American democracy has always been, "I may not like what I hear or see, but I will go along with it" for the sake of unity. The invasion of Iraq is an example. Now we have a President whose policies are not only unacceptable to more than half of the population, but are considered un-American, and in some cases outright wrong, like torture. Most Presidents would modify their actions to gain acceptance, or would table that action for another day. Trump doubles and triples down. As a result, I can no longer say we have a democracy.
7
No border wall is like going away for the weekend and leaving your front door open in a bad neighborhood and then complaining about your things being stolen. The wall at least says the door is closed. It may not say locked, but at least the door is closed. Its hard to discourage illegal entry when its just a hike in the desert. At the very least when we deport people we can say there was a wall that you should not have crossed.
7
"Illegal immigrant labor is a serious problem in this country. What's the point in having labor laws and workplace regulations if employers can hire illegal immigrants to work off the books? "
If he's serious, he'll go after the employers.
In certain neighborhoods of Boston there are thousands of Illegal, sorry, Undocumented (so they claim, it removes the stigma of "illegal" which is only bestowed on minority immigrants) Irish immigrants who aren't really "immigrants" but more migrants. They come here on tourist visas with the intention of staying. They overstay their visas. They work. They cash their paychecks in barrooms. Until there's a problem and they have to leave, then they go home. They're all tradesman and laborers. They make good money. And no one seems to care. No one complains about the "jobs" they "take" from American citizens. Why? Because, as someone recently told me, "they're just like us."
My point is, while I agree that everyone should comply with our immigration laws, rabid anti-immigration and anti-immigrant sentiment is nothing other than veiled racism. Nativism to the core.
If he's serious, he'll go after the employers.
In certain neighborhoods of Boston there are thousands of Illegal, sorry, Undocumented (so they claim, it removes the stigma of "illegal" which is only bestowed on minority immigrants) Irish immigrants who aren't really "immigrants" but more migrants. They come here on tourist visas with the intention of staying. They overstay their visas. They work. They cash their paychecks in barrooms. Until there's a problem and they have to leave, then they go home. They're all tradesman and laborers. They make good money. And no one seems to care. No one complains about the "jobs" they "take" from American citizens. Why? Because, as someone recently told me, "they're just like us."
My point is, while I agree that everyone should comply with our immigration laws, rabid anti-immigration and anti-immigrant sentiment is nothing other than veiled racism. Nativism to the core.
10
All this will be for Naught if POTUS Trump doesn't change his theme from "Hail to the Chief" to "Bang Your Head" by Quiet Riot.
3
This Great Wall Trump is building with Mexican workers is a pipe dream, and it's going up in smoke.
One week in and Trump is a complete laughingstock. The world is watching and laughing and we urge them to begin to boycott everything made in America, if they can find anything they want that made here.
One week in and Trump is a complete laughingstock. The world is watching and laughing and we urge them to begin to boycott everything made in America, if they can find anything they want that made here.
12
Trump's position reflects a complete disdain of the contributions that Mexico and its people have had to the development and success of the United States. He and his supporters failure to see this will have serious consequences for our country. We may not see tomorrow but rest assured, we will see it. We are all going to be paying for this wall one way or the other.
3
The big thing that people wanted when they voted for Trump was a strong President who would defend their interests and that of the USA and not be a lackey to political correctness. Fair enough. Illegal immigration and drug trafficking are clearly issues on table for Mexico and the US and a proper border frontier is not unreasonable. If Trump and the USA want a wall, so be it, but harping on about Mexico paying for it is bullying of the worst schoolyard nature.
However, while the American people like straight talking, they are not rude, bullying and ill tempered and they don't expect that of the President. Straight talking is one thing, President Trump's rudeness and tantrums are something else. If President Trump is going to make foreign policy, without thought, facts and care, pity his poor new Secretary of State. He is reduced to a bag carrier who has to clean up the mess after the unruly child has left after blundering through.
However, while the American people like straight talking, they are not rude, bullying and ill tempered and they don't expect that of the President. Straight talking is one thing, President Trump's rudeness and tantrums are something else. If President Trump is going to make foreign policy, without thought, facts and care, pity his poor new Secretary of State. He is reduced to a bag carrier who has to clean up the mess after the unruly child has left after blundering through.
6
Mexico can end the war on drug users, which would end their violence just as ending alcohol prohibition in the US ended alcohol-related violence.
This would have the great benefit to the US of making it harder for the US to maintain it's own war on drug users.
Meanwhile, welcome, Mexico, to the new US President, King of the Narcissist Con-Men!
I am a board-certified psychiatrist.
Think for yourself?
This would have the great benefit to the US of making it harder for the US to maintain it's own war on drug users.
Meanwhile, welcome, Mexico, to the new US President, King of the Narcissist Con-Men!
I am a board-certified psychiatrist.
Think for yourself?
3
I wonder who Mr. Trump expects to do the actual heavy work of constructing this wall, after the planning and engineering are done. According to very reliable sources, roughly half of the construction workers in Texas are undocumented. Oh, the cruel irony.
12
(1) Most illegal immigration is a byproduct of trade, economic, military, anti-drug polices that literally force people out of their countries. Many of these policies are spearheaded by the US.
(2) Undocumented immigrants are the frequent victim of crimes- not the perpetrator- demagoguery to the contrary.
(3) Undocumented immigrants are illegally exploited by companies large and small throughout the US.
(4) Separating family members that have immigrated and are in various stages of applying for citizenship is a inhuman and criminal. Ditto for sending immigrant children back who are fleeing crime, exploitation and abuse.
(5) ICE detentions are in some cases a serious violation of human rights.
In sharp contrast to Trump, Bernie Sanders articulated a clear plan, that is comprehensive, humanitarian and fair:
https://berniesanders.com/issues/a-fair-and-humane-immigration-policy/
(2) Undocumented immigrants are the frequent victim of crimes- not the perpetrator- demagoguery to the contrary.
(3) Undocumented immigrants are illegally exploited by companies large and small throughout the US.
(4) Separating family members that have immigrated and are in various stages of applying for citizenship is a inhuman and criminal. Ditto for sending immigrant children back who are fleeing crime, exploitation and abuse.
(5) ICE detentions are in some cases a serious violation of human rights.
In sharp contrast to Trump, Bernie Sanders articulated a clear plan, that is comprehensive, humanitarian and fair:
https://berniesanders.com/issues/a-fair-and-humane-immigration-policy/
6
Mexico is just the first nation that Trump is turning from one of reliable, friendly ally into an indifferent and unfriendly ally. Next, the European and Asian allies. Trump has started the fast unwinding of the American international order and alliance built over the last 70 years. The consequences are unfathomable and the silence of the political opposition is deafening.
9
Good for Peña Nieto. Can we get him to lead the House or Senate instead of the current spineless leaders we now have?
8
I hope Pena shows up for a frank and open conversation on both the Trump wall and a robust conversation about Trump's rhetoric on NAFTA. Perhaps he can educate Trump on the merits of NAFTA and remind Trump that Mexico is a great customer. A great customer that millions of U.S. jobs rely on our exports there every day. And explain how "shared production" is never mentioned when Trump skews the trade deficit numbers as he trashes NAFTA. One has to wonder if Trump is even aware of shared production.
Possibly Pena can educate him? I urge caution to Trump as he ups the insult levels, why insult one of our best customers?
Possibly Pena can educate him? I urge caution to Trump as he ups the insult levels, why insult one of our best customers?
3
Thank you Mr. Pena Nieto for refusing to come. Thank you for standing up to President Trump; too bad our own politicians will not. Best wishes to you and all of Mexico.
8
Very Embarrassing ... i don't even know what to say ...
2
And as of a couple of minutes ago, the trip is canceled. President Nieto did exactly the right thing, there is no reason to meet with the lying, insulting, arrogant Trump.
I'm afraid Mexico, and the rest of the world, is going to have to deal with America as they would with an unstable dictatorship, until we can finally get rid of Trump. And America is certain to have lost its standing in the world's opinion, probably permanently.
I'm afraid Mexico, and the rest of the world, is going to have to deal with America as they would with an unstable dictatorship, until we can finally get rid of Trump. And America is certain to have lost its standing in the world's opinion, probably permanently.
12
Pena just backed out as predicted. A small, weak leader that doesn't have the stamina or spine to stand up to trump or America, no wonder he has a 13% approval rating, absolutely embarrassing.
Mexico gets exactly the leaders they deserve, they are in no position to be making assessments or asserting terms. That time is past and it's not coming back anytime soon, I suggest they get comfortable with the new directive.
Mexico gets exactly the leaders they deserve, they are in no position to be making assessments or asserting terms. That time is past and it's not coming back anytime soon, I suggest they get comfortable with the new directive.
3
Sounds like the Mexicans have 2 standards 1 to keep anyone from other Latin America nations coming to Mexico (illegally ) by strict enforcement of their border and 2-another for us ..in other words no control.
3
Aside from the inhumane actions of the man in the White House, horrific in and of themselves, world alliances are at stake here. I live in a country that historically is a friend and ally of the US but increasingly looks to China for loans, for advice and for support with major projects. Mexico, a friend and neighbor, will certainly do the same. China is not doing this out of the goodness of its heart, by the way. He will lose all influence in Central and South America without any awareness of the damage to US national security.
8
Dear Americans,
I really feel sorry for you.
We had the 3rd Reich.
Now the 4th Reich is being erected by Mr. Trump.
I can't believe it!
I really feel sorry for you.
We had the 3rd Reich.
Now the 4th Reich is being erected by Mr. Trump.
I can't believe it!
13
We all know that the border exists, and a wall of various dimensions already exists as well. In some places it's big and physical. In others it might consist more of personnel and electronics. Finally, the wall includes computerized records of social security numbers, etc. that will prevent employment by illegal immigrants if the government chooses to enforce that method of surveillance. Trump is playing up the wall to appeal to his base, partly from a racist point of view. Canada gets a better deal from NAFTA than Mexico, but our northern neighbors' skin bears more resemblance to our own than those people of our southern border.
5
Now that President Nieto has cancelled his visit, I hope PM Trudeau does the same.
10
My neighbors dog keeps coming over into my yard to do his business,.I think I will build a fence and make him pay for it,..what a great idea !!
2
I think I know what's going to happen next. Mexico is going to look to China for support! True, in his uremia folly, has paved the way for this not just by attempting to humiliate Mexico and its leaders, but by withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership effectively giving China a free pass in expanding its economic influence and ultimately its power in the Pacific region. Will Mexico and China eventually reach an agreement on military cooperation? Will be facing a replay of the Cuban missile crisis? Perhaps not, but no matter what Trump believes, or is delusional about, about his so-called "negotiating skills," neither Mexico nor China will be bullied when it comes to their deepest national interests and their sovereignty. They may take their time to work out their relationship but we have a huge amount to fear from the incredibly shortsighted and self-aggrandizing posturing we're witnessing from our utterly reckless new President.
6
can you imagine the unmitigated gall of the United States to try to enforce its immigration laws.!
8
Now the grifter in chief is saying taxpayers will pay for the wall.Is this what djt means by infrastructure??not in my book it doesn't.bridges,roads,airports,
railroads,shipping and the never mentioned climate warming doing damage
everyday to our planet.I suspect there will be some YUGE demo if the do nothing congress tries to make we taxpayers pick up the tab for this idiocy.get this dude's tax returns and get him out.
doesn't.bridges,roads,railroads,airports
railroads,shipping and the never mentioned climate warming doing damage
everyday to our planet.I suspect there will be some YUGE demo if the do nothing congress tries to make we taxpayers pick up the tab for this idiocy.get this dude's tax returns and get him out.
doesn't.bridges,roads,railroads,airports
8
I love the president. He is a man of action and not a politician full of hot air like Obama. Trump have done more in 5 days than Obama did in 8 years. If Obama have Trump's energy and conviction he wouldn't have failed so miserably as president and liberals would have more to celebrate.
Bar the Mexican president and put an sanction on his country. It is time we get back all those Ford, GM, Carrier plants there and get Mexico to take back their criminals.
Bar the Mexican president and put an sanction on his country. It is time we get back all those Ford, GM, Carrier plants there and get Mexico to take back their criminals.
4
This jerk is destroying our country and you actually put this in your news.
A Homebody Finds the Ultimate Home Office
Yes for those who may have overlooked it this is an actual headline with accompanying article about Twitterboy in todays NYT. Shameful.
A Homebody Finds the Ultimate Home Office
Yes for those who may have overlooked it this is an actual headline with accompanying article about Twitterboy in todays NYT. Shameful.
3
Will they have to utilize Mexican laborers to construct this well?
1
Dear Mexico,
I want to apologize in advance for the way we are about to behave. We are going to be both a bad neighbor and a bad friend. We are going to say things that are mean and hurtful; and, we are going to blame you for our own problems. We are going to act in a juvenile manner and threaten to take our marbles away if you don't listen. We are going to be a bully and it will be hard for you to react and hard for us in the states to witness.
What I hope you can remember as we engage in this temporary fit of school yard diplomacy that no matter what may happen we will always be neighbors. Our security and economic futures will always be tied together. The interaction between our peoples, the mingling of our cultures, the importance of our trade relations and the absolute necessity of being close friends will all be there long after the current administration is just an unpleasant memory.
Please remember that the current President did not win a majority of the votes; there are many americans who do not agree with him. We are having a tantrum; please be patient with us.
Respectfully,
A patriotic American
I want to apologize in advance for the way we are about to behave. We are going to be both a bad neighbor and a bad friend. We are going to say things that are mean and hurtful; and, we are going to blame you for our own problems. We are going to act in a juvenile manner and threaten to take our marbles away if you don't listen. We are going to be a bully and it will be hard for you to react and hard for us in the states to witness.
What I hope you can remember as we engage in this temporary fit of school yard diplomacy that no matter what may happen we will always be neighbors. Our security and economic futures will always be tied together. The interaction between our peoples, the mingling of our cultures, the importance of our trade relations and the absolute necessity of being close friends will all be there long after the current administration is just an unpleasant memory.
Please remember that the current President did not win a majority of the votes; there are many americans who do not agree with him. We are having a tantrum; please be patient with us.
Respectfully,
A patriotic American
4
It pains me to read comments after comments of Americans willing to put America's interest behind foreign interests.
Pegna/and others in Mexico do not want a wall built because the status quo benefits their country and its people. PERIOD.
Pegna/and others in Mexico do not want a wall built because the status quo benefits their country and its people. PERIOD.
3
If the leader of a bordering country told me that (1) the country I governed was sending criminals, drug dealers, murderers and rapists across the border to that country, (2) lies and says, after a meeting I now know in hindsight I never should have had, that the country I govern will pay for a 20 foot tall, 1900 mile border wall, (3) issues an invitation to meet with him while repeatedly saying the country I govern will pay for a wall estimated to be $14B, all while complaining about a trade deficit with numbers that are probably "alternative facts", should I visit? See No. 2 for the answer.....
3
Right now, as head of our national government, we have a man who, if shown a picture of five people, will insist that there are really 25 people in that photograph, basing it on his vain ego. Furthermore, if you disagree with him, he will go into a rage and use what power he can to hurt and silence you. To top it off, this man is the leader of a world power, commander of the largest military there is, and controller of thousands of nuclear weapons. His words are falsehoods, his actions are erratic, his opinions are contradictory, and his decisions are illogical. He has shown no compassion to the downtrodden and no empathy for humanity. He has blocked scientific knowledge and investigation but rewarded ignorance, bigotry, and hatred. He has insulted and betrayed our allies and supported our nation's enemies. He has demeaned democracy and lauded dictators. He has criticized humanitarian aid, advocated war crimes, and praised atrocities. He has shown intolerance towards major religions and recommended crusades against them. His appearance to the world is one mocked and disparaged, and he generates fear, animosity, and ridicule towards our country. Other world leaders do not trust him, nor do they respect him.
To the supporters of this man: I hope you can sleep well now that you have made him our President.
To the supporters of this man: I hope you can sleep well now that you have made him our President.
6
All of the Mexican people I personally know, here legally, are hard-working individuals with very high morals. Why not go after the people who are employing illegal immigrants. It's like going after the addicts and prostitutes instead of the system that keeps them in that vicious cycle. These people are being used for cheap labor with no benefits and protections by greedy, opportunistic Americans. I lost my job because the rich white guy who owned the place wanted to make even more money by shifting all of the production to India. That's the real truth that no one wants to discuss. It's not an immigration problem or something a wall will change. This won't make any jobs come back and frankly these people mostly perform jobs that no one else really wants. Companies, and those who own/lead them, grow ever more rich while destroying our country that gave them the opportunity for such wealth-creation in the first place. One person should not make 400M while the janitors, secretaries, etc. can't even get a $1/hr raise. People used to have more character, more civic responsibility, more compassion for their fellow Americans. There used to be pride in providing jobs and a lifelong commitment to/from your employees. I don't even know how you describe what's left, but stop blaming illegal immigrants and put the blame where it rightfully belongs.
5
Lest we forget:
The Statue of Liberty Poem:
The New Colossus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Emma Lazarus (November 2, 1883)
The Statue of Liberty Poem:
The New Colossus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Emma Lazarus (November 2, 1883)
4
I’ve been involved in business with Latin America most of my career, and at one point was practically commuting from New York City to Mexico City. I have worked with many Mexican officials and attorneys, and with leaders of the Monterrey Group. There is only one way to deal with this “wall” business, as I have tweeted to El Presidente: Do not visit until Mr. Trump pays you some decent, consistent, respect, and treats you as an equal.
4
Congress has to approve funding for the Wall. This is our Wall against Trump. No funds. No Wall!
1
Our president is a classic linear thinker. Two plus two ALWAYS equals four, regardless of the context of the situation or even whether unintended circumstances emerge mid-stream to change the formula to two times three equal six. To say he'll ever modify his behaviour even slightly to think more vertically - selective, analytical and sequential - aint' going to happen at his age where his only boundaries are the limits of an out of control ego. Linear thinking is not productive or helpful in running government. You can't run a republic like a major U.S. corporation - As he so often says: so sad!
2
Just look what this man has done in fewer than 4 business days as president.
He's obnoxiously and callously insulted Mexico and its President days before the latter was coming to pay homage to the Preaident. He dishonered the Wall of Remembrance at the CIA. He's provoked China into what may turn out to be a military confrontation. He's declared war on safe cities, which may be a violation of the Constitutiion, He's talked about reinstating torture to prisoners.
I'll stop.
One more thing-he's demanding an investigation into his election victory.
In the novel and film, Caine Mutiny, the captain of Caine, played in the film by Boggie, disregards his responsibility as Captain of the ship to undertake an inane and rediculous investigation of some strawberries that can't be found.
Now the President isn't looking for strawberries but for 3-5 million alleged fraudulent votes no one else but he alone thinks exists. Other than creating chaos in literally only hours of his alt facts
Presidency, who's directing the Ship of State into halcyon waters?
He's obnoxiously and callously insulted Mexico and its President days before the latter was coming to pay homage to the Preaident. He dishonered the Wall of Remembrance at the CIA. He's provoked China into what may turn out to be a military confrontation. He's declared war on safe cities, which may be a violation of the Constitutiion, He's talked about reinstating torture to prisoners.
I'll stop.
One more thing-he's demanding an investigation into his election victory.
In the novel and film, Caine Mutiny, the captain of Caine, played in the film by Boggie, disregards his responsibility as Captain of the ship to undertake an inane and rediculous investigation of some strawberries that can't be found.
Now the President isn't looking for strawberries but for 3-5 million alleged fraudulent votes no one else but he alone thinks exists. Other than creating chaos in literally only hours of his alt facts
Presidency, who's directing the Ship of State into halcyon waters?
6
Leaders the world over should reject Precedent Trump's playground diplomacy by refusing to meet with him until he grows up.
6
Illegals cannot 'steal' jobs. They cannot walk into an office and steal a job while no one is looking. Someone must hire them. How about holding the employers more accountable and stop blaming poor and hungry people?
9
The story about the wall and the lies are important. But "Felony Charges for Journalists Arrested at Inauguration Protests Raise Fears for Press Freedom" is more important, NY Times. Please put it front and center. Put it on top of the page. Our democracy is being threatened and you need to report on it. Don't fall for all the distractions.
3
Thank You President Pena - most of the USA supports you. I hope other countries realize that Trump is not and never will be a fair honest negotiator. He is the opposite. His concerns are not the country and people - he is obsessed with how he comes across & so far he has been an embarrassment to this country and the Republican party.
6
Before you build that wall and expel all Mexicans Mr. Trump, may I respectfully suggest that you make sure to convince all those white out of work American voters who elected you - coal miners and others in the rust belt - to pack their bags, move to California, and start picking all those vegetables and fruits that we depend on to feed our families. The work pays less than minimum wage, but they can make the shortfall by working ten hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year, like those Mexicans. They want all those jobs that the Mexicans are stealing from them, don't they?
I wonder how many will take you up on your offer.
I wonder how many will take you up on your offer.
9
The Trump way to pay for the wall would be to hire illegal Mexicans to build it, and then just not pay them once the work is done. Tried and true method in his business experience.
5
If he has an ounce of dignity he should stay home. He was already given a slap in the fact after inviting Trump to Mexico. It also costed him a dramatic drop in public approval ratings (not that they were that high). How embarrassing.
2
How would I be treated if I went down to Mexico and took an academic job away from someone and have lots of children, while living off my supplemented income of $20,000.
3
I remember when Obama met with Central American leaders about getting some control on the situation. Don't you remember the nice photos with them all smiling?
Then what happened?
Not much to improve the situation, not on a steady and sustainable basis.
This border control is not something to think of as a "nice to have" or "optional" for any modern, sovereign nation. If you think it's offensive then get over it.
No country needs to apologize for controlling its border.
Then what happened?
Not much to improve the situation, not on a steady and sustainable basis.
This border control is not something to think of as a "nice to have" or "optional" for any modern, sovereign nation. If you think it's offensive then get over it.
No country needs to apologize for controlling its border.
3
Viva Mexico. I will be buying a "Made In Mexico" car this Spring. If it's made in Trumpland, forget it.
3
One thing for sure is that Trump never thinks of the consequences of his actions. His business dealings have always been, this is what I want, take it or leave it. Being President is not the same as being CEO of your own company. The US is not his company; and, the US is not an extortionist, at least not until now.
2
I demand that everyone who voted for Trump has to pay for the wall. Not my president. Not my money.
3
Trump's supporters are happy he is fulfilling his campaign promises, but have they thought of the consequences. First of all, a wall will not keep out immigrants or drugs. There will still be a market for cheap labor to pick crops in the hot sun, and for drugs. The wall will only serve as a reminder to the world how intolerant we have become and how America is now not different from any other dictatorship.
4
The optimist in me hoped that Trump would buck up and start acting reasonable. I thought he could forward his agenda without starting unnecessary fights or blundering into crisis after crisis.
So far, it looks like the pessimist in me was right all along.
This is not going to end well.
So far, it looks like the pessimist in me was right all along.
This is not going to end well.
1
What is appalling about Trump is that his public position is extortion of our friendly neighbor. I am waiting for a Ceausescu moment when all Americans will boo him and force him from office. He is not my president.
2
NAFTA allowed the US to start manufacturing more easily in Mexico. It also allowed our farmers better access to the Mexican market. Low skilled farm labor started moving to the US because they lost their jobs in Mexico when local Mexican farmers could not compete with US agribusiness.
To look down on these poor workers, who do work none of us would do is so shameful.
Employers who profit from cheap, illegal labor should be fined. Trump was one of them.
To look down on these poor workers, who do work none of us would do is so shameful.
Employers who profit from cheap, illegal labor should be fined. Trump was one of them.
2
It is time for the civilized world to speak with one voice and declare that Trump and his henchman are barred from entering their countries.
2
If there is someone that Trump will boorishly antagonize He will do it without a thought or any investigation. Illegal immigration from mexico is way down according to the Teme's graphs issued today. Is it really worth destroying our relationship with our southern frien over something that will cost us billions. I am ashamed of what Trump has done to our country and now nations around the world.
2
Just announced. President Nieto of Mexico has cancelled his visit to the U.S.
Smart move. Given the amoint of hostility he faced from hosting Trump the first time, Mexico might have built their own wall to keep him from returning.
And one can hardly blame them.
Smart move. Given the amoint of hostility he faced from hosting Trump the first time, Mexico might have built their own wall to keep him from returning.
And one can hardly blame them.
2
A moment ago, President Pena Nieto canceled his visit w/Trump.
The Obama Doctrine (based on the belief that communication encourages progress) was to engage with your enemies. So far, the Trump Doctrine (Putin/Russia excepted for obvious reasons) seems to be the opposite -- disengage from your allies.
The Obama Doctrine (based on the belief that communication encourages progress) was to engage with your enemies. So far, the Trump Doctrine (Putin/Russia excepted for obvious reasons) seems to be the opposite -- disengage from your allies.
3
Pena needs to reiterate that he is not paying for a wall, and directly ask Trump whether that means that Trump is disinviting him. Trump will not resist Pena calling his bluff, and so will disinvite the president of Mexico. Whatever leverage Mexico has on the business side, Pena should then use.
Let the American business community bring its weight to bear on Donald Trump for the loss of business in Mexico. Mexico has little leverage, true - but American business does have leverage – the banks and corporations have leveraged Trump in the past, which is why he can no longer borrow money for his businesses in the United States.
Yes, our allies calling Trump's bluff will cause disarray at the outset. But Trump must be stopped - now. He is an ignorant fool and a destructive bully. The way to defeat a bully is to isolate him. Economic leverage can up-end Donald Trump, and that is where, unfortunately, business and our allies must go.
Right now, large corporate interests are exulting over an anticipated reduction in regulations and taxes. The long-term effects of letting Trump run amok, however, will undermine any temporary gains that those corporations may receive. If Trump is not pushed back at the outset, our economy,and the global economy will pay a high price.
This is not about a wall; it's about power. Stand up to Trump quickly, get control immediately, or we will regret any reluctance to act.
Let the American business community bring its weight to bear on Donald Trump for the loss of business in Mexico. Mexico has little leverage, true - but American business does have leverage – the banks and corporations have leveraged Trump in the past, which is why he can no longer borrow money for his businesses in the United States.
Yes, our allies calling Trump's bluff will cause disarray at the outset. But Trump must be stopped - now. He is an ignorant fool and a destructive bully. The way to defeat a bully is to isolate him. Economic leverage can up-end Donald Trump, and that is where, unfortunately, business and our allies must go.
Right now, large corporate interests are exulting over an anticipated reduction in regulations and taxes. The long-term effects of letting Trump run amok, however, will undermine any temporary gains that those corporations may receive. If Trump is not pushed back at the outset, our economy,and the global economy will pay a high price.
This is not about a wall; it's about power. Stand up to Trump quickly, get control immediately, or we will regret any reluctance to act.
4
This is especially insulting considering Mexico's terrible crime and gang warfare problems are a direct result of the insatiable appetite for drugs in the US.
Perhaps if Mr Trump plans to send Mexico a bill for the wall, Mexico should send the US a bill for all of the money spent on fighting their terrible drug war, and for all of the Mexican funerals held as a result of the horrible gang violence plaguing their country.
Perhaps if Mr Trump plans to send Mexico a bill for the wall, Mexico should send the US a bill for all of the money spent on fighting their terrible drug war, and for all of the Mexican funerals held as a result of the horrible gang violence plaguing their country.
2
If Pena Nieto has any respect for his country and himself, he won't come to Washington. He will join the worldwide Trump Resistance.
4
Vlad!
Way to go Comrade! The splintering of the west has begun! TPP's history and a trade war with Mexico is brewing, with more to come.
We now both have real shot of displacing US products throughout the developing world!
Your pal,
Xi
Way to go Comrade! The splintering of the west has begun! TPP's history and a trade war with Mexico is brewing, with more to come.
We now both have real shot of displacing US products throughout the developing world!
Your pal,
Xi
6
Not really much point in building a wall when Mexicans will not want to enter a Trump run America. $30 billion wasted.
3
Good, he need to stop his citizens from jumping over the border too. It would also be nice is he keep Mexico's heroin and opium out of the US.
1
The guy is a wacko and the media eats it up then regurgitates it in a semi-polite rendering of what he said or did. 3 million more Americans than voted for this lunatic are embarrassed for our country. The media along with members of congress on both sides of the aisle are placating this scary clown who could have played himself in the movie "Cuckoos Nest" and probably won an Oscar. As for congress they are trying to make nice with a madman and they look like fools doing it. One shouldn't go along with a psycho/sociopath just because he has some ideas they can agree on. Working with this nut job makes you an accomplice.
5
The “maybe we’ll cancel” card has been thrown down on the table. It was followed by “fine, don’t bother”. Pena Nieto just boxed his country in. Its clear Trump values his ego over all else. Pena Nieto is going to be the fall guy for the wall. His hand is too weak to do anything else. Trump’s going to make sure that when the negotiations are over he can claim he made Mexico pay for it. Its his promise to his followers. The followers couldn’t care less about the details, they just want to hear it and be able to repeat it. This negotiating point is not going away.
2
A belligerent thug of a "national leader" repeating blatant lies, scapegoating others, and trying to intimidate smaller nations nearby with threats of all kinds.... ? Now where in history have I read about this before?
5
After four years of Trump, Russia may be America's only "friend."
2
Is the Mexican president unaware of Mexico's southern border barrier with Guatemala? Or are there different rules?
Have you ever been to Guatemala?
There are definitely different rules there.
There are definitely different rules there.
3
And 20 billion dollars later people will still be coming across the border.
2
Mr. Trumps rude treatment of our neighbors and his phobia against Mexicans and Muslims is not making our country great.
4
Mexico can talk tough but without the cash from the US they are doomed. If the peso continues to collapse they will pay for anything we want
1
This is called extortion my friend. This is what criminals do to get what they want.
2
I live near the Mexican Border and Trump’s ugly Americano act is disgusting. The Mexican people are proud and will never submit to the thinly veiled racism that Trump feeds to his bigoted voter base. The whole idea of the wall is wrapped up in the idea that Mexicans all have cooties and are violent rapists and criminals and need to be segregated from culturally superior white English speaking proper Americans. Here in San Diego many of us have family on both sides of the border and we are not frightened by living with multiple languages and cultural heritages. Trump’s cultural arrogance is offensive and is not welcome here in Southern California where various economies and cultures are blended. We are tired of having white bread people from the American hinterlands come here and snivel because Southern Californians do not talk like, or resemble the people from the dirty deteriorating American Heartland that they fled. We do not want a wall or a moat filled with alligators to keep the riff raff out: California was a Spanish Colony or part of Mexico for 300 years before the Yankees came. We Californians are riff raff too.
