laws and treaties agreed to by the US government regarding foreigners.

Too much legalese for you?

Ewent,

I take it you're not a big Ron White fan.

How about this legalese for you; congress didn't ratify this treaty so it isn't law, that is how the law of this land works

My oh MY! ewent is in top troll form today. He/she is hysterical reading! Think I'll print some of the comments, place them in a binder for further light reading when I want to lower my IQ and escape reality. Ewent your delusional fantasy about what Texas is and isnt is damn funny stuff so will fit right next to my Terry Prachett Disc World books and my Monty Python collection.

if this piece of crap commited the crime in mexico the outrage by obamanation would be a big fat zero..........just like their common sense.

A treaty isn't a law...duh...It's an "agreement" between allying countries. Big difference. If we agree not to waterboard every blowhard Texan criminal, that doesn't make it a law does it? Now should the federal government outlaw swaggering and Texas law declares it legal, all swaggering in that state ceases. Yeesh...Can it really be that necessary to dumb down cowboys so they understand an issue?

I am absolutely astounded at the convulted intelligence of the cowboys on this thread. I had no idea that Texas was such a backward state that the mindset was totally monolithic.

The point is that while Texas wants to make certain states rights supercede federal laws, nothing is further from the truth. Try violating EPA federal laws no matter what your state laws say. Try violating federal civil rights laws and see how fast your state laws will not hold water.

Can Texans really be that dense as not to understand the commonalities of our US legal system? Or is it that Texas prefer autonomy until it needs federal funds?

Leave poor ewent alone, obviously she's suffering from spray tan that makes her look like an oompa loompa and a bump it that's too tight. I suppose with your strict belief in the law you would accept that the US Supreme Court already ruled on this issue?

whowhat...ewent suffers from nothing. ewent loathes braggarts. Something wrong with that? How about those braggy asses come down to earth? As for state coming before country, that's about as despicable as it needs to get. Because when a terrorist attack strikes, a country divided because of a single blowhard state is dangerous. Even a kindergarten child knows that.

How is it only the state of Texas indulges in such attitude as to make them appear anti-American and pro-Texas only? Answer please.

ewent:

Reading through all of your posts, I, at first, thought you might have a severe case of Texas peenis envy. But, alas, you are a female.

Since you are a "she" from NJ, please tell us who you most closely emulate/relate to/resemble:

Snooki

A Real Houswife from Jersey

A beautician from Jerseylicious.

You must be SO PROUD.........bwahahaha....

Not A Socialist...Snooki is Venezuelan and was adopted by her parents who live in Staten Island...Those NJ housewives? They are anything but. You can't really be that naive as to believe those NY casting companies would actually use real New Jerseyans for national TV do you?

Most real NJ people are the hardest workers in the country. Most are up at 5 AM and boarding buses or trains for jobs all over the state. Thanks to Thomas Edison, you have a telephone. Edison? as in Edison NJ? where he develop that technology and others?

Are you proud of Bush? The guy who drank himself into Yale and Harvard? The guy whose daddy bought him the presidency in 2000 thanks to Big Daddy's crony Baker? NJ remembers Bush's Yalie years when he came to a Princeton Yale game, got so obnoxius (gee...an obnoxious Texan, imagine that?) and drunk that his Daddy had to spring him from jail.

The only good things that ever came out of your state are ZZ Top, Janis Joplin and Tommy Lee Jones.

Sheesh...Wouldn't you think Texans would know not to try to compete with the states where the Founders of the Nation have roots?

Big Deal...You fought Santa Anna but you got creamed at the Alamo. Davy Crockett and Sam Houston and all that tommyrot. When you have a 9/11 Terrorist attack 45 minutes from your Houston Proper homes, let me know. I'll concede your superiority. But since that happened on a Texan's watch, I won't expect an admission of defeat.

New Jerseyans are proud of our finest in the country education. And unlike Texas, we don't mix religion with education. You proud of that one?

State before country.... The Feds have become such a joke, one better stick tight to their home state, they may not have much else sooner or later.

Will the world really miss this scum? I doubt any part of the justice process was missed. He probable can't speak english very well and didn't know what was meant. His loss.

ewent:

Sheesh...Wouldn't you think Texans would know not to try to compete with the states where the Founders of the Nation have roots?

We don't compete with NJ. Does a lion compete with a mouse? Over and out.

Not a Socialist...Texas can't compete with NJ. It doesn't have enough brain power. Yahoooooo!

ewent:

Kidding (or not) aside, and on a more serious note: what is your opinion of your NJ governor Chris Christy. Are you proud?

Is this -seriously- becoming a 'my state is better than your state' debate?

This is kind of an embarrassment to both states involved.

