Posted on 01/03/2005 9:23:01 PM PST by Happy2BMe
____________________________
(Referred by FBD - tnx.)
BTTT
ping
"The Tucson Air Branch maintains an inventory of 13 aircraft - five Citation interceptor jets, four Black Hawk helicopters, and four light observation planes.
"All of these high-speed aircraft can travel substantial distances without refueling, enabling them to cover hundreds of square miles in a single flight, an important advantage when the target area includes vast stretches of international border. In addition, the Black Hawk helicopters can land in rugged terrain and transport up to 10 passengers, making them invaluable for rescue and evacuation operations in remote and inaccessible areas.
"To fly these aircraft, ICE relies on more than 60 pilots who are also trained as enforcement agents. "
But still the Bush-bashers will claim that he is doing nothing to curb illegal immigration and that we have "open borders."
Wouldn't you?
He doesn't have an amnesty program. He has a guest worker program.
Stop the flood
Michael Reagan
It was the elephant in the living room and during the election nobody wanted to admit it was there, even though it represents one of the most serious threats to the future of America as we know it.
During the campaigns both parties shied away from even mentioning illegal immigration, despite the fact that it was uppermost in the minds of millions of Americans now paying the price for our government's failure to get a grip on the scandal.
snip
Over the next four years, the president is going to have to get this disaster under control or those Republicans who voted for him in droves while holding their nose on the illegal immigration issue will not hold their noses two and four years from now.
The only manned aircraft routinely assigned to operate in Cochise County (an area the size of Connecdticutt) is a single French-made Allouette helicopter. Once in a while it gets swapped out for a Cayuse.
The only time we see the Blackhawks is when they are ferrying various high-ranking undesirables on a junket. The Citations are essentially the same as Lear jets and not at all suited to ground surveillance missions; however, they are well suited for whisking fat-assed bureaucrats from one place to another in cushioned comfort.
Their use of UAVs has been a subject of endless humor here locally. DHS seems to be afraid of using them near the border itself where they might be useful.
BTTT
Five Cessna Citation Interceptor at $6 million each= $30 million that is not used for investigation, apprehension, or transportation of any illegal immigrant below Saddam's class.
These are used for drug interdiction and shuffling executive management.
four Black Hawk helicopters $$6 million each =24 million
four light observation planes at probably $125k= $5 million
Fifty nine million bucks for aircraft.
Two man crews, 13 aircraft, 60 pilots = 2.3 pilots per shows these planes aren't working 24 hours a day.
I wonder how many agents that would fund. Any idea? Probably enough to bring the invasion to a screeching HALT!
How many millions? Polls have consistently shown that only about one percent (3 million) of the population consider immigration to be their number one concern. And that is from open-ended surveys, not multiple choice. Here is the link to the latest Gallop Poll if you care to register for a free trial.
But wait, our president's proposal isn't amnesty, is it? How can this uptick in illegal crossings be true?
BTTT
But the Bush-haters will never admit that he is doing anything to guard the southern border.
I just had one of life's little unexpected brain farts. Let me bounce a "what if" off you...
What if, instead of vectoring in the closest Border Patrol units, I was just to openly walk up to the endless groups of illegal aliens and start handing out business cards?
"Hey amigo, when you get where you're going, how about calling this toll free number and letting me know that you're okay? If you get tagged and end up in Naco or Agua Prieta, give me a call and let me know what's up? Oh, here, have a beer and give this Tootsie Pop to the ankle biter."
God knows there is one thing our masters are allergic to and that's any attempt to quantify the number of "got-aways". Even money says I'd be part of the highway roadkill statistics in under a month.
"Arizona border apprehensions higher than other states combined."
Bayourod is deeply saddened.
If illegal immigrants are really a concern to voters other than you why don't y'all do something about it instead of whining about President Bush.
Maybe you could borrow one of our Texas Rangers to clear up your problems.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.