OPPOSE THE BORDER WALL
Target:
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Chertoff
Sponsored by:
We oppose the construction of a solid wall along more than 700 miles of the United States / Mexico border. A wall that tears through border communities will cause terrible economic damage, impacting agriculture, ecotourism, retail sales, and private property. It will cause grave social harm, separating families and sending a terrible message to our neighbors. The route specified by the Secure Fence Act of 2006 will take it through National Wildlife Refuges, other parks, and riparian habitat critical for the survival of migrating birds as well as threatened and endangered species. The border wall will cost billions of dollars and even the Department of Homeland Security has said that it will only slow down, not stop, people who cross the border illegally.
We oppose the construction of a solid wall along more than 700 miles of the United States / Mexico border. A wall that tears through border communities will cause terrible economic damage, impacting agriculture, ecotourism, retail sales, and private property. It will cause grave social harm, separating families and sending a terrible message to our neighbors. The route specified by the Secure Fence Act of 2006 will take it through National Wildlife Refuges, other parks, and riparian habitat critical for the survival of migrating birds as well as threatened and endangered species. The border wall will cost billions of dollars and even the Department of Homeland Security has said that it will only slow down, not stop, people who cross the border illegally.
We the undersigned urge you to refrain from building walls along our southern border that will to tremendous damage to our communities, economy, and environment, but will have almost no effect on immigration.
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We signed the "OPPOSE THE BORDER WALL" petition!
# 2,471:
4:53 pm PDT, Aug 29,
Debi Kennedy, Utah
in addn to all other bad aspects of the wall, property owners on the US side are getting a raw deal.
in addn to all other bad aspects of the wall, property owners on the US side are getting a raw deal.
# 2,470:
12:58 pm PDT, Aug 29,
David Austin, New Jersey
Too dang expensive. Will not work. This is not the America I believe in.
Too dang expensive. Will not work. This is not the America I believe in.
# 2,469:
10:36 am PDT, Aug 29,
Patrick McIntosh, Ohio
# 2,468:
8:25 am PDT, Aug 29,
Billie Greenwood, Iowa
The border wall is an ineffective posturing which is of questionable legality, damages the environment, endangers humans, and is inordinately expensive.
The border wall is an ineffective posturing which is of questionable legality, damages the environment, endangers humans, and is inordinately expensive.
# 2,467:
5:40 am PDT, Aug 29,
Ruth Chatlien, Illinois
The wall also forces people into more dangerous territory and increases the deaths of those who are trying to cross. It is inhumane.
The wall also forces people into more dangerous territory and increases the deaths of those who are trying to cross. It is inhumane.
# 2,466:
3:02 pm PDT, Aug 28,
Evelyn Bone, Massachusetts
Do you think we should be building a border wall? Read the reports and news on-line that is coming from the people in these areas. Seek out the truth because you won’t see it on the News. Building this wall, under the direction of Homeland Security, is breaking many, many Federal Acts and laws with total disregard for the negative consequences already being seen. People are having their land divided, stolen, because it is rendering it inaccessible to those that own it. Families are being divided because there are homes on the American "Mexican" side of this wall. Those with homes on the American "Mexican" side of the fence will be cut off from Emergency Services and access to everyday services and needs such as going to the grocery store, being with their family and friends. Homeland Security and the Boeing Company are disregarding basic American citizens rights, breaking Federal Acts and laws causing far more harm on a multitude of levels for a plan that all admit will not work. How can it be justified, in any way, taking American land, damaging American lands, communities and families by erecting a fence/wall? How can the government and the courts support the fact that it is alright that American citizens land is now inaccessible to the American that own it because it is now deemed the "Mexican" side? How can the government promote and the courts support fencing/walling off American people with their homes, some which has been in the family for generations, and parts of a community, relegating theses areas to a no man's land. This is doing so much more damage than any good that could ever come of it? We need to let the government know this wall is a bad idea, that it should not be built any further. This wall smacks of another wall in history, the Berlin Wall, an atrocity the American people and government fought so hard against. As said in the past about the other infamous wall, by President Regan, “tear down this wall,” take down the parts already built. Billions of our tax dollars are being used to build something that is damaging to American lands, communities and people. There are far more important and pressing issues that are worsening and could be helped with all these Tax Dollars. Add your voice to all the other Americans petitioning and speaking against this wall. Let your government representatives know that you know the damage being done to the land, people and communities with billions of your tax dollars. Let them know that we know Federal Acts and laws are being broken by Homeland Security and Boeing in the name of building this wall, a plan that will not accomplish what they say is the purpose of this wall, costing Americans billions of tax dollars.