Ewent: Your pompous ignorance astounds me almost as much as the fact that I actually kind of feel sorry for you - even though you are bashing my state with your close-minded, generic insults. I find it pathetic that you got so far away from the point of this article just to hear yourself "preach" to random people and to think yourself superior ... your arrogance/ignorance truly is amazing and that you revel in it ... is incomprehensible. What a sad life you must lead. Just as sad as belittling people who died for my state's freedom (although at the time they were attempting a republic) - dismissing them as nothing while comparing apples to oranges by using the twin towers as the crutch of your argument. Sad, sad, sad ... but back to the article. Ingoring the fact that the federal government is trying to meddle in state business - which is why there are state's rights (kind of the one of the big points of the constitutional convention) ... the main point is that there is another attempt to postone this monster's sentence. Come explain your argument for the need to ensure this criminal's rights to this girl's family after a jury of his peers have agreed that he committed this heinous crime. Look at this blog - when can you get 12 people to agree on anything much less killing someone unless the crime was so terrible that it deserved such? Ever think of that? Oh right - it was decided by 12 Texans I forgot. Please explain why you (oh sole voice of reason - extreme sarcasm) believe this man should be given the privilege to be alive another day - when he did not give this girl that option. She would have been 33 years old (approx) - they could have grandchildren by now. But please be more concerned for this monster ... or better yet why don't you spend some one on one time with him and tell me he needs yet ANOTHER chance to be on this earth longer than he should. See if you still want to plead for his rights. Give me a break ... stop and listen to yourself sometime ... and please try and stay on point.

ewent,
it is so very difficult to explain simple treaty agreements and rights given to defendants, such as due process, to people who:
a. Don't care to read /listen and comprehend treaties / agreements
b. Can't understand basic concepts of laws
c. Hate the current President
d. Are retarded
e. Like to swagger, drink too much and profess to be christians

@ marklepew you can hurl insults all day long but in the end congress has not has not ratified or codified this treaty in to binding US law, treaties govern the way countries act between them shelves but the treaty still needs to be law within the country it's self for any state with a country to follow that law or was the supreme court bashing Obama when Bush was in office too? The supreme court sided with the states before and will do it again until congress acts. Or is the Supreme Court ignorant of the law too?

Deployed,

By utilizing your reasoning for non compliance (congress hasn't ratified) then do you also propose to not honor the Geneva Convention? Wouldn't that allow other countries to do unspeakable acts to our own soldiers, sailors and Marines?

As you must already know The 1949 Convention(the fourth version) is a lengthy document with over a hundred articles. The Convention outlaws the taking of hostages, the mutilation and degradation of POW's, torture, executions, and discrimination based on race, sex, religion, nationality or political affiliations.

Additional protocols have been issued including two in 1977 extending the 1949 articles to cover guerrilla combatants and to soldiers in wars of"self-determination." The United States signed the 1977 Protocols, but Congress refused to ratify them.

So are you in favor of torturing prisoners or just mutilating them?

marklepwe and ewent: Better take a gander at what your beloved pres is doing with prisoners, all under the radar. You must love the Patriot Act now...and...since you're so fond of this rapist/torturer/murderer, why don't you bring him into your neighborhood? Afraid of what he might do? Nah, you're not here so its easy to shoot off your mouths from a distance.

Hurling insults to people who do not agree with you serves no purpose what so ever. The US Supreme Court disagreed with Bushes position and will side against Obama, who is trying to use the same agreement that was a loser before and will be again. Texas is following the US Constitution as written and that is not my opinion it is a legal fact, at least according to the US Supreme Court. Until the US congress codifies the treaty that won't change and if you know anything about the law and treaties you know what I am talking about. Torture has nothing to do with this argument and never will. Seventeen years of appeals is enough already, the man has had his day in court and lost.

Im just glad the govt wastes billions a year housing and feeding and taking care of the rapists and murderers for years after their found guilty in this country rather than sentencing them to death within a week. People dont change. No time in jail/prison is going to make someone say "hey maybe i shouldnt rape/murder again". The whole system is messed up and it wastes so much funding. No wonder we are in trillions of dollars worth of debt. What happened to eye for an eye??? I say if they rape and murder someone, they should be raped and murdered.

Deployed,

So we can pick and choose which agreements, we have signed, to honor? Kinda of like being at the chinese restaurant and getting to pick one out of this column and one out of another. Deployed, I agree that the person in quesions is a total douche bag but does that relief us of not giving him the full benefits of due process?

Mygirl1,

I am not fond of or condone what the "rapist/torturer/murderer" has done, I think it somewhat childish to suggest that I house a felon convicted of murder because I question the validilty of his having received the full benefits of due process. I would probably attribute the letter "c" in my post #2.38 to your real purpose of posting such an answer. (I could be mistaken as it could possibly be "d" also)

Stop! Don't feed the troll (ewent) any more!

Plus, your generalizations about texans are completely wrong, I have lived there, and the only connection to the wild west they still have is the ten gallon hats and the accents.

@ Marklepew I think the real issue at hand is; Do states have an obligation to abide by an intentional treaty made by the US government that is not even US law? That raises questions in my mind about the possibility of an international treaty conflicting with state or even US law. Then whose law do you follow? Torture doesn't have to made a US code because it already was in 1964 with the civil rights act, ask Rodney King. I think that is why the Supreme Court ruled the way they did against Bush. If this treaty isn't codified or ratified then why should any state follow something that isn't even law.

Yes PLEASE Stop Feeding ewent and the ewent wanna be's. My sides hurt and my eyes are watering from laughing so hard. It's like watching a funny, slow train wreck of logic (?????) trying to happen and so hard to stop reading.

Deployed,
Because it's the right thing to do. Sometimes that means it is inconvenient and difficult but always worth it when dealing with people's lives and ending that life by order of a State.

