Where's the Security? San Diego's Border Wall Part 1

The most southwesterly point in the United States and most northwesterly point in Baja, California are very special but threatened by construction of an international border fence. The Tijuana Estuary is a transition zone between diverse plant and animal communities supporting 400 species of birds along with fish, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. The integrity of the estuary is threatened by the fence project. The archeological record shows that indigenous populations have been present here for the past ten to twelve thousand years. The Tijuana Estuary is the last tidal salt marsh in this region that has not been impacted by roads, railroads and other human activities. Because of this the United States Fish and Wildlife Service acquired the marsh and set it aside as the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge in 1980. In 1981 the estuary was site selected as a National Estuarine Research Reserve under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, (NOAA). In February of 2005 it was designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. The ecological concerns about construction of three fences brought the public, environmental community, agencies and elected officials together to modify the design. . All attempts were blocked by the Border Patrol. In February 2004 the California Coastal Commission voted against the project. In February 2004 six environmental organizations filed a law suit against the border patrol hoping for a better project. On December 12th of 2005 this law suite was over turned by Judge Burns in San Diego, California. It is clear that any law that would impede the construction of the border fence will be overridden at the discretion of the Secretary of Homeland Security. The public has no recourse to modify the border fence project even if another design saves tax dollars and might be more effective. The constitutionality of process is questionable. This fence is emblematic of the politics of fear.

Dr. Michael McCoy, 8/11/08

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• illegals
• wetlands
• death
• border
• fence
• militarizaton
• Tijuana
• estuary
• san
• diego
• wall
• 9-11
• fascism
• boondoggle
• plutocracy
• minutemen
• unconstitutional
• Hunter
• Bush
• Dumbass

[TubeBoobforyou]

There have been no Mex snipers firing yet.If that did happen, you better believe that the response from the BP would be Massive including the highly trained snipers they have themselves.Smuggling is a business and most on the South side realize that if they go too far, retribution will be immediate and lasting-not good for business. Notedigo, it took more than 10 years to make this project happen. Every nature group and club would have fought this in the courts indefinitely,we needed action now!

[notedigo]

I doubt you have been involved very long, and don't know the history. Not just enviros, but other Fed agencies and State were and are against the project, but Justice (under Clinton) and later DHS refused to compromise. Every1 could have been happy, but ... IMO, compromise and public input are part of the American System. Beginning with Clinton and continuing BIG TIME with Bush, the Exec Branch has overstepped its bounds. This project was meant as a slap in the face of true Democracy.

[notedigo]

Oh, I really would like to see the smugglers in action. Given that there is no way to cross in a vehicle, and BP agents should be able to snag those wearing large backpacks, I can't see how this area could rate in terms of smuggling--compared to Horsethief Canyon, where I HAVE had to hide. But as you pointed out, the area may truly be transformed at night--I may be talking out of my ass. No sarcasm meant. I've got a valid press pass. Can I call your pao to arrange for a ride along?

[1gofastboat]

This dink is out to lunch

[apacheNsuisse]

The walls aren't going to keep anybody out. They are going to keep you in.

[stealth423]

Mexico has a secure southern border, why can't the US do the same? Good fences make good neighbors.

[integralboy]

Your response is very articulate, but the border fence construction has been completely exempt from environmental scrutiny. Michael Chertoff has waived over 30 environmental laws including; the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. Pollution left behind by smugglers is just a small drop in the bucket. Erosion, animal migration, hydrological changes, etc., have contributed to adverse impacts to an already degraded and sensitive estuary.

[usevolutions]

Our company serves in an advisory capacity on security, legal, and environmental issues on border security infrastructure projects. A fence is not the end of a security plan, but a necessary beginning. If properly executed in conjunction with patrol and surveillance technologies, the pollution left by smugglers will go away. Though some of the current border fencing has largely been exempted from environmental scrutiny; a good deal of oversight still remains. I hope this answers your questions.

[integralboy]

What exactly is your expertise? First, the fence is not a solution to security. Second, The pollution caused by smuggling will continue. Third, the construction of the border fence is being conducted with no environmental regulatory oversight. etc...

[usevolutions]

Effective barriers, i.e. fencing, walls, etc. are a neccesary part of any tactical infrastructure plan. The environmental damage caused by smuggling activity is far greater than any caused by the security solution.

[TubeBoobforyou]

It's rare but that have been a couple drive throughs in the Imperial Beach area. The extreme weather patterns in the area ie (fog) dictates much of the activity in the area nowadays. Horsethief Canyon! I know it well my friend and you are absolutely correct, it continues to be a hotbed for Illegal Activity. Yes, you can call the PIO office. I will send you a private message...