Trump agression is being understated.Its like China asking their neighbors to pay for their artificial islands, to ask Ukraine to pay for the occupation of Crimea or ask Russia to pay for NATO missile defenses. This amounts to war reparations request, from the aggressor side. The simple statement of it and its assurance that the weaker nation will pay its a casus belli itself. This should be taken to international tribunals at the earliest.
4
Trump is such low IQ person it’s unbelievable. He is short-tempered
and an dishonest business man, NEVER HAD EXPIRIENCE OF INTERNATIONAL POLICY.
Ignorance and arrogance have no excuse, but Mr. Trump will find one!
and an dishonest business man, NEVER HAD EXPIRIENCE OF INTERNATIONAL POLICY.
Ignorance and arrogance have no excuse, but Mr. Trump will find one!
8
Hey Canada, here is your chance! You can build a wall between Canada and the USA and have the US tax payer pay for it.
3
Hopefully other countries will support Mexico with trade and diplomatic policies. As Mexico takes a stand against the venal insanity of the current POTUS, we can only pray that strong support from other sane countries will enable a deflation of the US impact on the rest of the world. And hope they realize that a majority of voters did not support the current POTUS and are sickened, frightened, and appalled by the policies coming out of the White House like machine gun fire.
3
Where are we gonna get all our organic produce?
2
I am American but I will
Back the Mexicans no wall and rremenber therree are million of American who feels. The same as I do this is the worst President we has ever had and it only been a week to the Mexican government do not back down and to all other country all it would take is for them to stop sending anything into the USA for one month and then thing would change because we would have nothing in the USA to buy there would be massage job lost may be that is what it needs to happen. To get the american people to. Wake up
Back the Mexicans no wall and rremenber therree are million of American who feels. The same as I do this is the worst President we has ever had and it only been a week to the Mexican government do not back down and to all other country all it would take is for them to stop sending anything into the USA for one month and then thing would change because we would have nothing in the USA to buy there would be massage job lost may be that is what it needs to happen. To get the american people to. Wake up
3
Bravo! Keep up the good fight, Mr. President of Mexico
5
As a Mexican I don't see a problem with another country building a wall around them, it's their right and their money.
As someone who has lived in the US, and have paid a higher tax rate than its nationals, I think it is a total waste of dollars.
The US-Mexico relationship will suffer from this not needed confrontation between both governments. But their citizens are the ones will suffer the consecuences in the end. Let's accept the fact we are neighbours, and we share a huge border. What we need to do is work together and find a plan that helps us all, not divide us.
Mexicans in the US are not the criminals Mr. Trump has suggested they are. Most of them contribute to society one way or another. Numbers show that many are coming back to Mexico. In fact, never before we've had an influx of American Immigrants living, working and contributing to the Mexican Society. It used to be only the retirees trying to stretch their pensions, but now you get to see young people with children (who for some reason, not comprehensible to those who think Mexico is the worst place on Earth) decide to make their lifes south of the border.
We are friends, not enemies.
As someone who has lived in the US, and have paid a higher tax rate than its nationals, I think it is a total waste of dollars.
The US-Mexico relationship will suffer from this not needed confrontation between both governments. But their citizens are the ones will suffer the consecuences in the end. Let's accept the fact we are neighbours, and we share a huge border. What we need to do is work together and find a plan that helps us all, not divide us.
Mexicans in the US are not the criminals Mr. Trump has suggested they are. Most of them contribute to society one way or another. Numbers show that many are coming back to Mexico. In fact, never before we've had an influx of American Immigrants living, working and contributing to the Mexican Society. It used to be only the retirees trying to stretch their pensions, but now you get to see young people with children (who for some reason, not comprehensible to those who think Mexico is the worst place on Earth) decide to make their lifes south of the border.
We are friends, not enemies.
9
Which one of us Americans are going to be the first to pick our produce?
4
If you knock on my door and I invite you into my house, you are a guest. If you climb over my back fence, you are an intruder.
I think Trump's handling this like an ignoramus, but if someone else had handled it earlier, Trump would not be president. We should have a way for Mexicans to come here to visit, and to participate in our economy, but they should come with permission. Keeping them without permission makes law breakers out of them, and suppresses their wages, which is why so many employers hire them.
Mexico is a great place to visit, and could be a great place to live. I wish things were better on both sides of the border.
I think Trump's handling this like an ignoramus, but if someone else had handled it earlier, Trump would not be president. We should have a way for Mexicans to come here to visit, and to participate in our economy, but they should come with permission. Keeping them without permission makes law breakers out of them, and suppresses their wages, which is why so many employers hire them.
Mexico is a great place to visit, and could be a great place to live. I wish things were better on both sides of the border.
3
The wall is not the problem. It is the arrogance and disrespect to think others will pay for your wall is obscene. But hey, the kleptocrat in chief, like all plutotocrats think they can do anything they want - especially if it increases their undeserved wealth - while the rest of us pay the bill. Imagine Canada building a wall and demanding we pay for it!!!
2
My god! Has it really come to this? Can you please tell me how is it that the United States owes Mexico any favors? Sure, we must treat each other with the mutual respect that our neighboring relationship commands; however we should be very clear that it is 12 million illegal MEXICAN Immigrants that are currently living in the UNITED STATES. That is 12 million people that have, for whatever reason (justifiable or not), chosen to break the law. Many of these immigrants are good people and are only here to improve their quality of life, but that doesn't change the fact that they are here and costing american taxpayers. We have to secure our border, and Mexico should pay for the wall!! When Mexicans come to the US it is BENEFITTING MEXICO. The remittances that Mexicans send back to their country boost the Mexican economy. The drug lords that practically own the mexican political system become filthy rich by selling drugs that are killing American YOUTH!! Do people not realize this? Mexico does no favors to the United States, and its time that we began to secure our borders.
1
I keep reading comments about Mexican drugs, "killing our youth" and I wonder where this disconnect occurs that absolves Americans of any responsibility for this situation. Concerned Americans, stop buying illegal drugs! Stop supporting drug cartels!
3
The United States ( and Canada) provide a MARKET for drugs.
No market = no trade .
No market = no trade .
3
You have missed the basic and simple facts...
1. If you have border posts and a drone radar monitored border line, and 12million illegal immigrants still manage to escape through them, then, whose fault is it???? Mexicans or yours?
2. Now, when your system is so porous and you so will to have a wall, then, you will have to pay for it since its for your security.
3. 12million Mexicans affords your economy, particularly the manufacturing sector, a pool of cheap wage labour. This means more profit, lower cost of production and lesser shelve prices. How does this affect your economy? Ohhh! Unemployment among Americans?
4. On unemployment, I bet your financial institutions (banks and dubious insurance companies) like Goldman Sachs have taken out more companies than single jobs the Mexicans have taken.
5. Trump should go ahead to build the wall albeit with America's money!
1. If you have border posts and a drone radar monitored border line, and 12million illegal immigrants still manage to escape through them, then, whose fault is it???? Mexicans or yours?
2. Now, when your system is so porous and you so will to have a wall, then, you will have to pay for it since its for your security.
3. 12million Mexicans affords your economy, particularly the manufacturing sector, a pool of cheap wage labour. This means more profit, lower cost of production and lesser shelve prices. How does this affect your economy? Ohhh! Unemployment among Americans?
4. On unemployment, I bet your financial institutions (banks and dubious insurance companies) like Goldman Sachs have taken out more companies than single jobs the Mexicans have taken.
5. Trump should go ahead to build the wall albeit with America's money!
2
Trumps' dealings with Mexico just display a front row seat to his salesmanship.
1.) He decides what you should buy-his day old bread, his broken down car
2.) He decides the price you must pay
3.) He decides the timeline: yesterday
As the Mexican President just found out, You just say "No"
Never before has Nancy Reagan been proven prescient......
1.) He decides what you should buy-his day old bread, his broken down car
2.) He decides the price you must pay
3.) He decides the timeline: yesterday
As the Mexican President just found out, You just say "No"
Never before has Nancy Reagan been proven prescient......
3
Trump said during the campaign, "We will have so much winning if I get elected that you may get bored with winning! Believe me!"
Yes. It's only been a week and already I am tired of all this so-called "winning".
Can we try something else instead?
Yes. It's only been a week and already I am tired of all this so-called "winning".
Can we try something else instead?
6
Let's all settle down. The u.s. no matter who's potus is the worlds favorite defense and trading partner. Always been that way not gonna change. Mexico, eu, whoever can go hang out with China putin whoever- but they won't. It's always a better deal w us and everybody knows it, so calm down. the prez of Mexico is losing control over his own country. He REALLY needs us. And not just to dump his xs people on.
Or it's just possible that other sane countries will forge stronger trade and diplomatic ties with each other, including Mexico, and will together shrink the negative impact the inflated hegemonic policies and current POTUS seek to inflict domestically and abroad. We can hope.
3
Too much hubris, Gringo!
Americans are fine people but some of them have the bad habit of boasting and people don't like that. That's why Trump is disliked.
Remember : pride comes before a fall.
Americans are fine people but some of them have the bad habit of boasting and people don't like that. That's why Trump is disliked.
Remember : pride comes before a fall.
4
If a business person were borrowing money for a project from a reluctant lender, he would get a "co-signer." The co-signer would agree to guarantee the debt and then the lender would be comfortable. For the fence (it's useful to use this word) we're "borrowing" money from the taxpayer and "guaranteeing" the debt with an entity (Mexico) that has said "I'm not only not agreeing, but I'm not paying under any circumstances." As "lenders" to this hair-brained idea, we taxpayers should be far more aggressive in demanding a source for funding other than our pockets.
3
It's not about the wall, people. It's about the incompetence.
3
Exactly. The incompetence of the people who let it get to this state in the first place.
The wall is a misdirection of your attention. Sessions, Tillerson, DeVos, Putin and the others are what you should be watching, not the wall, or the mall and the size of Trump's crowd. Trump is fooling us!
3
I live in San Diego, 20 miles from the Mexican border. Instead of spending our tax dollars to build a new wall (on a clear day I can practically count the existing 3 layers of walls, 10-15 feet tall in places and made of surplus military helicopter landing pads of heavy gauge corrugated steel) why don't we spend that projected $15B (per Mitch McConnell--lowball, anyone?) on eradicating the US appetite for illegal drugs?
According to the NSDUH, in 2015, 27.1 million Americans 12 years and older had used an illicit drug within the past 30 days--in other words, about 10% of that population. Drug rehab programs would cost a mere pittance in comparison to building a wall. Without that most lucrative market in the world (read: demand) the need for Mexico to US cross-border drug trafficking (read: supply) would effectively be shut down (as would most of the US to Mexico criminal gun trade). A simplistic view, but so is building a wall between the US and Mexico. Sadly, the US administration (much like its medical establishment) prefers to treat the symptoms rather than the source of the disease--symptoms? Illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Solution? Build a wall. And a "beautiful" wall at that (insane campaign promise 7,042).
According to the NSDUH, in 2015, 27.1 million Americans 12 years and older had used an illicit drug within the past 30 days--in other words, about 10% of that population. Drug rehab programs would cost a mere pittance in comparison to building a wall. Without that most lucrative market in the world (read: demand) the need for Mexico to US cross-border drug trafficking (read: supply) would effectively be shut down (as would most of the US to Mexico criminal gun trade). A simplistic view, but so is building a wall between the US and Mexico. Sadly, the US administration (much like its medical establishment) prefers to treat the symptoms rather than the source of the disease--symptoms? Illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Solution? Build a wall. And a "beautiful" wall at that (insane campaign promise 7,042).
7
The problem is Americans. 5% of the worlds population using 60% of the drugs. It's like smoking. Are there really people so stupid, so illiterate, so clueless that they don't know smoking is one the greatest risks to Ur health? Who doesn't know meth is bad for you? Seriously.
3
Finally a response from someone who lives on the front lines and knows what he/she is talking about.
1
California and other states are moving in the right direction. We can grow our own marijuana now, without any more help from Mexico. The white powder drugs are a different scene altogether.
1
My guess is that very few of the Trump-haters here have spent any time in Latin America, or Mexico in particular.
Mexico is a corrupt, dirty, exploitative country. And you know why? Because for hundreds of years a very tiny fraction of the population, of which the current president is a part of, have ruthlessly exploited the poor and indigenous people of Mexico. You think income disparity is a problem in the US? You should go to Mexico. The problem is 100 times worse there as it is through most of Latin America. It's so bad in fact that impoverished Mexicans are willing to risk their lives to try and come to the US for a better life. That is not the fault of Trump or the US. That is the fault of the Mexican government and the elites who have run it since forever.
So now we have Americans who are so blinded by their hatred of Trump that they are celebrating the racist, ruthless, merciless elites of Mexico who have subjugated the Mexican people for hundreds of years. The problem is not Trump. The enemy is not Trump. The problem is the current president of Mexico and his small coterie of elitists who have controlled the levers of power in Mexico since day one. They have done nothing to help the Mexican people. They simply exploit them to feather their own nests or send them out into to the wilds to try and make it to the US.
Get real people.
Mexico is a corrupt, dirty, exploitative country. And you know why? Because for hundreds of years a very tiny fraction of the population, of which the current president is a part of, have ruthlessly exploited the poor and indigenous people of Mexico. You think income disparity is a problem in the US? You should go to Mexico. The problem is 100 times worse there as it is through most of Latin America. It's so bad in fact that impoverished Mexicans are willing to risk their lives to try and come to the US for a better life. That is not the fault of Trump or the US. That is the fault of the Mexican government and the elites who have run it since forever.
So now we have Americans who are so blinded by their hatred of Trump that they are celebrating the racist, ruthless, merciless elites of Mexico who have subjugated the Mexican people for hundreds of years. The problem is not Trump. The enemy is not Trump. The problem is the current president of Mexico and his small coterie of elitists who have controlled the levers of power in Mexico since day one. They have done nothing to help the Mexican people. They simply exploit them to feather their own nests or send them out into to the wilds to try and make it to the US.
Get real people.
7
With the Trump administration, we may become more like Mexico with the elites on top and the rest of us on the bottom.
Get real !
Get real !
13
"Get real people."
OK:
A wall will not solve Mexico's problems, or your problems with Mexico.
It will, however, cost Americans billions of dollars.
OK:
A wall will not solve Mexico's problems, or your problems with Mexico.
It will, however, cost Americans billions of dollars.
6
We've been moving toward that way for decades. Ex: during the Obama recovery, who did most of the gains go to? Right to the top, like they have since the middle class started shrinking 40 years ago. While not the entire problem, a decrease in the flood of people coming to this country will help. Supply and demand works for humans too.
I finally understand the brilliance of The Donald's wall plan. He'll built it, just not at the US/Mexico border. He'll build it along Mexico's southern border with Guatemala and Belize. after annexing Mexico. Mexicans will then be US citizens. And since Americans retire to Belize, no problem, so we only have to worry about a few Guatemalans. And the border fence will be shorter and can be financed by taxing the new "Americans", think local not federal tax. Win win!
1
He completed the first half of that plan around 1850 or so.
Hopefully I am first to say this here...With friends like Trump, who needs enemies? You can't go wrong standing next to the biggest bully on the block.
4
Nieto is not very popular in Mexico and has had a lot of issues during his Presidency. Only 30% popularity in ratings. Trying to make himself look strong to his citizens!
He doesn't even look like a Mexican.
What else could we expect from a reality TV actor who proclaimed himself a "star" who has never read a book. And this is just the beginning.
Perhaps the office of POTUS should be relabeled POTASS?
Perhaps the office of POTUS should be relabeled POTASS?
5
This first week of DJT is starting to look, feel, and smell like a slow-motion coup d'état in terms of the government's role in protecting minorities, consumers, taxpayers, actual voters, the environment, the Treasury, and our place in the world since the days of LBJ. Rachel Maddow is dead-on in her analysis last night. We need to start paying more attention to what the DJT administration is doing and less on what DJT and his minions are saying. Quid Pro Quo to Russia for example via sanctions relief as remittance for 2016 election disinformation.
Calm down and keep your eye on the ball. Don't be beaten by the DJT administration's swarm strategy of endless nonsense being vomited onto the public. So far too many of us are taking the bait.
Calm down and keep your eye on the ball. Don't be beaten by the DJT administration's swarm strategy of endless nonsense being vomited onto the public. So far too many of us are taking the bait.
7
If he doesn't want to pay for the wall he doesn't have to go to the meeting, it's his right
6
Kudos to Pres. Peña Nieto for cancelling the meeting. The self-acclaimed great negotiator used intimidation and humiliation as his opening gambit, combined with a publicized muddled idea of imposing a 20% tariff on any and all imports from Mexico (or all countries, according to at least one of the pronouncements). The silence of Republicans speaks volumes.
7
More Mexican nationalists are LEAVING America and going back to Mexico than are coming into America.
The immigration problem is with people coming from South America, not Mexico.
The immigration problem is with people coming from South America, not Mexico.
3
No, you are wrong. There are thousands still crossing our border from Mexico with a small amount coming from other countries. We gave Mexico $75 mil to build a wall at their southern border to stop these other people from crossing their country to get to U.S. Nieto is not popular in Mexico and has had a lot of negatives issues during his Presidency. His popularity is at 30%.
Mexico has never taken care of their citizens and does not care if they come to the U.S. to work and send money back to their country. It makes up a huge percentage of their economy. Enough is enough.
Mexico has never taken care of their citizens and does not care if they come to the U.S. to work and send money back to their country. It makes up a huge percentage of their economy. Enough is enough.
Millions of illegals DONT come from Mexico. And they don't cross the border. Yet all we hear about are Mexican illegals who cross the border. From all corners of the globe, they enter through the airports on tourist visas, then don't return to their countries. They work here illegally for years yet you hear nothing about them. I'm sick and tired of the Mexicans taking the brunt if it all.
Is Trump going to build walls at every airport ?
Is Trump going to build walls at every airport ?
5
Yes. Hopefully an electronic and administrative one.
Everyone starts whining when reality sets in. "If a tarif is imposed on goods imported from Mexico, prices on goods may increase for consumers"...well, duh! What did you expect? Some folks are just now realizing that??
Why not simply replace many those Mexican products with American ones?
Goods are higher in countries which produce their own products, produce, etc. Why? Because labor costs more here and so does social coverage for workers (unemployment insurance, health care, provided to workers, etc).
I'm fine with it. The world will not come to an end if we no longer have endless access to 99 cent strawberries. Things have been cheap for so long that we're spoiled by it. Go to Europe and look at what things cost.
Even with a 10-15% increase, overall cost-of-living will still be cheaper in the U.S.
The bottom line is: Let's show some solidarity for the millions of fellow Americans who are struggling and out of work. Many of them are middle-aged and not college educated. America is right to shift its focus on creating jobs here and citizens should be willing to pay a little more for things.
In the end, it may all even out through lower taxes if we are able to stop the inflow of illegal immigrants, which cost taxpayers billions for their kids' schooling, their healthcare, etc.
Why not simply replace many those Mexican products with American ones?
Goods are higher in countries which produce their own products, produce, etc. Why? Because labor costs more here and so does social coverage for workers (unemployment insurance, health care, provided to workers, etc).
I'm fine with it. The world will not come to an end if we no longer have endless access to 99 cent strawberries. Things have been cheap for so long that we're spoiled by it. Go to Europe and look at what things cost.
Even with a 10-15% increase, overall cost-of-living will still be cheaper in the U.S.
The bottom line is: Let's show some solidarity for the millions of fellow Americans who are struggling and out of work. Many of them are middle-aged and not college educated. America is right to shift its focus on creating jobs here and citizens should be willing to pay a little more for things.
In the end, it may all even out through lower taxes if we are able to stop the inflow of illegal immigrants, which cost taxpayers billions for their kids' schooling, their healthcare, etc.
3
Maybe Trump should take the money and property confiscated by U.S. authorities from drug arrests and such. That could easily pay for the wall in time.
Congress appropriated the money to build the wall in 2006 but no one has had the will to build it. We need to secure our borders or we will end up like Europe.
We also need to enforce our current immigration laws, which no one since Reagan has been willing to do!
Congress appropriated the money to build the wall in 2006 but no one has had the will to build it. We need to secure our borders or we will end up like Europe.
We also need to enforce our current immigration laws, which no one since Reagan has been willing to do!
I've picked fruit and vegetables with migrant labors just to experience it as a middle class white college kid. Not a single one of us would do this work if we weren't in fire hunger. Wake up, it's a lot more than strawberries.
4
Legal, well compensated workers paying taxes and having the rights of u.s. workers is not too high a price to pay. Plus, it's the right thing to do. Maybe we can get some workers rights back that have been lost over the last few decades.
1
I have to chip in again, as I see that many people still think that the Mexican government is at the root of immigration or somehow encouraging its citizens to go to the U.S.
I have to remind anyone here, that they are human being escaping poverty, many of them can barely ready and write, and even more they are not looking for asylum, where normally a refugee will get help to get housing and work in the U.S, they are not asking to be refugees, they are actually working, they find work on their own, the find housing on their own and they learn to survive in the U.S on their own.
It sadness me and angers me to still see people thinking that undocumented immigrants are here to cause trouble, of course there are many that are, but the great majority are just here to survive.
So we need to change the hearts and the minds of those in America that think this is a plot by the Mexican government and instead realize that this is a humanitarian problem.
A humanitarian problem that is easy to fix, since Mexican immigrants are not asking for money or help as a normal refugee will ask, but instead to allow them to continue to live in peace, working hard as they always had.
This is can only benefit everyone and may save life and improve human suffering, to me that is just a win for all and for the world.
I have to remind anyone here, that they are human being escaping poverty, many of them can barely ready and write, and even more they are not looking for asylum, where normally a refugee will get help to get housing and work in the U.S, they are not asking to be refugees, they are actually working, they find work on their own, the find housing on their own and they learn to survive in the U.S on their own.
It sadness me and angers me to still see people thinking that undocumented immigrants are here to cause trouble, of course there are many that are, but the great majority are just here to survive.
So we need to change the hearts and the minds of those in America that think this is a plot by the Mexican government and instead realize that this is a humanitarian problem.
A humanitarian problem that is easy to fix, since Mexican immigrants are not asking for money or help as a normal refugee will ask, but instead to allow them to continue to live in peace, working hard as they always had.
This is can only benefit everyone and may save life and improve human suffering, to me that is just a win for all and for the world.
11
So we should take down the border altogether? Either you have a country and a real border and control who comes and goes...or you don't. I'll opt for American sovereignty.
Build a Wall
Nope, don't think so.Why?
Because it's unnecessary , expensive, unrealistic, and businesses who want cheap labor would tunnel under it in a heartbeat with their own special loopholes. And taxpayers would end up being the payers.
What else?... easy.
Enforce the laws against HIRING illegal workers by imprisoning those individuals and companies that employ them and limit the use of importing professional labor to keep costs down.
The message: Get with it.
Nope, don't think so.Why?
Because it's unnecessary , expensive, unrealistic, and businesses who want cheap labor would tunnel under it in a heartbeat with their own special loopholes. And taxpayers would end up being the payers.
What else?... easy.
Enforce the laws against HIRING illegal workers by imprisoning those individuals and companies that employ them and limit the use of importing professional labor to keep costs down.
The message: Get with it.
7
Great! So the wall is already working.
1
Quit saying that Trump is going to build the wall. He isn't going to build a wall, and here's why: we already have a wall. Look at the picture; there it is.
Trump will probably extend the wall and he might even improve it, but when you say "Trump is going to build a wall" you are giving him credit for something that previous administrations did.
Meanwhile, Trump is getting us into the stupidest type of fight that there is; one that's all bluster and no substance. And if Mexico is going to be made to pay for anything, they should pay to clean up all the garbage they have strewn around our beautiful deserts.
Trump's best weapon is his ability to spin the conversation to his favor, and giving him credit for an existing wall is a prime example.
Trump will probably extend the wall and he might even improve it, but when you say "Trump is going to build a wall" you are giving him credit for something that previous administrations did.
Meanwhile, Trump is getting us into the stupidest type of fight that there is; one that's all bluster and no substance. And if Mexico is going to be made to pay for anything, they should pay to clean up all the garbage they have strewn around our beautiful deserts.
Trump's best weapon is his ability to spin the conversation to his favor, and giving him credit for an existing wall is a prime example.
4
Negative
You listen to the MSM and the libs too much. This is nonsense. Mexico has never taken care of their citizens. That is why they flock to America. The money sent back to Mexico is huge and makes up a lot of their budget. They count on that. We cannot take in the worlds poor and there are many studies showing it is not only costing jobs for Americans who need them but it is costing the American taxpayers billions each year in medical, food stamps, housing and other entitlements not to mention what it is doing to the environment in our country.
Nieto is not very popular in Mexico. His popularity rating is 30%. He is just trying to make himself look strong to his citizens. His problems started a long time ago and has nothing to do with the U.S. You should read up on him so you are informed..
Nieto is not very popular in Mexico. His popularity rating is 30%. He is just trying to make himself look strong to his citizens. His problems started a long time ago and has nothing to do with the U.S. You should read up on him so you are informed..
Americans are lining up by the thousands to pick lettuce and fruit in hot fields all summer. Cleaning toilets in rich people's homes is another sector Americans are dying to break into.
1
If you wanted to build a fence between your property and your neighbour's, what do you think you would achieve by knocking on his door and insisting that he pay? You would achieve toxic relations that are permanently damaged, but you most certainly wouldn't get a cheque.
As a Canadian, I can tell you that I - LOL!! - would never agree to pay for a border wall with my tax dollars because that crazy orange bully demanded it! What is going on here..? The most absurd, preposterous demand imaginable should have all US citizens aghast and incredulous (and embarrassed), and yet it seems like many Americans somehow think this is normal. Worse yet, they think that Mexicans will actually pay!! Huh, no!!! This will definitely unravel, and fast, and make a political enemy of a much needed former ally.
As a Canadian, I can tell you that I - LOL!! - would never agree to pay for a border wall with my tax dollars because that crazy orange bully demanded it! What is going on here..? The most absurd, preposterous demand imaginable should have all US citizens aghast and incredulous (and embarrassed), and yet it seems like many Americans somehow think this is normal. Worse yet, they think that Mexicans will actually pay!! Huh, no!!! This will definitely unravel, and fast, and make a political enemy of a much needed former ally.
13
Caroline - We gave Mexico $75. mil to build a wall at their southern border and they were okay with that. Most walls here in the U.S. are a shared expense between neighbors.
Your country has very strict immigration policies and only lets in people who have a business and agree to stay for a number of years and can take care of themselves. Imagine if people were coming to your country and it was costing you, the taxpayer, billions of dollars a year to take care of them. How would you feel? Plus they would be taking jobs from your own citizens.
