Live Chat with Luis Alberto Urrea and Border Patrol Agent Paul Wells

In this web-exclusive video, author Luis Alberto Urrea recalls a conversation he had with a border patrol agent that marked a turning point in his perception of border agents that has stuck with him ever since.

Acclaimed writer Luis Alberto Urrea and retired border patrol agent Paul Wells joined us for a live chat on Tuesday, May 8. They talked about the dreams of immigrants, the troubling escalating vitriol in the immigration debate and their impressions of life on the border.

Urrea, a bestselling author of 14 books, was born in Tijuana to a Mexican father and Anglo mother. His work draws from his life experiences living and working on both sides of the border. Urrea’s nonfiction book The Devil’s Highway, published in 2004, is a powerful account of the “Yuma 14″ — the 14 migrants who died in the Arizona desert while crossing the border in May of 2001. The book was praised for its thorough research and detail, and was a 2005 Pulitzer Prize finalist.

Paul Wells retired in 2010 after 30 years as a US Border Patrol Agent. Beginning in 1980, he served as a patrol agent for 15 years, and as a first and second line supervisor for the next 15. He witnessed an expansion of the Border Patrol from about 2,000 agents nationwide in 1980 to 20,000 in 2010 along with dramatic improvements in technology. Today, he lives in Las Cruces, New Mexico with his wife.

Luis Urrea first met Paul Wells while researching an article for Playboy magazine in 2009. They have been friends ever since, although — as Wells describes it — they “don’t always see eye to eye on immigration issues.”

Luis Urrea

(05/08/2012)

  

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12:41

Moyers & Company:  We'll be starting in about 20 minutes. Feel free to enter your questions and we can get them in the queue. Tuesday May 8, 2012 12:41 Moyers & Company

12:44

Moyers & Company:  We are pleased to have acclaimed writer Luis Alberto Urrea and retired border patrol agent Paul Wells join us for a live chat to answer viewer questions at 1 PM ET. Watch this clip from our interview with Luis in which he talks about how his view of border patrol agents changed while he was researching and writing his Pulitzer Prize-nominated book, The Devil's Highway. Tuesday May 8, 2012 12:44 Moyers & Company

12:44

Tuesday May 8, 2012 12:44

12:45

[Comment From David DanielDavid Daniel: ]  are you taking the ones from the comments section? Should we reenter them here? Tuesday May 8, 2012 12:45 David Daniel

12:45

Moyers & Company:  Hi David, We are taking comments from the comments section and entering them in the console for you. There is no need to retype. Tuesday May 8, 2012 12:45 Moyers & Company

12:55

Luis Alberto Urrea:  Ready from here. Do I just start answering the recent comments? Tuesday May 8, 2012 12:55 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:03	Moyers & Company:  We'll get started in a minute. Thanks for your patience. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:03 Moyers & Company

1:04	Moyers & Company:  So I think we're ready to get started. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:04 Moyers & Company

1:05	Moyers & Company:  Welcome to Luis Alberto Urrea and Paul Wells! Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:05 Moyers & Company

1:05	Luis Alberto Urrea:  Hello! Thanks for having me and thanks everyone for participating! Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:05 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:05	Paul Wells:  Paul is here. Good morning Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:05 Paul Wells

1:05	Paul Wells:  Well, it's still morning here! Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:05 Paul Wells

1:05

Moyers & Company:  Urrea is the bestselling author of 14 books of poetry, fiction and essays, including The Devil’s Highway, The Hummingbird’s Daughter and Queen of America. Born in Tijuana to a Mexican father and Anglo mother, Urrea’s work draws from his life experiences living and working on both sides of the border. Urrea’s nonfiction book The Devil’s Highway, published in 2004, is a powerful account of the “Yuma 14” — the 14 migrants who died in the Arizona desert while crossing the border in May of 2001. The book was praised for its thorough research and detail, and was a 2005 Pulitzer Prize finalist. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:05 Moyers & Company