4
Mexico is GREAT!
¡VIVA MÉXICO!
¡VIVA MÉXICO!
6
What is the issue here? Is there one outstanding reason for Nieto to pay homage to the second place finisher in the US election? NO. Stay home and start a movement where Trump is no longer worshiped like the Sun King.
Shut this guy down. Stop reporting his every comment. Nixon told journalists in the early 1970's to see what he does, not what he says. The Times keeps filling our pages with threats and lies and contradictions that are meaningless until one or more of them is put in writing and carried out. We all know by now that Trump has multiple positions on everything and says different things to different groups of people. Accept it. Tell us the news when it is fit to print. Stop making news. Readers are getting sick being subjected to a constant barrage by the NY Times and touchy feely TV reporters who prove every day that Trump understands his constituency better than they do and who do not make him honest for the rest of us.
Shut this guy down. Stop reporting his every comment. Nixon told journalists in the early 1970's to see what he does, not what he says. The Times keeps filling our pages with threats and lies and contradictions that are meaningless until one or more of them is put in writing and carried out. We all know by now that Trump has multiple positions on everything and says different things to different groups of people. Accept it. Tell us the news when it is fit to print. Stop making news. Readers are getting sick being subjected to a constant barrage by the NY Times and touchy feely TV reporters who prove every day that Trump understands his constituency better than they do and who do not make him honest for the rest of us.
Just imagine if Mexico decided to start manufacturing ladders and rappelling gear in the border areas.
It would only cost thousands to defeat something that will cost billions to build.
It would only cost thousands to defeat something that will cost billions to build.
1
This seems to be typically American. We went after ISIS with the best equipment that cost billions and all they had was a suicide belt and an AK-47. And, they are still with us today. As for the wall, immigrants will still come across the border with visitor's visas, which they will purposefully overextend. Who are the winners and loser, business wins, we lose, and the problem still exist.
1
President Trump is right to make it "personal" with President Nieto. Trump has not suggested the Mexican people cancel the scheduled meetings in DC - he has said this about the "actor" turned candidate, now president - Enrique Pena Nieto. This actor is no match for Donald Trump. Our President will win over the Mexican people and circumvent their "all talk no action" politicians. We all know Mexico is in trouble, a narco terror state, and that innocent Mexicans die every day from the cartels grip on their nation. A secure border wall to interdict drugs and illegal crossing will help save Mexicans form themselves. Trump to the rescue - count on it.
1
Forget the wall and spend the money on mental health. Start by opening a clinic in the White House.
6
Mr. President Nieto, please come. The American people would like to see and hear from a head of state who is not mentally ill. It would be good for us.
4
What is Trumps plan for the smuggling tunnels which run under the US / Mexican border? I recall news stories documenting tunnels which run from Mexico and surface in a home or a garage in San Diego.
How will the Presidents wall folly prevent smuggling and illegal immigration using tunnels?
Did we not recently see news stories detailing "El Chapo's escape tunnel?
Complete with lights, ventilation, and a motorcycle mounted to a railroad track!
The bad guys are laughing at your wall Mr. President
How will the Presidents wall folly prevent smuggling and illegal immigration using tunnels?
Did we not recently see news stories detailing "El Chapo's escape tunnel?
Complete with lights, ventilation, and a motorcycle mounted to a railroad track!
The bad guys are laughing at your wall Mr. President
2
Donald says Mexico will pay. They say they won’t. The American people should call on a ban of all wall building until we “find out what the H is going on.” We have a right to know, and Trump hiding his plans from the people is corruption. Sounds like Trump is intending to use strong arm tactics to get Mexico to sign off on a loan from the US. This is why he is being evasive, because his plan is sinister. I wouldn’t be surprised if it will involve a threat of military action against them.
3
In this decade of bullies getting what they want until they get caught, they have a new Bully to look up to. Sadly he's the American Commander and Chief.
4
As a Mexican I totally opose to the idea of our President travelling to Washington to start negotiations with President Trump about different issues, including the famous wall in the border (which already exists, by the way). President Trump has demonstrated innumerable times that he does not stick to the rules that govern relations between soverign states. He has proven to change his mind overnight, to have no word of honor and to act like a bully instead of an elected president from an honorable democracy. He has shown now real intentions of building a win-win relation with Mexico and continues insulting the Mexican people whenever he can. Under such circumstances dialogue and negotiation with Trump´s administration is not possible. We, the Mexican people, do not want our President to travel to Washington only to be insulted again.
6
Surely, more and more people are realizing the folly if not the danger in so much of what Trump is advocating and doing...or will we and the rest of the world have to learn the hard way by watching in shock and dismay as the negative effects of Trump's actions unfold?
2
"Good Fences Make Good Neighbors" is an ancient concept, not invented by Robert Frost.
1
Build the foundation before the wall! Infrastructure first!
1
President Nieto canceling his trip here would be a slap in the face to Mr. Trump; which is exactly what he needs.
2
Here's a positive spin:
Maybe the wall will help keep Texas in the Union,..
Maybe the wall will help keep Texas in the Union,..
2
There should be no visit and their ambassador should be recalled, at least for the moment. An appeal to the UN as mentioned in the article to the left is also in order. Hardball is the only thing this "president" understands.
1
I am so ashamed that this vain miscreant is our President. God save the USA!
2
A rsvp , sorry cannot make it, something came up, would suffice.
1
Let the games begin!
Since there is no doubt that Mexico will not hand over cash, estimates place the cost in a range of $7.5 to $25 billion which will require alternative solution. Further since a wall made of concrete is the best option, there will be no "beautiful wall".
To recoup the cost in the face of Mexico saying NO! the money would come from a tax on remittances by Mexicans sending money back home, a border adjustment tax, taxing imports, increasing tariffs but they most likely will need to be quadrupled and/or a visa and crossing border tax. The second option would not only apply to Mexico but all countries thereby not looking like singling out just Mexico. Each creates "work arounds" that make them much less effective than on the face of it.
How likely is one or more of the above? To quote LOTUS, lunatic of the United States, "Asked whether any of his solutions were realistic, he told the Washington Post: "It's realistic if you know something about the art of negotiating. If you have a bunch of clowns negotiating, it's not realistic."
Send in the clowns, leading the pack LOTUS himself.
Since there is no doubt that Mexico will not hand over cash, estimates place the cost in a range of $7.5 to $25 billion which will require alternative solution. Further since a wall made of concrete is the best option, there will be no "beautiful wall".
To recoup the cost in the face of Mexico saying NO! the money would come from a tax on remittances by Mexicans sending money back home, a border adjustment tax, taxing imports, increasing tariffs but they most likely will need to be quadrupled and/or a visa and crossing border tax. The second option would not only apply to Mexico but all countries thereby not looking like singling out just Mexico. Each creates "work arounds" that make them much less effective than on the face of it.
How likely is one or more of the above? To quote LOTUS, lunatic of the United States, "Asked whether any of his solutions were realistic, he told the Washington Post: "It's realistic if you know something about the art of negotiating. If you have a bunch of clowns negotiating, it's not realistic."
Send in the clowns, leading the pack LOTUS himself.
3
Too late Donald, "you're fired!"
1
Please never forget what Trump said about Mexican immigrants, and I quote: "they're rapists." That was the moment I recognized this man was truly racist and nasty, and that I could never ever overlook that. The video is easy to find on YouTube and should be circulated and re-circulated as a potent reminder of who this man is.
2
Mr. Peña Nieto just cancelled trip. NAFTA will unravel.
1
On Mexico paying for the wall. It is a provocation, so the best reaction is just to ignore it. Not even laugh at the clown's absurdity. Just ignore it. When babble is on the table do not engage the babble. Mexicans should just calm start looking for alternatives of trade with China and other countries, just in case. Or if the clown wants to make his show of building a wall. let him play at building it (by the way it is practically impossible to cover the whole frontier with a wall and police it). Do not engage him on the issue of who will pay. At most roll your eyes. And Mr. Pena Nieto should not even come for a visit--that will earn hi points with his constituency, for a change.
1
Congress had better think twice about appropriating money for this wall: we have airports, schools, roads, sewer and water systems, and any number of infrastructure improvements that need updating--a wall on our southern border is not the kind of project we taxpayers want to underwrite.
5
Just hearing that the President of Mexico did cancel his visit.
I am impressed with Nieto.
Is he the first to deny Trump in this manner? I think so. And I am impressed. Perhaps he could serve as an example to the heads of industry, corporate america, the media, the congress, and other national leaders to just ignore him and deny him (Trump). We need more people to stand up to him on principle.
I am impressed with Nieto.
Is he the first to deny Trump in this manner? I think so. And I am impressed. Perhaps he could serve as an example to the heads of industry, corporate america, the media, the congress, and other national leaders to just ignore him and deny him (Trump). We need more people to stand up to him on principle.
5
With the visit cancelled, the next step is a worker slow down in Mexico to show the US (particularly automakers) how much they depend on Mexico.
2
All things considered, what is truly perplexing is that Mr. Peña Nieto is still considering coming. You cannot accuse him of hot-headedness.
4
He just announced he is canceling the visit.
1
not anymore!
1
Trump's supporters shrugged and said they took his words figuratively and did not take him literally. They had better wake up to this new world. Not only is he literal in his illiterate manner, but his agenda is whatever comes to his mind on a given day. He is still demonstrating that he is a two year old having tantrums. Trump has no understanding of ramifications of any of his actions, because he is a whining rich boy who always took what he wanted. Now he wants to make our country the same. Bring back war - to take Iraq's oil, bring back torture to fulfill the sexual gratification of sick sadists, stop immigration, so we will have no one to do the jobs that Americans do not want to do, bring back a ban on abortion so that women have no choice and must live with consequences that could arise from rape or have to die when their lives are threatened by the unborn. He is already indicating he will use Federal force to do what he wants. Six journalists have been charged with felonies in the unrest that took place on inauguration day - when they were covering the news, not making the news. Yet the republicans in congress keep looking the other way to rush through their harmful agendas. They aren't yet worried enough about a crazy man in office - but they will have to be when Trump starts moving against them.
3
And they want to get rid of maternity coverage in health care plans, so those women without abortions won't be able to afford to have those babies...disgraceful!
2
So this is how we treat our valued neighbors? This is a recipe for a hated US throughout the world. And when we are down, sometime in the future, other countries will have every reason to kick us.
6
Now President Trump is hinting that HE will cancel Neito's visit. If I were Neito, I would pre-empt this and just cancel. Mexico has a right to it's sovereignty and should not have to pay for a wall that the current U.S. administration wants to build, especially since the bulk of people coming over the border last year were from Central America, and not Mexico (per CNN interview with border patrol official under Obama administration).
4
America will have a shorter and shorter list of friends in the coming four years - but, hey, as long as America will be "great again" I guess it doesn't matter. Trump playing bad entrepreneur with the geopolitcal community is very bad indeed. In the letters Trump understand: Bad! Sad!
2
Mexican should realize that they have a lot of leverage, too, and they would be well-served by using it now. Mexico can work much closer with China, Russia, and the rest of the Americas-- especially given the U.S.´absence of leadership after pulling out of TPP. Trump will not/not respect weakness or chivalry, and he is treating a country that has been, for the most part, very cooperative with the U.S. on issues that matter the most (crime, terrorism, economic growth, environmental protection) with a tremendous amount of disrespect for raw political purposes. He is configuring U.S. foreign policy, which should be above politics, to Breitbart and the likes of Bannon.
3
So Mexico's leverage is becoming a base for the Chinese and Russian Navy? Guess you have a lot of respect for your own country, LOL
Although Trump's supporters are happy that he is fulfilling his campaign promises, have they thought of the consequences. First of all, a wall will not keep out immigrants or drugs. There is still a market for cheap labor to pick crops in the hot sun and for drugs. The will only serve as a reminder to the world how intolerant we have become to the downtrodden.
6
Maybe you could expand on what Ottawa does to control illegal immigration?
2
A wall will not keep out immigrants nor drugs, a wall will keep out illegal immigrants and illegal drugs.
1
Please President Nieto, don't show weakness to this bully. You will be slaughtered at home. Don't meet with trump! Instead, go on the offense -- cancel NAFTA! Get ahead of him and he won't know what's happening.
Americans can't live without cheap food, labor and services -- let's see what happens to trump's "base" when their WalMart prices increase.
Americans can't live without cheap food, labor and services -- let's see what happens to trump's "base" when their WalMart prices increase.
8
The President of Mexico should not come to this country. Coming to see Trump dignifies and legitimizes the maniac. No foreign leader should come here while Trump is in office. All leaders from other countries should isolate and ignore the crackpot now in the White House.
9
$4,000,000 per mile!!! And thats coming from you and me. We must stop this man.
8
It dawned on me that this wall building is actually a massive public works employment project. It will provide some construction jobs along the border and some big pork for corporations. GE got billions from Bush trying to make a virtual wall that never worked.
As for Mexico, they will have to turn away from the U.S. for a while -- as so many other countries will do. Trump is causing an unintended geopolitical realignment, and Mexico will do better elsewhere. Meanwhile, Trump is going to trade with the U.K. -- though I cannot for the life of me figure out what they have that we want and what we have that they want. We don't want their financial stuff (we have our own) and they don't want our ag stuff -- and we sure don't want each other's cars! Ha!
As for Mexico, they will have to turn away from the U.S. for a while -- as so many other countries will do. Trump is causing an unintended geopolitical realignment, and Mexico will do better elsewhere. Meanwhile, Trump is going to trade with the U.K. -- though I cannot for the life of me figure out what they have that we want and what we have that they want. We don't want their financial stuff (we have our own) and they don't want our ag stuff -- and we sure don't want each other's cars! Ha!
4
Like those shops that post signs warning, "You break it, you buy it", President Pena Nieto should say, "You build it, you've bought it".
Why should another nation pay for the follies of the current POTUS?
Why should another nation pay for the follies of the current POTUS?
8
This wall to be built is just Trump's fig leaf for his incompetence to deal with international relations, and his inability to deal with real world challenges in a grown up way.
He's got a little brain, and every day it shows more an more.
I am so sorry for all the good people in the USA and the rest of the world that have to endure this lunacy for the next couple of years.
By condoning this, the republican party risks becoming the national-socialists of the 21st century.
He's got a little brain, and every day it shows more an more.
I am so sorry for all the good people in the USA and the rest of the world that have to endure this lunacy for the next couple of years.
By condoning this, the republican party risks becoming the national-socialists of the 21st century.
9
You can be sure that paying for the wall will be held over Mexico's head when trump renegotiates nafta and his fragile ego will not tolerate being denied his prize.
2
(If you give Trump a cookie)
If Mexico gives Trump cheap labor...
He's going to call them all rapists...
If he calls them all rapists...
He's going to want to build a wall...
If Congress let's him build a wall...
He's going to want Mexico to pay for it...
If Mexico refuses to pay for it...
He's going to try to repeal nafta...
If Congress lets him repeal nafta...
Mexico won't cooperate on security...
If Mexico won't cooperate on security...
Trump is going to want to launch a nuke...
If Congress lets Trump launch a nuke...
...
I don't think this story leads back to a cookie.
If Mexico gives Trump cheap labor...
He's going to call them all rapists...
If he calls them all rapists...
He's going to want to build a wall...
If Congress let's him build a wall...
He's going to want Mexico to pay for it...
If Mexico refuses to pay for it...
He's going to try to repeal nafta...
If Congress lets him repeal nafta...
Mexico won't cooperate on security...
If Mexico won't cooperate on security...
Trump is going to want to launch a nuke...
If Congress lets Trump launch a nuke...
...
I don't think this story leads back to a cookie.
7
Watch out America smoking mirrors abound. Keep your eyes and ears open to distinguish between fluff and tyranny. The trump is a danger to us all.
7
The question is, will Mexico's President wimp out?
1
To the people of Mexico, we are sorry you are being treated with such disrespect. We were in Mexico last week and were treated with nothing but kindness and respect from your country. Trump's actions and thoughts about Mexico are not what most Americans feel. He is an egotistical narcissist and an embarrassment to our country.
6
Trump is apparently insensitive to the usual niceties of subtle diplomacy.
However, he reacts badly to pressure, and goes ballistic when attacked.
Since he is POTUS, other countries' leaders need to find the way to deal with him.
There are places in between subtle diplomacy and in-your-face. Threats and insults and retaliation are sure fire ways to dysfunction with Trump.
Most top political leaders got there by understanding such things, though not all, with Trump a major example of the exception.
Looking back at historic examples, the Chinese number two for Mao, Chou En-Lai (Zhou Enlai in today's system) is the perfect model of someone who could handle Trump. For all the bluster sometimes associated with his name, Churchill's handling of FDR and Stalin was also a good example.
Trump is a challenge that will require the best people to rise to the occasion of dealing with his personality. That may not please Americans who'd rather be on the other side of that level of sophistication, but it is what it is.
However, he reacts badly to pressure, and goes ballistic when attacked.
Since he is POTUS, other countries' leaders need to find the way to deal with him.
There are places in between subtle diplomacy and in-your-face. Threats and insults and retaliation are sure fire ways to dysfunction with Trump.
Most top political leaders got there by understanding such things, though not all, with Trump a major example of the exception.
Looking back at historic examples, the Chinese number two for Mao, Chou En-Lai (Zhou Enlai in today's system) is the perfect model of someone who could handle Trump. For all the bluster sometimes associated with his name, Churchill's handling of FDR and Stalin was also a good example.
Trump is a challenge that will require the best people to rise to the occasion of dealing with his personality. That may not please Americans who'd rather be on the other side of that level of sophistication, but it is what it is.
7
Assuming Donald has his favorite Mexican dish, the taco bowl from Trump Tower on the luncheon menu, President Nieto should take his salad and dump it on Donald's head. If President Nieto were to do so he would have as many people north of the border cheering his actions as in Mexico.
Presidents who are new to the office have traditionally made their first visit with a head of state the leader of either Canada or Mexico. Usually it is a jovial meet-and-greet between neighbors. That is until now, until there was Trump. While there are significant issues between us an Mexico, Donald and his bullying tactics are front and center the new main problem.
While building the wall is a red meat issue that Donald's supporters love, more rational thinkers are questioning where Donald is taking us and what long term problems this is creating. Let us hope that Donald's staffers and the leaders of the GOP can do something to rein Donald in, because Donald's role model in how to treat our neighbors seems to be Vladimir Putin.
Presidents who are new to the office have traditionally made their first visit with a head of state the leader of either Canada or Mexico. Usually it is a jovial meet-and-greet between neighbors. That is until now, until there was Trump. While there are significant issues between us an Mexico, Donald and his bullying tactics are front and center the new main problem.
While building the wall is a red meat issue that Donald's supporters love, more rational thinkers are questioning where Donald is taking us and what long term problems this is creating. Let us hope that Donald's staffers and the leaders of the GOP can do something to rein Donald in, because Donald's role model in how to treat our neighbors seems to be Vladimir Putin.
5
There is about 700 miles of wall built already and started in 2006 by George Bush. Barrack Obama continued to work on that wall. Mexico has a southern border wall/fence that keeps the Guatemalans out of Mexico. Mexico lets in very few immigrants to Mexico only to pick coffee beans. The mexican president likes and wants the U.S. to support his country from outside his own borders. I was in the bank the other day and talking with a Hispanic banker which has family in mexico and he said to me quote that "The current corrupt Mexican government needs to be dismantled and restructured, they are only about themselves getting wealthy, president Nieto does not care about his citizens just the US dollars"
1
This is the first time in my lifetime (50+ years) that Canada is not concerned about a first visit from a newly elected American president. Rather, current thinking is that it would be far better for our PM to travel down to Washington, since a visit by "you know who" would certainly trigger protests across the country.
3
The Mexicans should announce a new series of cooperative actions (economic, cultural and with respect to military cooperation) with the Chinese.
6
President Neito - you need to learn English AND Politicalese!!!! When Trump says you're going to pay for the wall - a) he means it 100% and b) he doesn't mean it literally like you need to write a check. First, you're going to get back all the unwanted people that streamed into America and they will become your financial burden - it's costing you there. He's going to convince companies to NOT building Mexico and stay here - that will definitely cost you lost income. See, you're paying for it and never picked up a pen.
3
Enjoy your $5 heads of lettuce, then, as the price of produce will skyrocket.
2
The losses will not only accrue to one side. Best be careful about what you wish for.
1
One can hope that Trump has been advised the wall cannot be built due to legal, technical and economic roadblocks.
So he keeps a campaign promise knowing it won't be kept.
So he keeps a campaign promise knowing it won't be kept.
4
In reflecting back on many of my previous vacations in Mexico I have observed a outward, blatant bigotry and racism against the Mexican by my fellow Americans. This has become more noticeable as the cry and rhetoric about "those illegal Mexicans" becomes louder and more toxic. It is as if we, Americans, are a higher human being and more entitled than the Mexicans.
It is my belief this is how Trump and the supporters of the wall think of the Mexicans, and Mexican government, they are inferior to our President and government, so, we can bully them into submission.
Well, it appears the Mexican government is calling Trump's bluff. This will not sit well with Mr. Trump as he apparently is accustomed to winning, by hook or crook. This will not end well for either country, but, I believe the "Make Mexico Pay For It" battle cry will die a slow death as the realization sets in that this was nothing more than the usual deflection and obfuscation from the Trump camp.
Lastly, as the battle cry for the wall increases in volume, and it is apparent that we, the taxpayer, will be signing the credit card slips for this stain on our country, are we ready to see another $25B plus added to the deficit, or will that be ignored because a Republican is in office?
It is my belief this is how Trump and the supporters of the wall think of the Mexicans, and Mexican government, they are inferior to our President and government, so, we can bully them into submission.
Well, it appears the Mexican government is calling Trump's bluff. This will not sit well with Mr. Trump as he apparently is accustomed to winning, by hook or crook. This will not end well for either country, but, I believe the "Make Mexico Pay For It" battle cry will die a slow death as the realization sets in that this was nothing more than the usual deflection and obfuscation from the Trump camp.
Lastly, as the battle cry for the wall increases in volume, and it is apparent that we, the taxpayer, will be signing the credit card slips for this stain on our country, are we ready to see another $25B plus added to the deficit, or will that be ignored because a Republican is in office?
6
Of course, the Mexican government in no way will pay for a "wall" on the border. It's absurd, stupid, insulting, etc., etc. But then, these are words that describe our new president.
7
The Child-President now says *he* might cancel the meeting with the Mexican President if Mexico doesn't pay for the wall..."That'll show um who's boss".
9
I feel as though last week America was stable and safe. Now it just feels crazy. One week later.
6
I feel exactly the same way, and fear for what next week may bring.
I hope President Nieto decides not to come and play into the hands of the maniac in chief.
I hope President Nieto decides not to come and play into the hands of the maniac in chief.
1
Trump should have waited to order his Wall! President of Mexico had scheduled a visit. They could have sat down and talked, maybe worked out some good ideas together. Trump , once again :( Tweet, tweet! Trump is not presidential, there is no diplomacy. (sounds simple and maybe, just maybe, it could have been!)
3
It's time for major investments in Mexican companies that sell shovels and other digging equipment.
2
Yes, build the wall, it's long overdue. And make it very difficult or impossible to hire illegals in the U.S. I'll admit they're good workers, but we have an obligation to employ Americans first - cannot absorb all the people who'd like to leave Mexico, Central and South America. They also clog up our government hospitals, drag down our public schools, boost crime rates, and destroy property values (loud noise, crime, junky yards, multiple families/generations crowded into single-family dwellings).
10
Loyd, then also admit you'll:
1) Work for the wages these workers make, and/or
2) Happily pay 200% higher prices for countless goods and services you take for granted.
Xenophobia has a price too. Think there's a compromise somewhere in the middle?
1) Work for the wages these workers make, and/or
2) Happily pay 200% higher prices for countless goods and services you take for granted.
Xenophobia has a price too. Think there's a compromise somewhere in the middle?
1
Bob - we have labor laws. Don't enable bad behavior!
1
The Chinese built a great wall centuries ago and learned that it didn't work. Now Trump seems to think things have changed? As far as I can tell, Trump has lost contact with reality.
Staying in a gold plated tower all his life, with occasional trips to other private reserves, Mr. Trump doesn't know what the real world is like. He is afraid of germs, Muslims and Mexicans and his fears are distorting his view of reality.
This whole thing reminds me of the Caine Mutiny.
Staying in a gold plated tower all his life, with occasional trips to other private reserves, Mr. Trump doesn't know what the real world is like. He is afraid of germs, Muslims and Mexicans and his fears are distorting his view of reality.
This whole thing reminds me of the Caine Mutiny.
9
Trump hasn't lost contact with reality. He never had it to begin with.
2
A 1,900 mile wall will make for a fantastic Public Art canvas. Muralists from all over the world can use this wall to detail those episodes in U.S. history showing where our government has acted alone or with its stooges to oppress peoples and governments all over the world. Prominence can be given to the theft of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and Colorado from Mexico by the likes of the so-called Mexican-American War. Just think of the tourist opportunities for those wanting to visit the Wall. Why, it will make the Great Wall in China seem like small potatoes.
6
Mexico is a dysfunctional state in many respects. Why, when heading from Canada, through the U.S. do you pass into a third world state? Corruption, narco-terrorist, crushing poverty, and so much. Maybe this will be a wake up call to get their country in order. The millions of undocumented and illegal immigrants, while good and hard working people, do not belong here. The unemployment rate of black youth is staggering. The millions of jobs that illegal immigrants are preforming could be going to those youths. Of course we should have immigration, but it should be legal and with the purpose of bringing to our country needed skills. The days of mass immigration when this country needed cheap labor to fill it's factories and mines is long gone. We must deal with the reality of the twenty first century, not the nineteenth.
17
I am genuinely confused. As a legal immigrant citizen of the US myself, I cannot understand what the logical argument is against preventing illegal immigrants crossing over the border from Mexico? Why are we so worked up about that? Why are we glorifying Mexican ingenuity in their ability to dig tunnels if we build a wall? Isn't the law the law anymore? Or do we just obey the laws that are convenient for us? Illegal immigrants are illegal! Plain and simple. If someone breaks the law there is punishment meted out to them, whether that is for running a red light or illegally crossing over the border. Why is that controversial? If it is about American guilt, which I see a lot among the elites, like in Hollywood, who are basically people who came into a lot of money easily and recognize they were fortunate and did not really earn it, they should donate heavily to causes they want to support. You want to pay for the schooling and medicines of children in Mexico, please do so, just don't make the rest of us hard working people pay for it with our hard earned tax dollars. Heck there are a lot of poor people in my home country of India that would love to come over to the US and work hard here too. Unfortunately for them they can't just walk across the border.
I have no sympathy for anyone who came into this country illegally. They deserve deportation. Trust me, there are plenty more (legal ones) where these came from. Stop feeling guilty!!
I have no sympathy for anyone who came into this country illegally. They deserve deportation. Trust me, there are plenty more (legal ones) where these came from. Stop feeling guilty!!
2
These were called starter jobs until you got in with the better companies. That is: if you weren't classified 1-A by the Selective Service. Then you developed through the military.
3
Senior Presidente, cancel the trip. trump and trumpmania are not worth the effort.
10
Prior to becoming the President of the United States, Mr. Trump had been a businessman in the real estate sector. I am sure he prepared a business plan for the lenders. Where is the business plan for the United States? Building a wall creates a negative money on the balancing sheet, not a positive one. Does America have to declare a bankruptcy, too?
7
The current situation with illegal immigrants is not FREE.
1
If you Really Believe you have a Prostitution Problem,..one of the least effective and least efficient ways is concentrating your efforts/arresting Prostitutes.
1. The Johns have more to lose and they're the one's actually $$$ it. They're also a lot easier to find in some cases.
2. Not to mention ignoring the Love Managers with their Big Hats and Bling.
Same twisted (failed) strategy in concentrating efforts on arresting users if you have a drug problem.
1. The Johns have more to lose and they're the one's actually $$$ it. They're also a lot easier to find in some cases.
2. Not to mention ignoring the Love Managers with their Big Hats and Bling.
Same twisted (failed) strategy in concentrating efforts on arresting users if you have a drug problem.
3
If China, or any other nation tried this type of arm-twisting on America, would not Americans be deeply insulted? And if the price of not knuckling under to this sort of economic extortion was a trade war, would Americans not be willing to pay that price?
Why would Mexico and Mexicans think or react any differently? The answer is that they wouldn't. And the degree of arrogance and hubris it takes to think otherwise defies belief.
Why would Mexico and Mexicans think or react any differently? The answer is that they wouldn't. And the degree of arrogance and hubris it takes to think otherwise defies belief.
15
I think that the Mexican government should invite the Chinese navy to come for a friendly port of call visit. Even better: offer them the use of a naval base.
11
At this rate, I won't be surprised if this deranged person gets us into another Asian war. He's a draft dodger and a fraud.
IMPEACH! RELEASE THE TAX RECORDS NOW!
IMPEACH! RELEASE THE TAX RECORDS NOW!
14
Let's think about this for a moment... Trump wants to build a wall to keep illegal immigrants out and even if that happens what is next? With all that is currently happening in the world Trump is simply using the 'wall' as a symbolic measure to show that he is tough and a man of his word with disregard to Mexico-U.S. relations. We have much BIGGER problems to face then going back and forth with a country that we can easily go toe to toe with. All of this is just smoking mirrors and Trump does a very good job at getting people angry and distracted. He is most concerned with his legacy and how he looks. At this point he has only engage with policies that are seemingly easy for him to strong arm and minute issues (inauguration turnout, nonexistent voter fraud, etc.). Is this really THE thing that needs to be dealt with?
3
I guess we should just get used to Trump's narcissism and ego damaging our foreign relations whenever one of his uncontrolled impulses hits him. Sad!
3
If anyone can isolate the US from engagement with the rest of the world it is trump. Back to the Stone Age.
5
the only thing to takeaway from all these comments about trump is that america is land of inveterate gullible fools
4
Cancel the trip, President Enrique Peña Nieto! Do not let the bully that has taken over OUR White House scare you. WE - the Good People of the United States of America who oppose the supposed new "leader" do not agree with his bully tactics, lies and attempts to destroy democracy in America.
