Building A Wall Between Worlds - Barrier is needed, but wasn't built to specifications

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | Feb. 10, '08 | Duncan Hunter

[T.L.Sink]

Our nation's greatest and most obvious vulnerability remains our pourous and unprotected southern land border. Yet every day, unknown numbers of human and drug smugglers, criminals and potential terrorists continue to illegally enter the United States. And yet the best and most effective way of preventing illegal foot and vehicle traffic from entering is border security fencing. Since construction of the San Diego border fence began in 1996, the smuggling of people and narcotics has dropped drastically; crime rates have been reduced by half, according to FBI statistics; vehicle drive-throughs have been eliminated. Recognizing this success, Congress passed and President Bush signed the Secure Fence Act. But rather than adhering to that law, the department announced its intention to build 370 miles of fence, not the 700 miles required by the measure. Moreover, the department opted to build single-layered fencing instead of the double-layered infrastructure required by law. The reality is that single-layered fencing and vehicle barriers do little, if anything, to stop illegal immigration.Illegal immigration is a national security issue. In 2005 alone, more than 155,000 foreign citizens were apprehended and many originated from countries including Syria, Iran, Lebanon and Yemen - probably only a fraction of those who successfully entered.

[T.L.Sink]

The only thing worse than not enacting any legislation to secure our borders is what's been done: Enacting legislation which Congress and the President have no intention of following. And worse, using tax payers' money to construct worthless barriers so they can pretend to be concerned. Nations that pass laws they have no intention of regarding or enforcing not only make a mockery of their own legislative process, but appear to others as de facto Banana Republics. Well, we had our chance with Hunter and Tancredo. And look what we're getting! Someone who will join again with Ted Kennedy to erase that bothersome southern border!

[MEGoody]

Hard to believe this comes from an SF paper.

[BaylorDad]

Yet every day, unknown numbers of human and drug smugglers, criminals and potential terrorists continue to illegally enter the United States.

Is it possible that we have a "Top Secrete" deal with the drug smugglers to give them a pass in exchange for their elimination of any non-hispanic illegals attempting to cross?

[pissant]

DH Bump. Damn, are republican voters stupid.

[WalterSkinner]

..one thing that stands out and is undeniable--DH drove the debate amongst Republicans--they all started singing Border Security and China Isn't Our Friend...

[pissant]

The problem is, they are only singing. They’ll forget the tune at the first opportunity.