Your country has very strict immigration policies and only lets in people who have a business and agree to stay for a number of years and can take care of themselves. Imagine if people were coming to your country and it was costing you, the taxpayer, billions of dollars a year to take care of them. How would you feel? Plus they would be taking jobs from your own citizens.
1
Yes, most of us are embarassed.
Caroline, Please remember, nearly 3 million more Americans voted AGAINST the new POTUS than voted for him. Kinks in our fatally flawed system declared him winner, and tens of millions of us are sickened and terrified that a mentally unstable megalomaniac is effectively pulling a coup d'etat.
1
Regardless of whether you support the wall and want to take a hard line on immigration - his approach, particularly his public statements about this issue provide support for the argument that Trump's temperament makes him unsuitable for the job. He could have had the same goals in mind but presented it in a different manner. He pushed the Mexican President into a corner. I am surprised he agreed to a meeting in the first place.
3
Observer - We gave Mexico $75. mil to build a wall at their southern border. They were okay with that!
Nieto is not popular in Mexico. His ratings are at 30%. He is just trying to make himself appear strong to his citizens. Mexico has never taken care of their citizens. They have been coming to the U.S. for 30 to 40 years. They cost us billiions each year and are taking jobs from U.S. citizens. They are in the building industry and the restaurant business and not doing much in agriculture.
Nieto is not popular in Mexico. His ratings are at 30%. He is just trying to make himself appear strong to his citizens. Mexico has never taken care of their citizens. They have been coming to the U.S. for 30 to 40 years. They cost us billiions each year and are taking jobs from U.S. citizens. They are in the building industry and the restaurant business and not doing much in agriculture.
~
~~
A wall will prove expensively ineffective.
I propose:
TO STOP ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION:
1. Enforce laws against hiring undocumented aliens.
2. Immigrant smuggling is an "organized crime".
3. Enforce RICO Act against businesses guilty of hiring undocumented aliens.
4. Use asset forfeiture laws to confiscate business proceeds, inc. property and finances of business owners or corporations (sorry stock owners you trusted your money to the wrong people. Do better next time.)
a. (These are the same laws used to confiscate property of innocent taxpayers for years under the War on Drugs).
5. Use asset proceeds to fund enforcement efforts.
6. Incarcerate owners and officers of guilty businesses.
7. Incarcerate corrupt politicians.
***
Few, if any, will risk what they put into a business to hire undocumenteds.
Few, if any, will come here knowing they can't get a job.
Now, does that sound so difficult?
Aren't the above laws already on the books?
The above would save between 12 - 38/50 billion taxpayer dollars.
Please send my check to the usual location.
AF1
~~
A wall will prove expensively ineffective.
I propose:
TO STOP ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION:
1. Enforce laws against hiring undocumented aliens.
2. Immigrant smuggling is an "organized crime".
3. Enforce RICO Act against businesses guilty of hiring undocumented aliens.
4. Use asset forfeiture laws to confiscate business proceeds, inc. property and finances of business owners or corporations (sorry stock owners you trusted your money to the wrong people. Do better next time.)
a. (These are the same laws used to confiscate property of innocent taxpayers for years under the War on Drugs).
5. Use asset proceeds to fund enforcement efforts.
6. Incarcerate owners and officers of guilty businesses.
7. Incarcerate corrupt politicians.
***
Few, if any, will risk what they put into a business to hire undocumenteds.
Few, if any, will come here knowing they can't get a job.
Now, does that sound so difficult?
Aren't the above laws already on the books?
The above would save between 12 - 38/50 billion taxpayer dollars.
Please send my check to the usual location.
AF1
1
Very good point. Makes you wonder who is being protected. American citizens or big business.
Mexico should not oppose the Wall, especially since U.S. taxpayers will pay for it. In a few years, however, Mexico will have to pay for the guards on its side to prevent their country from being over run by illegal immigrants from the North.
7
Excellent
1
We gave Mexico $75 million to build a wall at their southern border. Don't know what they did with the money. But they were all for that!
Never before I had heard such nonsense. But I see you've published this comment several times on this thread. Either you're mistaken or actively trying to spread lies (aka Alternative Truth). I did a quick search on Snopes.com and I found the origin of this myth. (http://www.snopes.com/mexico-75-million-border-wall/)
You might not realize many of the undocumented immigrants today do not come from México but from other countries, many from places in Central en Southern America. In fact, more Mexicans are coming back to Mexico than the ones going to the US, today. And the 75 million figure comes from a proposal made by the Obama administration to help secure the US borders, even before many of these immigrants arrive to the actual border.
BTW, there is no wall between Mexico and Guatemala or Belize, as some Americans may think (or made to think by fake news sites).
The relationship between our countries is complicated, but it is necessary to build a healthy one. I've lived in both. I know there are great American people as there are great Mexicans. Let's try not to antagonize here. Let's be friends and find the right solutions together.
You might not realize many of the undocumented immigrants today do not come from México but from other countries, many from places in Central en Southern America. In fact, more Mexicans are coming back to Mexico than the ones going to the US, today. And the 75 million figure comes from a proposal made by the Obama administration to help secure the US borders, even before many of these immigrants arrive to the actual border.
BTW, there is no wall between Mexico and Guatemala or Belize, as some Americans may think (or made to think by fake news sites).
The relationship between our countries is complicated, but it is necessary to build a healthy one. I've lived in both. I know there are great American people as there are great Mexicans. Let's try not to antagonize here. Let's be friends and find the right solutions together.
3
You people are hilarious. Your views are so important.
Our views shape, for better or worse, what our country does. Clean up your own yard before you criticize someone else's.
1
Day-6, and we are already in chaos. Wonder what absurdities and monstrosities the remaining 1454 days will bring. If the present roller-coaster, gun-slinging-bravado, clueless-quackery, post-truth fake-news conspiracy-theory, media/truth suppression, Propaganda/PR trajectory continues, we are in for quite a ride of our life-time. We would be lucky to escape with massive amounts of amusing & bizarre theatricality & deception: that's the best-case scenario - that it will be one big "Infinite Jest" - the greatest social-experiment Reality-TV spectacle in Human History ... The worst-case scenario: well, the less said the better. It's unimaginable how quickly things can devolve into global instability & chaos. Let's hope it doesn't come to that. Let's hope Trump & his minions are an amusing footnote in history. Because we simply can't afford the horrific alternative.
7
You don't have to be in the US if you are indeed here - no one is forcing you because it sounds like you are a US hater rather than a US citizen
Brian, I am in Asia. I have lived in the US for a few years and have fond recollections of my time there - including the courtesy and graciousness of most regular Americans. Which is why it's all the more unsettling and very dispiriting and Yugely disappointing to watch a once great nation (that stood as the "shining city on a hill" & "beacon of civil-rights & democracy") succumb so badly to Right-Wing Demagoguery, Malicious Propaganda/Spin and Con-man Populism.
Also I don't have to be in the US to feel the impacts of decisions & policy coming out of DC. What happens in the White House has far & wide-reaching implications for most of the planet - on a range of issues - including Global Economics/Finance, Questions of War & Peace, Geopolitics & Global Stability, Climate Change, International Institutions, Questions involving Planetary, Societal & Human Welfare ... And it's positively horrifying to imagine all of that at stake - in the hands of a clownish, narcissistic, petulant Man-Child. And the rate at which it's going, all of us are in big-trouble.
As much as I admire & respect America (and all that it stands for), I won't hesitate to criticize & won't sugarcoat things about the bad stuff (this doesn't make me a "hater"). And in this case, frighteningly, there's plenty of bad & ugly that's being brought to the surface - stuff that's going to have major impacts on the entire world (in which I live). I know it's not flattering to read, but I mean no personal offense to you.
Also I don't have to be in the US to feel the impacts of decisions & policy coming out of DC. What happens in the White House has far & wide-reaching implications for most of the planet - on a range of issues - including Global Economics/Finance, Questions of War & Peace, Geopolitics & Global Stability, Climate Change, International Institutions, Questions involving Planetary, Societal & Human Welfare ... And it's positively horrifying to imagine all of that at stake - in the hands of a clownish, narcissistic, petulant Man-Child. And the rate at which it's going, all of us are in big-trouble.
As much as I admire & respect America (and all that it stands for), I won't hesitate to criticize & won't sugarcoat things about the bad stuff (this doesn't make me a "hater"). And in this case, frighteningly, there's plenty of bad & ugly that's being brought to the surface - stuff that's going to have major impacts on the entire world (in which I live). I know it's not flattering to read, but I mean no personal offense to you.
5
I have lived here all my 62 years and I agree with RAIx86 whom you were commenting about. I was in Paris traveling the day after the election. ( and did early voting), and a personal working at my hotel made a very wise comment. He said " France can have a bad president, Germany, Spain but when the USA does it effects the whole world"
3
Wow. Did we elect a great guy or what? I've always wanted to live in a country that was totally isolated from the rest of the world. It looks likes I will finally get it.
Just kidding.
The only way I am able to stay sane in this time is too know that this is not our country just our president. I know that we will face hard times because of him but we will recover. We are a resilient society. It is the reason we became the place everyone wants to be.
Just kidding.
The only way I am able to stay sane in this time is too know that this is not our country just our president. I know that we will face hard times because of him but we will recover. We are a resilient society. It is the reason we became the place everyone wants to be.
5
The people here commending the Mexican president for canceling this meeting are by-products of the American media.
First off, it's well documented that Enrique Pietos presidential campaign was heavily financed by the Juarez drug cartel.
Also, since 2008 the USA has gave Mexico 2.5 billion to help fight drug trafficking and illegal immigrants from Central America. It's called the Merida Initiative.
In 2013, Obama specifically mentioned securing Mexico's southern border with funding from the Merida Initiative.
Of course the mainstream media, specifically the NY Times who initially helped propogate the lie about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, is not going tell you this. It would sound hypocritical to the anti-Trump agenda they push.
First off, it's well documented that Enrique Pietos presidential campaign was heavily financed by the Juarez drug cartel.
Also, since 2008 the USA has gave Mexico 2.5 billion to help fight drug trafficking and illegal immigrants from Central America. It's called the Merida Initiative.
In 2013, Obama specifically mentioned securing Mexico's southern border with funding from the Merida Initiative.
Of course the mainstream media, specifically the NY Times who initially helped propogate the lie about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, is not going tell you this. It would sound hypocritical to the anti-Trump agenda they push.
1
Good. Round up all the illegal immigrants (and let's be clear they are not "dreamers" but people in the US illegally), and send them back to Mexico or whatever South American country they came from and let them work there to clean up their own countries which are deplorable.
2
This horrible president will hurt our country going forward. If we make the USA an unwelcoming country. The best and the brightest students will go elsewhere. Many of our big new corporations were started by immigrant students. They employ thounds of Americans. The example I can give from my home town is Bose radios and speakers started by an immigrant student at MIT. If we are unwelcoming and other countries offer a path to citizenship like Canada is, we will lose the future.
3
Mexico is in a drug fueled civil war. It's corrupt, unstable and has an unsustainable popution (like us incidently). Mexico is not a long term viable state unless it goes thru some very big, painful changes. The Mexican president needs us to be his population relief valve and all his expats to send money back to his broken country. We don't need him or anymore surplus people. It's just like the rest of the world. People can whine about how everybody else is going to abandon the u.s. They're not. If the u.s sneezes the world gets the flu. We should help Mexico solve its problems. Taking their extra people, of which there is an endless supply doesn't work for either of us. A wall, everify, fast deportations and an end to birthright citizenship would be a signal that we are serious. Then we can help them move towards being a viable state and get on with fixing this country as well.
1
As long are people in our country keep buying drug cartel products, they'll have the cash to corrupt not just Mexico but the USA as well. We have our own corrupt oligarchy and their champion, DJTrump to dispose of.
trump likes to build edifices to himself and put his name on them, and the wall will bear his name. For congress to allow this spending will go down in history as an edifice to gross fiscal mismanagement. The Republicans always talk about how the Democrats want to saddle future generations with debt, this wall will dwarf any possible debt Democrats would come up with for generations to come.
2
Who pays for the 20% tax on MEX imports? People and businesses in the U.S.? Doesn't that mean U.S. taxpayers are paying for the wall?
4
A wall makes no sense at all. Trump is once again giving a Tweet resolution to a much more complicated problem. If all issues could be resolved in a one word Tweet we'd have our man. Immigration=Wall. Journalists=Gag Order. Obamacare=Dismantle. Climate Change= Ignore. Tax Return Disclosure=Refuse. Thinking=Losers
3
Trump should build a wall around himself. Very high. And maybe once a day I would throw him a burger and his hair spray.
3
America's gangster president is getting away with too much! When will very wealthy Americans gang up against Trump and his thugs? I suppose when it is in their own interest to do so. A sad, and getting sadder, story.
http://www.thecriticalmom.blogspot.com
http://www.thecriticalmom.blogspot.com
2
Im sorry for you.
You going to miss the guacamole and margaritas.
And if you think a wall going to stop the illegal traffic, remember that they know the tunnels too.
You going to miss the guacamole and margaritas.
And if you think a wall going to stop the illegal traffic, remember that they know the tunnels too.
Good point. Let's just not have a border!
When and if the Wall is completed and then is extended between Canada and the U.S.. America will become the largest zoo in the world.
14
We will put you in the front cage, Paul.
To all the citizens of Mexico, You have every right to feel revulsion for and deeply insulted by Donald Trump. Donald is crude, vulgar and cares little for the dignity of common citizens. He was elected by under half the American People and the legitimacy of his victory over Hillary Clinton is in question. In directing your justified anger towards the United States I hope you will make the distinction between government policy of the United States which is dominated by big corporations and the wealthiest Americans versus the feelings of the majority of ordinary citizens of the U.S. I can only speak for myself and tell you I'm ashamed and embarrassed by the actions of our government.
23
No one has commented on the aesthetic aspects of the wall. I anticipate big, ugly, overpriced slab of concrete that will never be completed. As such it will reflect the aspirations and capabilities of its creator, a big, orange id whose emotional and mental development stopped in middle school.
13
Trump has NO leverage. Mexico is the second largest consumer of American goods in the world. Read that line a few times so that you may begin to comprehend the gravity of the situation. Our relationship with China isn't going well either. Do you think that they haven't made that conclusion yet? That's exactly why Pena Nieto decided to cancel his meeting with Trump. Think!
Mexico will leave NAFTA. They have nothing to lose. Mexicans have lived through worse recessions and social conditions than our Great Depression and Recessions.
Why did people think that Trump--bankrupt four times, lost close to a billion in one year-- a celebrity faux-business man is an economist who understands trade and diplomacy? This is not the boardroom where you can strong arm a smaller and weak corporation. He is talking about subjecting a sovereign nation to do our will! POTUS is not observing international laws that we are bound to. The Mexican press is reporting that they may consider bringing formal charges against the United States before the United Nations and the Organization of American States. That would be deeply damaging to our country on many levels. We will lose much influence.
We are going to start a trade/economic war with our neighbors and trade partners? The same ones who have been rooting and standing with us through thick and thin?
Mexico will leave NAFTA. They have nothing to lose. Mexicans have lived through worse recessions and social conditions than our Great Depression and Recessions.
Why did people think that Trump--bankrupt four times, lost close to a billion in one year-- a celebrity faux-business man is an economist who understands trade and diplomacy? This is not the boardroom where you can strong arm a smaller and weak corporation. He is talking about subjecting a sovereign nation to do our will! POTUS is not observing international laws that we are bound to. The Mexican press is reporting that they may consider bringing formal charges against the United States before the United Nations and the Organization of American States. That would be deeply damaging to our country on many levels. We will lose much influence.
We are going to start a trade/economic war with our neighbors and trade partners? The same ones who have been rooting and standing with us through thick and thin?
30
And we have NO ALLIEs. None. Not one country would stand with US if we needed bailing out--as WE have done so very many times world wide. How long before he is not content with a hugely expensive wall---and WHERE is the money COMING FROM????---and decides to roll across the Rio Grande in tanks to TAKE their oil; their products?
What have these insane electors DONE?
What have these insane electors DONE?
2
Do you think we could get together and pay him to resign?
3
Ridiculous. Everybody on earth wants to come here, trade with us and partner with us. The left is just mad that were not putting everybody else first anymore.
Mexico and Canada should work out an agreement to use shipping and air freight to get Mexico's goods in to Canada, 'sell' them to Canada, then Canada would in turn sell them to the US.
Do an end run around President Trump and his pontificating and bloviating and bullying.
I did not think I could detest Trump anymore, but each day he manages to be more obnoxious than the day before.
Do an end run around President Trump and his pontificating and bloviating and bullying.
I did not think I could detest Trump anymore, but each day he manages to be more obnoxious than the day before.
24
Hooray for Mexican president! Someone has to stand up to Trump and say "No" to his bullying. If our leaders can't do it - then the world leaders will.
39
This is all a replay of Ancient Rome -- President Chaos is our Caligula. He will make promises to the people and control the Senate with fear. Eventually they will see their power erode and turn against him. It's just a matter of time.
19
I'm waiting for him to appoint his horse to the Senate, and later to declare himself to be a god. Just wait. It could happen.
3
I don't know the pros or cons on this issue. What I do know is that President Trump campaigned on this very issue. So he is one of tho se politicians that actually does what he promised. BTW most of the comments here are very shallow lacking statistics of the crime, Job loss to Americans etc
2
So... it doesn't matter that the "promise" is totally insane, diplomatically dangerous, and fiscally irresponsible? Come on now.
3
@NS: Now that you've lobbed the charge, where are your citations, your statistics?
3
There is no job loss to Americans, the jobs that those poor Mexicans are even taking are the ones that no American would be caught dead doing keep that in mind before you go opening your mouth in ignorance again.
2
What is going on here? This is starting to get really frightening. DJT has been in office for a week and there's already chaos. Bannin telling the press to shut its mouth, more lies about voter fraud, relentless insecurity about the size of the inauguration and how great his speech was, and all the while unprepared and unqualified people getting confirmed to run our government? Where are the real Republicans? Are they doing anything to stop the hemorrhaging?
16
From outside the USA, Susan, it looks a whole lot worse than your description and that was bad enough. No one can believe his lying, his thin skin, his bullying - he's a joke but a bloody dangerous joke. And the Republican Party is getting damaged far more badly than it realises.
6
Yeah, that's why they won the house, the senate and the presidency.
While Enrique Pena Nieto embarrassed trump, trump tries to make it look like his idea, but this, this is all theater and the least of our worries. Our worries are ahead of us. And if trump has bannon's way, the media will be locked out of the house and all trend data will be erased or deleted so the administration cannot be held accountable. The media will have a hard time reporting the following:
Anticipate the lifting of sanctions on Russia and soon our two countries will be attending each other's balls as Putin moves across Europe.
Anticipate that once the embassy is moved to Jerusalem, Israel will want us to join in the war against Iran so trump can go and get the oil.
Anticipate gutting the National budget with tax cuts and shifting the costs of social security, Medicare, and healthcare from a program to individuals increasing the number of Americans on public assistance and using emergency rooms as their healthcare provider.
The worst is ahead of us and Congress is in heaven. Are you?
Anticipate the lifting of sanctions on Russia and soon our two countries will be attending each other's balls as Putin moves across Europe.
Anticipate that once the embassy is moved to Jerusalem, Israel will want us to join in the war against Iran so trump can go and get the oil.
Anticipate gutting the National budget with tax cuts and shifting the costs of social security, Medicare, and healthcare from a program to individuals increasing the number of Americans on public assistance and using emergency rooms as their healthcare provider.
The worst is ahead of us and Congress is in heaven. Are you?
12
I didn't vote for Trump, and I don't like the man much. I also think there should be some middle ground as we discuss immigration, particularly for immigrants who have been here for years and been model citizens. However there is a good reason why a border wall has been approved and funded twice by Congress, only to have the funds diverted to other uses.
It is not a result of xenophobia, it is not paranoia, it is about it has everything to do with controlling entry and exit of people in this nation. A nation is not a nation if does not maintain sovereignty. That may be one of the few things on which I agree with Trump.
It is not a result of xenophobia, it is not paranoia, it is about it has everything to do with controlling entry and exit of people in this nation. A nation is not a nation if does not maintain sovereignty. That may be one of the few things on which I agree with Trump.
5
Yeah, it's something that Democrats had a problem with dealing. Illegal immigration from Mexico has been a problem for a long time, but nobody was willing to have an honest discussion about it during Obama's administration because it simply doesn't make Democrats look good. I don't always agree with Trump or Republicans but Immigration policy is important, we can't just let everyone walk on in as they please.
1
Then we NEED to build a BORDER WALL with CANADA. This is in order to be scrupulously FAIR. Who KNOWS how many illegals are swimming or rafting across the Great Lakes? Hiking thru the forest? We MUST regulate BOTH borders--no matter WHAT the cost--under YOUR formula.
What? Canada has WHITE PEOPLE? Oh well then!
Actually they have far MORE immigrants than WE do--and it works just FINE. Universal health care? Done. In CANADA. And Mexico. WHAT ARE WE AFRAID OF?
What? Canada has WHITE PEOPLE? Oh well then!
Actually they have far MORE immigrants than WE do--and it works just FINE. Universal health care? Done. In CANADA. And Mexico. WHAT ARE WE AFRAID OF?
1
Ridiculous - you might find a bunch of Mexicans frozen in the Canadian Rockies - but them having a bigger immigration problem? Apparently you have been living under a rock all of your life - or you are completely out of touch with any sense of reality. Canada and the majority of its citizens RESPECT the laws of the US - and the Canadian government RESPECTS the US government - and vice versa. Coming on here with bombastic nonsense doesn't show that you have any intelligence - it just means you are in your own little world.
1
NAFTA IS A THREE-PARTY AGREEMENT:CANADA, MEXICO & U.S.
Can one country arbitrarily alone take actions affecting only one of the other 2 countries.
Why a 20% tax on Mexican goods only? What of all those goods coming in from Canada? They should pay the 20%, also.
OK. I forgot that both US and Canada are ethnically considered W.A.S.P.
Bear in mind however that there are many more Pakis, Afghans, Egyptians, Iranians, Hindus, Jordanians. Lebanese, Saudis, Syrians, etc., living in Canada than in Mexico. The likelihood of "Muslim" terrorists entering the US through its North border are exponentially greater than through its Southern border.
Why doesn't Mr. Trump build a wall to keep out terrorists from the North?
Ethnic discrimination, on an international level? It seems that way.
Are we pushing Latin America into Beijings arms? China needs resources (oil, metals, building materials, etc.); Latin America has those resources.
Can one country arbitrarily alone take actions affecting only one of the other 2 countries.
Why a 20% tax on Mexican goods only? What of all those goods coming in from Canada? They should pay the 20%, also.
OK. I forgot that both US and Canada are ethnically considered W.A.S.P.
Bear in mind however that there are many more Pakis, Afghans, Egyptians, Iranians, Hindus, Jordanians. Lebanese, Saudis, Syrians, etc., living in Canada than in Mexico. The likelihood of "Muslim" terrorists entering the US through its North border are exponentially greater than through its Southern border.
Why doesn't Mr. Trump build a wall to keep out terrorists from the North?
Ethnic discrimination, on an international level? It seems that way.
Are we pushing Latin America into Beijings arms? China needs resources (oil, metals, building materials, etc.); Latin America has those resources.
10
Canada doesn't have an illegal immigration problem with US citizens; US doesn't have an illegal immigration problem with Canada. The problems are simple; the solution is even simpler - either stop the nonsense and start cracking down - or make those politically responsible to pay
3
The "politically responsible" are the US employers who happily exploit undocumented workers, not Mexico, not anyone outside US borders. Put a wall around US agriculture, US restaurants, US cleaning services, etc.
So long as those US employers see illegal immigration as a solution and not as a problem, the root cause is not being addressed. It's the US employers who are taking away jobs from the legal American workers and avoiding the need to pay a living wage.
So long as those US employers see illegal immigration as a solution and not as a problem, the root cause is not being addressed. It's the US employers who are taking away jobs from the legal American workers and avoiding the need to pay a living wage.
6
The root cause(s) is (are) multivariate. American employers are one, but the miserable living conditions in Mexico and Central America are as well. NAFTA helped raise up some Mexicans, but it impoverished thousands of small rural farmers, who have been flocking to cities in desperation. NAFTA has helped to concentrate power and money in fewer and fewer hands on both sides of the border.
2
Canadians, we are next in line to be bullied....Get Ready!
10
No - Canada/US do not have illegal immigration issues. You have to stick with the facts - not some loopy conspiracy idea
Not a chance. Americans didn't vote for this man over Canadians stealing our jobs! x)
Let's try this again. Canada has: a small educated, democratic, sustsinAble population and economy. Mexico.....doesn't. End of comparisons . Canada isNOT next.
Such an embarrassment to me as an American, I do not like the disrespect of trump he needs to stop his nonsense.
16
Trump should step down and go home.
10
This is drive-by diplomacy.
1
I would suggest the Mexican government to start preparations the militarize the border, for two reasons: One, to oversee that no piece of land or territory is mistakenly appropriated by the U.S and Two, to also oversee any illegal crossing from U.S citizens since now you will have a slew of construction workers and people that probably will take advantage of the opportunity to easily cross into Mexico to advance their criminal and corrupt agendas.
4
So construction workers are corrupt criminals now?
2
So hard working farm workers and nanny's and elder care givers etc are now CRIMINALS? Just because they are from Mexico oh--and they are BROWN. I guess THAT is the REAL CRIME in your eyes?
Paul:
it's an ironic joke. And no, American construction workers theoretically crossing a militarized border aren't corrupt criminals advancing their agenda ...no more than their Mexican counterparts, that is.
it's an ironic joke. And no, American construction workers theoretically crossing a militarized border aren't corrupt criminals advancing their agenda ...no more than their Mexican counterparts, that is.
I have advice for dealing with sociopaths. Ignore, stay far away, and live your own life. If you even come close, you can risk being taken advantage. Don't play the game, just stay away.
3
I only wish we could and it was that simple. We have been forced to wake up and come out of our Apathy. We will become educated and vote in 2 years.
Colin Powell said (allegedly, in leaked e-mails) that Donald Trump was an "international pariah." Can there be any doubt?
11
I am guessing that Donald Trump has not yet been told that the United States had/has an agreement with Mexico whereby (rightly or wrongly) Mexico detains and deports thousands of Central Americans trying to make their way to the United States via Mexico (see PRI story from 2015"Is Mexico doing the US’s dirty work on Central American migrants?). If Donald thinks there is a problem with immigration now - wait until Mexico decides they no longer want to help us (which will probably be tomorrow).
13
If Mexico wants to get tough with the US .. That is fine. But as far as their economy is concerned - it's doomed
1
There are well-established border crossings for commerce and for people legally crossing our Southern border. The unfenced border is used for illegal crossing. The purpose of adding a wall is to stop illegal crossings. Those who try to cross the border are poor and act on their own, not at the behest of the Mexican government. Fleeing Mexicans who illegally cross are a concern of the US. not Mexico. When a country wants to build a wall for its own benefit, that country pays for it. That is obvious.