1:06	Luis Alberto Urrea:  It's an honor to do this with Agent Wells. Thanks for being here. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:06 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:06	Paul Wells:  My pleasure Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:06 Paul Wells

1:06

Moyers & Company:  Paul Wells retired in 2010 after 30 years as a U.S. Border Patrol Agent. He grew up in northern New York on the Canadian border where he became interested in immigration law enforcement. Beginning in 1980, he served as a patrol agent for 15 years and as a first and second line supervisor for the next 15. He witnessed an expansion of the Border Patrol from about 2,000 agents nationwide in 1980 to 20,000 in 2010 along with dramatic improvements in technology. Today, he lives in Las Cruces, NM, with his wife. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:06 Moyers & Company

1:06	Moyers & Company:  You guys know each other. Can you tell us how you met? Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:06 Moyers & Company

1:07	Luis Alberto Urrea:  We met through a photographer who wanted to do a project on the border Patrol Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:07 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:07	Luis Alberto Urrea:  The photographer David Wells warned me Paul Wells was a real tough guy Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:07 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:07	Paul Wells:  I first read the Devil's Highway in my brother's bathroom while on vacation. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:07 Paul Wells

1:08	Luis Alberto Urrea:  (Of course I meant to say the photographer was David Taylor) Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:08 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:08	Paul Wells:  David is online. be careful Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:08 Paul Wells

1:09	Luis Alberto Urrea:  Told you he was tough! Paul has already put me in the toilet and called me out! Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:09 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:09	Paul Wells:  I met Luis while he was working on an article for Playboy. He needed an expert. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:09 Paul Wells

1:09	Luis Alberto Urrea:  Seriously though, David Taylor's Working the Line is a great book. Paul and I are both in it. Interested in the border? Check it out Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:09 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:10	[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Mr. Wells, what made you interested in immigration law enforcement? Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:10 Guest

1:11	Paul Wells:  I met some agents from the northern border growing up. They were the best guys. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:11 Paul Wells

1:11	Paul Wells:  i heard their stories and since I always wanted to be in law enforcement, I pursued the Border Patrol Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:11 Paul Wells

1:12

[Comment From WilWil: ]  The plight of the Mexican poor is truly a tragedy, and there is much discussion about America's indifference to their condition. There is very little said, however, about the conditions in Mexico that drive these poor to leave their homeland. What is the Mexican government doing to alleviate the poverty that exists there? And, what is the author Luis Urrea doing to help change these conditions that was the land of his own father? Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:12 Wil

1:13

[Comment From Dan AdamsDan Adams: ]  Luís Alberto Urrea makes it clear that for a lot of people in Mexico making it to the United States of America is their best chance for a prosperous future. Does Mr. Urrea believe the day will ever come when the government and people of Mexico will be able to make Mexico their best chance for a prosperous future? Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:13 Dan Adams

1:13	Luis Alberto Urrea:  What I am doing to help the conditions is, of course, writing about it. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:13 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:14	Luis Alberto Urrea:  Writing shines a light in the darkness. I daresay people who knew nothing about any of this know more now. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:14 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:14	Paul Wells:  I am heartened by a recent article in the Washington Post talking about the huge increase in the middle class of Mexico. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:14 Paul Wells

1:14	Luis Alberto Urrea:  I spend most of my year touring American talking to students, politicians and experts about this. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:14 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:14	Luis Alberto Urrea:  Paul is so right Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:14 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:16	Paul Wells:  I have always felt that Mexico should live up to its responsibilities to its own citizens Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:16 Paul Wells

1:16	Moyers & Company:  Here's a link to that article: Mexico's middle class is becoming its majority Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:16 Moyers & Company

1:16	Luis Alberto Urrea:  The middle class in Mexico surging means the lower classes have radically slowed their escape from Mexico. The government is pursuing infrastructure, industry, investment and tourism -- narco-war notwithstanding Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:16 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:16	Luis Alberto Urrea:  Amen, Paul. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:16 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:16	Paul Wells:  Not everyone wants to come to America. They just want to make a decent living. I heard it over and over. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:16 Paul Wells

