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Monday, May 15, 2006

Why Militarize The Border?

James Joyner asks:

...how long can it possibly take to train effective Border Patrol agents? The initial training course is 19 weeks. It’s not like arresting unarmed migrants is as difficult as counterinsurgency, so one would think we could pair newly trained officers with veteran officers and put them to work. So, why take the ridiculous step of militarizing the border as a stop-gap?


Easy answer: Because it's not about securing the border. This is about providing political cover for the Republicans as they push for legislation that will only attract more illegal immigrants to our country.

Comments

Avatar for The Whistler

Anyone else feel that further inaction will destroy the Republican party.

Perhaps lead to a 3rd party?

The Whistler on May 15, 2006 at 11:47 am
Rob
Rob
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I don’t think it will lead to a third party, but it will lead to the GOP being a minority party until they get their act together again.


When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

-- Thomas Jefferson

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Rob on May 15, 2006 at 11:55 am
Avatar for MikeAdamson

So I wouldn’t be too far off the mark if I called this latest proposal Political Theatre?

MikeAdamson on May 15, 2006 at 12:10 pm
Avatar for The Whistler

Mike did I understand that you’re Candadian?

If so, what’s Canadia’s position?

The Whistler on May 15, 2006 at 12:12 pm
Rob
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Mike, I’d call it political theater.

Bush is dead wrong on illegal immigration and is trying to cover his butt with this national guard stuff.


When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

-- Thomas Jefferson

Rob’s recently listened-to songs:

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Rob on May 15, 2006 at 12:15 pm
Avatar for The Whistler

I’d call it political theater.

I’d agree, but I think we can hope that maybe this builds momentum to do the right thing.  (Baby Steps)

The Whistler on May 15, 2006 at 12:17 pm
Rob
Rob
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I’m not hopeful.


When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

-- Thomas Jefferson

Rob’s recently listened-to songs:

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Rob on May 15, 2006 at 12:18 pm
Avatar for realitybasedbob

Why so glum boys? There is always gay marriage, flag burning and human animal hybrids to rally the base.

realitybasedbob on May 15, 2006 at 12:57 pm
Avatar for likwidshoe

Why so glum boys? There is always gay marriage, flag burning and human animal hybrids to rally the base.

Don’t be a dickhead bob.

likwidshoe on May 15, 2006 at 01:02 pm
Avatar for Ryan

Why so glum boys? There is always gay marriage, flag burning and human animal hybrids to rally the base.

Ryan on May 15, 2006 at 01:06 pm
Avatar for MikeAdamson

TW...straight north of you. wink

MikeAdamson on May 15, 2006 at 02:36 pm
Avatar for diane

The Neoconservatives have taken over the Republican party and the real Republicans better take it back.  I just heard a Republican Congressman on the radio here absolutely ‘livid’ about Bush’s speech.  Now you who have supported Bush all this time are getting a taste of what the rest of us have been feeling for so long.

diane on May 15, 2006 at 04:45 pm
Avatar for robert108

More antisemitic smear.  Try some real content instead of the schoolyard namecalling, if you can.

robert108 on May 15, 2006 at 04:48 pm
Avatar for diane

Robert:  Shoosh.  You’re being silly again.

diane on May 15, 2006 at 05:08 pm
Avatar for Bat One

"Why Militarize the Border?”

What a silly question!  Our East Coast, West Coast, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway are all patroled quite admirably by the United States Coast Guard, a fine, hardy and thoroughly honorable military service.

Bat One on May 15, 2006 at 10:23 pm
Avatar for diane

So why bother having had, having now, or ever having the Border Patrol?  All this is doing is confusing the issue.  If the Border Patrol had been given the tools and backing it needed to do its job, this whole issue would have been mute.
The fact that it wasn’t tells the whole story.

diane on May 16, 2006 at 06:45 pm
Avatar for robert108

The issue is moot right now, since the law isn’t being enforced.

robert108 on May 16, 2006 at 07:24 pm
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