2
Yes and no. The problem does not just lie in the US when dealing on things such as criminal activity. The US has to do something to protect their borders - but illegals coming in are not just breaking the laws of the US but also the laws of Mexico. Immigration issues are twofold - not just an issue on one side of a border
1
If only it were so cut and dried. People don't flee a country and take the risks that these Latinos take for no reason. Mexico is obviously not a very desirable place to be and that responsibility does fall on its government. The cost of the wall should really be shared but that's the least likely scenario.
1
If the majority in Mexico believe that Mexico is that bad of a state to live in; and desire change - then they can work on that change on their side of the border. Its what any country has to do. While I am soft hearted when it comes to the abuses and terrible depravity found in countries outside of the US - and hate to see people suffering - people feeling that coming to America illegally is a worthy cause and benefit (or the right answer) is not the answer. And when you have 11.7 million (according to a 2014 census) and then multiply that by all the costs associated with their presence in the US; something has to be done. The US has been footing the bill for an international problem. Mexico is not part of the US any more than China is a part of Russia. The difference is - in other parts of the world ; being shot at crossing over into another country is not considered morally unjustified.
I do not want one cent of my tax dollars paying for a wall that is not going to work. It will not work to keep people out. It is the silliest idea I have ever heard. President Trump, go look at the wall that is there now, along miles and miles of the border. It does not keep people out. There are tunnels, there are ways to climb over walls. I like that you are creating more jobs, but please, can we have jobs that are not militarily based? I want butter, not guns. I want infrastructure, not silly walls. I want education, not villainization.
7
There's nothing military about wall construction.
Army Corp of Engineers? Never heard of them? Why ELSE does one build a GIANT WALL? For ultimate military purpose. There are far better ways to keep the NON EXISTENT MEXICAN TERRORISTS out. And NO--there are NO signs directing Middle Eastern "terrorists" to the US border inside Mexico. Get a grasp of reality people --before it's too late!
People will find away over under around and thru ANY wall--just ask Germany how well that worked.
People will find away over under around and thru ANY wall--just ask Germany how well that worked.
1
The Corps has built mostly dams, locks canals. None of them have military purpose. Germany thru their badly confused leader said the door is open! Everybody welcome! No, that has not worked. There or here. Theyre already making changes to stop the flow. So are we.
For a individual so insecure and in desperate need of constant affirmation (the way most of us need air to breathe...), President Trump certainly has an unequivocal "win" in one category - in less than two weeks, he has demonstrated himself to be the worst, most incompetent President in modern times, perhaps ever. Actions matter, sir. You are a bully who is incapable of self-reflection or critical thought.
I imagine we should prepare for the next recession, and a weaker (yes, weaker) America. The jester is in charge.
I imagine we should prepare for the next recession, and a weaker (yes, weaker) America. The jester is in charge.
5
So dont build a wall, let them all keep coming and living of our tax dollars. And while thet do that maybe i will guit my job and show up at your house with my kids and live off your income. Expect you to pay for my food, educate my kids, pay for my healthcare etc. I am guessing you wouldnt like that and might even call the police because there is someone living in your house ILLEGALLY !! ...I am eating your kids food, taking their seat at school, and not paying taxes.
I am guessing you would be sure the perimeter of your home was secure to keep me out. But lets not stop illegal immigration. I hope while you all save money not building a wall you continue to enjoy paying your increased taxes to pay for illegals. By the way it is at the 100 million dollars a year mark just to keep the illegals that have committed crimes in the US in jail. That is great use of your tax dollar ... we wouldnt want to use that money on better education or feeding our own citizens or helping sick US children...Naaa what a dumb idea... lets house and feed illegals... Are you seeing the key word here...ILLEGAL. Go do something ILLEGAL if ya dont understand what that means..
I am guessing you would be sure the perimeter of your home was secure to keep me out. But lets not stop illegal immigration. I hope while you all save money not building a wall you continue to enjoy paying your increased taxes to pay for illegals. By the way it is at the 100 million dollars a year mark just to keep the illegals that have committed crimes in the US in jail. That is great use of your tax dollar ... we wouldnt want to use that money on better education or feeding our own citizens or helping sick US children...Naaa what a dumb idea... lets house and feed illegals... Are you seeing the key word here...ILLEGAL. Go do something ILLEGAL if ya dont understand what that means..
3
You seem to be in a stark minority here. It's sad that people can't at least recognize that it's a problem that has gone on long enough. If someone has a better solution, that's one thing, but all the ranting against Trump here is just more mob politics.
This is a good summary of the lies that are fed the public to keep the rich rich and make the poor from our own country and others do the hard work and pay all the price. I think if you were acquainted with any "illegal" immigrant you would likely find that they have a job (or two) and have paid taxes along with SS and medicare they never hope to benefit from. 100 million dollars to keep them in jail? Investigate why they are in jail - is it a petty crime or awaiting trail for deportation? Conditions are inhumane. Where is that money going? Some of our fellow Americans are benefiting greatly from the money that is being made off these private prisons. Our taxpayer dollars are going to them and making them richer while we feel justified tearing families apart and subjecting other humans to captivity. It's a game they are playing with our money and their lives. And the drugs? The drug war has also enriched certain Americans and kept them in power while subjecting our poorest citizens to a lifetime of prison, criminal records, or death. If our country cared we would call it what it is - a medical crisis and offer the right services - but there is no money in that so again the poorest are made to suffer while we feel justified watching "criminals" and addicts suffer and die - or blame it on Mexico because we can't take care of the most vulnerable among us and would rather hate them and hand our money over to those making us feel better about it.
3
Yes, many illegal immigrants (who aren't paid under the table) do pay taxes. However, when filing their tax return they are eligible for tax credits (child tax credit) which actually results in a refund. Therefore, in the end they're getting back more than what they paid in taxes. In 2011, the Treasury Department's Inspector General reported that more than 2.3 million people who did not have Social Security numbers valid for working in the U.S. got an average of roughly $1,800 each in 2010 in child tax credit refunds. Additionally, the Treasury Department’s Inspector General determined that $4.2 BILLION in tax refunds was paid in 2010 to workers who were in the US illegally.
1
So proud of my Mexican brothers and sisters...Viva Mexico!!!
7
I think we should be telling Mr. Nieto that Donald Trump does not speak for all of us who respect Mexico and our Mexican neighbors.
8
Has the rest of the government abdicated?
3
When does the impeachment process begin? Only a few months earlier than I thought!
5
Mexico is important to us just as we are important to Mexico. This will go very badly. The wall will cost a great deal more than stated. (Anyone familiar with the costs of road and bridge construction can quickly see that.) It will be impossible to completely secure. It will be such a hated symbol, on both sides, it will need constant maintenance and repair. It will become a costly albatross on the backs of the U.S. citizens. It will injure relations between our two countries for generations to come. The consequences will be deep and costly.
2
Huh, what does this remind me of...OH That's right. BERLIN! Please if you're uneducated and too infantile, headstrong, and idiotic all around let history's past be you GUIDE! Honest, you don't even have to crack open a textbook, just google it, seeing as you know how to tweet you should be familiar with Google!
What if I want to buy the stuff that Trump won't let in?
2
ebay, Marianne
mexico :
expel American diplomats, close your embassy and consulates in the usa
close american consulates in mexico
expel all american residents, confiscate their property
let the produce destined for the tables of americans rot in the field
will that hurt mexicos economy ?
you bet it will
but theyre a lot more used to deprivation that spoiled americans
and they have more pride than you do as well
3
Bravo! I am glad he canceled. We don't need or want the spectacle of another country's leader being bullied by the current resident of the White House, let alone the leader of a friendly neighboring country.
4
Good for the Mexican President, Enrique Peña Nieto. Even though his approval ratings are very low, he shows that Mexico has President who is superior to an American President.
4
I am so happy to see the president of Mexico stand his ground and refuse to be bullied by that man. I hope the Mexican president's ratings go up after this act of courage.
3
There's almost no where else for them to go.
Just listened to Robert Kaplan talking to Tom Ashbrook. Kaplan's new book is about the role geography plays in shaping world politics. So he brought up the practice of new presidents historically visiting with our two most physically critical allies, Canada and Mexico, first, before any other visits. He said to think about the geography in this. We are, in part, protected by our very good relations with these nations. Mexico, if it wanted to turn it's back on borders, if it wanted to stop cooperating, could cause a huge different kind of immigration problem for the US, one that could begin any day now. Kaplan didn't say this but I thought it: Trump is antagonizing a nation that protects our border, just by having friendly relations. I am suddenly fearful of a (rightly) hostile Mexico.
3
you dont need to be a psychiatrist to know trump is clinically insane and needs hospitalization
7
This is day 6 and it's a nightmare !!!!
5
Mexico's President cancels his meeting with Trump on Thursday morning. In the afternoon, Trump, scrambling to save face, claims that this cancellation was by mutual agreement. SAD.
6
President Pena Nieto, please know, many many Americans stand with you. Don't back down.
How could Trump think that Mexico would pay $20 billion for something Mexico doesn't want? And, how could Trump supporters believe this would happen because Trump said it would? Now, it looks like we are all on the hook for a useless wall that a minority of Americans support. Congress is going to give it to the baby prez to keep him quiet. Along with an investigation into a non existent voter fraud problem.
I agree with those that say we could pay for some healthcare with 20 billion dollars. Or fix a bridge. Or repair a road. Ugh.
How could Trump think that Mexico would pay $20 billion for something Mexico doesn't want? And, how could Trump supporters believe this would happen because Trump said it would? Now, it looks like we are all on the hook for a useless wall that a minority of Americans support. Congress is going to give it to the baby prez to keep him quiet. Along with an investigation into a non existent voter fraud problem.
I agree with those that say we could pay for some healthcare with 20 billion dollars. Or fix a bridge. Or repair a road. Ugh.
5
I think of what Cheney said to Leahy.
1
God help us if we ever have to fight another major war. All these pansys are scared they will have to cut thier own grass. Oh no more winter produce. Try growing them yourselves you disgusting city rats. All you know is buy at the store. Throw away buy new. Hopefully America is on its way back. The sleeping giant is awakening!!
Mr. Nieto, stay home. You cannot even keep El Chapo in your jails because your government is so corrupt from drug proceeds that kill our brothers, sisters, parents, and children. Anything we can do, including building a wall, to cut off your funds tainted by drug and illegal immigrant caused deaths of U.S. citizens, is welcome. Mr. Neito, you are fortunate to have had the ignorant support of media like the NYT and their largely arrogant sanctimonious liberal groupies.
Just so you know, though you probably don't care, it's Mr. Peña, or Mr. Peña Nieto, but not Mr. Nieto. Peña is his lastname, not a middle name. Nieto is his mother's lastname. Hispanic people use both (father and mother) lastnames most of the time.
2
By the way, El Chapo is sitting in a US jail today, courtesy of Mr. Pena Nieto. Admittedly, it took a couple of tries but Mexico did deliver him, with a nice bow on top.
Policy aside; what world leader, besides Ms. Brexit, will have any interest in visiting this charlatan? Speaking of the social side, now. State dinners will be repeats of the dreary, cloddy inauguration. I can't imagine any world leader interested in having a photo with this clown. World leaders were falling over themselves to be near President Obama. This doofus? He might as well have the bubonic plague.
5
I seem to remember the last time we got into a rift with a close neighbor (Cuba) there was a problem with them sourcing and placing large objects from our enemy close. Too close. Hopefully that doesn't happen again.
1
Ho much will it take for a trade war to morph into an actual war, with this man as our commander in chief? Watch out Canada, you may be next...
2
"Decades of friendly relations between the nation....seemed to be unraveling"???
Hyperbole! So ridiculous.
Hyperbole! So ridiculous.
2
Mexico is far poorer than the US and Trump has picked on a weaker country to bully. Mexico will be hurt even more severely than the US from any breakdown in the relationship. Trump knows that and is exploiting the fact. Defiance by Mexico is going to be as successful as it has been throughout history: a disaster. This is Trump's calculation. In the end the cost will not come from anything that Mexico can do, but from our standing in the world. Unlike the days of the cold war, when we routinely got away with this kind of behavior, and worse, it is possible that collectively, the rest of the world can push back. But not Mexico alone.
1
How did Trump finished college without (apparently) grasping the concepts of Economics and International Trade? Wharton...what happened??
5
Epitaph on a Tyrant
W. H. Auden, 1907 - 1973
Perfection, of a kind, was what he was after,
And the poetry he invented was easy to understand;
He knew human folly like the back of his hand,
And was greatly interested in armies and fleets;
When he laughed, respectable senators burst with laughter,
And when he cried the little children died in the streets.
Better than anything I could say.
W. H. Auden, 1907 - 1973
Perfection, of a kind, was what he was after,
And the poetry he invented was easy to understand;
He knew human folly like the back of his hand,
And was greatly interested in armies and fleets;
When he laughed, respectable senators burst with laughter,
And when he cried the little children died in the streets.
Better than anything I could say.
6
And Vladimir Putin and his comrades slapping high fives and patting each others backs while our GOP stays conspicuously silent,,, next ploy NATO,,, disgusting
3
Whether this is good or bad for US is debatable.
It will probably be better for Mexico, as contradictory as it seems, to have the wall.
They are forced to think in more directions than just the North : the emotional binding to the country up north could be doing them more harm than good.
It will probably be better for Mexico, as contradictory as it seems, to have the wall.
They are forced to think in more directions than just the North : the emotional binding to the country up north could be doing them more harm than good.
1
I need no further evidence of his insanity.
Please, get the Surgeon General and
a bigly hook.
Please, get the Surgeon General and
a bigly hook.
8
Trump has done more to benefit the US than Obama ever did!
And did you see what happened to the Mexican Peso today after Mexico cancelled on Trump? It was crushed!
Go Trump!
And did you see what happened to the Mexican Peso today after Mexico cancelled on Trump? It was crushed!
Go Trump!
Are you happy? This is how you believe we make America great, by bullying? The decent way to help Mexico keep afloat and her citizens is for Mexico to have a strong economy with decent jobs and a strong currency. They need a path to living a good life like any of us want. That is the path to ending illegal immigration, not cheering when the peso drops. Instead of spending 20 billion of your tax dollars on a wall, it's cheaper to invest LESS in their economy.
1
I think that Matt was highlighting the fact that the Mexican president decided to hardball with Trump - and his economy suffered tremendously for it. This was a choice that the Mexican president made for his country.
While we are on the discussion of his country - he is also responsible for building Mexico's infrastructure - keeping his people happy - and building their economy up. The US is not in any way responsible for the miserable people of Mexico - in Mexico or illegally here in the US. This is the Mexican government's problem. Our late POTUS played illegal immigration like a tool to destroy America with a "come on down" attitude. Illegal immigration and violating international border laws that the US has made does in fact reflect on the Mexican government and their efforts to curb such actions with their people. But the individuals that are doing it - are sent back to Mexico - only to come back over and do it again with no action taken by the Mexican authorities. Law doesn't stop criminals - only law abiding people.
While we are on the discussion of his country - he is also responsible for building Mexico's infrastructure - keeping his people happy - and building their economy up. The US is not in any way responsible for the miserable people of Mexico - in Mexico or illegally here in the US. This is the Mexican government's problem. Our late POTUS played illegal immigration like a tool to destroy America with a "come on down" attitude. Illegal immigration and violating international border laws that the US has made does in fact reflect on the Mexican government and their efforts to curb such actions with their people. But the individuals that are doing it - are sent back to Mexico - only to come back over and do it again with no action taken by the Mexican authorities. Law doesn't stop criminals - only law abiding people.
1
Thank you for standing up to the Bully-in-Chief.
3
I never thought i would say this. But, I wish Mexico all the luck and I'm rooting that they finally stop the bully to their north. Go Mexico.
4
Bravo Trump. Bring the jobs home. God bless this president.
1
I get it now. Trump is the Scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz. You know, the one who sang "If I only had a brain". THAT guy. And the Wizard, the man behind the curtains, is STEVE BANNON, the guy who says the media is the opposition. And he's pulling all the levers that make a mammoth image of a distorted, orange talking face appear in the whirling smoke, and that image is TRUMP. And he's talking about his own insanity, and it's all coming out wrong because the Wizard didn't pull the right levers! It's not just a farce, it's a THEATER OF THE AMATEURS, intent on sinking America and burning the Constitution.
If only this were a bad movie and we could escape it by just changing the channel...
We need to start a pool about how long Trump lasts as President before his new swamp swallows him up. I'll start - he won't last beyond the Ides of March. Oh, I LOVE synchronicity like that.
If only this were a bad movie and we could escape it by just changing the channel...
We need to start a pool about how long Trump lasts as President before his new swamp swallows him up. I'll start - he won't last beyond the Ides of March. Oh, I LOVE synchronicity like that.
4
Better to put his "resources" somewhere else. There is a negative immigration from Mexico which makes his idea even more pointless.
1
We are only going to have to tear the wall down.
It is un American, A farce ! It will be an embarrassment on the earth until we remove it.
Terrorist's? They will just walk in from the north border.
republicans always leave a terrible mess for decent folk to clean up..
It is un American, A farce ! It will be an embarrassment on the earth until we remove it.
Terrorist's? They will just walk in from the north border.
republicans always leave a terrible mess for decent folk to clean up..
7
Didn't vote for Trump but I supported him in two areas.
One was border control/immigration.
The second one has not played out.
As an aside,
I am bitter over the politics played with Obama's Supreme Court nominee and the Democrats must find a way to punish the Republicans.
One was border control/immigration.
The second one has not played out.
As an aside,
I am bitter over the politics played with Obama's Supreme Court nominee and the Democrats must find a way to punish the Republicans.
2
How ironic; Trump getting stuck with bill.
2
The left (for the most part ignorant of business and how the real world outside of media, academia, and Hollywood operates) forgets the US has the power of Mexico. $60B worth of trade every year. The golden rule - those with the gold rule.
Reality. We run a 49 billion$ trade DEFICIT with mexico
It appears it is only a matter of time until we cancel this ridiculous charade posing as a "presidency"...
At some point, even most of the bought-and-paid-for Republican "representatives" disgracing our congress and their master oligarchs will see it in THEIR own personal best interests to eject the the big loud orange one from the seat of power... And that is when this global nightmare will end.
Hint: When the FOX propaganda "News" network turns on this embarrassing charlatan, we will know his days of havoc and destruction are numbered... It is only a matter of time.
He will have reached a point of national destruction, that nobody with any interest or stake in America can deny...
At some point, even most of the bought-and-paid-for Republican "representatives" disgracing our congress and their master oligarchs will see it in THEIR own personal best interests to eject the the big loud orange one from the seat of power... And that is when this global nightmare will end.
Hint: When the FOX propaganda "News" network turns on this embarrassing charlatan, we will know his days of havoc and destruction are numbered... It is only a matter of time.
He will have reached a point of national destruction, that nobody with any interest or stake in America can deny...
4
trump goads the pres into cancelling, then in a fit of pique puts a tariff on mex goods
ive known teenage girls who arent as petulant and vindictive
ive known teenage girls who arent as petulant and vindictive
2
Can't help wondering what would happen if every laborer who comes from
Mexico to pick crops,build, repair, and remodel houses, clean hotel rooms, keep lawns and the sacred golf courses, take care of children, the elderly, and do janitorial work, all of a sudden STOPPED. Interesting idea, eh?
Mexico to pick crops,build, repair, and remodel houses, clean hotel rooms, keep lawns and the sacred golf courses, take care of children, the elderly, and do janitorial work, all of a sudden STOPPED. Interesting idea, eh?
4
If they're here legally - they'll continue to enjoy their privilege of being a US citizen. If they're not - then the company they work for will have to find a US citizen to take their place. Not that hard to figure out
1
Mussolini picked on Albania, then invaded Ethiopia. Hitler marched into Austria and Czechoslovakia, then invaded Poland. Anyone see a pattern her? Pick a weaker, less powerful nation and demonize it. What's next for the Madman in the White House
4
We are very sorry Mexico, but please remember that the majority of the Americans who voted in this recent election did not vote for this dreadful man, who has no political experience and absolutely no idea what the heck he is doing.
4
The underlying problem is that Trump doesn't know what he's doing.
5
I disagree. He knows exactly what he is doing - but hopefully he will broaden his views a bit further to see that it's the breaks and the bonuses that corporations get for outsourcing to foreign markets that is the bigger problem. Illegal immigration should have been taken care of a long time ago. Illegal means illegal - its the opposite of taking the legal route of conducting yourself.
1
Mr Trump should build a wall around himself.
5
Most Mexicans are decent wonderful people but some of the illegal immigrants are criminals who have been arrested, deported and rearrested. Are you familiar with Kate's Law? Kate Steinle was killed by an illegal Mexican who had no right being here. The Democrats failed to pass this bill but the Republicans are planning on presenting it again for a vote. Her killer had been arrested six times and deported back to Mexico but he was able to return over and over again. This is a tragedy that could have been prevented. This is not the only incident where someone was murdered by an illegal immigrant. It is better to be safe then sorry. Just ask the Steinle family and others who have lost loved ones to violence that could have been prevented if our immigration policies should be made stricter. We know what their answers would be.
1
Good to see President Peña Nieto has discovered the stones to represent his countrymen and women. They deserve better.
1
Problem with that is - if trade is halted with Mexico (which the US has that right) - Mexico will be in a terrible predicament - not the other way around. Trump wants to correct issues with border and trade not destroy Mexico but if the President of Mexico wishes to argue; its going to be a losing argument. Lax'd borders are not favorable to the country that wants to keep their country safe and clear of illegal immigration. This is just flat out common sense
1
Good to see the Mexican President has some fortitude to stand up to our bully president. I just wish that Trumps favorite pet - Paul Lap Dog Ryan - had just a bit of fortitude and would stop displaying his sheepish and submissive smiles every time he's standing next to Trump. It's sickening to see him enable Trumps dismantling of our cherished democracy.
1
Since when did Mexican nationals get the right to settle in the US, regardless of our immigration laws?
Mexican politicians and mayors of US sanctuary cities seem to believe in such a right. But a majority of Americans do not.
Accepting an open-ended right for foreigners to immigrate into the US condemns us to unending population growth and to a steady worsening of the standard of living for US workers.
Note to Mexico and the bicoastal elite: Americans do not recognize a universal right to immigrate into the US. And there is no moral reason they should.
On this issue, hard as it might be to believe, the dude with the funny hair and the simple vocabulary has the moral high ground.
Mexican politicians and mayors of US sanctuary cities seem to believe in such a right. But a majority of Americans do not.
Accepting an open-ended right for foreigners to immigrate into the US condemns us to unending population growth and to a steady worsening of the standard of living for US workers.
Note to Mexico and the bicoastal elite: Americans do not recognize a universal right to immigrate into the US. And there is no moral reason they should.
On this issue, hard as it might be to believe, the dude with the funny hair and the simple vocabulary has the moral high ground.
2
You wholly misrepresent the issue. Opposing the building of a poorly-thought-out, ruinous, antagonistic wall does not equal "accepting an open-ended right for foreigners to immigrate into the US." What it means is that it is a bad step on many fronts and will not effectively stop immigration - amongst other things.
There's a whole world of nuance to be discovered if one tries.
There's a whole world of nuance to be discovered if one tries.
2
There is nothing "nuanced" about 10-20 million illegals inside our borders. A wall is just one aspect of regaining control of our borders and national sovereignty.
first, let's have a leader with control of his faculties.
1
Terrifying...how can we brace ourselves when braces have all come loose...
That didn't take long. It's like watching 28 Days Later, but geopolitically.
2
Every Democratic congressperson should state the following regarding Trump, regularly and to everyone they come in contact with:
'President Trump is mentally ill and must be removed from office'
Stop trying to placate this danger to our way of life!
'President Trump is mentally ill and must be removed from office'
Stop trying to placate this danger to our way of life!
5
Any respectable leader would do the same. Why talk to a full fledged treating liar.
1
There is so much appreciation for Mr. Trump even here because of the drugs, that come from Mexico; that´s how official " information" works: dont want to say more than: please read " Chasing the Scream" by Johann Hari and you will be surprised, whats really going on;
And: your President is making the whole world his enemy sooner or later, not even the US is SO great to handle this...he will not be able to suppress the rest of the globe even if he thinks so, narcissist that he is!
And: your President is making the whole world his enemy sooner or later, not even the US is SO great to handle this...he will not be able to suppress the rest of the globe even if he thinks so, narcissist that he is!
This is clear evidence of his paranoia and his delusional thinking. He has many delusions - all about his own power and importance. His skill at diplomacy is non-existent and it is only a matter of time before we pay what will be a horrific cost - terrorist attacks and war - as a result. All his noise about a wall - when has a wall ever effectively stopped anything? Let's see, Hadrian's worked because the Romans were terrified of the wild Picts on the other side. But Mexico? The network of underground tunnels is extensive and has been around for years. People will migrate as long as they have something to migrate from. And for all those complaining about drug lords, remember, we have plenty of our own who shop at the cartels for their goods. You can't have drug traffic without a buyer. God help us. God help us against this madman.
3
Why on earth would the President focus the nation on immigration from Mexico. With so many other issues to address, why would we spend $20 billion for this? I could think of ten other areas to spend our time, attention and money on...never mind whether or not building a wall is really going to solve the trends of technology and globalization that are costing middle class jobs.
4
If my neighbor wants to build a wall on her own property, I may not want it but I can not stop her. But I certainly will not in any legal respect or otherwise be obligated to pay for it. And if she tried to bully me to pay, I would cancel our social visit.
3
I love it. In no time at all, extremists intoxicated with a whif of revisionist history have gone off on one more war of post-modern warfare. A whif of truth will blow it all away.
1
If Joe Biden or another Democratic candidate wins the 2020 election and Trump is finally out of where he should have never been a part of, we'll ask him/her to change the Tremendous Wall into a tourist site, with restaurants, parks, swimming-pools, 5-star hotels in the tunnels and on the wall so that tourists can pay for the 50 billion dollars we are about to waste on this wall. It'll be a great attraction, and Mexicans will feel good about the United States of American again.
1
RE: “It is an unprecedented moment for the bilateral relationship,” said Genaro Lozano, a professor at the Iberoamerican University in Mexico City. “In the 19th century, we fought a war with the U.S.; 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.”
How typical of the NYT time to quote a Mexican rather than an American taxpayer. Or the survivor of an American killed by a Mexican illegal alien.
How typical of the NYT time to quote a Mexican rather than an American taxpayer. Or the survivor of an American killed by a Mexican illegal alien.
