For a second I thought I was having a flashback to a press release about Oliver North and his domestic gang that used drug money to support terrorist regimes.
But then I realized, this press release is really about Newt Gingrich trying to create political buzz for his presidential campaign. Note the skillfull tying of "illegal aliens" to terrorists at the end. Gotta put an early claim on that frightened nativist base while they are still in play.
Newt Gingrich Hosts 'American Gangs - Ties To Terror?'
6/21/2005 1:35:00 PM
To: National Desk
Contact: Rick Tyler of Gingrich Communications, 703-431-3350, ricktyler@newt.org
WSAHINGTON, June 21 U.S. Newswire -- Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich hosts a Fox News Special "American Gangs - Ties to Terror?" this Saturday at 9 p.m. Eastern Time and re- broadcast at 11 p.m. ET on the Fox News Channel. The one-hour special report will focus on how international gangs such as Mara Salvatrucha -- or MS 13 -- pose not just a risk to our personal security, but our national security as well.
"Fueled by the global nature of the drug trade, gangs are increasingly international operations," said Speaker Gingrich. "With the infrastructure in place to move and distribute drugs across the border, the danger exists that they will use their network to, for the right price, traffic terrorists and weapons into the country."
"After all, why wouldn't two groups -- one driven by greed and the other by hatred -- collaborate to further their goals," Gingrich added.
The special will also explore the difficulties law enforcement faces in challenging and prosecuting gangs in America, including the prison system, border control and immigration laws.
"Gang members have become adept at using their legal protections to their advantage," said Gingrich. "For instance, sanctuary laws make it difficult for local police to act against illegal aliens who may be in gangs."