Posted on 12/21/2007 6:57:49 PM PST by SwinneySwitch
McALLEN — The Texas Border Coalition — the anti-border fence group made up of elected officials along the Texas-Mexico border — is demanding the U.S. Department of Homeland Security meet with local leaders in light of the appropriations bill Congress passed Wednesday.
“The consultation we’ve been having with them up until now, it’s just been smoke and mirrors,” said coalition Chairman Chad Foster, the mayor of Eagle Pass.
“Now, we’re getting the Texas congressional delegation involved to make sure DHS is sincere when they sit down.”
The border coalition has been trying to get DHS to listen to alternatives to a physical border fence ever since the project became public earlier this year.
Now, mayors and county judges are banking on language within the $556 billion spending bill, which President Bush is expected to sign shortly. It states the agency must meet with “local governments, Indian tribes and property owners in the United States to minimize the impact on the environment, culture, commerce and quality of life for the communities and residents located near sites which such funding is to be constructed.”
Foster said he believed that to be a stronger mandate to Chertoff than what previous Congressional legislation had outlined.
“It gives him some discretion that he has not perceived he had in the past,” Foster said.
Local leaders have been urging DHS to incorporate the border fence into the levee system that runs along the Rio Grande, a proposal the agency denied in its recent environmental assessment. This week, Hidalgo County officials expressed confidence the federal government would revisit the plan.
On Thursday, a DHS spokeswoman provided the following statement regarding the border coalition letter.
“We value the input of local officials and other stakeholders when it comes to border infrastructure, and we go to great lengths to listen to their perspective,” the statement read.
“But we're ultimately going to rely on the Border Patrol to tell us what type of fencing, technology or other infrastructure they need and where they need it.” ____ James Osborne covers McAllen and general assignments for The Monitor. You can reach him at (956) 683-4428.
Quislings Alert!
If you want on, or off this S. Texas/Mexico ping list, please FReepMail me.
Bush and Chertoff are a laughable/crying disgrace on this issue. Both give a big FU to WE THE PEOPLE.
Leave them to the tender mercies of the Mexicans.
“the anti-border fence group made up of elected officials along the Texas-Mexico border”.
Maybe, just maybe they are RELATED to the julios who are illegally entering this country.
Or, they benefit from the illegals who pass through their area and pay tribute/passage to these elected officials.
You think, maybe?
What with the possibility of a bad decision by the Supremes in DC v. Heller I would suggest to all that you invest all available money in ammo till the outcome of the case.
Especially if you are near or in a southern Border state. It is clear from "The Hutchinson Amendment" that the fence is bogus. A sham. More opiate for the masses. Another Abaddon lie from the DC Crew.
And that is the fence they are going to have, according to Kay Bailey and the rest of “our good shepherds” in DC.
>>>The Texas Border Coalition<<<
Whenever the ‘left’ wants to control something, they always create a self appointed group.
Excellent idea!
And let those who are against the fence pay the health and education costs of the illegals that do get in.
well said beast.
>>>The border coalition has been trying to get DHS to listen to alternatives to a physical border fence ever since the project became public earlier this year.
Let me guess, Project 28?
http://blog.barofintegrity.us/2007/12/18/why-is-there-a-bill-to-gut-the-border-fence-money.aspx
Why is there a bill to gut the border fence money?
Okay, then.
The Texas Border Coalition members should be happy to pick up any costs associated illegal aliens who enter the U.S. from their property.
A comment so trenchant it bears repeating. A sentiment I have been voicing on FR since before it could be done without allegations of bigotry greeting it.
It is interesting and ironic that the previous thread, in which I posted my take on the dangers of isolationism as represented by the recovery of the 12th century chinese ship and China's subsequent retreat from exploration into a dark age, demonstrates the real dangers of jingoism. It is necessary to distinguish the very real cultural and political threat of mindless immigration from the know-nothingness of the Chinese. We are accused of the later but the pendulum has swung so far to the left that the republic is in actual danger of disintigration.
The only issue I’m voting for in future elections is border security.
Those yahoos against putting up fences are driven by all the mexicans they represent and that only.
The rest of the country as to contend with all of the criminals and drug dealers being exported by Mexico and the Central American rabble making their way into our country.
ping
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.