Los Zetas Declares War on the U.S./Texas; 2+ Ranches Captured So Far [FALSE ALARM]

[FrankRep]

False Alarm!


UPDATE:


Laredo, Texas residents "COULD HEAR GUN FIRE" says Fox News.


Laredo residents warned to stay indoors after deadly Mexican turf war erupts nearby

YouTube - Laredo Texas Residents Warned to Stay Inside Because of Border Violence (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8nTq6hme2Y)




Big Government: No, Texas Hasn't Been Invaded
http://biggovernment.com/bowens/2010/07/24/no-texas-hasnt-been-invaded/


However, there's major violence on the Mexican-side border though:

Gunbattles paralyze Mexican city across from Texas
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/jul/24/gunbattles-paralyze-mexican-city-across-from-texas/

New travel warnings issued for Mexico cities in lockdown
http://www.kens5.com/news/texas-news/New-travel-warnings-issued-for-Mexican-border-cities-in-lockdown-99122299.html


=============================

http://www.thecypresstimes.com/Media/4/jpg/2010/7/04fe39cc-eb1b-36f2-95e4b521a4883df1.jpg


Las Vegas Sun:

Gunbattles paralyze Mexican city across from Texas
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/jul/24/gunbattles-paralyze-mexican-city-across-from-texas/


New:
Michelle Malkin - Invasion: Gangs, gun battles at Tex-Mex border
http://michellemalkin.com/2010/07/24/invasion-gangs-gun-battles-at-tex-mex-border/

---

Mexican Cartels Invade Texas
https://www.texasnationalist.com/info/tnm-news/547-zetas-invade-texas


BREAKING: MULTIPLE RANCHES IN LAREDO, TX TAKEN OVER BY LOS ZETAS
http://www.thecypresstimes.com/article/News/National_News/BREAKING_MULTIPLE_RANCHES_IN_LAREDO_TX_TAKEN_OVER_ BY_LOS_ZETAS/31835

Los Zetas seizes control of two U.S. ranches in Texas
http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/6378338-los-zetas-seizes-control-of-two-us-ranches-in-texas



Los Zetas drug cartel seizes 2 U.S. ranches in Laredo, Texas (http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner~y2010m7d24-Los-Zetas-drug-cartel-takes-control-2-US-ranches-in-Texas)


Examiner.com
July 24, 2010


Wikipedia: Los Zetas (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Zetas)


In what could be deemed an act of war against the sovereign borders of the United States, Mexican drug cartels have seized control of at least two American ranches inside the U.S. territory near Laredo, Texas.

Two sources inside the Laredo Police Department confirmed the incident is unfolding and they would continue to coordinate with U.S. Border Patrol today. “We consider this an act of war,” said one police officer on the ground near the scene. There is a news blackout of this incident at this time and the sources inside Laredo PD spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Word broke late last night that Laredo police have requested help from the federal government regarding the incursion by the Los Zetas. It appears that the ranch owners have escaped without incident but their ranches remain in the hands of the blood thirsty cartels.

Laredo Border Patrol is conducting aerial surveillance over the ranches to determine the best way to regain control of the U.S. ranches, according to the Laredo Police department.

The approximate location of the U.S. ranches are10 miles northwest of I-35 off Mines Road and Minerales Annex Road. Just off 1472 (Mines road) near Santa Isabel Creek south of the city of Laredo, Texas.

The Los Zetas drug cartel is an offshoot of the elite Mexican military trained in special ops. The mercenary organization is said to include members of corrupt Mexican Federales, politicians as well as drug traffickers. The group was once part of the Gulf cartel, but has since splintered and now directly competes with the Gulf cartel for premium drug smuggling routes in the Texas region.

The new leader of Los Zetas is Heriberto “El Lazca” Lazcano and is considered the most violent paramilitary group in Mexico by the DEA.

Recently the drug organization has kidnapped tourists, infiltrated local municipalities and continues to smuggle narcotics into a very hungry U.S. market.

The violence south of the border continues to spin out of control and has left Nuevo Laredo, Mexico on virtual lockdown with businesses refusing to open the doors. Last week a particularly violent attack by the Los Zetas included the use of grenades and resulted in a dozen deaths and 21 injuries.

The hostile takeover of the ranches has met with silence with local and national media; however sources say they could be waiting to report the stories once the ranches are back in U.S. control. This journalist questions if this was a Middle Eastern terrorist attack if the media would sit on their hands.

Stay tuned for updates reports throughout the weekend.


SOURCE:
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner~y2010m7d24-Los-Zetas-drug-cartel-takes-control-2-US-ranches-in-Texas

[Vessol]

They should've declared war on California whose residents would've just rolled over and welcomed them. They picked the wrong state to mess with.

[ronpaulhawaii]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Zetas


History

In the late 1990s, the Gulf Cartel leader, Osiel Cárdenas Guillen, wanted to track down and kill rival cartel members as a form of protection. He began to recruit former Mexican Army’s elite Grupo Aeromóvil de Fuerzas Especiales (GAFE) soldiers, originally trained in counter-insurgency and locating and apprehending drug cartel members. It is believed they were originally trained at the military School of the Americas in the United States[10][11] and by other foreign specialists of the United States, France and Israel. They were trained in rapid deployment, aerial assaults, marksmanship, ambushes, small-group tactics, intelligence collection, counter-surveillance techniques, prisoner rescues and sophisticated communications.

[Vessol]

What revolutionary group that hasn't been trained by the School of the Americas?

[FrankRep]

Flashback:

Los Zetas in Los Angeles -- Mexican Cartel Expands in California
http://newamericamedia.org/2010/07/los-zetas-in-los-angeles---mexican-cartel-expands-in-california.php

Arizona Citizen Militia responds to Zetas commanders' death threats
http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/6366451-arizona-citizen-militia-responds-to-zetas-commanders-death-threats

MEXICAN GUN BATTLES SHUT DOWN CITY NEAR LAREDO, TEXAS
http://www.thecypresstimes.com/article/News/National_News/MEXICAN_GUN_BATTLES_SHUT_DOWN_CITY_NEAR_LAREDO_TEX AS/31776

[Anti Federalist]

It is believed they were originally trained at the military School of the Americas in the United States[10][11] and by other foreign specialists of the United States, France and Israel.