Do you think we should be building a border wall? Read the reports and news on-line that is coming from the people in these areas. Seek out the truth because you won’t see it on the News. Building this wall, under the direction of Homeland Security, is breaking many, many Federal Acts and laws with total disregard for the negative consequences already being seen. People are having their land divided, stolen, because it is rendering it inaccessible to those that own it. Families are being divided because there are homes on the American "Mexican" side of this wall. Those with homes on the American "Mexican" side of the fence will be cut off from Emergency Services and access to everyday services and needs such as going to the grocery store, being with their family and friends. Homeland Security and the Boeing Company are disregarding basic American citizens rights, breaking Federal Acts and laws causing far more harm on a multitude of levels for a plan that all admit will not work. How can it be justified, in any way, taking American land, damaging American lands, communities and families by erecting a fence/wall? How can the government and the courts support the fact that it is alright that American citizens land is now inaccessible to the American that own it because it is now deemed the "Mexican" side? How can the government promote and the courts support fencing/walling off American people with their homes, some which has been in the family for generations, and parts of a community, relegating theses areas to a no man's land. This is doing so much more damage than any good that could ever come of it? We need to let the government know this wall is a bad idea, that it should not be built any further. This wall smacks of another wall in history, the Berlin Wall, an atrocity the American people and government fought so hard against. As said in the past about the other infamous wall, by President Regan, “tear down this wall,” take down the parts already built. Billions of our tax dollars are being used to build something that is damaging to American lands, communities and people. There are far more important and pressing issues that are worsening and could be helped with all these Tax Dollars. Add your voice to all the other Americans petitioning and speaking against this wall. Let your government representatives know that you know the damage being done to the land, people and communities with billions of your tax dollars. Let them know that we know Federal Acts and laws are being broken by Homeland Security and Boeing in the name of building this wall, a plan that will not accomplish what they say is the purpose of this wall, costing Americans billions of tax dollars.
# 2,465:
9:06 am PDT, Aug 26,
Mimi Linehan, Mississippi
The border wall is fiscally irresponsible, environmentally damaging, ineffective and anti american.
The border wall is fiscally irresponsible, environmentally damaging, ineffective and anti american.
# 2,464:
3:24 pm PDT, Aug 25,
Tina Bearden, Texas
Why????? To many reasons to list. NO BORDER WALL NO BORDER WALL
Why????? To many reasons to list. NO BORDER WALL NO BORDER WALL
# 2,463:
2:30 pm PDT, Aug 25,
Faith Gil de Boren, Texas
I believe "the wall" is barbaric and an antiquated and ineffective solution for a very important issue. Not only will the wall disrupt our already fragile ecological system, it will not solve the problem of illegal immigration. Rather than spending so much on a physical barrier that will only require more money for maintenance and supervision, we should invest in a foreign worker program and programs that will educate and boost the economy of our neighbor Mexico. It is apparent that immigrants will always find away to go where there is more opportunity so we are better served to do our part and invest in their communities so that there is more opportunity in Mexico and thus eliminating the need or reason for the mass immigration so many fear. Sincerely, Faith Gil de Boren
I believe "the wall" is barbaric and an antiquated and ineffective solution for a very important issue. Not only will the wall disrupt our already fragile ecological system, it will not solve the problem of illegal immigration. Rather than spending so much on a physical barrier that will only require more money for maintenance and supervision, we should invest in a foreign worker program and programs that will educate and boost the economy of our neighbor Mexico. It is apparent that immigrants will always find away to go where there is more opportunity so we are better served to do our part and invest in their communities so that there is more opportunity in Mexico and thus eliminating the need or reason for the mass immigration so many fear. Sincerely, Faith Gil de Boren
# 2,461:
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11:04 am PDT, Aug 25,
Bring the wall down Forever!!, Iowa
the wall sucks y build a wall when it wont do anything but slow the imagrants down and anyways the terrorists came in legally. |
# 2,458:
10:34 am PDT, Aug 25,
John Doe, Iowa
# 2,456:
7:52 pm PDT, Aug 24,
Donna Browning, Texas
The Texas border is one country, both Mexico and Texas. Although the Rio Grande is a natural border, there is no real border. Texans are as one with Mexicans on the border as are Canadians on the northern border. The only difference is the economy between the two nations. Let's restore the open border we had 10 years ago. It's the natural thing to do. Let's not put up more fences. We are all one humanity.
The Texas border is one country, both Mexico and Texas. Although the Rio Grande is a natural border, there is no real border. Texans are as one with Mexicans on the border as are Canadians on the northern border. The only difference is the economy between the two nations. Let's restore the open border we had 10 years ago. It's the natural thing to do. Let's not put up more fences. We are all one humanity.