I understand your point, but why the rush to kill him when it has already been 17 years? Another month or so to make sure he has received the benefits of counsel and also to insure that Americans abroad (Amanda Knox comes to mind) also get that same benefit seem a small thing to get upset over. After all when they kill him (finally and well deserved)it will still be forever.

@marklepew Amanda Knox got a re-trial because of Italian law not because of international law, the same should applied to the US and even Texas, defendants should get a trial based on the law based on where they are at and not in the court of international opinion. It may be that US law and international law are at odds and I will take our legal system over any other countries legal system any time any where. The Casey Anthony trial is a classic example, in most countries she would already dead, the prosecution couldn't prove their case she walked. I will take our system over anyone's and in my opinion that is the right thing to do.

Deployed,

Now if we can get most of the Muslim countries to comply with what is considered "laws accepted by most modern civilizations" instead of their "stone them to death" attitude. With that being said you can see the reason we are better that the other guys. I agree we are the best but that doesn't mean we don't have room for improvement.

Rape him then smash his head with a chunk of asphalt and catapult the carcass back across the border.

I've always wondered why most red states don't hate the death penalty. You would think religion would play a part of that, ya know? "Hate the sin, not the sinner."
I'm not saying to nurture the guy or anything. Hell, I support his execution. Just an honest question.

Texas may not be "the only state"...but it is the only state that seems to be economically succeeding these days. Over a third of all new jobs in this country are jobs in Texas.

Yep, that's why they had a 23 billion dollar deficit, can't afford text books, and come in 47th in the country in education.

Texas just violated United States law. The US is a signatory of the Vienna Convention and this treaty was ratified. Texas is NOT a sovereign nation, and as such they just illegally brought the United States into an international law violation, and endangered Americans overseas in doing so.

marklepew

As well they should. There are multiple instances where muslim countries violate international laws, and they should be called on it. (Often their excuse is that they don't recognize dual citizenship and that has to be worked out).

However, two wrongs don't make a right.

The 'violation' here is such a tiny one too. Why is it so difficult to call up the defendant's embassy or consulate to advise a representative of that country's government that they have a national charged. It is just a silly thing to do. Hell I would do it just out of courtesy.

Jonathan - Where the police supposed to guess that he was illegal because he was hispanic? Were they supposed to question him about it because he was hispanic?

"Leal -- who has lived in the United States since age 2 -- never revealed his Mexican citizenship at the time of arrest, and his defense team never raised the consular access issue at or before trial."

You and Toastwad would be screaming "racism" if the police treated him like a foreigner, now you want sympathy for him because he wasn't treated like a foreigner. Your spineless, irresponsible, liberalism is sickening, how about some respect for the child that was tortured and killed instead of the rapist/murderer?

http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/07/07/texas.mexican.execution/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

Let me get this straight. Obama doe snot want to enforce the borders AND wants to allow convicted murders more options out of their sentence than Americans get
?

I just want to be clear on this.

We're a nation of laws, PJ. What part of that just hasn't sunk in yet?

Cygus

In what world is 16 years "fast tracking"? The normal appeal time is 10 years. Leal was given much more time than is usual. Bush brought issues of foreign national s on death row before the Supreme Court in 2005 but they shot it down. The proper procedures were followed. Leal has finally paid for his crime.

Toasty, seriously, you dont think his world class lawyers for the last 17 years didnt know this. This was a last minute hope for another week or two at best. I can say with certainty that if you commit murder in another country, your fried. Appeals ? what appeals? IE Knox, shes got a few (vienna convention appeals, - shes not coming home unless someone can go back in time and record someone else killing that roommate). But since you have said we violated OUR SOVERIGN right to GOVERN OUR OWN COUNTRY, please give me specific listings, and examples?

@ewent

You and all of the other bleeding hearts need to remember his victim.

Go ahead, defend the monster's rights. And as usual, conveniently ignore the fact that he raped, tortured, and murdered an innocent young woman. The foremost concern should be justice for HER, not the animal that made sure her last hours in this life were worse than any hell he will ever see.

ewent you really have some baggage don't you bub? I was born here and raised here. Texas is a state of mind. Sure thy brag a lot but it's our nature. But we're friendly people and do things our way. Was a lot better here before the yankee'w moved here in the 80's and have changed it a lot. Ann Richards was a great lady and she said like it was. But Texas takes the lead in most everything. We aren't the only state in the union or the best but we're more proud of our state than most are proud of theirs. Oh and by the way. GWB is an embarrassment to our state.

Ewent you sound like you have some real jealousy problems about Texas. Take a deep breath and chill dude!

Glenn, don't bother. ewent won't get into a coherent discussion, only a blind spewing of hate.

Ann is not alone, not by a long shot, in her thinking the POTUS is pandering for Hispanic voters in 2012. He needs all the legal and illegal Hispanic votes he can get...they maybe the only way he can get re-elected. But it is clear you support him and are blind to his anti-American intents

dudogger-

Yep

Rick, it does not matter what Bush might have done in the past regarding this issue. Obama is POTUS now. A US citizen was brutally murdered and her body mutilated by this POS. Legal or illegal, animals like this need to be put down. If you had gone to Mexico and done this to one of their citizens, do you think Calderon would have tried to block your demise, oh hell no.

