Rick Perrys Border Move Shows Someones Doing Something
By Cal Thomas
While President Obama who took an oath to defend the country from all enemies foreign and domestic
drinks beer plays pool and attends fundraisers as our borders are overrun Gov. Rick Perry of
Texas has ordered 1000 National Guard troops to his states border with Mexico in an
effort to stem the tide of immigrants illegally entering from Central America and then
dispersing around the country once theyve made it into Texas.
Enemies are more than adversary nations with weapons. An enemy can also be a person or groups of people who by their presence in a country undermine its economy strength and values.
Polls show a majority of Americans favor stopping illegal aliens from entering the country.
In a recent telephone survey by Rasmussen Reports 59 of likely U.S. voters believe the primary focus of any new immigration legislation passed by Congress should be to send the young illegal immigrants back home as quickly as possible.
Only 27 think they should be allowed to stay.
The public isnt buying what theyve been told by the media and some Democrats that the illegal immigrants are fleeing dangerous conditions in their own countries. According to Rasmussen Most voters (52) believe they
are coming to America for economic reasons. Just 31 think theyre coming for their own safety.
Texas border with Mexico is 1200 miles long and 1000 National Guardsmen wont make a significant difference but as supplements to the U.S. Border Patrol they could slow the tide. The Guardsmen however might be useful in sending a message to Central American countries that the odds of making it into Texas are being substantially raised and the journey is not worth the risk.
That message would counter what has been promoted in Central American media: that if you can get to America you can stay in America.
During a 2012 Republican presidential debate Perry defended giving in-state tuition breaks to illegal immigrants saying those who opposed the practice dont have a heart. That was about immigrants already here. At the time Perry says he warned the administration of the increasing number of unaccompanied children crossing the border. He claims the White House never responded to his concerns.
Critics will call Gov. Perrys ordering 1000 National Guard troops to his states border with Mexico a stunt and accuse Perry of showboating but at least he is taking action.
If Perrys detractors of whom there are many criticize him for a symbolic act what about President Obamas motive for not sending federal troops or finishing the border fence? Obamas critics say the president is importing future Democratic voters and creating another underclass that will be dependent on government and thus the party of big government the Democrats.
Action even if insufficient to solve the problem beats doing nothing in the minds of many Americans disgusted with gridlock and a dysfunctional federal government.
Perrys planned troop rollout will occur in the coming days. If it reduces the number of illegal immigrants flooding into Texas Perry could embarrass and serve as a contrast to President Obama and congressional Democrats.
It might also improve Perrys presidential chances should he seek the 2016 GOP nomination.
At a recent Austin news conference Perry said he expects Washington to foot the bill for the cost of deploying the Texas National Guard. Good luck with that. He may have more success at the border than with Congress or
President Obama who dither and waffle and stall as the issue of illegal immigration jumps to the top of American concerns.
Should the immigrants as a result of Perrys action attempt to enter the U.S. at the borders of New Mexico Arizona or California the governors of those states might consider following Perrys example.
