Political rhetoric ignores reality at United States border with Mexico

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Thats my take as well. I think they caught about 170 Nationals from countries like Iran, Yemen, Syria etc. last year. If They are only catching 20% that's a huge threat.

The Grand Canyon??? Somehow I see that being on the lower end of the target list.

In national security terms I'd say that port security is a bigger deal - given that scanning of container ship cargoes is sparse to say the least (even worse than the spot check scans that are conducted on checked bags at airports)

[mawilson 2,133]

The Grand Canyon??? Somehow I see that being on the lower end of the target list.

LOL - I couldn't think of any target of value in Arizona.

[Pooky 3,795]

His point is that holding off on immigration reform until we secure the border is meaningless rhetoric when looking at the fact that border security is at the highest level it has ever been.

If you consider that border security has never been a priority, or even remotely interesting to Washington before, "the highest level it has ever been" means nothing.

Comparing what we have now to historical levels of border security is meaningless. We need to look at what we face now and act accordingly to secure the border. The required response is several levels of magnitude greater than what has historically been "high".

And how many times does Washington need to be told that this country does not want, nor does it need, nor can it afford, immigration "reform"?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

If you consider that border security has never been a priority, or even remotely interesting to Washington before, "the highest level it has ever been" means nothing.

Comparing what we have now to historical levels of border security is meaningless. We need to look at what we face now and act accordingly to secure the border. The required response is several levels of magnitude greater than what has historically been "high".

And how many times does Washington need to be told that this country does not want, nor does it need, nor can it afford, immigration "reform"?

Can you give a definition of a "secured border?" And not some vague definition, but in real, concrete terms.

[Pooky 3,795]

Can you give a definition of a "secured border?" And not some vague definition, but in real, concrete terms.

Would you listen if I did (again)?

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

Can you give a definition of a "secured border?" And not some vague definition, but in real, concrete terms.

To be fair I can only think of one. The DML in Korea.

[SMR 368]

Can you give a definition of a "secured border?" And not some vague definition, but in real, concrete terms.

You miss the point. Is there any reasonable definition of a secure border that would apply to the US/Mexico Border? If you can supply one, I would be interested to hear it. If not, the call to secure the border to some reasonable definition of security remains valid.

[mawilson 2,133]

Can you give a definition of a "secured border?" And not some vague definition, but in real, concrete terms.

Here:

It's a 420 mile barrier. Most of the barrier is wire fence at least 10ft high, reinforced with a ditch

and coils of razor wire.

In many built-up areas, considered a higher risk by Israel, it is an 26ft high concrete wall with watchtowers.

Gates at various points in the barrier allow farmers to reach fields, pupils to go to schools, etc.

They are controlled by troops checking their Israeli-issued permits.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

You miss the point. Is there any reasonable definition of a secure border that would apply to the US/Mexico Border? If you can supply one, I would be interested to hear it. If not, the call to secure the border to some reasonable definition of security remains valid.

We currently have border security along the US/Mexico border. The highest it has been in history. Yet, the current talking point among many on the Right is that the border is not secure, that Obama and DHS isn't doing enough. So what exactly does the Obama Administration need to do more in terms of securing the border that isn't already being done?

[Sofiyya 1,687]

We currently have border security along the US/Mexico border. The highest it has been in history. Yet, the current talking point among many on the Right is that the border is not secure, that Obama and DHS isn't doing enough. So what exactly does the Obama Administration need to do more in terms of securing the border that isn't already being done?

He really believes this sh!t.

[ready4ONE 5,400]

Not everyone swallows hook line and sinker, nor should they, the Right Wing/Faux News fear mongering which is not supported by actual facts. Just because Faux has their panties in a bunch on this issue does not mean we need to erect a fence that won't work without looking at the totality of the issues surrounding illegal immigration.

[DEDixon 39]

In national security terms I'd say that port security is a bigger deal - given that scanning of container ship cargoes is sparse to say the least (even worse than the spot check scans that are conducted on checked bags at airports)

and Pelosi was screaming about this when Bush was in office, but now completely silent since O has been president.

[DEDixon 39]

We currently have border security along the US/Mexico border. The highest it has been in history. Yet, the current talking point among many on the Right is that the border is not secure, that Obama and DHS isn't doing enough. So what exactly does the Obama Administration need to do more in terms of securing the border that isn't already being done?

when security has historically been very very low, adding a few more guards to make it the "highest in history" doesn't mean it is anywhere near adequate.

also, this talking point about an insecure border is actually shared by the right and the middle which includes a lot of dems and independents. only the left will try to tell me that the border is secure enough already.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

and Pelosi was screaming about this when Bush was in office, but now completely silent since O has been president.

I expect because it was never practical in the first place - rather like requiring train commuters to go through airport security before getting on trains.

[Pooky 3,795]

We currently have border security along the US/Mexico border. The highest it has been in history. Yet, the current talking point among many on the Right is that the border is not secure, that Obama and DHS isn't doing enough. So what exactly does the Obama Administration need to do more in terms of securing the border that isn't already being done?

The post above this gives an effective method and yet you completely ignored it. Why is that?

Not everyone swallows hook line and sinker, nor should they, the Right Wing/Faux News fear mongering which is not supported by actual facts. Just because Faux has their panties in a bunch on this issue does not mean we need to erect a fence that won't work without looking at the totality of the issues surrounding illegal immigration.

And the article about the Texas town where the Feds have basically left local law enforcement to it, who have in turn advised the locals to arm themselves, was not on Fox News. It was a Nightline article on ABC. A bit of a FAIL there.