Do we get a fence or just more B.S. & smoke up our behinds?

Question

In Border Fence's Path, Congressional Roadblocks
http://rds.yahoo.com/S=53720272/K=border+fence+bill+loopholes/v=2/SID=e/l=NSR/R=1/;_ylt=A9htfMSLLylFNdYATwrQtDMD;_ylu=X3oDMTBjMHZkMjZyBHBvcwMxBHNlYwNzcg--/SIG=13p78bo49/EXP=1160413451/*-http%3A//www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/05/AR2006100501935.html?nav=rss_politics
By Spencer S. Hsu
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, October 6, 2006;
No sooner did Congress authorize construction of a 700-mile fence on the U.S.-Mexico border last week than lawmakers rushed to approve separate legislation that ensures it will never be built, at least not as advertised, according to Republican lawmakers and immigration experts.GOP leaders have singled out the fence as one of the primary accomplishments of the recently completed session. Many lawmakers plan to highlight their $1.2 billion down payment on its construction as they campaign in the weeks before the midterm elections.But shortly before recessing late Friday, the House and Senate gave the Bush administration leeway to distribute the money to a combination of projects -- not just the physical barrier along the southern border. The funds may also be spent on roads, technology and "tactical infrastructure" to support the Department of Homeland Security's preferred option of a "virtual fence."

What's more, in a late-night concession to win over wavering Republicans, GOP congressional leaders pledged in writing that Native American tribes, members of Congress, governors and local leaders would get a say in "the exact placement" of any structure, and that Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff would have the flexibility to use alternatives "when fencing is ineffective or impractical."

The loopholes leave the Bush administration with authority to decide where, when and how long a fence will be built, except for small stretches east of San Diego and in western Arizona. Homeland Security officials have proposed a fence half as long, lawmakers said.

Answer 1

It didn't quite happen that way. The fence bill had no funding and they modified the homeland security bill so the 1.2 million could be spent on the fence, or on the other things that were already in there. However, apparently in order to get the fence bill signed without amendments that would delay it "side promises" were made. For example I understand that Hastert and Frist agreed to take up an amendment after the election to give 'local communities' say in where the fence will go.

I think asking sanctuary cities if they need a fence is like asking an alcoholic if you should lock up the liquor cabinet.

Answer 2

Last Friday I was having coffee with a friend of mine, a White middle-class Protestant American. The border fence subject came up and this is what he had to say:

"The only one(s) who wants a border fence are those special interest groups who stand to make big money from the construction at the expense of the tax payer; or someone who is totally ignorant of the fact that no terrorist has ever crossed the Rio Grande; or... a total Bigot."

I couldn't have put it better myself.

H

Answer 3

The problem is the lazy, do nothing, uninformed American! If they would get off their lazy butts and defend this countries laws we wouldn't have a problem.

Until they do politicians will blow smoke up their butts.

The illegal aliens will continually illegally enter this country with their hands held out and the middle finger extended for benefits!

Answer 4

They will build that 700 foot fence at a cost of millions of tax payers dollars, it will never be completed, and due to corruption people will still get through. Do you think the coyotes are afraid of a little fence?

Answer 5

Vote them out and elect new people with no hidden agendas (like they exist). Nothing is going to happen until that occurs. Right now it is nothing but smoke and mirrors to placate the populace.

Answer 6

They just want you to vote for them. Choose someone else next time, and none of the usual. Maybe they will get the message and stop jerking us around.

Answer 7

Funny how we can scrape up the cash to cover the bills of illegals. Amazing the BS!

Answer 8

It is strange that there is money to take care of the illegal invaders,but not money to build a 30' wall.If we quit spending money on the welfare of illegals,there would be plenty of money for a wall.With snipers of course.

Answer 9

Probably smoke and politics as usual.

Answer 10

You miss the point...The problem is not illegals, the problem is this govt failure to enforce laws and pander to multi national corporations....So, yes, to answer your question, its all smoke up your behind....