Comments on: The Fence: Not The Answer, But Not A Crime http://www.regionalidentity.com/government/the-fence-not-the-answer-but-not-a-crime Collegiate Paso del Norte research, media and journalism Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:53:52 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Richard Sapien http://www.regionalidentity.com/government/the-fence-not-the-answer-but-not-a-crime/comment-page-1#comment-47 Richard Sapien Tue, 24 Feb 2009 21:40:32 +0000 http://regionalidentity.com/?p=16#comment-47 <p>As idealistic as it may be, how do you put a price tag on our constitutionality? Plus, it may seem counter cost-productive now, but what happens when we have to keep pumping in money to maintain it, especially if it turns out to be a failure (as trends in San Diego are already indicating)? And what about the ecosystems that are at threat due to the wall’s presence? There is certainly still reason to take it down.</p> <p>It is “the border wall will fix all of our problems” mentality that I greatly fear. I already see it happening in Phoenix where locals are crying for the erection of the wall due to the city’s current reality of being the kidnapping capital of the nation. What is more alarming is that residents actually believe a wall will actually deter these crimes. Kidnapping in Phoenix started last year in 2008, why didn’t this happen in El Paso (a city where a wall was not yet in place)? Rather than actually investigating as to why the federal government has not taken further actions to secure its cities by use of policy and increased counter-terrorism efforts, some in Phoenix actually believe a wall will amend its problems. </p> <p>I believe Obama has done enough to suggest the possible dismantling of the wall. A few months ago, in front of thousands in Berlin, Obama suggested that walls could be torn down and he echoed that they were a symbol of unjust division. I also think his choice in Napolitano as Secretary of Homeland Security is a step in the right direction. Time will tell…</p> As idealistic as it may be, how do you put a price tag on our constitutionality? Plus, it may seem counter cost-productive now, but what happens when we have to keep pumping in money to maintain it, especially if it turns out to be a failure (as trends in San Diego are already indicating)? And what about the ecosystems that are at threat due to the wall’s presence? There is certainly still reason to take it down.

It is “the border wall will fix all of our problems” mentality that I greatly fear. I already see it happening in Phoenix where locals are crying for the erection of the wall due to the city’s current reality of being the kidnapping capital of the nation. What is more alarming is that residents actually believe a wall will actually deter these crimes. Kidnapping in Phoenix started last year in 2008, why didn’t this happen in El Paso (a city where a wall was not yet in place)? Rather than actually investigating as to why the federal government has not taken further actions to secure its cities by use of policy and increased counter-terrorism efforts, some in Phoenix actually believe a wall will amend its problems.

I believe Obama has done enough to suggest the possible dismantling of the wall. A few months ago, in front of thousands in Berlin, Obama suggested that walls could be torn down and he echoed that they were a symbol of unjust division. I also think his choice in Napolitano as Secretary of Homeland Security is a step in the right direction. Time will tell…

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