Even as the politicians jockey to position themselves for the coming round of city commission elections, workmen labor to erect a symbol of goodwill to our southern neighbors, and to mar the scenery between both countries.
For months prior to the fence going up, local leaders postured and preened themselves as they sought to convey their message that they were at the forefront of opposition to the menacing structure. A local college president drew the line in the manicured lawns at the university, and after accomplishing her public relations coup, relented and the government had its fence, albeit adorned with aesthetically pleasing plants and metal fixtures.At the municipal level, there was never a hint of unity as a headstrong mayor went at it alone and alienated his fellows on the commission. One of them was a Customs employee, sitting in on the executive sessions where the tactics to counter his employer's plans to circle the wagons were discussed. The others fought against the mayor and resisted having the city join an alliance with other border towns to fight the government in court.
Inevitably, and inexorably, here comes the fence.
It will stand as an eyesore that seeks to obscure the view of our country from them, and our view of their country from us. Will it deter illegal migration? Probably not. Hunger and economic desperation and the absence of order and law in northern Mexico are powerful factors that will not be deterred by steel and concrete.
But for now, the fence will stand as a reminder to local residents of the failure of our political leadership to work together with a united goal. We got, it appears, what we deserve.
3 comments:
...bad wall, bad policy, a chance for Brownsville and the university to make a stand, which they didn't ....
...the come and go of shoppers, pedestrians, motorists ...most do NOT see the wall, too too busy with the day-to-day ....
Again, you, Mr. Montoya, have your eyes and mind trained on injustice ....
Paz Pan Salud
I for one is disappointed it's a "decorative fence" and not a real concrete wall that's 30' high 10' thick by 20' underground reinforcement!!!!!!
If FENCES OR WALLS DO NOT DETER, THEN WHY 99% HOMES ARE FENCED? WHY THE "RICH" FENCE THEIR HOUSES WITH VERY VERY TALL CONCRETE WALLS WITH TONS OF SECURITY DEVICES!!!!!!
WHY???
I'LL TELL YOU WHY TO "PROTECT" OUR PROPERTY AND SELVES FROM BEING VICTIMS OF THEFT OR DEATH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THE SAME PRINCIPAL APPLIES TO THE EXCESSIVE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION. THEY ARE KILLING AMERICANS & STEALING THE COUNTRY'S TREASURE THAT IT HAS REACH TO A POINT OF HURTING EVERY TAX PAYING CITIZEN OF AMERICA. THE "FENCE" IS THE FIRST OF MANY OTHER STEPS TO TAKE TO PROTECT AMERICA.
What have or "neighbors" in Mexico done to make the river beautiful, scenic and safe....NADA! Why do we worry, the violence in Mexico is a worse eyesore than any wall. We have closed UTB and businesses due to violence and gunshots from the other side....not friendly, not scenic and supports the idea for the wall. As long as Mexicans choose corruption, bloodshed and violence...why not have a wall. As long as Mexicans don't care enough about their country to effect change....why should we wait until the violence moves to this side. As long as the Mexicans don't care....why should we?
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