James Whitey Bulger Reward Doubled; Why Not Put Him to Work Tracking Bin Laden?

Today, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced the doubling of its reward for 79-year-old James J. (Whitey) Bulger, a former Massachusetts mafioso associated with the Winter Hill Gang who has been on the run from the law for two decades. James Whitey Bulger is believed to be in Europe. If you should spot James Whitey Bulger and aren't afraid of what he ot his associates might do to you for turning him in, you can contact your nearest U.S. Embassy. Don't forget to lay claim to the $2 million reward.

The news about James Whitey Bulger got me looking at the FBI's Ten Most Wanted List to see who else was there besides him and Usama Bin Laden. Couldn't help but wonder if the FBI upped the award on Whitey because their chances of catching up with Bin Laden aren't looking so good.

One thing I noticed in studying the FBI Ten Most Wanted List is that the FBI does not like practical jokers. On the Ten Most Wanted List, the FBI notes sternly that reproduction of the list is permitted but any alteration can get you thrown in jail. Practical jokers pay heed! Is that funny poster with your best friend's mug alongside Usama Bin Laden and James Whitey Bulger worth a year in the slammer?

The Ten Most Wanted List also got me wondering whether the FBI is either (a) doing a magnificent job, or (b) obsolete. Of the ten folks on the list, all men by the way, 3 are believed to be in Mexico, 1 in Europe and 1 in Asia. Of the other 5, only 1 does not have ties outside the continental United States. With most or maybe even all these criminals gone abroad, do we commend the FBI on a fine job chasing them outside the jurisdiction or do we abolish the agency since there's not much point to them looking for people who aren't here?

While I am on this flight of fancy, let me ask you, do you ever wonder if these criminals get together at a secret criminal conclave somewhere and snicker at the FBI's latest efforts at tracking them? Can't you just see James Whitey Bulger bragging to the louts for whom the FBI reward is a measly hundred thousand, "You guys are nobodies. I rank right up there with Usama."