It has struck me in all the faux arguments against a wall — from its immorality to its ineffectiveness — that one could argue the contrary case: show me where well-built walls were not effective!
It seems to me that throughout history, walls have defined the boundaries between poverty and wealth, tribal cultures and civilization. In the 20th and 21st centuries, walls have demarcated the boundaries between crime and safety.
In Mexico, where my wife and I have lived off and on for more than 20 years, walls — and bars — define almost every house in every city.
The idea that technology (drones, et al.) can replace a wall is gratuitous and reminiscent of the wars in which we were always promised that air power would obviate “boots on the ground.” But this has always proved untrue. Think of walls as an extension of boots on the ground. Think of walls as an iconic statement of seriousness and sovereignty. Walls extend and amplify what personnel cannot accomplish, but for thousands more deployed, an unacceptable expense.
Build the wall and the national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border will be ameliorated. Leave open this porous international line and the tens of thousands of illegal immigrants working their way north will produce an increase in drugs and crime and a steady decrease in our standard of living.
— David Williams
Anchorage
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