WE have your back!!
WE have your back!!
8
The country voted for him, so his action is a representation of "We"
1
NO, Will, it is NOT. LIES, hate-fear-anger propaganda, and pure old sexism, gave the election to him. This was not an election - it was a financial coup by The Top 1% Global Financial Elite Robber Baron/Radical Religion Boys Party.
2
The Mexican president made a huge mistake when he invited Trump to Mexico before the elections, and he would only compound that mistake by visiting the US while Trump is in power. At this historical junction, the US should be treated like a pariah state, because this is precisely what it is.
As a consolation, Pena Nieto ought to consider that the only real victims of Trump`s wall are the migratory species, many of them threatened, that will see their habitats severely disrupted.
As a consolation, Pena Nieto ought to consider that the only real victims of Trump`s wall are the migratory species, many of them threatened, that will see their habitats severely disrupted.
5
He invited both candidates. Trump went. Hillary declined, instead doing fundraisers. That was the election in miniature.
2
The cheap Republican House and Senate will never approve funds for a wall. What Mexican would currently want to come to the United States, with such a hateful group of Americans running the country?
5
I am deeply disturbed by the prospect that we have to endure this nightmare for at least 4 years. Building a wall really does not achieve anything in border protection. Coming from Germany the tearing down of a wall dividing a nation and in fact two different political system was an awe inspiring moment. As the pope pointed out we should build bridges not walls we should unite not divide. What a sad and low moment in American history.
10
Every time Democrats want to fund anything Republicans resist by saying it needs to be paid for before they would consider it.
This wall is a mockery of what this country stands for, soon we will be hearing from other leaders " Mr. Trump tear down this wall".
Leaders of the world need to stand up to this bully, America will suffer from the delusions of this irresponsible leader.
This wall is a mockery of what this country stands for, soon we will be hearing from other leaders " Mr. Trump tear down this wall".
Leaders of the world need to stand up to this bully, America will suffer from the delusions of this irresponsible leader.
10
Trump should ask El Chapo how well those walls work. He's available.
It's symbolic grandstanding, like the golden name he puts on property he doesn't own.
It's symbolic grandstanding, like the golden name he puts on property he doesn't own.
8
Three points I would like make.
We need to secure our borders; it's not right for thousands of illegal immigrants to be able to penetrate our borders. Not in these days and times. Everyone should also realize, there are only specific areas of our border which will require a 'wall' - most of it is already secure with a variety of defense mechanisms depending on the terrain.
We need to find a way to allow those immigrants who have been living and working and paying taxes in the U.S., to remain. We're not displacing families who have been living here for decades. I know there will need to rules and certain restrictions governing this program. It needs to be expedited.
We need to realize there will be some immigrants will have to return to their homelands. Not everyone can stay, but I'm hopeful, most who want to and are contributing to our country can.
We need to secure our borders; it's not right for thousands of illegal immigrants to be able to penetrate our borders. Not in these days and times. Everyone should also realize, there are only specific areas of our border which will require a 'wall' - most of it is already secure with a variety of defense mechanisms depending on the terrain.
We need to find a way to allow those immigrants who have been living and working and paying taxes in the U.S., to remain. We're not displacing families who have been living here for decades. I know there will need to rules and certain restrictions governing this program. It needs to be expedited.
We need to realize there will be some immigrants will have to return to their homelands. Not everyone can stay, but I'm hopeful, most who want to and are contributing to our country can.
2
Perhaps President Peña Nieto will instead of a US visit, announce an initiative to create a trade deal with China to replace the losses of the impending renegotiated NAFTA deal.
After Trump goes ballistic, President Nieto can further announce a mutual military agreement with China to protect their new trade arrangement.
Farfetched ill agree, but we have a President Trump do we not.
After Trump goes ballistic, President Nieto can further announce a mutual military agreement with China to protect their new trade arrangement.
Farfetched ill agree, but we have a President Trump do we not.
6
China isn't interested in a trade deal with Mexico- the average Mexican has no disposable cash, it is a third world country
1
This man, Trump, is a loose cannon. He shoots from the hip without thought, apparently based on what he has seen on TV the night before. Foreign policy based on TV watching - how far have we fallen.
Add to that what is apparently a disjointed staff dedicated to feeding him false facts (voter fraud, attendance, etc) to get him to sign Executive Orders they put in front of him based on their own desires, and we have a recipe for disaster in this country never seen before. Signing this latest order two days before a state visit just illustrates the mindlessness of this administration.
Add to that what is apparently a disjointed staff dedicated to feeding him false facts (voter fraud, attendance, etc) to get him to sign Executive Orders they put in front of him based on their own desires, and we have a recipe for disaster in this country never seen before. Signing this latest order two days before a state visit just illustrates the mindlessness of this administration.
11
We have a new "bully" in the White House and his name is Donald Trump. Donald Trump stated during his Presidential run, that he could "act Presidential" anytime he wanted. Well, this would be a good time to put on his Presidential hat and act like the President of the US, instead of the pompous, overbearing, self centered, narcissistic jerk that he is.
This is why Trump likes Putin. Trump loves the idea of being the muscle in the room that can take the other guy out anytime he feels like it. Trump should move to Russia and have a bro-romance with his twin, Putin. They could stand together for hours admiring their reflection in the mirror.
Instead of bringing nations together, Trump will alienate and undermine our relationships worldwide. These are dark days for the US. The only thing we have to look forward to is Trump's impeachment.
This is why Trump likes Putin. Trump loves the idea of being the muscle in the room that can take the other guy out anytime he feels like it. Trump should move to Russia and have a bro-romance with his twin, Putin. They could stand together for hours admiring their reflection in the mirror.
Instead of bringing nations together, Trump will alienate and undermine our relationships worldwide. These are dark days for the US. The only thing we have to look forward to is Trump's impeachment.
8
Trump epitomizes the worship of force and the practice of cruel intolerance, an ugly spirit now emerging and taking hold in the US. It is the antithesis of securing a national minimum of civilised life ... open to all alike, of both sexes and all classes, by which we mean sufficient nourishment and training when young, a living wage when able-bodied, treatment when sick, and modest but secure livelihood when disabled or aged.
8
We desperately need high speed rail, modernized airports, and rebuilt roads and bridges. The "wall" is a massive waste of money and an insult to our Mexican neighbors. George W. Bush wasted a trillion dollars with his adventure in Iraq and now Trump will waste billions on the wall. These are Republican presidents who campaigned as fiscal conservatives, then run profligate with our money. No wonder Americans hate to pay taxes.
14
Trump speaks loudly, and his hands are too small to carry a big stick.
7
Dear President Nieto
Please do visit the United States. Please visit for a couple of weeks but spend only 15 minutes or so in the White House. Instead, push back the bully by spending time with the Congress, the American people and very importantly with your compatriots living in the US reassuring them that even if the government of their adopted land is rejecting them their country of origin will always stand by them and if necessary welcome them back. You have the moral high ground.
And there is a silver lining to the reprehensible wall which, unfortunately, is likely to be built. It should stem the flow of arms and ammunition that has been fuelling the drugs war in your country.
Please do visit the United States. Please visit for a couple of weeks but spend only 15 minutes or so in the White House. Instead, push back the bully by spending time with the Congress, the American people and very importantly with your compatriots living in the US reassuring them that even if the government of their adopted land is rejecting them their country of origin will always stand by them and if necessary welcome them back. You have the moral high ground.
And there is a silver lining to the reprehensible wall which, unfortunately, is likely to be built. It should stem the flow of arms and ammunition that has been fuelling the drugs war in your country.
2
Both President Peña Nieto & Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should consider
cancelling meetings with the current US administration for at least three months.
cancelling meetings with the current US administration for at least three months.
8
So you don't want these men to meet with Trump to improve NAFTA in ways that it may serves the interest of American workers?
Thinking like this one is responsible for why the democrats lost this past election.
Thinking like this one is responsible for why the democrats lost this past election.
1
The Mexican government has enjoyed eight years of immigration lawlessness by an amateur US President. From "Catch and release" to sanctuary cities that harbor criminals. The strain on the US government and the America people has been tremendous. Many "left wing extremists" claim that folks that want the laws enforced are "racist." A common tactic from progressive extremists who are only looking for laws to be enforced.
9
Is that a direct quote from Limbaugh, Hannity or O'Reilly?
3
I see positives: the best of America will recognize now our neighbors from Mexico as our brothers and sisters. We will be with them as the alt-right, the rejuvenated KKK, the Know Nothings are again a formidable force, dwell now in the Oval Office.
We are living in sinister times: very disturbing all the major news organizations accepted being summoned to Trump Tower to receive a flagellation and apparently agreed to keep what was said secret. But heartened still that NYT has front page described two demented Trump claims (the Inaugural count, the 3-5 million illegals voting) as lies.
Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty and I quote as well about the Third Reich:
First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me
We are living in sinister times: very disturbing all the major news organizations accepted being summoned to Trump Tower to receive a flagellation and apparently agreed to keep what was said secret. But heartened still that NYT has front page described two demented Trump claims (the Inaugural count, the 3-5 million illegals voting) as lies.
Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty and I quote as well about the Third Reich:
First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me
8
When saddling the costs of the wall dawns upon trump's income tax paying base, there may be a hiccups in its support, yet that might be subsumed under broader indigestion malaise.
1
Trump obviously is oblivious to the history of the Berlin wall despite his supposed German ancestry. Leaving aside the issue of tunnels, if the wall is effective where then will the labor come for agriculture? Are these the jobs Trump is bringing back? Are the people who were duped into electing him ready t go to work for their wages? Or, will it soon be that fruit and vegetable will become luxury items, creating further public health problems, not that public health seems to be an issue of either relevance or interest to the present leadership.
2
Berlin has been and is a completely different situation.
1
I hope the President of Mexico still makes the trip, for the sake of promoting friendship between our two peoples, and our two countries. However, one thing should be clear: It is our sovereign right to erect a barrier on our border whether Mexico likes it or not. Were the shoe on the other foot and were Mexico erecting a barrier on its border with us (or with any other country), we wouldn't have the right to complain.
Illegal immigrant labor is a serious problem in this country. What's the point in having labor laws and workplace regulations if employers can hire illegal immigrants to work off the books? It's unfortunate that the immigrants (who are hard-working and who come here in search of a better life) must bear the burden of demonization instead of the crooked American employers, but that still doesn't excuse that what they are doing is contrary to US law and is harming American citizens. Those laws and regulations are there for a reason - to keep American employers from using their leverage to become abusive - and it would be terrible if we allowed them to become de facto abolished by allowing unfettered illegal access to our labor markets.
Ultimately it is primarily the wealthy and well-connected in America and Mexico who benefit from illegal immigration. It's astonishing that Trump, the arch-capitalist, wants to do something about illegal immigration, which disproportionately benefits business owners, but if he genuinely does then more power to him.
Illegal immigrant labor is a serious problem in this country. What's the point in having labor laws and workplace regulations if employers can hire illegal immigrants to work off the books? It's unfortunate that the immigrants (who are hard-working and who come here in search of a better life) must bear the burden of demonization instead of the crooked American employers, but that still doesn't excuse that what they are doing is contrary to US law and is harming American citizens. Those laws and regulations are there for a reason - to keep American employers from using their leverage to become abusive - and it would be terrible if we allowed them to become de facto abolished by allowing unfettered illegal access to our labor markets.
Ultimately it is primarily the wealthy and well-connected in America and Mexico who benefit from illegal immigration. It's astonishing that Trump, the arch-capitalist, wants to do something about illegal immigration, which disproportionately benefits business owners, but if he genuinely does then more power to him.
4
Please do America a favor and cancel, the rest of the world needs to understand quickly that Trump does not deserve the respect normally afforded to American president.
11
He said his speech to the CIA was a homerun. More like a foul ball.
4
Donald Trump is undoing what America has long struggled to teach the world about peaceful co-existence. Truly tragic!
8
I don't think this is about peaceful coexistence. This is about border security. These are two different concepts, although there is a saying that good fences make for good neighbors. I think that applies.
1
Mexico could cease rigorously controlling its border with Guatemala, which would lead more people to try to enter the United States. It could do more to encourage investment from China and Russia, which are eager to strengthen ties with Latin America. And it could end robust cooperation on drug enforcement and intelligence, which would make Americans less secure.
5
The wall is a distraction from his billionaire cabinet`s goal to privatize as many of the assets and resources of the US as they can get away with. The Republican congress funded by the corporate lobbyists will happily go along with this charade.
Trump, an expert three-card Monte conman, is already creating distractions. The lie about voter fraud and the impending investigation will cause eyes to turn away while the Secretary of Education throws billions into charter schools - hurting public education in the process. The Trillion dollar infrastructure bill will toss more into their coffers.
Keep your eyes on their Prize while we look to throw the bums out in 2018.
Trump, an expert three-card Monte conman, is already creating distractions. The lie about voter fraud and the impending investigation will cause eyes to turn away while the Secretary of Education throws billions into charter schools - hurting public education in the process. The Trillion dollar infrastructure bill will toss more into their coffers.
Keep your eyes on their Prize while we look to throw the bums out in 2018.
7
"now we find ourselves in a low-intensity war, a commercial one over Nafta and an immigration war due to the measures he just announced"
-
Neither Nafta nor migration from Mexico is new in 2017. Nafta is twenty years old, and the immigration problem goes back forever. Both are "wars" only if you choose to look at them that way. Both are issues for which both sides bear responsibility. Expressing outrage is probably necessary, at least at the outset, but it won't continue. Politicians, businessmen, and diplomats exist to resolve problems. Keep moving ahead.
-
Neither Nafta nor migration from Mexico is new in 2017. Nafta is twenty years old, and the immigration problem goes back forever. Both are "wars" only if you choose to look at them that way. Both are issues for which both sides bear responsibility. Expressing outrage is probably necessary, at least at the outset, but it won't continue. Politicians, businessmen, and diplomats exist to resolve problems. Keep moving ahead.
2
Donald Trump does not the deserve the honor you would bestow by meeting with him in the United States. I hope you decide not to do so. However, it's unlikely Trump will accept being rebuffed and will tell the world that you and he did meet somewhere in that alternative reality in which he lives.
6
Trump is a bully -- he must humiliate and dominate his opponents. The Mexican president invited Trump to Mexico City to try to start a reasoned dialogue, like a mature leader would do. However, Trump sees this as weakness and just amps up the hostility. That's his way, and his resentful, angry fans thrill to it. They get to be bullies too, if only vicariously.
7
What stood out to me in Trump's rambling, insane interview last night was that he won’t say he won’t send the Dreamers back. He said “they should be far less worried," but doesn’t say they shouldn’t be worried.
The torture statements have already led Theresa May’s Parliament demanding she tell Trump they do not sanction torture in England and won't be party to any of it.
A video of Trump saying that we are going after Iraq’s oil and that they are not even a country is going viral in Iraq. It was on last night and this endangers troops we still have there.
Plus, #f$$kingwall is now all over twitter because of what the ex-President of Mexico said: there is no way Mexico will pay for that #f$$kingwall
Five days in, and he has destabilized our top allies. Heck of a good job, Trumpy.
The torture statements have already led Theresa May’s Parliament demanding she tell Trump they do not sanction torture in England and won't be party to any of it.
A video of Trump saying that we are going after Iraq’s oil and that they are not even a country is going viral in Iraq. It was on last night and this endangers troops we still have there.
Plus, #f$$kingwall is now all over twitter because of what the ex-President of Mexico said: there is no way Mexico will pay for that #f$$kingwall
Five days in, and he has destabilized our top allies. Heck of a good job, Trumpy.
8
Mr. Trump represents a clear and present danger to the U.S.
10
Trump is a danger for the whole world .
3
To Trump, the cost of his Great Wall of Bigotry is irrelevant... $10 Billion, $20 Billion, $30 Billion, it doesn't matter at all.... After all, he has no skin in the game as he hasn't paid any taxes in decades... It is the rest of us honest taxpaying suckers who will be funding his hate & fear inspired monument of shame...
8
You're already funding billions of dollars in taxes to pay for the healthcare of millions of people who are here illegally.
1
Please cancel your trip President Nieto. You country does not need to be insulted by this narcissistic buffoon that somehow got elected. Take the high road before Mr Trump takes it upon himself to cancel the meeting and somehow claims it as a diplomatic victory for his administration. Hard to believe this is happening hardly a week into Trump's Presidency.
6
Please Mexicans, remember a majority did not vote for the man who is president. The majority of us recognize the futility of a wall and the advantages of friendship and working together. I hope Mexican leaders stand up against this bully.
11
If President Trump wants to renegotiate NAFTA, that is ok. Many Canadians were not happy about the inclusion of fresh water in the agreement and look forward to removing it.
Canada has one quarter of the fresh water on earth and this asset will eventually dwarf petroleum in value.
To put it in Republican terms; go ahead, make our day.
Canada has one quarter of the fresh water on earth and this asset will eventually dwarf petroleum in value.
To put it in Republican terms; go ahead, make our day.
6
In a video message delivered over Twitter on Wednesday night, Mr. Peña Nieto did not address whether he would cancel the meeting, saying only that future steps would be taken in consultation with the country’s lawmakers.
------------------
It would seem to me from other reports Trump has asked Mr. Peña Nieto not to come if he is not amenable to 'funding' the border 'wall'.
My bet is, notwithstanding his posturing for local public consumption, he will come here, protest as he will during the press conference, and agree to what Trump tells him.
Trump should announce that the US Foreign aid to Mexico will be cut off forthwith until border wall issues are buttoned up and sussed out.
------------------
It would seem to me from other reports Trump has asked Mr. Peña Nieto not to come if he is not amenable to 'funding' the border 'wall'.
My bet is, notwithstanding his posturing for local public consumption, he will come here, protest as he will during the press conference, and agree to what Trump tells him.
Trump should announce that the US Foreign aid to Mexico will be cut off forthwith until border wall issues are buttoned up and sussed out.
2
Regardless of whether one supports or oppose Trump's wall, sanity suggests that we focus on establishing how much interest U.S. citizens will receive on the our tax-dollars that President Trump / Congress spend before we are "reimbursed." After all, one of the President's most widely trumpeted claims to greatness is his prowess as a business man and deal maker. Certainly, he doesn't expect an interest-free loan from the "real people" he purports to represent.
3
Forrest Gump: Stupid is as stupid does.
6
Mr. Trump is building a wall to rally his second amendment people. He knows that his impeachment might be plausible and he is building his 'private army'. Far fetched? Anything is possible with him.
2
It is Mexico that holds all the cards. Without Mexican labor, our farmers and food processors will have huge problems getting their crops picked and into our markets.
Meixco can easily partner with China or Russia instead of the US. My guess is if Trump continues his attack, it will backfire. Trump can bully the GOP and Democrats but foreign heads of states may just wipe their hands of El Trumpo!
Meixco can easily partner with China or Russia instead of the US. My guess is if Trump continues his attack, it will backfire. Trump can bully the GOP and Democrats but foreign heads of states may just wipe their hands of El Trumpo!
4
Before I built a wall I'd ask to know
What I was walling in or walling out,
And to whom I was like to give offence.
Something there is that doesn't love a wall,
That wants it down!
-- Robert Frost
What I was walling in or walling out,
And to whom I was like to give offence.
Something there is that doesn't love a wall,
That wants it down!
-- Robert Frost
6
Many have seen this movie before, and this flick is perilously nearing the status of becoming a ''dud''. A pertinacious Trump will turn his deaf ears to these catcalls of derisions, as the Mexican wall was one of his signature campaign slogans. This tussle and kerfuffle will have to be rampant, owing to Trump's tenacity, so a jittery GOP will be fun to watch. A string of events is likely to ensue, and barbs will be traded at full throttle, back and forth.
Terms like ''sanctuary cities'', and ''anchor babies'' will be the next set of targets for Trump's practices. A neutral reader will digest all these, with a grain of salt, literally. Trump's lieutenants will become experts in circumlocutions, and will offer a tautology of vapid explanations of trump's adventures. But the press should press on these Trump's mouthpieces, with all the ferocity they have got, in a polite manner, of course.
Sean Spicer and Kellyanne Conway will be armed to the teeth with ''alternative facts'', which will be disgorged at a moment's notice, without any compunctions, but with a lot of conniptions. The TV anchors will be hell-bent on slicing and dicing their statements, and the viewership might burgeon, much to their ecstasy. Bring them on!
Terms like ''sanctuary cities'', and ''anchor babies'' will be the next set of targets for Trump's practices. A neutral reader will digest all these, with a grain of salt, literally. Trump's lieutenants will become experts in circumlocutions, and will offer a tautology of vapid explanations of trump's adventures. But the press should press on these Trump's mouthpieces, with all the ferocity they have got, in a polite manner, of course.
Sean Spicer and Kellyanne Conway will be armed to the teeth with ''alternative facts'', which will be disgorged at a moment's notice, without any compunctions, but with a lot of conniptions. The TV anchors will be hell-bent on slicing and dicing their statements, and the viewership might burgeon, much to their ecstasy. Bring them on!
1
Every dollar spent on President Trump's wall is a dollar not spent on fixing roads, bridges and schools. It's likely also a dollar less spent on new factories. So, which do you really want?
4
some of the wall dollars could be better spent on drug addiction.
In his typically reactive mode, Trump is now thinking about cancelling the meeting himself, according to Breitbart.
2
I won't be able to take four years of this. I don't know what's worse: A lying bully who glories in his ignorance - and seems to relish it even more in his new role as POTUS, or the spineless, gelatinous GOP congress that seems content to let him shatter the Constitution and ruin any semblance of Democracy left in this country.
11
I know this administration is short on details but how would it ever be possible to get Mexico to pay for the wall? I have yet to see that.
4
Maybe a surcharge on money wired to Mexico could fix that.
1
Please President Nieto cancel the trip. Please do not pay for this wall. Donald Trump is a spoiled child used to getting his way or going into a rage if he doesn't. Do not legitimize Donald Trump by visiting him on his terms.
9
Oh, please! What has Nieto ever done for us? And how has Mexico benefitted by the larges of the US? And, think about the remittances sent back to Mexico - untaxed funds flowing out of the country.
What about some critical thinking?
What about some critical thinking?
1
In all of this contentious discussion, one fact should be asserted. Asians now outpace Mexicans in terms of undocumented growth. Chinese, South Koreans and Indians are among the fastest-growing segments of undocumented growth.
7
Señor Presidente, you cancel before Trump does. He's insulted you, Mexico and too many of all of us Norte Americanos. You, of course, are not paying for any wall and, if our GOP controlled Congress comes its senses, the American taxpayer isn't either.
I truly hope that you will not think that Trump's insulting behavior towards a good neighbor represents the true feelings of a majority of Americans. This Norte Americano has been everywhere from Oxaca to Guanajuato and loved every minute of it. Viva Mexico!
I truly hope that you will not think that Trump's insulting behavior towards a good neighbor represents the true feelings of a majority of Americans. This Norte Americano has been everywhere from Oxaca to Guanajuato and loved every minute of it. Viva Mexico!
7
We wouldn’t need a wall or fence if the two sides on the illegal immigration issue should compromise. Americans are reluctant to support another amnesty for illegal immigrants because they know open border advocates will work to thwart efforts to curtail future illegal immigration. In 1986, we granted amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants based on promises that the federal government would stop future illegal immigration. But a tsunami of illegal immigrants quickly pushed the number of people in the country illegally to more than 11 million. Before granting another amnesty, we should take measures to stop future illegal immigration. We should empowers states, counties and cities to make it unlawful for unauthorized immigrants to reside within their jurisdictions. We should make E-Verify mandatory nationwide. We should amend or reinterpret the citizenship clause to grant birthright citizenship only to children born to U.S. parents. We should automatically deny asylum to migrants who enter the country unlawfully. (Asylum-seekers should apply for asylum at U.S. embassies in their home countries or at legal ports of entry.) Once these measures are in place, we should grant citizenship to those enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program and permanent legal status to illegal immigrants who have established families in America.
4
Yes, and we need a proper implementation of a modern visa tracking system with sufficient resources for enforcement.
1
Perhaps sending your people across the border for their children to be educated on the American tax payer's dime is a slap in the face to America? I recently saw a statistic that roughly 25% of the Mexican population now lives in America? What leverage does the Mexican President have with President Trump given these circumstances.....none.
3
whaaaaaat? 25% of Mexican population lives here? Where did that number come from?
3
In the end, Trump is a bully. Not only is it unwise to try and appease a bully, it's futile. The wall, if built, will be a monument to Trump's complete unfitness to lead, and America's insanity in electing him. And it will be paid for by the taxpayers, but sadly not the ones who voted for him, since their states already get federally subsidized just to stay marginally afloat. I do wish the world would turn its back on Trump, including Mexico and Canada. Dealing with Trump is dealing with a liar, who will not honour any agreement made with others if it suits him to do otherwise. The "full faith and credit" of the US is about to become a cosmic joke.
9
Culture of fear among federal employees, where they have been gagged, threatened, and instructed not to speak about the unconstitutional directions they are receiving.
8
EXCELLENT! Pena Nieto has just pulled out of the meeting. First smart thing he's done. Good for him!
2
Kudos to President Nieto! I hope that all world leaders follow his courageous example and shun the Orange Haired Buffoon.
5
This wall, if it is ever built, will be the physical manifestation of Trump's racist and divisive campaign rhetoric. It will do little to enhance national security and will cost us billions.
4
So many comments and falsehoods from those in liberal coastal cities with very little real understanding of the devastation that some of us deal with due to the unbridled wave after wave of illegal immigrants that pour through our southern border. Texas schools are overrun with kids learning only Spanish at home and English at school. Like it or not, these are non-citizens that steal precious few educational resources from lower income American citizen families when their schools have to cancel art and sports programs so they can support English-Second Language programs.
Illegal immigrant families pack 3-4 families to modest homes and end up destroying them lowering property values and in turn the assets of lower income American citizens.
Illegal immigrant families pack the emergency rooms leaving American citizen families fighting to be seen. Hospitals are losing millions in Texas providing care to illegal immigrants with no insurance and little resources to pay.
Child trafficking is skyrocketing and is statistically much more prevalent in communities dominated by illegal immigrants.
Drug and violent crime soars where illegal immigrant populations are concentrated.
These are local costs that American citizens of Texas are paying. Yoandel in Boston, Res Ipsa in NY, Jim in Virginia and all the other NYT Picks on the coastal zones could care less because it's not in their backyard.
Some of us can't afford the cost anymore. Build the wall, Protect US Citizens.
Illegal immigrant families pack 3-4 families to modest homes and end up destroying them lowering property values and in turn the assets of lower income American citizens.
Illegal immigrant families pack the emergency rooms leaving American citizen families fighting to be seen. Hospitals are losing millions in Texas providing care to illegal immigrants with no insurance and little resources to pay.
Child trafficking is skyrocketing and is statistically much more prevalent in communities dominated by illegal immigrants.
Drug and violent crime soars where illegal immigrant populations are concentrated.
These are local costs that American citizens of Texas are paying. Yoandel in Boston, Res Ipsa in NY, Jim in Virginia and all the other NYT Picks on the coastal zones could care less because it's not in their backyard.
Some of us can't afford the cost anymore. Build the wall, Protect US Citizens.
5
Trump boxed himself in.
If he builds the wall, he looks stupid.
If he doesn't build the wall, he breaks a stupid campaign promise that he invested heavily in and no one will let him forget that.
If he builds the wall, he looks stupid.
If he doesn't build the wall, he breaks a stupid campaign promise that he invested heavily in and no one will let him forget that.
4
He won't get money from Congress and he'll blame career politicians for preventing border security. Watch for the bully blame game.
3
President Nieto seems to have set the standard of how foreign leaders, who once considered themselves valued allies of the US, ought to be responding to our President's habit of heaping disrespect on anyone (foreign or domestic) who refuses to march lockstep with his crackpot or ultra-nationalist ideas. Si Se Puede!
3
GOP Congressman Will Hurd has come out against the wall. He is to be congratulated for taking a stand. Finally a Republican willing to put his country and common sense above partisan politics. GOP where are you? STAND UP
7
If Trump feels so strongly about his wall he should use the taxes he has not paid to fund it.
I can think of better uses for my tax dollars.
I can think of better uses for my tax dollars.
5
I have never visited a country whose people are so kind and wonderful as Mexico. The Mexican people deserve a strong and dignified and wise response from their president to the unfortunate actions of Donald Trump.
La gente de Mexico son muy amable y maravillosa. Merecen una respuesta de su presidente que es fuerte, solemne y sabio a los acciones desafortunados de Donald Trump.
La gente de Mexico son muy amable y maravillosa. Merecen una respuesta de su presidente que es fuerte, solemne y sabio a los acciones desafortunados de Donald Trump.
3
The best thing that can happen in the trip is canceled and congress realize we do not have the money to spend on this useless wall.
3
For years I worked in kitchens in Chicago. I was surrounded by Mexicans and other Latinos, who were in this country to work hard and make money to support their families. Even if he is only talking about criminals, Trump's words make all Mexicans coming here to find work and a better life feel like criminals.
2
This is the most ridiculous assessment yet on Mexican-American relations. You speak of what I consider to be the undertones of the apoplectic liberal view of the reality I have known first hand from both sides of the border since 1996, when the male Clinton was President.
I can assure you out-of-touch liberal news-people that there are countless Mexicans in Sonora alone who do not share the view of their President, though I will concede that your pandering to fear and prejudice has many concerned on both sides.
Mexicans respect the fact that Donald Trump is a patriot, far from those in the namby-pamby press who blindly supported the Obama-led administration, whose designated successor, Hillary Clinton, would not even deem it necessary to respond to an invitation to meet with Pena Nieto during the campaign. Trump honored that invitation, and many here on both sides have not forgotten that fact.
Donald Trump is the best thing to happen to this country since before WW11. Aside from his vision to space, even Kennedy didn't have the wisdom to forge ahead, and a lot of his rhetoric fell on deaf ears. But he gained respect in Latin America not because he opened the borders to criminals, but because he held the line against an out of control communist regime in Cuba. I lived in Miami during the Cuban revolution.
The NYT is living in the past. Sad to say, but you folks really haven't understood that message yet. You people need to get out and grow up!
I can assure you out-of-touch liberal news-people that there are countless Mexicans in Sonora alone who do not share the view of their President, though I will concede that your pandering to fear and prejudice has many concerned on both sides.