I'm shocked, shocked beyond belief. :-/

It's sarcasm or have my head explode.

Nice find RPH.


What revolutionary group that hasn't been trained by the School of the Americas?

That ^^^

[Dr.3D]

And some people here have the gall to say the United States is not being invaded. :mad:

[FrankRep]

Mexican Cartels Invade Texas (https://www.texasnationalist.com/info/tnm-news/547-zetas-invade-texas)


Texas Nationalist Movement (http://www.texasnationalist.com/)
24 July 2010


TNM: ZETAS' INVASION OF LAREDO
IS CLEAR INDICATION TEXAS MUST SECEDE

The occupation Saturday of two ranches near Laredo, Texas by the Mexican drug gang Los Zetas once again clearly indicates the federal government's refusal to perform its constitutional duties and underlines the need for Texas independence, the head of the Texas Nationalist Movement said.

Multiple news sources are now reporting that members of the Los Zetas cartel, either following or during a night-long gunbattle with the Mexican Army in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, took over two ranches in the Las Minas Industrial Park area northwest of Laredo, near Mines Rd. and Minerales Annex Rd about 10 miles NW of I-35.

"Once again, the failure of the United States government to fulfill its Constitutional duty of defending our border from invasion goes to point out the most compelling reason Texas must be independent – we must have the ability to defend ourselves," TNM President Daniel Miller said. "If necessary, Texas Governor Rick Perry must act unilaterally at this point to move Texas' military forces to the border to defend our citizens."

Earlier this week, Miller had warned prophetically that the Mexican drug lords might try to "carve out their own little kingdoms" by occupying land on the U.S. side of the border, and there are some reports they have already done so in Arizona as well. Miller said following Thursday's ruling by the International Court of Justice in The Hague that secession does not violate international law that a race is on.

"Texas independence is inevitable at this point," he said. "It's a foregone conclusion, our cultural and political differences with the ruling government are too vast to bridge any other way. The question is, who will control Texas' secession – the people of Texas, or drug lords from Mexico?"

The Laredo story was broken by a report at Diggers Realm, which quotes a leader of the San Diego Minutemen identified as Jeff Scwilk as saying he had been informed by Laredo police that a standoff was underway between federal Border Patrol and other agents and the Zetas.

Diggers Realm quotes Scwilk saying: "I can personally vouch that this info came in late last night from a reliable police source inside the Laredo PD. There is currently a standoff between the unknown size Zeta forces and U.S. Border Patrol and local law enforcement on two ranches on our side of the Rio Grande. The source tells us he considers this an 'act of war' and that the military is needed on the border now!"

A staff member with the Laredo Morning Times newspaper indicated the paper has not yet gone live with the story because the Laredo Police Department has made no official confirmation. The latest Associated Press story from the region indicated only prolonged combat on the Mexican side of the border, and quoted Laredo Police spokesman Joe Baeza as saying the violence had not spilled over the border.

"We were getting reports from people who live on the river's edge that they could hear gunfire and explosions from the Mexico side," Baeza told the AP. "We didn't have any incidents on the American side. It's hard for people to understand who don't live here," he added. "They're not Vikings, they're not going to invade us, it doesn't work that way."

Another independent news source, the Cypress Times based in Houston, said the U.S. Consulate in Nuevo Laredo had posted a warning to citizens on its website.

"We have received credible reports of widespread violence occurring now between narcotics-trafficking organizations and the Mexican army in Nuevo Laredo," the Consulate's website indicated. "The consulate confirmed that fragmentation grenades were used in the attacks and that suspected drug-gang members had blocked several roads, adding that it advised 'all U.S. citizens in Nuevo Laredo to remain indoors until the security situation improves."

The Los Zetas drug cartel is an offshoot of the elite Mexican military trained in special operations and formerly served as the "hit men" for the Gulf Cartel. The mercenary organization is said to include members of corrupt Mexican Federales, politicians as well as drug traffickers. The leader of Los Zetas is Heriberto "El Lazca" Lazcano and is it considered the most violent paramilitary group in Mexico by the DEA.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS STORY:

POC: Dave Mundy, Press Director
press@texasnationalist.com
(281) 415-4013
National office: (409) 527-4929


SOURCE:
https://www.texasnationalist.com/info/tnm-news/547-zetas-invade-texas

[puppetmaster]

Has this been verified? Seems unreal.

[ronpaulhawaii]

Conflicting reports coming in


Bonita Honhorst From Kelly Jo Roland -Just called the Laredo Police Department at 956 523 4408, they said the ranches in Laredo TX have not been taken over by Los Zetas, it's a rumor.

http://twitter.com/PatDollard


used by the Zetas, they simply claimed agnosticism. So...who knows here, all we can do is dig elsewhere and track Kimberly as she tracks
8 minutes ago via web
Reply Retweet
they are finished. Now, bear in mind that the Sheriff's department were unable to deny to me that any ranches were "taken over" or being
10 minutes ago via web
reason to believe that law enforcement is in mid-operation on the ranches, and do not want their operation interrupted with publicity before
11 minutes ago via web
sources on the ground, non-law enforcement. She is mid-stream in developing and further reporting the whole story, and she has
12 minutes ago via web
...she says not only confirmed the story of the ranches being seized, but elaborated in great detail what was happening. She also has other
13 minutes ago via web
Kimberly is adamantly standing by her story, and gave me the name of one of her three sources inside the PD/Sherrif's Dept., two of whom...
14 minutes ago via web
RE: Laredo: I just spoke to Kimberly Dvorak who has been a source on ACORN stories for Breitbart, and wrote this article: http://is.gd/dEVcy
15 minutes ago via web
Okay, the Laredo plot thickens....
29 minutes ago via web
What Becomes Of Former Child Soldiers? http://tinyurl.com/23kta6c #accdf #tcot
about 1 hour ago via twitterfeed
Webb County Sheriff's say they are "not aware" of any incidents, re: Laredo ranch story. Developing...
about 1 hour ago via web
Sorting through conjecture on the location of the ranch, as well as contacting a reporter who is standing by her original story. Developing
about 1 hour ago via web
FBI has issued an advisory: Zetas have seized a ranch to train its members to “neutralize” competitors in the United States. Developing...
about 1 hour ago via web
@confederateyank I'll think about it.
about 2 hours ago via web in reply to confederateyank
@confederateyank Gotcha. I'm gonna dig, including as to what has gone on since this is now being reported by NPR and other wires.
about 2 hours ago via web in reply to confederateyank
# # Breaking, Urgent: MULTIPLE RANCHES IN LAREDO, TEXAS TAKEN OVER BY MEXICAN INSURGENTS http://is.gd/dEJSq

