Butterflies at the border crossing

The Midland Reporter-Telegram has some very intelligent readers.  Case in point, Terry Youngblood, who wrote a letter to the editor which was published on 10/8/06 in which he criticizes an article that ran in the paper a week ago. Click the image for a larger view of that letter.

The front page article in question was at the top of the fold of the 10/2/06 edition of the local paper, and the headline  proclaimed:  Proposed Border Fence Could Face Obstacles.  See it online with a slightly expanded title here.

It seems like common sense to secure the border.  Is there any developed country that doesn't at least make an effort to secure its borders?

But let's look at why some U.S. citizens would want an open border.  I suspect that the main reason is because they would feel guilty about keeping out poor people who simply want to make a decent wage so that they can support their families.  Give us your tired, your poor, etc.  And who can't feel sympathy for some of the immigrants and the ordeals they have to face in getting to a job in the U.S?

There's also the partisan hatred which generates opposition to anything offered up by the other side.  But let's put that one aside for another time.

The issue here is the news editor's decision to put that article at the top of page one.  They make it look so easy -- scan the news wires, pick a story that fits your point of view, hit enter.

-Save the Jarguarundis -

According to the people quoted by the writer of that story, the fence shouldn't be built because the ocelots and jarguarundis wouldn't be able to get to the river.  (No mention of whether they actually drink that water.)  And a fence might cut off part of a 72 acre butterfly park and otherwise affect the ecology of the area.

But then we get to the best part.  In a statement that should make Chambers of Commerces everywhere proud, there's this:

Nancy Millar, vice president and executive director of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce's Convention and Visitors Bureau, said McAllen is a top shopping destination for Mexican nationals. A fence could stymie that economic traffic the community has come to rely on.

So now we know why illegal immigrants are coming to the U.S.  To shop.  Who knew?  (Ms. Millar must have forgotten about gates.)

But there's the answer to the border problem.  People who want to cross the Southern border to the U.S. illegally in order to work can simply go into the retail business in Mexico.  Take the product to the customer.  Problem solved.

Update:    Elephants cross the border undetected.   Hilarity ensues.  (Via numerous sources.)

Comments

[msfanni]

Ocelots?! Screw the ocelots save America.

I had never heard of jarguarundis. I looked the up. What an interesting creature.

Can't butterflies fly over the fence?

[Geo]

MsFanni, a stuffed jaguarundi might make a nice looking household accessory.

[Eric]

Mr. Youngblood is more qualified than most to speak to the problems caused by illegal immigrants, being a recently retired FBI agent who spent the latter part of his career in El Paso.

[Geo]

Thanks Eric. He should certainly know what he's talking about then.

[JessO]

Well, actually, I've found a better way to enter the U.S. border and anyone who is interested in a guarantee to get into the U.S. should look at www.USborderblog.com. It directs you to a company called Canadian Pardon Services who can help you get permission to enter the U.S.