Mexicans respect the fact that Donald Trump is a patriot, far from those in the namby-pamby press who blindly supported the Obama-led administration, whose designated successor, Hillary Clinton, would not even deem it necessary to respond to an invitation to meet with Pena Nieto during the campaign. Trump honored that invitation, and many here on both sides have not forgotten that fact.
Donald Trump is the best thing to happen to this country since before WW11. Aside from his vision to space, even Kennedy didn't have the wisdom to forge ahead, and a lot of his rhetoric fell on deaf ears. But he gained respect in Latin America not because he opened the borders to criminals, but because he held the line against an out of control communist regime in Cuba. I lived in Miami during the Cuban revolution.
The NYT is living in the past. Sad to say, but you folks really haven't understood that message yet. You people need to get out and grow up!
3
George, so happy you could retire in the "AZ border" area. Where do I begin? Pre WWII we were in the middle of the global depression that was greatly exacerbated by the Smoot-Hawley Act which sounds like what Trump is suggesting. Pre WWII blacks could not even serve in the same units as white in the military. We were in the middle of Jim Crow. There was no group medical insurance.
"Hillary Clinton, would not even deem it necessary to respond to an invitation to meet with Pena Nieto during the campaign." This is intriguing. Why do you think Trump graced Mexico with his presence? Enough with the Hilary bashing. She lost. Trump won.
"there are countless Mexicans in Sonora alone who do not share the view of their President, "? Turn that back on your own country and say there are countless Americans who do not share the view of our President. Unless you missed the marches last Saturday it's not hard to see.
"Hillary Clinton, would not even deem it necessary to respond to an invitation to meet with Pena Nieto during the campaign." This is intriguing. Why do you think Trump graced Mexico with his presence? Enough with the Hilary bashing. She lost. Trump won.
"there are countless Mexicans in Sonora alone who do not share the view of their President, "? Turn that back on your own country and say there are countless Americans who do not share the view of our President. Unless you missed the marches last Saturday it's not hard to see.
3
"The Man Who Would Be King" We can only hope and pray that the country survives this repugnant personality driven presidency. For the 1st time in my life, I am seeing the disintegration of the very moral fabric that makes us American. The decisions made by this man are the height of folly and ego driven solipsism. Let's hope and pray that the Congress will wake up and take some meaningful action against this would be tyrant before it is too late.
Jerry W NYC
Jerry W NYC
8
Since we know the wall will not be an effective barrier to immigration, it's time to think of what purposes it might serve in other capacities. For example, we could throw some welcome shade into the lives of jackrabbits and rattlesnakes for a few hours each day. Or maybe roof it with solar panels--although putting the panels on the ground makes more sense. We could use it as a defensive position from which to shell mariachi bands, or perhaps the Aztecs, if they reconstitute their armies 500 years from now. In parts of Italy they build large free-standing walls with receptacles for the cremated dead. Think of it, a columbarium that stretches from the West coast to the East coast. Any ideas, Mr. Musk?
3
Profit will win over disdain for immigrants. Mexico needs a proud stance of defiance because American business depends on their market and dirt cheap labor. Fear of immigrants is no greater than love of profit. Soon, the GOP will have to get into this conflict because profit is at risk.
Cancel the trip and stand up now, Mexico! And Donald, when are you bringing your own business back from Mexico? Be the first to put America first, or sit down and quiet yourself.
Cancel the trip and stand up now, Mexico! And Donald, when are you bringing your own business back from Mexico? Be the first to put America first, or sit down and quiet yourself.
4
I wonder if the Canadians have started building their wall yet?
4
The wall is the biggest slap in the face to the people of Mexico. Mexicans should boycott everything American until the American government is replaced by a more intelligent forward looking government, and that means replacement of the Republican Congress along with the adolescent who now is playing Commander-in-Chief in the White House. who has absolutely no understanding of the consequences of his Tweets and Proclamations. In fact the whole world might do well to isolate America until it is cured of it's xenophobia and hate-filled political disease.
3
I have read most of the comments and offer this:
I challenge the NY Times to investigate costs associated with all illegal immigrants in this country. In other words do they come here on their own without assistance from our government, find work and support themselves or do they immediately go on welfare, housing assistance free tuition etc the "american dream" and here they stay collecting assistance working for cash. I met a very nice man illegal in this country went back several years ago to south america. He told us that there are programs in HIS COUNTRY funded by US people on how to get here and once here how to apply for all the free assistance. Is this true? I have no problem with someone coming here working and paying their way. I do have a problem with any illegal from any country coming here and living with alot of perks. We have in this country more poor than coming in. They do not look for handouts nor are they offered because they don't qualify. Look at the paperwork when applying pay attention to the status of your race. That does count. So NY times out the numbers of how much does it cost the american people. Do some
honest investigating like a real paper would do. Oh by the way how much does let's say NYC or Chicago get in federal funding for having illegals in their city? I guarantee you they aren't doing it for free. Follow the money.
I challenge the NY Times to investigate costs associated with all illegal immigrants in this country. In other words do they come here on their own without assistance from our government, find work and support themselves or do they immediately go on welfare, housing assistance free tuition etc the "american dream" and here they stay collecting assistance working for cash. I met a very nice man illegal in this country went back several years ago to south america. He told us that there are programs in HIS COUNTRY funded by US people on how to get here and once here how to apply for all the free assistance. Is this true? I have no problem with someone coming here working and paying their way. I do have a problem with any illegal from any country coming here and living with alot of perks. We have in this country more poor than coming in. They do not look for handouts nor are they offered because they don't qualify. Look at the paperwork when applying pay attention to the status of your race. That does count. So NY times out the numbers of how much does it cost the american people. Do some
honest investigating like a real paper would do. Oh by the way how much does let's say NYC or Chicago get in federal funding for having illegals in their city? I guarantee you they aren't doing it for free. Follow the money.
8
Enrique Peña Nieto is a corrupt as well as his wife, the President popularity is very poor after four years in Los Pinos. Many in México believe that Trump is a good opportunity for the mexican President to improve his popularity. For me, the wall is fine, most of the people that passes the border illegally are not decent people.
4
Trump needs to make clear that the fence isn't about excluding Mexicans per se. It's about trying to control the illegal entry of all who enter through Mexico: Salvadorians, Hondurans, Guatemalans, maybe even members of ISIS. This is about a border, not about Mexican nationals.
6
Trump says taxpayers will be happy to foot the bill - wrong - what he means is there will not be a tax break for the middle class - just for the wealthy. The jobs creation - manual labor, patrolling the deserts, and jailers at the detention camps. I expect money will come from cuts to scientific and medical research, and according to Trump - taxes on Hispanics. I see nothing postive in the executive orders just more taxes and hardships for the middle class who shoulder the burden of his crazed policies. The American carnage is just starting.
5
Fact check-
Fact- Idaho cracked down on illegal immigrants by going after the Corporations that hire them. Fact- it worked. Fact- it worked so well that it crashed their entire State economy. Fact - turns out they relied so heavily on illegal immigrants to pick their potatoes, and there was no one to that back breaking job that it crashed that industry. The laws were quickly reversed. Fact - no one wants to hear about going after illegal immigrants anymore in that Sate. Fact- Trump does not even know this.
Fact - talking big means having the Agents fall in line. Fact - most of the agents on the border are of Mexican descent, some from illegal immigrants. Fact - asking these agents to treat immigrants like Trump wants them to be treated, as a scourge, will be utterly impossible.
Fact - Corporations run this country, not 'ol Donny boy. He'll find this out soon enough. Then it will be more of his childish pouting.
What happened to getting tough on Wall Street crime? Anyone? This guy acts like a coke addict, erratic behavior. I say, let's drug test the commander in chief. Daily!
And don't forget, when he gives the Corporations their much needed tax holiday, we get to take one too.
BTW - President Pena, please don't miss this chance to deal with Trump one on one. Make his life difficult by recording the conversation for public record. Be sure to ask him if that is OK first so it is all legal. I don't believe the Republicans or Trump have made that illegal as yet.
Fact- Idaho cracked down on illegal immigrants by going after the Corporations that hire them. Fact- it worked. Fact- it worked so well that it crashed their entire State economy. Fact - turns out they relied so heavily on illegal immigrants to pick their potatoes, and there was no one to that back breaking job that it crashed that industry. The laws were quickly reversed. Fact - no one wants to hear about going after illegal immigrants anymore in that Sate. Fact- Trump does not even know this.
Fact - talking big means having the Agents fall in line. Fact - most of the agents on the border are of Mexican descent, some from illegal immigrants. Fact - asking these agents to treat immigrants like Trump wants them to be treated, as a scourge, will be utterly impossible.
Fact - Corporations run this country, not 'ol Donny boy. He'll find this out soon enough. Then it will be more of his childish pouting.
What happened to getting tough on Wall Street crime? Anyone? This guy acts like a coke addict, erratic behavior. I say, let's drug test the commander in chief. Daily!
And don't forget, when he gives the Corporations their much needed tax holiday, we get to take one too.
BTW - President Pena, please don't miss this chance to deal with Trump one on one. Make his life difficult by recording the conversation for public record. Be sure to ask him if that is OK first so it is all legal. I don't believe the Republicans or Trump have made that illegal as yet.
3
This racist and fascist Wall must be torn down one brick at a time. This action is un-American and shameful. It is a sad day to be an American.
4
That Wall is for real. In less than a week we have already Writing on the Wall. Not good.
2
President Nieto should cancel his trip. Trump is an illegitimate leader and does not deserve to be treated as legitimate.
6
On behalf of the vast majority of Americans, I apologize to you for what Mr. Trump is doing. Mexicans have come into our country and made it a better place. Mexico is a great country and should be treated in this manner. I implore your president to not visit the White House and to stand up to Mr. Trump. In the meantime, those of us in the USA who realize and understand the value of Mexico will continue to speak out for you. Gracias.
2
Trump is a coarse, vulgar bully - is this how we enfluence decency in the world?
3
Another attempt at using International Political Correctness in an attempt to effect American sovereignty and Trump is not the person who is paying attention to it. Why doesn't Mexico do anything on their side of the border to control our Southern border. They are taking the U.S. for a ride at present.
3
Just reading the comments from the majority NYT bubble liberal zealots is all I need to do to know that Trump is doing the right thing by working to secure our border. I see the liberals are out in full force in support of a corrupt Mexican government that allows drug cartels and warlords to run roughshod wherever they please. The liberals truly despise everything behind the idea of *America First.*
5
Mexico needs to start showing some spine now and stand up to Mr. Trump.
Mexico blowing up is the worst scenario for the US. Imagine a next door country in deep economic and political crisis. Things can be very bad for the US in that scenario.
Mr. Trump, be careful what you wish for. Mexico imploding would be a security and economic nightmare for our country.
Mexico blowing up is the worst scenario for the US. Imagine a next door country in deep economic and political crisis. Things can be very bad for the US in that scenario.
Mr. Trump, be careful what you wish for. Mexico imploding would be a security and economic nightmare for our country.
7
The gentleman's country in Trump's rhetoric has been treated badly but he should man-up and come anyway to try to settle outstanding issues. That would be the macho thing to do.
Pena Nieto is an American puppet. He will do as he is told, despite anything he might say to keep the people of Mexico quiet. We own him.
1
“I regret and condemn the United States’ decision to continue with the construction of a wall that, for years now, far from uniting us, divides us,” he said.
-------------------------------------
This is laughable. There was no need for a wall if Mexico was not a quasi-failed state in which the drug cartels and gangs define the norm rather than the exception.
I have walls between my apartment and my neighbors' but that does not prevent me from socializing with them or from watching Super Bowl together. We have a right to be secure within our borders and to take charge of our sovereignty.
Come to think of it, the wall may actually be a good thing for Mexico: the open borders allow drugs to come in from south and guns to flow down south, empowering drug mafia. We need to stop the flow of both.
Also, Mexico needs to take charge of its own southern border through which people from Central America come to the States. A nation that cannot take charge of its own affairs and control its borders - Mexico - should not be lecturing us about how we take care of ourselves.
Mr. Peña Nieto said he will protect the interests of Mexico and of its people. For starters, he can invite the illegals staying here to come home and be settled there.
What a remarkable change that a president is doing all that he said he would do as a candidate. Change we can believe in.
-------------------------------------
This is laughable. There was no need for a wall if Mexico was not a quasi-failed state in which the drug cartels and gangs define the norm rather than the exception.
I have walls between my apartment and my neighbors' but that does not prevent me from socializing with them or from watching Super Bowl together. We have a right to be secure within our borders and to take charge of our sovereignty.
Come to think of it, the wall may actually be a good thing for Mexico: the open borders allow drugs to come in from south and guns to flow down south, empowering drug mafia. We need to stop the flow of both.
Also, Mexico needs to take charge of its own southern border through which people from Central America come to the States. A nation that cannot take charge of its own affairs and control its borders - Mexico - should not be lecturing us about how we take care of ourselves.
Mr. Peña Nieto said he will protect the interests of Mexico and of its people. For starters, he can invite the illegals staying here to come home and be settled there.
What a remarkable change that a president is doing all that he said he would do as a candidate. Change we can believe in.
5
Trump's ignorance of the basics of diplomacy and the mutual benefits of negotiated agreements is appalling and is now seriously harming all citizens of both the US and Mexico. He must be stopped before he does even more damage!
5
Protecting your country's border is certainly one of the responsibilities of a government so building a fence is not out of line. But why are Trump and Ryan saying that Mexico will pay for the wall that the U.S. wants? Also interesting that they both said that payment wouldn't necessarily be in cash - what does Mexico have that the U.S. wants?
3
A sane government?
"what does Mexico have that the U.S. wants?"
"what does Mexico have that the U.S. wants?"
2
Trump says Mexico will pay directly or indirectly. Trump could fund the wall by taxing the $25 billion in tax-free remittances that illegal immigrants living in he United Sates send to Mexico each year. Some of the remittance money going to Mexico's pocket would go into the United State's pocket. He could also threaten to shut off remittances if Mexico refuses to pay for the wall,
2
Why cannot Mexico build up their own economy? They have tons of resources including oil. Maybe I am missing something but why do their important resources, their citizens, have to go to another country to find work? There is much history in Mexico, build their tourism industry. Make their own autos, build world class universities.
4
"Maybe I am missing something..."
Yes, you are. You really are. You might want to try understanding - at least a little - that life in Mexico IS NOT similar to life in the U.S. Not even a smidge for those fleeing widespread poverty, lack of opportunity, and rampant drug violence. And if you listen to some of them, they also talk about wanting to have opportunities they don't have in Mexico. So, based on that, I think most of them would laugh at your utopian view of Mexico.
Yes, you are. You really are. You might want to try understanding - at least a little - that life in Mexico IS NOT similar to life in the U.S. Not even a smidge for those fleeing widespread poverty, lack of opportunity, and rampant drug violence. And if you listen to some of them, they also talk about wanting to have opportunities they don't have in Mexico. So, based on that, I think most of them would laugh at your utopian view of Mexico.
wouldn't it just be cheaper to crack down on companies that hire Mexican, undocumented workers? Since many undocumented workers work in construction. Is there any evidence that Trump or any of his advisors in his cabinet have companies are hiring undocumented works? If so, why is they not being called out for this?
8
Psst, why would they want to arrest their friends?
You really didn't think they wanted to actually address the problem (Psst, it's not actually a problem)?
Next, you'll expect them to actually improve HealthCare.
You really didn't think they wanted to actually address the problem (Psst, it's not actually a problem)?
Next, you'll expect them to actually improve HealthCare.
2
Perhaps Trump should show us his tax returns before he forces the American taxpayers to pay for a wall that won't work, and that the majority of the country doesn't want.
5
The Mexican president and its government are hypocrites in the true sense of the word. Those criticizing Trump for the wall need to know that Mexico has a southern border which is even more heavily guarded than our border with them. They turn back anyone who tries to enter Mexico, and they use force to do it. Why is alright for Mexico to reject illegal immigrants while sending their own people illegally into the United States?
4
They don't want any competition.
And those that think Mexico needs to pay for this wall need to understand the definition of sovereignty.
Most countries endeavor to keep non-citizens out. That's reality. It's just that Mexico doesn't have to worry about mass exodus from us to them (at least for now). Or is this an alternative factoid you got from Faux News?
Most countries endeavor to keep non-citizens out. That's reality. It's just that Mexico doesn't have to worry about mass exodus from us to them (at least for now). Or is this an alternative factoid you got from Faux News?
1
I wonder when t-rump will start a wall on the Canadian border, to keep us in.
4
The Canadians might well be willing to cost-share on a Northern wall.
Hordes of opiate-addled, pistol-packing, semi-literate white guys are (from a Canadian perspective) best left in the United States.
Extreme Vetting for Canadian entry might well include a demonstration of:
1) Manners
2) Civility
3) Self Control
4) lack of bigotry
5) a belief in the rule of law, not the rule of men.
Hordes of opiate-addled, pistol-packing, semi-literate white guys are (from a Canadian perspective) best left in the United States.
Extreme Vetting for Canadian entry might well include a demonstration of:
1) Manners
2) Civility
3) Self Control
4) lack of bigotry
5) a belief in the rule of law, not the rule of men.
4
I actually think a wall on the southern border won't be enough. In fact, I urge Congress to GIVE Texas back to Mexico. Then, we'd put the wall on the north TX border, so there'd at least be a wall and a vast expanse of blighted ignorance between us and Mexico.
So, go figure, the president of Mexico doesn't want to limit the immigrants coming in from Mexico to the US. Why you might ask. Well it is purely revenue. Mexican immigrants send money back to families in Mexico which then drives business in Mexico. Our countries welfare recipients is growing due to people not being able to find jobs in many cases. Most of those manual labor type positions. So which is the lesser evil here, limit immigration to supply current Americans with work, or keep allowing immigrants to flood in and fill those jobs to then increase welfare recipients even more. There is some math to the amount of available work and the amount of available LEGAL immigrant spots available. But most won't use that type of math to determine this issue because they want open borders.
2
I never thought I'd say this but I'm beginning to wonder if the whole west coast shouldn't just secede from the US . Along with Mexico I see nothing but punishment ahead for anyone who isn't 100 percent on board with Trump and crew. We have become strangers in an even stranger land. Heart-breaking.
1
Mex pres looks very weak. He should definitely cancel, & should hold on for 4 years. Do not give in to insults. Do not give in to threats. Do not give in to fascism. Things will get worse before they get better.
God help us if Mexico retaliates by holding back its seasonal farm workers. Our grocery shelves will be empty in about two weeks.
3
As the guest speaker at last years American Society of Surgery of the Hand meeting in Austin, Mr Casteneda was asked if Trump could force Mexico to pay for the "wall", and he responded that he probably could, indirectly, by various levies and taxes on Mexican / American transactions. Stay tuned
2
In fact, that is what is going to happen. Ryan already admitted that we will pay for the wall. But the back channels for making Mexico pay indirectly are already being worked out. What is so DISGUSTING about this, though, is the vast propaganda machine that will make it appear like Donald Trump made Mexico bow while gladly paying for the wall. I lived through 8 years of Bush II and know all too well to what levels the GOP will stoop to obtain political power. Party over country, they say!
1
I think he should cancel his trip. We all need to stand up to these outrages.
2
President Nieto should gracefully decline to come and meet with Trump, with some trumped up excuse ("too busy"), but tell him if he wants to come to Mexico it would be fine. Then he should very publicly schedule a meeting with China, to discuss trade with them. Perhaps behind the scenes his emissaries can tell Trump that if he builds the silly wall and continues to threaten NAFTA, Mexico will turn to China. America's alleged bargaining power here is not so one-sided that it can't be one-upped.
3
If I were a Mexican citizen, I would have stood with Lopez Obrador, however, Nieto should by all means meet with Trump. In the infancy of our nation, we handled the same coinage in our daily life as did the Mexican people before establishing our own. Our histories are inextricably linked.
Yes Nieto, unleash your own torrent of invective before meeting with Trump to work & solve our mutual problems involving the health & safety of our peoples. The world is watching.
Yes Nieto, unleash your own torrent of invective before meeting with Trump to work & solve our mutual problems involving the health & safety of our peoples. The world is watching.
2
He should cancel. Instead, he should visit Canada and all other US trading partners and begin a wall of trading resistance that will affect the US economy.
4
Since Trump just threatened canceling meeting on twitter, I am guessing the President of Mexico just canceled it and Trump doesn't want the world to think he didn't cancel the meeting first....
4
In the Bizarro World that is Donald Trump's, where watching the news feed from Bill O'Reilly prompts our president to man the Twitter Feed to vent, building that wall is nothing more than a red meat feed to his beloved 40% base, you know, the uneducated white people who believed this con man and propelled him to office.
When I watch the video clips of Trump campaigning and taunting the crowd with the "build that wall" chant, I can see how that fired him up. You can see it in his eyes. He was really enjoying himself.
And now, with a price tag of between $9 and $14 billion, it is the American taxpayer who will wind up paying for "that wall." And this is only Working Day 4 of his presidency.
My prediction? Once the Republicans in the House and Senate realize that they cannot control him they will move to impeach him, figuring Mike Pence will be a much more suitable candidate in 2020. The only question is how long it will take for that to happen.
When I watch the video clips of Trump campaigning and taunting the crowd with the "build that wall" chant, I can see how that fired him up. You can see it in his eyes. He was really enjoying himself.
And now, with a price tag of between $9 and $14 billion, it is the American taxpayer who will wind up paying for "that wall." And this is only Working Day 4 of his presidency.
My prediction? Once the Republicans in the House and Senate realize that they cannot control him they will move to impeach him, figuring Mike Pence will be a much more suitable candidate in 2020. The only question is how long it will take for that to happen.
7
This atrocious wall is getting scarier all the time. It all about Trump's ego and nothing else. The way Mike Spence softly chuckes at everything Trump says is really creepy.
Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnel are too busy fawning over Trump with silly smiles on their faces. They should be doing their jobs and taking a critical look at what this wall will cost. It will be super expensive and sends a humiliating message to Mexico.
.
Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnel are too busy fawning over Trump with silly smiles on their faces. They should be doing their jobs and taking a critical look at what this wall will cost. It will be super expensive and sends a humiliating message to Mexico.
.
3
This wall is a waste of "My" hard earned tax dollars. I am so offended that we will have to pay for it. Mr. President is getting away with not showing his tax returns...oh yeah he doesn't pay taxes, we do.
4
Dear Senor Enrique Peña Nieto, please do not visit the White House. Mr. Trump has insulted your people for far too long. I like Mexicans, and having lived in California, I really didn't care if they were illegal or not. I've met some really great people, both here and in Mexico.
1
Once again we see Trump doing the illogical and destructive. It is destructive to trade, to human rights and an affront to the both our peoples. This is what we should expect from this small minded mentally insignificant person for the next four years. This is the type of damage that will have to be undone by another President in the future. What a waste of effort and American dollars.
1
Trump's supporters are still happy that he is fulfilling his campaign promises. But when they find out how much it will cost them, what the changes actually mean for them, and how much the deficit will rise as a result, then they will begin to thing twice. Whoa, we thought he would do it all for free. We thought he was a business genius and now that all of our trade agreement are trashed, it's China that's doing business around the world, thanks to the factories and trained technicians that were left behind when our businesses pulled out to please Trump. By the way, robots are cheaper than American labor. We also thought that mining coal would make us rich only to find out that no one wants coal and without health care insurance we are all dying from black lung. We thought our education system would be beautiful and fantastic, but our vouchers are worthless since all the good schools are filled to capacity by the privileged white middle class. We thought putting a wall along our southern border would stop the influx of illegals and drugs, but now we find out that they weren't Mexican anyway and now there is no one to pick crops, baby sit or mow our lawns, and the drugs are flowing in more than ever cause if there is a market, there is always somebody ready to provide the goods.
2
Oh the lemmings will probably believe whatever he says including Mexico "paying ""us"" back".
1
Does Mexico really try beyond a show to prevent the flow of people and worst of all drugs? Or is it a willing participant? Is it bought off? Americans don't know, because media don't do their due diligence. Thus American opinion on the state of the border is formed under guesswork. Worried people don't make humanitarian decisions.
The real killer at the border is the flow of illegal drugs in high volumes raking in $billions in exchange for the lives of our young people, the costs of incarceration here, and human suffering. Those costs are worth more border security. And as a matter of fact where a wall is impractical but you could take possession of Mexican land by military force without confronting a populated area, I would support that, and I hope it's an idea Trump is being given. As far as I am concerned if Mexico is profiting off of illegal drugs, they are making war on us, and we can restrict the border as we feel necessary.
The real killer at the border is the flow of illegal drugs in high volumes raking in $billions in exchange for the lives of our young people, the costs of incarceration here, and human suffering. Those costs are worth more border security. And as a matter of fact where a wall is impractical but you could take possession of Mexican land by military force without confronting a populated area, I would support that, and I hope it's an idea Trump is being given. As far as I am concerned if Mexico is profiting off of illegal drugs, they are making war on us, and we can restrict the border as we feel necessary.
2
So we should invade Mexico to punish it for our bad habits?
1
You don't care if Mexico murders innocent American women, men, & children? Shame on you!
See how that works? I can make an outlandish "... when did you stop beating your wife" statement just as easily as you can.
If you had wished to make a fair statement, it might have been, "International law does not consider massive drug smuggling an act of war." I would have addressed that without sarcasm.
See how that works? I can make an outlandish "... when did you stop beating your wife" statement just as easily as you can.
If you had wished to make a fair statement, it might have been, "International law does not consider massive drug smuggling an act of war." I would have addressed that without sarcasm.
3
The wall won't stop illegal immigration but it is a symbolic gesture that will embolden Trump supporters. How deluded liberals are who still believe this election was about jobs or "working class"? This is an election about nativism versus globalism, ignorance versus science, autocracy versus liberal democracy, lies versus truth, and small-town America versus the world. I, for one, am done with supporting any party or any initiative that promises to improve the fortunes of the bigots who voted for Trump. When we buy, we buy foreign-made. When we eat out, we go to an ethnic restaurant. When we hire somebody, we hire an immigrant. When we travel, we go abroad. And if DNC tries to out-Trump Trump by pandering to his xenophobic constituency, we stop our donations. If enough people follow our example, perhaps the Trump-land will reconsider its attitudes.
1
Kudos for the President of Mexico. I would not visit the US under these circumstances either. I'm just wondering what it will be like when ally's, diplomats, Congress or some other prominent body tells Trump, "no, we won't do it and it will not happen." Will he throw a tantrum, have a melt down, summon the military, or offer bribes or threats. It won't be pretty and may even be grounds for impeachment and/or committal to a psychiatric institution.
3
Mr. Peña Nieto should quote Reagan and demand, "Mr. [Trump], tear this wall down!" If history taught us anything, walls - like the Berlin Wall - really do not stop people from moving around. One true piece of graffiti on the Berlin Wall was "all walls fall down". Trump's wall - which the US taxpayer will ultimately fund - will remain as a symbol of his foolish policies.
3
Good fences make good neighbors. Maybe Mexico shouldn't have facilitated the flood of immigrants through their own country into the US. Instead, they put out the welcome mat to Central America and said 'Come on through! Just turn yourself in at the US border and they won't turn you away!'
4
Perhaps it's time for the United States to return the Statue of Liberty to France. The celebration of freedom that inspired the gift, and Miss Liberty's role as a beacon of hope to immigrants seeking to share in a democratic society, are fading.
It's hypocritical to allow the words of Emma Lazarus to remain as America slams her doors on those who bear great suffering.
It's hypocritical to allow the words of Emma Lazarus to remain as America slams her doors on those who bear great suffering.
4
"That could ultimately lead to disastrous consequences. With Nafta gone, both countries would be likely to suffer significant damage to their economies, and Mexico could see a sharp decline in foreign investment."
The Chinese will be happy to fill that investment vacuum in Mexico to gain influence there.
The Chinese will be happy to fill that investment vacuum in Mexico to gain influence there.
3
We already have a wall. It's right there, in the picture at the beginning of this article, and in numerous others. Unless they're all photoshopped, there it is for all to see.
Trump might choose to extend or strengthen the wall, but his claim that "I'm going to build a wall" is braggadocio, like Al Gore taking credit for building the Ethernet.
Meanwhile, he could blunder into making an enemy of Mexico, when all we need to do is adjust our relationship a bit, like two neighbors who might argue over a fence, but don't insult each other or come to blows.
If Mexico can be made to pay for anything, they should pay to clean up the trash that migrants have strewn across the desert. But maybe before we start a fight with Mexico, we should consider the fact that we might need friends to help deal with more serious adversaries.
This is not a good sign.
Trump might choose to extend or strengthen the wall, but his claim that "I'm going to build a wall" is braggadocio, like Al Gore taking credit for building the Ethernet.
Meanwhile, he could blunder into making an enemy of Mexico, when all we need to do is adjust our relationship a bit, like two neighbors who might argue over a fence, but don't insult each other or come to blows.
If Mexico can be made to pay for anything, they should pay to clean up the trash that migrants have strewn across the desert. But maybe before we start a fight with Mexico, we should consider the fact that we might need friends to help deal with more serious adversaries.
This is not a good sign.
3
I'm not in favor of a wall and think E Verify would be a far more effective measure in curtailing illegal immigration.
But the last two paragraphs of this article astonish me, in that they illustrate a cavalier attitude with regard to violating another country's rules of entry. In the US we encourage young people to travel abroad, but never without authorization.
I understand the economic hardship motivating many migrants. But it only confounds me further as to why political leaders in Mexico seem so inept at running a country and both carefree and immune to those consequences.
If millions of citizens leave each year for economic reasons, how does that not represent a failed state? If that happened here, in the US, there would be hell to pay.
But the last two paragraphs of this article astonish me, in that they illustrate a cavalier attitude with regard to violating another country's rules of entry. In the US we encourage young people to travel abroad, but never without authorization.
I understand the economic hardship motivating many migrants. But it only confounds me further as to why political leaders in Mexico seem so inept at running a country and both carefree and immune to those consequences.
If millions of citizens leave each year for economic reasons, how does that not represent a failed state? If that happened here, in the US, there would be hell to pay.
2
Mexico already deports hundreds of thousands of Central Americans and is attempting to strengthen its border with Guatemala. Israel has a wall on the West Bank and has made it clear that African refugees/illegal immigrants aren't welcome. Several European states are rethinking the influx of Central Asians, South Asians, Arabs, North Africans, and other Africans that are changing Europe. Nationalism is on the rise everywhere because people aren't fungible.
