My favorite United States of America governmental agency has always been the ATF: the bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Sounded like a good idea to me and, more often than not, reminded me of weekends during my collegiate years spent at my friend’s ranch in northern California. Well, the other day I was listening to a report on NPR (National Public Radio) about a recently foiled coup to overthrow the government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos (the “s” is silent) and guess who was involved in the crackdown?
That is right the good ol’ boys (literally) of the ATFE. I thought I misheard the reporter, “the ATFE? What’s this?” As it turns out, the new and improved-post 9/11 ATF-is now the bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and EXPLOSIVES! According to Wikipedia, the ATF-the bureau prefers to go by the 3-letter acronym (probably has to do with name recognition and branding)-name was changed “…in recognition of the agency’s role in explosives regulation and enforcement…” How did this come about? When George W. Bush signed into law the Homeland Security Act of 2002, that’s how (again, according to Wikipedia). Now, I have been critical, to say the least, of G-Dub’s administration but I would like to take this opportunity to recognize what I consider to be a solid piece of leadership. Finally, consolidating the federal agency responsible for enforcement of alcohol, tobacco, and firearms laws with the enforcement of explosives regulations. Brilliant! But wait, it gets better: as a result of the legislation the ATF came under the control of the Department of Justice (previously the bureau was a function of the Department of Treasury). “So what?” you say. Get this: the Department of Justice is also responsible for the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) and now, the agencies will work symbiotically. Can you imagine when these two agencies get together? Drugs, alcohol, tobacco, firearms AND explosives!??!??!?? WOO! And HOO!
What about the Laoation coup? Well, like I said, it was foiled and the socialist regime in power in Vientienne will remain in power. On a final note, if you ever have a chance to visit, Luang Probang is one of the prettiest colonial cities in all of South East Asia.