But I thought it would be important for us all to understand, as we are talking about this 'problem or challenge' that we face, we are talking about human beings who are suffering, our neighbors.

I think we are beyond the fact that the length of the shutdown and slowdown in the Gulf was both unwarranted and unnecessary.

So those people who were involved in this kidnapping--and we are talking about--what level of kidnapping is taking place now?

You are convinced that these are, number one, not Mexicans, or at least----

What we are talking about here now is there are criminals in every country, which we know, and there are criminal networks in every country.

You can't regulate that. You can't mandate that.

The problem is not government guidelines. The problem is not knowing what is nutritious.

It is the drug cartels, not Islamic terrorist groups, that are the number one threat to this nation.

But if we don't do our best to help and solve that problem, it will impact on us, and the danger and the turmoil is heading in our direction.

Actually, you will find that as chairman I try to be as generous as I can.

opening statement

I think it highlights the fact that the narcotics trade is truly regionwide, and that strategies to address it really have to be conceived in that type of manner.

So I think that points out a very important aspect, and I am glad you raised the question.

It doesn't help in the Bolivia context, for example, however, that the government has kicked out the DEA and has intentionally tried to change the relationship with the United States.

I think the relationship with a narco organization is new and extremely dangerous, and their willingness to do it in the United States I think is also either desperation or incredibly bold step of confidence.

Each one of them have to give $300 or they won't come across. If you try to play smart, they kill you right there.

I would suggest, Mr. Chairman, that if the mullahs found out that someone in their government was involved with something like this without their knowledge there would be severe punishment, if not death for that individual.

I would suggest, Mr. Chairman, that the conciliatory tone of this administration has encouraged if not the mullahs themselves, but at least people who work for the mullahs to involve themselves in the type of conspiracy that we saw exposed…