Every nation state has a right to secure its borders and set rules about nationalization and immigration. Yet somehow it's supposed to be a crime akin to Nazism if the US takes some belated small steps to deal with illegal immigration. Trump won partly because he was the only one talking about an issue which resonates with millions of Americans who do not benefit from the Latin American invasion. The left needs to stop freaking out about nationalism and find a way to engage.
Every nation state has a right to secure its borders and set rules about nationalization and immigration. Yet somehow it's supposed to be a crime akin to Nazism if the US takes some belated small steps to deal with illegal immigration. Trump won partly because he was the only one talking about an issue which resonates with millions of Americans who do not benefit from the Latin American invasion. The left needs to stop freaking out about nationalism and find a way to engage.
4
How is that Mexican citizens and their government believe it is their right to enter the United States?
If you look Mexico takes a very dim (and not nice view) of illegal immigration...
If you look Mexico takes a very dim (and not nice view) of illegal immigration...
7
President Pena Nieto should not dignify and feed trump's ego by meeting with him. He should make a clear pronouncement that Mexico will never under any circumstances pay for trump's border wall.
3
I had a dream last night in which I was a reporter addressing questions to Sen. McConnell and Rep. Ryan; and I said to them, “I believe President Ryan is a nutcase
who is doing great damage to this country, what do you think of him?” And they replied, “We think he is a great man who is already doing great things for the country.”
To which I replied: “Thank you for saying that. I had a bet with myself that you would say that for which I have just won a chocolate milkshake.”
who is doing great damage to this country, what do you think of him?” And they replied, “We think he is a great man who is already doing great things for the country.”
To which I replied: “Thank you for saying that. I had a bet with myself that you would say that for which I have just won a chocolate milkshake.”
2
Make that:
“I believe President Trump is a nutcase
who is doing great damage to this country, what do you think of him?"
“I believe President Trump is a nutcase
who is doing great damage to this country, what do you think of him?"
1
Trump is arrogant, irrational, destructive, and completely unprepared to lead the United States. He is rushing around spouting toxic opinions and issuing orders that could leave our nation in shambles and undermine international alliances that have taken decades to establish. The U.S. will always have areas of disagreement with other nations, but insults and hostile actions are usually not the answer. It takes patience, diplomacy and a sense of history to find intelligent solutions, and he has none of those qualities. In less than one week, Trump has shown us that he is a complete disaster as a president, and every passing day adds to the number of citizens who no longer trust our elected representatives to govern.
If you want to know what Mexico's role is in the U.S., talk to manufacturers who export goods to Mexico. Talk to farmers like relatives of mine who say if it weren't for Mexican labor, they would go bankrupt. Talk to people who have Mexican friends and family, as I do.
If Trump wants to pick on someone, he can start with Putin.
If you want to know what Mexico's role is in the U.S., talk to manufacturers who export goods to Mexico. Talk to farmers like relatives of mine who say if it weren't for Mexican labor, they would go bankrupt. Talk to people who have Mexican friends and family, as I do.
If Trump wants to pick on someone, he can start with Putin.
8
By refusing to play second string puppet to Trump's Putin produced reality show, Pena Nieto just might last another season! But I doubt it.
He's toast in his own roaster, but this would raise his profile with Mexico's Joses. Stick it to the Don!
He's toast in his own roaster, but this would raise his profile with Mexico's Joses. Stick it to the Don!
1
I propose Trump and his family build it. Ten feet high and ten feet deep. Every day and night. All day. No days off. Keep them busy on something stupid to distract them from starting wars, destroying the Earth, etc. Give the man a shovel.
5
If I could cancel a trip to the U.S., I'd do it.
But I'm already here. Behind a wall. That nobody wants.
Trump's Folly.
But I'm already here. Behind a wall. That nobody wants.
Trump's Folly.
2
As someone who is not from here, yet works very hard to contribute and has looked up to the nation's values, I feel immensely sad and alienated...
3
Oh please do cancel your trip. Something you might do instead of meeting Trump? Try solving the outrageous income inequality in Mexico that led 25% of its population to decamp for the United States. Here's hoping the people who would have become illegal immigrants will stay in Mexico and start a revolution. Because unfortunately we have extreme income inequality too. And it only gets worse when there are millions of illegal immigrants more than happy to take a job from an American citizen. And without all these illegal immigrants willing to work for nothing maybe American workers will have a chance at a minimum wage big enough to live on.
2
Mexico's president considers canceling US trip? Excellent. I like people who lead by example. One down, a few million to go.
2
Reality check Great Wall Of United States will be so big no army will be able to pentrate it from mexico as was in the movie Red Dawn. People who write articles in this fail to understand history. United States is at war with mexico who delibritly imports herion into usa an imports criminals into usa threw our border both are acts of war. If mexico continues to press our abilty to defend our border then we wil have no choice but to invade an clean up there country an free there people end of problem an wall wil come down.
Why do we act like there is not already a solid fence made of metal from old aircraft carriers or a fence along the border now? The only areas without a wall or fence are in floodplains or the steepest mountainous regions. I can't wait until he builds that wall through the floodplains of the big rivers - washout ...sad. this idea is a monumental waste. Besides, immigrants made America great.
1
You know a great photo opportunity would be the President in an appropriate baseball cap driving a bus load of deportees, men, women and children, across the border or to a detention center for processing. I mean then he would really look serious about solving the problem, right.
Cancel it, Mr. Pena Nieto! You'll have 55% of the American people applauding you. Trump is using you as a prop. He'll claim you told him something you did not say (he lies about everything). His dwindling fan base will crow about how he had you groveling. Mexico has a lot of leverage; use it. Trump will only be moved by strength. Call his bluff. Cancel and make him come to you.
3
Trump is going to find out that bluster and threats are no way to manage international alliances. Trump, and the Republicans he surrounds himself with, might believe that the United States is "indispensable" but if they continue the jingoism and bigotry they will have a rude awakening, as the remainder of the world will simply do everything it can to bypass us - diplomatically and economically.
2
Having lived in Mexico it is a country full of wonderful people that have been corrupted by our demand for drugs (both illegal and legal where big pharma has tried to buy protective legislation) and the money that flows from them.
I would hope that President Pena Nieto would reject Trump's self-aggrandizing fantasies and refuse to make any trip to visit with him until he looks honestly at the facts and makes appropriate adjustments to his policies, a hope that I must admit is probably a fantasy in itself.
I would hope that President Pena Nieto would reject Trump's self-aggrandizing fantasies and refuse to make any trip to visit with him until he looks honestly at the facts and makes appropriate adjustments to his policies, a hope that I must admit is probably a fantasy in itself.
1
Mr. Peña Nieto and Mr. Trudeau should develop a close relationship in the coming months.
3
Once again, the Chinese are way ahead of us - they found out thousands of years ago that they couldn't keep the Mongols out by building the Great Wall...
But perhaps thousands of years later our wall might serve as a tourist attraction...
But perhaps thousands of years later our wall might serve as a tourist attraction...
3
I know rational argument doesn't really work well with Trumpkins, but I'm going to try one anyway.
Please take a look at the effectiveness of some of history's other notable wall projects. The Wall of Jericho...nope, didn't keep out the Jews. The Athenian Long Walls..nope, didn't keep out the Spartans. Hadrian's wall...nope, didn't keep out the Picts and Saxons. The Great Wall of China...nope, didn't keep out the Mongals. The Berlin Wall...nope, didn't keep out the West Germans, or keep the East Germans in. The Hungarian Border Wall...nope, Muslim refugees are still making it into Hungary and the rest of Europe.
So given what we've seen from these and other "Great Wall" projects, what do you Trumpkins think the effectiveness of the "Great Wall of Trump" will be? Ah, but I forget. Rational thinking is not something Trumpkins indulge in is it?
Please take a look at the effectiveness of some of history's other notable wall projects. The Wall of Jericho...nope, didn't keep out the Jews. The Athenian Long Walls..nope, didn't keep out the Spartans. Hadrian's wall...nope, didn't keep out the Picts and Saxons. The Great Wall of China...nope, didn't keep out the Mongals. The Berlin Wall...nope, didn't keep out the West Germans, or keep the East Germans in. The Hungarian Border Wall...nope, Muslim refugees are still making it into Hungary and the rest of Europe.
So given what we've seen from these and other "Great Wall" projects, what do you Trumpkins think the effectiveness of the "Great Wall of Trump" will be? Ah, but I forget. Rational thinking is not something Trumpkins indulge in is it?
5
The section of the world they wish to build the wall in is very very dry.
If the wall threatens to cut off herds and crops from water, the hullabaloo resulting from this will make the Bundy and Oregon episodes look like a peace fest.
You will see armed insurrection should the government attempt to take away peoples water rights.
If the wall threatens to cut off herds and crops from water, the hullabaloo resulting from this will make the Bundy and Oregon episodes look like a peace fest.
You will see armed insurrection should the government attempt to take away peoples water rights.
2
President Pena Nieto, cancel the trip! Let this mad man sputter and scream. Ignore his rampages and tongue lashings. He is having an extended tantrum in the oval office. Smiling and making nice will only encourage him in his bad behavior. What Trump needs is a long time out in a dark corner of the Whitehouse and no contact with anyone or any press. Congress, he is making fools of all of you and you need to step in quickly. This is Trumps version of the Sat. night massacre ala Nixon. We must shut him down.
3
President Nieto, Cancel your trip.
1
I'm not paying for a wall. I will, however, contribute to a very big box of Legos for the Menace in Chief.
2
President Nieto cancel the trip to the USA instead develop plan B, that is building new alliances, with China and Europe for a start
1
Imagine if Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau decided to build a wall between Canada and the United States because he wants to keep Trump and Trump-supporting Americans out of Canada - and then he's going to make America pay for the wall based on his theory that Trump and Trump-supporting Americans are not good for Canada. Would Trump pay? You can't force another country to pay for a personal vanity project.
3
Your argument holds no water. Americans are not entering Canada illegally as Mexicans are in America. They are not standing on Canadian corners begging for work at substandard wages as Mexicans are in America. And they are not refusing to speak the national language and insisting on bi-lingual education as Mexicans are in America.
3
Funny how NYT readers suddenly love Mexico. Just like they suddenly hated Russia. There's a pattern.
To all those expressing newfound love for Mexico, do you know anything about Mexico's immigration policies and how they compare to ours? Theirs is odd praise for such stringent rules.
To all those expressing newfound love for Mexico, do you know anything about Mexico's immigration policies and how they compare to ours? Theirs is odd praise for such stringent rules.
8
The pattern is clear. And there's no sudden love, it's been a very long, sometimes dreadful, sometimes good relationship between our two countries. But only people with an open mind and some geo-politcal knowledge understand. I can't recall one single mexican president insulting americans like this bully is insulting mexicans. And I do happen to know our immigration policies, for years they have been implemented to protect the US from much worse. Trump is underestimating us.
1
Well, it takes someone disagreeable to build something useful.
As much as that wall is symbolic of division, it forces Mexico to make their country work better, it provides jobs to Americans, it lessens illegal immigration, and, really, many other benefits.
So, you know, we can just say :"Trump is crazy." But we don't say he solved problems via a deplorable method.
As much as that wall is symbolic of division, it forces Mexico to make their country work better, it provides jobs to Americans, it lessens illegal immigration, and, really, many other benefits.
So, you know, we can just say :"Trump is crazy." But we don't say he solved problems via a deplorable method.
3
Will Mexico pay for the Wall? No, Mexico will not get an invoice for the Wall. But US can charge large excise taxes on all purchases from Mexico as well as large fees/tolls/taxes on all forms of transit (road, air, ship) to and from Mexico. These taxes and fees will depress imports from and travel to Mexico.
4
Every perceived slight sends him into a tailspin, lashing out viciously and vindictively, protecting his fragile ego at all costs, including at the expense of the well-being of our country. Sadly, his supporters believe he's keeping "promises" to them, not yet realizing that their interests and his have merely kissed only coincidentally over socking it to the folks they resent, not realizing that his every outrage is only about his own frantic efforts to protect his grandiose, perverted view of himself.
Meanwhile the Republicans, whose pact with the Devil supersedes their oath to the American people, sit silently and let this pathetically mentally damaged person sail our ship of state onto the rocks.
Meanwhile the Republicans, whose pact with the Devil supersedes their oath to the American people, sit silently and let this pathetically mentally damaged person sail our ship of state onto the rocks.
5
"Elections have Consequences" -Barak Obama
Elections have consequences, he ran on a wall and he won on it. Now he's making good. Remember Obamacare?
You lost, stop whining, this is how you get more trump!
Elections have consequences, he ran on a wall and he won on it. Now he's making good. Remember Obamacare?
You lost, stop whining, this is how you get more trump!
3
We all lose as you shall see.
4
They could stop illegal immigration without spending nearly anything simply by enforcing laws that penalize US employers who hire illegal immigrants. Most immigrants come looking for work, and US citizens hire them. But it's easier to talk about building a wall than to start enforcing the law.
13
Unemployed Trump supporters should go pick fruits and vegetables and stop complaining that immigrants are taking their jobs. They get food stamps and complain about big government, and then vote for candidates that are against free high education, which is the only path to move people from poverty. Reality is that factory jobs will not come back, even if the government remove all taxes it is still profitable for big companies to pay cheap Chinese works. It did not have to be like this but investors returns and average salary of CEOs are sky high, eating away corporations profits. And those big billionaires are in charge now, making sure their investments keeps on going up.
Trump supporters will be feed alternative facts and America will be great again, even if their miserable lives does not change.
Trump supporters will be feed alternative facts and America will be great again, even if their miserable lives does not change.
3
Presidente Pena Nieto, if Mexico is a sovereign Nation, you cannot subject Mexico to the humiliating intent that Trump intends with his "Wall". Cancel this trip now. Do not bend your knee to a demagogue. Be courageous. Be the first head of state to reject Trump's goal of world domination and subjugation of our neighbors.
2
Mexico should consider leaving NAFTA and look to the European Union for new trade agreements. Too bad Trump. Too bad deplorables: big ones and little ones.
3
He did not "call some Mexican immigrants rapists". He was talking about people that come here by illegal means and commit horrible crimes against innocent citizens of this country. He was right to raise the alarm about crime. Phoenix, because of its proximity to Mexico and population, was the kidnap capital of the US. How would a wall hurt us? What in the world is the difference if the existing wall were extended and enforced? That is what we are really talking about. Enforcing the existing laws. Please don't let your crime and drugs and murder and kidnapping spill over into our country. Yes there is a market for drugs in this country, but that is no justification for the horrendous things that are happening. A wall will not magically fix things, but its a place to start. Its a place to draw a line and start to beat back the evils that continue to corrupt our society. To stand by and do nothing would be irresponsible.
6
This trump wall will never stand.
2
Wrong! It's now 10 feet higher!
1
When I went to the hospital in the middle of the night in the early 90's with strep or bronchitis I would never hesitate to go for fear of the bill. It would cost about $75 dollars without insurance. Now it cost $750 a the very least for the same visit. 12-13 million people using the ER as their free hospital has ruined cheap affordable health care in this country.
1
It doesn't matter whether or not the wall is a dismal failure or a resounding success. Trump will lie about both its cost and the effect on illegal immigration with his lap dog Kellyanne spouting "alternative facts" to back him up.
5
Good, it will give Trump more time to sign more EOs!
There is a better way to pay for the wall than forcing the Mexicans to pay for it. For each person who overstays their U.S. visa, there is a daily fine that is equal to the weekly wage of an American (Thailand actually has this policy for foreign tourist) and there is no limit. An illegal immigrant can also be levied a similar penalty. It serves as a form of discouragement. With so many illegal immigrants in the U.S., we will have money to build the war and plenty left over to implement an exit check for visa the U.S. currently doesn't have but all other industrialized nations have.
2
Why does the President of Mexico care about the wall. It's like getting your panties in a bundle when a neighbor wants to build a fence. Hey it's their yard they can do what they want.
7
You hit the nail on the head. I own a fence company--oddly enough. It's always the neighbors NOT PAYING FOR THE FENCE--who are most upset.
Trump is a great negotiator. NOT
3
Mr. Nieto regrets the wall? Really? Do tell.
Does he also regret any of the following?
---that millions of his citizens reside illegally in our country, driving down the wages of lower and middle class workers--while sending their earnings back to relatives in Mexico--removing money from our economy?
--that millions of his citizens take advantage of our social programs, draining our state and federal budgets...leaving less for legal citizens of OUR COUNTRY who are truly needy?
--that his country is responsible for for over 90% of drugs that enter this country illegally--steaming through our porous border?
--that his citizens fill up our schools with the children of his countrymen living here illegally--raising our property taxes to cover the costs?
--that his countrymen are filling up our jails with their criminals--with 25% of our federal inmate population comprised of non-citizens?
--that his countrymen fill up our hospital emergency rooms with their sick and injured--skipping out on their obligations, and handing the bill to the American taxpayer?
--that millions of Mexicans exist because they have stolen the identities of our citizens--in order to continue working here?
--that Americans entering Mexico illegally are jailed--sometimes for long periods--in squalid, rat-infested prisons?
--does he regret that citizens of Mexico are a burden to our country--far in excess of what they deliver? If not, he should pay up--and shut up.
Build the wall!
Does he also regret any of the following?
---that millions of his citizens reside illegally in our country, driving down the wages of lower and middle class workers--while sending their earnings back to relatives in Mexico--removing money from our economy?
--that millions of his citizens take advantage of our social programs, draining our state and federal budgets...leaving less for legal citizens of OUR COUNTRY who are truly needy?
--that his country is responsible for for over 90% of drugs that enter this country illegally--steaming through our porous border?
--that his citizens fill up our schools with the children of his countrymen living here illegally--raising our property taxes to cover the costs?
--that his countrymen are filling up our jails with their criminals--with 25% of our federal inmate population comprised of non-citizens?
--that his countrymen fill up our hospital emergency rooms with their sick and injured--skipping out on their obligations, and handing the bill to the American taxpayer?
--that millions of Mexicans exist because they have stolen the identities of our citizens--in order to continue working here?
--that Americans entering Mexico illegally are jailed--sometimes for long periods--in squalid, rat-infested prisons?
--does he regret that citizens of Mexico are a burden to our country--far in excess of what they deliver? If not, he should pay up--and shut up.
Build the wall!
12
It would be a lot easier if American employers would simply follow the law and not give illegals jobs. But it's a wink-wink situation because everyone knows that native-born Americans won't work in the fields, meat-processing plants, or do domestic work, etc., especially for the low-wages employers are willing to pay for those jobs. It would be a lot less costly than building a wall to strictly implement the already available system to check for fraudulent papers/visas etc. if employers and the government were serious about doing it.
4
@Cowboy Marine....while I agree that we should enforce our employment laws, and that it would go a long way in solving our problems with illegal immigration, there are other legitimate reasons to build the wall--particularly smuggling of drugs.
But I don't agree that illegals only take jobs Americans turn up their noses at. I live in Vermont. The only illegal aliens here (estimated at 3,000), are hired hands on dairy farms. All of those jobs which supposedly are too lowly for Americans to perform, ARE DONE here in Vermont by Vermonters.
My brother owns a construction company in Texas. He sees on a daily basis, the work illegals are taking. They drive trucks, install roofing, siding, do concrete work, do asphalt paving, operate heavy equipment, work in restaurants--in other words, all the things we do for ourselves here in Vermont. If there were no illegals to take work for less, employers would have to pay a wage large enough to attract employees--and raise their prices to cover the cost. Certain things might cost slightly more--but restoring our middle class wages would certainly pay off in other ways--such as lessening our reliance on social programs.
But I don't agree that illegals only take jobs Americans turn up their noses at. I live in Vermont. The only illegal aliens here (estimated at 3,000), are hired hands on dairy farms. All of those jobs which supposedly are too lowly for Americans to perform, ARE DONE here in Vermont by Vermonters.
My brother owns a construction company in Texas. He sees on a daily basis, the work illegals are taking. They drive trucks, install roofing, siding, do concrete work, do asphalt paving, operate heavy equipment, work in restaurants--in other words, all the things we do for ourselves here in Vermont. If there were no illegals to take work for less, employers would have to pay a wage large enough to attract employees--and raise their prices to cover the cost. Certain things might cost slightly more--but restoring our middle class wages would certainly pay off in other ways--such as lessening our reliance on social programs.
3
It might be helpful if other foreign leaders followed suit in solidarity.
Like Teresa May who also still has time to cancel before she is supposed to arrive on friday.
Before long it could be a worldwide boycott to freeze out of this delusional person. He will get his isolated country alright.
Like Teresa May who also still has time to cancel before she is supposed to arrive on friday.
Before long it could be a worldwide boycott to freeze out of this delusional person. He will get his isolated country alright.
3
If the Mexicans would stop coming over illegally there would be no talk of a wall. Why is the idea of forcing the Mexicans to immigrate legally wrong? It angers me that the Mexicans are upset that a wall will be built. It is our country not theirs!
8
Illegal immigration from Mexico has been steadily declining. A wall would be for show only and would not be cost effective. To decrease illegal immigration further, the US should make business comply with existing laws. But be ready to pay for what you want: the price of food and goods will rise to what they should be. Americans who voted for Trump would have to put their money where their mouths are.
Mexico's president is pretty much hated in his own country when he allowed Trump the conman to come there and pretend to do some "fabulous deal". Should he not cancel and still come to kiss Trump's boot it will only further his exit from office. The next president will be far more of a hardliner, taking no guff from the idiotic illegitimate US president.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
1
1961 Russia build a wall, seperated Berlin right in the middle over night. Closed the Eatern part of Germany in, kept them captive for 30 years. The wall was a statement of power. Russia wanted to keep the people in. It didn't work. People dug tunnels adn got out and of course people got it, mostly wanted terrorists who decided to hide under the Russian regime.
Russia thought the wall was a sign of power but it wasn't. It showed how hopelessly lost and isolated the UDSSR was. That's why they crumbled in the end.
A wall works both ways. It keeps people out but also people in.
We are not Russia -yet- and I don't want to see our taxdollors money wasted on a silly election promise.
Russia thought the wall was a sign of power but it wasn't. It showed how hopelessly lost and isolated the UDSSR was. That's why they crumbled in the end.
A wall works both ways. It keeps people out but also people in.
We are not Russia -yet- and I don't want to see our taxdollors money wasted on a silly election promise.
1
Mr. Pena Nieto is precisely correct in his response to Trumphs' latest insult to his country. He should cancel his trip; it is hard to see how anything constructive can come of it in the face of our now-official policy of fencing his country off from ours. And Nieto's phrase "Monument of Lies" is also appropriate and apposite for the occasion, and indeed for Trumphs' entire ascendency to power. As we say in Montana, damn straight!
1
It's about time that Mr. Trump experience consequences for his actions; for his unfiltered ignorance. For example his timing declaring Mexico will be forced to pay for "his" wall by way of secret underhanded reimbursements to tax payers who will have to pay for it first just a few days before Enrique Pena Nieto's visit. The new occupant of the Oval Office is apparently clueless regarding the law of cause and affect, as well as, about appropriate rhetoric and behavior and timing. Of course if Enrique stays home Mr. Trump wouldn't be capable of putting two and two together and learning an important lesson regarding consequences like most of us do. Instead, his ego would take over and he would most likely lash out with insults demeaning the president of Mexico and thus building himself up. The new occupant of the Oval Office is simply, it appears, not running on all cylinders. And it remains bewildering and utterly terrifying that someone with little if any capacity to learn and grown--much less simply grow up--is the most powerful person in the world. America's shame.
2
Mexico isn't the problem. It is a humanitarian crisis that will not be solved by building a wall. Most of the immigrants crossing the border now are not from Mexico, but from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. Desperate people are fleeing the extreme poverty and violent gangs that are the legacy of U.S. intervention in Central America decades ago , when the U.S. sided with military dictators like Rios -Mont in Guatemala, and the military junta in El Salvador. Central American campesinos, who have already traveled some 2,000 miles just to get to the border, have already faced death. They will not be stopped by a wall.
Mexican jobs!! I despair that avocados come fro MX. Last week I threw out four -- all diseased fruit! I despair that CocaCola regular high sugar seems to be the only (usually) soft drink available in a country with a huge number of diabetics. How many zillionaires are there in MX and what aren't they doing in terms of trying to create public policy and jobs and of what kind. Is the major "industry" agriculture? After a while with goods, we do have enough!
That said... Trump's wall is an infra structure project-- don't you get it?? plenty of new jobs building a wall and an oil pipeline.. I'm not saying these are useful projects (bridges to nowhere) but they will create jobs for which race of American is another question.
PS. I don't exactly know what is required to maintain or rebuild dwellings in Cities -- thinking mostly about Havana but it could be anywhere. In the "middle ages" everywhere there was no plumbing or electricity and homes were constructed from material at hand, stone, wood, brick, mud brick (adobe) thatch. today we have wall board, insulation, glass, concrete, wood, etc. Make your lists. How long should buildings/bridges, tunnels last. Instead of the wall, we need a tunnel under the Hudson! (Oh well.)
That said... Trump's wall is an infra structure project-- don't you get it?? plenty of new jobs building a wall and an oil pipeline.. I'm not saying these are useful projects (bridges to nowhere) but they will create jobs for which race of American is another question.
PS. I don't exactly know what is required to maintain or rebuild dwellings in Cities -- thinking mostly about Havana but it could be anywhere. In the "middle ages" everywhere there was no plumbing or electricity and homes were constructed from material at hand, stone, wood, brick, mud brick (adobe) thatch. today we have wall board, insulation, glass, concrete, wood, etc. Make your lists. How long should buildings/bridges, tunnels last. Instead of the wall, we need a tunnel under the Hudson! (Oh well.)
1
Maybe Nieto's energy would be better spent finding ways to keep his citizens happy enough that they don't want to leave their country.
3
i would recommend to the Mexicans to keep level headed and let the American version of a junta unravel in its impulsive folly... Mexico should not stoop to the level of the US government and should take a long term view of its relationship and place in the world... Trump's 19th Century regime's policies will implode one day and when a new administration comes in, reconciliation will be the order of the day! In a way, Trump is liberating us all from years and years of American hegemony over the hemisphere and we should appreciate it... I just don't envy the next US president who'll have to clean up the mess...
Much of the territory through which the proposed wall will go belonged to Mexico until 1848. America took over 1/2 the land mass of Mexico in exchange for knocking off 15 million dollars from Mexico's debt, acquiring California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, half of New Mexico and parts of Colorado and Wyoming.
And then there was Texas, too.
Perhaps illegal migrants are just coming home!
And then there was Texas, too.
Perhaps illegal migrants are just coming home!
If you want to go back to the 19th Century to make your point, maybe the United States should renew its demand for an international border with British North America (Canada) at 54 degrees, 40 minutes North Latitude west of the Rocky Mountains. A compromise agreement could be that the southern third of Vancouver Island, BC, which is below the 49th Parallel, be surrendered to the United States. Just a suggestion.
1
America's northern border was arrived at by a 'compromise agreement' as John Quinn stated, not by a war!
Trump evidently is used to bullying his employees. His management style is one of : Do what I say. Period.
It may work when you own a company and can surround yourself with yes-men. It will not work in international affairs.
He shows a real lack of respect for other people and leaders that will not play well in the long run.
It may work when you own a company and can surround yourself with yes-men. It will not work in international affairs.
He shows a real lack of respect for other people and leaders that will not play well in the long run.
unseemly bullying of a loyal ally
5
Two Things and diametrically opposed.
1. Have any of you liberals ever worked in Mexico? I did and it isn't easy. Without proper documentation on your person at all times, you and your company are subject immediate incarceration and huge fines. Of course all this "goes away" when the "mordida" or bribe money is paid. However- they do have rigid immigration laws and they are enforced. We should start doing the same here and let our "mordida" be the cost of the wall. Build it- and let Mexico pay for it- it's long overdue.
2. If the corrupt and elite leaders of these 3rd world, Central American countries simply invested in their people [instead of enriching themselves] perhaps they could create a country where their people would want to stay- rather than flee to the U.S. all the time. This is what should be addressed- not some stupid wall. Even when they get here- they drape themselves in their country flag and continue to speak their native languages so they must have some semblance of national pride. There would be no "immigration problem" as we know it if their governments worked as they should. We don't have an illegal Swiss problem or an illegal New Zealand problem.. it's always the 3rd world.
1. Have any of you liberals ever worked in Mexico? I did and it isn't easy. Without proper documentation on your person at all times, you and your company are subject immediate incarceration and huge fines. Of course all this "goes away" when the "mordida" or bribe money is paid. However- they do have rigid immigration laws and they are enforced. We should start doing the same here and let our "mordida" be the cost of the wall. Build it- and let Mexico pay for it- it's long overdue.
2. If the corrupt and elite leaders of these 3rd world, Central American countries simply invested in their people [instead of enriching themselves] perhaps they could create a country where their people would want to stay- rather than flee to the U.S. all the time. This is what should be addressed- not some stupid wall. Even when they get here- they drape themselves in their country flag and continue to speak their native languages so they must have some semblance of national pride. There would be no "immigration problem" as we know it if their governments worked as they should. We don't have an illegal Swiss problem or an illegal New Zealand problem.. it's always the 3rd world.
3
Mexico has the winning hand. The reality is it is easy to stand up to this bully because he is sure to fold. He will be humiliated...big time.
4
There is not a single time in modern history where I can recall of a government building a wall for anything other than control and oppression.
This wall is no exception.
This wall is no exception.
26
Donald Trump is not only mandating that tax payers fund this pork barrel travesty, he is in violation of the US constitution. King Trump cannot dictate to border states what they must do in regards to immigration or building a wall along their boarders. This violates the 10th amendment. Period.
5
The more we isolate ourselves, the more we have to fear from terrorism. We are all in the same boat--planet Earth. If others suffer, so will we. If others sink, so do we.
3
So much for our fearless leader's deal making skills. He promised "Mexico is going to pay for the beautiful wall." Now he tweets it is not worth meeting with Mexico's President?
Well, Trump supporters, you just stuck U.S. taxpayers with a beautiful graffiti painted border wall. At least you're contributing to young aspiring artists.
Well, Trump supporters, you just stuck U.S. taxpayers with a beautiful graffiti painted border wall. At least you're contributing to young aspiring artists.
5
ANY "meeting" with DT is doomed...
he's not well, people.
he's not well, people.
