'Virtual fence': Science-fictiony excuse, or real deterrent?

Question

They want to build a 'virtual fence'. What do you think about it? Real science, or virtual bull-pucky?

I agree that border security shouldn't be selective. Canada's been a source of drugs and illegal immigration just like Mexico has, maybe not in the same volume, but they've even found illegal immigrants from mexico IN canada trying to enter the United States. Simply amazing...

Answer 1

Fiction but not science

Answer 2

A Virtual Fence ....

Virtually Nothing

Build A REAL Wall

I Also agree that border security shouldn't be selective.






An Unmanned Aerial Drone
With All The High Tech Infrared Fixins
Is VIRTUALLY USELESS
Without A BARRICADE To SLOW (Impede)The Targets

Answer 3

For those who worry that equal attention isn't being paid to the US/Canadian border, see the following news:


U.S. to watch Cdn border with high-tech devices
Updated Thu. Sep. 21 2006 4:09 PM ET

CTV.ca News Staff


The U.S. Homeland Security Department announced Thursday that it will be installing high-tech devices along the border with Canada as part of a multibillion-dollar plan to reduce illegal entry into the United States.

Under the new plan, Canada's border with the U.S. will, within three years, be patrolled by cameras, sensors, unmarked planes and watchtowers.

While more people are apprehended along the American-Mexican border, U.S. Border Patrol Chief David Aguilar told reporters that Canada's problem is more about border security than illegal immigrants.

"Ten percent of our apprehensions occur along our northern border with Canada," said Aguilar. "The problem is border security...Being able to predict, deter, detect, identify, resolve and respond to any incursions along our border, north or south, is a criticality that we're going forth with."

"One of the problems that we face on our northern border is the vastness and the greatness."

In the first step of the multibillion-dollar plan, the U.S. will implement the technology along a 45-kilometre stretch of border near Tucson, Ariz. This will be followed with similar security measures along the Canadian border.

A $67-million US contract was awarded to Boeing Co. for the implementation of the initial stages of the project.

Speaking to The Globe and Mail, Boeing spokesman Robert Villaneuva said the plan calls for a total of 1,800 surveillance towers divided between the southern and northern borders. When asked how the 1,800 towers would be divided, he responded, "It could be about 50-50."

Villaneuva also said it would take three years to "fully deploy all the assets on both borders."

CTV's Washington Bureau Chief Tom Clark said the move is more about the U.S. trying to appear unbiased.

"The problem is all in the south ... but if you say we're only going to take care of the southern border then you're targeting Mexicans and that's racist," said Clark. "And therefore what's good for the south is good for the north."

"What we are looking to build is a 21st century virtual fence," Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff told reporters.

Answer 4

I'll go with virtual bull-pucky....

Give me the real fence, with real armed law enforcement to keep things under control

I vote for the concrete fence!

Answer 5

Talking BS cost nothing. Unless we see results, virtual fences or other kinds of "security measures" it means jack. And they will be held accountable.

Answer 6

Better than nothing.

But it still has holes.

One of the biggest being visa overstays....

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/20/AR2006092002049.html?nav=rss_email/components

Overall, I prefer a genuine double, security fence with sensors.

Answer 7

I'd rather help them build a real fence with razor wire and tesla coils :)

Answer 8

Typical BS by the "elected class"