[Dr.3D]

UPDATE: Story is now 100% confirmed by second source within the Laredo Police Department
http://www.thecypresstimes.com/article.cfm?page=2&articleID=31835

[GunnyFreedom]

I'll take point on the assault in exchange for 10 acres of arable bugout land :D

[FrankRep]

Twitter is going crazy right now:

http://twitter.com/#search?q=Los%20Zetas

[nobody's_hero]

Remember the Alamo, boys. Give 'em hell.

[FrankRep]

Michelle Malkin just jumped on the Story


Invasion: Gangs, gun battles at Tex-Mex border (http://michellemalkin.com/2010/07/24/invasion-gangs-gun-battles-at-tex-mex-border/)



Michelle Malkin (http://michellemalkin.com/)
July 24, 2010 07:11 PM


There’s a new outbreak of disorder at the southern border this weekend.

The AP reports on gun battles (http://whttp//www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/jul/24/gunbattles-paralyze-mexican-city-across-from-texas/ww.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/jul/24/gunbattles-paralyze-mexican-city-across-from-texas/) plaguing the region across from Laredo, Texas:



Late-night gunbattles with gangs who forced citizens from their cars and used the vehicles to block streets paralyzed a border city, sound of gunfire alarmed Texans on the U.S. side of the Rio Grande.

The Nuevo Laredo city government posted messages on Facebook warning citizens to stay indoors as the battles erupted at several intersections in the city across from Laredo, Texas.

Frightened people on the U.S. side of the border called emergency dispatchers after hearing the gunfire, Laredo police spokesman Joe Baeza said Thursday. But he said there was no spillover violence.

“We were getting reports from people who live on the river’s edge that they could hear gunfire and explosions from the Mexico side,” Baeza said.

“We didn’t have any incidents on the American side. It’s hard for people to understand who don’t live here,” he added. “They’re not Vikings, they’re not going to invade us, it doesn’t work that way.”

Nuevo Laredo city officials said they could not immediately confirm witness reports that several gunmen were killed.


Despite those denials, rumors are swirling of a Zetas-led invasion into Texas ranches. Digger’s Realm (http://www.diggersrealm.com/mt/archives/003439.html), a veteran immigration blogger, has the story:



The bloodbath continues along our southern border and now word is coming in that Los Zetas, the highly trained killers formerly with the Gulf Cartel, have crossed into the United States and taken over at least two ranches in the Laredo, Texas area. I am receiving word that the owners of the ranches have evacuated without being harmed. The source is law enforcement in the area.

(Update 2 story is now 100% confirmed by second source within the Laredo Police Department)

Founder of the San Diego Minutemen Jeff Schwilk tipped me off to this story and passes along the following information on the location. The ranches are said to be “near Mines Rd. and Minerales Annex Rd about 10 miles NW of I-35″.

Update 1 (Statement from Mr. Schwilk)

I can personally vouch that this info came in late last night from a reliable police source inside the Laredo PD. There is currently a standoff between the unknown size Zeta forces and U.S. Border Patrol and local law enforcement on two ranches on our side of the Rio Grande. The source tells us he considers this an “act of war” and that the military is needed on the border now!


SOURCE:
http://michellemalkin.com/2010/07/24/invasion-gangs-gun-battles-at-tex-mex-border/

[Live_Free_Or_Die]

And some people here have the gall to say the United States is not being invaded. :mad:

And some people have the gall to call this an invasion when it was the United States starting in 1973 with President Nixon who declared "an all-out global war on the drug menace".



Executive Order 11727--Drug law enforcement

Source: The provisions of Executive Order 11727 of July 6, 1973, appear at 38 FR 18357, 3 CFR, 1971-1975 Comp., p. 785, unless otherwise noted.

Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1973, which becomes effective on July 1, 1973, among other things establishes a Drug Enforcement Administration in the Department of Justice. In my message to the Congress transmitting that plan, I stated that all functions of the Office for Drug Abuse Law Enforcement (established pursuant to Executive Order No. 11641 of January 28, 1972) and the Office of National Narcotics Intelligence (established pursuant to Executive Order No. 11676 of July 27, 1972) would, together with other related functions, be merged in the new Drug Enforcement Administration.

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, including section 5317 of title 5 of the United States Code, as amended, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. The Attorney General, to the extent permitted by law, is authorized to coordinate all activities of executive branch departments and agencies which are directly related to the enforcement of laws respecting narcotics and dangerous drugs. Each department and agency of the Federal Government shall, upon request and to the extent permitted by law, assist the Attorney General in the performance of functions assigned to him pursuant to this order, and the Attorney General may, in carrying out those functions, utilize the services of any other agencies, Federal and State, as may be available and appropriate.

Sec. 2. Executive Order No. 11641 of January 28, 1972, is revoked and the Attorney General shall provide for the reassignment of the functions of the Office for Drug Abuse Law Enforcement and for the abolishment of that Office.

Sec. 3. Executive Order No. 11676 of July 27, 1972, is hereby revoked and the Attorney General shall provide for the reassignment of the functions of the Office of National Narcotics Intelligence and for the abolishment of that Office.

Sec. 4. [Deleted]

[Sec. 4 amended Executive Order 11708 of Mar. 23, 1973, 38 FR 7979, 3 CFR, 1971-1975 Comp., p. 758, which was superseded by Executive Order 11768 of Feb. 20, 1974.]

Sec. 5. The Attorney General shall provide for the winding up of the affairs of the two offices and for the reassignment of their functions.

Sec. 6. This order shall be effective as of July 1, 1973.

This is just more statist cake coming out of the oven that has been baking for years.