1:17	Luis Alberto Urrea:  I have said that very thing for years. Paul, you are so wise! Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:17 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:18	[Comment From Rachael HallRachael Hall: ]  It should be noted that many crossing the border are from other countries in Central America, not just America. Their govt's need to help them too. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:18 Rachael Hall

1:18	Luis Alberto Urrea:  Absolutely. What Americans don't know is that Mexico has a huge "illegal alien problem" of their own. To get here, they have to pas through there. And they are much harsher about it than we are. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:18 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:19	[Comment From Tim JTim J: ]  Sr. Urrea: Why do I get the feeling that nobody in American seats of power--Democrat or Republican--really wants to correct the problems of the border. There's too much political hay to be made. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:19 Tim J

1:19	Paul Wells:  Absolutely, you are right, people from all over the world cross through Mexico. Mexico gets the press. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:19 Paul Wells

1:19	Luis Alberto Urrea:  It's so complicated. This is a haunting question that any one who deals with the border wrestles with. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:19 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:19	Luis Alberto Urrea:  The reality is financial. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:19 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:20	Luis Alberto Urrea:  Follow the money. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:20 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:20

[Comment From Ken SKen S: ]  Yeah, I heard the same stories over and over too. One of the things the people I caught said was there was nothing in Mexico for them except their families. No jobs, no money, no hope. Saddening but true. We caught many coming from other countries looking for work in Mexico and not finding it, moving on to the U.S. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:20 Ken S

1:20	Paul Wells:  I worked under presidents from Carter to Obama and little has been done. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:20 Paul Wells

1:20	Luis Alberto Urrea:  Hello Ken Smith, retired BP. He was my main source for The Devil's Highway. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:20 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:21	[Comment From Beth FranklinBeth Franklin: ]  Great Answers Luis and Paul! Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:21 Beth Franklin

1:21	Paul Wells:  Hi Ken, good to finally meet you! Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:21 Paul Wells

1:21	[Comment From Yvonne E.Yvonne E.: ]  Luis, what is your opinion of Arizona's immigration bill? And Mr. Wells? Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:21 Yvonne E.

1:22	Luis Alberto Urrea:  Uh oh. I said in Tucson I am not comfortable with carpet baggers. What I mean by that is that I cannot tell a state how to run its affairs. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:22 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:22	Luis Alberto Urrea:  However... Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:22 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:22	Luis Alberto Urrea:  I am not for it. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:22 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:22	Paul Wells:  Working with other agencies is not new. Referrals from the locals were the norm. The state jumping in on its own is new Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:22 Paul Wells

1:23	[Comment From Ken SKen S: ]  Hey Luis. Glad to be here... Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:23 Ken S

1:23	Luis Alberto Urrea:  There are better ways to address these issues. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:23 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:23	Paul Wells:  Our own supreme court suggested last week that states may just have the right. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:23 Paul Wells

1:24	Luis Alberto Urrea:  I would say Gov.Hickenlooper of Colorado is working on a border reform package with 19 other governors that will bear some real attention when it appears. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:24 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:24	Paul Wells:  DHS has trained and funded Arizona and 23 other states through 287 G and Operation Stonegarden initiatives for years Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:24 Paul Wells

1:25	[Comment From BonnieBonnie: ]  Is there a state with good laws that other states could consider when drafting legislative re immigrants who are undocumented? Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:25 Bonnie

1:25	Luis Alberto Urrea:  They're working on it. But look to what Colorado is developing. They're trying hard. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:25 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:25	Paul Wells:  This is new territory for the states. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:25 Paul Wells

1:25	[Comment From Beth FranklinBeth Franklin: ]  what is DHS please Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:25 Beth Franklin

1:25	Paul Wells:  Dept. of Homeland Security Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:25 Paul Wells

