Posted on 10/15/2011 11:07:03 PM PDT by Clairity
Aerial surveillance missions such as this one are part of Gov. Rick Perry's multifaceted law enforcement effort, which has operated along Texas' portion of the 2,000-mile-long U.S.-Mexico border for five years.
Unique to Texas, and put in place because of what Perry said was inadequate enforcement by the federal government, the operation is designed to marshal the forces of dozens of state, federal and local entities in a cooperative "boots-on-the ground" offensive in border counties.
The Republican governor has repeatedly cited the law enforcement effort as a display piece in his presidential campaign, while warning that drug violence from Mexico presents "a clear and present danger" to the United States.
The governor's critics accuse the Republican presidential candidate of fear-mongering to score political points and question the value of the law enforcement operation, which has cost more than $400 million since it started in 2006. Even those who live and work along the border differ on the intensity of the threat and whether spillover violence is real or imagined.
A recent report commissioned by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples and DPS Director Steve McCraw, both Perry allies, presents an ominous assessment, saying that Mexican cartels seek to establish a one-county-deep zone inside the Texas border to serve as a point to distribute drugs farther north.
The Obama administration, as well as Texas Democrats in Congress, say that conditions along the border are far more secure than the depiction by Perry and his supporters. In a speech this month, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said that "security along the U.S. border with Mexico is at an apex, and, indeed, those who live and work along it say it is safe and open for business."
(Excerpt) Read more at star-telegram.com ...
Surveillance and “boots on the ground” is what Perry advocates. THAT is what is effective, and if you have that, you don’t need the fence. The fence by itself is not effective, only if it’s “guarded”, as you say. If you guard the border, you don’t need a fence.
The Rio Grande serves as a barrier — some want the US to relinquish it to Mexico, by putting a fence on the US part, denying us to access to the water — how stupid is that?
“There’s security forces here and there, but I’d say it would be pretty difficult to effectively cover that area without a lot more.”
That’s why Perry asked Obama for more National Guard troops, and Obama refused to even accept the letter and refused to meet with Perry to discuss it. Perry handed the letter to some Obama staffer when Obama was at the airport.
It is the Federal government’s responsibility to secure the border. Perry, as president, would secure the border, because he is the only one of the candidates who really understands the problem and how to solve it.
“That’s why Cains plan of soldiers with real guns and real bullets to back up the electric fence is so appealling to the law abiding. “
Sure, let’s promise something that sounds tough, but totally unworkable and the gullible conservatives will follow you like lemmings.
Cain is becoming a caricature of a conservatives and a snake oil salesman.
“and question the value of the law enforcement operation, which has cost (Texas) more than $400 million since it started in 2006.”
1. Where is the SOURCE of your number?
2. What fraction of the Texas budget is this?
It's only unworkable if Establishment Republicans, which it appears you are one, have a say on how it's implemented.
That method has proven effective for thousands of years, and all around the world.
Ignorance is an ugly thing.
There’s no rhyme nor reason to anything Perry does on the campaign trail.
If (BIG IF) he did have this fix-it border plan, why did it take him weeks, four failed debates, several print and TV interviews.....to mention it?
He’s so into himself, he’s completely clueless WRT to the American electorate’s priorities.
This guy flys by the seat of his pants-—like a practiced con artist. He says and does as little as possible——whatever he can get away with.
His supporters claim he’s still believable? Hey, it works in Texas. All he has to do is look like the Marlboro Man, mouth a few platitudes about “secession” and he’s assured of reelection.
Perry’s campaign theme song in Texas is “Stand By Your Man.” ROTFL.
Now, out in the Real World, the more visible Perry gets on the 2012 hustings—the more you know he’s hiding plenty below the radar.
Rick is now in survivor mode, hoping to dodge and weave his way through the primary process with lift provided from campaign cash and his choir continually singing his praises.
N-i-c-e take.
Rick saying he "raised" $17 million is so phony---note that he cunningly used a figure that was just a tad over Romney's pickup.
Ricardo came into the race with millions and millions of dollars. He has three PACs that we know of---could be many many more.
He promised Texas voters that if they reelected him he would not run for president----AT THE SAME TIME he was raising $55 million for the 2012 race----from one PAC alone.
He still can't grasp he's in the real world now---that there are people outside Texas who have taken the measure of the man and found him grossly lacking in presidential qualities.
The means and motive for drug violence are the inflated profits made possible by drug criminalization. Relegalize drugs and we'll hear as much about drug violence as we do about tobacco violence.
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