1
It is not even one week since the relatively sparsely attended inaugural. If trump picks a fight with one country per week, he will run out of countries to fight with in the world.
2
If some American tax payers believe that they are currently not paying for illegal immigration and rampant drug trade they are mistaken.
If I want to fence in my house and put a lock on the door to keep intruders out I certainly have the right to do so. I am in no way causing anyone harm by protecting myself.
Would an outsider pay for my lock and my fence? Of course not. But I am willing to pay for that myself if it helps to keep the squatters off of my property and protect what I have built.
Would I offer a person in need the help to help themselves? Yes, if I have the expendable resources, while in addition I’d expect these people to go about and help themselves as well.
If previous administrations had tried to do that then they royally messed up. People were ‘allowed’ asylum that has turned into a permanent refuge - a costly one - for the US. It’s time to fix this, and enforcing existing walls, or laws and rights, is a very good start, otherwise we have no need for borders at all.
If I want to fence in my house and put a lock on the door to keep intruders out I certainly have the right to do so. I am in no way causing anyone harm by protecting myself.
Would an outsider pay for my lock and my fence? Of course not. But I am willing to pay for that myself if it helps to keep the squatters off of my property and protect what I have built.
Would I offer a person in need the help to help themselves? Yes, if I have the expendable resources, while in addition I’d expect these people to go about and help themselves as well.
If previous administrations had tried to do that then they royally messed up. People were ‘allowed’ asylum that has turned into a permanent refuge - a costly one - for the US. It’s time to fix this, and enforcing existing walls, or laws and rights, is a very good start, otherwise we have no need for borders at all.
1
Gee, common sense. Don't see much of that around here.
Now that YOU have alienated the two other largest trading partners can Canada be far behind?
England and the US should be able to make beautiful music together.
England and the US should be able to make beautiful music together.
1
When civil war breaks out in the US, I'm happy to know that both Mexico and Canada will join us "rebels" in fighting against the Trump Army.
1
So what you're really saying is you are enthusiastic in thinking all the illegal mexicans in the US will get firearms and kill a bunch of Americans - is that right?
In Trump's first week, he gave an inaugural speech that lodged hope in the people. There was a petty argument about the size of the crowd, which amounted to nothing. Then came the women's march, attended by millions. Since then, Trump has methodically gone about policy changes, presumably at the instruction of his advisors. All of these changes have met opposition, most notably from the Mexican President.
What hasn't happened is important, too. In his inauguration speech, Trump promoted the will of the people, not himself. And the dark forces he spoke of were drugs and gangs, not Democrats. As for the Women's March, it went forward without incident and with little comment from Trump. And rather than attempting to regain the upper hand, Trump began his pedantic review of regulations. Some of these regulations had far-reaching effect, but Trump let his pen do the talking. He did not claim a messianic purpose. And finally, in the dispute with Mexico, Trump's ultimate tack was to play the victim.
Trump remains petty and argumentative. His politics are largely straight Republican, and he doesn't seem to know a lot about what he's doing. But there is some good news here. The notion that Trump will establish a fascist state is beginning to seem far-fetched. Fascists don't respond to opposition with petty arguments and claims of being victimized, and they promote themselves, first and foremost. That has not been Trump's strategy.
What hasn't happened is important, too. In his inauguration speech, Trump promoted the will of the people, not himself. And the dark forces he spoke of were drugs and gangs, not Democrats. As for the Women's March, it went forward without incident and with little comment from Trump. And rather than attempting to regain the upper hand, Trump began his pedantic review of regulations. Some of these regulations had far-reaching effect, but Trump let his pen do the talking. He did not claim a messianic purpose. And finally, in the dispute with Mexico, Trump's ultimate tack was to play the victim.
Trump remains petty and argumentative. His politics are largely straight Republican, and he doesn't seem to know a lot about what he's doing. But there is some good news here. The notion that Trump will establish a fascist state is beginning to seem far-fetched. Fascists don't respond to opposition with petty arguments and claims of being victimized, and they promote themselves, first and foremost. That has not been Trump's strategy.
First the fact is the amount of illegals entering this country has dropped from 1.5 million to about 450,000. That later amount is due mainly to people over staying their visas'. The wall will cost at least 15 billion dollars to build and about 1 billion a year to maintain. That cost is greatly in excess of the supposed money to be saved. Basically Trumps position is absurd at the very least. The other is whether the wall will even be build. First, you have a significant amount legal proceedings that will take years to resolve-from condemnation proceedings to actions concerning environment damage. It could take 3 to 4 years for these issues to be resolved and by that time we might have a new Congress that will trash the whole issue. When Ryan says Congress will pay for the wall he is dead wrong. It is the American People who will pay and 65 million of them said Trump should not be our president. So, more than 1/2 the populous is against this wall
2
To assume this is a "Mexican illegals" problem misses the point. Mexico is now mainly a transit country for US-bound migrants from Central America, Haiti, D.R., Cuba and Africa. Mexico already spends enormous resources dealing with these migrants and the criminal traffickers, as do ALL of the other countries along the transit route. I live in one of these countries (Costa Rica) and recently passed a "migrant camp" paid for by the CR government. (Nicaragua no longer lets these migrants through). This is, at its core, a U.S.'s problem, and is one that WE caused, NOT Mexico! Our time and $ should be spent a) reforming our immigration policies to discourage economic migrants from coming b) helping the source countries improve their situations to discourage emigration c) reforming our drug laws and addressing our OWN drug epidemic to reduce the drug-fueled violence in Central America that causes migration and d) materially helping the transit countries secure their OWN borders that are now overrun by these "in transit" migrants. Until we're ready to do that, Donald really should put a lid on it and learn to work with Mexico. Mexico holds the cards. They could easily unleash a torrent of illegal migrants on us by simply shutting their eyes and letting them pass, or by failing to fight our proxy drug war, or, even "pull a Fidel" and empty out their prisons & mental facilities and send these folks here via a tunnel and refuse to take them back. THINK.
3
As Mr. Trump alienates nations which were friendly with untied states for decades Russia will fill the void.
Putin wins again.
Putin wins again.
2
Reading the transcripts of David Muir's interview with Donald Trump is like reading a Transcript of a Psychiatrist's interview of a patient determination of insanity: No matter the question- the Internal Ear- simply does not hear. The brain still stuck on processing the obsession of self; answering in the third-person provides a stronger self image; Donald is affirming Donald Trump like the millions of *other* adoring fans. "I didn't go after the popular-vote"; begging the question of why the Popular-Vote Obsession? On one level this is wickedly entertaining like seeing a piece of toilet paper stuck to the shoe of your Teacher. America-however, is not a 7th Grade classroom. Where are the Responsible, Morally upright; principled, ethical- patriotic political leaders? Sadly, there doesn't seem to be any left in America.
9
This is one step in the right direction.
next step is to eliminate OPT program and give 180,000 american jobs to americans.
Currently, thanks to prior administrations, there is a generally unknown program in which the federal government subsidizes (through tax breaks) the hiring of 180,000 foreign college grads, taking jobs that could be held by Americans. It has the misleading title of Optional Practical Training (OPT) as there is no training involved, and though dedicated to foreign college graduates, it is disguised as part of the F-1 program for foreign students.
Without a lick of input from Congress, the Obama administration, building on a scheme used by the Bush II administration, expanded the OPT program.
This is hard to believe, but true; recent administrations have waved a magic wand over the foreign grads and called them "students" so that the usual payroll taxes (Social Security and Medicare) do not apply to either their employers or to the students.
It is a crime what our government has done to american workers.
next step is to eliminate OPT program and give 180,000 american jobs to americans.
Currently, thanks to prior administrations, there is a generally unknown program in which the federal government subsidizes (through tax breaks) the hiring of 180,000 foreign college grads, taking jobs that could be held by Americans. It has the misleading title of Optional Practical Training (OPT) as there is no training involved, and though dedicated to foreign college graduates, it is disguised as part of the F-1 program for foreign students.
Without a lick of input from Congress, the Obama administration, building on a scheme used by the Bush II administration, expanded the OPT program.
This is hard to believe, but true; recent administrations have waved a magic wand over the foreign grads and called them "students" so that the usual payroll taxes (Social Security and Medicare) do not apply to either their employers or to the students.
It is a crime what our government has done to american workers.
1
Your statement is completely untrue. First, OPT is perfectly well-known; why do you try to make it sounds like a clandestine operation?
Second, OPT visas are in no way "subsidised" by taxpayers - what does that even mean? The assertion is non-sensical on its face. A piece of paper costs no money. People on OPTs are not entitled to any benefits, and they pay taxes.
Your misunderstanding of "training" is also comical - the "training" refers to the practical application of the skills one has received through the education the student has just completed.
Either you know the facts and are deliberately stating inflammatory falsehoods, or you have no knowledge of what you're talking about, and should stay quiet, because you're embarrassing yourself with the nonsense above.
Second, OPT visas are in no way "subsidised" by taxpayers - what does that even mean? The assertion is non-sensical on its face. A piece of paper costs no money. People on OPTs are not entitled to any benefits, and they pay taxes.
Your misunderstanding of "training" is also comical - the "training" refers to the practical application of the skills one has received through the education the student has just completed.
Either you know the facts and are deliberately stating inflammatory falsehoods, or you have no knowledge of what you're talking about, and should stay quiet, because you're embarrassing yourself with the nonsense above.
3
Uh, you didn't address the main point. Our government continues to favor foreign workers over u.s. workers in many situations.
1
Is there anyone this sociopath is not fighting with: the press, Mexico, immigrants. This is what we have to look forward to: an unhinged, humanly impoverished man who lives to fight -- who feeds off and requires constant conflict. Diplomacy by Twitter. Chaos. The other day I saw a photo of JFK sitting in the Oval Office -- where Trump sits now -- and felt like weeping. For my country. For my children. For all of us.
8
As Californians, we stand to suffer financially and culturally from President Trump's decisions regarding Mexico. California, Republican, Democrat, Green, Libertarian, and so on, ought to keep this debate in-house and deal with the current administration with a united front.
1
He certainly has picked a lot of fights. I dont much care for the guy but he is definitely making waves. It remains to be seen is his madness has a method.
I was stunned by seeing a kind of restraint shown by Mexican people in the face of the rhetoric used by Trump. Now this is an overdue response we can understand. I hope that all the other OECD member countries advocate a principle of free trade and support Mexico by refusing to meet Trump.
9
From a previous writer who has echoed my thoughts, "Shame on you McConnell, Ryan and the rest of you spineless Republicans who laughed when Trump first proposed the wall 16 months ago, and said it would never happen."
These first seven days - one week tomorrow - of this catastrophe of a "presidency" has me feeling I can hardly bare to read the news each day.
These first seven days - one week tomorrow - of this catastrophe of a "presidency" has me feeling I can hardly bare to read the news each day.
2
I think we need the wall....to keep American's from leaving.
What a doof we have elected. It will cost $4M per mile to construct if there is infrastructure to support construction. If there's no roads, it will cost $8M per mile. That's a lot of money folks! I know, Mexico will pay for it. I'm not hearing the howls from the Tea Party on the cost of this or other 'budget busting' proposals coming out of the WH like they did when President Obama was trying to keep us from descending into a depression following 8 years of the Bush Nut - I mean White House.
What a doof we have elected. It will cost $4M per mile to construct if there is infrastructure to support construction. If there's no roads, it will cost $8M per mile. That's a lot of money folks! I know, Mexico will pay for it. I'm not hearing the howls from the Tea Party on the cost of this or other 'budget busting' proposals coming out of the WH like they did when President Obama was trying to keep us from descending into a depression following 8 years of the Bush Nut - I mean White House.
4
OK, maybe I'm misunderstanding something. To pay for his Wall, he's going to impose a 20 percent tax on all imports. Doesn't that mean that all of us average folks who purchase imported goods are going to be paying a lot more for everything in order to pay for his wall?
So to sum up, he proposes huge tax cuts on the wealthy and on obscenely high profits of corporations, while us "little people" will be paying much more for health care and things we purchase in order to pay for his ego-wall.
Gotcha. GOP -- your war against Americans is going well.
So to sum up, he proposes huge tax cuts on the wealthy and on obscenely high profits of corporations, while us "little people" will be paying much more for health care and things we purchase in order to pay for his ego-wall.
Gotcha. GOP -- your war against Americans is going well.
4
Trump is not wrong on everything. He just lacks the discipline and the temperament to be right on more things, and to be presidential, which is worth something.
If I wanted to pick a fight with Mexico, I would not build a wall, which will never be completed and will sit like an Ozymandius ruin in the desert. I would threaten to close down trade altogether, unless they got tougher on drugs. We can get beer, tequila and auto parts somewhere else, if we had to.
If I wanted to pick a fight with Mexico, I would not build a wall, which will never be completed and will sit like an Ozymandius ruin in the desert. I would threaten to close down trade altogether, unless they got tougher on drugs. We can get beer, tequila and auto parts somewhere else, if we had to.
I sincerely hope PBS Newshour viewers this evening had the opportunity to see a White House spokesperson unintimidated by brow-beating Judy Woodruff. In an unrelenting charade, Woodruff intentionally fought and insulted Kelleyanne Conway, who responded eveny, politely snd firmly with facts, with truth and with dignity. If women of the world want a real, American role model, look no further than Ms. Conway.
1
I am gagging on this one! KAConjob, "alternative facts!"
Another in what promises to be four years of embarrassments as Americans. His argument is completely nonsensical. It would be nice to think that thoughtful Republicans (and I still think they exist) would have the gumption to school this bully, but frankly I think they are so craven that most will go along to get the cover to enact their shameful agenda. My advice: Sleep with one eye open.
5
Trump is quickly alienating every single ally and trading partner that makes America great. Sinking into the swamp is an understatement of Trump's idiotic actions.
10
I recommend people start to learn mandarin and russian. Our days of supremacy are over.
4
Fiscal conservative Republicans? A bunch of liars sticking it to the middle class, paying for Trumps campaign promises, and handing our money to the 1 per centers. And then when the press calls them out on it, mini me-Bannon says to shut up.
8
Thank you President Nietzsche for being the first leader to stand up to our current President. He needs to be challenged about so much. Hopefully there will be congressional and senatorial leaders here in America who will challenge him on his lies and on his dangerous rhetoric. Their leadership is sorely needed.
2
Viva Mexico! So how is this president doing so far?
Dear Mexico, we apologize. This man represents a minority of United States citizens. The majority are embarrassed and ashamed.
6
Dear Mexico. David X is speaking upon his own behalf and not for anyone else except himself. The governments of Mexico and the US need to come together and work together. NAFTA never worked; except for the benefit of Mexico - it's something that any educated person with just a slight degree of knowledge of how money and business works can figure out.
Illegal immigration of your citizens needs to be treated as a criminal and illegal thing (thus the term illegal). You are responsible for your citizens; if they do not have american citizenship or a pass which allows them to legally work in the US provided by the US department of immigration - then they are a Mexican citizen invading the US. This must be stopped. These criminal activities along with the lack of respect of law by your citizens coming over into the US illegally has costed the US government and its legal citizens vast amounts of money which cannot legitimately be penned in - only estimated (in the hundreds of billions). While your country has taken a backseat at preserving international laws and the best interest of both our countries.
Yes - it is time for this issue to start costing the Mexican government money. It can no longer be seen as some charade or joke.
Illegal immigration of your citizens needs to be treated as a criminal and illegal thing (thus the term illegal). You are responsible for your citizens; if they do not have american citizenship or a pass which allows them to legally work in the US provided by the US department of immigration - then they are a Mexican citizen invading the US. This must be stopped. These criminal activities along with the lack of respect of law by your citizens coming over into the US illegally has costed the US government and its legal citizens vast amounts of money which cannot legitimately be penned in - only estimated (in the hundreds of billions). While your country has taken a backseat at preserving international laws and the best interest of both our countries.
Yes - it is time for this issue to start costing the Mexican government money. It can no longer be seen as some charade or joke.
1
This is amazing. Commenters continue to say "Canada is next"! Of course it's not. Canada is: stable, democratic, resource rich, has a sustainable, educated population, is not invading, thru illegal immigration, it's neighbor. Canada has a sensible, based on Canada's needs immigration policy. In short, it is almost the opposite of Mexico.
1
That view would be accurate if we had to question Canada's reason, but the issue at hand here is the leader of the US. He is unfit to govern and had insulted the long standing good neighbor whilst protecting Russia. Think bout it
3
I thought about. Canada is still "not next".
Mbf - your view is extremely convoluted and distorted. Mexico and the US can both agree that illegal immigration has been a sustained and continuous issue.
Russia on the other hand - was named and blamed by the former POTUS with no irrefutable proof to support such claims. The media and even high ranking officials demanded for proof and evidence of Russia involvement before Obama left the office. Obama did not deliver such evidences because the evidences were not evidences but hunches and guesses.
Obama decided to force delegates from Russia back to Russia - without even as much as a smidgen of criminal evidence that Russia was to blame. Not only did he force them to leave the US - he named them as being involved with the hack. If he or the US government had evidence of this hack - they would not be sent back to Russia instead be sitting in a federal penitentiary awaiting prosecution of the highest caliber. That never happened.
Use your head
Russia on the other hand - was named and blamed by the former POTUS with no irrefutable proof to support such claims. The media and even high ranking officials demanded for proof and evidence of Russia involvement before Obama left the office. Obama did not deliver such evidences because the evidences were not evidences but hunches and guesses.
Obama decided to force delegates from Russia back to Russia - without even as much as a smidgen of criminal evidence that Russia was to blame. Not only did he force them to leave the US - he named them as being involved with the hack. If he or the US government had evidence of this hack - they would not be sent back to Russia instead be sitting in a federal penitentiary awaiting prosecution of the highest caliber. That never happened.
Use your head
The President of Mexico is showing our own GOP how to respond to this bully. Ole!
4
Buyers (Americans) pay the import tax, not the seller (Mexico).
4
What happened to the good old Christian saying "Love thy neighbor" ? I guess the God's word is only useful when it suits your political needs. Great going the new GOP.
4
It's really not about the wall. We have a president who hasn't even got enough people skills to be polite to the leader of a neighboring country - one of our strongest allies. The message to our allies all over the world is that he can't be trusted. All bets are off.
10
The president of Mexico should just stand-up to the bully and announce that he will be closing the border next week until he receives clarifications from the US on the economic war that Trump is waging against Mexico. A few days of financial mayhem will change Trump mind very quickly.
7
In 2009 the Obama Administration put a tariff on Chinese tires. One analysis suggests 1200 US jobs saved, at a cost to US consumers (in the form of more expensive tires, of $1.1 billion -- in 2011 alone. That's an annual cost to consumers of $900,000 per job ( https://piie.com/publications/policy-briefs/us-tire-tariffs-saving-few-j... )
There are situations where a tariff makes sense, but it's a pretty expensive way to pay for job protection. In this case, it seemed mostly like a way to take cash from tire buyers and give it to tire company shareholders.
There are situations where a tariff makes sense, but it's a pretty expensive way to pay for job protection. In this case, it seemed mostly like a way to take cash from tire buyers and give it to tire company shareholders.
2
Not really when you consider the cheapness of the tires coming out of China vs tire lifespan - by far that in itself has costed more than paying a little more for quality. Not to mention the billions that go into injury and damage claims
1
the wall will have twice the concrete as that in hoover damn
hoover damn took 5 years to build
an entire city was built to house the workers
surveying the 2, 000 mi route, producing engineering blueprints and arranging for the logistics of personnel, materials transport, food, water, housing, etc in a desert that is > 100 + for months at a time
if started this day it would take more than 10 years to finish
3
There you go again, confusing the issue with truth and the facts!
3
wild west has returned. We(Trump+supporters) will take/snatch from you whatever we feel of value, AND we will do it "LEGALLY" (haha like American tradition).
In the movie Forsaken, the peasent farmer's wife told the "rich" 'power holder' she wish to spit on his grave, and he very casually ask her to wait in line with others.
With utmost disrespect and disdain for anything "non-white" Trump and his supporters/cronies have started dictating world to 'fall-in-line'.
This goon will push America into dark ages.
In the movie Forsaken, the peasent farmer's wife told the "rich" 'power holder' she wish to spit on his grave, and he very casually ask her to wait in line with others.
With utmost disrespect and disdain for anything "non-white" Trump and his supporters/cronies have started dictating world to 'fall-in-line'.
This goon will push America into dark ages.
6
He's been in office for less than one week and one of his top priorities is to build a wall along the border of Mexico. It's disgraceful. Although I didn't vote for him, I'm embarrassed that he now holds the title of President of the United States. I'm glad President Nieto cancelled his trip--why would he want to visit?
13
Stupid is as stupid does! Cutoff any assistance, whatsoever, and Mexico, in actuality, will pay for the WALL. They are not our friend, but they fight for time at our teat, with promises and lies. They are far too corrupt and uncivil to be considered anything but totally useless and untrustworthy, a pariha to America.
3
We really didn't win the Mexican War 170 or so years ago. The contant and unionterupted flow of Mexican illegals into this country is Monezuma's Revenge - and they are winning.
I order you to never eat guacamole and drink Margaritas until you get educated about foreign trade.
4
And we are sooo close to you, and we are a peaceful country but we have friends... and they really hate US, so please remember that.
And We "the useless" mexican people wish you never eat guacamuke again
And We "the useless" mexican people wish you never eat guacamuke again
This is what abusers do: blame the victim, make them pay, all to assert their own self-worth.
13
And the trade wars begin. If Trump had any sense of history, or any real feel for the larger economy outside of his own narrow interests, then he would know that nobody ever wins a trade war.
But he has neither. And now we're all going to suffer.
A silver lining. Now all the middle American states which put this bozo into office are going to see their agricultural export markets utterly shut down. No more corn, rice or sugar dumping on the Mexican market, Latin America as a whole, or anywhere else for that matter. I am truly looking forward to the buyer's remorse. And the logical contortions they're going to go put themselves through as they (still) try to blame Obama for the coming debacle.
But he has neither. And now we're all going to suffer.
A silver lining. Now all the middle American states which put this bozo into office are going to see their agricultural export markets utterly shut down. No more corn, rice or sugar dumping on the Mexican market, Latin America as a whole, or anywhere else for that matter. I am truly looking forward to the buyer's remorse. And the logical contortions they're going to go put themselves through as they (still) try to blame Obama for the coming debacle.
7
King Trump, leader of the riches country in the world, must feel very powerful picking on one of the poorest countries in the world. Let's see, there are 319 million people in the US and he's worried about 3% coming in to find work, jobs that don't have high paying wages or benefits. Since 2009 reports show as many as a million people have returned to Mexico. And, this was well before King Trump took office. So Mexico you don't need to pay for this wall, and King Trump don't use my tax dollars either!
5
I really wish that all of the people who are (rightly) outraged at this, would call or write their representatives in both Houses and demand for them to do something about this. It's the only way to stop the madness.
I'm mexican, I live in Mexico. There is a genuine feeling of numbness and surprise. We watch your sports, we buy your stuff, we watch your movies and your TV shows. Why does Trump have so much hate towards my country?
I'm mexican, I live in Mexico. There is a genuine feeling of numbness and surprise. We watch your sports, we buy your stuff, we watch your movies and your TV shows. Why does Trump have so much hate towards my country?
12
I am thinking about building a fence around my property and making my neighbor pay for it, but my neighbor is Mexican and is quick to anger, so I may hold off for a while.
1
So, reading other NYT articles, I now find that it was a 'mutual decision' to cancel the meeting? The timeline in this piece, along with the times indicated in the Twitter messages, do not add any clarity to the question "Is this just another Trump lie?" This is where the media needs to step up and stay on top of the news feed.
3
Not a dull moment... Thanks!
Ahoy Reverend, hailing from Toronto; you're very welcome. Our future ex– tweeter in chief, is doing the best he can for his buddies. Now, I could understand if you guys may want to build your own wall to keep the binders of deserting Americans from trampling your forests down to get out!
"Historians said that not since President Calvin Coolidge threatened to invade a 'Soviet Mexico' had the United States so deeply antagonized the Mexican populace."
Is this our Sovietized media working the street for Mexico again? Endless drugs and millions of "illegals" coming from Mexico hasn't "deeply antagonized" Americans over the last three decades?
Is this our Sovietized media working the street for Mexico again? Endless drugs and millions of "illegals" coming from Mexico hasn't "deeply antagonized" Americans over the last three decades?
1
If there was no market for drugs in rich areas such as your fair city, the drugs would not find their way to the States. What are you doing to help curb the market?
3
now i wonder ...
who is consuming that endless supply of drugs, which fuels the violence ?
oh, i know...
who is consuming that endless supply of drugs, which fuels the violence ?
oh, i know...
2
I don’t see how building a wall on the southern border is going to be anything but counter-productive. We’ve existed as a country for over 240 years without a wall on any of our borders. Most of that time we didn’t even have a border patrol. The US Border Patrol wasn’t formed until 1924. Donald Trump talks about making America great again. Like, what is he talking about? If America was great without a wall before, then why do we need one now?
4
Can he build a Potemkin wall and tell his supporters he build a real one and save a lot of our taxpayer money?
5
If I thought that I needed to put up an expensive wall around my property to keep the neighbors out, I don't think that there is any way that I could force my neighbors to pay for that wall. So, how is it that Mr. Trump and his followers expect our Mexican neighbors to pay for a wall that they don't want or need?
5
What makes anyone think a huge expensive wall will solve immigration. Ever heard of tunnels? Several already exist along the border.
5
And ladders.
1
Whether this tax is imposed on producers before goods leave Mexico (unless manufacturers absorb the 20%, which is unlikely), or on wholesale costs after goods cross the border, I guess I'd be a bad American if I don't feel patriotic paying 20% more for what I buy.
2
I'm beginning to think I'm living on the wrong side of the wall.
11
Time for the leaders of other countries to follow the example of their Mexican counterpart and to refuse to visit the US or to host DT for as long as he is in office. Note, please, the contrast between EPN and the pathetic, groveling Theresa May, whose hapless government simply has no idea how to manage Brexit. Hers is the sort of company that DT attracts. Just too bad that Franco, Marcos, and Mobutu are no longer around to rush to see him. But there are still Mugabe and Abe.
9
Perspective: I know many Canadians who say they have no plan of holidaying in the US as long as Donald Trump is in power.
Thank goodness for all the people that marched on Saturday and showed the World Community that their values were not the same as Pres. Donald Trump's. Daily contemptuous talk of such things as: torture being a good thing, taking Iraq's oil (I think that was an attempt to be funny, but I wonder if his base understands that!), cheating during the voting causing harm to his tally, suggesting that Mexico is treating the US unfairly and the media are evil.
He's making a fool of himself and when I hear him speak I hold that picture of the throngs of people stating their truth at this time. Now if they find places to do their work, the whole world will be better off.
