Fence to protect America turns out to be Made in China

[Omaha Steve]

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2007/10/china-steel.html

Fence to protect America turns out to be Made in China

Here's a story that seems a little strange on the surface. The Congressional Steel Caucus, made up of members from steel-making districts, is charging that the new fence going up to protect the United States' southern border from illegal foreigners is being constructed with foreign-made steel.

Chinese steel, to be exact.

"It's outrageous, offensive and unacceptable," Pennsylvania Rep. Jason Altmire tells NBC's Mike Viqueira.

The Congress members say they were tipped off to the foreign-made steel by outraged American union workers and have confirmed with the Department of Homeland Security that specific Buy American provisions written into the law authorizing the fence were waived by the department.

San Diego Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter, who's also running for the GOP presidential nomination and is a frequent critic of Chinese trade policies toward American goods, noted that of the 854 miles of barriers that Congress authorized last year, only 70 miles of single fencing and five miles of double-fencing have gone up.

--Andrew Malcolm

October 21, 2007 in Foreign Policy, Immigration | Permalink

[dbackjon]

1. If it wasn't so sad, it'd be funny

[FtWayneBlue]

2. Reminds me of Tom Russell's "Who's Gonna Build Yer Wall?

which opens with:

I've got 800 miles of open border - right outside my door. There's minute men in little pick up trucks who've decleared their own damn war. Now the government wants to build a barrier like old Berlin 8 feet tall - But if Uncle Sam sends the illegals home who's gonna build the wall?

Who's gonna build your wall boys? Who's gonna mow your lawn? Who's gonna cook your mexican food when your mexican maid is gone? Who's gonna wax the floors tonight down at the local mall?
Who's gonna wash your baby's face? Who's gonna build your wall?

[madrchsod]

3. when gm was building the first saturn plant they were using

canadian steel. we-northwestern steel and wire-shipped some h beams to the plant and as soon as the union ironworkers saw the nwsw stamped on the beam they refused to weld anymore canadian steel. we supplied the majority of the steel used in making the plant....worker solidarity....

[Larynx Oblation]

4. Welcome To Walmart

On the day they complete construction, I can see it now. Crowds of Mushroom Nationals (those who dwell in the dark and thrive on Bu$h*t)standing in front of the wall, erected by immigrant labor. Their shoes, clothes, hats, sun-glasses, flag lapel pins, all made in China. Cheering as they raise the stars & stripes (made in China) while a construction worker adds the finishing touch. A sign facing Mexico stating, WELCOME TO WALMART!

[MadMaddie]

5. This administration has sold America's soul to have deal with

China....

They are putting Americans out of work for their causes.

[DemFromMem]

6. Don't waste good American steel on this travesty

Your tax dollars are funding this right wing propaganda project.

[AZBlue]

7. Swell. So, it will be made of melanin and covered in lead-based paint?