# 2,455:
9:20 am PDT, Aug 24,
Jose M Del Castillo, Texas
Is loaded gun to our ecosystem!!
Is loaded gun to our ecosystem!!
# 2,454:
6:00 pm PDT, Aug 23,
Kenneth Saxon, Texas
# 2,453:
6:27 am PDT, Aug 23,
Name not displayed, New Hampshire
The border wall is a weak attempt to assuage voter outrage concerning the threat of illegal immigration. The wall sends mixed messages because on the one hand, there is a wall, on the other there is greater protection for Mexican illegal immigrants than illegal immigrants from other countries. By providing illegal immigrants more freedoms and ability to gain social services from our goverment we welcome the continued flow of these people across the border. So the wall does nothing but confuse our complicated agenda towards Mexico, and the wall has nothing to do with the terrorist threat. BRING THE WALL DOWN!!
The border wall is a weak attempt to assuage voter outrage concerning the threat of illegal immigration. The wall sends mixed messages because on the one hand, there is a wall, on the other there is greater protection for Mexican illegal immigrants than illegal immigrants from other countries. By providing illegal immigrants more freedoms and ability to gain social services from our goverment we welcome the continued flow of these people across the border. So the wall does nothing but confuse our complicated agenda towards Mexico, and the wall has nothing to do with the terrorist threat. BRING THE WALL DOWN!!
# 2,452:
11:51 am PDT, Aug 22,
Jaime Freilich, New York
It isn't fair to hurt so many people by denying them the jobs that they need to survive.
It isn't fair to hurt so many people by denying them the jobs that they need to survive.
# 2,451:
6:58 am PDT, Aug 22,
Diane Echavarria, Texas
The wall will not fix the problem of illegal immigration. It is a terrible waste of money and human resources. Walls are bad symbols and I believe that our founding mothers and fathers would find this deplorable. Don't pollute the beautiful Rio Grande Valley with the wall.
The wall will not fix the problem of illegal immigration. It is a terrible waste of money and human resources. Walls are bad symbols and I believe that our founding mothers and fathers would find this deplorable. Don't pollute the beautiful Rio Grande Valley with the wall.
# 2,450:
8:10 am PDT, Aug 21,
Asli Gedik, Germany
# 2,449:
10:07 pm PDT, Aug 20,
Stephanny Gonzales, Texas
We have knocked down too many walls throughout history to make the mistake of raising another.
We have knocked down too many walls throughout history to make the mistake of raising another.
# 2,448:
8:52 pm PDT, Aug 20,
Sam Sills, New York
# 2,447:
2:52 pm PDT, Aug 20,
Denise Wallace, Massachusetts
# 2,446:
2:05 pm PDT, Aug 20,
Robert Schwartz, Massachusetts
# 2,445:
1:33 pm PDT, Aug 20,
Jerome Collins, Texas
Mr. Bush! Tear Down This Wall!
Mr. Bush! Tear Down This Wall!
# 2,444:
9:26 am PDT, Aug 20,
Brandy CELEDON, Texas
# 2,443:
1:47 pm PDT, Aug 19,
Cathy Schwartz, Massachusetts
When residents of both sides of the border express opposition to a fence in the middle of their community, they should be listened to. Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras is one example. Both mayors and residents came out on a march to oppose this foolishness. The US Government is getting very good at treating people as though they don't exist.
When residents of both sides of the border express opposition to a fence in the middle of their community, they should be listened to. Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras is one example. Both mayors and residents came out on a march to oppose this foolishness. The US Government is getting very good at treating people as though they don't exist.
# 2,442:
6:31 pm PDT, Aug 17,
Name not displayed, Indiana
I do not feel that this wall is going to solve the problem. I also do not not think it is fair that American citizens are going to find themselves and their property behind the wall. What will become of them ? What will happen to them what about there property rights and rights as United States Citizens.
I do not feel that this wall is going to solve the problem. I also do not not think it is fair that American citizens are going to find themselves and their property behind the wall. What will become of them ? What will happen to them what about there property rights and rights as United States Citizens.
# 2,441:
9:42 am PDT, Aug 17,
Mary Monaghan, Pennsylvania
I do not have enough information regarding why not to build the wall. My horror is where they are building the wall. How can a government,to whom we pay a great deal of our money in taxes, be allowed to do such an injustice to these AMERICAN PEOPLE. Why isn't the fence directly on the border. China managed to accomplish this task in the time of the first Emperor Qui Choa Mong Di, why must the wheel be reinvented? How many more Americans are going to find themselves behing "THE WALL"?