Thank goodness for all the people that marched on Saturday and showed the World Community that their values were not the same as Pres. Donald Trump's. Daily contemptuous talk of such things as: torture being a good thing, taking Iraq's oil (I think that was an attempt to be funny, but I wonder if his base understands that!), cheating during the voting causing harm to his tally, suggesting that Mexico is treating the US unfairly and the media are evil.
He's making a fool of himself and when I hear him speak I hold that picture of the throngs of people stating their truth at this time. Now if they find places to do their work, the whole world will be better off.
1
Here's the solution for building the wall and its really quite simple...Trump says he's a multi-billionaire and he hasn't paid a cent in taxes for decades so he should have quite a "slush" fund hidden from the government and since he appointed multi-billionaires for his cabinet ...all he and his billionaires buddies have to do is contribute a few billion...what was it? $8 billion estimated to build the wall? They can chip in a few billion each and they can pay for the wall since Trump says he is 100% sure Mexico will pay for the wall and trump says taxpayers will pay but he'll get 100% of the cost back...pardon us Trump if we don't believe a word you say...you ran a campaign based on outright lies and blatant factless information, sooo, actually no one trusts you! when you say "trust me." Trump hasn't earned anyone's trust or respect. And, since he continues to accuse this country and the people of being so very oppressed and you gave such an insincere and boring speech today about how much you care about the American people...put your money, that means billions, where your mouth is and you and your billionaire buddies you just appointed just needs to come with a meager $8 billion and you and your guys won't ever notice its gone. see that wasn't so hard was it?! You and your billionaires can foot the bill since you are 100% positive Mexico will pay....gee, thanks guys!
3
Why doesn't Trump demand that El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras pay for the Wall? Because he's ignorant. He doesn't know that the great majority of undocumented crossing border are from those countries, not from Mexico. If Trump were president of Mexico, he wouldn't pay for wall either...and rightly so.
11
Maybe we should adopt mexicos attitude about other immigrants as well. Deport immediately and no birthright citizenship.
Every other "Sane" leader on the planet should do likewise and not meet with Trump. Trump needs to learn the other people on this planet are not chattel. They have pride, dignity and self worth. They have a sense of their culture, heritage and history. They don't need a crass, uncultured real estate speculator telling them how to manage their countries affairs.
20
Our trade deficit with Mexico is $60 billion; they steal our jobs, they export their surplus population.
President Trump knows what he is doing.
President Trump knows what he is doing.
2
You are free to pick crops, cut up chickens or beef, cut grass, wash dishes at a restaurant or make beds at a hotel...........Opportunity awaits you! GO FOR IT!!!!
1
I had a friend from Mexico City who told me the Mexican government conducted a study and found that there were more Mexican nationals living in Los Angeles county than in Guadalajara, Mexico.
2
Yes, and there are more Israeli nationals living in NYC than in Jerusalem.
I don't believe that. Mexico City is "huge." Cite your source, find a respectable source for it, other than somebody told me.
3
There are certainly more Mexicans living in the u.s. than anywhere but Mexico. I thought liberals were for more diversity?
OK, so we hit the imports with a 20% tax, that means stuff from Mexico will cost about 20% more. That means we'll be buying less and that means some people will lose jobs. Nice job DT.
2
No - thats wrong. Mexico swallows the cost of shipping the product to a foreign market - just as any other country. They could balloon the retail price - but that would pull themselves from the competitive market of similar products.
One concept I can't understand is why is it so wrong to want all folks coming into the country to come in legally?
3
Most do come in legally through every point of entry there is. They just overstay the term of their visa.
We all agree on the subject of legal immigration and lawful voting. The issue is the imbecil that won the electoral college (not the popular vote) who is destroying decades of diplomacy because of his pathetic, insatiable ego. If you voted for this vile human being, you will soon be hanging your head in shame.
2
Keith, the point is that the wall is not going to work. As I have said numerous times, there is a wall in the areas where people most make a run for it over the border and the rest is in extremely difficult terrain.
Plus illegal immigration is down since the 1980s when Saint Ronnie gave illegal immigrants amnesty. Look up the numbers.
This is a total waste of money.
Plus illegal immigration is down since the 1980s when Saint Ronnie gave illegal immigrants amnesty. Look up the numbers.
This is a total waste of money.
Throughout the campaign Trump aimed the gun at America's feet every time he opened his mouth. And now he's pulling the trigger over and over again. There is something truly deranged about this approach to dealing with the rest of the world. Is this for real? Who is this person you have let into the White House?
12
You are exactly right. Trump says "dance" and the Republicans do a jig.
Finally someone with some guts stands up to the clueless bully. Its time for the press and Democrats to follow suit. Stop letting him step all over you. He does not deserve any more respect of a few more days. It is obvious he is out to destroy this place.
12
Why so much hate America?
Wjy so much hatred towards my heritage, culture, family? Why are u mad that we are making good on the opportunities that this great country has given us? Just as your grandparents, great granparents did good on thise opportunities.
Wjy so much hatred towards my heritage, culture, family? Why are u mad that we are making good on the opportunities that this great country has given us? Just as your grandparents, great granparents did good on thise opportunities.
16
Nice job republicans. Very nice.
7
Trump policies will turn us into Venezuela.
4
You want to stand by your migrant citizens? Tell them to return home.
1
When do we make an enemy of Canada? I guess we have to destroy our relationship with Britain first.
1
Bravo Mexico! Let's see how our butthead "president" handles our economy when other nations join an embargo against USA. Russian caviar as a staple anyone?
7
Please, Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell; recognize this: Donald Trump is spiraling ... and taking ALL of us down with him. Facts are facts. Shouldn't you question his one-sided wall for what it is? - one that our U.S./Mexican foreign relationship can not tolerate. Effectively, you are telling all Americans that our country will be governed by Trump alone, making his infamous tagline mean much more than just words. We can not live on this planet as isolationists. We need our government to work. We need our NATO alliances and our neighbors, Mexico included. If we let our relations with them whither - because walls do not good neighbors make - the dominoes will fall, and other countries will resoundly ring the alarms! Ironically, the GOP leadership welcomed President Trump in Philadelphia today to strategize on health care, tax reform, and the budget. Perhaps we'd be better served if DJT and the Republican leaders in Congress strategized and reflected on what it means to be in Philadelphia, given its direct lineage to our Founding Fathers and the constitution. Please make President Trump get to the important business of unifying this country, and please pay attention to the growing cries of resistance and all that it means. And I don't mean poll-wise. Maybe he can start tonight; do his homework and turn off the TV. Sad!
4
The Republicans seem to have little control over Pres. Trump.
In the end, whenever that is, Paul Ryan and all Republicans are responsible for the terrible display of incompetence that the US President is showing.
In the end, whenever that is, Paul Ryan and all Republicans are responsible for the terrible display of incompetence that the US President is showing.
The US imports 760,000 barrels of oil an day from Mexico. At $50/bbl the 20% tariff will add $7.6 million per day to the cost of gasoline for American consumers.
Mexico doesn't pay for the wall, its the American consumer. What is he thinking about?
Mexico doesn't pay for the wall, its the American consumer. What is he thinking about?
8
The demand for drugs in the US drives the drug trade. The drugs come over the border because US home-grown criminals buy them to resell to other US criminals. I thought Trump was a smart businessman, so why can't he understand the business of illicit drugs and the US role in it?
5
The symbiotic relationship between the U.S., Mexico and the drug dealers is long and "disinguished" and a poster child for the long standing failed and very expensive "War on Drugs" strategy of America. The drug dealers supply the drugs and in return, America supplies them with the biggest market for their product, the guns and the cash.
Mexico is not particularly close to being a failed state, but it's not completely safe from becoming one either. We don't just trade with Mexico for our own immediate monetary gain, or out of the goodness of our hearts. It is in our security interest to have a stable, prosperous state on our southern border. That was part of what NAFTA was all about. Trump's simplistic approach to....well, everything, is going to damage our country in the long run. The man is an unstable menace, and we will rue the day we allowed him to gain power.
13
In the history of wall-building, I keep on thinking about the Berlin Wall, Hadrian's Wall and the Great Wall of China. Notably, none of those ever kept out (or in, in the case of Berlin), those who wanted to get to the other side. The invaders either went around, over top or underneath. The walls might have appeased the makers, but also notably those folks are long gone. As will be Trump, some day.
4
This is insane. Why is he picking a fight with our neighbors and our fourth largest trading partner?
Just because?
Some, I assume, are good people.
Just because?
Some, I assume, are good people.
9
So instead of health insurance we will have a bigly wall. So much damage in so little time - unbelievable
13
Engaging in an open conflict with our neighbor to the south...just another day in the Trump administration. It's getting hard to keep up the outrage. Every day it's another 20 horrific executive orders, plans, policies, appointments, speeches, tweets. How does this all end?
15
Wasn't it a Republican former president whose words became the battle cry of freedom back in the 80s? "Mr. Gorbachev - tear down this wall." - Ronald Reagan, Berlin, 1987.
We've come a long way since then.
President Enrique Peña Nieto has proven to be the voice of freedom, thus illustrating a very sad chapter in our history during these very trying times.
If we start losing allies at this rate so early on in Mr. Trump's administration, what can we expect in the long run?
We've come a long way since then.
President Enrique Peña Nieto has proven to be the voice of freedom, thus illustrating a very sad chapter in our history during these very trying times.
If we start losing allies at this rate so early on in Mr. Trump's administration, what can we expect in the long run?
9
Even with the remittances, children in Central America are suffering from malnutrition. The mass deportation is going to cause starvation, unless charitable people step up and find a way to get money to these impoverished people. Pray for them,,,,pray for ourselves.
5
Well the President of Mexico must be regretting his utterly stupid decision to invite Trump to Mexico and meet with him during the campaign. Especially since there was zero political protocol requiring he do this. Just another example of people who paved the way for the rise of this racist.
5
I am shocked that Trump wants to build a wall and secure our southern border. How will drug cartels get drugs into the US? How will gun smugglers get illegal guns to the gangs in Chicago? How will Chicago break their murder record if they can't get guns?. How will Mexican cartel members support their families? How will Democrats build their voter base if the border is closed?
Trumps action is very inhumane.
Trumps action is very inhumane.
1
If you think building a very expensive wall is going to accomplish all of that, you're very naive.
wow! truly ugly...
Mexico should agree to pay for a wall as soon as we agree to give Mexico back the territory we stole.
11
Time for Mexico to give the boot to the million Americans living there. or perhaps have them pay a special tax.
7
Mexico LOVES Americans well American dollars that come with Americans.
How soon until we can invoke the 25th amendment?
1
Trumpty Dumpty wanted a wall
Trumpty Dumpty started a brawl
All of fox news and paid sycophants
Couldn't keep Trumpty from tweeting himself
Mexican standoff week 1. Thanks Donald!
Trumpty Dumpty started a brawl
All of fox news and paid sycophants
Couldn't keep Trumpty from tweeting himself
Mexican standoff week 1. Thanks Donald!
4
Putin must be grinning with glee. This is the insurgence he had hoped for. And now we The People of the United States will suffer for it. What astounds me to no end is the Trump supporters who still mock the truth. How bad does it need to get before they will admit they were DUPED, and that this mistake has cost every American below the 1 percent financial net worth threshold?
6
Funny how NOW the left complains about paying more for produce, but none of them complain when it comes to raising the minimum wage, which yields the same result...except not just on produce, on everything.
Raising the minimum wage enables those people to buy more basic goods and services, helping the economy. It also enables them perhaps to get an education, also helping the economy. Get it ?
1
No, I don't get it. They'll be paid more but it will also cost more to purchase those basic goods and services. As minimum wage increases the cost to produce/provide goods and services also increases and that cost is passed on to consumers. So you're getting paid more (hooray) but it costs more to buy your basic goods and services (not to mention you are taxed more on higher wages). You also run the risk that with increased prices consumers will stop buying any "nonessential" goods and services (such as a cup of coffee), thereby hurting the economy. Otherwise, you'll see companies reducing worker's hours or laying people off to reduce costs or replacing workers with automated machines. I'd rather have a job at $10 per hour than no job at $15 per hour.
It's sympatry. We kick out the Mexicans who pick our vegetables and raise the price of vegetables from Mexico.
'bout time the freeloaders are locked out. They want to work here, apply for a green card, like all other aliens. Mexico's President is a joke. He doesn't like us walling him off, then let him start to do something, like patrolling his side of the border and stopping those trying to illegally cross into the U.S. His criminals come to the U.S., rob our legal citizens of jobs, and then send the money back to Mexico to support their kin. That is wrong, on many levels.
So, the wall, will help our economy by creating jobs held by the illegals.
Good on you Mr. Trump..looking out for our best interests. I knew there was a good reason I voted for him.
So, the wall, will help our economy by creating jobs held by the illegals.
Good on you Mr. Trump..looking out for our best interests. I knew there was a good reason I voted for him.
2
I don't believe there are thousands of Americans dying to be low paid gardeners, babysitters and fruit pickers. No one is forcing your college kids to buy drugs either.
3
you lost me at "kin"
There's more than one way to skin a cat folks. In the end they will pay one way or another.
1
in the end america will pay one way or the other
2
Every day is a parade of horrors. This morning I read that Trump interrupts staff meetings to take calls from Morning Joe. The Mexican president did the right thing. You can't have a discussion with a madman, just ignore him,
12
DT has already come back with the lie that he and Pres. Pena Nieto agreed not to meet since it would be 'fruitless'. The guy's ego is so fragile he could not tolerate a brushoff by another head of state. He may have been right about the fruitless part though since so much of our winter produce comes from our southern neighbor. There goes affordable(and highly nutritious) avocado, veggies, even many cut flowers. The Iltwitterot likely has no idea what his plans could do to just the automotive supply chain. If $300 billion suddenly goes up to $360 billion guess who's businesses and consumers are forced to pay the price. Wonder when last he tried to buy a few bags of groceries. When you live in a tower so tall you must even lie about its height, what do you know about all those little people scurrying around down there. Wish he'd go on an extended trade mission to China, try to make a deal on that antique wall they don't need anymore. Or hit up PM May for a chunk of Hadrian's old wall. We know how well those specimens worked out. Istanbul still has some massive pieces of that city wall. How much longer will they be our NATO ally? Jeez, he hasn't even been President a week until tomorrow, what could go wrong?
10
I don't need to wait for Krugman to tell me this tax is coming out my pocket.
12
What a great way for a nation's leader to improve his or her approval ratings--just spar with Trump. I have a feeling Trump will single-handedly, unintentionally unite the world--against him.
11
Viva Mexico. Thank you for standing up to the Bully in Chief.
10
So now Trump has a foe in the south and in the north Trudo is ready to cancel the oil flow through the planned pipe line. Any Twitter name calling for for Mr Trudo--------Mr Trump?
1
Trump is a fool.
9
If you've never been to the border in Arizona and Texas, you haven't seen how militarized it is already. There is plenty of fencing and radar and helicopter surveillance 24/7. Build a wall and you still haven't addressed the matter of people overstaying their LEGAL visas -- a major part of the problem. This is all show -- for Trump's ego and the under-informed.
13
Then the 1 million Mexican illegals in LA county must not really exist? We have been enabling the corrupt Mexican government by allowing illegals in who then send money home. We need to stop this and make Mexicans fix their problems with governmental corruption.
Trump says erecting a wall to keep out illegal immigrants will save thousands and thousands of lives. Since when have thousands and thousands of Americans lost their lives to illegal immigrants crossing the Mexican border?
7
Since Trump decided it made a nice sound bite.
At this time there are only 1774 comments. I was expecting the other 3 million illegal voters to chime in. Where could they be?
1
they're preparing to pay for the wall
Los Angeles...Duh everyone knows that!!
Is Canada next? This isn't funny. Mexico is our neighbor and many of our citizens have roots to Mexico. This must stop because, if it does not, it will get a lot worse.
I am terrified of this lunatic dictator! Why is everyone afraid to publicly take him on?
I am terrified of this lunatic dictator! Why is everyone afraid to publicly take him on?
9
Don ' the worry Trump has promised to treat Canada on equal terms; equal to Mexico that is. They are already looking at building some kind of wall along what used to be the longest undefended border in the world.
If you don't build my wall, I'm staying home! So there. Thrrrrrrrrp!
Ole Sr. Pena Nieto! You must stand up to a bully not kowtow.
3
Sooooo embarassing! A 20% tax on all imports means that U.S. consumers and not Mexico will pay for the wall.
"By early afternoon, Mr. Trump said it was the United States that was being treated unfairly."
How? NAFTA has been in force by mutual agreement. 20:20 hindsight is great, but both sides behaved according to the agreed rules until now. Why should Mexico be punished for our failings?
"By early afternoon, Mr. Trump said it was the United States that was being treated unfairly."
How? NAFTA has been in force by mutual agreement. 20:20 hindsight is great, but both sides behaved according to the agreed rules until now. Why should Mexico be punished for our failings?
5
Wrong. A 20% import tax means that it must be paid before it is sold. It is not a VAT. The product in the US may be no longer competitive which means maybe US products will be .
One of the nicest things about the USA is our neighbors. We have friendlies in the North and the South. No boats of African immigrants. No borders with sponsors of terrorism. No, just good God loving Mexicans coming to work hard and support their families. Trump has found a way to screw it up. Now, who knows what will be tossed over that new wall.
9
Mexico dumps its poor on the US so their corrupt government officials can continue to enrich themselves. Bravo, Trump.
2
Trump dumps the USA institutions ( Press, EPA, science, CIA, )so that his corrupt cronies cabinet pals continue to enrich themselves on your back and mine
2
Muchas gracias, Señor Presidente. Why should the head of government from a neighbor whose country has a history longer than ours, put up with this garbage from an uncivilized dolt. Mexico has done nothing to us. He might as well recall his Ambassador. Hopefully, the "Trumpets" will come to their senses before we run out of fresh produce during the winter months, layoffs take place in American companies that supply material for Mexican assembled autos and much more.
This American, who knows Mexico from Oaxaca to Guanajuato and everything in between. It won't mean much, but the WTO and UN should strongly condemn the actions of this renegade poor excuse of a President. Why doesn't Trump make "El Chapo" head of the DEA. At least he knows something about that agency's purpose.
This American, who knows Mexico from Oaxaca to Guanajuato and everything in between. It won't mean much, but the WTO and UN should strongly condemn the actions of this renegade poor excuse of a President. Why doesn't Trump make "El Chapo" head of the DEA. At least he knows something about that agency's purpose.
11
The Unamerican American President. Trump stands for all values that are Non American. And he represents the United States of America.... WOW.
Was Trump's election as President a Mistake? That is for the American People to decide, and in its case, resolve.
Simply put. The ideological beacon Country is drowning. Who will be the lifeguard? The Republicans? I don"t know, they appear to have misplaced their pants and boots and compass. From Reagan to Bush to Trump. The USA is on a dive.
Will China surface as the new "orderly", just, civil World Leader? Perhaps. Will Putin eat America's "lunch", perhaps.
Every cloud has a silver lining, therefore, a new world Pact: The TPP, lead by China, minus USA. An Economic Block, to block USA.
Today was a wake up call for Mexico. I hope it grasps it and sees it as a Great opportunity to divest of its dependence from what once was a Great Friend and ally: The United States of America.
All Americans are still welcome in Mexico> Mi casa es su casa.
Was Trump's election as President a Mistake? That is for the American People to decide, and in its case, resolve.
Simply put. The ideological beacon Country is drowning. Who will be the lifeguard? The Republicans? I don"t know, they appear to have misplaced their pants and boots and compass. From Reagan to Bush to Trump. The USA is on a dive.
Will China surface as the new "orderly", just, civil World Leader? Perhaps. Will Putin eat America's "lunch", perhaps.
Every cloud has a silver lining, therefore, a new world Pact: The TPP, lead by China, minus USA. An Economic Block, to block USA.
Today was a wake up call for Mexico. I hope it grasps it and sees it as a Great opportunity to divest of its dependence from what once was a Great Friend and ally: The United States of America.
All Americans are still welcome in Mexico> Mi casa es su casa.
7
Why do I have the feeling that the CEO of the company that's contracted to build this wall will end up being a 'close personal friend' of Trump and at least a couple of Congressmen?
14
Because you have very educated feelings.
Here is fight a that didn't have to happen, and it is a great disservice to citizens on both sides of the border. Everyday seems to bring new, unnecessary angst to a diminished America, brought on by the rotund one to satisfy his ego and unhinged advisors. If there is a god, may she help us.
7
Think of Mexico or Canada deciding to build a wall in the US border and asking the US to pay for it. What the Donald is doing is so unfair it's ridiculous.
4
Are Americans illegally breaking into Canada and Mexico by the millions?
Trump is bringing China to North America. When the spineless Republicans will stop this madman? Hugo Chavez was to Venezuela what Trump is to the USA. Trump and supporters should found a new country: The Banana Republic of Trump.
4
It has always been a source of pride that the US borders with our neighbors were free and open. It was evidence of the faith & trust North Americans have in democracy. In less than a week trump has tarnished the image of American democracy while insulting the people and leaders of neighboring countries. We the people are being misrepresented by this president.
9
Not sure the US is being misrepresented, or at least a large number of Americans are being
Guy hasn't been in office a week and he's already ruining relations with one of America's oldest and most reliable trading partners. All to prove he's BMOC. Republicans in Congress and billionaires seeking cabinet posts are obviously willing to lick his boots, but I'm glad to see foreign leaders telling this egotistical bully to drop dead.
12
Nieto: I guess I'll have to cancel the meeting...
Trump: No, I am canceling the meeting.
Nieto: That's what I just proposed...
Trump: Shut up Nieto, I said it first. You stole MY idea. There, meeting is cancelled. In your face Nieto.
Trump: No, I am canceling the meeting.
Nieto: That's what I just proposed...
Trump: Shut up Nieto, I said it first. You stole MY idea. There, meeting is cancelled. In your face Nieto.
9
Having considered all options and situations, we must recognize that Donald Trump belongs in a mental hospital.
15
The President of Mexico has more guts to stand up to this liar than the Democrats do.
15
Don't you mean the Republicans?
1
If Republicans do not stand up to these mindless behavior, it will get worse and may end up with war with China over Taiwan and trade? Is there any adult left in Republican leaders to stand up to this out of control teenager?
12
Look at Breitbart News' reporting of drug crime in Mexico for a hint into what is motivating Trump's thinking. Before you condemn it you should be sure it is false reporting.
1
Only 1454 days to go, Presidente Peña Nieto. Please accept our apologies and endure with the rest of the civilized world the madness that has been foisted upon us by a minority of uninformed, ignorant and bigoted fools. Viva Mexico!
17
Any nation can choose to build what they want on their soil,no matter how pointless.
But when has it EVER been considered fair to tell another nation that they have to pay for it?
Following through on passed legislation to fence off a border would go off without a hitch.
But it's this ridiculous attitude that makes a huge deal out of it -- painting Mexicans as inferior humans -- and tries to claim damages for OUR decision to physically separate that makes this a no go.
But when has it EVER been considered fair to tell another nation that they have to pay for it?
Following through on passed legislation to fence off a border would go off without a hitch.
But it's this ridiculous attitude that makes a huge deal out of it -- painting Mexicans as inferior humans -- and tries to claim damages for OUR decision to physically separate that makes this a no go.
5
Increasingly I find myself angry at the DNC for pushing through a candidate - albiet a competent one - who was unelectable. Democrats have to look for younger people who will build from the ground up.
3
Undetectable candidates to do not win large majorities. Some people are petty. They want perfection in a candidate. if they don't get what they want they take their marbles home and then blame the unpleasant results on someone else.
1
It's like two 14 year-olds, "I'm not talking to you".
Mike
No, it's like one fourteen year-old and an exasperated Mexican adult.
No, it's like one fourteen year-old and an exasperated Mexican adult.
2
Trump started it.
It's like an adult who's been threatened by a schoolyard bully walking away rather than engaging in childish behavior. Trump can have the sandbox to himself.
Buen hombre, brave, too
2
We have become one nation divided by a common president.
9
What whoa, so with Trump's election, another casualty now is diplomatic relations with Mexico too?!
2
We had the Great wall of China. Now we will have the Great wall of Mexico , I guess .
Great Wall of United states because is building for USA
1
Apparently the ultra-liberal commenters live in a drug-free, white community, no "undocumented" foreigners.
BTW, who does your lawn care and other non-upper middle/upper class tasks? Are they here legally?
BTW, who does your lawn care and other non-upper middle/upper class tasks? Are they here legally?
1
What are you talking about? This is the "New York" Times. Any one who has spent a minute in New York City knows it is not drug free, it is not all white and it has a lot of undocumented residents. And most of us don't have lawns.
Or maybe they simply live in harmony with their neighbors, whoever they might be. Is that so hard to imagine?
2
I think the moral of the story is that you can't always get what you want.
Yes .... but if you try sometimes, you get what you need
Mick Jager
Mick Jager
Fantastic! We do not need Mexico - Mexico needs us! It is still a crime ridden third world country that doesn't have a border! Enough is enough! Viva U.S.A.!
2
Both countries needs, look the economy of the frontier citiies in USA
1
As much as I love my fellow Americans who voted Trump, people whom I know, and would trust..the past few days have left me with my attempted stoicism, standing by the curb.
I'm sorry, Trump Voters (Yes, I realize they don't read NYT), but you have shot yourself in the feet and you are too far in your own alternative reality to be able to know that...
I'm sorry, Trump Voters (Yes, I realize they don't read NYT), but you have shot yourself in the feet and you are too far in your own alternative reality to be able to know that...
9
You mean that politics is not like business? Trump - welcome to the real world!
9
President Bart Simpson.
Now we have to be Homer and take him to the woodshed.
Vladimir! its your cue!
Now we have to be Homer and take him to the woodshed.
Vladimir! its your cue!
1
Update, Trump gets payback by raising US consumer costs of goods from Mexico by 20% to pay for the wall. Brilliant strategy! Putin will love this new systemically weakened America.
9
Putting aside all of the venomous, vile, xenophobic, protectionist, racist, narcissistic and scurrilous motivations for "building the walal" (read: 'USA! USA! USA!) -- How is it possible that the Predator-In-Chief does not know that MOST unscheduled visitors (read: "immigrants") make their way from there to here by tunnels. In fact, the tunnel network is so intricate and widespread that finding and blocking them would be tantamount to swatting at bedbugs. @johannaclear #dumptrump #first100days #michaelmoore #yvetteclark
9
Because Trump listens to Fox and Breitbart and thinks what they spout is true. He, like millions of other Americans, needs serious de-programming.
1
A lunatic has been installed by Putin to destroy the government and thus eliminate the US as the dominant world power. This is what happens when Americans don't vote or cast protest votes for third party candidates. It is sad to consider that this was an avoidable chapter in our history. VOTE!!!
