The Wall

Building a wall along the Mexican border is a waste of money, time, and resources.  It would violate the rights of at least one reservation and God only knows how many property owners.  It would disrupt ecosystems for thousands of miles.  While there is definitely a problem with illegal immigration from Mexico, there are better ways to deal with it.

Let's look at why these folks are coming here.  They are poor, hungry, maybe in need of medical care they can't get in Mexico.  In the same situation, would a wall stop you?  Even one as big and ugly as being proposed?  Would you dig a tunnel? Take a plane or boat?  I know they aren't going to build a wall along the Gulf coast.  Too many communities along there depend upon the tourism a wall would kill. Or will they build it a few miles out and only kill wildlife?

The Mexicans are coming for work they know they can get.  We need to start punishing those hiring them.  Get INS workers out in the field (sometimes literally) and jail the ones taking advantage of the desperate.  Why are we punishing them for accepting an opportunity when offered?  For doing the same thing we might, in the same situation?

I'm willing to bet my solution would be a lot less expensive than a wall.  The only rights being violated would be those of criminals and, as far as I can tell, no damage would be done to any ecosystem.  But, ya know, I'm nobody.  Just another freeloader.