[Dr.3D]

And some people have the gall to call this an invasion when it was the United States starting in 1973 with President Nixon who declared "an all-out global war on the drug menace".



This is just more statist cake coming out of the oven that has been baking for years.

Oh, okay.... just wondered if any of those people who claimed the U.S. wasn't being invaded would mind if some of it was being captured.

LOL... good thing I didn't mention any names. :D

[puppetmaster]

Y
i'll take point on the assault in exchange for 10 acres of arable bugout land :d

+1

[Southron]

Laredo isn't already a part of Mexico? It might as well be.

Seriously though for some reason I'm not surprised.

[Dr.3D]

Laredo isn't already a part of Mexico? It might as well be.

Seriously though for some reason I'm not surprised.

Well, there is Laredo, on the U.S. side of the border and then there is Nuevo Laredo on the Mexican side of the border. Right now, I guess Texas is trying to figure out how to keep Laredo from becoming part of Nuevo Laredo.

[Live_Free_Or_Die]

Oh, okay.... just wondered if any of those people who claimed the U.S. wasn't being invaded would mind if some of it was being captured.

LOL... good thing I didn't mention any names. :D

Get real, on this domestic violence bullshit if I was the governor of AZ I already would have told the President FU, we are recalling our guard, I would have organized the state militia putting out a nationwide call for assistance from any able and willing Americans willing to volunteer, and utilized available resources within the executive branch to end the violence.

I would seriously advocate voluntary funding via donations from the public but if it fell short on funding I would be advocating every swinging tom dick and harry in the state should be getting a tax bill to pay for the shortfall.

After all that I would grab my rifle and get my ass down to where the violence is.

[Live_Free_Or_Die]

Also if I was governor of AZ the state would accept gold and silver, hemp would be the #1 export, and I would be advocating a whole lot of nullification and interposition.

[Cowlesy]

I think most Americans are almost out of beer, and bubble gum.

[Southron]

Get real, on this domestic violence bullshit if I was the governor of AZ I already would have told the President FU, we are recalling our guard, I would have organized the state militia putting out a nationwide call for assistance from any able and willing Americans willing to volunteer, and utilized available resources within the executive branch to end the violence.

I would seriously advocate voluntary funding via donations from the public but if it fell short on funding I would be advocating every swinging tom dick and harry in the state should be getting a tax bill to pay for the shortfall.

After all that I would grab my rifle and get my ass down to where the violence is.

You know that would provoke a federal response.

They would probably send troops and arrest the governor.

Edit. I think you need a confederation of states to give it teeth.

[GunnyFreedom]

I think most Americans are almost out of beer, and bubble gum.

that raht thar is gold, fellas :D

[Dr.3D]

I think most Americans are almost out of beer, and bubble gum.

I'm pretty sure they are in Texas right now.

[Live_Free_Or_Die]

I think most Americans are almost out of beer, and bubble gum.

According to the Matt Colins thread beer sales are up:
http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=254337

[michaelwise]

The Arizona Governor should threaten not to protect bank facilities after hours using state resources, because the federal laws protecting banks is a federal function. That would get the feds off their backs.

Does anyone have the addresses of the ranches in question? I'd like to look them up on google maps.

[Dr.3D]

The Arizona Governor should threaten not to protect bank facilities after hours using state resources, because the federal laws protecting banks is a federal function. That would get the feds off their backs.

Does anyone have the addresses of the ranches in question? I'd like to look them up on google maps.


Founder of the San Diego Minutemen Jeff Schwilk tipped me off to this story and passes along the following information on the location. The ranches are said to be "near Mines Rd. and Minerales Annex Rd about 10 miles NW of I-35".
http://www.thecypresstimes.com/article.cfm?page=2&articleID=31835

Best I could find.

[Live_Free_Or_Die]

You know that would provoke a federal response.

They would probably send troops and arrest the governor.

Edit. I think you need a confederation of states to give it teeth.

Leadership requires inspiration, courage, and a set of balls. With 70% I could be the first governor reelected from federal prison.

[Catatonic]

How reliable are these sources? The laredo newscast website has nothing.

[Cowlesy]

And by the way, I'm not sure I really believe this, because I think if two ranches in the United States were taken over by Mexican drug gangs toting .50 cals, 40mms and m-16s, I'd think there'd be a lot more news stories than a few obscure ones. All I see that really looks legitimate is that story about a city in Mexico that warned its residents to stay inside because of gunfire.

If there is an honest-to-God land-grab in....Texas, of all places......I have a feeling Texans will sort it all out real quick. Evidence looks thin to me.

[FrankRep]

How reliable are these sources? The laredo newscast website has nothing.

Here's the biggest news source I've found.
Something happened for sure, those other news sources keep insisting the information is good.

Local MSM might be working on how to spin the story.


Gunbattles paralyze Mexican city across from Texas
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/jul/24/gunbattles-paralyze-mexican-city-across-from-texas/

[Catatonic]

And by the way, I'm not sure I really believe this, because I think if two ranches in the United States were taken over by Mexican drug gangs toting .50 cals, 40mms and m-16s, I'd think there'd be a lot more news stories than a few obscure ones. All I see that really looks legitimate is that story about a city in Mexico that warned its residents to stay inside because of gunfire.

If there is an honest-to-God land-grab in....Texas, of all places......I have a feeling Texans will sort it all out real quick. Evidence looks thin to me.

My understanding is that southern Texas is extremely Hispanic....to the extent that they have courts in some areas where all the literature is in spanish and english is not spoken.

In other words, its already Mexican for all intents and purposes.

I could see it happening without a lot of noise. Para-military groups cross the border quite often and cause trouble, and no one really hears about it.

[Live_Free_Or_Die]

And by the way, I'm not sure I really believe this, because I think if two ranches in the United States were taken over by Mexican drug gangs toting .50 cals, 40mms and m-16s, I'd think there'd be a lot more news stories than a few obscure ones. All I see that really looks legitimate is that story about a city in Mexico that warned its residents to stay inside because of gunfire.

If there is an honest-to-God land-grab in....Texas, of all places......I have a feeling Texans will sort it all out real quick. Evidence looks thin to me.

