Reports suggest President Bush is prepared to allocate National Guard troops for border security. The latest broadcast reports suggest he will review options and make some form of an announcement in his national address Monday night.
Reports I've heard via Fox suggest it could be comprised of a force of as many as 5,000 National Guard troops funded by the Federal Government, yet remaining under the control of state governors. It's also assumed any program would also involve some form of amnesty.
I'd like to see some colleagues on the Right get over their absolute opposition to any form of a prudent amnesty plan. It's unrealistic as well as unnecessary. As I've said before, we are as complicit as most illegals for allowing them in, as well as providing the foundation upon which many have started to build new lives. But back to the border issue.
My concern over the Guard solution is that it would too easily be temporary in nature and we'd wind up with amnesty and an unprotected border as soon as the issue fades from the news. That is unacceptable. I'd like to see two things happen after a temporary assignment of some number of National Guardsmen on the border.
A serious cost benefit analysis should be done to evaluate the practicality of building a permanent structure of some kind for large portions of the border to arrive at the most cost efficient long-term approach.
Also, assuming it would always involve some form of manned security, I'd also like to see the government explore the feasibility of some sort of new pseudo-military approach - a Border Security service, if you will.
We graduate enough 18 year olds in this country who are not nearly mature enough to immediately enter college, or begin their careers. It might be interesting if we could develop a unique approach which allowed young men and women to serve for two years or so with a border patrol in exchange for some benefit similar to, but less than, benefit programs now associated with military service.
Preview of Monday's speech? There is oration by El Presidente at "Our First Mexican President."
Posted by: gringoman | Saturday, May 13, 2006 at 11:48 AM
We always talk about illegal immigration as only an american solution. Mexico's second largest income next to oil is the money illegals send home. They aren't doing that on minimum wage and at the same time paying american living costs. Make Mexico pay a price. One illegal they lose one square mile of land. See how fast they close the border.
Posted by: tk | Saturday, May 13, 2006 at 03:25 PM
I sent some money to the minutemen to help build the fence.
Posted by: splashtc | Saturday, May 13, 2006 at 03:35 PM
I saw hire illegal immigrants, oops that's "visiting guest workers/where's his hand towel and candy for the pillow?" and get the FENCE BUILT CHEAP......so we can secure our borders from invaders.
Did you hear what's "coming down" in San Bernadino, Calif next week?
Some of what is being looked at to be done is:
1. Landlords may not rent to "illegals"
2. Cars and other vehicles will be CONFISCATED of people working and employing illegal aliens.
It's a list of about 5 things they just showed on TV. stay tuned.
Posted by: ustt | Sunday, May 14, 2006 at 06:08 PM
as far as our military going to "secure" the border.........just how dumb does Bush and Cheney think we are? That will only be a move so he can have MORE CONTROL on letting the cheap workers in here. Even me with zip for political savy, knows that!
Posted by: ustt | Sunday, May 14, 2006 at 06:10 PM
Doubt that this is about cheap labour, so much as trading oil in dollars and not in euros.
Saddam Hussein had begun to trade in euros....He doesn't now!! It is back to dollars!!
The situation for President Bush is not as simple as it seems to us.
I would say, round em up, kick em out, and build that wall.
That was before I learnt about the oil situation.
Posted by: annie | Sunday, May 14, 2006 at 06:20 PM