1:26	[Comment From RupertRupert: ]  Can Mr. Wells speak to NAFTA? How often was NAFTA discussed among the ranks of BP and what was said about it? Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:26 Rupert

1:26	Paul Wells:  NAFTA was not part of our daily business Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:26 Paul Wells

1:27	[Comment From Ken SKen S: ]  States are frustrated and feel they have to do something. Arizona is just the first. Right or wrong, they feel like those border states of N.M, Az, California and Texas are taking a hit for everyone else. It is probably frustration. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:27 Ken S

1:27	Luis Alberto Urrea:  Exactly! Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:27 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:27	[Comment From SusanSusan: ]  The undocumented workers I knew, living on a Central California farm in the 70s, dreamed of earning enough here to buy some land in Mexico. What has changed since then, other than the narco wars? Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:27 Susan

1:27	Paul Wells:  That is still the dream for many. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:27 Paul Wells

1:27	Luis Alberto Urrea:  The dream doesn't ever change. No one wants to give up on their home. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:27 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:28	Luis Alberto Urrea:  But it's too difficult to go back and forth these days. That's why you are just seeing people head home in spite of the narco wars. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:28 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:29	Paul Wells:  That has been the the fallout. You have to be prepared to stay now. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:29 Paul Wells

1:29	[Comment From Barbara SparksBarbara Sparks: ]  I'm concerned about the brutality used by agents on immigrants coming over the.border. what can citizens do to expose these human rights violations by border patrols on behalf of our country? Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:29 Barbara Sparks

1:29	[Comment From Ken SKen S: ]  Read "Into The Beautiful North" by Luis and you get a sense of the wants and desires and dreams. And some of the pitfalls. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:29 Ken S

1:29	Luis Alberto Urrea:  Aw, thanks Kenny. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:29 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:30	Paul Wells:  Isolated incidents do not define the agency or the dedicated hard working agents working the line. We weed them out. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:30 Paul Wells

1:30	Luis Alberto Urrea:  That book was important for me to be able to talk about the issue in "real world" terms that anyone could understand and relate to. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:30 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:30	Moyers & Company:  By the way, we have also been joined by Kenny Smith - Ken S - who Luis knows when he was researching and writing The Devil's Highway. He was the supervisory agent at Welltown Station. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:30 Moyers & Company

1:31	Moyers & Company:  Welcome Ken! Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:31 Moyers & Company

1:31	Luis Alberto Urrea:  Ken Smith taught me Border Patrol agents can be heroic. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:31 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:31	Paul Wells:  I am going to recommend a book that Luis did not write. it is new and is called The Shadow catcher by Hipolito Acosta. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:31 Paul Wells

1:31	[Comment From KenyonKenyon: ]  What's the connection between DHS and the Border Patrol? Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:31 Kenyon

1:31	Paul Wells:  DHS is the parent organization that came to being after 911 Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:31 Paul Wells

1:32	[Comment From Ken SKen S: ]  There are lots and lots of unsubstantiated accusations against the Patrol. Over the years that has not changed. It's just that there are 8 or 10 times as many agents as there used to be and a lot more violence from the narcos and such. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:32 Ken S

1:32	Paul Wells:  It has never worked very well Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:32 Paul Wells

1:33	[Comment From Maria S.Maria S.: ]  Sr. Urrea: Why do you think that the hatred or at least hateful rhetoric directed at "illegals" has increased so much over the last several years? What can we do to help those who hate to see these as people, not "aliens"? Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:33 Maria S.