I consider most of what FrankRep posts on immigration, agenda propaganda. There is no video or anything to back up this story and the claims are using ridiculously strong language such as "blood bath"

[Live_Free_Or_Die]

Here's the biggest news source I've found.
Something happened for sure, those other news sources keep insisting the information is good.

Local MSM might be working on how to spin the story.


Gunbattles paralyze Mexican city across from Texas
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/jul/24/gunbattles-paralyze-mexican-city-across-from-texas/

Your source:

"We didn't have any incidents on the American side. It's hard for people to understand who don't live here," he added. "They're not Vikings, they're not going to invade us, it doesn't work that way."

[FrankRep]

Your source:

Yeah, I posted it.

Gunbattles paralyze Mexican city across from Texas
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/jul/24/gunbattles-paralyze-mexican-city-across-from-texas/

[Number19]

The Houston Chronicle has reported on the violence in Nuevo Laredo. But this is almost 2 days old. The quote about "vikings" is from then. Nothing yet on the current, breaking situation.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7119834.html

[sailingaway]

Definitely something is going on across the border, but I haven't seen anything that makes me certain something has happened on this side. There sure are enough alternate media reports on it, though.

[FrankRep]

This came to mind.


Racist Latino Brown Berets: You are too White to be American! (http://www.infowars.com/latino-kkk-you-are-too-white-to-be-american/)

ALIPAC / Infowars.com
July 20, 2010

Illegal immigration supporting Brown Beret (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_Berets) protesters harass American patriots in front of Californians rallied in front of Angel Stadium (Anaheim, CA) that are trying to support Arizona’s SB 1070 law on Tuesday July 13, 2010.

YouTube - You are too white to be American! Says Latino KKK (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5YI2bFd5LQ&feature=player_embedded)

[FrankRep]

Original Post Update:


Disclaimer: This Story is a Possible Hoax about the "Invasion" into U.S./Texas.


However, there's major violence on the Mexican-side border though:

Gunbattles paralyze Mexican city across from Texas
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/jul/24/gunbattles-paralyze-mexican-city-across-from-texas/

New travel warnings issued for Mexico cities in lockdown
http://www.kens5.com/news/texas-news/New-travel-warnings-issued-for-Mexican-border-cities-in-lockdown-99122299.html

[t0rnado]

You guys know that the Department of Defense trained the Los Zetas cartel, right?


Deputy Attorney General José Luis Santiago Vasconcelos said in a recent interview that most of the original members of the Zetas, many of whom had received training at the United States School of the Americas when they were in the Mexican military, had been killed or captured.

SOURCE: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/30/international/americas/30mexico.html?_r=1

The United States School of Americas(SOA) is now called the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation and is run by the Department of Defense.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Hemisphere_Institute_for_Security_Cooperat ion

This is blowback.

[FrankRep]

Andrew Breitbart reported on this too.

BREAKING NEWS: Multiple Ranches in Laredo, Texas Taken Over by Los Zetas
http://bigpeace.com/stzu/2010/07/24/breaking-news-multiple-ranches-in-laredo-texas-taken-over-by-los-zetas/

[Pauls' Revere]

anyone have sirrus or XM radio?

101.9 in Texas.

http://fm1019.blogspot.com/2010/06/drug-cartel-activity-threatens-texas.html

Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Drug Cartel Activity Threatens Texas Water Supplies, Lawmaker Says

Drug cartel activity along the Mexican border presents serious security threats to the area's water supply system, particularly on federally-owned lands in southern Texas, a U.S. lawmaker says.

List of radio sations in Laredo TX.

and those on the mexican side:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_radio_stations_in_Tamaulipas

http://www.ontheradio.net/metro/laredo_tx.aspx

ID Frequency Station Name City, State Phone Formats Website


KHOY 88.1 FM Catholic Radio Laredo, TX Phone Easy Listening, Radio Website

KEPI 88.7 FM Eagle Pass, TX Phone Religious, Radio

KEPX 89.5 FM Eagle Pass, TX Phone Spanish, Radio

KBNL 89.9 FM Laredo, TX Phone Spanish, Radio

KAZF 91.9 FM Hebbronville, TX Spanish, Radio

KCZO 92.1 FM Carrizo Springs, TX Phone Spanish, Radio

KINL 92.7 FM Eagle Pass, TX Phone Oldies, Radio

KJBZ 92.7 FM Z93 Laredo, TX Phone Tejano, Radio Website

KBAW 93.5 FM Zapata, TX Spanish, Radio

KHER 94.3 FM Crystal City, TX Phone Tejano, Radio

KQUR 94.9 FM Laredo, TX Phone Classic Rock, Radio

KRRG 98.1 FM Mix 98.1 Laredo, TX Phone Top-40, Radio Website

KLMO 98.9 FM Dilley, TX Phone Tejano, Radio

KBDR 100.5 FM Mirando City, TX Phone Spanish, Radio Website

KEKO 101.7 FM Hebbronville, TX Spanish, Radio

KNEX 106.1 FM Laredo, TX Phone Top-40, Radio

KVOZ 890 AM Del Mar Hills, TX Phone Spanish, Radio

KEPS 1270 AM Eagle Pass, TX Phone Tejano, Radio

KLAR 1300 AM Fe y Poder Laredo, TX Phone Spanish, Radio Website

KBEN 1450 AM Carrizo Springs, TX Phone Tejano, Radio

KLNT 1490 AM Laredo's News, Talk & Sports Station Laredo, TX Phone News/Talk, Radio Website

and these on the Mexican side:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_radio_stations_in_Tamaulipas

[Pauls' Revere]

Has this been verified? Seems unreal.


http://www.lmtonline.com/
Officials know nothing of rumored Zeta standoff on Mines Road
Local law enforcement was bombarded with calls from across the country Saturday asking about a report that the Zetas had taken over two ranches off Mines Road.

[Southron]

My understanding is that southern Texas is extremely Hispanic....to the extent that they have courts in some areas where all the literature is in spanish and english is not spoken.

In other words, its already Mexican for all intents and purposes.

I could see it happening without a lot of noise. Para-military groups cross the border quite often and cause trouble, and no one really hears about it.

Laredo is quite isolated from the rest of Texas.

When I have been there, I saw very few white people. It is essentially a Mexican city we use for commerce across the border.