I do not have enough information regarding why not to build the wall. My horror is where they are building the wall. How can a government,to whom we pay a great deal of our money in taxes, be allowed to do such an injustice to these AMERICAN PEOPLE. Why isn't the fence directly on the border. China managed to accomplish this task in the time of the first Emperor Qui Choa Mong Di, why must the wheel be reinvented? How many more Americans are going to find themselves behing "THE WALL"?
# 2,440:
5:25 pm PDT, Aug 16,
Tina DePaolo, New Hampshire
# 2,439:
3:10 pm PDT, Aug 16,
Name not displayed, Florida
do we really think this is going help? dont think so...
do we really think this is going help? dont think so...
# 2,438:
2:07 pm PDT, Aug 16,
Cindy Bryan, Louisiana
# 2,437:
8:19 am PDT, Aug 16,
Raina Michalovic, Texas
I don't want to be boarded up and kept in any more than I would want to be walled off and kept out, and I don't believe that it is our place to start implementing physical dividers and walls to reinforce our borders... isn't it bad enough that the world is divided by imagined polictical boundaries? United we stand?
I don't want to be boarded up and kept in any more than I would want to be walled off and kept out, and I don't believe that it is our place to start implementing physical dividers and walls to reinforce our borders... isn't it bad enough that the world is divided by imagined polictical boundaries? United we stand?
# 2,436:
10:24 pm PDT, Aug 15,
Sarah Doeur, California
I am a child & family therapist currently working in Los Angeles, CA. Most of the families I serve are Hispanic. I am understanding the cost of a border wall and what it will do do our communities. It will tear them apart & harm our families, friends, & the clients whom I work with everyday. I will not support that cause. Immigrants, undocumented or documented should be treated equally and this border wall will not make a difference in keeping people out or in or whatever your plan is. It will only make everyone's situation worse. I urge you NOT to do this. I completely oppose the border wall. Thank you for your time
I am a child & family therapist currently working in Los Angeles, CA. Most of the families I serve are Hispanic. I am understanding the cost of a border wall and what it will do do our communities. It will tear them apart & harm our families, friends, & the clients whom I work with everyday. I will not support that cause. Immigrants, undocumented or documented should be treated equally and this border wall will not make a difference in keeping people out or in or whatever your plan is. It will only make everyone's situation worse. I urge you NOT to do this. I completely oppose the border wall. Thank you for your time
# 2,435:
7:14 pm PDT, Aug 15,
Bobby Woodie, Texas
because it will take away citizens property rights for the sake of big business and seperate them from the usa ,hey its not what we want its what the dictator wants meaning BUSH and his buddies
because it will take away citizens property rights for the sake of big business and seperate them from the usa ,hey its not what we want its what the dictator wants meaning BUSH and his buddies
# 2,434:
2:13 pm PDT, Aug 15,
Theda Janise, Texas
# 2,433:
2:36 pm PDT, Aug 14,
Elizabeth Cruz, Texas
The wall will be endangering several species of animals.
The wall will be endangering several species of animals.
# 2,432:
1:38 pm PDT, Aug 14,
Lee Hoy, Texas
Why do you think that we should not build a Border Wall?
Why do you think that we should not build a Border Wall?
# 2,431:
7:20 am PDT, Aug 14,
Tonya Goodell, Connecticut
The fact that this travesty has gotten this far is a testament to the lunacy of the Real ID act of 2005 and the power it has given our government to over ride the power that was once in the hands of the people. The power given to Homeland Security is misappropriated in this situation as the main reason for fence is to stop illegal immigration. How about solving the real problem instead of putting up a fence between our countries lets spend our time and effort in solving the root of the problem which is inevitably lack of resources and overpopulation coupled with an exploitable working class which Americans are all too happy to utilize. Also, why aren't we developing alternatives like virtual fences? This could at least help the environmental issue.
The fact that this travesty has gotten this far is a testament to the lunacy of the Real ID act of 2005 and the power it has given our government to over ride the power that was once in the hands of the people. The power given to Homeland Security is misappropriated in this situation as the main reason for fence is to stop illegal immigration. How about solving the real problem instead of putting up a fence between our countries lets spend our time and effort in solving the root of the problem which is inevitably lack of resources and overpopulation coupled with an exploitable working class which Americans are all too happy to utilize. Also, why aren't we developing alternatives like virtual fences? This could at least help the environmental issue.
# 2,430:
1:50 am PDT, Aug 14,
Chi-Ju Lee, California
We should protect our land . and building the border wall doesnt really have impact on decreasing illegal immigration.
We should protect our land . and building the border wall doesnt really have impact on decreasing illegal immigration.