Well then Rick, you embarrass yourself assuming that because I view Obama as an opportunistic failure, that I would have been a Bush-supporter. Such a sophomoric argument. "You don't like Obama..you must love Bush" Grow up!

Total political move to help lockdown the ever more important Hispanic vote.

@Rick,

who cares if Bush thought Leal should get a review. The Supreme Court told Bush to go p*ss up a rope! Now, Obama can join him.

Pandering to the Messicans. The funny thing is this guy was afforded every right a US Citizen would be in his trial. What would Mexico have brought to the table? Total pander for votes. I sense strange fruit in 2012

Ann F....That's pretty pathetic when people allow party to deny a president respect. Do you have the same disrespect for the little Napoleonic Crawford pissant who helped Ken Lay's criminal record get expunged? Did you mind when Texas Biggest Loser President also granted prison releases?

Acutally ewent..I did feel that way about Bush!So pathetic of you! to make an assumption about my party affiliation when making a comment about Obama..who is well on his way to becoming the worst president..ever!!! Up until now..Bush held that record for me. See how pathetic you sound now!

Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in United States in 2010

1. St. Louis, Missouri
2. Camden, New Jersey
3. Detroit, Michigan
4. Flint, Michigan
5. Oakland, California
6. Richmond, California
7. Cleveland, Ohio
8. Compton, California
9. Gary, Indiana
10. Birmingham, Alabama

Funny, I dont and Texas cities on the list.

Obama seems to be spending more time defending and giving amnesty to foreigner's these days. Leaving all the rights of US Citizens awash... kinda shameful considering we have almost 10% un-employment, a budget crises and a full blown invasion from the South by foreign illegal criminals. Source: www.lawandcitizen.org LAWandCITIZEN.ORG time for change!

Caroline...Narrow minded views. Seems to me the President has spent the last two weeks working on that deficit the righties are bitching about but refuse to own up to the only resolution. More Republican sidelining? You bet. What else?

Take from the working poor and Middle Class...never touch Big Oil subsidies...which taxpayers are paying for once at the pumps and again when the tax breaks are handed out like candy by Republicans.

ewent - I could easily tell you were a female. One who should refrain from commenting in public this week. This is your week, isn't it??? If that's not your problem, then maybe your ponytail is too tight?? I've never heard anyone so statist (like racist, only about states) in my life. You generalize everyone and everything to fit your narrow-minded little view of life. You definately need to get out more. I know Jersey is small, but really, get out once in a while! Not everyone from Texas swaggers or has a cow or wears a hat. Please!! You really don't have a CLUE!!

@Ed:

The application of the death penalty is a barbaric action that dates back to the dark ages of humanity. We, as the modern civilization we claim to be, have the laws and the public infrastructure to sentence criminals like Mr. Leal for many lives over before they can even see the light of the day. You will argue that this should not be a burden on tax payers, but you will have to admit that our legal system needs a rehault to begin decriminalizing lesser offenses (such as pot possession) and spend the resources where it matters most: in cases like this.

The "eye-for-an-eye" premise used for condeming individuals to the death penalty, sort of goes against all the moral premises fundamented in our Constitution. As a matter of fact, in our wars for freedom against the British empire, the good treatment of prisoners was a top priority for all regiments and commanders as it would almost certainly ensure that Brit soldiers would deflect over to the Americans. We have carried out those same principles throughout history and have held the enemy forces captive and with dignity (again, for the most part). Taking away another human being's life because some attrocity they committed is not consistent with the values this country was founded on.

Just my humble opinion.

TexasChick...One other huge industry in Texas that gives Big Oil competition? The hair dye industry. Followed by the boob job industry. New Jersey is my state, not my country. Can you say the same of Texas? Or does flying your state flag above the flag of your country make Texas Lord High Grand Pubbah of Upper Butt Crack.

Unlike yours, my state can take criticism. We don't shoot first and ask questions later like they do in your state. So criticize NJ all you like, but when your state can produce as many inventors, celebrities and top level brainiacs, let me know.

Your state already provided one loser and that was quite enough. No more Texan presidents. They do not represent this country. As Texan posters on this thread prove...they only represent their state. Sorry, not good enough for qualifications for president.

ewent, no matter how hard you try to support that smelly pile of crap, and try to divert by attacking a state (Texas)far superior to that place New yorkers dump their trash ( New Jersey)...it's not working.

Oblunder the one term wonder is an epic failure as President, The POS rapist will be killed by Texas, and good riddance. Texas is continuing to grow because they DON'T think like you and your weak minded fellow travelers in the Party of Parasites.

I sincerely hope it's YOUR entitlement that gets the axe,and soon. No other reason for the garbage you post other than fear of working people cutting you off.

ewent - I could easily tell you were a female. One who should refrain from commenting in public this week. This is your week, isn't it???

ROTHFLMFAO

Maverick... You said it best!

ewent: Please show me a study that shows a texas city as one of the top 10 most dangerous cities. Support your comments w/ facts and references.

As for your environmental engineering comments, how does a state "go around the country pockmarking it with oil rigs and then polluting everyone else's state" when the state is not the oil company or own the oil company?

Regarding the Texas flag flying above the Stars and Stripes? Again, cite references.