16
Unless Mexico is going to treat the U.S. fairly, with respect, such a meeting would be fruitless, and I want to go a different route. We have no choice.”
Somehow I think there is delusional thought here....Also, has it dawned on anyone that Trump wants the wall so be one like China has. A Great Wall. A Huge Wall. A wall that might be a ...a...ode to a toad that might by Trump[?.
Somehow I think there is delusional thought here....Also, has it dawned on anyone that Trump wants the wall so be one like China has. A Great Wall. A Huge Wall. A wall that might be a ...a...ode to a toad that might by Trump[?.
1
Wait, didn't this genius Trump write "The Art of the Deal?" A five-year-old could do a better job!
7
Trump equals GOP! Poor GOP.
A better way to stop illegal entry is to implement
e-verify for renting labor with steep financial penalties and jail time
Poof...no jobs, no rentals, no illegal entry
e-verify for renting labor with steep financial penalties and jail time
Poof...no jobs, no rentals, no illegal entry
3
Poof...no oranges, no grapefruits, no lemons, no limes, no beans, no tomatoes, no grapes, no lettuce, no cabbage, no strawberries, blue berries, raspberries, no avocados, no apples, no anything that migrant labor brings to your comfortable table. Poof!
1
By May, 2017, President Trump will announce plans for the National Agricultural Labor Service, a plan to draft every high school graduate or 18-year-old who has dropped out of school for a 2-year stint as an agricultural service worker. Only young people who volunteer for military service will be exempt. NALS will assure every farmer an adequate supply of harvest labor as well as workers to provide all the agricultural support services such as moving irrigation pipe, cleaning machinery, or mixing pesticides. While details are still being worked out which is why the roll-out has been delayed until early May one early battle was lost by some of the Trump inner circle. Reportedly Steve Bannon and Kellyanne Conway wanted NALS to consist of those people applying for early Social Security distributions. Bannon insisted that while the elderly are not likely to be efficient there are enough they could get the job done but other staffers who did not wish to be identified argued photos of elderly agricultural workers who collapsed while hoeing sugar beets or harvesting cucumbers would be a gift to Democratic candidates. And reportedly the President was taken with the irony of Dreamers doing farm labor for 2 years before summary deportation to Mexico. One controversial provision would enable NALS workers to buy their way out of the worst jobs, with their payments going to fund university grants for those who do field labor. Should Buffy be able to buy an office job to avoid the hoe?
3
Repbublicans: How much longer are your going to pretend that DJT is fit to be president? You already turned our country in a banana republic. Contain your clown before he destroys the US and the planet.
17
Good.
2
Yes, it's good to see a foreign leader act with integrity in the face of such an absurd bully.
The world will quickly realize that, like a rookie poker player, Trump's bluffs are easily read and called. Trump will likely move now on NAFTA, like the poker fool piling in his cash to back up his bluff.
Ending or severely limiting the scope of NAFTA only increases the desire of disadvantages Mexicans to try their lot in America...
Ending or severely limiting the scope of NAFTA only increases the desire of disadvantages Mexicans to try their lot in America...
3
Congratulations to president Pena, hopefully the first of a long queue of leaders around the world who will sideline this "sideshow Bob" excuse for a president. BRAVO!!!! Just a little disappointed that he missed the opportunity to give Trump the finger, though that would have meant to stoop to his level!
7
do you not yet see that events like this are red meat for trumpites ?
boy, that trump, he sure showed that mexican guy what fer
boy, that trump, he sure showed that mexican guy what fer
3
More world leaders should follow Mexico's lead--Justin Trudeau for starters. He should cancel the pipeline on the Canadian end. Isolate the United States--why should others have to capitulate to our fascist president?
11
pferreira,
Absolutely. Let's hope more world leaders follow the example of Pres. Pena Nieto.
Absolutely. Let's hope more world leaders follow the example of Pres. Pena Nieto.
You realize that if Canada did that, environmentalists would hail Trump a hero with that outcome because it was brought about due to his actions. Those will be some strange bedfellows.
What happens when Americans start getting specifically targeted in previously somewhat friendly or only mildly hostile Muslim countries or other parts of the world? Trump is unhinged but the cynical Republican Congress (talking to you, Paul Ryan, Mitch McC) are the worst enablers of this guy. Just so they can achieve their nefarious pet goals (denying millions of Americans health insurance, among others), they are going along with the insanity.
They shall get their comeuppance. WE THE PEOPLE need to do everything in our power to take Congress back from them, at least the Senate.
They shall get their comeuppance. WE THE PEOPLE need to do everything in our power to take Congress back from them, at least the Senate.
6
I am terrified for the Mexican workers I share the subway with every night on my ride home. Mayor DiBlasio, and mayors of all sanctuary cities: you have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be on the right (as in humane and moral) side of history. Protect these people from a racist dictator. As a New Yorker, I'll support you.
12
Trump is an even bigger disaster than I thought he would be. Looks like it's going to be left to McCain, Graham, the Dems, and the 81% of Americans who didn't vote for this idiot-fool to save the nation.
7
With Mexico and Russia, President Trump misunderstood Michael Corleone's advice of "keep your friends close but enemies closer".
3
I cannot listen to NPR news or read The Guardian or Der Spiegel without feeling my stomach twisting in worry and stress. How much lower can this administration sink? Trump is an utter embarrassment, but he is a narcissist and not very smart (doesn't read, can't write or think beyond misspelt tweets), so the real worry for me are the people pulling the strings behind the scenes, a mob of right-wing and special-interest cronies. Who are the Republicans who will finally say, NO MORE and stand up for what is right, for this nation and its citizens, and not for a "party" that has lost its direction.
9
Plan a vacation trip to Mexico today!
2
Uncle!
Uncle!
How many times will it take before he stops? He's killing us!
Uncle!
Uncle!
How many times will it take before he stops? He's killing us!
Uncle!
2
The art of the deal, as in, Geez folks, I tried.
3
Donald Trump is creating a vacuum of global allies and partners that China is eager to fill. Throw out the TTP, throw out NAFTA, break up the EU, weaken NATO and there certainly will be a nation that is great again -- China
5
of course he canceled, he's not stupid and will now allowTrump to use him
Trump needs to realize that he will also hurt the conservative business owners and farmers in California and other states, that rely on cheap labor from Mexico to make ends meet. It's already difficult for some farmers to find workers during harvest time.
23
Cheap labor? Looks like your really worried about the immigrants receiving good treatment and a fair wage. NOT!!! That is one of the biggest problems with illegal immigration. Employers can treat them horribly and the workers have no recourse. I have a very good friend who was screamed at and had his job threatend because he took two minutes to use a Porto potty. We can ignore it and let it get much worse for the workers so you can keep enjoying your "cheap labor" and the bosses can keep enjoying their higher salaries because they don't have to provide benefits or pay the employees as much OR we can do what Trump wants to do and revamp the immigration system so that we can legally move in more immigrants instead of them having to dig a tunnel under the ground so they can get here and hide and get paid peanuts. I'm sick to death of hearing about these "poor farmers" and then watch them drive down the road in Hummers and $70,000 pickup trucks and go home to a gigantic house with millions of dollars worth of farming equipment, boats and four wheelers and all kinds of toys..Which candidate do you REALLY think has the immigrants best interests in mind now? I see it every day. How would you like to have to hide, pay big money for fake ID's and other credentials and always have to look over your shoulder every time you pass by a policeman? Let's fix this thing and move on.
1
What we need is a list of the Trump requirements for each country. Any foreign head of state who wants to visit and consume some of our President's time must agree with and sign this list before they can enter the country let alone see the President. Really, what's there to negotiate if there is no prior acceptance? This would of course allow our President to think of more new great ideas.
1
It is fruitless to try understanding this insanity we're seeing from "President" Trump as the workings of a rational man. He is a classic example of a person with a narcissistic personality disorder, truly believing that he is smarter and better than everyone else. "I alone can fix it." He firmly believes that his perceptions of reality are correct and flawless. A signature symptom of the narcissistic personality disorder is the inability to cope with a slight to his persona, experiencing any loss of control, and an insatiable need to always win, even in the stark reality of loss. To Trump his bankruptcies weren't a sign of failure, only the "usual cost of doing business" that he ultimately claimed as a win when written off of his Federal tax obligations. The level of outrage and bullying that are his default response to insult or belittlement are convincing indications that Donald J Trump is a textbook narcissist. He has little capacity to be rational, collaborate, or tolerate loss. His mental illness drives him to fight to the bitter end.
Rational efforts to understand all of this by the media and by the American public is a waste of time. This is simply a case of mental illness and needs to be identified as such, or our world as we know it will continue to be in dire circumstances with Trump at the helm. This mental illness needs to be clearly cited by multiple people with credible psychological credentials and promptly addressed with the proper political response.
Rational efforts to understand all of this by the media and by the American public is a waste of time. This is simply a case of mental illness and needs to be identified as such, or our world as we know it will continue to be in dire circumstances with Trump at the helm. This mental illness needs to be clearly cited by multiple people with credible psychological credentials and promptly addressed with the proper political response.
16
To respond to the last sentence, the proper (well, sort of) political response will come as soon as the GOP has used the mentally ill Donald Trump to put into place their own agenda: taking the U.S. back to the Gilded Age, and corporate feudalism. He may stop being *cost-effective* for them soon, but my bet is, they'll hang onto him till they're done. Then, there'll be some YUGE, unforgivable slight, or perhaps, an investigation that is TERRIBLE, SAD! And the mentally ill 45th president will resign.
1
What happened to the democratic party and the liberals in the US? Freaking out over Mexico and the auto companies not having the right to pay their workers seven dollars an hour with no environmental standards. Unbelievable amounts of corruption, I can't imagine the waste that's been illegally dumped all over Mexico. Why has the democratic party lost the union membership vote? They have no core values and mistake international trade for international aid.
6
So let me get this straight: the current president wants to get taxpayer money to pay for the wall (as long as voters are alright with that), insist that Mexico will pay for the wall (hinted the country's citizens or government will pay involuntarily), will charge a 20% tariff on companies that export goods from Mexico to in part fund the current plans for construction, despite the current president of Mexico stating the country will not pay for the wall and canceled the meeting? So unless Mexico or its leaders have a change of heart, allow US companies to build in the country and (often) pass the tariff cost to US consumers, is unlikely sanctioned or has international aid cut by the US in retaliation, or is desperate (despite evidence it's economy is growing though depends on the US), it will take many more weeks or months before seeing if any progress on this "wall" does any good. It will take many more years after (if) the wall is constructed to see that it has any benefits, with evidence building since to the very beginning of US border history that it won't in the long-run. But hey it's only his first controversial week, so let's see how this develops.
7
Diplomacy demands engaging in respectful dialogue, not a roaring vitriolic demand from the bully pulpit. In 2013, there was legislation introduced to secure the borders; but it was to no avail. It is hubris to insult our neighbor. As a first generation American, I am appalled at the lack of courtesy and decency this administration offers, but I am not surprised.
18
Since 2006 Mexico has been immersed in a War on Drugs led by the US to stop the flow of South american cocaine and Asian methamphetamines that take route to the US through Mexico. This has costed Mexico a steady rise in homicides attributable to organized crime from around 2,000 per year in 2006 to 20,000 per year in 2015; in ten years of war almost 150,000 Mexicans have died to prevent drugs reaching the US.
Illegal immigration from Mexico has been steadying decreasing to the point that in recent years more Mexicans are returning than actually leaving for the US. Immigrants heading to the US now are from impoverished and violence stricken countries like Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. On the other hand, Mexico has increased deportations on its Southern border 150% since 2011 making 150,000 deportations in 2015 alone. All this data comes from the Pew Research Center by the way in case anyone was wondering.
After all of this the US is treating Mexico as his worst enemy, like we did 9/11 or something, so maybe we should stop cooperating in buffering all of this and just let it go all through to the US. And if it wrecks our economy in the process then the US will know how it is to live with a failed state and a destabilized region as a next door neighbor.
Illegal immigration from Mexico has been steadying decreasing to the point that in recent years more Mexicans are returning than actually leaving for the US. Immigrants heading to the US now are from impoverished and violence stricken countries like Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. On the other hand, Mexico has increased deportations on its Southern border 150% since 2011 making 150,000 deportations in 2015 alone. All this data comes from the Pew Research Center by the way in case anyone was wondering.
After all of this the US is treating Mexico as his worst enemy, like we did 9/11 or something, so maybe we should stop cooperating in buffering all of this and just let it go all through to the US. And if it wrecks our economy in the process then the US will know how it is to live with a failed state and a destabilized region as a next door neighbor.
15
Mexico. Great country. Those of Mexican descent who helped me build the research farm we are creating in the Northern Plains were wonderful, hard working people. Know that a majority of us will be working hard to drain the swamp in the 2018 election. We don't need walls, We need cultural exchanges and opportunities to help each other build our economies and take care of our families. Ethnic nationalists be damned!
20
Ethnic nationalism be damned?
Really?
It's been on the upswing for years.
It's what you get when you have a massive amounts of recent immigration in today's world.
What I want to know is why people expect a high level of unity to result from a high level of diversity?
Really?
It's been on the upswing for years.
It's what you get when you have a massive amounts of recent immigration in today's world.
What I want to know is why people expect a high level of unity to result from a high level of diversity?
I live within 90 miles of the American/Mexico Border. The U.S. Customs-Border Patrol presence is clear and visible. They do their jobs well. It is not a rampant and out of control issue with smuggling nor a huge illegal entry problem that is obvious or evident. Occasionally, the news media will report issues of this sort. However, not to any such degree that 15-25 billion dollars of capital investment on a wall be reasonably applied. The agricultural beltway of the Imperial and Coachella Valleys produces significant agricultural products that essentially are the bulk of produce America consumes during winter months. It relies heavily on Mexican immigrant labor to work these fields in order to deliver these commodities to your families at reasonable prices. I don't know what you pay for lettuce or strawberries or tomatoes in your region in January, but, I would expect your cost to escalate dramatically in the near future. On the other hand, you might be welcome to get that Ag job you went to school for real soon.
21
In the USA there were about 33,000 deaths in 2015 from heroin overdoses. That's more deaths than caused by guns or cars. 80% of that heroin comes from Mexico, including the adulterant Fentanyl which makes the heroin so deadly. The heroin doesn't come from Indonesia or Afghanistan. 85% of the heroin from Afghanistan goes to Russia. The vast majority (80%) of drugs bought and sold on the streets of Chicago come from Mexico, supplied by the Sinaloa cartel.
So, when Trump puts up a wall to stem the flood of Mexican drugs into this country he is also making a material effort to reduce the carnage in far away cities like Chicago.
So, when Trump puts up a wall to stem the flood of Mexican drugs into this country he is also making a material effort to reduce the carnage in far away cities like Chicago.
7
The recent spike in heroin deaths in many states is directly related to a reduction in opiate prescriptions (from American MDs who realized one facet of a sad problem). Do you really believe the kids who were addicted to pharmaceutical opiates - then turned to heroin as an alternative when the crackdown began on those prescriptions - can be blamed on Mexico? Please. Come visit the real world.
2
The drugs will come from somewhere else or be manufactured here until Americans stop buying them. Dealing with the demand end is a lot more effective than just dealing with the supply.
What exactly is the real world in your mind? The source of the deadly heroin, mixed with fentanyl, is the Mexican cartels. 80% of the drugs bought and sold in Chicago, for example, is supplied by the Sinaloa cartel. These are government statistics.
What's so confusing?
What's so confusing?
I have to question the "friendly relations" that have produced a US that now holds something like one out of 10 living Mexicans within its border. Most of those people are tied, somehow, to the illegal migration occurring since the 1970s -- either their own or that of a relative.
That's the plain truth.
Clearly Mexico wants us to keep accepting, keeping and granting citizenship to any Mexicans who choose to establish themselves here.
Trump got elected because lots of Americans want don't want to do that anymore.
If we are going to refuse to accept all Mexicans, Mexico will be unhappy and it seems that they are unwilling to hide their anger and resentment at our decision.
It seems that Mexicans do not wish to accept this new arrangement. They not only don't like it, they seem to feel we have no right to bar Mexican citizens from permanently relocating here.
This is what I call a collision course. If "friendly relations" depend on us offering an open door, jobs and citizenship for all Mexicans who come here (what we want be damned), then I guess we won't be having friendly relations for awhile. I can live with that, no problem. We all can here in the US, as we are not the dependent, we are the depended-upon.
It's too bad but it's going to be a necessary price to put US/Mexican relations back on a realistic footing.
Did anybody really think the current arrangement could last forever?
That's the plain truth.
Clearly Mexico wants us to keep accepting, keeping and granting citizenship to any Mexicans who choose to establish themselves here.
Trump got elected because lots of Americans want don't want to do that anymore.
If we are going to refuse to accept all Mexicans, Mexico will be unhappy and it seems that they are unwilling to hide their anger and resentment at our decision.
It seems that Mexicans do not wish to accept this new arrangement. They not only don't like it, they seem to feel we have no right to bar Mexican citizens from permanently relocating here.
This is what I call a collision course. If "friendly relations" depend on us offering an open door, jobs and citizenship for all Mexicans who come here (what we want be damned), then I guess we won't be having friendly relations for awhile. I can live with that, no problem. We all can here in the US, as we are not the dependent, we are the depended-upon.
It's too bad but it's going to be a necessary price to put US/Mexican relations back on a realistic footing.
Did anybody really think the current arrangement could last forever?
7
The Mexican President will come around soon because we have the moral high ground on this. But that being said, I'm very impressed with Trump's courage. With no political experience, with half of the country and most of the world hating him, Trump follows his vision and makes tough decisions without blinking an eye. He does the right thing regardless of what his opponents think and regardless of the political consequences. This, folks, is aplomb.
8
As they say, fools rush in...(and not in good way).
1
Really? How do we have the moral high ground? When does the bully ever have the moral high ground over his less fortunate neighbor? Building the wall is just wrong. Like Pope Francis said, we should be building bridges, not walls. This type of greedy self interest will just bite us in the butt when the economy sours with these stupid tariffs. I am honestly surprised at the blind stupidity Trump is heading into these decisions with.
1
Aplomb??? A nice euphemism for a grossly irresponsible tantrum of a 70-year-old.
1
Having a friendly neighbor is extremely valuable. (One may explore India-Pakistan to understand the grave downside of having an unfriendly neighbor.) So it is stupid and downright dangerous to turn a friendly neighbor to an unfriendly one. Even if one needs to change some policies towards a neighbor that should be done in a way that does not make the neighbor an enemy.
7
There really hasn't been a real effort here or Mexico to stop illegal immigration. If there was a mutual effort, a tax wouldn't be needed. Why should Mexico make any effort if there is no determination from Washington. That's changed. Maybe some mutual effort now could make a wall unnecessary
2
How a 20% import tax will affect "we the people."
Unaffordable vehicles, machinery, medical care, food, beer, wine...It's time to ask employers for a 20% raises, elected officials for 20% increase in Social Security, etc.
From ustr.gov:
1. Mexico was the United States' 3rd largest supplier of goods imports in 2015.
2. The top import categories in 2015 were: vehicles ($74 billion), electrical machinery ($63 billion), machinery ($49 billion), mineral fuels ($14 billion), and optical and medical instruments ($12 billion).
3. U.S. imports of agricultural products from Mexico totaled $21 billion in 2015, our 2nd largest supplier of agricultural imports. Leading categories include: fresh vegetables ($4.8 billion), other fresh fruit ($4.3 billion), wine and beer ($2.7 billion), snack foods ($1.7 billion), and processed fruit & vegetables ($1.4 billion).
4. U.S. imports of services from Mexico were an estimated $21.6 billion in 2015, 11.0% ($2.1 billion) more than 2014, and 50.0% greater than 2005 levels. It was up roughly 191% from 1993 (pre-NAFTA). Based on 2014, leading services imports from Mexico to the U.S. were in the travel, transportation, and technical and other services sectors.
5. U.S. goods imports from Mexico totaled $295 billion in 2015, up 0.2% ($667 million) from 2014, and up 73% from 2005. U.S. imports from Mexico are up 638% from 1993 (pre-NAFTA). U.S. imports from Mexico are up 638% from 1993 (pre-NAFTA).
Unaffordable vehicles, machinery, medical care, food, beer, wine...It's time to ask employers for a 20% raises, elected officials for 20% increase in Social Security, etc.
From ustr.gov:
1. Mexico was the United States' 3rd largest supplier of goods imports in 2015.
2. The top import categories in 2015 were: vehicles ($74 billion), electrical machinery ($63 billion), machinery ($49 billion), mineral fuels ($14 billion), and optical and medical instruments ($12 billion).
3. U.S. imports of agricultural products from Mexico totaled $21 billion in 2015, our 2nd largest supplier of agricultural imports. Leading categories include: fresh vegetables ($4.8 billion), other fresh fruit ($4.3 billion), wine and beer ($2.7 billion), snack foods ($1.7 billion), and processed fruit & vegetables ($1.4 billion).
4. U.S. imports of services from Mexico were an estimated $21.6 billion in 2015, 11.0% ($2.1 billion) more than 2014, and 50.0% greater than 2005 levels. It was up roughly 191% from 1993 (pre-NAFTA). Based on 2014, leading services imports from Mexico to the U.S. were in the travel, transportation, and technical and other services sectors.
5. U.S. goods imports from Mexico totaled $295 billion in 2015, up 0.2% ($667 million) from 2014, and up 73% from 2005. U.S. imports from Mexico are up 638% from 1993 (pre-NAFTA). U.S. imports from Mexico are up 638% from 1993 (pre-NAFTA).
4
Thank you for reporting these points and giving us the source.
1
I always assumed we had some kind of walls along our borders, until I found out we don't. I don't think the citizens of Mexico will really lose anything from the construction of a wall. They are still free to go through the immigration process, either through work or marriage or other visa types that lead to green cards and eventual citizenship. There are plenty of safe and viable options other than dangerous border crossings with coyote smugglers. The US, for its part, should consider offering a Life Improvement visa for a set number of people who we would like to welcome on the basis that they are seeking a better life.
6
Where can American citizens go for a "Life Improvement" visa?
There's tens of millions of us that need one.
If there's a country that in the whole history of the world could fulfill the fantasy role of "Guarantor of a New and Better Life" to the rest of the whole world, I do not know what country it would be.
We can't do it either.
There's tens of millions of us that need one.
If there's a country that in the whole history of the world could fulfill the fantasy role of "Guarantor of a New and Better Life" to the rest of the whole world, I do not know what country it would be.
We can't do it either.
1
The problem is not the wall in itself. All countries can build whatever they desire in their territories. The problem is requiring that the Mexican pay for the construction of such wall. Would you ask your neighbor to pay for a wall that you want erected in your property? How do you think your neighbor would react to such a request? It's really not rocket science.
1
There are already miles and miles of walls, fences, etc. except, primarily, where the impassible terrain forbids it and/or where the "wall" is a river. There are also many miles of border land that is held by private US landowners who will need to have their land taken by eminent domain in order to build this ridiculous wall - and many of these owners are vehemently opposed to this construction. There is also the issue of wildlife migration - a concrete wall will exacerbate the destruction of natural habitat and natural wildlife migration patterns. Not that anyone cares, of course. Constructing a "Great Wall" is truly an exercise in FOLLY. Within a few years, DRONES that can scale walls and drop people (like packages) over the wall will be available (on top of the Ultralights that already do this). Now, there are already tunnels and, of course, boats and submersibles that can easily bypass concrete walls and natural barriers. Seriously, is a stupid "monument to Trump" wall where our hard-earned tax dollars should be wasted? And, do you realize many (if not most) of the border crossers are NOT "illegal Mexicans" now? Have you really thought this through?
1
SHOCK NEWS: Trump doing exactly what he said he would do.
7
hitler laid it all out in mein kampf
the germans said, oh, hes only talking tough -- hell never do all that
surprise surprise !
In Trumpworld, Mexico (and Central/South America) is a doormat; no idea that U.S. agriculture depends upon undocumented labor that angry white Americans would never provide. Or that irritating Mexico - or the southern hemisphere more generally - could in any way harm our economy.
Here's a new idea: let's piss off Canada next.
Here's a new idea: let's piss off Canada next.
14
Giver! Canadians are volunteering to help build a wall to keep our neighbours out!
The President of Mexico represents the people of Mexico and most Mexicans abhor POTUS Trump. Way to go trumpo, pick a fight with your neighbors instead of working on strengthening relationships. Day by day you demonstrate who you are. We are unimpressed but not surprised.
80
Hey Mitch and Paul! Ain't this exciting?
You wanted him, now he's yours.
You wanted him, now he's yours.
83
I am afraid he's every bodie's.
Hey, all you geniuses who voted for Trump, did it not occur to you that every "deal" he was involved in ended in bankruptcy court or in lawsuits? Are you so dazzled by this glitz that you are entrusting him blindly with your country having not bothered to vet him properly? How in order is his financial empire? You let him into the White House without ascertaining hard facts about him, basing you choice only on his bragging? Did you not consider your children and grandchildren's future? Smart.
This maneuver, riding into a battle half cocked, will not turn out well. China is watching and itching to get a foothold into the Western Hemisphere. What Trump does not realize is that treaties are not always about dollars and cents, they're about diplomacy and courting friends. Diplomacy - and subtlety - is beyond his pea-brain.
And you, Republicans. starting to get nervous? When you sleep with dogs, you get fleas.
This is an exercise in Trump letting us know how large his finger is, pure and simple. Consequences be damned.
This maneuver, riding into a battle half cocked, will not turn out well. China is watching and itching to get a foothold into the Western Hemisphere. What Trump does not realize is that treaties are not always about dollars and cents, they're about diplomacy and courting friends. Diplomacy - and subtlety - is beyond his pea-brain.
And you, Republicans. starting to get nervous? When you sleep with dogs, you get fleas.
This is an exercise in Trump letting us know how large his finger is, pure and simple. Consequences be damned.
108
Ironically, the people who will suffer most are struggling rural Americans and coal minors who voted for Trump, and not those who made effort to get a good job during the Obama era. The increased cost of this (and on Chinese goods if it happens) will likely offset any tax cut given to the middle class.
Why not try to fix NAFTA instead of blowing off a visit from the Mexican president? Not smart Mr. Trump! Also... what ever happened to acting like a civilized human being? I'm outraged at the total lack of tact, grace, empathy and mostly humility our president has demonstrated over the last several days. Trump is constantly looking for vindication from the outside world. Doesn't he know this isn't necessary when you're the leader of one of the greatest countries on earth?
Lastly... why are we worrying about a stupid wall anyway when the bad guys from Mexico are tunneling into America using elaborate underground trails? This problem is much bigger than how to pay for a wall... AND, the wall isn't going to fix our problem. Just saying... maybe we should implement a longer term diplomatic strategy. Mexico has provided thousands of small businesses in America a hard working class of people (who, by the way work for a lot less money). This helps America compete on the international stage. America has benefited greatly from the presence of Mexican workers. The focus should be on how to keep the good ones here and how to make the bad ones leave!!