7
In math, one must consider all limiting cases. The US has a population of about 350 million. In the limit, suppose the entire rest of the world would decide they would want to come to the US, either because they are killing each other in their home countries, or their economies are backwards, or their educational system is 3rd world, or they like American culture better. Could we accomodate 7 billion people on one continent? Should the other continents all lie empty? Is the solution to all the world's problems, that everybody moves to the USA?
Clearly, what makes America great is its value system, and that our brave men and women were willing to fight for what they believe in, rather than running away to somewhere else, whenever the going got rough. Other countries can succeed, as well, if they follow this example. The USA is willing to help them succeed, if they allow us to teach them. But they must absorb this blow to their ego, and admit their current methodologies are going nowhere.
The USA simply can't absorb 7 billion people.
Clearly, what makes America great is its value system, and that our brave men and women were willing to fight for what they believe in, rather than running away to somewhere else, whenever the going got rough. Other countries can succeed, as well, if they follow this example. The USA is willing to help them succeed, if they allow us to teach them. But they must absorb this blow to their ego, and admit their current methodologies are going nowhere.
The USA simply can't absorb 7 billion people.
2
The planet earth cannot absorb 7 billion people. Climate change will result in the necessary pruning. That will be the Trump legacy.
1
If I were my country's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, I would think long and hard before extending a hand to this toxic new American leadership. Trump is a disgusting, menacing clown, and a succession of normally friendly world leaders telling the emperor he has no clothes may be more effective than Trump's own population who have been unable to stop this farce.
4
Dennis--Trudeau should use the cold shoulder. It will make him more of a hero than he already is.
4
The New York Times would do itself a service if it would stop normalizing Trump's insanity. 8 billion dollars to build a wall to do exactly what? Pretend to keep out brown people? Meanwhile millions of tax paying Americans will soon be thrown off healthcare because ... there's no money for it. Try to ask questions a normal person would ask when you print a headline for crying out loud.
5
Trump's rapist comment is an example of a kernel of truth being misused and misrepresented for destructive and bigoted purposes.
In 1995, my office in San Rafael, California was just down the street from George Lucas'office Industrial Light and Magic, his special effects film studio. One day at five P.M., a young black woman was walking nearby to a job interview when she was accosted by three illegal Mexican young men who dragged her into the bushes and raped her.
Her screams could be heard by the Lucas security guards who rushed to her assistance. The investigation revealed the details I have mentioned and the men were arrested and charged.
Although this criminal act reflects badly on the young men and their illegal status, it does not justify a blanket stereotyping of Mexicans. We Americans, including our new president, sometimes make this racist mistake in reaching for an explanation and a solution, but using hate and prejudice to act out a resolution only makes matters worse!
In 1995, my office in San Rafael, California was just down the street from George Lucas'office Industrial Light and Magic, his special effects film studio. One day at five P.M., a young black woman was walking nearby to a job interview when she was accosted by three illegal Mexican young men who dragged her into the bushes and raped her.
Her screams could be heard by the Lucas security guards who rushed to her assistance. The investigation revealed the details I have mentioned and the men were arrested and charged.
Although this criminal act reflects badly on the young men and their illegal status, it does not justify a blanket stereotyping of Mexicans. We Americans, including our new president, sometimes make this racist mistake in reaching for an explanation and a solution, but using hate and prejudice to act out a resolution only makes matters worse!
1
Considering that Trump, by his own admission, committed and advocated sexual assault, I hardly think he's a credible voice on who is or isn't a rapist.
3
What is more surprising is how quiet and silent the Democrats are. After all, and 8 years in the Government, there left enough demoralized and angered people willing to vote this character.
1
Now Trump says that President Nieto should cancel his visit to Washington if Mexico won't pay for the wall when, in fact it is President Nieto who first raised that possibility.
The man-boy just won't tolerate being stood up. Maybe next he'll sign an executive order forcing the Mexicans to pay for his wall. That will show them!
The man-boy just won't tolerate being stood up. Maybe next he'll sign an executive order forcing the Mexicans to pay for his wall. That will show them!
4
I see other commenters who also know that robotics and automation is responsible for more lost jobs than any immigrants. You, Times, must make this clear to as many people as possible so that we spend no more time and money on this useless vanity project. Why does media not make this fact clear? And why not tell everyone 40% of immigrants come through airports? Help us out here. Our policies are disappearing into alternate truths and you are the Fourth Estate.
When the majority of the body public is unaware of a simple truth it makes my fingers itch—so frustrating.
We don't have an illegal worker problem anyway. We have an illegal employer problem.
When the majority of the body public is unaware of a simple truth it makes my fingers itch—so frustrating.
We don't have an illegal worker problem anyway. We have an illegal employer problem.
4
I want Mexico to tear down their wall on the border of Guatemala before they open their mouth. Won't happen. They deport people in their country illegally the first time and they throw them in jail any time after that. They talk out of both sides of their mouth.
3
Don't come. Please. Trump needs to be put in his place. Out of Office.If only the rest of the world leaders would boycott him! I feel like I'm in a foreign land. My country is being demolished.
4
Trump's Wall... a scar on the face of America.
5
Certainly not a scar on the states that voted for him. Take away California and NY and it becomes a smile on the face of America.
Humanity. Even the wall in Germany came down.
1
Trump comes in with outlandish ideas and crazy alternative facts. He riles everyone up and causes mayhem. This is what he thrives on. Mexico should calmly calculate its reactionary move. I can guarantee if the President of Mexico shows up Trump will be nice. If all these walls and import taxes come to fruition then everything that we buy here in the U.S. Will get dramatically more expensive.
Just a couple examples are televisions and clothing. Neither are made here. How long would it take to spool up the factories and mills to supply our demand? The repercussions of Trumps rhetoric if he actually acts on them will do way more harm than good. I keep telling myself he must be bluffing. I better get going to my local Bestbuy to get that TV before the triple in cost.
Just a couple examples are televisions and clothing. Neither are made here. How long would it take to spool up the factories and mills to supply our demand? The repercussions of Trumps rhetoric if he actually acts on them will do way more harm than good. I keep telling myself he must be bluffing. I better get going to my local Bestbuy to get that TV before the triple in cost.
3
DA--Behind the staged chaos, Republicrooks, and despicable minions are looting the country.
3
Good.
Someone in the world needs to stand up to trump. Our Republican legislators have not the courage or the backbone.
Even our Democrat politicians have no voice against injustice except for Bernie Sanders - this man has grace & morals!
The American Voters chose economic gain over SOCIAL JUSTICE and ETHICS.
The white American voters have and will continue to allow trump to destroy our Constitutional rights to gain money/ greatness and pander to the Christians that demand LGBTQ, women's control over their body functions, religious freedom, destruction of our environment, be controlled by the NEW CHRISTIAN SHARIA LAW - coming soon to a sanctuary city and the rest of our country near you sooner then you thought possible.
Someone in the world needs to stand up to trump. Our Republican legislators have not the courage or the backbone.
Even our Democrat politicians have no voice against injustice except for Bernie Sanders - this man has grace & morals!
The American Voters chose economic gain over SOCIAL JUSTICE and ETHICS.
The white American voters have and will continue to allow trump to destroy our Constitutional rights to gain money/ greatness and pander to the Christians that demand LGBTQ, women's control over their body functions, religious freedom, destruction of our environment, be controlled by the NEW CHRISTIAN SHARIA LAW - coming soon to a sanctuary city and the rest of our country near you sooner then you thought possible.
4
pnp--Let him make the announcement within the hour, before humpty trumpty makes it look like HIS idea.
3
And just as Prezident Twomp claimed he didn't want his inauguration "gala" to include the A-listers who had already refused to perform, The DonJuan today told the President of Mexico who is likely to scrap his upcoming visit that he should cancel.
"Donald J. Trump ✔ @realDonaldTrump
of jobs and companies lost. If Mexico is unwilling to pay for the badly needed wall, then it would be better to cancel the upcoming meeting.
7:55 AM - 26 Jan 2017"
And here we were thinking that Twomp's claims that he is both friends with Pena Nieto and the Master of the Deal might have some truth to them. So what's he so afraid of in a face-to-face?
"Donald J. Trump ✔ @realDonaldTrump
of jobs and companies lost. If Mexico is unwilling to pay for the badly needed wall, then it would be better to cancel the upcoming meeting.
7:55 AM - 26 Jan 2017"
And here we were thinking that Twomp's claims that he is both friends with Pena Nieto and the Master of the Deal might have some truth to them. So what's he so afraid of in a face-to-face?
Mexico would collapse into anarchy without the money that Mexicans living in America send every month. Mexico has for decades expected America to allow the flow of Mexicans north to ease their economic issues. They allow refugees from countries to the south to freely cross to the US border and attempt illegal entry. Now an American president is threatening to take a harder line with them. Illegal immigration is probably the defining issue that got Trump where he is. The Mexican government needs to deal with Trump or the consequences will be severe and clearly they have far more to lose then the US in a messy fight over these issues.
2
Trump doesn't care if the wall is built or not or what collateral damage results. The very fact he is still pursuing this ridiculous and outdated policy is to keep the 40% on board by staying with his hate speech. Roy Cohn taught him well "all publicity good or bad is good, just never back off".
3
A gigantic waste of taxpayer money that we will never recoup. That's why it hasn't been built. Well, that and the fact that it doesn't work. Never mind that most drugs arrive via container ship, or that most illegal immigrants fly in and overstay their visas. That's not convenient for Trump's ongoing verbal diarrhea, which will hurt us for generations. This is a scary beginning to a very frightening administration, headed by the worst individual ever elected to the Presidency.
2
Pres of Mexico has to say this at the beginning, but will cave and pay to save the peso
1
Mr. Peña Nieto: Cancel the trip. No good can come of it. Mr. Trump will will manipulate and exploit you. It will not matter what you say or do when you meet with him; Mr. Trump will concoct some big lie about your meeting, and that will become the "truth" that he tweets - the "alternative facts" that he feeds his base. He is nothing more than a con man who will use you in this con of a lifetime. Do not do it. Do not be tempted. Do not legitimize this man. He is no good, and no good can come of any meeting.
1
Classic divide and rule. Billionaire son of real estate mogul gets American working class to fear and hate Mexico and Mexican immigrants, and forget most of those people are also working class and trying to get by and survive in much the same way.
1
Mexico's president probably should cancel the visit. He should give as a reason that he wants to give Trump more time to recover from his illness--that being his apparent delusional state!
Seriously, though, if Mexico's president does come, he is only playing into Trump's hands, It gives Trump an opportunity to generate more obscene press coverage over an issue where his position has no basis in fact!
Seriously, though, if Mexico's president does come, he is only playing into Trump's hands, It gives Trump an opportunity to generate more obscene press coverage over an issue where his position has no basis in fact!
We are being led by a mad man. This nonsense will continue. Fortunately, we have a government (in theory) that has a system of checks and balances. It is the patriotic duty of Congress to block these insane visions of Mr. Trump. A wall between the USA and Mexico? Vast voter fraud? Silencing government departments? Lie after crazy lie, delusions and fraudulent statistics keep pouring out of the White House. They will continue as long as Trump is living there. It is up to Congress to act like Americans - not political yes-men - and to block this absurd man and his illusions.
2
I think he should cancel. Protect himself and do his best to work for the freedom of his people in both countries. The U.S. is acting like a police state. After the acts of the new government today, I would take no risks.
Mr.Pena should listen to Vicente Fox. We know what he said about paying for the wall. If he goes Trump will just exploit him. Building a wall has nothing to do with the safety and security of Americans. Trump is blaming Mexicans for crime, but the truth is he's using them as a scapegoat. Xenophobia. Trump among other things, is a racist. Building that wall not only demeans the judeo/christian values here. But it also portrays America negatively to the world. How ironic is it that his ancestors came from Germany, but he wants to round up illegals and deport them, and not allow Syrians who went through genocide to come here. That that tell you something, Senor Pena? Cuidado. Do not let him be an enabler. He's a very insecure man. That's why he always tells people how great he is. In short, wait until after he gets impeached.
Most people crossing the southern border hail from Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala. Maybe 20% are Mexican. The Central Americans need to cross Mexico to get here. A Spanish speaking nation with a robust economy. Does anybody criticize Mexico for keeping them out? How many immigrants go anywhere besides the U.S.?
The New York Times is fond of reporting about the demise of low skilled jobs in America. Every day there's another automation story, how it keeps getting harder to earn a decent living with just hard work. Those jobs aren't returning, according to the Times' analysis.
So why do we want more unskilled people who don't know the language and aren't familiar with the culture? It doesn't make sense.
The New York Times is fond of reporting about the demise of low skilled jobs in America. Every day there's another automation story, how it keeps getting harder to earn a decent living with just hard work. Those jobs aren't returning, according to the Times' analysis.
So why do we want more unskilled people who don't know the language and aren't familiar with the culture? It doesn't make sense.
2
Does the pandering to Liberal Imperialism of the backstage crew at the NYT never end? Once again:
Finally, well, we can only hope, decades of dumping--or force-marching--those who find Mexico and south a world of poverty and little hope and failed corrupt governments will come to an end--as with "sanctuary" cities harboring "illegals"--i.e., those who break the law at will and are then protected for what self-indulgent reasons, not sure.
Perhaps, an open-highway with free-passage for any and all directly from Central and South America into California might have made it a bit easier on Mexico. Too late, though, it seems.
Finally, well, we can only hope, decades of dumping--or force-marching--those who find Mexico and south a world of poverty and little hope and failed corrupt governments will come to an end--as with "sanctuary" cities harboring "illegals"--i.e., those who break the law at will and are then protected for what self-indulgent reasons, not sure.
Perhaps, an open-highway with free-passage for any and all directly from Central and South America into California might have made it a bit easier on Mexico. Too late, though, it seems.
2
Pat Gardner's comment that the Statue of Liberty weeps is telling for me as a 14 year American expat in France. France was one of America's first friends, bankrupting it's treasury to provide financial assistance for the American Revolution.
When Bush asked France for assistance for his mistaken war in Iraq, France said no as a friend trying to disuade another friend from making a tragic mistake. This was taken as a rude rebuff by Bush who encouraged Americans to retaliate against France with Freedom Fries and Surrender Monkeys.
Now we have a minority of Americans voting to elect another self destructive president who is dragging all of us down with him. I ask my fellow Americans who voted for Trump to now come forward and help us deal with his destructive impulses!
When Bush asked France for assistance for his mistaken war in Iraq, France said no as a friend trying to disuade another friend from making a tragic mistake. This was taken as a rude rebuff by Bush who encouraged Americans to retaliate against France with Freedom Fries and Surrender Monkeys.
Now we have a minority of Americans voting to elect another self destructive president who is dragging all of us down with him. I ask my fellow Americans who voted for Trump to now come forward and help us deal with his destructive impulses!
1
A slap in the face? Really? I am a native Texan and I can tell you that a real slap in the face is millions of illegals coming over the border, filling up the public schools and hospitals, draining resources from hardworking American taxpayers. Why are we demonised for trying to get our border to function? This is the "politics of offence" writ large, an attempt to avoid talking about the issues. Are we just supposed to endlessly accommodate everyone who walks over the border? I don't care whether Mexico is offended. We are sick of dealing with the overflow from dysfunctional societies. Why can't they take responsibility for their own people?
5
Silly goofy D.J. Duck. All hail king Trump. I will be vomiting for foreseeable future.
1
DJT likes the wall because he can put people to work building it, and make the numbers of jobs he created seem impressive. This is what he is doing with the pipeline. We don't benefit from the fossil fuels that will come from Canada, and there will be a few thousand temporary jobs created while its being built, and DJT couldn't care less about the environmental impact of the pipeline. Same with the wall. He'll get some people to work at low paying jobs building it, he will extort money out of American taxpayers to build it. Particularly galling that he doesn't pay taxes. He'll claim that tariffs on Mexican goods will repay the cost, which is going to be astronomical. He likes to build things. It's what he does.He likes to poke liberals, environmentalists and brown colored people in the eye whenever he can, too. In this project he gets to do it all. He's going to bankrupt us in the process.
22
Ironic---Obama added 10 trillion to our national debt--but somehow you don't think it has bankrupted us?
1
I think that the entire world should not meet with the pariah that is Trump.
Perhaps then, the people that voted for him will realize that they were wrong, misled and misguided. ( even though they are distinctly the minority. )
Perhaps then, the people that voted for him will realize that they were wrong, misled and misguided. ( even though they are distinctly the minority. )
1
I think it would be fitting for all nations to refuse Trump. The international community sees America as it really is - the worlds richest and whiniest nation. This is a nation that can't provide proper healthcare to its people - and insists a giant wall is a great idea. Anywhere else this would be seen as asinine - in America - it's great.
2
"...Mr. López Obrador... said the actions by Mr. Trump on Wednesday were “a great opportunity for Peña to begin his defense of Mexican immigrants, with steadiness and dignity.”
Dignified, constructive words from Mr. Lopez Obrador, who might be President now but for the corruptocracy that rules Mexico. I hope that Pena Nieto, the vapid prettyboy masquerading as a national leader, surprises me by rising to the occasion.
Dignified, constructive words from Mr. Lopez Obrador, who might be President now but for the corruptocracy that rules Mexico. I hope that Pena Nieto, the vapid prettyboy masquerading as a national leader, surprises me by rising to the occasion.
President Trump got his foot in the door when he introduced, "The Wall", into the GOP platform. Prior to that you only heard anti-Obama Care and Hillary rhetoric. What would we be hearing about President Trump if he kept quiet about The Wall?
1
He's not even smart enough to choose his battles wisely. The wall is a highly visible, simple to understand concept that people will not forget when it doesn't happen. Same for voter fraud. When these investigations discover what we already know, that there is no voter fraud, he'll need another set of alternate facts.
2
Developing jobs in Mexico, whether because of NAFTA or otherwise, is the best way to keep Mexicans from crossing the border to look for jobs in the US. Furthermore, when people cross our southern border to look for jobs, the firms that hire them are equally guilty of breaking the law. If employers hired only verified US citizens, it would cut off the motivation for people to come across the border seeking employment. Of course, those employers might have to pay higher wages and offer at least some benefits, so they choose to conspire to break the law instead. The same with bringing in drugs. If the demand is there, the suppliers will find some way to meet it. That will be even harder to stop, of course, because it is easy to hide small quantities of drugs in legal shipments and crossings, or to bring it in by air drops or by boat. My main point is that the flow of undocumented immigrants has declined recently in part because the Mexican economy is doing better. Getting rid of NAFTA will harm the Mexican economy and just make the prospect of finding a job in the US that much more attractive to people who just want to support their families.
1
The ridiculous wall that Trump vowed to build and be paid for by Mexico when he ran in the primary is now going to be built at taxpayer expense. That was never mentioned or part of the deal. But Trump is a proven pathological liar - and this is just another example.
2
Smart move. Donald deliberately put him in a spot a day before his meeting. Completely undiplomatic and The Mexican President shouldn't empower Donald Trump.
He should wait until the Donald calms down and learns to behave like an adult.
He should wait until the Donald calms down and learns to behave like an adult.
I fully support the Mexican President canceling his trip to meet with Trump.
Trump only understands being a bully. The bully must be stood up to.
Trumps arrogant ignorance, and bombastic foolishness seem to be 'opiates of the masses' for those who support him, but it makes me sick to my stomach. How low we have sunk.
Impeachment or resignation simply can not come soon enough.
Trump only understands being a bully. The bully must be stood up to.
Trumps arrogant ignorance, and bombastic foolishness seem to be 'opiates of the masses' for those who support him, but it makes me sick to my stomach. How low we have sunk.
Impeachment or resignation simply can not come soon enough.
2
Why would they be offended if they don't come over here illegally?
2
Wow. This clown hasn't been in office for a week and we're already seeing the early signs of the Fascist States of America. Trump must own stock in boxcars.
3
Seems to be gearing up for housing a lot ofundocumented immigrants in that OTHER hotel scam. We're accustom to politicians making law to fill the bills of private prison shills down here. Guess who's gonna pay for THAT!
From what I understand, people legally fly into the United States with one type of visa or another and stay on after their visa expires. Rounding up brown people indiscriminately does not solve the problem of "illegal" immigrants and building a wall that anyone with an airplane ticket can fly over does not solve the problem either. This wall is purely symbolic. Investing the billions a wall would cost in Central America and Mexico would reduce the incentive of the poor in those countries to leave their ancestral homelands and families and risk their lives to walk to the United States. Like the "voter fraud" non-issue, this is another misdirection trick of the Donald and his fascist friends to distract everyone from their real objectives which are to amass more billions for their themselves and their friends.
21
Perhaps Mexico and other Latin American countries should send a message by recalling their ambassadors from Washington snd strengthening ties with China.
How interesting it would be that with a strike of a pen Trump creates 20 new Cubas. We will sure be back to the 60s, but much worse.
How interesting it would be that with a strike of a pen Trump creates 20 new Cubas. We will sure be back to the 60s, but much worse.
1
The United States has been fortunate to have Canada and Mexico as neighbors for its entire history. However, our treatment of these neighbors has been less than neighborly.
Americans invaded our neighbor Canada in the Revolutionary War and in the War of 1812. Following our Revolutionary War over 100,000 unwelcome American loyalists "migrated" to Canada. https://slmc.uottawa.ca/?q=arrival_loyalists.
Mexico has been home to a succession of advanced indigenous Meso-american Indian civilizations that first arose in the pre-christian era. Remember that California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas were once part of Mexico. We annexed Texas in 1845 and invaded and annexed our Southwest in the Mexican-American War of 1846-48.
Today, Canada and Mexico are our largest trading partners. America neither needs nor prospers by turning friendly neighbors into hostile ones.
America certainly has infrastructure needs that were sadly neglected under Republican administrations and blocked by Republicans during the Obama administration. Wasting large sums of money to build a wall on the Mexican border will not improve our economy or our relations with our Mexican neighbors. Instead, let's use our tax dollars to build renewable energy, bridges, roads, tunnels, mass transit, high speed passenger railroads, and improve our electrical grid and internet connections across America.
Americans invaded our neighbor Canada in the Revolutionary War and in the War of 1812. Following our Revolutionary War over 100,000 unwelcome American loyalists "migrated" to Canada. https://slmc.uottawa.ca/?q=arrival_loyalists.
Mexico has been home to a succession of advanced indigenous Meso-american Indian civilizations that first arose in the pre-christian era. Remember that California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas were once part of Mexico. We annexed Texas in 1845 and invaded and annexed our Southwest in the Mexican-American War of 1846-48.
Today, Canada and Mexico are our largest trading partners. America neither needs nor prospers by turning friendly neighbors into hostile ones.
America certainly has infrastructure needs that were sadly neglected under Republican administrations and blocked by Republicans during the Obama administration. Wasting large sums of money to build a wall on the Mexican border will not improve our economy or our relations with our Mexican neighbors. Instead, let's use our tax dollars to build renewable energy, bridges, roads, tunnels, mass transit, high speed passenger railroads, and improve our electrical grid and internet connections across America.
5
"Mexican officials counseled caution, saying it was merely bluster from an unlikely candidate who, if elected, would never follow through."
They were wrong!
"Adding to the perceived insult was the timing of the order:"
Perceiving as an insult, doing what he promised the voters to do, is also wrong.
Sending their "excess" population North to enter the United States illegally, obtaining employment illegally and sending millions of dollars earned illegally back to Mexico is certainly an insult to the United States and its people and is wrong.
They were wrong!
"Adding to the perceived insult was the timing of the order:"
Perceiving as an insult, doing what he promised the voters to do, is also wrong.
Sending their "excess" population North to enter the United States illegally, obtaining employment illegally and sending millions of dollars earned illegally back to Mexico is certainly an insult to the United States and its people and is wrong.
2
This Mexican president is as corrupt as any of them have ever been, but he should do the right thing and turn his back, on humpty trumpty, and this country. Cancel the trip.
2
Walls don't work. We've seen it toomany time. They don't increase security or create a peaceful, thriving society.
But Mexico has very little moral high ground here. They have a corrupt system that has long kept citizens impoverished, needing to flee their country to eek out a living illegally in the US. It seems that where the immigration solution lies.
But Mexico has very little moral high ground here. They have a corrupt system that has long kept citizens impoverished, needing to flee their country to eek out a living illegally in the US. It seems that where the immigration solution lies.
1
Anyone get the feeling this is a bum's rush? Trump insists he can find financing for his pink flamingo, but we have to pony up until the mob collects for us. I appreciate this is how casinos get financed, but seriously, do we have to do business with this Bugsy, Meyer Lansky?
2
President Pena Nieto should cancel his trip to the U.S. Trump has repeatedly insulted his county and it's people. Mexico is a sovereign nation, a member of the UN, with a GDP of 1143.79 USD billion, and a population of 130 million people. Mexico deserves the same level of respect that Americans expect should be accorded our own country and our own president. Trump does himself and our country no favors by alienating one of our two closest allies. President Pena Nieto deserves an apology from the U.S. for treatment it has received from Trump.
Cancel your trip Sr. President! do not let a bully win! Stand up to the bully, that is the best way to dismantle him.
3
Mexico cancelling their leader's trip to the US will be perfectly appropriate. Unfortunately, Trump will rage at the insult, an insult he will see as directed only at himself.
He won't see that the wall is an insult to most Americans and to most Mexicans. He simply won't acknowledge that tunnels are the new reality for smuggling drugs and people from Mexico to the US.
Drugs? Legalizing weed nationally will put a dent in illegal drug sales. Legal, licensed marijuana stores will not be selling problem drugs. If profits are cut on smuggled weed, everyone but the cartels wins.
The US taxpayers do not want the wall and will not pay for it. The office of POTUS does not have the authority to raise revenue. That authority rests with the House of Representatives with input from the Senate. If Trump usurps the power of the Congress, they will take offense. Angered enough, they'll show another power they have: impeachment and conviction. Mexico will not pay for a wall they neither want nor need.
The wall will be an eyesore, at best. It will make people happy the way the Berlin Wall made people happy, which is to say not at all.
He won't see that the wall is an insult to most Americans and to most Mexicans. He simply won't acknowledge that tunnels are the new reality for smuggling drugs and people from Mexico to the US.
Drugs? Legalizing weed nationally will put a dent in illegal drug sales. Legal, licensed marijuana stores will not be selling problem drugs. If profits are cut on smuggled weed, everyone but the cartels wins.
The US taxpayers do not want the wall and will not pay for it. The office of POTUS does not have the authority to raise revenue. That authority rests with the House of Representatives with input from the Senate. If Trump usurps the power of the Congress, they will take offense. Angered enough, they'll show another power they have: impeachment and conviction. Mexico will not pay for a wall they neither want nor need.
The wall will be an eyesore, at best. It will make people happy the way the Berlin Wall made people happy, which is to say not at all.
2
President Pena Nieto is in enough trouble already. In all likelihood, he will be berated and belittled, and no good will come out of the meeting. Mexico is a proud country with a long tradition, and there is no reason to remind Mexicans of how they have been treated at times by the Gringos. If President Pena Nieto goes down, we are likely to have a left wing populist leading Mexico, leading to less cooperation on trade, immigration, transiting of other migrants and drugs. A poorer Mexico will surely create more difficulties for the US.
Another thought: If Mexico does not pay for the wall, why should US taxpayers? If Trump is so rich, let him pay for it personally and then try to collect on the IOU?
Another thought: If Mexico does not pay for the wall, why should US taxpayers? If Trump is so rich, let him pay for it personally and then try to collect on the IOU?
1
The wall should be built more north such that the land we took from Mexico in the 1800s will be returned. This includes parts of Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and California. That is the wall I would support. And Mexico might pay for that.
This is a win-win for Trump. If Nieto caves, it will look like his "toughness" paid off. If Nieto cancels the visit, Trump will taut it evidence that Mexico is an enemy and his supporters into an even bigger uproar. Either way, it's good for Trump.
For Americans who exist outside the alternate reality known as Trumpland, there is not much of a win. Contrary to Trump alternative facts, American jobs are dependent on Mexico just like Mexican jobs are dependent on America. Trump paints a picture of one-way street of jobs going to Mexico, but the reality is a complicated, mutually dependent supply chain spider-webbing throughout US, Canada, and Mexico.
For Americans who exist outside the alternate reality known as Trumpland, there is not much of a win. Contrary to Trump alternative facts, American jobs are dependent on Mexico just like Mexican jobs are dependent on America. Trump paints a picture of one-way street of jobs going to Mexico, but the reality is a complicated, mutually dependent supply chain spider-webbing throughout US, Canada, and Mexico.
2
Undo NAFTA, undo ACA = undoing USA. LOL.
1
Simplistic solutions to complex problems are symbolic but costly and useless. We need to get back to comprehensive immigration reform that will include comprehensive border enforcement methodologies.
The "sanctuary cities" by shielding illegal immigrants from federal immigration authorities are exceeding their lawful jurisdiction. Immigration is a federal, not a local matter.
If the cities put out representations that illegal immigrants relied upon then possibly the cities can be held liable for damages as the illegals get deported.
If the cities put out representations that illegal immigrants relied upon then possibly the cities can be held liable for damages as the illegals get deported.
5
At the rate Trump is going, that wall will be needed to keep people here.
4
This is just the beginning. The next four years will be a constant stream of controversy. My only comment is America elected this man. The Italians warned us!
3
I sincerely hope that Mexico's president snubs Trump and I also hope other world leaders do the same. The possiblitlity that Trump could be given honors usually given to visiting heads of state abroad is barf-provoking. Trump is an embarrassment to the US and deserves to be ignored.
2
The way things are going with our administration, I think the Mexican President should stay away. Trump might hold him hostage in order to force the Mexican's to pay ransom to pay for the wall.
1
For Mexico's sake, I hope Mexico's president cancels his trip.
2
If Nieto comes, maybe Trump will let him pick the color scheme for the wall.
1
Can anyone do math anymore?
The cost estimates for building the wall have been cited in a number of articles, measured in miles. Break it down by the foot and it's astronomical.
I assume I'm the only American who has been to a Home Depot and is a bargain shopper because I can pick up chain link for less than a penny on the dollar versus the gov.'s estimates. In fact on a square foot basis, fine carrera marble will be cheaper and will never rust. As far as construction goes, I can also get some people in the parking lot who are very competent builders to help (oh the irony).
This "wall" better be fabulous and gold plated in classic Trump style or we're paying too much.