Inventors: Howard Hughes, Robert Dennard, Jack Johnson, James Field Smathers, Jimmy Dean, Mary Kay Ash, Charles Alderton. Is the list as big as the list from New Jersey? Probably not, but where are you going with this rant?

ewent.......>>>>NEVER. NEVER speak to me in a condescending tone again. I am educated and informed. This man was tried and found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The laws of the state in which the crime was perpetrated dictate his punishment. His rights are no more sacred than were the rights of his victim (who had none at the time of the crime).

Go to a cardiologist and get some meds for your bleeding heart.

Hey @Chas-1907852, do New Yorkers really dump their trash on New Jersey? I guess @ewent must have originated from New York.

Chas...First of all, NJ doesn't permit dumping anywhere...So your knowledge of NJ is lacking. Second of all, my state is not the be all and end all of my life. Yours is. Why? Answer please.

In my state the US flag flies high above the flag of NJ. Only a state that lives so far in the past as to pride itself on some antiquated idea it was EVER an autonomous country proves what's wrong with Texas.

John P....Galveston...will that do for you? If you need to know where those white patches of petrochemicals are blooming, try West Texas. Or does ignorance suffice in Texas these days for $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ and greed?

Optomyst...NEVER NEVER tell another educated adult what to do. You may have issues with condension but I have a distinct distaste for the super educated who try to teach any other adult. Sorry, you're too late. I'm too long in the tooth for you or any Texan to teach me anything.

And for those who think NJ is so terrible, how is it millions of people come from all part so the country and Europe to enjoy our beaches?

Obnoxious must be a big sale item in Texas.

ewent:

I think you are making a serious miscalculation by wrongly assuming that everyone on this thread that disagrees with you is/was from Texas. Not so! Also, unless you are off the grid and drive a hydrogen car, you are benefiting from the exploration and refining of oil and natural gas. Your incessant rants against big oil, while utilizing their products makes you a supreme hypocrite.

I am so sick and tired of the old "US Citizens will be in danger abroad" excuse being used to push any arbitrary agenda you can think of, if it has to do with anything remotely international...

Unless we insert BULLSHlT claim here, then US Nationals will be in danger abroad... So do as we suggest!

This is a total fallacy, nothing will ever happen as a result of this... With Mexicans killing each other to the tune of 60,000 a year in the drug war and living conditions below most third world countries, they will not care what we do with this guy. I cannot imagine them treating us any worse than they already do !!!

I haven't been reading ewent's posts (ignore lists are a wonderful thing) but I can tell by the responses that he/she/it is being a troll supreme today.

Google Narcissistic Personality Disorder and tell me that doesn't fit ewent to a tee!

ewent.............................I am embarrassed to say that I was born and raised in New Jersey. But that was back when humans respected other humans. Obviously, things have changed there. My teeth are perfect, thank you very much. Too bad yours are so long. Perhaps you should seek dental health.

Been around a long time, babe. Seen it all. Done it all. Have the jacket to prove it.

ewent is far from being the most offensive writer here today! Some of your attacks remind me of bullies in High School. Stop it and try to be more civil while refraining from collapsing posts that you disagree with!

It would also be nice to see some civility regarding our president...I disliked Bush's policies intensely and didn't like him much as a person but hey, he was still the president and deserved a modicum of respect.

ewent: Your senseless rants are comical at best. I still see no "cited references" which means you need to provide facts and places where we all can look up to validate your claims. So instead of calling me ignorant, take a good look in the mirror to view total ignorance.

Galveston you say? Hmmm..... maybe you were a visitor there once and got stung by a jellyfish. Too bad you didn't drown in the Gulf of Mexico. Or did you select Galveston because your an environmental engineer and your read something somewhere? Care to comment on Freeport, or Clute, or Lake Jackson, or Texas City? That's where the refineries are located, in case you need a refresher. Galveston doesn't have those things - we're just close to than across the water. Please let me know when you return so I can personally greet you. Yes, Galveston is home.

Mark1219747,

I don't know if anyone else caught on to your little bit of racism you posted but I find it offensive and I hope that the mods won't let this pass. To those who wonder what he is advocating is the hanging of the POTUS with his "strange fruit" comment. Here is a little history behind the remarks:

This was a song written by a white, Jewish schoolteacher and union activist from New York City named Abel Meeropol, who was outraged after seeing a photograph of a horrific lynching in a civil-rights magazine. The photo was a shot of 2 black men hanging from a tree after they had been lynched in Marion, Indiana on August 7, 1930. The 2 men are the "Strange Fruit."

I thought Obama didn't want criminal suspects to be questioned about their citizenship because it somehow violated their imaginary rights.... now he wants to postpone a sentence because police didn't know he was a foriegner? VP of Mexico, Obama, doesn't mind contradicting himself as long at it always hurts America does he?

"Leal -- who has lived in the United States since age 2 -- never revealed his Mexican citizenship at arrest,"

"Leal is one of 40 Mexican citizens in a similar situation awaiting lethal injection in U.S. prisons."

How many murders until politicians start caring about U.S. citizens instead of pandering for votes? Obviously for Obama we are nowhere near that amount.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/07/07/texas.mexican.execution/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

ewent

The problem most Texans have with people from NJ is we see them (not all but quite a few) as being rude, mannerless, and totally lacking in the social graces. Texans may have a few rough edges compared to the impeccable manners of the people of from Virginia, the Carolina's, Georgia, and Louisiana, but to them, people from NJ would be considered barbarians.