# 2,429:
10:54 am PDT, Aug 13,
Andie Gonzalez, Texas
Environmental Issues & Immigration Issues*
Environmental Issues & Immigration Issues*
# 2,428:
9:10 pm PDT, Aug 12,
Sherri Bessire, Texas
# 2,427:
11:45 am PDT, Aug 12,
Tia Pinney, Massachusetts
The riparian forests, prairies and potholes, thorn scrub and other area vegetation types in the Rio Grande valley are among the most endangered of habitats in Texas and Mexico. The proposed wall will destroy irreplacable habitat. The wall will negatively impact the ecotourism and birding tours that are an important part of the local economy while having no significant impact on the flow of illegal traffic across all our borders.
The riparian forests, prairies and potholes, thorn scrub and other area vegetation types in the Rio Grande valley are among the most endangered of habitats in Texas and Mexico. The proposed wall will destroy irreplacable habitat. The wall will negatively impact the ecotourism and birding tours that are an important part of the local economy while having no significant impact on the flow of illegal traffic across all our borders.
# 2,426:
9:48 am PDT, Aug 11,
Laurie Maitre, California
So many individuals and organizations have given sweat, tears and money to bring back endangered wildlife and plants to these border areas. Why knock us back to the Stone Age on this one? Stop the wall now-- and call it a huge mistake--be honest and brave about it instead of a political wimp. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration. Laurie Maitre
So many individuals and organizations have given sweat, tears and money to bring back endangered wildlife and plants to these border areas. Why knock us back to the Stone Age on this one? Stop the wall now-- and call it a huge mistake--be honest and brave about it instead of a political wimp. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration. Laurie Maitre
# 2,425:
7:36 am PDT, Aug 11,
Randi Denham, Pennsylvania
I am opposing the wall for environmental reasons, stemming out of my concern for the birds and animals of the region. However, I also oppose the wall on a humanitarian level because we are a nation that needs to work with our neigbors on a positive level, not put a wall up. We need to come together with our corporations, to help make their presence in Mexico (and other foreign countries)a positive force in bringing their country up to a better standard of living. When we (our corporations) take jobs to foreign countries, they should be providing the ability to obtain the same LEVEL of living standards to those employees (relative to their own cost of living)as equivalent workers for that corporation in the U.S. It is only when people of foreign countries feel they can 'achieve their dream' in their own countries, that they will choose to remain in their native country, and thus we can see immigration (both legal and illegal) into the US begin to decline. We need the US to act in a positive manner toward that happening. A wall Is Not the way. Thank you for giving me a forum to express my opinion. I, along with others, are also curious as to why the fence is to end at Ray L. Hunt's gated golf community.
I am opposing the wall for environmental reasons, stemming out of my concern for the birds and animals of the region. However, I also oppose the wall on a humanitarian level because we are a nation that needs to work with our neigbors on a positive level, not put a wall up. We need to come together with our corporations, to help make their presence in Mexico (and other foreign countries)a positive force in bringing their country up to a better standard of living. When we (our corporations) take jobs to foreign countries, they should be providing the ability to obtain the same LEVEL of living standards to those employees (relative to their own cost of living)as equivalent workers for that corporation in the U.S. It is only when people of foreign countries feel they can 'achieve their dream' in their own countries, that they will choose to remain in their native country, and thus we can see immigration (both legal and illegal) into the US begin to decline. We need the US to act in a positive manner toward that happening. A wall Is Not the way. Thank you for giving me a forum to express my opinion. I, along with others, are also curious as to why the fence is to end at Ray L. Hunt's gated golf community.
# 2,424:
8:05 pm PDT, Aug 10,
Patricia L. Callis, Ohio
# 2,423:
2:53 pm PDT, Aug 9,
Hilda Cardona, California
I will be soon like Berlin, that it is not reasonable, invest money in education instead of wasting the time to make the us a big JAIL! because people escape from Jail, remember Alcatraz
I will be soon like Berlin, that it is not reasonable, invest money in education instead of wasting the time to make the us a big JAIL! because people escape from Jail, remember Alcatraz
# 2,422:
4:14 pm PDT, Aug 8,
Dan Montalvo, Texas
The wall is nothing but racist excrement and a total waste of my money!
The wall is nothing but racist excrement and a total waste of my money!
# 2,421:
9:16 am PDT, Aug 8,
Tamara Trager, Texas
This is like the Berlin wall! How could we do this? We said for decades that this was a crime against humanity. It STILL IS! It's a crime, a waste and enviromentally disasterous and a crime against humanity! Take all that money being spent on the wall and solve the REAL problems. I am ashamed to be an american citizen.
