Democrats finally taking border security seriously?
Gov. Richardson in N.M. seems to be
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It seems that at least some Democrats are starting to take border security seriously. I wish that most Republicans (in both the Senate and House, and in state and local legislatures) would pick up the same concerns and start doing something about this problem also. For far too long politicians on either side have ignored the problem either because they want the votes (mostly Democrats on that side it seems) or because they want the cheap labor (mostly Republicans on that side it seems).
Our borders have been far too easily crossed for as long as I can remember. They remain that way now, with little or no real changes since 9-11.
It's shameful that people so easily flaunt our immigration laws, and cross over to the U.S.A. to come make their fortunes in any way they can. Again, do not get me wrong, if people want to take advantage of the "American dream" then I welcome them and wish them the best -- if they come to the country legally. If they don't, then I don't believe they should get one thin dime worth of service from my tax money, they should not get jobs from any employers, and they shouldn't find services easy to obtain. In fact, just the opposite, they should find that they have to produce plenty of identification and proof of citizenship before they can even start to think about it.
Anyway, it seems that at least some are ready to begin addressing the problem, now if they could get the rest of their politician friends to follow their lead, we might get some where.
Headline (as usual) is linked. From Albuquerque Journal.
Beefed Up Border Pledged
By Tania Soussan
Journal Staff Writer
Gov. Bill Richardson declared a state of emergency along New Mexico's 180-mile border with Mexico on Friday, pledging $1.75 million to beef up law enforcement and tackle increasing crime.
"Recent developments have convinced me this action is necessary— including violence directed at law enforcement, damage to property and livestock, increased evidence of drug smuggling, and an increase in the number of undocumented immigrants," Richardson said in a prepared statement.
He toured the area near the busy border town of Columbus by helicopter and on the ground Friday before announcing the new initiatives.
The Mexican government, which has long opposed any increased border fencing, immediately criticized Richardson's actions.
Southwestern New Mexico residents praised the moves and said even more are needed.
"This is a great beginning," said Luna County Commissioner Rick Holdridge by phone. "What the governor's done is right on the money."
He and others said a broader solution is needed to address the problems caused by hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants who cross the border into New Mexico every year.
He was one of 135 residents of the Rodeo and Animas areas in Hidalgo County who recently signed petitions asking Sens. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., and Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., along with Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M., for immediate action.
... much more at linked article
I agree wholeheartedly with the commissioner that said "this is a great beginning". Unfortunately that is all this is, and much more needs to be done.
Our borders have been far too easily crossed for as long as I can remember. They remain that way now, with little or no real changes since 9-11.
It's shameful that people so easily flaunt our immigration laws, and cross over to the U.S.A. to come make their fortunes in any way they can. Again, do not get me wrong, if people want to take advantage of the "American dream" then I welcome them and wish them the best -- if they come to the country legally. If they don't, then I don't believe they should get one thin dime worth of service from my tax money, they should not get jobs from any employers, and they shouldn't find services easy to obtain. In fact, just the opposite, they should find that they have to produce plenty of identification and proof of citizenship before they can even start to think about it.
Anyway, it seems that at least some are ready to begin addressing the problem, now if they could get the rest of their politician friends to follow their lead, we might get some where.
Headline (as usual) is linked. From Albuquerque Journal.
Beefed Up Border Pledged
By Tania Soussan
Journal Staff Writer
Gov. Bill Richardson declared a state of emergency along New Mexico's 180-mile border with Mexico on Friday, pledging $1.75 million to beef up law enforcement and tackle increasing crime.
"Recent developments have convinced me this action is necessary— including violence directed at law enforcement, damage to property and livestock, increased evidence of drug smuggling, and an increase in the number of undocumented immigrants," Richardson said in a prepared statement.
He toured the area near the busy border town of Columbus by helicopter and on the ground Friday before announcing the new initiatives.
The Mexican government, which has long opposed any increased border fencing, immediately criticized Richardson's actions.
Southwestern New Mexico residents praised the moves and said even more are needed.
"This is a great beginning," said Luna County Commissioner Rick Holdridge by phone. "What the governor's done is right on the money."
He and others said a broader solution is needed to address the problems caused by hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants who cross the border into New Mexico every year.
He was one of 135 residents of the Rodeo and Animas areas in Hidalgo County who recently signed petitions asking Sens. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., and Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., along with Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M., for immediate action.
... much more at linked article
I agree wholeheartedly with the commissioner that said "this is a great beginning". Unfortunately that is all this is, and much more needs to be done.