Open Border Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Open Border - Essay Example The easiest answer to why the border wall is a poor idea is this: It lacks a showing of good will on the part of the United States. The border wall is a separatist action that screams, "We have more than you. We know it, and want to make sure you don't have any of it". That not the message that many students on the campus of the University of Texas at Brownville and Texas Southmost College (UTB-TSC) think should be sent. In April 2007, students at UTB-TSC built their own wall. It's a "fence in support of unfenced borders," (Sieff, 2008) Kevin Sieff writes. Sieff quotes student Abraham Ruiz as saying, "So much is going to be separated or destroyed." That is true, and Sieff isn't the only one who believes it. K. Mangan writes, "A fence would send the wrong message" (Mangan, 2007). He adds that the United States government ought to "pursue an alternative to a border fence" (Mangan, 2007). While that statement, too, is correct, promoting good will is only one smart part of why the wall s hould never come to be. Another salient point is the fact that permission to build the wall has "enhanced Department of Homeland Security powers to suspend more than 30 laws" (Mclemore, 2008). Congress understands that this is happening, but using the excuse that the good of the wall will certainly outweigh the bad. The problem with this is that we are talking about 30 laws, not one or two. Obviously, those 30 laws are in place for a reason. Building a fence, that we have no idea will even accomplish the goals the government claims it will, is not a good enough reason to ignore 30 laws. How does the government, even local or state, expect citizens to follow all the rules of society when it, at will, ignores 30 of them This is an example of a democracy that is not democratic. If the American government really felt this wall was in the best interest of the people, why not put it on the next ballot The reason is this: We are not being asked if we think this is a good idea. We are being told that it is. Congre ss has taken the power away from the people. This precedent cannot possible bode well for law abiding, tax paying citizens. What of historical preservations The United States is supposed to be a country that delights in its history. We deem certain building historical landmarks so that we can enjoy them with our children. Then, our children can enjoy them with theirs. Why should that stop to erect a wall or fence UTB-TSC professor Tony Knopp states, "There are strong historic forts along the border that would be affected by the fence. To put up a wall would just destroy the historical ambience" (Sieff, 2008). Historical preservation is important everywhere, even places that border Mexico. It is ludicrous to think that ruining historical landmarks is a good idea - ever. Just as important as preserving history, is the preservation of efforts to leave the environment clean and healthy for people, as well as animals. Congress is actually considering waiving the Safe Drinking Water and Clean Air acts. For the acts to need waiving, means that the building of the wall is a threat the clean drinking water, and air pollution. There is no reason for any entity to threaten drinking water and