Mark-1219747

Pandering to the Messicans. The funny thing is this guy was afforded every right a US Citizen would be in his trial. What would Mexico have brought to the table? Total pander for votes. I sense strange fruit in 2012

#3.12 - Thu Jul 7, 2011 9:26 AM EDT

RACIST PO-S

DeployedInKorea ... please stop posting that the article states that the US didn't ratify the Vienna Convention. The article said no such thing (and the US did ratify it). What the article said was that the US never passed legislation to implement the provisions of the treaty, which is a very different matter altogether.

That is a dangerous oversight on our part. If we want other countries to abide by the Convention in their treatment of Americans, we should do the same, and it shouldn't be up to individual states to decide whether they will abide by an international treaty. Is it really so difficult (or unpatriotic, as some people here claim) to notify prisoners that they are entitled to assistance from their consulates?

"I have no trust in the Obama administration's motives..everything seems to focus on votes for the 2012 election. This is an unusual intervention in a state case and appears, as everything Obama does lately, to be a campaign ploy. Maybe he should have another "twitter" conference."

Let me get this straight:

Federal intervention in state cases is unusual???? Does Schiavo ring a bell?

President Obama is intervening for political votes????

Please forgive me, but I fail to see rhyme or reason in any of your statements.

I have no trust in the Obama administration's motives..everything seems to focus on votes for the 2012 election. This is an unusual intervention in a state case and appears, as everything Obama does lately, to be a campaign ploy.

Another right-wing ideologue without a clue what logic or thinking is.

So let me remind you that illegal migrants cannot vote. Let me also remind you that legal immigrants and people of Mexican descent specifically, and Hispanic descent generally, do not look kindly on illegal migrants. My bet is that most US citizens of hispanic decent would not be in favor of lifting the stay because he was a Mexican national.

There is no shortage of stupid ideas. What we need are more smart ones. Thank God Obama is in the White House and Bush is gone. Things are not perfect but they're getting better thanks to a smart president...and no thanks to a do-nothing obstructionist Republican House and Senators, or the thoughtless warmongering let's-deregulate-the-financial-industry because "the free market solves all problems" president we used to have.

I'm sorry Ann, but the President was just obeying the law. As a signatory of the Vienna Convention, a treaty which was ratified and implemented, we just broke the law.

The murdered girl was hispanic. She lived in San Antonio. I doubt that Obama was pandering for hispanic votes on this, if he was he might have considered the victim and her family. They were and are Americans of Mexican ancestry. When it comes to honor and respect for a people, defending a murdering rapist of illegal status over the girl and her family seems a mite specious. Of course, Obama is all for international law trumping national and state laws, he looks to the UN a lot quicker than he looks to the country he was elected to serve.

Toasty: Bull. The bill was never enacted, was never made into law and the treaty never ratified. There was no law to break, waiting for a law to be enacted? Do you wait for Santa at Christmas?

MG, do your homework. The Vienna Convention was signed, ratified, and made into United States law. I'm too nice a guy to to call you a liar, but you just lied.

Toasty: I have done my homework. Medellin vs. Texas, 2008. The Supreme Court ruled that the Vienna Convention could not be given effect as directly applicable to Federal law. Congress would have to adopt legislation that would enable the US to comply with its treaty obligations. That has not been done. I won't call you a liar, merely ill-informed.

Barry

Actually it shouldn't matter if enabling legislation for certain provisions haven't been enshrined in law. Once congress approves the treaty it is law.

whoa!!! that was a close one. I almost responded to one of ewant's comments after I vowed to not to. Poor thing, she must be mighty tired of trying to use twisted root logic of her hate of Texas to gain supporters. I keep getting this weird image of her feverishly twisting balloons into strangely distorted, convoluted fantasy shapes all the while claiming and demanding we acknowledged it's a giraffe, fish or poodle. She could not understanding all the rest of us see is this misshaped blob of logic.

MG, that's what ratification does thanks to the Supremacy Clause in Article VI of the US constitution.

Uh, not exactly. Also, did you pay attention to the Supreme Court in this issue? Did you look into the 2008 ruling? Didn't think so.

I did, MG. Did you look at the constitution? ALL treaties ratified by the United States Congress are, by ITS definition, self-executing.

Another child rapist leaves the World. Just to bad he got to do it so painlessly.

Didn't this crime happen in 1994? Why does it take so long to execute someone? How much did it cost taxpayers to keep this dirt bag alive?

bobby:

All capital punishment cases take a long time because of the numerous appeals that are afforded. This is the balance in the system because there is no 'retraction' if a person is executed and later found to be innocent.

oh great...we finally put ewent to bed with a troll headache and her twin shows up. Hi Toasty, trying to pick up where ewent left of??? LOL

I'm just arguing for constitutionality, AD. If that counts as trolling, something has gone seriously wrong.

toasty, . Ewent was arguing about constitutionality as well ,,er I think she was. Hell she was all over the place in her comments. Read back through them, Save yourself some time and us a lot of trouble by not retreading her comments. I would find it refreshing if you would inject a different view on the constitutionality of Texas doing what should have been done 15 years ago.

american;

ewent was also being extremely rude and insulting. I may not agree with someone, but I always try to remain civil.

