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Return to Article: Probe finds major security gaps along U.S.-Canada border

• 34316
  

  I was disgusted to see Chairman Baucus, obviously pandering to the C-Span camera, tear into CPB Dep. Chief Ron Colburn, who has served honorably in the US Border Patrol for almost 30 years, as did his father before him, over so called security shortfalls on the Northern Border. He should look at the Senate's dismal record over the past thirty years in funding the border and interior security of the United States and get out of Washington, DC and see what the real world is like on the Borders!

  Hugh Brien Posted October 3, 2007 10:07 AM
• 34114
  

  "Mind over Matter"? Without a consensus on illegal infiltration, all the technotoys are useless. When you have various groups, including churches and synagogues advocating illegal immigration, and the Leftists equating this federal crime with the nonsense words of Emma Lazarus on the Statute of Liberty, it's hard to protect this nation. Illegal infiltration is a BORDER SECURITY ISSUE, not an immigration one. Immigration reform is certainly needed, but not by waving our magic wand over millions of Third World illiterate peasants and giving them instant citizenship. This is definitely the big issue. We will eventually leave Iraq, but without common American values and beliefs, forget it! Diversity NEVER unifies, it always divides. Wake up America, we're still losing.

  US Customs Senior Inspector (Retired) Posted October 1, 2007 10:11 AM
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  Aren't the Canadians our allies? Why can't we enlist their aid in securing the northern border? In the larger context, all freedom loving countries need to be aggressively involved in the fight against terrorism and Islamo-fascism. This is a war of culture and religion. Those folks need to be stopped, and we all are soldiers in this war.

  Steve C. Posted October 1, 2007 8:27 AM
• 34036
  

  Why are we broadcasting this information to our enemies?

  American Taxpayer Posted September 28, 2007 2:52 PM
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  Taxpayer...

  Mostly because it's not P.C., and our leaders wouldn't go for it. That would be a public relations nightmare (akin to the Berlin Wall). In addition, accidents would inevitably occur, resulting in collateral damage to "friendlies", leading to nasty words from the hypocrites at the UN, as well as homegrown critics like the ACLU.

  ICEd Posted September 28, 2007 2:10 PM
• 34023
  

  As mentioned earlier, land mines might be a good idea especially on the southern boarder and in the woods on the northern. Plow 100 feet in from the border, plant mines, and post signs that there are mines. If someone crosses, they are at their own risk. Problem solved. Also start a program to fine employers who hire(and others who shelter or comfort) illegals $25,000 a day per illegal employee. Triple inspectors. Problem (and deficit)solved.

  Make english the official and only language used in Gov't and industry. Otherwise, we will soon have spanish as the national language.

  Gadfly Posted September 28, 2007 12:43 PM
• 34008
  

  Why should this be a surprise to anyone? Look at all the money the federal government has spent on securing the southern border and the country gets more illegal aliens coming across the border every year. Anyone that thinks the borders are secured in the United States has a serious case of denial.

  taxpayer Posted September 28, 2007 10:13 AM
• 33988
  

  ICEd,

  Just out of curiosity, why not barbed wire and land mines? Isn't the US a sovereign country with an obligation to protect it's borders from all invaders, no matter the invaders' purpose?

  a taxpater and a federal worker Posted September 28, 2007 8:09 AM
• 33985
  

  This just in: CPB issues shoot to kill order for geeks carrying red duffel bags.

  I feel safer already!

  Sarcasticus Posted September 28, 2007 8:00 AM
• 33967
  

  GAO should fire the officials who fire and persecute the inspectors/agents that work at the Borders who are doing the job in protecting the line,instead these people discourage allot of men/woman who would like to become like them because their afraid of going to prison because of choosing the wrong side.

  Vick Posted September 28, 2007 3:00 AM
• 33948
  

  I wonder how many gaps there are along the coastlines of the US? Why would someone risk getting caught in "another" country when they can just sail in directly to their intended destination?

  Anton Colbo Posted September 27, 2007 2:47 PM
• 33939
  

  It must be nice to be in the GAO, taking pot shots at everyone. No matter who you look at, you'll find something to criticize, because we live in an imperfect world. That's all well and good, and I suppose, even necessary, in order to keep everyone on their toes. However, my question is, who looks at the GAO, and holds them accountable for what they do?

  Hmmm Posted September 27, 2007 12:28 PM
• 33938
  

  This is news? The Northern border has been the neglected stepchild for years. Of course it's easy to find an unguarded spot to cross, given the vast distances involved, and the small number of officers assigned there. Unless you place a Border Patrol agent every 100 yards from the Atlantic to the Pacific, there will always be gaps. As my daughter would say to GAO, "Thank you, Captain Obvious"!

  There is undoubtably a lot more that can and should be done, but you'll never make the border totally secure. That's an impossibility, unless you resort to barbed wire and land mines, which will never happen, and shouldn't.

  ICEd Posted September 27, 2007 12:22 PM