1:33	Paul Wells:  Allegations are often used to obfuscate enforcement by some. My opinion Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:33 Paul Wells

1:33	Luis Alberto Urrea:  Rhetoric. I was first called greaser in fifth grade. So believe me it has never gone away Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:33 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:33	Luis Alberto Urrea:  Part of the vehement is media driven. The rest is politically driven. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:33 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:34	Luis Alberto Urrea:  We need an "other" to fear and distrust. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:34 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:34	Paul Wells:  An agent who hates has a lousy career. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:34 Paul Wells

1:34	Luis Alberto Urrea:  Ultimately, it lies in illegality. One thing one can do to immediately address these issues is to define for the American people what the federal law actually is. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:34 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:35	Luis Alberto Urrea:  I have never seen anyone analyze and discuss Title 8 immigration law. Many of my audiences believe it is a felony Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:35 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:35

[Comment From Ken SKen S: ]  Amen to that Paul. DHS, I am sorry to say, is one reason I left. I did not think it was working. Yeah we got more money, more tools etc., but the morale seemed to take a huge dip. It isn't what it used to be. Maybe that's bad for some, maybe good. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:35 Ken S

1:35	Luis Alberto Urrea:  Paul once said something quite wise to me: It is not about hating Mexicans, It's about enforcing federal law. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:35 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:35	Paul Wells:  For example, crossing illegally is a crime, 8 USC 1325, first time is a misdemeanor Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:35 Paul Wells

1:36	[Comment From RupertRupert: ]  Mr Wells, if you were in charge of the Border, I mean, you had real control, huge budget, and people would do anything for you because they knew your policy and demand would solve problems of the border - what would you do? Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:36 Rupert

1:37	Paul Wells:  I would focus all my assets on the line. Enforcement there is the most effective and least problematic Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:37 Paul Wells

1:37	Moyers & Company:  Just switching gears for a second... to the visitors interested in Luis's books. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:37 Moyers & Company

1:37	[Comment From Lester ShepherdLester Shepherd: ]  Mr Urrea: Which of ur books details ur family history? Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:37 Lester Shepherd

1:37	Luis Alberto Urrea:  The terrible story of my father's death is told in Across the Wire. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:37 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:38	Luis Alberto Urrea:  For a book length meditation on my family's border experience, you would have to read my memoir Nobody's Son. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:38 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:38	[Comment From Shepherd2121Shepherd2121: ]  I would be interested in more details of your parents relationship. Where and how did they meet? Are they still together? What do each of them think about your work and your present status as a Professor. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:38 Shepherd2121

1:39

Luis Alberto Urrea:  If they are together, they are together in heaven. He was killed in Mexico in 1977. She died in San Diego in 1990. I like to think they would have been pleased with my work. Though they would have both preferred it if I had been a Republican. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:39 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:40	[Comment From David TaylorDavid Taylor: ]  Luis, Paul and Ken - How about the emergence of the human smuggling industry and the increasing alignment of drug trafficking organizations and migration. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:40 David Taylor

1:40	Paul Wells:  Drug and alien smuggling are in many cases under the same roof. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:40 Paul Wells

1:40	Luis Alberto Urrea:  Yes David. My fear exactly. It was evident during The Devil's Highway research that this was happening. The immense uptick in human suffering due to these criminals is mindboggling Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:40 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:41	[Comment From Beth FranklinBeth Franklin: ]  Thank you Mr. Luis and Mr. Wells, Great insight and statements of the actual existing scene. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:41 Beth Franklin

1:41	Paul Wells:  It is all about making money. Both are lucrative. One has more risk than the other. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:41 Paul Wells

1:41	Luis Alberto Urrea:  In human rights terms, this may very well be the greatest nightmare and challenge on the border. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:41 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:41	Paul Wells:  Alien smugglers don't care about their cargo for the most part. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:41 Paul Wells

1:41	[Comment From MaggieMaggie: ]  Fro m each of your perspectives, what one suggestion would you make for immigration reform? Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:41 Maggie

1:42	[Comment From Ken SKen S: ]  It's not new. It has just been turned into a major money making business these last years. Drug smugglers and people who smuggle other people are scum. They just want the money. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:42 Ken S

1:42	Paul Wells:  I suggest increasing immigrant quotas and limited legalization that does not grant citizenship, only permanent residence. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:42 Paul Wells

