Posted on 08/16/2007 1:26:51 PM PDT by SE Mom
You can’t have national security without border security. It’s not only necessary for any meaningful immigration reform; border security plays a key role in both the interdiction of illegal drugs and in defending America against terrorist threats. Weak borders allow terrorists and smugglers, as well as millions of illegal aliens, easy entrance to the United States. Unfortunately, it’s not at all clear our government is committed to its first responsibility: the protection of our borders.
In June 2006 the federal government began Operation Jump Start, deploying 6,000 National Guard troops to assist the Border Patrol in securing our border with Mexico. Now, the number of National Guard troops helping as part of Operation Jump Start is being cut in half and by September 1st only 3,000 troops will still be in place.
Since Operation Jump Start began, fewer illegal immigrants are crossing our southern border. Marijuana, cocaine, and heroin seizures have increased—a reminder that better border security is an essential part of drug interdiction. Tightening control of our southern border may also be a factor in the lack of additional terrorist attacks in the United States since September 11, 2001. Clearly the National Guard’s presence on our border with Mexico has been a success.
While the drawdown of the National Guard troops participating in Operation Jump Start was scheduled since the beginning of the operation, the troops were supposed to be replaced by 6,000 new U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents. These replacements, called for by President Bush, would increase the total number of agents from 12,000 to 18,000. However, recruitment has been slow and continuing with the planned withdrawal of the National Guard is significantly reducing manpower on the border.
We’ve found a successful strategy for increasing border security. We need to advance it, not retreat from it. The President got the message and last week announced a new set of initiatives to combat illegal immigration. Having failed for years to solve our illegal immigration problem and protect our borders, however, Congress and the President need to keep the National Guard in place until we meet the goal of 18,000 border agents.
Check it out:)
Like Jorge is really wanting to do anything about the border but keep is wide open. So, exactly what will Fred do for us if he’s elected?
Build the d*mn fence. There are too many miles of border for mere border patrolmen to be effective.
Bumpity bump
I read you Fred!!!!.....
~snip~
Unfortunately, it’s not at all clear our government is committed to its first responsibility: the protection of our borders.
~snip~
“...However, recruitment has been slow...”
Wondering why? Perhaps “Sutton Syndrome”.
BP eyes terrorism, area chief declares [not illegal immigrants or narcotics]
Border Patrol agents dont have the responsibility of apprehending illegal immigrants, Carlos X. Carrillo, chief patrol agent for the Laredo sector, said at a town hall meeting Wednesday."The Border Patrol is not equipped to stop illegal immigrants," Carrillo said, noting that illegal narcotics are also not on the agents priority list."The Border Patrol mission is not to do any of those things," he emphasized.
The Border Patrols mission is to keep the country safe from terrorist and terrorist weapons, he said.
Dude, I like the way you think.
Build Duncan Hunter’s fence!
Hunter authored the bill for THE fence from California thru Texas, which was signed into law.
Duncan Hunter also had a fence built which stopped drug trafficking and crime in San Diego.
Nice essay.
Lacks bold vision and leadership.
inadequate
Fredipedia: The Definitive Fred Thompson Reference
If you would like to be on this list be warned, this ping list is EXTREMELY active.
bookmark
“Like Jorge is really wanting to do anything about the border but keep is wide open. So, exactly what will Fred do for us if he’s elected?”
I guess if he knew by now, he surely would have taken this opportunity to tell us.
Have you heard about Duncan Hunter’s plan for securing the border? An effectively secured border fence completed in 6 MONTHS!!! Hunter doesn’t just talk the talk either, he’s walked the walk...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7BqCU6fWs8
Sounds like a plan to me.
OOH RAH!
Semper Fi
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.