[Pauls' Revere]

http://www.lmtonline.com/articles/2010/07/24/front/news/doc4c4b6b53d2179200438464.txt

The report, which spread like wildfire among blogs Saturday afternoon, appears to have initially been posted on a blog called Diggers Realm.

The blogger wrote that he got a tip from a San Diego, Calif., minuteman named Jeff Schwilk, who said that the Zetas, former enforcers of the Gulf Cartel, had crossed into the United States and taken over two ranches off Mines Road, about 10 miles northwest of Interstate 35.

Quoting Schwilk, the blogger wrote that there was a standoff between “the unknown size Zeta forces and the U.S. Border Patrol and local law enforcement on two ranches …”

The blogger wrote that the story was confirmed by anonymous sources at LPD.

But Investigator Jose E. Baeza, LPD spokesman, said he had not heard anything about the incident. Also, an LPD sergeant, who was on duty as a watch commander Saturday afternoon, said she had not heard anything about it either.

At about 4:30 p.m., Maru De La Paz, spokeswoman for Webb County Sheriff’s Office, wrote that the report about Zetas taking over ranches in Laredo is not confirmed.

[michaelwise]

Los Zetas English translation = The Z's

[speciallyblend]

FBI has issued an advisory: Zetas have seized a ranch to train its members to “neutralize” competitors in the United States. Developing...
about 1 hour ago via web

seems they are only following the US governments footsteps?

[specsaregood]

Oh, okay.... just wondered if any of those people who claimed the U.S. wasn't being invaded would mind if some of it was being captured.

Well hasn't already a good portion of AZ the size of CT been seized for a while now?

[Dr.3D]

Well hasn't already a good portion of AZ the size of CT been seized for a while now?

Sure seems like it now doesn't it?

[Dr.3D]

FBI has issued an advisory: Zetas have seized a ranch to train its members to “neutralize” competitors in the United States. Developing...
about 1 hour ago via web

seems they are only following the US governments footsteps?

Link?

Edit: Never mind, I found this May 19, 2009 link.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6432122.html

[specsaregood]

Sure seems like it now doesn't it?

Obama has got to know that if he doesn't start doing something about these land grabs by foreign agents that if the Republicans take back control this fall he'll be facing impeachment.

[Dr.3D]

Obama has got to know that if he doesn't start doing something about these land grabs by foreign agents that if the Republicans take back control this fall he'll be facing impeachment.

Well, Bush didn't do anything about it either. Something tells me this isn't about who is in office, but rather it's about those who are controlling the puppet that is in office at the time. This is why I believe there isn't any difference between a Republican or a Democrat when it comes to what happens in this country.

[Catatonic]

Obama has got to know that if he doesn't start doing something about these land grabs by foreign agents that if the Republicans take back control this fall he'll be facing impeachment.

It doesn't sound like a land grab actually happened here.

[specsaregood]

It doesn't sound like a land grab actually happened here.

Either way, the one in AZ has definitely happened is even more extensive.

[krazy kaju]

Soooo... legalize drugs and you'll see the cartel collapse from within. Problem solved.

[YumYum]

The last thing we need is a race war. I speak Spanish and I have been told by Hispanic friends that when America tries to kick the illegals out, all Hell will break loose. But, I think in this case the Hispanic people are being used. Man, I hope this doesn't spread.

[TNforPaul45]

If this is true, then it's time for regime change in Mexico.

[libertybrewcity]

If this is true I wonder what the response from Obama or Perry will be. Can't Perry send some troops down there, or is that not his role.

[Dr.3D]

If this is true I wonder what the response from Obama or Perry will be. Can't Perry send some troops down there, or is that not his role.

Seems like the Texas National Guard could be deployed if needed.

[libertybrewcity]

Seems like the Texas National Guard could be deployed if needed.

they should get on that if property is being taken by mexican gangs......

[Stary Hickory]

They should've declared war on California whose residents would've just rolled over and welcomed them. They picked the wrong state to mess with.

Exactly they should just take over LA, California will just let it happen man. And they can have Hollywood and Beverly hills. Why go to Arizona, just take over CA. They are not going to do anything.

[Zippyjuan]

Link?

Edit: Never mind, I found this May 19, 2009 link.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6432122.html

Article says "has aquired" not seized. Maybe they bought the property?

The FBI is advising law enforcement officers across the country that a Texas cell of Los Zetas — an increasingly powerful arm of the Mexican Gulf Cartel drug trafficking syndicate — has acquired a secluded ranch where it trains its members to “neutralize” competitors in the United States.

[Dr.3D]

Article says "has aquired" not seized. Maybe they bought the property?

Yes, that's what I noticed in that article. But of course that article is from last year and thus wouldn't be related to this situation, if in fact there have been any ranches captured at all.

[osan]

False Alarm!

Kinda figured that was the case. Those people may be stupid, but it is hard to believe that even they are that far gone.

[Dr.3D]

False Alarm!



Here is the follow up from what seems the be the source of this 'False Alarm'.

I found it to be rather interesting, especially the comments.

http://www.diggersrealm.com/mt/archives/003440.html

[constituent]

lol, so how far into the thread before you sensationalist hyenas realized this story was fraud?


Not only that, but "first contact" with me of the initial story was from none other than Jeff Schwilk, founder of the San Diego Minutemen, who had a confirmed source in the area of Laredo.


hahahah! owned. :D

Reminds me of the time the Anti-Christ/New World Order dropped in on Hardin, MT!

[FrankRep]

lol, so how far into the thread before you sensationalist hyenas realized this story was fraud?

This isn't over yet.


The Right Perspective.org: (http://www.therightperspective.org/2010/07/25/mexican-drug-cartel-seizes-texas-ranches/)


Initial reports of the incident were harshly questioned and local officials initially denied the incident was happening. “We have been advised to say nothing,” Chief Carlos Maldonaldo of the Laredo Police Dept. told blogger (http://deathby1000papercuts.com/2010/07/mexican-drug-cartel-seize-texas-ranches-laredo-police-we-cant-say-anything/) Death By 1,000 Papercuts. “The Webb County Sheriff is taking the lead on this and they’re advising that they can’t confirm anything either.”