Sadly, Trump doesn't realize that a metaphoric wall works better, and no wall works the best. Simply suggesting the wall has decimated the Peso from a not so great position to begin. Trump wants to keep people out while also killing their currency, it defies all logic and will create more of an incentive for people who were once willing to cross an arid desert for money to take more militant actions.
Until this country has clean water, seatbelts on school buses or can simply throw a bag of asphalt patch into one of the six billion potholes in our roads, I think we have other stuff to build that's more important.
The cost estimates for building the wall have been cited in a number of articles, measured in miles. Break it down by the foot and it's astronomical.
I assume I'm the only American who has been to a Home Depot and is a bargain shopper because I can pick up chain link for less than a penny on the dollar versus the gov.'s estimates. In fact on a square foot basis, fine carrera marble will be cheaper and will never rust. As far as construction goes, I can also get some people in the parking lot who are very competent builders to help (oh the irony).
This "wall" better be fabulous and gold plated in classic Trump style or we're paying too much.
Sadly, Trump doesn't realize that a metaphoric wall works better, and no wall works the best. Simply suggesting the wall has decimated the Peso from a not so great position to begin. Trump wants to keep people out while also killing their currency, it defies all logic and will create more of an incentive for people who were once willing to cross an arid desert for money to take more militant actions.
Until this country has clean water, seatbelts on school buses or can simply throw a bag of asphalt patch into one of the six billion potholes in our roads, I think we have other stuff to build that's more important.
2
There is a saying in NH, from Robert Frost, that 'good fences make good neighbors' and it is true. Rather than taking offense, Mexico might consider a border fence of its own, to keep out American cash, guns and folks trying to get into Mexico to score some cheap drugs or to chase a 'good time' over the border. What in the world would be wrong for both countries to have a secure border, secure immigration, and the dignity that comes with control and the enforcement of laws? Walls do not mean cutting off one from the other, walls imply control and order. Restore the dignity of Mexico and the US with control and order and cut the legs out from under those who profit from the lack of control.
You must of been broken-hearted when the Berlin Wall came down. I have a hard time seeing any kind of reason in your posting. A Mexican wall, to keep out Americans wanting to go and "'chase a 'good time'"? So Americans shouldn't be allowed to visit Cancun for vacation? Or does the government get to decide what an appropriate 'good time' is?
Mr Trump don't build this wall!
1
I generally oppose the wall, or any unrealistic measure and I support immigration. Despite the hateful rhetoric and hand wringing, everyone I know, including the most conservative people I know, supports immigration and any suggestion that ending or limiting "illegal immigration" as being "anti-immigration" should be ignored or derided. We do need borders. We do need to deal with the gang and drug problems.
I have little faith in the ability of our government to come to a workable immigration policy because they are Democrats and Republicans, as are most citizens, and most of them are not able to see past their narrative. What may happen, as often does, is a more draconian system that in time moderates to a reasonable one.
I have little faith in the ability of our government to come to a workable immigration policy because they are Democrats and Republicans, as are most citizens, and most of them are not able to see past their narrative. What may happen, as often does, is a more draconian system that in time moderates to a reasonable one.
3
Every fascist needs an enemy. For Trump, it is immigrants.
The wall has to be the most costly publicity stunt ever.
The wall has to be the most costly publicity stunt ever.
2
This apparently is part of Trump's "art of the deal" : he makes an egregious statement in order to weaken an opponent prior to negotiations. President Peña Nieto should view this as an opportune moment to call Trump's bluff.
2
I keep seeing those pictures of Mitt having dinner with Trump before he was brushed off for SoS - I don't think any foreign leader is going to be up for a plate of humiliation with Trump
2
The wall is needed however building a physical wall is not the best way to keep out drugs and other illegal activity that an open border allows, and the Mexicans will eagerly pay for their share of the responsibility, which is required with having an open border and being a trading partner with the United States. You hit the problems where it hurts the most, their pocket books, everyones pocket book that is involved. You tax, fine, appropriate, and prosecute the problem to where it becomes tolerable on both sides of the border.
Maybe the dumbest idea a dumb man has come up with as he peddles to a dumb populous who are too dumb to realize how dumb they really are. In other words, just plain dumb.
3
What Honorable President Trump is planning to do with the deportation of all illegals is CORRECT.
My former neighborhoods in Houston no longer look the same. They have been run over by illegal Mexicans. They are everywhere. What I have found absolutely insulting to me more than anything else is that these Mexicans have come here, ILLEGALLY, and have imposed their Spanish onto us. I visited Miami once and clearly recall those Cubans looking down on me for speaking English. I found it odd. The same is true here, the Mexicans do not integrate properly, they shove down Spanish down our throats and I have found it offensive.
I am pleased to hear about this and I wish our President success in the execution of this policy. The first order of business should be the low hanging fruits of rounding up these bold and arrogant "dreamers" and ship them to their proper countries. We are not running a charity for the world, we have a lot of our own problems and we need to fund them. This plague of illegal immigrants has to be stopped.
My former neighborhoods in Houston no longer look the same. They have been run over by illegal Mexicans. They are everywhere. What I have found absolutely insulting to me more than anything else is that these Mexicans have come here, ILLEGALLY, and have imposed their Spanish onto us. I visited Miami once and clearly recall those Cubans looking down on me for speaking English. I found it odd. The same is true here, the Mexicans do not integrate properly, they shove down Spanish down our throats and I have found it offensive.
I am pleased to hear about this and I wish our President success in the execution of this policy. The first order of business should be the low hanging fruits of rounding up these bold and arrogant "dreamers" and ship them to their proper countries. We are not running a charity for the world, we have a lot of our own problems and we need to fund them. This plague of illegal immigrants has to be stopped.
2
Finally a President committed to protecting our borders and enforcing federal law that both Obama and Clinton voted on when they were in the Senate.
This will be good for our safety and our economy.
It will help keep out drugs.
How could anyone be opposed to this?
Thank you President Trump!
This will be good for our safety and our economy.
It will help keep out drugs.
How could anyone be opposed to this?
Thank you President Trump!
1
Even Trump's own Homeland Security Advisor stated a "“physical barrier will not do the job". It's not gonna work. Then what are you going to say?
If it's too easy for immigrants to cross the low wall, why must the solution be to build a higher wall? Wouldn't it be more cost effective to ban the use of ladders?
2
Abraham Lincoln 1865:
"With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in...to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."
Donald Trump 2016...
"I will build a great wall -- and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me --and I'll build them very inexpensively. I will build a great, great wall on our southern border, and I will make Mexico pay for that wall. Mark my words."
I have never, ever been more ashamed and embarrassed to be a citizen of this nation. We have collectively become a totally small, despicable, fear ridden people.
"With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in...to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."
Donald Trump 2016...
"I will build a great wall -- and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me --and I'll build them very inexpensively. I will build a great, great wall on our southern border, and I will make Mexico pay for that wall. Mark my words."
I have never, ever been more ashamed and embarrassed to be a citizen of this nation. We have collectively become a totally small, despicable, fear ridden people.
2
Pena Nieto has no backbone. He will go visit. Trump calling us Mexicans "rapists and murderers" wasnt enough to make him stand up for his people and refuse to meet with Trump then what is a wall going to do?
The same way most americans are already counting down to the next presidential election, many Mexicans (though having no faith in their own voting system) are counting down the days til Pena Nieto is out too.
As for the wall, let Trump sign his orders he may have gone through with the first part of his promise but in the end it will be the tax payers who have to pay for it, and unfortunately that includes me.
The same way most americans are already counting down to the next presidential election, many Mexicans (though having no faith in their own voting system) are counting down the days til Pena Nieto is out too.
As for the wall, let Trump sign his orders he may have gone through with the first part of his promise but in the end it will be the tax payers who have to pay for it, and unfortunately that includes me.
1
The hypocracy of Mexico denouncing the "wall" when their own immigration policies are tougher than ours, and they ARE enforced. If the 1% of Mexican elites who control the government and jobs, would only give their citizens fair wages to compete with the western world, then they and we, wouldn't have these illegal immigration and fair trade problems. Suck it up, Mexico, and do something for your country and citizens. p.s. you WILL pay for that wall.
6
Everyone that joins the resistance is welcome, from street protesters to presidents. The betterment of international relations (just like domestic ones) can only be achieved by forceful and relentless resistance. It is the only way.
2
Wonder what Trump and Congress will do if Mexico and other Latin American countries cozy up to Russia or China?
Trump's behavior is so incredibly stupid.
Trump's behavior is so incredibly stupid.
4
President Nieto should refuse to come to the US, on private or official business. If he he is not here Trump won't be able to negotiate a deal. He also should not take Trump's e mails ( if he ever uses them), nor answer his letters.
He should also ban any Trump businesses from coming to Mexico.
He should also ban any Trump businesses from coming to Mexico.
1
I'm afraid that Trump is indicating that he does not value diplomacy at all. All relations with foreign countries could devolve into stark power plays, with everyone playing hard ball right from the start. Trump has even shown this tendency within our own country when instead of offering help to the people of Chicago, he threatens them. Trump better be careful or the other kids on the playground might get together and teach this bully a lesson.
1
Every country in the world has the sovereign right to put up a wall. Of the issues that concern me, this isn't one of them. Mexico wants people to come to the US so they don't create problems for their current corrupt system and just send money back. To some extent, there is a wall already in some places.
The wall can keep all the illegal guns from entering Mexico too. Something you don't hear this president ever mention.
Well of course not. That might get the folks at the NRA all in a swivet.
If this is the most important issue to address at this time, then I'd say America is already pretty great. What jobs are being stolen? Landscapers, fruit/vegetable pickers, car wash workers? Are these the excellent jobs that Trump is saving for Americans?
Why isn't he addressing the issue of six figure high tech jobs going to India?
Disney, New York Life, many others have sent jobs from the US to India:
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/04/us/last-task-after-layoff-at-disney-t...
One lost job to India is equivalent to - I don't know - ten landscaper jobs? But no mention of saving good jobs that US citizens were and could be doing.
And how much money is it going to cost when - inevitably - someone in
the future says "Mr. President, tear down this wall..."
Why isn't he addressing the issue of six figure high tech jobs going to India?
Disney, New York Life, many others have sent jobs from the US to India:
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/04/us/last-task-after-layoff-at-disney-t...
One lost job to India is equivalent to - I don't know - ten landscaper jobs? But no mention of saving good jobs that US citizens were and could be doing.
And how much money is it going to cost when - inevitably - someone in
the future says "Mr. President, tear down this wall..."
1
The U S A is the strongest economy inn the world.They got there largely because of international trade.If Trump continues to push unreasonable demands on trade and other protectionists measures China and others will fill the void.
When will Americas corporations ,especially the ones that dominate world markets ,like technology,pharmaceuticals etc explain to Trump what is at stake .
When will Americas corporations ,especially the ones that dominate world markets ,like technology,pharmaceuticals etc explain to Trump what is at stake .
1
Mr Pena Nieto:
Neville Chamberlain -- responding to intimidation -- went to Munich to meet Hitler in 1938 and brought back "peace in our time"
Nothing good for Mexico, the United States, or the World will come from appeasement. Trump is threatening Mexico in the most blatant way -- when you cave in like Chamberlain he will pat you on the head and send you home. Then get ready for the next outrage.
Trump should be shunned by all decent people like the pariah that he is.
Mr. Pena Nieto -- stand up for Mexican sovereignty and for basic human decency and refuse to meet with this man!
Neville Chamberlain -- responding to intimidation -- went to Munich to meet Hitler in 1938 and brought back "peace in our time"
Nothing good for Mexico, the United States, or the World will come from appeasement. Trump is threatening Mexico in the most blatant way -- when you cave in like Chamberlain he will pat you on the head and send you home. Then get ready for the next outrage.
Trump should be shunned by all decent people like the pariah that he is.
Mr. Pena Nieto -- stand up for Mexican sovereignty and for basic human decency and refuse to meet with this man!
3
This past August 2016, I played golf in Tucson with a high-level employee of the US Border Patrol in the Tucson area. I asked him about Trump's proposed wall and he just laughed. He told me that the Border Patrol was having more trouble with organized gangs running drugs through the Arizona-Mexico border than illegal aliens. He also told me that the only way to stop all illegal border crossings would be a wall with troops stationed every 50-100 yards along the border with continuous 24-7 coverage. Even then, he said they would try to dig under the wall. I teach from 15-year old textbooks while we waste $20 billion to build this STUPID wall?
78
Yes and he has chosen someone to run our public education into the ground. It's a very sad state of affairs when this crazy wall will be a higher priority than strengthening our public education system which used to be a source of American pride back in the day. Over several decades we have watched our public education system rot and it's showing in the levels of illiteracy in adults everywhere in this country. So Sad! Thanks for your service to our country as a teacher. Thankless job but so very necessary!
1
Right off the bat, Trump dislikes the president of Mexico because the guy is young, fit and mucho, mucho handsome. Trump must alpha-male him. Crazy, but true - it's how the guy's psyche works.
6
"Right off the bat, Trump dislikes the president of Mexico because the guy is young, fit and mucho, mucho handsome. Trump must alpha-male him. Crazy, but true - it's how the guy's psyche works."
BINGO.
BINGO.
3
I was going to ask about the size of his hands, but I changed my mind....
2
The Bully-in-Chief. Sad.
2
I haven't even read this article yet but please President Nieto don't go to Washington...stay here and go into the 22' ladder business with me.
4
No foreign leader should meet with a man who is obviously crazy.
5
The Mexican President missed his chance to become a hero in his country. He should have cancelled the trip immediately upon Trump signing the border wall executive order. Just Mulling over cancelling set himself up. Then the bully tells tell him if he doesn't agree, just cancel the trip. Also, everyone should be watching FOX News to see what the next Trump tweet will be since he takes his lead from FOX News hosts. Sad!
1
I do not blame Mr. Pena Nieto for ....cancelling the meeting...
No more insults from this insane and crooked President of the USA.
No more insults from this insane and crooked President of the USA.
3
All aboard!!!! Choo choooooo chugga chugga chugga chugga choo chooooooo!!!!!!!! The Trump Train rolls on.
We should all cancel our trips to the U.S. until this project goes away. What a colossal waste of taxpayer dollars. Hopefully, Americans are calling their government representatives and giving them an earful about this dumb-idea-of-the-century wall. It will be a blot on the landscape for all time. Just say no!
4
Please, rather than boycott the USA, where the majority of voters DID NOT voter for Trump, boycott Trump Inc.
4
Just don't patronize anything related to his business empire. Please don't forget that most of us voted against this monstrosity.
2
Right decision, President Pena Nieto.
2
So, we should apologize to the Mexican President for trying to curtail illegal immigration and for trying to protect our borders? How about you take care of your people instead of expecting the citizens and taxpayers of your neighbor to pay for the care and sustenance of your people? How about you help us stop illegal immigration into our country?
Yes, how about that?
And the best way to do that is?
Might it include strengthening Mexico's economy?
If our Prezident had any vision or basic understanding of history and how the world works, he should be seeking to help Mexico instead of trying to weaken it.
But, no. He promised a wall and will stick with his facile symbolism while avoiding the more difficult long-term solutions.
And the best way to do that is?
Might it include strengthening Mexico's economy?
If our Prezident had any vision or basic understanding of history and how the world works, he should be seeking to help Mexico instead of trying to weaken it.
But, no. He promised a wall and will stick with his facile symbolism while avoiding the more difficult long-term solutions.
President Pena Nieto should cancel trip
2
The Ugly American is back. Even Polk with be aghast by such cheek. I hope our Mexican neighbors don't imagine that Trump represents how we feel about Mexico, yet, I also hope Mexico takes steps to find new and better friends in the world. The whole world is watching as the the US betrays (my God, and for the second time!) our closest neighbors, Mexico and Canada. How many wars and walls do we need with Canada and Mexico? Who will ever trust us? Where will Americans turn for support if the US president can't be friends with our closest neighbors?
7
Mr. Trump wants to build this wall, but he has never said how he would raise funding to build this wall, or how he would coordinate construction with our neighbor and vital trading partner, Mexico. I certainly would not want my tax funds wasted on this foolishness, and I urge all Republicans in Congress to vote against any such effort.
If he does build the wall, illegal immigrants Will Find A Way To Cross It. That's just the this world works. Meanwhile, the roads needed to help the wall's construction will provide excellent access for drug traders and other smugglers.
If he does build the wall, illegal immigrants Will Find A Way To Cross It. That's just the this world works. Meanwhile, the roads needed to help the wall's construction will provide excellent access for drug traders and other smugglers.
4
1. Trump certainly is on target to outpace every other past President re: signing executive orders. Hypocrite much?
2. I wonder what all of the wealthy Americans and businesses will do without all of the foreign assistance they've had over the years. Will farmers pay $20 per hour benefits for American workers to pick their harvest? Probably not. Could put them out of business or maybe technology will come to the rescue. Maybe it's good that we're pushing out undocumented immigrants. The wealthy would have to raise their own children for a change.
3. We only so much money. Republicans, led by the Health Insurer Aetna's mouthpieces (Paul Ryan and Tom Cotton), will be thrilled that this wall is just another reason to take more money away from health care for Americans. Aetna and other insurers are waiting for their big paydays!
4. That big ole infrastructure project Trump promised? Speaks volumes when he chooses a wall to be built first. Guess a barrier ranks higher than jobs for Americans.
4. And speaking of the wall, when the contracts are awarded to those who contributed to Trump's campaign and/or when the building of the wall somehow financially benefits Trump's businesses, will anyone (cough Congress) care? Probably not.
Wake me up when someone finds our moral compass.
2. I wonder what all of the wealthy Americans and businesses will do without all of the foreign assistance they've had over the years. Will farmers pay $20 per hour benefits for American workers to pick their harvest? Probably not. Could put them out of business or maybe technology will come to the rescue. Maybe it's good that we're pushing out undocumented immigrants. The wealthy would have to raise their own children for a change.
3. We only so much money. Republicans, led by the Health Insurer Aetna's mouthpieces (Paul Ryan and Tom Cotton), will be thrilled that this wall is just another reason to take more money away from health care for Americans. Aetna and other insurers are waiting for their big paydays!
4. That big ole infrastructure project Trump promised? Speaks volumes when he chooses a wall to be built first. Guess a barrier ranks higher than jobs for Americans.
4. And speaking of the wall, when the contracts are awarded to those who contributed to Trump's campaign and/or when the building of the wall somehow financially benefits Trump's businesses, will anyone (cough Congress) care? Probably not.
Wake me up when someone finds our moral compass.
8
I have to wonder if the situation between our two countries is as dire as this story reports. We already have a wall along long stretches of the border. And we do have a problem with illegal entry into our country from Mexico, mostly people from Central America now. And we do have a drug and crime problem in some parts of our country, the origins of which, are criminals who've come here from Mexico. Even Trump understands those bad actors are a very small minority of an otherwise proud, contributing Mexican heritage people in our country. He needs to tone it down for sure. And he also needs to do a much better job balancing his message.
13
Actually Charlie, he doesn't,
He spent his adult life not doing so,...and it got him the Presidency. Bullies in charge aren't known for "Toning it Down" or even "Balancing Messages".
"He needs to tone it down for sure. And he also needs to do a much better job balancing his message."
He spent his adult life not doing so,...and it got him the Presidency. Bullies in charge aren't known for "Toning it Down" or even "Balancing Messages".
"He needs to tone it down for sure. And he also needs to do a much better job balancing his message."
1
It goes past that. If America wants to build this wall, well then Mexico is perfectly happy to accept that decision. But the idea that they might somehow be compelled to pay for is deeply insulting. If the price of not accepting this insult is a trade war with the United States, then that is a price which Mexico and Mexicans are perfectly willing to pay.
Trump and his supporters are either ignorant enough to be unaware of this fact, or arrogant enough not to care. Neither one bodes well for America or Americans.
Trump and his supporters are either ignorant enough to be unaware of this fact, or arrogant enough not to care. Neither one bodes well for America or Americans.
1
The master of diplomacy, the king of finesse, the wielder of nuance, the accomplished speaker of international relations strikes again.
It is one thing to not be bound from the truth by strictures of political correctness, it is another to sit at the Thanksgiving table and announce to all gathered that your Aunt June can't have another piece of pie because she's fat.
And here, the "truth" is far from known. Opinions on the efficacy of the Wall vary widely at the very top levels, as do the estimates of the cost - although always in the billions, and we all know about estimates in construction projects.
But we do know some facts, and that is that Mexico has always been perfectly, emphatically clear. "I will not pay for that f***ing wall", seems clear enough.
The manner in which Trump has always, from day one spoken about Mexicans and all Latino immigrants, as rapists and criminals, the taco bowl photo, the "bad hombres", the blaming of them for "taking" American jobs but not the Americans who hire them or the jobs that "Americans" won't or their treatment because they can't object, is the underpinning for this hysterical desire to "Build that Wall".
They are the stereotypes and "alternative facts" that have led to the belief the Wall will solve our economic and jobs and crime problems - a belief soon to be dashed at the expense of our relationship with Mexico and it's people.
In the real world, complex problems do not have simple answers, no matter how we wish it.
It is one thing to not be bound from the truth by strictures of political correctness, it is another to sit at the Thanksgiving table and announce to all gathered that your Aunt June can't have another piece of pie because she's fat.
And here, the "truth" is far from known. Opinions on the efficacy of the Wall vary widely at the very top levels, as do the estimates of the cost - although always in the billions, and we all know about estimates in construction projects.
But we do know some facts, and that is that Mexico has always been perfectly, emphatically clear. "I will not pay for that f***ing wall", seems clear enough.
The manner in which Trump has always, from day one spoken about Mexicans and all Latino immigrants, as rapists and criminals, the taco bowl photo, the "bad hombres", the blaming of them for "taking" American jobs but not the Americans who hire them or the jobs that "Americans" won't or their treatment because they can't object, is the underpinning for this hysterical desire to "Build that Wall".
They are the stereotypes and "alternative facts" that have led to the belief the Wall will solve our economic and jobs and crime problems - a belief soon to be dashed at the expense of our relationship with Mexico and it's people.
In the real world, complex problems do not have simple answers, no matter how we wish it.
4
Who needs a narco-state as a partner in anything? Seal it tight. Patrol it three dimensionally, 24/7 and treat the area as hostile. Use troops now wasting their time in corrupt desert kingdoms and war zones propping up sclerotic despots and their cousins. They sure will appreciate those short flights home for R&R. Sure, I'll pay more for American or other countries' produce, excluding those, like Mexico, that use banned pesticides and practices to enrich their oligarchs. We can issue work visas, and biometric monitoring if we choose to. Only the will is required. We spend billions on weapons, UN dues, foreign aid and other activities under the heading of national interest. A long southern border with a country that actually encourages illegal entry for the sordid purpose of repatriating American dollars certainly qualifies as in need of national defense.
5
As mentioned above, we are getting away from the legal issue here.
1
Señor Peña Nieto: Even though you would be more than welcome in the vast majority of American homes, the current occupant of the White House is a rather hostile and ill mannered lout. And worse yet, he's looking for a whipping boy to take out all his pent-up frustration at not being showered with rose pedals with his every step. Add to that the fact that his puppet-master RasPutin hasn't called in days, it's probably not a good time to break bread with this guy. Maintain your dignity as the leader of a sovereign nation and pass on this trip. You will be deemed a very wise man if you do.
4
There was a recent report in the Wall Street Journal that speeding up Acela between New York and Boston could cost 120 billion dollars. The wall on the other hand would cost between 15 and 25 billion dollars. So I do feel a bit suspicious of people who claim that the wall is too expensive.
Look, if there were 11 million Canadians living illegally in the US and most of them did not speak English, we might want a wall on our northern border as well.
Ivana Trump (his first wife) is right. She says that Mexicans are welcome to come but that they should apply for visas just like everyone else. The problem arises only because many people in Mexico and their progressive supporters believe that Mexicans should be able to come (and stay) without getting a visa.
Enforce e-verify and put in prison a few employers who do not abide by the already existing law and the immigration problem will go away.
Then after most illegal immigrants have gone, we could have special visas, say a 100,000 a year in order for people from Mexico to be reunited with their families.
The trouble is that Hispanics seem to love their families. If they were more like "normal" Americans who are not afraid of Virginia Woolf, they would not even WANT to be reunited!
Look, if there were 11 million Canadians living illegally in the US and most of them did not speak English, we might want a wall on our northern border as well.
Ivana Trump (his first wife) is right. She says that Mexicans are welcome to come but that they should apply for visas just like everyone else. The problem arises only because many people in Mexico and their progressive supporters believe that Mexicans should be able to come (and stay) without getting a visa.
Enforce e-verify and put in prison a few employers who do not abide by the already existing law and the immigration problem will go away.
Then after most illegal immigrants have gone, we could have special visas, say a 100,000 a year in order for people from Mexico to be reunited with their families.
The trouble is that Hispanics seem to love their families. If they were more like "normal" Americans who are not afraid of Virginia Woolf, they would not even WANT to be reunited!
1
Just wall off the belligerent psychotic and be done with him. Put a freaking dome over the White house and seal the bloody monster off.
9
It hasn't taken mr trump very long to offend other nations and heads of state (except for his pal Vladdy Putin). I will write it here every day: it is only a matter of time before trump to self destruct.
3
The problem of Illegal Immigration is a false narrative, a distraction. The Corporate and Wall Street thieves who use their bought and paid for politicians to create a diversion from who is really sticking it to the working and middle class. Having lived on the border for over thirty years I can say with absolute certainty that Illegal Immigration is no where near what it was at its height prior to the Great Recession. Wake up America! The people that threaten this Democracy are not brown and don't speak Spanish.
7
The wall works both ways. It's also effective at keeping Americans home. Already the US is making it difficult for a US citizen to live abroad (through FATCA). It had made it prohibitively expensive to renounce US citizenship ($2350, a record among "democracies"). The extent of American arrogance and ignorance are astounding. Oh, and by the way, as we used to joke back in 1996, yeah, who's going to be actually building that wall to keep Mexicans out? Take a wild guess. (Hint: who does most of the manual work in the Southwest?)
5
The Mexican President would be wise to comes to terms with President Trump. If Trump decides to tax the remittances being sent home the riots are going to be in Mexico.
4
You must not appreciate Mexican's determination. When they wanted America OUT of their oil industry, peasants surrendered their own savings and Seven Day bracelets to buy it back for Doheny, the Tea Pot Dome scandal maker. Ever heard of Harding's Black Cabinet?
1
@ Abby - Ever heard of the Halls of Montezuma? History lessons are fun, however, there is no corollary in your example to the situation today. The wholesale looting of PEMEX by the Mexican elite over the past 80 years makes teapot dome look like child's play.
1
Trump is already the most appeased human being on this planet, but it has only whetted his appetite to punish you even more.
1
Who needs him? And if Mexico decides to retaliate by allowing Central Americans free passage to the Southern Border just order the National Guard to shoot to wound anyone who tries to cross the border illegally.
We'll see how Mr. Nieto deals with illegal aliens in his country as the Central Americans decide to stay in Mexico. And we'll see how Mexico fares when any remittances to Mexico are heavily taxed to pay for the Wall.
We'll see how Mr. Nieto deals with illegal aliens in his country as the Central Americans decide to stay in Mexico. And we'll see how Mexico fares when any remittances to Mexico are heavily taxed to pay for the Wall.
2
You want to shoot anyone crossing the border illegally?
God Bless America.
God Bless America.
I remember when Israel realized that they had to have a wall to keep out terrorists and illegal immigration. The world called them mean. Israel will be a gulag. It will not work.
It has worked to near perfection. It has stopped suicide bombings cold. It has stopped the smuggling in of weapons and drugs. It has stopped illegal immigration and entry. Israel has true control of their borders. It is a wonderfully safe place.
Walls do work. And it is why those who want some level of illegal immigration and open borders hate them. Yes, they are not 100 percent effective, but they are highly effective. Complementary measures are also needed.
Since the President of Mexico has no will nor interest in ridding his country of the drug cartels, nor in stopping illegal immigration from his country into the USA, we have no choice. Mexicos second largest source of income are remittances of money from their citizens illegally in the USA. 80 percent of their exports go to the USA. Mexico has no leverage, and no moral standing in this. All it takes is a President with a will to solve our illegal entry problem. Trump seems to be that President.
It has worked to near perfection. It has stopped suicide bombings cold. It has stopped the smuggling in of weapons and drugs. It has stopped illegal immigration and entry. Israel has true control of their borders. It is a wonderfully safe place.
Walls do work. And it is why those who want some level of illegal immigration and open borders hate them. Yes, they are not 100 percent effective, but they are highly effective. Complementary measures are also needed.
Since the President of Mexico has no will nor interest in ridding his country of the drug cartels, nor in stopping illegal immigration from his country into the USA, we have no choice. Mexicos second largest source of income are remittances of money from their citizens illegally in the USA. 80 percent of their exports go to the USA. Mexico has no leverage, and no moral standing in this. All it takes is a President with a will to solve our illegal entry problem. Trump seems to be that President.
2
I have a fair amount of contact with Latin American immigrants in both my business and the businesses I frequent. In my experience they are as a group, incredibly hard working, family oriented and honest.
I would happily trade Latin American immigrants from supporters of Trump's policies on a 1:1 basis and the country and the world would be better off for it.
I would happily trade Latin American immigrants from supporters of Trump's policies on a 1:1 basis and the country and the world would be better off for it.
4
Fear mongering just doesn't work anymore. Give it up and perhaps next time we might just win an election.
2
Maybe I am I missing something here? If having immigration laws is categorically wrong, an insult to a people, a burden on humanity, and a republican plot for control, why didn't Obama, with massive political capital and a majority of the Senate, introduce legislation during his first term to modify or eliminate our laws governing these assassinations of humanity? We're not these "dreamers" important then? Or was simply executing executive fiat in the second term more politically expedient?
1
Pieto, stay home to thwart the narcissist and tell us about cleaning up our own house. We need drug rehab and eVerify, not prisons and walls.
5
The U.S. finally has a president with a backbone who will proceed to follow the law. So Mexico will not be able to utilize the American taxpayer and steal from them any longer. If President Nieto does cancel his visit that is his problem. Mexico will follow legal laws and other nations will follow.
2
Hey democrats! Trumps security agenda excluded the H1B visa issue, which is the only thing directly going to create jobs here not a wall. Or the fact his mandate to us is jobs and he's going to effectively cut federal hiring with the freeze.