1:43	Luis Alberto Urrea:  I would like to see women in control since we boys have had our shot and we couldn;t find solutions. I don't mean Mother Teresa either. We need Elizabeth I. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:43 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:44	[Comment From RobRob: ]  Is legalizing drugs a too simplistic solution in addressing the rise in criminal activities? Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:44 Rob

1:44	[Comment From SusanSusan: ]  Elizabeth I? Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:44 Susan

1:44	[Comment From SusanSusan: ]  I get it. sorry. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:44 Susan

1:44	Paul Wells:  I expect it would create a whole new set of problems. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:44 Paul Wells

1:45	[Comment From Ken SKen S: ]  There always has to be some limits. Open Borders are not really the answer. If you need workers for some specific thing, give them stauts to come here to do that. It need not give them permanent status. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:45 Ken S

1:45	[Comment From David TaylorDavid Taylor: ]  From someone on the left to someone on the right: Paul's idea for immigration reform is a true compromise. Something we are short on these days. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:45 David Taylor

1:45

Luis Alberto Urrea:  This is a heated debate currently of great interest in the Mexican government itself. One would think perhaps ending a prohibition on marijuana might be a help, but I have read compelling arguments on both sides and like the oliticians find myself grinding to a halt before this connundrum. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:45 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:46	Paul Wells:  Amen, Luis Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:46 Paul Wells

1:47	Moyers & Company:  I'm afraid we're going to have to end it there. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:47 Moyers & Company

1:47	Moyers & Company:  Thanks so much to author Luis Alberto Urrea and retired border patrol agent Paul Wells for joining us in this live chat. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:47 Moyers & Company

1:47	Luis Alberto Urrea:  Thank you for the opportunity. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:47 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:47	Paul Wells:  Thank you, you are my my hero Luis. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:47 Paul Wells

1:47	[Comment From GregGreg: ]  Thanks for doing this. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:47 Greg

1:48	Luis Alberto Urrea:  And thank you to everyone who has been so nice. I promise to get to my emails! Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:48 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:48	Luis Alberto Urrea:  I had fun, Paul! We should take it on the road. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:48 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:48	Moyers & Company:  Thanks to all of you for joining us, as well! Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:48 Moyers & Company

1:48	Luis Alberto Urrea:  Thanks to Moyers and Company Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:48 Luis Alberto Urrea

1:48	[Comment From Ken SKen S: ]  Adios Compadres Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:48 Ken S

1:48	Paul Wells:  I'm ready! Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:48 Paul Wells

1:48	[Comment From Maria S.Maria S.: ]  Thank you all! Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:48 Maria S.

1:48	[Comment From DanielDaniel: ]  Thank you all! Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:48 Daniel

1:48	[Comment From Nance DuffyNance Duffy: ]  Thank you All Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:48 Nance Duffy

1:49	Moyers & Company:  Please remember that you can watch the entire Bill Moyers interview with Luis Alberto Urrea online at BillMoyers.com anytime at the following link: Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:49 Moyers & Company

1:49	Moyers & Company:  You can also read excerpts from two of Urrea's fourteen books: The Devil's Highway and, his most recent, Queen of America. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:49 Moyers & Company

1:49	Moyers & Company:  Full Show: Between Two Worlds — Life on the Border Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:49 Moyers & Company

1:49	Moyers & Company:  Book Excerpt: The Devil's Highway Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:49 Moyers & Company

1:49	Moyers & Company:  Luis Urrea: Poetry Reading Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:49 Moyers & Company

1:49	[Comment From Rachael HallRachael Hall: ]  THANK YOU ALL Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:49 Rachael Hall

1:49	[Comment From LindaLinda: ]  Thanks for doing this! Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:49 Linda

1:49	[Comment From kimkim: ]  Many thanks! Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:49 kim

1:49	Moyers & Company:  Take care! We hope you will join us for future chats here on BillMoyers.com. Have a great day. Tuesday May 8, 2012 1:49 Moyers & Company