Norm,
A fence along the Texas portion of the border is not feasible. We have the Rio Grand as our border. The official border runs straight down the middle of the river.
We can’t build a fence on the Mexican side of the Rio because it’s not our property and we can’t maintain it. Putting a fence on our side of the Rio cedes land and water to Mexico. The Rio is an important water source for agriculture down there.
That is why Perry does not support/promote a fence along every inch of the border. Candidates who do are fools and do not understand the logistics of the Texas border. A fence along other than the Texas border can be done - and Perry does support that.
But you know the more Texas balks at fencing their border I ma fast wondering what they're trying to protect which a fence would crimp. What are they hiding in plain sight ?
This is a national security matter. Declare it one. The drugs, violence and potential for terrorism make it so. As stated, the Dems will do all in their power to hinder via legislation/lawsuit/media the BP/NG/ET all. This cannot be allowed.
The fence does not have to be mid river. At most it requires 300 feet of shoreline for fence/road/open security area. If there was ever a legit use of eminent domain, this is it and most, by far of the land in question is federal/state anyway. Any farmlands can simply have a canal diverted from the river in those areas for livestock etc.
Animal crossings can be established at and/or neat the manned outposts. Placing one every couple miles with cameras/sensors will take far fewer people to man than Perry’s paroling ideas.
The private lands can easily be compensated for at market value since this gets paid for by ENDING monetary aid to mexico.
So, lacking specific details is the basis. Canals are farmer maintained, Border crossings are where they exist today.
People saying the terrain is too rugged need to explain how china did it 3000 years ago over terrain with far rougher features and nothing but human hands.
Not building the fence cedes sovereignty. A few acres of land for a secure border is well worth it, but then I not a illegal coddler and am completely heartless especially by Texas standards. Texas ‘bidness’ men want an open border with plenty of cheap Mexican labor and ‘free’ trade initiatives so handsomely reward those politicians who keep the border unsecured.