We will all remember where we were when we heard the news that Osama bin Laden finally faced the justice that he so richly deserved. Beyond the deep pride and satisfaction that I felt for our men and women in service who put their lives on the lines each and every day for our safety, I couldn’t help but wish to be transported to the spiritual realm where Public Enemy No. 1 learned that his 72 virgins were not to be. That would be justice.
I also felt, for the first time, a sense of pride about our president. This is the first time that I felt in his presidency that he understood the threat that faces America and understands the resources that are at his disposal.
As to be expected, many conspiracies surfaced almost immediately over the president’s handling of the situation. But let’s face it, bin Laden was killed under Obama’s watch and under his direction. He deserves the credit for showing his commitment in keeping in line with the Bush polices that eventually led to the killing of the 9/11 mastermind.
Now that Obama has shown signs of understanding the technology and resources that are afforded to the most powerful man in the free world, it’s time to focus on one of the biggest threats to our national security — the southern border.
Just about every American expects some sort of blowback over the killing of bin Laden. We don’t know where or when, but deep down in our hearts we are expecting some sort of retaliation. Yet, as a country, we still have not taken the appropriate measures to protect our nation. The southern border still remains porous with tens of thousands of illegals coming into this country each year.
The problem is that we have no idea what else and who else is coming across the border. Are there terrorists entering our country? Perhaps a dirty bomb or two? Will the blowback exceed 9/11?
Many critics have opposed the idea of building a wall across the American/Mexican border. Their position is that the use of technology to build a “virtual wall” would be more effective. The problem is we lack the evidence to support the effectiveness of this so called “virtual” wall.
It’s ironic that in the killing of bin Laden, we went “old school” on the al-Qaida leader. Bin Laden reportedly refused to equip his so-called mansion with any sources of technology such as phone lines, computers and Internet connections. He utilized the services of personal couriers to communicate with his al-Qaida network. Our intelligence community was forced to revert back to pre-Facebook days to track him and locate his whereabouts. There were no trappings of phone lines and intercepted email communications to be used against the terrorist. It was “old school” espionage.
Let’s go back to the old fashion border techniques that have worked for countries and nations for thousands of years — bricks and mortar. We have the technology and resources. Let’s finally demonstrate that we are serious about protecting our borders and keeping Americans safe and build the damn wall.
• Michael Weinstein is co-host of the “The Mike & Winey Show” heard frequently at KFYI (550 AM) and at www.kknt960.com. He can be reached at winey@mikeandwiney.com.
Dale Whiting posted at 1:48 pm on Fri, May 6, 2011.
Whiney,
Please list your qualifications and those of the many who advise you to understand the threats that face America and the resources that are at the President's disposal to deal with them.
Have you served in the military or ever attended an advanced military training school? Have you worked gathering intelligence or analyzing it? Have you any experience whatsoever in diplomacy? Have you carefully and thoughtfully studied Islam to learn what if any of its doctrines support terrorists goals? Have you ever even talked to a Muslim?
Now you appear to wish that we drop what were are doing in the middle east and focus on the crime passing both north and south across our border with Mexico. What can you tell us about this problem? Have you ever crossed the border with Mexico? Have you ever even talked to a citizen of Mexico?
Have you gone much beyond your high school diploma? Your columns do not evidence much beyond 12th grade!
You mix terrorism with border problems, yet you ignor the larger border problem to focus on terrorists. Admittedly one terrorist did try to smuggle explosives down from Canada, Canada of all places, not Mexico! You say, "Let’s go back to the old fashion border techniques that have worked for countries and nations for thousands of years — bricks and mortar." Have you ever even heard of the Magino line? Had you studies military tactics, you would have learned about "defense in depth." Only those nations foolish enough to believe in this old fashioned technique have suffered the severe consequences of building one and then depending upon it. France before WW II and Imperial China head up the list. Would you have the US be added to this list?
I assure you, the advisors to President Obama know better than do you how to mix border security with counter-terrorism tactics. And I am confident that if I discussed our confusing and troubled relations with Pakistan, you would be shocked to see how much more important it is that your project to build another Magino Line or Great Wall of Mexico.
Fear not, Whiney. Our country is as reasonably safe as it ever will be. Threats to our Homeland Security are a natural consequence of the age of swift transportation, international commerce and the relaxation of old fashined border security measures needed to promote this global economy. And I doubt the Koch Brothers would wish you to interfere with this trade.
Sure we can do more. But building another Magino line is not on the list of "more to be done." No one will be supporting you for President of these United States. But no matter what you say, so long as you pander to narrow minded Neo-con thinking, your position as a pundit is secure! But that's it.
If some Neo-con out there would like to look up the spelling of Magino, do so. I have forgotten it's spelling, but not its lesson.
Slabside posted at 3:31 pm on Fri, May 6, 2011.
Good commentary Michael. Pay no attention to Captain Neo-Con... he is off his meds yet again.
wdgnas posted at 5:39 am on Sat, May 7, 2011.
let's not forget about the economy.
Leon Ceniceros posted at 8:05 am on Sat, May 7, 2011.
wow....did the pharmacy run out of Prozac or something..........[wink]