[constituent]

Remember the Alamo, boys. Give 'em hell.

snicker...


Mexican Cartels Invade Texas (https://www.texasnationalist.com/info/tnm-news/547-zetas-invade-texas)

SOURCE:
https://www.texasnationalist.com/info/tnm-news/547-zetas-invade-texas


Michelle Malkin just jumped on the Story

Invasion: Gangs, gun battles at Tex-Mex border (http://michellemalkin.com/2010/07/24/invasion-gangs-gun-battles-at-tex-mex-border/)


Boy howdy, those shoulda been your first clues right there!

I love the title of the Michelle Malkin article "Invasion:"

Swear to Gawd, some of you folks are just dying for an "invasion."

RonPaulForums.com, where ideology trumps common sense. ;) :D


(P.S. frankrep, coulda sworn we talked about trusting news out of Niederwald.)

[constituent]

This isn't over yet.
.... “The Webb County Sheriff is taking the lead on this and they’re advising that they can’t confirm anything either.”

Yea, I'd say that officially counts as over.

[constituent]

And some people here have the gall to say the United States is not being invaded. :mad:

roflmao!

[constituent]

Seriously though, this thread makes entirely too clear a fundmental ignorance concerning certain realities surrounding the war on drugs.

What use would los Zetas have for chancing an armed take over/occupation of some of the most barren, hostile, remote territory in the United States?

Besides, if they wanted a ranch in Laredo they'd just buy it. ;)

[FrankRep]

roflmao!

We need to keep a close eye on Mexico. It's getting crazy.

Antiwar.com: South of the Border: A crisis is brewing
http://original.antiwar.com/justin/2010/04/27/south-of-the-border/

Police Suspect Mexico Gang, 51 Bodies Found at Dump Site
http://www.nationalledger.com/ledgerdc/article_272633507.shtml



Gunbattles paralyze Mexican city across from Texas
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/jul/24/gunbattles-paralyze-mexican-city-across-from-texas/

New travel warnings issued for Mexico cities in lockdown
http://www.kens5.com/news/texas-news/New-travel-warnings-issued-for-Mexican-border-cities-in-lockdown-99122299.html

[constituent]

Oh, okay.... just wondered if any of those people who claimed the U.S. wasn't being invaded would mind if some of it was being captured.

Way to conflate the immigration debate with a fraudulent story that concerned the war on drugs.



LOL... good thing I didn't mention any names. :D

Yea, good thing. Congrats on the FAIL, btw. :D

[constituent]

We need to keep a close eye on Mexico. It's getting crazy.


Frankly, after seeing the info you disseminated here, I don't know that you're capable of discerning a solid source from an ideologically driven dog turd of a story... so...

For instance, how many bunk sources did you drop ("confirming" this story) in this thread alone?

8? 10? 12? Hell, I lost count.

With you, FrankRep, and many of the sources which you propagate here, it's just the same alarmist, fear mongering, sensationalist crap that we all came to know and love fox news for back in the early 00's. Anything, so long as it advances your ideologically driven political agenda.

BTW, it's really not all that crazy in Mexico.

There's a war going on, and guess what, sometimes people die. It's an unfortunate reality of your "support the troops" mentality as it concerns enforcing this nation's drug laws.

Better check your premise. :)

Well, too late for that I guess. ;) :D

[FrankRep]

roflmao!

Laugh away Constituent.


Laredo, Texas COULD HEAR GUN FIRE says Fox News.


Laredo residents warned to stay indoors after deadly Mexican turf war erupts nearby

YouTube - Laredo Texas Residents Warned to Stay Inside Because of Border Violence (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8nTq6hme2Y)

[constituent]

Laugh away Constituent.

And continue to cower in fear FrankRep.

Beg your government to save you from the problems they've created!



Laredo, Texas COULD HEAR GUN FIRE says Fox News.

So we got a little drunk...



Laredo residents warned to stay indoors after deadly Mexican turf war erupts nearby

YouTube - Laredo Texas Residents Warned to Stay Inside Because of Border Violence (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8nTq6hme2Y)

FEAR! DIVERT! DISTRACT!

Yep, Laredo is right next to Nuevo Laredo, and sometimes when shots break out or there are explosions in Nuevo Laredo, they can be heard in Laredo. End the war on drugs (now). Stop supporting any future funding for paramilitary law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border. Know your (real) enemy.

Accept the responsibility that you have for supporting "law enforcement" efforts that do little more than turn up the heat.

...

Nuevo Laredo is still a really fun place to visit btw... so, what the hey? It's just not as bad as you'd like it to be. Sorry. :)

[Revolution0918]

Exactly they should just take over LA, California will just let it happen man. And they can have Hollywood and Beverly hills. Why go to Arizona, just take over CA. They are not going to do anything.

lies.....if millions of American kids cant watch the Hills anymore on MTV bcuz L.A. has gone mexican.....all hell will break lose. You can mess all you want with our country, but dont mess with kids t.v. shows these days

[TXcarlosTX]

YouTube - beto quintanilla el corrido de los zetas (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjAxkdo2_vU&feature=related)

this is the song they play over the radio when they kill someone.
its their song.
if you know spanish you can understand what it talks about.
when i visit mexico they jam the song alot.
plus
they jam this song on local spanish stations here in san antonio.
oh well.

[libertarian4321]

Laredo is quite isolated from the rest of Texas.

When I have been there, I saw very few white people. It is essentially a Mexican city we use for commerce across the border.

Why is it that whenever I hear one of these crazy stories about Texas, it always comes from someone in North Carolina or Ohio, not Texas?

There is no "invasion."

South Texas is not "essentially Mexican."

Yes, there are a lot of Hispanics here in South Texas. South Texas cities like Laredo, San Antonio, Brownsville, El Paso, and Corpus Christi are all majority Hispanic.

That does not make them "essentially Mexican." A large percentage of the Hispanics here DON'T SPEAK SPANISH (or if they do, it's a second language they learned it in HS or college), let alone consider themselves "Mexican."