As to what Texas did, some of my other comments in here outline my thoughts. I don't really have a concern one way or the other about the crime or the sentence (well I do, but it isn't up to me), but I am more focusing on the process that was involved in this case, and the concerns that it opens up in my mind.

Then I'll keep it brief for you, AD. Texas should have followed the United State constitution.

Likewise toasty, lets keep up the original law as it was written then, You kill a man, you get stoned to death no?

, Really too late now, because another murderer is dead. But if that wasnt enough he violently raped a 16 year old girl when he was 21/22 ish, using a concrete stump. OH, and lets not forget, HE Admitted it , during the trial, during his drugs, and during his incarceration.
He grew up in Texas, not mexico, he was never a mexican citizen except by birth, and the fact that his parents didnt naturalize, (10 year max visa) made him an illegal immigrant. Yea, three strike your out

Now It really is time we stopped bowing to other countries and start taking care of our own. Tired of policing up all their crap and ship while our kids come home in body bags. Quit kissing their arses,quit giving money to their governments, and let them figure it out on their own, The middle east exsisted with their border wars, their various tribes/ religions/ and hatreds long before our country was around.

Why do we look at the dust in another man(kind) eye, but do not see the plank in our own.?

No, because death by stoning violates the Eighth Amendment. Just as this execution violated Article VI.

Obviously you don't get it....he's not for freeing the man, but ensuring diplomatic relations are sustained by going through the motions of adhering to International Law, which Texas should have done in the first place. With as much violence along the Texas border that we have already we don't need excuses for more.

Micsup,

Did YOU read the article? The SCOTUS told Bush to butt out too! Is is so difficult for you to understand that the same ruling applies to the Bamster?

Well said. Excellent post. I was considering a similar post, but you said it much better than I could have. If Mexicans want to live here, they have to be aware that they are, without fail, subject to our laws. This guy lived here illegally for 36 years and should not be spared by a miserable excuse for an administration whose sole motivation is re-election.

madmax...Okay...Don't give the guy his rights to counsel from his own country. See how fast Mexico decides to start allowing gun toting drug cartels to swarm Texas.

And by the way, why are Texans who desperately need illegals laborers so willing to deny him his rights? If a foreigner from any other country of the world came to the US and knew he couldn't seek counsel from his country should he need it for any reason, how fast do you think foreigners would come to the US for tourism?

ewent= Mexico is already letting gun toting drug cartels into Texas. Majority of Texans do not want illegals. I am starting to gather you have family here that is illegal, or maybe you are illegal as well. If you are, then do us a favor and go back.

You think adhering to international law is going to embarass us overseas, Maverick? Yeah, THAT'S what's going to embarass us...

The United States is the last of the first world nations that allows the execution of criminals. Other nations look at this as barbarism, as do many of our own citizens. By following the proper procedures that the state of Texas unsurprisingly ignored, we're going to both get justice (because I promise this man will still be facing execution) and international credit. Win-win. The Obama Administration knows what it is doing.

madmax

You assume everyone arrested in a foreign country is guilty AND that other countries have fair justice systems...

Com'on do some critical thinking.

Anyone who actually READ this article would understand that the President is NOT saying the execution should not go forward, he is only saying we need to CONFORM TO INTERNATIONAL LAW BEFORE we execute this individual. Same thing W. said previously, of course. All you folks who are talking about all the votes this will win? Crazy - first of all, ILLEGAL RESIDENTS CANNOT VOTE - duh, (and before you say it, there has NEVER been a case of anyone voting who was not a legal citizen of the US - check the records...), and all the Texas folks, and others, who just want to fry this guy without permitting the Sovereign Nation of Mexico to be properly notified are certainly NOT going to vote for President Obama, so, in fact, by asking Texas to wait a couple of months to kill this man, the President will be LOSING votes. As to the Hispanic vote in general, which you seem to think the President is "pandering" to - do you really think ANY Hispanic American in his or her right mind (no pun intended) would vote for the GOP? Please, only if that person had a VERY strong case of self-hatred.

Anyhow, politics aside, despite all the garbage being spewed here, NOBODY - including President Obama - has said that this man should not be punished IF he committed this crime. None of US knows the answer to that, of course, but assuming the actual trial was not a sham filled with sloppy investigating and bungling of the evidence, a review by a Congressional committee should find no problems and Texas should be able to put another notch in its death penalty belt real soon. Me personally, I think a couple of months of delay in this case (especially if it is as "open and shut" as Texas claims) is well worth it if it means that an American arrested in another country will have the assistance of the American government before being put to death by a foreign country (and we have seen plenty of Americans arrested elsewhere for no reason other than being American). If this delay saves the life of one American, I think Texas should be proud to say yes to the delay and take responsibility for benefitting the citizens of every other state - or maybe you'd like to explain to the parents of a dead American that you just couldn't wait 8 weeks to kill that Mexican, so their child is dead in Iran, or North Korea or China or somewhere else.

Dear Maverick - WISE UP!

Nobody is trying to save this guy's life, their trying to protect yours when you go overseas. What's the point of signing a treaty (binding law) if we are going to ignore.

