| Chuck Norris may push down the Earth when he does push-ups, but he doesn't do anything about border security.
Last week, action film star Steven Seagal was sworn in as Sherriff's Deputy of Hudspeth County, which lies along the Texas-Mexico border.
"Hudspeth County, population 3,400, is on the front lines of border issues ranging from illegal immigration to drug gangs," the New York Times explains.
Seagal, 59, is currently starring in an A&E documentary featuring his experiences as a reserve deputy in New Orleans. "Steven Seagal: Lawman" aims highlight the efforts to rebuild New Orleans since 2005.
There are no plans for a similar show in Texas. Seagal contacted the county sherriff's department about his interest in serving along the border and after checking to see if he was serious, department officials are looking forward to working with Seagal.
"Mr. Seagal is not in this for the celebrity or publicity," Hudspeth County Sheriff Arvin West told Reuters. "He has a sincere passion for his country and he wants to do more to help. I think he will make a significant contribution to this office and to our community."
In his film career, Seagal played tough-guy martial artists on the right side of the law in dozens of films. His two most famous films, "Above the Law" and "Under Siege," were major hits in the 1980s and early 1990s.
Seagal is very different than right-wing blowhard-tough guy Chuck Norris. Seagal is a PETA Humanitarian Award winner, an active supporter of Tibetan independence, and a renowned environmentalist.
Texans can trust Seagal not to consider himself "Above the Law," or leave Hudspeth County "Under Siege."
But it's also worth keeping a close eye on this small border county...in case one of our border agents starts donning an oversize purple robe and wielding a samurai sword.
Welcome to Texas, Mr. Seagal. The weirdness of your tenure will fit right in here. |