I find it to be so interesting how the left believe that exceptions to existing law in any way makes sense. If we do not have borders and protect immigration onto the United States, we shall cease to be a country over time.
Go to France or England today and see what unlimited immigration has done to threaten the very existence of these countries, not to mention the security issues faced by these countries as a result.
I live near the Mexico border. I have talked with border Sheriffs and ICE officers. the truth of the matter is that only Central Americans; but, also, Egyptians, Jordanians and others are crossing the unprotected borders for undetermined purposes.
Perhaps the NYT should, without presumption, travel to the border states and do some investigation and reporting on what the open borders have meant not only in terms of the flooding of the States with uneducated poor people but also the security risks the open borders represen
Go to France or England today and see what unlimited immigration has done to threaten the very existence of these countries, not to mention the security issues faced by these countries as a result.
I live near the Mexico border. I have talked with border Sheriffs and ICE officers. the truth of the matter is that only Central Americans; but, also, Egyptians, Jordanians and others are crossing the unprotected borders for undetermined purposes.
Perhaps the NYT should, without presumption, travel to the border states and do some investigation and reporting on what the open borders have meant not only in terms of the flooding of the States with uneducated poor people but also the security risks the open borders represen
2
Pretty sure the reason London WAS such a hot property was because it was the belly button of the GLOBAL financing system BECAUSE is is such an international hot spot. In fact, US CDSs exclusively move THROUGH the UK to get to the EU, so WHO is going to do that for US, now, if the UK shutters that spigotry?
1
Penas approval rating is so low that a visit will eliminate the last bit of support that remains. For him to keep power, he has to play nationalist in public and negotiate privately.
2
Agree, he is still going down like a Donald Trump casino property, but he may recover some of his humanity.
1
President Trump's first effort to improve our nation's crumbling infrastructure is to build a wall between the U.S. and Mexico? God help us to get through the next four months, let alone the next four years!
Free job in France starting in may 7th 2017 . Housing provided , in Paris , in a XVIII th century palace , near the Champs Elysées . La Sorbonne University and Louis-Le-Grand High School very near for the children ; a large garden for the vegetebables-garden and the dogs ; cellar full of fine wines bottles ; gift cook ....
If you know some one unemployed with professionnal skills of head of state , please tell him we need him in France .
If you know some one unemployed with professionnal skills of head of state , please tell him we need him in France .
Guessing, maybe 15% of what Trump advocates I'd agree and this Wall ain't one of them.
HowEva, he campaigned, pledged, berated, insulted, ridiculed,...proclaiming he would.
His Narcissism, Rep, and Small Hands says he has to build it.
HowEva, he campaigned, pledged, berated, insulted, ridiculed,...proclaiming he would.
His Narcissism, Rep, and Small Hands says he has to build it.
I hope Mexican President's does cancel his visit to show our Congress the consequences of irrational and careless foreign policy initiatives and blather. It is not only Democrats who must resist Mr. Trump; it is Republicans who must stand up to a dangerous, unreflective narcissist, our President, who has been handed power he doesn't understand and cannot responsibly handle. They will win the favor of both moderate Democrats and Republicans and other sane people. They lose nothing. Stay away Mr. Peña Nieto. You'll only be cast as a chump by our demagogue and his minions. PS, for the record, it is Bonnie writing.
President Neito should cancel his trip. He is not popular in Mexico, however he has an opportunity here to improve his image at home. Will he stand with the good citizens of Mexico, or will he choose instead to acquiesce to our unbalanced bully of a president? Neito would do himself a favor by considering the consequences of meeting with trump on bended knee. Just ask Mitt Romney.
1
We're going to cancel that visit!
We're going to cancel that visit!
We're going to cancel that visit!
Along with President Enrique Peña Nieto, all heads of states and government leaders of the free world should seriously consider cancelling any visit to see “Mr.” Trump.
We're going to cancel that visit!
We're going to cancel that visit!
Along with President Enrique Peña Nieto, all heads of states and government leaders of the free world should seriously consider cancelling any visit to see “Mr.” Trump.
2
Building the wall is just more political theater designed to bolster Trump's image. For the new actor-in-chief, it's all about perception and the dissemination of "alternative facts", aka propaganda. Mexico's president should just say no and stay home unless he just wants more humiliation heaped on him.
The real losers in this action will be average Americans. The first consequence of the enhanced deportation forces will be to wreck American agriculture. Migrant workers will be swept up in highly publicized raids. Then the food shortages will begin. Prices for commodities will skyrocket. This is just the beginning in the unraveling of American democracy.
The real losers in this action will be average Americans. The first consequence of the enhanced deportation forces will be to wreck American agriculture. Migrant workers will be swept up in highly publicized raids. Then the food shortages will begin. Prices for commodities will skyrocket. This is just the beginning in the unraveling of American democracy.
Not only would I, if I were Nieto, not come to pay homage to this twit of a President, I'd also stop drug interdictions in Mexico on the behalf of the US and stop blocking refugees at Mexico's southern border - let them travel to the US.
1
What will our great deal maker do when he is the only negotiator sitting at the table?
4
I think Mr. Pena Nieto should cancel his trip to meet Mr. Trump. Negotiations are based on mutual respect; when this respect is clearly absent from one side, negotiations are pointless. Mr. Trump does not seem to be interested in finding win-win solutions to negotiations, but only to get unilateral advantages for the US. If Mr. Trump wants to apply tariffs and get his way with other countries, other countries have the right to defend themselves, and shift their business to more reasonable, collaborative countries. I also think the Mexican science-funding agencies should stop providing scholarships for Mexican students to go and do doctorates or study in the US. There are great Universities in many other countries, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many European countries, to name just a few.
46
Trump is not interested in win-win situations, this much is right. However he does not speak for American interests, only his own personal interests.
1
"Mr. Trump does not seem to be interested in finding win-win solutions to negotiations"
That is an over used phrase and an over rated approach to negotiating.
Of course one must have an idea of what the other guy wants. However, win-win talk tends to involve telling the other guy what he wants. It is arrogant, and frequently mistaken.
Far better to be clear about what you want.
Have an idea of what the other guys wants, and then listen carefully as he explains what is in his mind. It may surprise.
That is an over used phrase and an over rated approach to negotiating.
Of course one must have an idea of what the other guy wants. However, win-win talk tends to involve telling the other guy what he wants. It is arrogant, and frequently mistaken.
Far better to be clear about what you want.
Have an idea of what the other guys wants, and then listen carefully as he explains what is in his mind. It may surprise.
NAFTA must be renegotiated. It has been bad for all workers and campesinos on all side of the border, including Canada. However, pres. Trump is coming to the table with arrogance, looking down to both countries, particularly Mexico, without considering how his actions will affect the workers and agriculture he wants to protect. There is no way he will change, but pres. Trudeau and Peña Nieto can walk out if the agreements are not beneficial. They can look down or East. The world is wide enough and China is waiting at the door.
President Peña Nieto, I’m not Mexican. However, if you have any respect for Mexico. Do not visit this president which in my view is a total disgrace to our USA human values. Stand your ground for the dignity not only for Mexico, but that of us major majority that did not vote for him. Please remember he lost the popular vote over 3.5M. America must build bridges not walls.
1
Many Americans see a national border as a given. It respects and prioritizes the rights and privileges of current citizens, sending a rebuke to the immigrant.
One clear contribution to Trump's standing among Americans is his willingness to reestablish law, and it is beyond awful that we have resorted to a remedy like this man; but, as no Trump supporter, I sense the panic and insecurity of many of our citizens who rose up in his support. What is interesting is that Black urban residents, so fully indoctrinated in victimization, choose greater reliance on a government that does nothing on their behalf and then turns to violent riots. No amount of gun laws will stop the urban rot on Chicago's South Side, and we spend too much time using these crime statistics to stop mass killings.
The real takeaway this year is that a large number of Americans, those not possessing college degrees apparently, can see with their lives a measure of hypocrisy breeding hopelessness. They see a demagogue who wants to put up chainlink and respect police. To them, it sounds like order in a world of chaos. White elites, showing our sensitivity, tell them to adjust to globalization and "have a nice day". We tell them to learn a computer language and job opportunities will flood their way. We lend them money for a home they cannot afford and snicker as we walk away with a foreclosure and a commission on the loan.
The leadership role is too big for Trump, as it was for HRC and Bernie. But it is real.
One clear contribution to Trump's standing among Americans is his willingness to reestablish law, and it is beyond awful that we have resorted to a remedy like this man; but, as no Trump supporter, I sense the panic and insecurity of many of our citizens who rose up in his support. What is interesting is that Black urban residents, so fully indoctrinated in victimization, choose greater reliance on a government that does nothing on their behalf and then turns to violent riots. No amount of gun laws will stop the urban rot on Chicago's South Side, and we spend too much time using these crime statistics to stop mass killings.
The real takeaway this year is that a large number of Americans, those not possessing college degrees apparently, can see with their lives a measure of hypocrisy breeding hopelessness. They see a demagogue who wants to put up chainlink and respect police. To them, it sounds like order in a world of chaos. White elites, showing our sensitivity, tell them to adjust to globalization and "have a nice day". We tell them to learn a computer language and job opportunities will flood their way. We lend them money for a home they cannot afford and snicker as we walk away with a foreclosure and a commission on the loan.
The leadership role is too big for Trump, as it was for HRC and Bernie. But it is real.
23
I'll bet somebody somewhere is investing long in rubber rafts.
If you believe that three million illegal Mexican immigrants snuck across the border and presented their IDs at government polling places and voted forget about a wall. I have a bridge you might be interested in and it's already built.
6
If a homeowner decides to build a white picket fence around his property, he should be able to do so without any complaints from his neighbors. It's none of their business how a homeowner chooses to maintain his own property.
1
The effect of the wall will be to destabilize our relations with Mexico. Trump's threat that Mexico will, in the end, pay for the wall will probably be realized through tariffs and taxes. We are currently Mexico's largest trading partner. The Mexican economy (as well as our own) will be negatively impacted by both the wall and the disintegration of NAFTA. Mexico, currently a close ally with a growing economy, will struggle to hold on to its first world status. Do we really want a third world country on our southern border? Images of Israel and the Palestinians come to mind. The wall makes poor business sense, and was dreamed up by a very small minded person.
Well, so much for the Hispanic vote - that would be the legal Hispanic vote - and the Republican Party! When he is done, there will not be enough voters left to win an election in a phone booth populated by fellow gropers.
There are reasons why Mexico is not cooperating with border enforcement and we have laws to enforce. Mexico's government is corrupt, and corrupt elements of that government benefit from trafficking across the border. So Mexico is against the wall. Liberals, you should not support a corrupt Mexican government. Nieto can stay home.
1
Even better, don't come then.
These are OUR policies, the policies of a sovereign nation. We don't need Mexico, or any other nation, to approve of them.
It's called follow the law. A new concept for many readers here.
These are OUR policies, the policies of a sovereign nation. We don't need Mexico, or any other nation, to approve of them.
It's called follow the law. A new concept for many readers here.
1
Mexico needs to change to a more fair economic system. They have been sending tens of millions of it's people to the USA and reaping back 25 billion a year. This has to end. We have seen the recreation of a slave trade. Enough.
So reimburement by Mexico is a certainty? If so, then why not have the Trump Organization fund construction rather than the American taxpayers? I am sure Congress would waive any conflict of interest concerns.
6
Other heads of state should do the same and boycott Trump.
2
I could seriously get behind making the DT's into a global pariah.
Who cares about Mexico's opinion of the President or the United States. Mexico is nothing but a third world, feudal, oligarchy that could be entirely ignored if we did not share a border. Mexico is the worst type of international neighbor; a crime ridden ungoverned society with no positive attributes.
1
The real issue is not who pays for the wall, but how do we stop drugs coming to America, which is our problem because we are the users, and is a far major issue that receives no attention or corrective action. Additionally, it is an American problem that we illegally sell weapons to Mexico, thus enhancing the violence and drug cartels in Mexico's society. Lastly the economy of Mexico is dependent on drug money coming from America, so why would Mexico want to assist in building a wall. When we stop allowing guns to be illegally sold to Mexico, as well as stop using drugs, then suddenly we will start talking about tearing down the wall.
Not one comment in favor of the wall? How polarizing when the opposite opinion is not given a chance to comment. We should strengthen our boarder security with or without a wall. Whether the wall is built physically or using technology it has to be done. That includes over staying your visa. I'm guessing most of the readers who are responding are not involved with the construction field which is dominated by illegal aliens. I am sure if any of the readers saw their middle class wages vanish becasue of the pressure of competing against people who have no right to be here would have to rewrite their comments. Let's try this. Your a professor in mathematics and you lose your job because someone from outside this country that should not be here does it 2/3 less without benefits. Put any profession other then landscaping and you would see the same results. It's about economics and it will always be.
23
No comment either on the bunch of people that have made a fortune by hiring these people without paying benefits or a decent hourly rate, oh by the way, Mr. President has been doing the same for some years now. Double moral in all its greatness.
1
Fair point. However, instead of spending $20+ billion on a 'new' wall, shouldn't we instead try to better police companies that hire illegal workers, and patch up the existing border fencing where needed?
We barely have enough money for infrastructure and education as it is now.
We barely have enough money for infrastructure and education as it is now.
i think the argument is also that we should not run our economy this way!
I've said it before and I'll say it again: anyone who lives near the wall will tell you that making it bigger is a waste of time, money and resources. Perhaps Mr. Trump could focus on repairing our infrastructure and bringing it into the Twenty First Century. As many others before me have stated, the sheer number of jobs that would be created through a public program such as this, would help (at least in the short term) benefit so many of Trump's supporters.
1
President Pena Nieto should cancel his visit to the White House, I'm sorry to say. Most Americans would welcome his visit, but Trump is treating him and Mexico so rudely that he really shouldn't tolerate it. Instead, I hope he visits DC and meets with Congressional leaders and CEOs of companies that do business in Mexico. He may want to meet with Secretary of Agriculture nominee Sonny Perdue, who knows darn well that the US farming industry cannot function without Mexican workers, legal or not. But if he goes to the White House, he will be treated to another display of rudeness and bullying, as he was during the campaign, and that would be shameful. Not on him, but on US, the American people. I am sorry and disgusted to see our good neighbor treated this way.
98
The NY Times should note that Mexico is currently our third largest goods trading partner with $531 billion total (two-way) in goods value traded in 2015. There are huge ramifications.
Dear Presidente Enrique Peña Nieto,
I am very sorry you and your country are being treated by such disrespect by the new President of the United States. We will understand if you decide to cancel your upcoming trip to Washington.
Most of us are appalled that our new President continues to ignore the FACTS around this issue (and many, many others). Such as that more Mexican citizens are currently leaving the United States than entering it; that such a wall will cost much, much more than what Trump claims; that said wall will do very little to keep determined folks from getting around/over/under it; that three to five million illegal immigrants (presumably he meant from your country) did not vote in this last election, as he absurdly asserts. But mostly, most of us are appalled by how the new President paints any groups and situations he doesn't understand -- and doesn't bother to try to understand -- in such dismissive, disparaging, and unpresidential terms.
Come to think it, perhaps it would be a good time to visit now. Because if there's any place in the world that may soon be too dangerous to visit, it could be the United States of America, no thanks to Donald J. Trump.
I am very sorry you and your country are being treated by such disrespect by the new President of the United States. We will understand if you decide to cancel your upcoming trip to Washington.
Most of us are appalled that our new President continues to ignore the FACTS around this issue (and many, many others). Such as that more Mexican citizens are currently leaving the United States than entering it; that such a wall will cost much, much more than what Trump claims; that said wall will do very little to keep determined folks from getting around/over/under it; that three to five million illegal immigrants (presumably he meant from your country) did not vote in this last election, as he absurdly asserts. But mostly, most of us are appalled by how the new President paints any groups and situations he doesn't understand -- and doesn't bother to try to understand -- in such dismissive, disparaging, and unpresidential terms.
Come to think it, perhaps it would be a good time to visit now. Because if there's any place in the world that may soon be too dangerous to visit, it could be the United States of America, no thanks to Donald J. Trump.
2
The US good not have a better neighbour than Mexico. What a great country, fascinating culture and hard-working decent people. The majority of the American people do not support Mr Trump or his policies. President Pena Nieto should cancel his trip and up the rhetoric.
For a guy that "says it as it is" he's wrong with this as well: it's the American Wall. It'll be on american soil and paid for with american money. This bully is embarrasing to so many decent Americans. I don't understand why "the land of the free home of the brave" are letting such a person get away with so much crazyness.
I hope my President cancels his visit to Washington, but even if he doesn't, I'm sure millions of mexicans will back him up and I'm confident he'll know how to confront this egomaniac you sadly elected to represent you.
I hope my President cancels his visit to Washington, but even if he doesn't, I'm sure millions of mexicans will back him up and I'm confident he'll know how to confront this egomaniac you sadly elected to represent you.
2
I am tired of this illogical thread about building a wall along the U.S/Mexico border. I am tired of the alternative right promoting alternative facts that essentially mask bigoted lies.
For a price of 1 billion dollars or less, illegal immigration would end over night and those who are in the country illegally would "self-deport" tomorrow if Donnie enforced locking up or financially penalizing employers. But, that won't happen, so the ruse about building a wall and antagonizing allies will persist until we demand better of ourselves.
For a price of 1 billion dollars or less, illegal immigration would end over night and those who are in the country illegally would "self-deport" tomorrow if Donnie enforced locking up or financially penalizing employers. But, that won't happen, so the ruse about building a wall and antagonizing allies will persist until we demand better of ourselves.
1
If he proceeds with the visit, he should schedule his own news conference and blast the actions of this foolish, shortsighted, hateful, immoral frankly idiotic President. The only way he should come is if it's a no holds barred approach meant to disgrace and delegitimize the destabilizing remarks and actions of the least qualified President in history. I do not believe illegal immigration is permissible, acceptable, and sustainable. We need a common sense bipartisan moral fiscally responsible approach to this. Mr. Trump's supporters wanted this wall. If they want to make America "great", by all means, let them pay for this ineffective ill-conceived monstrosity. Finally, the frightening aspect of this is you can look to the mid-term elections or some other political outlet to fix this but this is not a political struggle. It is of the beliefs and cultures of much of our citizenry whose votes and views cannot be underestimated. We should be concerned because no matter who is in power, people who share the mindset of his supporters are not going anywhere. They have tasted power and will be here to obfuscate, seek "alternative facts" and perpetuate his goals in any way they can. They are our American brother and sister and unless we can win them over to at least having a rationale fact-based conversation about the issues facing our country, we will be in a precarious predicament.
Has the tea party gone away or is it just my imagination that no one in the Republican party is complaining about wasteful spending?
4
My father-in-law was just cared for by an extraordinarily caring, capable and hard-working team of largely minority aides who we came to see as a second family. We need more – not less – people like this.
3
Trump is proposing a border wall at a time when illegal immigration from Mexico is near 40-year lows. He plans to reclaim manufacturing jobs from Mexico when in actuality most of those jobs have been lost to automation.
In short, he has scapegoated Mexico for exaggerated and nonexistent problems, riding a wave of anti-Mexico animus into the Oval Office. Now, he wants the US to spend billions of dollars and set off a trade war to combat these largely fictitious problems.
Nieto should in no way dignify Trump's rhetoric with his presence. He can continue dialogue by telephone, but the optics of walking into the residence of a man who has degraded your country will undermine your standing at home and will empower Trump to lean even further into his anti-Mexico bent.
In short, he has scapegoated Mexico for exaggerated and nonexistent problems, riding a wave of anti-Mexico animus into the Oval Office. Now, he wants the US to spend billions of dollars and set off a trade war to combat these largely fictitious problems.
Nieto should in no way dignify Trump's rhetoric with his presence. He can continue dialogue by telephone, but the optics of walking into the residence of a man who has degraded your country will undermine your standing at home and will empower Trump to lean even further into his anti-Mexico bent.
170
Scott - "Trump is proposing a border wall at a time when illegal immigration from Mexico is near 40-year lows."
Fake-news Scott - according to CNN - Homeland Security report: Border Patrol arrests up in 2016
Fake-news Scott - according to CNN - Homeland Security report: Border Patrol arrests up in 2016
1
I think an American colleague at work – normally a faithful enough Republican – is probably pretty representative of American ex-pats overseas.
She’s often said down the years that she didn’t know how much she Didn’t know about the rest of the world until she left America, but that she’s no longer embarrassed about that former lack of knowledge, global awareness, and a grasp of international politics as living abroad finally introduced her to Actual News, rather than America’s pretty terrible news media across the board. (Disclaimer: I’m not just a journalist or a lowly editor, but have a higher role in news publishing – and on any trip to America I’m aghast at how truly awful ‘news’ is there.)
Now, however, she’s back to burying her face in her hands and muttering “Oh, God, No!” with each new thing about Trump. She didn’t like Obama – but by God, she’s mortified by Trump, and appalled by each idiotic, populist – and dangerous – thing that he’s set in motion.
That’s all a roundabout way of saying that no, of course the Mexican president shouldn’t visit Trump. Mexico and America’s diplomatic channels need to remain open and cordial, but visiting Trump would give de facto credibility to his daft, divisive wall idea.
It would be political suicidal for Mexico's president, and endorse Trump's naked racism - as well as emboldening the rootin'-tootin' Deplorables cheering him on; people who will never, ever leave Merrrka, let alone be affected by Mexicans.
Vive la résistance.
She’s often said down the years that she didn’t know how much she Didn’t know about the rest of the world until she left America, but that she’s no longer embarrassed about that former lack of knowledge, global awareness, and a grasp of international politics as living abroad finally introduced her to Actual News, rather than America’s pretty terrible news media across the board. (Disclaimer: I’m not just a journalist or a lowly editor, but have a higher role in news publishing – and on any trip to America I’m aghast at how truly awful ‘news’ is there.)
Now, however, she’s back to burying her face in her hands and muttering “Oh, God, No!” with each new thing about Trump. She didn’t like Obama – but by God, she’s mortified by Trump, and appalled by each idiotic, populist – and dangerous – thing that he’s set in motion.
That’s all a roundabout way of saying that no, of course the Mexican president shouldn’t visit Trump. Mexico and America’s diplomatic channels need to remain open and cordial, but visiting Trump would give de facto credibility to his daft, divisive wall idea.
It would be political suicidal for Mexico's president, and endorse Trump's naked racism - as well as emboldening the rootin'-tootin' Deplorables cheering him on; people who will never, ever leave Merrrka, let alone be affected by Mexicans.
Vive la résistance.
3
It's high time to recognize the obvious. Mr. Trump is absolutely insane.
3
Wall or no wall, US and Mexico relations should remain cordial for mutual benefit. Trump and Nieto should resolve their differences amicably from a position of strength and the best interest of their nations and the security of their people.
1
If Canada wanted to build a wall along the U.S. border I would not be offended. Canada is a sovereign nation. Whether a wall is a good idea or not is another matter. Mexico should have no say in whether a wall is built.
A glance at the comments here further demonstrates that most of today's liberals only want our leaders to enforce laws that they agree with. In the process, they undermine our national integrity. If there moral outrage wasn't manufactured to serve their narrow agenda of identity politics, they would be just as indignant over the way Mexico deals with its own southern border.
All the employers who hire illegals should enforce the law. But they don't because they know most Americans won't do the jobs that illegals take...especially for the low wages paid for them. Save $15-25 billion by not building a wall across the desert and just enforce the laws for employers that are already on the books. That's what the GOP says about gun issues...just strictly enforce the laws we already have. Most people won't cross the border illegally if they know they can't get a job.
It's time for Mexico to set its own rules. Pull out of Nafta, stop sending cheap labor, drugs to the insatiable American consumers and stop buying arms from the US. It is going to be painful but how much worse can it get? The rest of the world will stand with Mexico and applaud that the David stood up to Goliath,
We all know our 'President' is now putting the burden of the cost to build this wall on the American taxpayer. He tells us Mexico will pay us back. Ha! Mr. Trump should pay for the wall out of his own bank account and wait for Mexico to pay him back!
3
President Peña Nieto should just change his destination to Beijing along with the rest of the world which is already discounting the USA, not just as a leader, but as an ineffective, irrational, untrustworthy and mislead nation with which to do business or to just coexist. Trump is killing the country.
4
Please, President Nieto, be the first leader, world or otherwise, to STAND UP to this bully boy egomaniac we have as our President. I thought it would take longer, several months to a year maybe, for this man to become drunk on the power he has, but I was wrong. See or read about his interview with David Muir of ABC and it's startling and frightening. We like to toss around the word egomaniac but our President truly is.
Until world leaders learn, and learn quickly, that this man is both not to be trusted and dangerous in so many ways, they are in serious trouble. And as for us, here in the USA, when oh when is ANYONE in the Republican Party in our government going to stop shaking their heads in the back rooms and come out in public and show they have the cohones to confront this disturbed leader of ours? Please help us.
Until world leaders learn, and learn quickly, that this man is both not to be trusted and dangerous in so many ways, they are in serious trouble. And as for us, here in the USA, when oh when is ANYONE in the Republican Party in our government going to stop shaking their heads in the back rooms and come out in public and show they have the cohones to confront this disturbed leader of ours? Please help us.
6
We do not have people willing to work in the farmland, CA farmers and vineyards can't find enough people to work in spite of being offered higher than minimum wage.
No one wants to pay for a higher amount for the goods and at the same time, they want to control immigration because the notion of these people taking jobs is absurd.
I am sure these are the same people who are opposing undocumented workers have hired undocumented workers for house cleaning, yard work, and lawn mowing without hesitation.
No one wants to pay for a higher amount for the goods and at the same time, they want to control immigration because the notion of these people taking jobs is absurd.
I am sure these are the same people who are opposing undocumented workers have hired undocumented workers for house cleaning, yard work, and lawn mowing without hesitation.
2
This wall will stand it stark contrast to the welcoming symbol portrayed by the Statue of Liberty. “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free (unless you come from south of the border or believe in a different way of worshipping the same God).”
2
Sr. Presidente,
Cancel your visit with Trump. He is not worthy of your kindness. He has brought shame and disgrace to the office of the President of the United States and should be treated like the pariah that he is. Foreign leaders cannot acquiesce to his childish, dangerous demands or give into his childish temper tantrums.
Cancel your visit with Trump. He is not worthy of your kindness. He has brought shame and disgrace to the office of the President of the United States and should be treated like the pariah that he is. Foreign leaders cannot acquiesce to his childish, dangerous demands or give into his childish temper tantrums.
4
It shall be proclaimed to be The Lying Wall! Millions shall set pilgrimage to shout their lies to the heavens at the Lying Wall.
2
Mexico you will have to endure for four years, hopefully. Trump is a bully and like all bully's will continue to bully you if you capitulate. Stand strong there are many of us with you.
4
Mexico apprehends and processes a whole lot migrants heading to the U.S. from Central America. Keep antagonizing Mexico and watch that security-cooperation agreement degrade, resulting in a net INCREASE in illegal migration to the U.S.
Yeah, sometimes you have to Think Beyond the Wall. (TM)
Yeah, sometimes you have to Think Beyond the Wall. (TM)
3
Mexico, China, Germany…in fact the world needs to reject forcefully all these dark and wanna be intimidating words and actions of the Trump regime.
3
Appeasement did not work for Britan, and is not the way to go for for Mexico. President Nieto would do well to stay clear of the US, refuse the meeting, and hold Mexico's ground. The concept that Mexico will pay for a wall the US wants is ludicrous, disrespectful, arrogant. No other nation has contributed more to our state of luxury than the citizens of Mexico who contribute to our economy with their industry and willingness to do the jobs Americans won't and often can't, as we are too soft. Walls are meant to be torn down between friends and neighbors, not built.
136
Seems you are advocating we just open the borders and let everyone come in and give them free healthcare and education to boot. Seriously, how long would we be solvent?
1
There are Americans who are willing and able to do those jobs. They just won't do them for slave wages.
1
Trump's bleats about paying for the wall is a way of telegraphing a threat to Mexico that they will pay a price by the U.S. reducing the value of the economic and military aid we invest in their country. In 2013, that aid came to over $419.94M but was subsequently slashed. Given the value of the two-way trade ($531 billion in 2015) and the fact that Mexico is our third largest trading "partner", Trump's threats carry significant implications. Mexico will not allow itself to be destabilized and will look for more respectful investors and trade partner, potentially putting China on our doorstep. Nǐ hǎo!!
All respectable foreign leaders should refuse to deal with this bully -- who is already known in the business world for not paying his bills and cheating creditors and business partners. Do they really think he's going to treat foreign countries any better, especially after he has made his policy of "America first" (or "America only") quite clear?
3
Last important person to build a wall was Erich Honecker. It didn't do him much good in the long run.
61
Kreienkamp - You don't see the difference between keeping people inside an area with a wall, as in prison and a wall meant to keep people outside of an area? Do you have locks on your doors?
Honecker built his wall (and East Germans paid for it) to keep East Germans inside East Germany; Trump wants Mexicans to pay for a wall, to keep Mexicans inside of Mexico. Sounds at least similar.
I am amazed when people try to compare the Berlin wall to a wall on our southern border. Countries have an absolute right to control the entry of foreigners into their country. You can argue that controllable borders are in fact what define nations. Building a wall to try and keep your citizen in is a violation of human rights. There are no blocks to exit the USA for citizens or non citizens, no fees. The difference is so basic I assume that people most obfuscate it to justify their position.
3
The "slap in the face" has been given to us for decades from these feckless Mexican authorities who encourage their citizens to go to the gringo for jobs and money while they do nothing to reform their awful country. Time's up banditos.
2
This comment makes me think of my uber right wing neighbor who goes to the corner where the day laborers hang out when he wants a cheap worker. Daniel is cheap on everything.
Many people come to the US for a better life and do the nasty, hard jobs for little pay. Immigration needs to be worked on, but I'm sorry that you have so little compassion.
Many people come to the US for a better life and do the nasty, hard jobs for little pay. Immigration needs to be worked on, but I'm sorry that you have so little compassion.
The Mad Hatter is seriously deranged . . . very, very deranged.
2
Okay, it's up to you, but if you do come, wear a pink hat...Trump likes that.
10
President Nieto, Do the right thing, do not give in to this Chump, I mean TRUMP. Stay home!!!!
5
Americans thinks this president DJT is smart? Ridiculous!
DJT's a fraudster and charleton with a grandeous ego far removed from reality.
DJT's a fraudster and charleton with a grandeous ego far removed from reality.
4