This is like the Berlin wall! How could we do this? We said for decades that this was a crime against humanity. It STILL IS! It's a crime, a waste and enviromentally disasterous and a crime against humanity! Take all that money being spent on the wall and solve the REAL problems. I am ashamed to be an american citizen.
# 2,420:
8:22 am PDT, Aug 8,
Raymond Paul Parsons, United Kingdom
BERLIN DOESN'T NEED A WALL, SO WHY BUILD ONE HERE?
BERLIN DOESN'T NEED A WALL, SO WHY BUILD ONE HERE?
# 2,419:
7:01 am PDT, Aug 8,
Alyson Clemett, United Kingdom
This wall will cause to much damage to the wildlife and the environment in general
This wall will cause to much damage to the wildlife and the environment in general
# 2,418:
6:57 am PDT, Aug 8,
Stephen Strutt, United Kingdom
As a UK citizen I've visited several States to go birdwatching in the last few years. Birding in Texas in 2004 was as good as anywhere I've been. The destruction of the eco-system by a border wall is outrageous.
As a UK citizen I've visited several States to go birdwatching in the last few years. Birding in Texas in 2004 was as good as anywhere I've been. The destruction of the eco-system by a border wall is outrageous.
# 2,417:
7:41 pm PDT, Aug 6,
Name not displayed, Texas
This fence will impact the wildlife, the economy and will not keep out illegals. It obstructs the possibliity of the 2 countries working together to fulfill each others objectives: that of the US to protect its borders and Mexico's desire to preserve its valuable shared ecosystem. AND, why is it ending at Ray L. Hunt's gated golf community?
This fence will impact the wildlife, the economy and will not keep out illegals. It obstructs the possibliity of the 2 countries working together to fulfill each others objectives: that of the US to protect its borders and Mexico's desire to preserve its valuable shared ecosystem. AND, why is it ending at Ray L. Hunt's gated golf community?
# 2,416:
5:58 pm PDT, Aug 6,
Stephanie Guerra, Texas
My family came from Mexico. America used to stand for the land of freedom and independence and we helped our countrymen, but this is no more. Why can we let in people from every other country besides Mexico? Especially when Texas used to be part of it. I live in the heart, in the Alamo city and it wouldn't be the city it is today if it weren't for our Mexican heritage.
My family came from Mexico. America used to stand for the land of freedom and independence and we helped our countrymen, but this is no more. Why can we let in people from every other country besides Mexico? Especially when Texas used to be part of it. I live in the heart, in the Alamo city and it wouldn't be the city it is today if it weren't for our Mexican heritage.
# 2,415:
12:14 pm PDT, Aug 6,
Rachael Denny, California
Mr Chertoff, the proposed wall will cost far more than I am willing to pay-and I'm not just talking about money. The ecological harm caused by this project is likely to be very severe indeed. Many rare species of wildlife, including jaguars, ocelots, jaguarundis, and Sonoran pronghorns travel back and forth across our southern border. An impenetrable barrier will have serious impacts on all of these creatures, and some of them will probably become extinct in this country. Unique wilderness areas, such as the Sabal Palm Audubon Center, will be degraded, domesticated, and ultimately, destroyed. Is the world really such a dangerous place that we have to live in a cage, shutting beauty and wonder out of our lives? Do we want our children to inherit a diminished and degraded country, because of our fears? Mr. Chertoff, I call on you and everyone else in power to choose love, not fear. Let us find a rational and humane way to handle our immigration problems-one that does not involve robbing our children of their precious natural heritage.
Mr Chertoff, the proposed wall will cost far more than I am willing to pay-and I'm not just talking about money. The ecological harm caused by this project is likely to be very severe indeed. Many rare species of wildlife, including jaguars, ocelots, jaguarundis, and Sonoran pronghorns travel back and forth across our southern border. An impenetrable barrier will have serious impacts on all of these creatures, and some of them will probably become extinct in this country. Unique wilderness areas, such as the Sabal Palm Audubon Center, will be degraded, domesticated, and ultimately, destroyed. Is the world really such a dangerous place that we have to live in a cage, shutting beauty and wonder out of our lives? Do we want our children to inherit a diminished and degraded country, because of our fears? Mr. Chertoff, I call on you and everyone else in power to choose love, not fear. Let us find a rational and humane way to handle our immigration problems-one that does not involve robbing our children of their precious natural heritage.
# 2,414:
11:33 am PDT, Aug 6,
Patrick Hurley, Ireland
This wall is a most ridiculous idea. To divide people going about their daily business is insane. To blot the landscape with an ugly wall is insane. To waste much needed money that could go to health care and education is insane.
