Border fence not likely to be built

[liberal N proud]

In border fence’s path, legislative roadblocks

Loopholes mean fence may never be built, at least not as advertised

No sooner did Congress authorize construction of a 700-mile fence on the U.S.-Mexico border last week than lawmakers rushed to approve separate legislation that ensures it will never be built, at least not as advertised, according to Republican lawmakers and immigration experts.

GOP leaders have singled out the fence as one of the primary accomplishments of the recently completed session. Many lawmakers plan to highlight their $1.2 billion down payment on its construction as they campaign in the weeks before the midterm elections.

But shortly before recessing late Friday, the House and Senate gave the Bush administration leeway to distribute the money to a combination of projects -- not just the physical barrier along the southern border. The funds may also be spent on roads, technology and "tactical infrastructure" to support the Department of Homeland Security's preferred option of a "virtual fence."

What's more, in a late-night concession to win over wavering Republicans, GOP congressional leaders pledged in writing that Native American tribes, members of Congress, governors and local leaders would get a say in "the exact placement" of any structure, and that Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff would have the flexibility to use alternatives "when fencing is ineffective or impractical."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15149231/

[annabanana]

1. "..and whatever you do..DON'T TELL THE BASE"

or Lou Dobbs...

Shhhh

}(

[Disturbed]

2. The fence is more Bullshit!

It is estimated to cost $7 billion and would be devastating to wildlife. Enviro Groups would get an injunction against it.

It will never be built and the politicians know it.

Wanna curb illegal immigration?

Enforce the laws on the books now. Raise the fines and jail time for big time employers of illegal immigrants.

[pampango]

6. "Wanna curb illegal immigration?" Not really, but I agree with your

proposed solution.

"Enforce the laws on the books now. Raise the fines and jail time for big time employers of illegal immigrants." I love immigration (for both humanitarian and economic reasons) and have finally figured out that arguing for a crackdown on the employers if the best way for nothing to be done.

Ideally, I would like increased immigration to be legalized, along with an amnesty, and then the new laws enforced strictly, but that's not going to happen. Neither party is going to significantly crack down on the employers of illegal immigrants for political reasons, e.g. courting the Hispanic vote, campaign contributions from employers, fear of short-term economic dislocations, so advocating that as a solution leaves the current flow of immigrants pretty much untouched in the future.

[twilight_sailing]

3. Exactly.

The GOP is trying to have their cake and eat it too.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

4. Perhaps not, but...

You can be sure that a major repuke contributor will make a grunch of money, all the same.

For verily, the repukes see your tax dollars as their play money. It's all about the Benjamins.

[KharmaTrain]

5. How Washington Works - Bait & Switch

The Repugnicans really don't "immigration reform". They want the cheap labor coming up from Mexico & Central America to work the fields and processing plants rather than union workers. Most people only see them at a 7-11 or Home Despot, but the biggest employers of this labor are hidden outta sight...and are major GOOP contributors. Then there are the racists like Tancredo who use the charade of "illegal aliens" as a GOOP codeword to every racist...revving up hate that they wrap up as "protecting our borders". It's all a bullshit game.

This was like the lobbing reform and other "feel good" bills the GOOP promises their base with real intent on delivering. They'll work up some great sounding plan...like a super-duper fence...spend the better week posturing about it in a sham House debate..."pass it"...the behind closed doors cut the funding or put something in the bill that will hang up its enactment.

I'm sure hoping Hispanics are being organized to vote...it'd be sure nice to give Kyl a big election day surprise.