Sunday, October 22, 2006

Coffee Talk

This week's discussion revolves around the recent homeland security bill signed by the President. This billed allowed for 700 miles of high-tech border fencing between the United States and Mexico. Why is this a "homeland security" issue and not simply an immigration issue? Here are one person's views on the reasons why it is a security issue. Are we trying to defend our southern border from more then just Mexican immigrants? As detailed in the House Committee on Homeland Securities' report "A Line in the Sand: Confronting the Threat at the Southern Border" there are three key reasons for this needed security (bottom of page 4).

1. US. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigations have revealed that
aliens were smuggled from the Middle East to staging areas in Central and South
America, before being smuggled illegally into the United States.
2. Members of Hezbollah have already entered the United States across the
Southwest border.
3. U.S. military and intelligence officials believe that Venezuela is emerging as a
potential hub of terrorism in the Western Hemisphere.

What do you think? Why are we building this fence? Is there a need? Is it simple immigration or are there more pressing dangers at our southern border? Talk amongst yourselves.
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1 comment:

  1. Jason1:07 AM

    Since no one else has commented I will state my opinion on the topic. When I first heard Pat Buchanan talk about constructing a wall between the US and Mexico years ago, I thought he was crazy. Well he probably is crazy, but the wall is becoming a reality. The question is will this solve anything, or will this simply aggravate the situation? My concern lies more with the freedom of the American citizens. If we start constructing walls around our borders will that in any way limit out freedoms?

    I agree the Venezuela is a threat and they are assisting the many organizations in their efforts. Something needs to be done, but a wall might not completely or even partially solve the problem.

    Here is the transcript of a hearing before the SUBCOMMITTEE ON
    INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM AND NONPROLIFERATION regarding VENEZUELA: TERRORISM HUB OF SOUTH AMERICA? This took place back in July.

    http://commdocs.house.gov/committees/intlrel/hfa28638.000/hfa28638_0.HTM

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