This wall is a most ridiculous idea. To divide people going about their daily business is insane. To blot the landscape with an ugly wall is insane. To waste much needed money that could go to health care and education is insane.
# 2,413:
11:32 pm PDT, Aug 5,
Dave G DJBookclub.com, Texas
The idea of separating these two countrys environmentally and socially, is WRONG. The idea of building a wall is calious, ignorant and offensive to our Beautiful neiborghs. The people proposing this wall are the people that should be caged up.
The idea of separating these two countrys environmentally and socially, is WRONG. The idea of building a wall is calious, ignorant and offensive to our Beautiful neiborghs. The people proposing this wall are the people that should be caged up.
# 2,412:
8:31 am PDT, Aug 5,
Mike Ochoa, Texas
The border wall will be a complete waste of money and will have a huge impact in our environment.
The border wall will be a complete waste of money and will have a huge impact in our environment.
# 2,411:
11:06 pm PDT, Aug 4,
Lisa Rath, Texas
# 2,410:
10:15 pm PDT, Aug 4,
Pat Trevino, Tennessee
We should not build a border wall because it is an affront to our neighbors to the South. It sends a clear message that they are not welcomed and that Americans think they are better than Mexicans. Furthermore, Americans condemned the Berlin Wall and for us to build a wall between Mexico and the U.S. is a contradiction.
We should not build a border wall because it is an affront to our neighbors to the South. It sends a clear message that they are not welcomed and that Americans think they are better than Mexicans. Furthermore, Americans condemned the Berlin Wall and for us to build a wall between Mexico and the U.S. is a contradiction.
# 2,409:
9:05 pm PDT, Aug 4,
Dorothy Johnson, Wisconsin
This is a massive waste of money. How sad that our country would do this. We should tear down walls, not build them. Where is the sanity?
This is a massive waste of money. How sad that our country would do this. We should tear down walls, not build them. Where is the sanity?
# 2,408:
5:21 pm PDT, Aug 4,
NORMA GOMEZ, Texas
# 2,407:
5:16 pm PDT, Aug 4,
Lisa Lange, Minnesota
The border wall will cost billions of dollars. The Mexicans come to the US for work. Invest the money in the Mexican economy. If people have jobs in Mexico, they will stay in Mexico.
The border wall will cost billions of dollars. The Mexicans come to the US for work. Invest the money in the Mexican economy. If people have jobs in Mexico, they will stay in Mexico.
# 2,406:
11:50 am PDT, Aug 4,
Jenny Correa, Texas
Building a "border wall" is not a solution for bridging communities or nations together. If we recall that in the 1980's, former president Ronald Reagan publicly stated, "Tear down that wall!" The cultural, economical, political, and social devestations that the Berlin wall caused the german people was immense. We have seen the all these impacts in the U.S. beginning with Operation Wetback, Operation Gatekeeper, and now the current border wall that is being built to supposedly protect us from terrorists. The U.S government has conflated two issues: 1) The "War on Terror" and 2). Immigration Reform. By creating negative propaganda about Mexicans, this has caused prejudice and discrimination toward all Mexicans and Mexican Americans. Americans begin to question their citizenship among other things. Basically, all "brown" people become suspect. The people who are the targets for this police-state behavior begin to live their lives in fear as they are targeted such as the most recent story of Luis Ramirez in Pennsylvania. Why doesn't the U.S. government explain to the people why Mexico is in the economic position that it is in? NAFTA and its implications? Why there has been an exodus throughout history from Mexico? The affect agri-business has had on exploiting farm workers? The nativism that has been rampant in the United States since it took the lands of the indigenous peoples that were living here long before the white man stepped foot in the Americas? The United States govt needs to come to terms with itself and its long legacy of inequalities. All peoples regardless of citizenship, ancestry, culture, etc. need to be regarded as humans and treated as such. Building a wall sends a message that entails a perception of hostility and disrespect by a its builders towards its enemies.