I'm not sure if pissing everyone off is going to work in the short or long run...
Lastly... why are we worrying about a stupid wall anyway when the bad guys from Mexico are tunneling into America using elaborate underground trails? This problem is much bigger than how to pay for a wall... AND, the wall isn't going to fix our problem. Just saying... maybe we should implement a longer term diplomatic strategy. Mexico has provided thousands of small businesses in America a hard working class of people (who, by the way work for a lot less money). This helps America compete on the international stage. America has benefited greatly from the presence of Mexican workers. The focus should be on how to keep the good ones here and how to make the bad ones leave!!
I'm not sure if pissing everyone off is going to work in the short or long run...
41
I'm sure there are other issues to discuss with our southern neighbor than who's going to pay for Trump's obsession, especially since President Nieto has been saying Mexico's not going to pay for it since Trump's trip to Mexico (after which Trump "alternative facted" that it wasn't mentioned, when President Nieto said it was one of the first things he said).
4
And let's not forget antagonizing the US' friendliest ally and most important trading partner. If Trump imposes a 20% tax on Canadian imports, than the Canadian government will have to impose equivalent taxes.
This will create massive job loss and increased costs in both the US and Canada.
There will be a whole bunch of very pissed off Canadians who will then not want their government to cooperate with the US in any matters, not just trade.
The US and Canada currently have balanced trade (or very close to it). Yes it's not perfect but it is a win-win for both countries.
And yes, many of us will boycott all American products which we won't be able to afford anyway, and that will affect the 9 million US jobs directly related to US exports to Canada.
This will create massive job loss and increased costs in both the US and Canada.
There will be a whole bunch of very pissed off Canadians who will then not want their government to cooperate with the US in any matters, not just trade.
The US and Canada currently have balanced trade (or very close to it). Yes it's not perfect but it is a win-win for both countries.
And yes, many of us will boycott all American products which we won't be able to afford anyway, and that will affect the 9 million US jobs directly related to US exports to Canada.
36
Great. So what happens when I try to go visit my girlfriend who lives in Canada?
You really think 1 of every 16 working Americans have a job that's directly related to US exports to Canada? Sounds like fake news to me.
I would also expect Florida would not be to happy about it either as 800,000 Canadians who vacation and own property there would say "thanks but no thanks".
It's time for the news media to stop posting Donald's Tweets. If Donald wants his views to be known then let him or his spokespeople address the press in conference. That way, if the press correspondents show any backbone for once, they can immediately respond to lies, er ah statements with questions. I'm convinced this would work because Donald has to be heard all the time.
46
Is the press centrally directed? Who would run such a blackout? Do you think Breitbart would agree?
At this point, one has to wonder if Trump has taken into consideration the fact that having a secure U.S. border also involves having a good neighbour.
With an act like this, we have effectively declared War...on ourselves.
With an act like this, we have effectively declared War...on ourselves.
41
Good neighbor?! It's so nice down there everybody is frantic to leave. Most want to come here. Mexico is basically in a drug fueled civil war. Corruption is rampant. It's one of the murder capitals of the world and is spectacularly over populated. We should help Mexico get a grip on its problems, but dumping it's extra people here shouldn't be one of them.
President Nieto's popularity has been declining for years. It's now barely 15%. He's done. Trump is waiting for his successor to take office before he starts cutting deals etc.
4
Except that Trump just put Nieto's approval numbers through the roof. Being seen as standing up to the gringos is the one sure thing a Mexican President can do to assure re-election. And if a trade war is the price the Mexican people have to pay in order to re-pay the American government for its' insults -- well they are perfectly willing to do so. And the rest of Latin America (including Cuba and Venezuela) are going back them to the hilt. Nobody likes a bully.
If Trump (and his supporters) had two brain-cells to rub together, they would understand these simple realities. But they don't.
If Trump (and his supporters) had two brain-cells to rub together, they would understand these simple realities. But they don't.
4
Hmm sounds like where trump's popularity is going!
That is completely true. Peña Nieto is one of the presidents in Mexico's history with lowest approval rates and his term is nearly done. However, Trump's stupidity did not hurt only him, but all Mexicans. And we all are staying forever. And we will not trust a bipolar person changing speech from one day to the other.
Mexican president Vicente Fox demanded that the United States grant legal residency to millions of illegal Mexican immigrants, Mexico had only granted legal status to 15,000 illegal immigrants.
9
Proof? Or more fake news?
I respect President Pena Nieto's decision to cancel the meeting. I do not want a wall along our border with Mexico. I want our Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform, create a path to citizenship for DACA kids and treat our neighbors as we would want to be treated.
47
Today on the new NPR show 1A, a listener had what I thought seemed like a good suggestion.
Instead of a wall, build solar farms along the border. (Obviously this wouldn't work for every space, but it would work for some of it.) Thousands of jobs, renewable and clean energy, infrastructure, and useful output can be produced. benefits for the short and long term alike.
Seems much more clear-headed than the reactionary pique coming from the WH today...
Instead of a wall, build solar farms along the border. (Obviously this wouldn't work for every space, but it would work for some of it.) Thousands of jobs, renewable and clean energy, infrastructure, and useful output can be produced. benefits for the short and long term alike.
Seems much more clear-headed than the reactionary pique coming from the WH today...
18
Great idea and then we can have Mexico pay for power and actually make some money from it!! Love it!
The U.S. was the most respected nation in the world until dt began to spew his message of hate. He has cost us our national security, dignity and honor. The economy will soon follow this self-absorbed madman down the rabbit hole.
Shame on him, his supporters in Congress and the 36% of Americans who actually support this domestic terrorist.
Shame on him, his supporters in Congress and the 36% of Americans who actually support this domestic terrorist.
58
#notmypresident is a menace to a free and Democratic society. The Mexican people are welcome here and have enriched our society in many ways. Viva Mexico! Drumpf, go crawl back under your rock.
Presidente Nieto, please know that the majority of Americans do not agree with our current leader.
Presidente Nieto, please know that the majority of Americans do not agree with our current leader.
37
wow ¡¡ we too like usa people, but we do not like our preseident Peña and neither Trump.....
I remember when the Berlin wall fell, and it was significant for it heralded the end and failure of Communism. It was torn down by the people being kept within it, people who were tired of being isolated and lied to, as is the case with North Korea. Walls are for leaders who are too weak to envision anything but a literal, physical solution to complicated problems. And I don't know what Trump has against Mexico or Mexicans - to those of us in the West, it's reckless, racist and just odd in its personal nature. California, Texas, Arizona and other states have co-existed with Mexico and the Mexican people - legal and illegal - for centuries. Our children are taught (and more often, choose) to learn Spanish in school. They understand that our territory was once part of Mexico, and there isn't a Californian who doesn't have colleagues, friends and/or family members who are of Mexican heritage. To imagine a world where there is a literal wall between our state and Mexico equates to shouting insults and cutting all ties with a close relative - an Uncle or Aunt - who lives in your home, cooks, cleans and takes care of your children, which made you feel suddenly ashamed and angry. Maybe Trump would understand if this issue was presented to him differently...his mother was also an immigrant who struggled - as a domestic servant and maid - before becoming a US citizen.
23
Trump seems to have a bent for being thoughtlessly aggressive and doing it all his way. This isolates him. He can't run a democratic county this way and he is bound to make a huge mistake quite soon that will be his demise as president.
1
Thank god we the people finally have a president with some guts. I'm glad he is telling Nieto where to shove it. Nieto has been using the western US as a landfill for long enough. Nieto should consider himself lucky. If I was president, I would invade his sewer of a country, remove his leftist government and install my own puppet dictatorship. He would deserve nothing less.
4
I know where you can find a puppet...
If this monstrous decision actually becomes law and implemented I would urge my fellow Americans to buy stock in ladder companies and speedboat companies. All the newly unemployed Mexicans will just come over here for the same jobs.
From various legit news reports I find that there is actually no migration problem from Mexico but a reverse migration has been in effect for several years. Since alternative facts/news is becoming "mainstream" I would say that its a plot by Corporate farmers to get more cheaper labor.
Its quite amazing there has not been any public opposition by all the American companies who have Mexico based factories, they are the ones who will face this issue first followed by the American taxpayer who will pay the 20% tariff. If anybody believes the Mexican Government or the companies shipping product over the border will pay they are sadly mistaken. And what of the American exporters who sell to Mexico, what's with the silence?
From various legit news reports I find that there is actually no migration problem from Mexico but a reverse migration has been in effect for several years. Since alternative facts/news is becoming "mainstream" I would say that its a plot by Corporate farmers to get more cheaper labor.
Its quite amazing there has not been any public opposition by all the American companies who have Mexico based factories, they are the ones who will face this issue first followed by the American taxpayer who will pay the 20% tariff. If anybody believes the Mexican Government or the companies shipping product over the border will pay they are sadly mistaken. And what of the American exporters who sell to Mexico, what's with the silence?
11
Yes, I'm waiting for the details on all of this. If relations completely deteriorate or the wall or 20% taxes get implemented, what are the economic impacts going to be on both countries? I'm sure this is being studied by someone.
It seems to me that if a 20% import tax is placed, for example, on all the Ford cars manufactured in Mexico, the tax may be used to build the wall, but it will be American consumers -- who will then have to purchase Fords made in Mexico at inflated prices -- who will be paying for the wall.
26
No, because Ford is a business, and it would be cheaper to move those jobs back to the US than to pay a 20% import tax.
Americans, despite their talk about GW etc, rarely buy small cars. We like cars as big as we are.
The President of Mexico should have told President Trump that the request to pay for a wall didn't merit an answer because of the insanity of the question. Unfortunately President Trump is unhinged and a danger to his nation. I think we have known this for some time but the reality is starting to begin. Paul Ryan colluding with him is horrible to watch even if it proclaims the final demise of the Republican Party. I do not want to watch this.
27
"Decades of friendly relations between the nations — on matters involving trade, security and migration — seemed to be unraveling."
Decades of friendly relations between the 2 nations on migration? Millions of Mexicans sneaking illegally into America and taking jobs and benefits is hardly something I would call friendly.
Decades of friendly relations between the 2 nations on migration? Millions of Mexicans sneaking illegally into America and taking jobs and benefits is hardly something I would call friendly.
5
You think American business did not want them here? You are absolutely blind to the benefit we get from immigrant labor. And most illegal immigrants these days are not from Mexico.
Taking jobs that little to no one in the US are willing to do. I wonder if those Rust Belt workers who lost their jobs are willing to work in sanitation, cleaning, lawn mowing, construction (maybe they can build the wall themselves), dish washers, nannys, etc.
So now Mexico, which has been a solid friend and ally for decades, is now to be willfully alienated and turned into an enemy; and Russia, which is a tyrannical opponent and outright enemy to the US especially under the KGB thug Putin, is now our "friend". This ignorant pig in the White House is a clear, present and immediate threat to America's well-being. This criminal moron must be removed as quickly as possible.
37
Trump just added another conflict to the inevitability of his Presidential denouement. Clearly he does not understand the principle of the teeter-totter in his decisions. If enough people become disenchanted with the President, the push back will be devastating for Trump's political career. There are consequences for thoughtless maneuvers as the POTUS will see sooner rather than later.
18
"Political career"? Trump has none!
1
As one who has experienced firsthand the problems of less than ideal border control, I would be glad to see the border controlled more effectively. Glad for those down here who suffer from it more than I do, such as some ranchers. Particularly where drug trafficking is concerned. However, the wall is going to do nothing for drug trafficking, they've already figured out ways past the existing walls -- ultralights, tunnels, catapults. As for illegals crossing, I suspect just having a person as hostile towards them as Trump in office will do more to encourage Mexicans to stay in Mexico than any wall will. So why threaten trade, which benefits both countries? What good comes of that? He's going to end up making us pay more for goods from Mexico. That's a solution? I guess it is if you're a billionaire who can buy the goods regardless of cost.
21
Our biggest problem is the drugs, USA 1st consumer Mexico 1st dealears,
The OECD and WTO both rank Mexican workers as the hardest-working in the world in terms of the amount of hours worked yearly, although profitability per man-hour remains low. Unfortunately large income inequality exists as in other countries. As a rich neighbor next to a poorer one it is the United States' responsibility to help Mexico and thereby prevent the need to cross over. People want to feed, clothe and educate their children everywhere and a large proportion of illegal immigrants are gainfully employed in the US. A wall is just a wasteful expenditure- yes will give jobs to Americans but what's the point ? Ten billion dollars could instead be spent to help the Mexican poor and win goodwill and perhaps self-policing to prevent illegal crossings will become a reality. Never underestimate the power of kindness. We are in truly troubling times- lets not lose our sense of basic human decency despite the challenges.
6
Meanwhile, in China, bank accounts will grow and government leaders & business moguls alike are positively gleeful at the isolationist turn of the US. It all works beautifully to their advantage, both economically and in foreign policy. Their power and standing increase as our diminishes.
6
Viva Presidente Pena. This american citizen is proud of you for standing up to the ugly american when my fellow citizens feel so helpless and impotent. My next vacation destination will be mexico and I sincerely trust that american citizens will be welcome there.
13
And the hubris and outrage of this illegitimate president of the US piles on at such a rapid pace that neither the media of the US citizens can keep up. The dismantling of our already fragile government and democracy moves ahead with each significant office closure, defunding of critical programs and exit of staff through discharge or courageous resignation in the face of the it all. Something must be done by the court to restrain this strategic agenda before their is not return. The media must alert the public to their unverbalized fears for the nation like a clarion call to action and preparation of the unprecedented decline of this nation in the hands of despot profiteers filled with disdain and hate for the rising majority of Americans. The 4th Estate must not wait until too late to help Americans save this nation move past the passive belief that some how, some way America can survive the corporate and investor class promotion and exploitation of divisive identity concerns and anti-intellectual ignorance for their greedy gains.
11
So much ignorance here. Building a wall isn't racist, or damaging to any relationship. Mexico is a dump. Mexicans still falsely believe that America stole their land and everything out west is theirs. What a crock. Mexico makes billions every year from illegal aliens sending money back home. If they were truly immigrants, they wouldn't be sending all their money out of the country. Mexico needs the US to survive. It's a corrupt wasteland with no law and order. Americans are not responsible for Mexican well being.
Also, the entire world was laughing at Obama and his lack of a spine. No foreign leaders are laughing at Trump, they are lined up waiting to get on his good side. Mexico is a state run by gangbangers, so who cares what they think? They will pay for the wall, they have no choice. The wannabe macho attitude that Mexicans have makes no difference. You can't even stand next to americans. We dominate you in every conceivable way. Good riddance.
Also trade with mexico makes up less than 1 percent of our economy, while the funds from the US make up almost 20% of Mexican income. Yeah, I wonder which one of us is going to be hurting.
Obviously Mexico is panicking, the welfare tap is about to run dry, and nobody with a brain opposes it.
Also, the entire world was laughing at Obama and his lack of a spine. No foreign leaders are laughing at Trump, they are lined up waiting to get on his good side. Mexico is a state run by gangbangers, so who cares what they think? They will pay for the wall, they have no choice. The wannabe macho attitude that Mexicans have makes no difference. You can't even stand next to americans. We dominate you in every conceivable way. Good riddance.
Also trade with mexico makes up less than 1 percent of our economy, while the funds from the US make up almost 20% of Mexican income. Yeah, I wonder which one of us is going to be hurting.
Obviously Mexico is panicking, the welfare tap is about to run dry, and nobody with a brain opposes it.
7
Wow. Just wow.
The problem with building a wall is there is no attempt to solve the problems the good way. It is an insult to diplomatic relations between USA and Mexico. Just placing a physical barrier to stop problems? It's a childish solution to a problem which requires thorough thinking. Mexico a dump? You clearly haven't been to Mexico.
Corrupt wasteland with no law and order? Are you delusional, or just guiding yourself by stereotypes? I bet you've never been to Mexico have you? Our culture is just as advanced as yours. Even if the government does have corruption at times, a fact that must be recognized, all governments do. Do you honestly think there is no corruption in the US? Where there is power, there will always be corruption. You just need to look into history to know so. That doesn't mean there is no law and order. Also, no one expects the US to be responsible for Mexico's well being. Both are independent nations, with their own economies and relations with other countries. Just as the US doesn't require Mexican trade to thrive, neither does Mexico. To each their own. But countries do just that, trading, in order to help each other out, to seek common well being. Because that's what diplomacy is all about, seeking what's best for everyone and keeping a good relationship.
Corrupt wasteland with no law and order? Are you delusional, or just guiding yourself by stereotypes? I bet you've never been to Mexico have you? Our culture is just as advanced as yours. Even if the government does have corruption at times, a fact that must be recognized, all governments do. Do you honestly think there is no corruption in the US? Where there is power, there will always be corruption. You just need to look into history to know so. That doesn't mean there is no law and order. Also, no one expects the US to be responsible for Mexico's well being. Both are independent nations, with their own economies and relations with other countries. Just as the US doesn't require Mexican trade to thrive, neither does Mexico. To each their own. But countries do just that, trading, in order to help each other out, to seek common well being. Because that's what diplomacy is all about, seeking what's best for everyone and keeping a good relationship.
2
Pt. 2
A country run by gangbangers? You resorting to insults and ridicule just proves you have no knowledge of what you're saying. You can't base your argument on opinions. Where do you get your information? Mexico has good politicians, and bad politicians. As does the US. As every country. I have yet to hear of a country with only good politicians.
As I said before, diplomacy is about everyone's well being and keeping a good relationship. "Who cares what they think?" just throws that concept out. The fact you don't see Mexico as a nation with an opinion and a say in what happens in this situation is disturbing. A wall is to be placed between the two countries, and you think one of them doesn't have a say? That Mexico has to pay for it? Have you even read about diplomacy through the ages, or history for all that matter? Mexico can't be forced to pay for a wall we didn't agree to. That's not how things work. Countries are CIVILIZED. There is no way for such a payment to be imposed. Mexico doesn't belong to the US, there is no way for the payment to be forced upon us.
A country run by gangbangers? You resorting to insults and ridicule just proves you have no knowledge of what you're saying. You can't base your argument on opinions. Where do you get your information? Mexico has good politicians, and bad politicians. As does the US. As every country. I have yet to hear of a country with only good politicians.
As I said before, diplomacy is about everyone's well being and keeping a good relationship. "Who cares what they think?" just throws that concept out. The fact you don't see Mexico as a nation with an opinion and a say in what happens in this situation is disturbing. A wall is to be placed between the two countries, and you think one of them doesn't have a say? That Mexico has to pay for it? Have you even read about diplomacy through the ages, or history for all that matter? Mexico can't be forced to pay for a wall we didn't agree to. That's not how things work. Countries are CIVILIZED. There is no way for such a payment to be imposed. Mexico doesn't belong to the US, there is no way for the payment to be forced upon us.
1
Frankly, I don't blame the Mexican President. Good for him. Who wants to talk to someone who is belligerent, a bully, and selfish? Who wants to talk with a nasty neighbor? My family (my parents and siblings) have had multiple problems with nasty neighbors going back 80 years. The less said to them, the better. It is clear that our country is now going to be a nasty neighbor. More than that, a nasty world citizen.
Now we see how the President's wall promises are going to be implemented.
What eludes our President is that the people who will be paying the 20% import tax on goods from Mexico will be USA residents. No wonder our President has had so many bankruptcies. We are his new partners and investors, about to be screwed.
That is us, folks, not Mexico, paying for the wall. I figured it would be paid for from federal revenues, those taxes we already pay. However, no, that is not what is going to happen. Instead, my country is going to pay for the wall at cash registers everywhere in the country. Basically, it will be a 20% federal sales tax on all goods whose country of origin is Mexico.
The price of tomatoes during winter months will become very high (even in California, winter tomatoes come from Mexico). I predict that rather than have tomatoes and tomato products prices fluctuate during the year, the price will be 20% higher all year long. (I happen to love tomatoes which is why I used them as an example.)
Canada will be next.
Now we see how the President's wall promises are going to be implemented.
What eludes our President is that the people who will be paying the 20% import tax on goods from Mexico will be USA residents. No wonder our President has had so many bankruptcies. We are his new partners and investors, about to be screwed.
That is us, folks, not Mexico, paying for the wall. I figured it would be paid for from federal revenues, those taxes we already pay. However, no, that is not what is going to happen. Instead, my country is going to pay for the wall at cash registers everywhere in the country. Basically, it will be a 20% federal sales tax on all goods whose country of origin is Mexico.
The price of tomatoes during winter months will become very high (even in California, winter tomatoes come from Mexico). I predict that rather than have tomatoes and tomato products prices fluctuate during the year, the price will be 20% higher all year long. (I happen to love tomatoes which is why I used them as an example.)
Canada will be next.
12
No it won't. Canada has a small, educated population and a stable democracy and economy. It has resources (besides people) to export. In short, it is nothing like Mexico.
President Enrique Peña Nieto,
Three huzzahs for you! If Donald's wall becomes reality, you may find over half the American population scrambling over the wall to seek asylum in your country, Mexico.
Three huzzahs for you! If Donald's wall becomes reality, you may find over half the American population scrambling over the wall to seek asylum in your country, Mexico.
31
If NAFTA is ended and remittances from illegal immigrants dry up Mexico will fully become a narco state (it almost is already). Good luck with your asylum.
4
Apparently the 20% tax isn't going to happen. That was 2 hours ago. Trump and these idiots are a THREAT to the economic and physical security of all Americans.
31
A threat to all of North America
2
Tweet Diplomacy- Unbelievable.
When a high, powerful political figure is willfully mean-spirited in his dealings with citizens and nations it becomes a poison that permeates society and can bite back that figure through a deranged act of violence.
When a high, powerful political figure is willfully mean-spirited in his dealings with citizens and nations it becomes a poison that permeates society and can bite back that figure through a deranged act of violence.
36
NYT says Mexico cancelled. Trump says that they AGREED to cancel. Why isn't this discrepancy, or not yet pivot of a statement, or alternative fact being questioned?
24
The Swedish referee held up a red card and called the whole thing off. trump unsportsmanlike play.
Bravo Mr. Nieto.......so proud of you standing up against a monster. Can I move to Mexico?!
43
Sure,great idea,but be sure to get a valid visa. Here are some facts about the immigration laws of Mexico.
• Foreigners who fail to obey the rules will be fined, deported, and/or imprisoned as felons:
– Foreigners who fail to obey a deportation order are to be punished. (Article 117)
– Foreigners who are deported from Mexico and attempt to re-enter the country without authorization can be imprisoned for up to 10 years. (Article 118)
– Foreigners who violate the terms of their visa may be sentenced to up to six years in prison (Articles 119, 120 and 121). Foreigners who misrepresent the terms of their visa while in Mexico — such as working with out a permit — can also be imprisoned.
And I am not sure if Mexico has any sanctuary cities. So good luck!
• Foreigners who fail to obey the rules will be fined, deported, and/or imprisoned as felons:
– Foreigners who fail to obey a deportation order are to be punished. (Article 117)
– Foreigners who are deported from Mexico and attempt to re-enter the country without authorization can be imprisoned for up to 10 years. (Article 118)
– Foreigners who violate the terms of their visa may be sentenced to up to six years in prison (Articles 119, 120 and 121). Foreigners who misrepresent the terms of their visa while in Mexico — such as working with out a permit — can also be imprisoned.
And I am not sure if Mexico has any sanctuary cities. So good luck!
They aren't nearly as nice to illegals as we are.
Isn't it convenient that Trump has decided a meeting would be fruitless -- just as Mexico decides to snub him? Bring on the SPIN!
It's taken Mr. Trump less than a week to undo the US/Mexican relationship that has been in place for decades. Is this REALLY what we voted for?
It's taken Mr. Trump less than a week to undo the US/Mexican relationship that has been in place for decades. Is this REALLY what we voted for?
42
We? I voted for her.
36
It's what some people did, yes. This is what Trump promised-- and what millions of Americans wanted. Wait until they find out that hostility to brown people won't put food on their table (and if a tariff happens, will make that food much more expensive).
9
Only the Electoral College voted for him.
1
Hold on, did he just said "when Mexico starts to treat the USA with respect"? Jesus Christ... when you Mr. Trump start treating Mexico with respect!!! Maybe Mexico will want to negotiate
71
America: Besides the Trump wall fiasco with Mexico when are the Mexicans going to treat the black Mexicans with respect. They are never mentioned at all or ever. Those black slaves that was brought to Mexico by the Spaniards in the 1500s I think they were freed in the mid eighteen hundreds but to this day most of them are forced to live out of reach of the basic public services like schools and hospitals, they are not even mentioned or counted in the Mexican census. Illegal aliens from Mexico get food, shelter medical care and education that are only for American citizens and they freely protest for rights on our streets where they do not even belong. Some have the mitigated gall to be out protesting Americas choice as president. I only hope that Donald Trump would add and demand that the Mexican government count Black Mexicans because they are people, human beings too. Talking about Donald Trump and racism what is this?
1
Mexico has not respected our borders.
Mexico has not respected out laws.
Mexico has done little to stop drug trafficing
Mexico has not respected the rules of NAFTA.
Mexico's biggest customer has been the USA, they also get police aid and aid in general from the USA. Mexico has not respected the USA for years and has everything to lose.
Mexico has not respected out laws.
Mexico has done little to stop drug trafficing
Mexico has not respected the rules of NAFTA.
Mexico's biggest customer has been the USA, they also get police aid and aid in general from the USA. Mexico has not respected the USA for years and has everything to lose.
Respect? What do you know about it. If Mexico had any they would do a better job of policing it's borders.
Altogether Trump supporters....... Who will pay for the wall?.......WE WILL!
41
Who's paying for hordes of uneducated, unskilled people with huge families coming to this country? We are!
This is WAR. This is Donald Trump's war with humanity. Why, in heaven's name, do we have to go to war because of Trump's crazy anger?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is a man who gained the presidency without ever holding any political office, elected or appointed, for the first time in our history. He has no record of performance we can relate to. And yet the voter's trust him, why?
Why should we, the American people, trust the judgment of Donald Trump?
========================================================
I say from a War on TERROR, we now must have a War on Trump ERROR!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is a man who gained the presidency without ever holding any political office, elected or appointed, for the first time in our history. He has no record of performance we can relate to. And yet the voter's trust him, why?
Why should we, the American people, trust the judgment of Donald Trump?
========================================================
I say from a War on TERROR, we now must have a War on Trump ERROR!
39
I tip my hat to the american gentleman for this brave comment. Humanity comes first. Mr Trump is following Hitler's steps towards jews in WW2
1
SHAMEFUL - how does this man put his head on his pillow at night?
