Michael Rhodanz (Letters, Nov. 19) is, rightfully, concerned about criminals sneaking across the border from Mexico with guns and drugs. But the vast majority of illegals sneaking across the border have no guns or drugs, but simply want work.
Try this scenario: Open the border checkpoints to anyone who wishes to enter the U.S. and conduct searches equal to those for airline passengers. The only ones who would be able to enter would be the workers, while the guns and drugs criminals would have to continue to sneak across the desert.
With the vast majority of persons sneaking across the desert now going through the checkpoints, the border protection agents would have their surveillance task vastly reduced, as the numbers of persons trying to cross the desert would be vastly reduced.
Rhodanz also appears to see no difference in the danger from a terrorist sneaking through the desert alone or in a small group and a terrorist boarding an airliner with hundreds of other passengers.
I believe that the 9/11 terrorists were all legally in the U.S. The government has their priorities in the right place — maximum concentration on the persons exposing the greatest number of persons to serious danger!
Salem Spitz, Gilbert
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rrffcc1 posted at 8:47 am on Sun, Nov 28, 2010.
Way too simple and logical. It makes perfect sense...that's why it'll never happen.
There's no $$ to be made for a Republican, a lawyer or a legislator in this idea. Therefore, DOA.
Dale Whiting posted at 5:05 pm on Sun, Nov 28, 2010.
rrffcc1,
Why not try keeping it simple. KISS [keep is simple, stupid!] has been a management model for years. Yes, Salem. The [Federal] government does have its priorities in the right place. And that is why it is fortunate that SB1070 will be found to be unconstitutional. No system of government can serve two masters. We may not like the Federal master [I have no complaints] but the Feds cannot be the master of immigration policy and have Sheriff Joe running around trying to call the shots.
Rich posted at 9:17 pm on Sun, Nov 28, 2010.
The easiest way to destroy the value of anything is to over supply it. Child porno? publish all you've got and no one can afford to hurt a child. Marijuana,? Legalize it, people can grow it in the closet, no longer fund organized crime. Heroin? Only expensive because it's illegal, change that and bankrupt gangs and criminals. The priority is your fear, which makes it all profitable. And there isn't really an end to it. You allow people to feel you up to fly to Albuquerque. What should be illegal is to show your fear, but you keep right on showing it.
Dale Whiting posted at 7:39 am on Tue, Nov 30, 2010.
Rich,
Good observation. Our fears make fighting terrorism profitable, too. Just look at the price of those full body scanners! And they don't even detect PETN!
EmperorSmith posted at 1:07 pm on Tue, Nov 30, 2010.
This is the stupidist article I have read. Anyone can cross the border, passport in hand and ICE does do profiling. I know I have been. the way to take away from the cartels is either legalese or wall off. I don't care wiitch don't do drugs anymore but you want to have at but I am a avid camper and outdoor lover and I have issues with not being able to feel safe in the southern desert region of our state.