I picked up on this story over on the reader blogs.

WASHINGTON - No sooner did Congress authorize construction of a 700-mile fence on the U.S.-Mexico border last week than lawmakers rushed to approve separate legislation that ensures it will never be built, at least not as advertised, according to Republican lawmakers and immigration experts.

GOP leaders have singled out the fence as one of the primary accomplishments of the recently completed session. Many lawmakers plan to highlight their $1.2 billion down payment on its construction as they campaign in the weeks before the midterm elections.

But shortly before recessing late Friday, the House and Senate gave the Bush administration leeway to distribute the money to a combination of projects—not just the physical barrier along the southern border. The funds may also be spent on roads, technology and “tactical infrastructure” to support the Homeland Security Department’s preferred option of a “virtual fence.”

Some on the right were quick to be upset about this, but I don’t think that’s justified.

My idea of a barrier along our southern border has always included more than just a fence or a wall.  What I’ve always been in favor of is a modern barrier that included not just a fence but also sensors and cameras and other bells and whistles that will make it easier to monitor and catch people who get through the fence.  Getting upset because Republicans want to spend appropriated border security money on these measures in addition to a fence just seems silly and reactionary to me.

I know Republicans have been disappointing of late, but let’s not jump on them when they don’t deserve it.