Have you tried to keep up with the dissension over the proposed U.S.-Mexico border fence? Maybe it’s too far from your home to be concerned. Maybe you feel you have absolutely no impact on the final outcome. Maybe that’s exactly what some people in Washington D.C. want you to think. I don’t want to debate the “should we – shouldn’t we” aspect of the fence. That’s far too political and certainly can’t be settled here. I just want you to be aware of some of the most current data surrounding this issue and remind you that YOU’RE PAYING FOR IT!
I’ve very curious as to why no one in this entire country can agree on what should be done, how it will be done, when it will be done, and what it will cost. There seems to be a different story every day. As a result of the continuous chaos surrounding this controversial issue, I did a little research. The following facts, overwhelming at first glance, came from two sources: The Congressional Research Service and the Congressional Budget Office. After browsing these eye-opening facts, you might want to consider contacting your Senators or Representatives to tell them how you feel. Don’t use the excuse that you don’t know who they are or how to reach them.
Visit the U.S. Senate website to learn who your Senators are and how to reach them, or to do the same for your Representatives, visit the U.S House of Representative website. With two simple clicks, you’re talking business to those who had better listen. They recently saw strong evidence of what can happen if they don’t listen to those of us who sent them to D.C.
Now, sit down in a comfortable chair, buckle your seat belt, and try to digest the following:
Last year the Congressional Budget Office estimated that the proposed border-fence would cost about $3 million a mile — or $2.1 billion for the entire 700-mile barrier!
Did those numbers knock you out of that comfy chair? Listen to this. A new study by the non-partisan Congressional Research Service says the cost could easily be up to 25 times more than any previous estimate. That would be a figure approaching $50 billion! What few people bother to challenge is the fact that our shared border with Mexico is 1,933.4 miles long, and thus far the only plans proposed are for a 700-mile barricade! Let’s hope border-hopping illegals don’t figure out how to walk around the fence! And let’s not even discuss the fact that the fence has a life expectancy of only 25 years!
Again, we’re not discussing “fence – no fence” here. What I can’t understand is how two supposedly legitimate organizations made up of what I would assume to be loyal, educated, experienced participants can focus on the same project and arrive at conclusions so diametrically opposed: $2 Billion and $50 Billion! That’s not even close and, until the truth is revealed and verified beyond a shadow of a doubt, the credibility of both organizations is at stake!
I think it’s safe to say that any organization inside the Beltway (I-495) is capable of manufacturing facts and figures, which inevitably support and promote their own personal agendas. Until that focus is redirected to an agenda benefiting all Americans, regardless of party affiliation, the chaos will continue, and WE will continue to foot the bill.
In the meantime, consider the following facts of interest concerning the U.S.-Mexico border:
- The U.S.-Mexico border is the world’s busiest.
- The U.S. employs over 12,000 border patrol agents.
- More than 90-million vehicles cross the border every year.
- Two of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., Laredo and McAllen, Texas, are on the border.
- Trade between the two countries averages $795 million per day.
- A record 473 migrants died at or near the border in 2005, primarily due to a heat wave.
- The border patrol also rescued 2,750 illegals that same year.
- California shares 140.4 miles of the border with Mexico.
- New Mexico shares 179.5 miles of the border with Mexico.
- Arizona shares 372.5 miles of the border with Mexico.
- Texas shares 1,241 miles of the border with Mexico.
Let’s hope this very political issue doesn’t join the ranks of so many other fiascos evolving from opposing bureaucratic agendas. Your call can make difference. Pick up the phone and demand accountability and share your personal view.
About Harry K. Jones
Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.