San Antonio is over 60% Hispanic. I worked with a lot of local Hispanics where I was serving in the military here, and when I was a government contractor working with the Army Reserve (it should come as no shock to you that a lot of those US Army Reserve guys are Hispanic- and loyal Americans). I had the honor of meeting two Hispanic Congressonal Medal of Honor winners (unfortunately, both have since passed away).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Benavidez
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jose_M._Lopez

I have Hispanic friends and neighbors (we had dinner with Hispanic friends last night, and I went to see the Dallas Cowboys open practice yesterday afternoon with a group of friends, half of whom were Hispanic). I have Hispanic workers in my house on a frequent basis. I had plenty of Hispanic co-workers. I worked with a bunch of Hispanics in the local Ron Paul for President meetup group and at the local Ron Paul for President campaign office.

I've never heard one of them define himself as anything other than AMERICAN. I'm sure there are some "Mexican nationalist" types around, but they are a tiny minority (just as racist jackass white people are a tiny minority).

So lighten up on the fear mongering about how we are being invaded by dangerous and disloyal Hispanics who hate America.

Take that BS to stormfront...

[FrankRep]

Take that BS to stormfront...

Border Security and Immigration Laws aren't racist.


Legal Mexican Immigrants Standing Up Against Illegal Immigration, Amnesty

YouTube - • Crash Politics • Legal Hispanic American Stand Against Illegal Immigration! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIY6XUFVBsk&feature=player_embedded)

[nobody's_hero]

this is the song they play over the radio when they kill someone.
its their song.
if you know spanish you can understand what it talks about.
when i visit mexico they jam the song alot.
plus
they jam this song on local spanish stations here in san antonio.
oh well.

Lol, seriously? I assume you mean 'jam' as in electronic warfare.

Constituent is right. Mexican border towns sound like fun places to visit. I'll plan my next family vacation there.

[constituent]

Lol, seriously? I assume you mean 'jam' as in electronic warfare.

Constituent is right. Mexican border towns sound like fun places to visit. I'll plan my next family vacation there.

You should. All the yankee "winter texans" were too afraid to visit this year, and you can get everything at bargain prices. BTW, while you're there, you should probably avail yourself of the many affordable dental and healthcare facilities that target their services toward the American consumer. :)


Or, you could just visit San Antonio (statistically much more dangerous, particularly in the tourist areas... think "easy target."), grab a burger at MickeyD's and pay too much for some Texas looking crap souvenirs at Rivercenter.

"Remember the Alamo!" ;) :D

[libertarian4321]

You should. All the yankee "winter texans" were too afraid to visit this year, and you can get everything at bargain prices. BTW, while you're there, you should probably avail yourself of the many affordable dental and healthcare facilities that target their services toward the American consumer. :)


Or, you could just visit San Antonio (statistically much more dangerous, particularly in the tourist areas... think "easy target."), grab a burger at MickeyD's and pay too much for some Texas looking crap souvenirs at Rivercenter.

"Remember the Alamo!" ;) :D

Is San Antonio really all that dangerous? I guess I didn't get the email, lol, because as big cities go, San Antonio seems pretty harmless.

I worked downtown right on the Riverwalk- about 3 blocks from the Alamo, and never felt any danger walking down the street in my suit and tie.

[libertarian4321]

Border Security and Immigration Laws aren't racist.



No, but spreading bull shit and lies to try and create hysteria probably is- and that's what you've been doing.

Invasion may ass!

[constituent]

Is San Antonio really all that dangerous? I guess I didn't get the email, lol, because as big cities go, San Antonio seems pretty harmless.

I worked downtown right on the Riverwalk- about 3 blocks from the Alamo, and never felt any danger walking down the street in my suit and tie.

No, but neither are the border towns. That's my point. San Antonio definitely has its own assets. :)

San Antonio is, however, rather expensive to visit.

[libertarian4321]

No, but neither are the border towns. That's my point. San Antonio definitely has its own assets. :)

San Antonio is, however, rather expensive to visit.

That's why I live here, I couldn't afford to visit.

[Zippyjuan]

No, but spreading bull shit and lies to try and create hysteria probably is- and that's what you've been doing.

Invasion may ass!

With the commie threat basically gone after the collapseof the USSR they need a new enemy to tell everybody to be afraid of- and today that enemy is Mexico- either the illegal aliens "stealing the American Dream" or drug cartels invading on American Soil. You don't have to have facts to spread fear. Most people see the OMG headline, get scared, and don't follow up to see if it is actually true or not. The Republicans used terrorists to keep people afraid- even though the risk of getting killed by a terrorist is a thousand times less likely than dying from the simple flu. Keep them scared so that they want you to protect them- and not those wimpy other guys who are "friends" of your imagined enemy.

[Southron]

Why is it that whenever I hear one of these crazy stories about Texas, it always comes from someone in North Carolina or Ohio, not Texas?

There is no "invasion."

South Texas is not "essentially Mexican."



...Take that BS to stormfront...

Ever wonder why people in North Carolina care about illegal immigration?

Where do you think they are coming?

[phill4paul]

Ever wonder why people in North Carolina care about illegal immigration?

Where do you think they are coming?

Could a North Carolinian sue a border state for not enforcing its borders? Hmm....

[constituent]

Could a North Carolinian sue a border state for not enforcing its borders? Hmm....

Actually, North Carolina is, constitutionally speaking of course, responsible for the maintenance of its own borders and migration by foreign nationals to/from the state.

So in a word, no.

[TXcarlosTX]

Lol, seriously? I assume you mean 'jam' as in electronic warfare.

Constituent is right. Mexican border towns sound like fun places to visit. I'll plan my next family vacation there.

huh? i mean they play the shit out that song

[YumYum]

Ever wonder why people in North Carolina care about illegal immigration?

Yeah, because they are sick and tired of people moving up from South Carolina.

[constituent]

Ever wonder why people in North Carolina care about illegal immigration?

I don't think it's been proven that their immigration was actually illegal, constitutionally speaking anyway.



Where do you think they are coming?

Do you mean "where do you think they are going?"

Sounds like North Carolina's problem, constitutionally speaking of course.

[phill4paul]

Actually, North Carolina is, constitutionally speaking of course, responsible for the maintenance of its own borders and migration by foreign nationals to/from the state.

So in a word, no.

Yeah, your right of course...I was just fishing for another excuse in a litigious society.