"There are people in town who think it was a good thing. We've got some archaeologists and other people who think it was the right thing to do," said the newspaper publisher. "But they are not a majority."

The majority is upset.

The majority can't understand how the feds can devote so much time — a 2½-year investigation — and manpower — the 150 agents in town last Wednesday reportedly represented about half of the total number of federal officers involved in the probe — to one case when money is tight and so many other problems need attention.

"Local law enforcement has been trying to get the feds to help with drug investigations and look into other suspected serious criminal activity down here, and they say they don't have the resources," said Joslin. "They try to get help detaining the illegal aliens who come through here all the time. But the feds tell them, 'We have no resources, let them go.' They don't have enough in their budget to come down and pick them up. Then they bring in 150 agents in one day. At what cost?"

"This is not going to go away for a while," said Joslin. "No one condones breaking the law. But there also has to be some common sense involved."

Lee Benson's column runs Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Please send e-mail to benson@desnews.com