Building a "border wall" is not a solution for bridging communities or nations together. If we recall that in the 1980's, former president Ronald Reagan publicly stated, "Tear down that wall!" The cultural, economical, political, and social devestations that the Berlin wall caused the german people was immense. We have seen the all these impacts in the U.S. beginning with Operation Wetback, Operation Gatekeeper, and now the current border wall that is being built to supposedly protect us from terrorists. The U.S government has conflated two issues: 1) The "War on Terror" and 2). Immigration Reform. By creating negative propaganda about Mexicans, this has caused prejudice and discrimination toward all Mexicans and Mexican Americans. Americans begin to question their citizenship among other things. Basically, all "brown" people become suspect. The people who are the targets for this police-state behavior begin to live their lives in fear as they are targeted such as the most recent story of Luis Ramirez in Pennsylvania. Why doesn't the U.S. government explain to the people why Mexico is in the economic position that it is in? NAFTA and its implications? Why there has been an exodus throughout history from Mexico? The affect agri-business has had on exploiting farm workers? The nativism that has been rampant in the United States since it took the lands of the indigenous peoples that were living here long before the white man stepped foot in the Americas? The United States govt needs to come to terms with itself and its long legacy of inequalities. All peoples regardless of citizenship, ancestry, culture, etc. need to be regarded as humans and treated as such. Building a wall sends a message that entails a perception of hostility and disrespect by a its builders towards its enemies.
# 2,405:
1:49 pm PDT, Aug 3,
Wayne B. Peters, Wisconsin
The Republicans are paranoid about all the illegals coming across our southern border and have no concern for all the damage of our wildlands and animals let alone plants, and the cost of such a project with all of our country's problems is astounding.
The Republicans are paranoid about all the illegals coming across our southern border and have no concern for all the damage of our wildlands and animals let alone plants, and the cost of such a project with all of our country's problems is astounding.
# 2,404:
6:55 pm PDT, Aug 2,
Chris Taylor, Texas
The wall is too expensive, too invasive and too damaging. Want to stem illegal immigration? Promote legitimate tourism on the Rio Grande.
The wall is too expensive, too invasive and too damaging. Want to stem illegal immigration? Promote legitimate tourism on the Rio Grande.
# 2,403:
7:39 am PDT, Aug 1,
Jared Enriquez, Texas
Reasons not to build it: 1) Many living along the border, the ones most influenced by its presence, do not support it and will not feel more secure. 2) I do not believe in supporting radical notions of paranoia in order to appease some vocal people whose constant complaining about illegal immigrants is based largely on their prejudices. 3) The nation cannot afford it! Education, health care, and energy are basic services/commodities that are becoming out of reach to the middle class and yet we want to invest billions in a physical wall which will divide but not necessarily prevent illegal immigration. That will only happen when individuals in Mexico and elsewhere have a comfortable existence and do not feel the need to take the risk of crossing into the US in order to be self-sustaining. 4) While the social significance of a supposedly free nation of immigrants becoming a gated community is deeply disturbing and hypocritical, on a purely aesthetic level and from an environmental standpoint the wall will likely leave an ugly impact.
Reasons not to build it: 1) Many living along the border, the ones most influenced by its presence, do not support it and will not feel more secure. 2) I do not believe in supporting radical notions of paranoia in order to appease some vocal people whose constant complaining about illegal immigrants is based largely on their prejudices. 3) The nation cannot afford it! Education, health care, and energy are basic services/commodities that are becoming out of reach to the middle class and yet we want to invest billions in a physical wall which will divide but not necessarily prevent illegal immigration. That will only happen when individuals in Mexico and elsewhere have a comfortable existence and do not feel the need to take the risk of crossing into the US in order to be self-sustaining. 4) While the social significance of a supposedly free nation of immigrants becoming a gated community is deeply disturbing and hypocritical, on a purely aesthetic level and from an environmental standpoint the wall will likely leave an ugly impact.
# 2,402:
1:36 am PDT, Aug 1,
Alessandro Profeti, Italy
No Border Wall!!! Please Respect Human Rights and Life of Native American People on their Land! Border Wall is the terrible economic damage, impacting agriculture, ecotourism, retail sales, and private property. It will cause grave social harm, separating families and sending a terrible message to our neighbors.
No Border Wall!!! Please Respect Human Rights and Life of Native American People on their Land! Border Wall is the terrible economic damage, impacting agriculture, ecotourism, retail sales, and private property. It will cause grave social harm, separating families and sending a terrible message to our neighbors.
# 2,401:
10:09 pm PDT, Jul 31,
Georgia Hartman, Texas
Building a border wall will not solve the problems that ensure from undocumented entry to the United States. The wall is a merely a political solution. It gives the appearance of real security, but in reality if there is a will to move from one place to another, people will find a way. This is the case not just in the U.S., but all over the world. Let's work together to find real solutions. Let's talk to our neighbors. Only in reaching out may we find a solution that benefits all parties.
Building a border wall will not solve the problems that ensure from undocumented entry to the United States. The wall is a merely a political solution. It gives the appearance of real security, but in reality if there is a will to move from one place to another, people will find a way. This is the case not just in the U.S., but all over the world. Let's work together to find real solutions. Let's talk to our neighbors. Only in reaching out may we find a solution that benefits all parties.