Get your Obama Derangement Syndrome treated. You and Texas are threatening the life of every single American who travels overseas just so you can call the President names.

ewent stated: "madmax...Okay...Don't give the guy his rights to counsel from his own country. See how fast Mexico decides to start allowing gun toting drug cartels to swarm Texas."

And where have you been ewent? They have been for a long time now, and still are over running all the Southern border states. Like they need the Mexican governments ok to do it? Yeah............right.

Josh - "The question then The BUSH ADMINISTRATION tried to stop this. Take off your partisan blinders"

You are completely wrong, BUSH WAS FORCED BY AN INTERNATIONAL COURT. It is you who is wearing blinders because you can't reconcile the truth of Obama with your fantasy of Obama.

and now is whether the state has to give in to a demand by the president that the prisoner be allowed new hearings and sentencing. In the 2008 case, President George W. Bush made that demand reluctantly after an international court concluded Medellin was improperly denied access to his consulate before his original prosecution, a violation of a treaty signed by the United States decades ago."

http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/07/07/texas.mexican.execution/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

The SCOTUS told Bush to butt out too! Is is so difficult for you to understand that the same ruling applies to the Bamster?

The Supreme Court didn't tell Bush to "butt out." It ruled that he didn't have the authority to force Texas to obey this international treaty. But, Bush was certainly free to lobby for Texas to follow the Vienna Convention, and Obama is free to do the same thing. It would be nice if Texas realized that the Vienna Convention benefits ALL Americans who travel abroad, including Texans.

Think about it. We would be furious if Mexico and other countries started denying right guaranteed by treaty to Americans arrested abroad.

"Illegal aliens" cannot vote.

Just thought you should know...in case you care about facts or truth or crazy things like those...which I would bet my bottom dollar you don't...which is exactly why we had a president like Bush and both the recession and multiple wars we cannot afford in the first place.

People like you make me sad for the state of this country. Ignorance is not bliss.

Look up Jose Medellin, whom the Bush administration tried to intervene for under almost the same circumstances. . You've clearly made up your mind about Obama, and are determined to see everything the way you want to see it.

Yeah, intervening on the behalf of a murdered is great politics **eyeroll**. Your understanding of poltiics is as naive as your understanding of international law.

You all seem to want to blame this on Bush or 0bama. If someone is caught being illegally in Mexico (as if anyone from America would desire to be an illegal allien in Mexico), they are incarcerated on felony charges for a year and expelled...do not pass go etc. If it happens a second time it is an automatic 10 years, no whining about needing American council, it's their law.

Why can't we do the same? Because our politicians are afraid of angering a minority population of possible voters, and angering the Mexicans who are here legally and may vote, even though many migrate around the USA picking crops and do not have a permanent address.

As to the "treaty" signed in 1963, those of you who would blame Bush or 0bama for not doing anything about it are being foolish (to be extremely polite). What about Lyndon Johnson, Dimmie Carter, Bill Clinton, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, GHW Bush? Oh wait, it is up to Congress to do something about it. Let me see....1954-1994 the Democrats had control of both the House and Senate, that's 31 years of ignoring the issue. No, the Republicans did nothing either, but to the credit of both parties, NO ONE HERE IN THE USA CARED ENOUGH ABOUT IT TO DO ANYTHING!

It took 0bama kissing up to a possible electorate to bring it to the forefront again. The issue of some Nation doing something to an American citizen who commits a crime outside of our borders and needs an American attorney is BS. A criminal is a criminal, no matter where in the world they are. They deserve whatever happens to them without exception.

Mark - "Look up Jose Medellin, whom the Bush administration tried to intervene for under almost the same circumstances"

Do you know what RELUCTANTLY means?

BUSH didn't want to, Obama on the other-hand lives for this type of pandering and divisiveness.

and now is whether the state has to give in to a demand by the president that the prisoner be allowed new hearings and sentencing. In the 2008 case, President George W. Bush made that demand reluctantly after an international court concluded Medellin was improperly denied access to his consulate before his original prosecution, a violation of a treaty signed by the United States decades ago."

http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/07/07/texas.mexican.execution/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

Obama is using this as an opportunity to push for amnesty for illegals. Next thing you'll be seeing is a bill before congress to enact legislation to ratify the treaty. More politics from Obama, the great divider.

ewent and all the others that are trying to support Obama's decision to try to stop this execution.

First tough it didnt work and the POS got a quick death.

However lets look at your arguments that you so vehemently try to hold to. Basically what you are saying is that illegals are not completely subject to the laws of the individual states or to the United States.

If Congress were to push for the states to uphold Article 36 of the Vienna Convention then they along with the President are admitting that illegals are not completely subject to U.S. law and are therefore not covered under the 14th Amendment.

You cant have it both ways either the illegals have to be completely subject to the control of the states or they aren't. If they are, then Article 36 has to be null and void or all holdings by the Supreme Court such as Plyler v Doe and any other case involving illegals, citizenship of kids born to illegals in the U.S. or the 14th Amendment would have to be revisited and found null and void.

Im in. Lets have Congress do its job as Obama and the libs want in these kinds of cases. Because to give an illegal special privileges just shows the hypocrisy in your arguments. Either they are covered under the Constitution or by the Vienna Convention but you cant have it both ways.

They aren't mutually exclusive, Mike. All persons on US soil or in US custody are entitled to both constitutional and legal protection.