[mad_as_he$$]

Direct quote: "President Fox’s vision for an open border is a vision I embrace, as long as we demonstrate the will to address the obstacles to it. An open border means poverty has given way to opportunity, and Mexico’s citizens do not feel compelled to cross the border to find that opportunity. It means we have addressed pollution concerns, made substantial progress in stopping the spread of disease, and rid our crossings of illicit drug smuggling activity. Clearly we have a long way to go in addressing those issues. At the same time we must continue to deepen our economic ties, expanding opportunities for Mexican and U.S. companies to do business on both sides of the border. The outlook is promising, even if the road to prosperity is a long one. We share a bond as neighbors, and we find our culture north of the Rio Grande to be increasingly defined by the strong traits of people of Hispanic descent. Texas has long enjoyed a unique identity, an identity forged by an independent spirit, and the convergence of many different peoples. We must welcome change in the 21st Century as we have in every century before it."

http://governor.state.tx.us/news/speech/10688/

That is the entire paragraph. Please show where it is out of context.

[IbJensen]

It's a speech that was made a decade ago and included this qualifier:

An open border means poverty has given way to opportunity, and Mexico’s citizens do not feel compelled to cross the border to find that opportunity.

You're being as obtuse, apparently, as the poster.

[TexasCajun]

An open border means poverty has given way to opportunity, and Mexico’s citizens do not feel compelled to cross the border to find that opportunity.

It means we have addressed pollution concerns, made substantial progress in stopping the spread of disease, and rid our crossings of illicit drug smuggling activity. Clearly we have a long way to go in addressing those issues

I'd be for open-borders too, IF ONLY...

[SoldierDad]

An open border means poverty has given way to opportunity, and Mexico’s citizens do not feel compelled to cross the border to find that opportunity.

The thought crossed my mind that I have NEVER read an argument on FR, or anywhere else, nor have I heard anyone clamoring for closing down the Canada/U.S. border - a border that somewhat fits the description in Perry's speech. I'm also wondering what exactly would be the disagreement with having a southern border open, but free of the problems with illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and other problems which currently exist.