General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsOver The Next Three Weeks The Dems Need To Come Up With A Less Expensive Alternative To The Wall....
I'm sure if the Dems put smart people together to come up with such an alternative - they can come up with something better and less expensive than a $20 billion wall. It might include more comprehensive use of drones, improved electronic monitoring around the border, improved roads for patrol access through remote areas, high range security cameras that can see up to 15 miles away, night vision cameras, intelligent fencdes and in-ground sensors that detect movement essentially deploying smarter 21st century technology. We certainly have very successful tech companies that can accomplish this goal.
The Dems need to go into the negotiations 3 weeks from now with a very strong negotiation tool to use against Trump and the Repugs.
The Dems need to make the case that spending $20B on an inefficient wall is just a waste of money, especially if its just so Trump can say he kept his campaign promise.
Further more he is only keeping half of his campaign promise because there is no way Mexico will pay for a wall. The cost of such a boondoggle should not fall to the taxpayers of the U.S. just to keep a silly promise made in the heat of an election campaign.
The Dems want border security. With such an alternative to the wall the Dems can make the case that we accomplish it and less expensively that will save the taxpayers money to boot.
Such an alternative to the wall would put the Dems on the offensive for this issue. It's about time the Dems start thinking out of the box and going on the offensive.
- More efficient and better border security with a savings to the taxpayers.
- Trump's plan is a waste of money as walls aren't foolproof.
- Mexico is not going to pay for a wall.
You know McConnell is not going to put a clean DACA bill up in the Senate. They will attach all kinds of items that will complicate this attempt. The biggest in my opinion will be Trump sticking to his want of a wall. That's why it is imperative that the Dems put up an alternative plan that they can use to counteract Trump's wall. One that makes sense from a financial standpoint where they can garner support from the U.S. Taxpayers.
One other thing I'd like to see incorporated in McConnell's bill in 3 weeks is that 'those employers that hire illegal immigrants will be prosecuted or penalized in some way'. Such employers are part and parcel to any immigration problems that we may have.
Freelancer
(2,107 posts)Hey -- it would end graveyard sprawl and open city space to development. In addition, it would look REALLY SCARY when people came to the border to cross.
NightWatcher
(39,343 posts)He will/is turning this place into a shithole to the extent that soon Americans will be leaving to move to the serene beauty that is Tijuana.
underpants
(182,826 posts)Also the entire meat and seafood industry would too.
No way they'd let that happen...but it should.
Blue_Tires
(55,445 posts)Johonny
(20,851 posts)Vinca
(50,278 posts)Blue_Tires
(55,445 posts)a super-simple idiot-proof solution for migration from Central America, and any honest, legit discussion about the issue got drowned out by the bigots years ago...
I'd rather the party be upfront and tell the nation that if we are serious about addressing this, then we need to make long-term changes to policy and lifestyle A, B, C, and D; and the benefits from these changes won't be immediately visible than to pretend we've discovered a cheaper magic bullet...
Of course I know practical election campaign realities can't be avoided and nothing turns off voters faster than being told to be patient.
global1
(25,252 posts)at the expense of the U.S.Taxpayers.
If we here at DU can't discuss this issue seriously and suggest reasonable alternatives that could perhaps help the Dems in negotiations - than I guess we'll get what we get.
fleur-de-lisa
(14,627 posts)A. Tell Commander Babyfingers that new technology allows contractors to build a virtually invisible wall.
B. Hire a bunch of mimes to pretend to walk into said invisible wall, bouncing back when they encounter the non-existent barrier.
C. Record the mimes on video.
D. Show the video the President Brain Damage.
PROBLEM SOLVED!
Most republican congress critters believe the wall is a dumb idea. I think they would be on board with this strategy. Our only cost is that required to pay the mimes. So, job creation too!
DBoon
(22,366 posts)Work to reduce corruption, look at how the war on drugs has destroyed Mexican society.
Make life better in Mexico and Central America
TheCowsCameHome
(40,168 posts)NO. WALL.
bluestarone
(16,972 posts)THE FUCKING WALL WON'T WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!