24
He doesn't. He stays up tweeting.
One brain at a time.
This does not appear to be a man who would feel remorse about anything he does, so whenever he feels like sleeping instead of twittering his conscience is no problem.
Let's see a bilion, or trillion dollar wall between Mexico and the US. Let me count the ways to get around this wall.......................sorry, I don't have enough room to list them all here. Hail to "Trump's Folly"!
16
Canada's next...is there anyone left to insult?
26
Certainly not Putin. He's got the tapes.
I'm sure they will become "cheeseheads" in the near future.
Well, yes - he hasn't insulted Russia yet - has he?
1
NOTICE TO ALL FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS OF THE WORLD/DISCLAIMER: When T-rump initiates real hostilities aimed at you and your people, which he surely will, please be reminded that hes doing it on his own, after a very brief discussion with the super-terrific voices in his head. There are many millions of reasonable people here in the United States that know he is extremely unstable, a danger to himself and to this country. We have not authorized him, nor will we ever authorize him, to do anything of the sort. He is unfit and grossly un-qualified for the office of the presidency, a position which was secured by fraud. So please respond with surgical precision. Thank you.
63
I love this post! Trump does not speak for all Americans!
1
He dared Russia to hack Hillary's emails. Should we dare another country to hack his? To dig up the dirt in his past, present, and future as well as His adopted Party? How would they like it if the shoe was on the other foot?
1
"Mexico sends us their criminals," and only "some" of them are presumably "nice people" as Trump put it.
Do some Mexican officials take criminals out of their jails and let them loose near the softest parts of our border? Where is the evidence to support this? Or is it simply that people freely attempt to cross, at individual discretion? I think the latter makes more sense.
Yes, we do need a better border so that LEGAL people enter, not ILLEGAL. But there is the matter of diplomacy. If Trump had any sense, he'd provide accurate reports on the illegal immigration rate, and then propose that Mexico needs to CONTRIBUTE to a BORDER REINFORCEMENT program. But to bluntly tell them that they'll pay for it all is tantamount to a diplomatic blunder.
Do some Mexican officials take criminals out of their jails and let them loose near the softest parts of our border? Where is the evidence to support this? Or is it simply that people freely attempt to cross, at individual discretion? I think the latter makes more sense.
Yes, we do need a better border so that LEGAL people enter, not ILLEGAL. But there is the matter of diplomacy. If Trump had any sense, he'd provide accurate reports on the illegal immigration rate, and then propose that Mexico needs to CONTRIBUTE to a BORDER REINFORCEMENT program. But to bluntly tell them that they'll pay for it all is tantamount to a diplomatic blunder.
11
Trump makes an enemy of our southern neighbor. Europeans already concerned to the point of disgust and beyond. Next, Canada. Wildly onward!
39
We need a mass civil disobedience movement where Americans who oppose Trump's policies implement changes to their W2 and W4 forms stopping prepayment of their taxes. Starve the beast, Republicans say. This will starve this one.
38
Some tried with Obama and were fined with bigger bills -- millions fined for not buying Obamacare.
Tell me what a great idea this is after you've done it.
While Mexico may be where "politicians are all corrupt and on the take", here ALL congressmen MUST spend the majority of their time kowtowing to contributors in order to have the money to run for office. If you think this isn't corrupt, resulting in Congress being "on the take," you are in denial.
35
Get ready to pay more for everything. If Trump puts a tariff on Mexican goods to pay for the wall, guess who gets the bill? The American consumer, of course. And as soon as we put a tariff on our goods, Mexico will put one on their goods . And who will pay for that? The American consumer, of course. Thank you Trump voters for making the middle class pay higher prices so you can pretend a wall will be built. We will end up with no wall, but we will pay millions in higher prices.
36
It's a shame there isn't a process by which we could find s Molar products at a lower price... Hey wait a minute! Does anyone else make autos and stoves? Am I mistaken? Is there competition that makes it difficult to raise se prices?
It is beyond belief that Trump has turned an important ally and major trading partner into a potential enemy. And for what?
A "big beautiful" wall that is the most useless and stupid expenditure of taxpayers money in history. Trump's wall won't stop anyone from Mexico who wants to enter the US illegally. The vast majority of illegals currently cross at recognized border crossings and then simply overstay their visas. As for the bad guys and drug lords, they'll simply continue tunneling under the silly wall as they do now under existing fences.
As for Trump's tax on imports from Mexico, the importers will simply pass the cost on to their American customers.
The billions of dollars spent on this stupid and useless wall would be far better spent on legitimate infrastructure projects our country desperately needs: roads, bridges, airports, light rail and so many others.
A "big beautiful" wall that is the most useless and stupid expenditure of taxpayers money in history. Trump's wall won't stop anyone from Mexico who wants to enter the US illegally. The vast majority of illegals currently cross at recognized border crossings and then simply overstay their visas. As for the bad guys and drug lords, they'll simply continue tunneling under the silly wall as they do now under existing fences.
As for Trump's tax on imports from Mexico, the importers will simply pass the cost on to their American customers.
The billions of dollars spent on this stupid and useless wall would be far better spent on legitimate infrastructure projects our country desperately needs: roads, bridges, airports, light rail and so many others.
51
For what? He gets spin better than anyone with a national platform and he gets his audience. He wants to give the POC "the what for" and do it Boss Hog style with a nice shiny wall for selfie backgrounds. His voters will be far more readily appeased by the shiny wall and readily able to accept it "benefits" then they will be to understand the ramifications of the lack of a world order and the ramifications of isolationist fascist laden economic policies. So while the world crumbles they are freeing up space on their cellphones for the forthcoming selfie that they are eager to Tweet.
1
It's so outrageous that Trump has targeted Mexico. On the other hand, it's pretty typical for a bully to pick on a vulnerable target. A disgrace.
65
Other than China Mexico has the highest trade surplus; in excess of $65 Billion. Add to that the drugs and illegals. No one is "targeting" Mexico. If the same situation occurred with Canada we would be just as upset.
2
Outrageous that Trump has targeted Mexico? Would you rather him target China, or France, or Italy, or India. I mean exactly how many countries other than Mexico and Canada could he "target" for a secure border? There is certainly no need to "target" Canada because the last I checked, Canada takes care of its citizens in such a way they do feel they need to immigrate illegally.
You forgot "sad"
El Presidente, I hope you read this. Most Americans do not agree with this stupid and insane policy. We appreciate our neighbors and enjoy your culture. He would never try this with Canada. Do not give in to this Bully. He thinks you are weak and he thinks he is King of the World. I hope it is not painful but you have a chance to show the world that people can stand up to him. Mexico can be a hero in the world by Just Say No. He is not King of the world and you do not need to bow and kiss his feet. Viva Mexico.
85
Sorry but Mexico does not deserve respect. The country is run by crooked politicians for the benefit of themselves, narcotics cartels and rapacious businessmen. Most Mexicans live in horrible conditions. The criminal alliance that runs the country needs a porous border so those who want to better themselves can do so by crossing it. If they could no longer emigrate you would see a revolution.
3
Good for them. We should help them do it, but not by being their population relief valve.
It's hard to know where this will lead. Mexico is the United States’ third-largest agricultural export market, for example, with U.S. sales of food and farm products to Mexico totaling about $20 billion a year. That's over 10 percent of all U.S. agricultural exports, so while it would be painful for Mexico, it could hit U.S. red counties hard by targeting such imports from the US as agricultural products with tit-for-tat tariffs, or partial or complete import bans. It could twist the knife harder by encouraging a simultaneous strike of agricultural workers inside the US, perhaps even timed for peak US harvest. There are any number of things Mexico could do; it's the 15th largest economy in the world. Canada, China, and others could well be interested in improved trade with Mexico, if the US doesn't want to trade on its southern border. It might enter into a preferential trading bloc in Asia or Europe from which the US is excluded.
44
It would hit agribusiness, not small farmers. Prices would no longer need government support and the farm families might stay in business another generation or two. I would pay more without a blinking an eye to support a family business.
India is now a net importer of wheat, with the out of control population growth of the rest of the world I see no big downside for the US long term. Mexico will pay a cost for losing a close reliable supplier of wheat and corn.
India is now a net importer of wheat, with the out of control population growth of the rest of the world I see no big downside for the US long term. Mexico will pay a cost for losing a close reliable supplier of wheat and corn.
Stop the Trump madness. Is this Trump's idea of getting along with the world by creating a massive trade war? He says that Mexxico will pay for the stupid wall, but it is everyone here as well as Mexico that will pay for it in the price of goods and disruptions in the flow of parts used in our own manufacturing. America, a large part of you fell for the lies and if you allow these tariff taxes to go through it is all of us who will pay for them. This is no longer just political, economic suicide.
36
We will not pay a single dollar for this useless wall....just wait our reply to your new tax!
17
Hopefully, 20% on all corn products. Everybody wins. Mexico's small farmers become viable again, and the rest of us can enjoy the spectacle of Drumpf explaining to agribusiness in Iowa and elsewhere how his policies are good for business.
3
Donald Trump is a racist bigot. There, I said it. Why can't any of the Republicans in Congress say it?
33
They did but it was in Russian.
1
Tom,
Thank you speaking out, and speaking the truth.
Thank you speaking out, and speaking the truth.
2
Because they are also racist bigots.
Whatever happens with this exchange, Mexico's economy will be hurt. A poor economy for Mexico means that their people will suffer and migration from Mexico to the US will likely increase. People in power should realize that actions not carefully thought through can have unintended consequences.
26
A very big problem we face is that no one in the Trump regime seems to be aware of the notion of unintended consequences. Nearly every proposal of the regime will have terrible unintended consequences.
1
The commenters in Breitbart News believe that Donald Trump is always thinking several steps ahead of everybody else!
We'll see. We'll certainly see.
We'll see. We'll certainly see.
Trump is nothing more the a diversion for the GOP now. (see Pas-de Calais, Normandy ) The GOP will use this for there mid-night law making, The media better wake up ie. NYT
13
What a beautiful decision, fantastic, best decision ever made.
Can you imagine a president listening to the MAJORITY of the people.
Can you imagine a president listening to the MAJORITY of the people.
6
And now, our fruits and vegetables will cost 20% more. WHO does this really hurt? "But I am safer from all of those criminal illegals!"
9
Seems to me that an import tax means a higher price tag for imported goods; which is paid for by...US!
23
When you are done building a 10 foot wall, let me know how much is an 11 foot ladder.
20
Most Mexicans who go to the US, legally or illegally, do so in airplanes.
Trump: A classic case of self-immolation. Pass the gas can.
19
Wow, what will all those "real Americans" do when the cost of their weekly trip to Wal-Mart increases 20 percent?
25
How is that? You people don't understand the reality of the situation. We don't do that much trade with mexico. Mexico needs us, we don't need them. There won't be any price increases. It must be nice to be that delusional.
3
Wal-Mart. The single most negative contributor to the global economy disaster.
I think when Trump focuses on the Chinese, Wal-Mart will be in his sights..
I think when Trump focuses on the Chinese, Wal-Mart will be in his sights..
Chuck, Wal-Mart imports mostly from China, very little from Mexico.
The great tragedy of the Democratic Party is that Democratic politicians - not its base - have no spine for a fight. Already we have Elizabeth Warren - Elizabeth Warren! - capitulating on one of Trump's most egregious appointments, mouthing some sort of "what can you do?" gobbldy-gook to cover her tracks.
Republicans, on the other hand, do not back down. They do not concede. They do not capitulate. They do not quit. They are willing to die to defend what they believe.
When Mitch McConnell said, "Our NUMBER ONE goal is to oppose anything Obama proposes - even things we agree with!" - and was met by a barrage of outrage he didn't blink, he didn't shrink, he didn't compromise...and he won. When Republicans outrageously refused to allow Obama to appoint a Supreme Court Justice and were met with a barrage of criticism - they didn't blink. They didn't back down. They didn't give up. They didn't quit. And they won.
Can you even imagine most of our Democratic politicians - again, not the base, WE are eager for the fight! - willing to fight for their beliefs to those extremes? No way! They won't. They don't. They simply do not have the spine for it.
The result? Republicans have wiped the floor with them, winning 37 governorships, the Senate, the House and the White House! They have swept the field and our cowering Democrat politicians can't figure out why.
Ask your base. They can tell you.
Republicans, on the other hand, do not back down. They do not concede. They do not capitulate. They do not quit. They are willing to die to defend what they believe.
When Mitch McConnell said, "Our NUMBER ONE goal is to oppose anything Obama proposes - even things we agree with!" - and was met by a barrage of outrage he didn't blink, he didn't shrink, he didn't compromise...and he won. When Republicans outrageously refused to allow Obama to appoint a Supreme Court Justice and were met with a barrage of criticism - they didn't blink. They didn't back down. They didn't give up. They didn't quit. And they won.
Can you even imagine most of our Democratic politicians - again, not the base, WE are eager for the fight! - willing to fight for their beliefs to those extremes? No way! They won't. They don't. They simply do not have the spine for it.
The result? Republicans have wiped the floor with them, winning 37 governorships, the Senate, the House and the White House! They have swept the field and our cowering Democrat politicians can't figure out why.
Ask your base. They can tell you.
29
What do you mean the dem's won't fight? The have not even conceded the election yet.
Man, you have hit the nail on the head. That is the problem and will stay the problem until the Dems get a spine. Well done!
1
Spineless hypocritical two-timing Democrats are not going to fight...It is the New Progressives who will, or who might.
We need a whole team of people to back Bernie Sanders and men and women like him...to remain firm, focused, steadfast, determined and authentic in their fight. Democrats are the millionaire cowards and servants for billionaire Republicans and their only-business agendas. Watch how Schumer, whose only priority is Israel, suck up to Donald during the swearing-in ceremony and the signing of papers, and Pelosi's "little cute girl" act with the new POTUS. Democrats are all petty survivalists interested in promoting their kids and their own personal future. That's it!
We need a whole team of people to back Bernie Sanders and men and women like him...to remain firm, focused, steadfast, determined and authentic in their fight. Democrats are the millionaire cowards and servants for billionaire Republicans and their only-business agendas. Watch how Schumer, whose only priority is Israel, suck up to Donald during the swearing-in ceremony and the signing of papers, and Pelosi's "little cute girl" act with the new POTUS. Democrats are all petty survivalists interested in promoting their kids and their own personal future. That's it!
1
Let's just consider all the food imported from Mexico. Are you ready to pay 20% more for that part of your grocery bill?
23
Yes, I am. Of course, I might start eating more Chinese.
Or perhaps Russian?
I have ZERO interest in contributing tax dollars to the pyramid of @dumponus.
18
It used to be that the nations of the world were occasionally embarrassed BY America. Thanks to the election of this gargantuan imbecile Trump, they're now embarrassed FOR America.
34
Typical Democrat arrogance. The world is passed Obama left office because now they have to actually worry about america. Obama was weak, had no spine, and nobody respected him. He put our country back decades. No European leaders or Asian leaders are mocking trump, only liberal snowflakes, who desperately cling to the false reality created by propagandists during the election. Grow up.
3
You honestly think and Asian and European leadership were mocking Obama? With Trump, "you ain't seen nothin yet"!
1
LOL! So it is Americans, through a 20% tax on Mexican imports, who will actually pay for the border wall. Well played EL Caudillo Trump. Well played.
22
Just wait.....in the next few months, we'll all feel it in our pocketbooks when the the price of produce goes up. Both from the lack of farmworkers on US famrs and the lack of imports -- a lot of US produce is grown in Mexico/ Chile and shipped from there, especially in winter months. It won't even matter if there's a bumper crop, no one will be there to pick/ ship it.
This was really brought home to me last year when I visited Canada and realized for their country, much of their produce was imported from Europe, New Zealand, etc. We're fortunate our fields are closer but just wait.
This was really brought home to me last year when I visited Canada and realized for their country, much of their produce was imported from Europe, New Zealand, etc. We're fortunate our fields are closer but just wait.
11
I wonder what US companies in Mexico are going to think about this - they will lose a lot of money because Mexico does not have companies that export to the US. Mexico has US companies export to the US.
Mexico runs a trade surplus because of US companies; it runs a sizeable CURRENT account deficit with the US as those US companies take those profits back home. Alas...if only Republicans can Think Again.
Mexico runs a trade surplus because of US companies; it runs a sizeable CURRENT account deficit with the US as those US companies take those profits back home. Alas...if only Republicans can Think Again.
18
Sure, like you know, Paul. You don't write for the NYTs do you?
then they would be Democrats...
1
Smooth and Hawley just called and they want their depression back.
12
Minor edit: Smoot-Hawley. Otherwise, correct.
Trump's actions are appalling, unintelligent and immoral. He is an embarrassment to the world.
27
Right on! Now it's time for other world leaders to stand up to the bullying that our new President practices on a daily basis. Mr. Trudeau, you're next. History is a good teacher': Short term gain by not standing up to Trump will only lead to downright appeasement and long term suffering for people throughout the world. And yea to our "sanctuary" cities here at home.
9
Our (uugh) president is competing with such notable delusional leaders as Silvio Berlusconi, Rodrigo Duterte, and Kim Jong-Un,
He is on track to outdo them all.
He is on track to outdo them all.
17
Trump runs smack into the "wall" of sovereign countries.
9
He is telling them countries that US will no longer be their cash cow.
4
Tell that to the Chinese who have been bank rolling the U.S. whilst your geniuses from Wall street have been filling their pockets at the expense of the minimum wage taxpayer. Never imagined America had so many illiterates, it boggles my mind.
1
So DT gets into a stand off with Mexico; what about the thousands of US retired residents in Mexico? Do they get a special residents tax? Does he realize the possible damage he is creating?
6
If they don't live here, we don't care
He doesn't care what damage he does, and neither do the Republicans in Congress or the Republican Governors, or the Republican judges. This is what they've wanted for years. And now we're all going down in flames with them.
Love the Progressives saying Mexico should trade with China.
So, which will have a trade imbalance with the other.
Both of them now take advantage of the US.
So, which will have a trade imbalance with the other.
Both of them now take advantage of the US.
3
WAR by any other name. Stupid to arbitrarily cause tensions with a neighbor for no cause and insane as a signal to the world which we need to coexist. There may be some pain but Mexico will come out the winner.
8
War with Mexico? Are you kidding?
This is too easy. I want to see the red line with China.
This is too easy. I want to see the red line with China.
I think Trump and Bannon want to create a trade war with Mexico with constantly increasing tariffs put in place by each country. My guess is that at some point Trump and Bannon will declare Mexico and Mexican people as enemies of the United States and use that as an excuse to forcibly deport all Mexican non-citizens in the U.S., and I mean all. Once the Mexicans are gone, they will go after other non-white and non-Christian minorities. This I believe is what they want to do. But the U.S. is not nazi Germany yet. The people will stand up and fight. If Trump and Bannon try to pull this off there will be battles on the streets. Very sad to even think this but Trump and Bannon keep proving my wildest fears to be correct.
15
I don't know who leaked that memo too you but your right as rain. And after the last non lilly white person is deported thats when we kill all the old people and babies.
1
Rick,
Spot on. Thank you for speaking out.
Spot on. Thank you for speaking out.
Con man talks "A nation without borders is not a nation."
I've got news! and it's not fake.
A nation without a legitimate leader is not a nation.
We did not vote for you. We do not want you. We did not elect you.
I've got news! and it's not fake.
A nation without a legitimate leader is not a nation.
We did not vote for you. We do not want you. We did not elect you.
17
Putin's first move to isolate us from our allies and neighbors. We will be easy pickings after this guy's done.
13
King Donald: Imposing a duty won't make Mexico pay for the wall. It will make Americans who buy goods imported from Mexico pay for the wall.
You're SUPPOSED to be a graduate of the Wharton School of Business, and a "captain of industry". How can you NOT know this????????
You're SUPPOSED to be a graduate of the Wharton School of Business, and a "captain of industry". How can you NOT know this????????
17
Dafof2. Here's how it works. The firms that import to the US pay a 20% import tax. We then don't buy their stuff and by the time they go broke, we have our $15 Billion. Get it?
The answer is simple: because he's a fraud, and his entire life has been a fraud. He's no great successful businessman. He's a con-artist and a sociopathic liar. And we are all in VERY serious trouble. This is an existential crisis that the Republic is now in.
You make a common mistake that feeds into his mythic narrative of genius. He didn't attend Wharton School of Business. It was Wharton College.
Good for America. Go USA. If Mexico doesn't like it, they can find another sucker. We don't them and the problems they have laid on us: illegal immigration.
4
With a 20% increase in tariffs, that businesses will pass on to us, I think we, the American consumers are the suckers.
7
Ray, Mexico is our second largest trading partner. (2015) We exported $236 Billion in 2015. This move by Trump is going to do nothing but hurt American business.
1
Oh Goodie. So WE the US tax payers get to pay for this ridiculous wall after all. Tump offers Alternative Facts once again (note he SAID MEXICO would pay for the wall!!!!!)
Now we get to pay more for things, for a wall that will not work, to divide us from a country that is not (or was not at least) our enemy. When folks start paying more at the check out stand, they should be sure and send a thank you card to our wonderful, insightful, diplomatic twittered in chief. The one that creates alternative truths that get spread far and wide by his minions. The one that instigated an unprecedented surge in sales of George Orwell's "1984." YEP. Things just get better and better every day. Thanks Trump supporters! I'm sure you and your chosen twit will earn your place in the history of infamy, but did you really need to make the MAJORITY of us suffer too?
Now we get to pay more for things, for a wall that will not work, to divide us from a country that is not (or was not at least) our enemy. When folks start paying more at the check out stand, they should be sure and send a thank you card to our wonderful, insightful, diplomatic twittered in chief. The one that creates alternative truths that get spread far and wide by his minions. The one that instigated an unprecedented surge in sales of George Orwell's "1984." YEP. Things just get better and better every day. Thanks Trump supporters! I'm sure you and your chosen twit will earn your place in the history of infamy, but did you really need to make the MAJORITY of us suffer too?
14
We are sorry to inform you, President Trump, that you have been denied a "Mexican Express" card. SAD.
4
Mi dear American fellas. I am a mexican. I personally think the US is one of the -greatest -if not the greatest- nation ever. I admire a lot of americans. I'm thinking about all the virtues America has been living since its foundation. Of course not everything about the US is virtues. But this, -building a wall- and wanting México to PAY for it, this is how WARS are started.
191
I had a friend from Mexico City who told me the Mexican government conducted a study and found that there were more Mexican Nationals living in Los Angeles county than in Guadalajara, Mexico.
1
Luis, I agree that a wall is outrageous. Please don't think Trump is representative of what Americans want! We are stuck with him for now but his days are numbered, I assure you.
I'm an American Luis, who has lived in Oaxaca, and now lives in Vermont. I am ashamed of my country and its treatment of Mexico. This breaks my heart.
I wish Mexico had safer living conditions that its citizens wouldn't risk crossing the borders dangerously. I feel the same towards the Syrian crisis. I wish people had safe living communities so when they want to move somewhere, the preexisting population wouldn't be overwhelmed with sudden immigration. The areas people want to move may be overpopulated and the government sources strained. If people are always peaceful and open-hearted they would welcome anyone into their communities. We probably have to improve the happiness levels of people before doing anything that may have unintended consequences. The wall wouldn't accomplish much but the cancellation of visit would further intensify tension.
Brings back the old saw with a vengeance - Poor Mexico, so far from God, so close to the USA...
4
Get ready for inflationary forces as bad as Venezuela. Our mad king tops your bus driver for presidential lunacy. I wonder if the waltons still support richy rich. Their business model just went up in smoke, 20 percent increases on all the junk they sell.
5
can we have a do over?
PencePutinTrump are creating problems out of thin air that weren't problems yesterday.
and now, we're going to start a war with Mexico?
it's mad.
PencePutinTrump are creating problems out of thin air that weren't problems yesterday.
and now, we're going to start a war with Mexico?
it's mad.
13
A war with Mexico? How sad to have such a silly small brain.
How many more rabbit holes will Trump go down?
7
Wonder if Canada will make the US pay for the wall they'll be building to stop US citizens running north to flee this neo-fascist lunacy.
15
Very nice start to Trump's relations with the world. Who will he insult next?
8
Let`s see the President of Mexico Enrique Peña Nieto is twenty some years younger than Trump, is much better looking and has good education.
Time the bully finds out he can not threaten all the people in the World because he already made himself a laughing stock by going after the vote counts , and crowd counts when he needs to get on with the business of Presidency.
Time the bully finds out he can not threaten all the people in the World because he already made himself a laughing stock by going after the vote counts , and crowd counts when he needs to get on with the business of Presidency.
9
And now 20% tax in Mexican imports. Yes, lets financially cripple the nation. Then they will definitely want to stay.
4
We are running circles around ourselves trying to understand this insanity as the workings of a rational man. Donald Trump is a classic example of a person with a narcissistic personality disorder. He truly believes that he is smarter and better than everyone else, he truly believes that his perceptions of reality are correct and a signature symptom of the narcissistic personality disorder is the total inability to cope with A slight to his personality and the experience of the loss of control. The level of outrage and bullying that are his default response to insult are symptomatic of a narcissistic personality disorder.
He has no capacity to be rational. He has no capacity to collaborate. he has no capacity to lose. His mental illness drives him to fight to the bitter end.
Rational efforts to understand by the media, and all of the rest of us, is a waste of time. This is mental illness and needs to be identified as such, or our world will continue to be in full on danger with him at our helm. The mental illness needs to be called out and Addressed.
Dr. Carol Stephens, PsyD LP
He has no capacity to be rational. He has no capacity to collaborate. he has no capacity to lose. His mental illness drives him to fight to the bitter end.
Rational efforts to understand by the media, and all of the rest of us, is a waste of time. This is mental illness and needs to be identified as such, or our world will continue to be in full on danger with him at our helm. The mental illness needs to be called out and Addressed.
Dr. Carol Stephens, PsyD LP
20
Thanks for your post Dr. Stephens.
It is impossible to over-state likely this madman will stumble and bumble us in to the largest war in our recent history.
Everyone of us regardless of political party or conservative or liberal positions must wake up and pay attention!
It is impossible to over-state likely this madman will stumble and bumble us in to the largest war in our recent history.
Everyone of us regardless of political party or conservative or liberal positions must wake up and pay attention!
3
The left can bust an artery for all I care. The wall is necessary, and for many good reasons; Drugs, Illegals, etc.
5
Who's hiring these illegals for a couple of dollars an hour rather than paying legal citizens the minimum wage? Businesses (and we all know that most business owners skew right on the political spectrum) hire illegals. Why are these owners never arrested or held accountable? Now with the 20% tariff that businesses will pass on to us we will all "bust an artery" no matter where we stand politically.
This is an affront to many Mexican Americans. Who are homeowners, tax paying hard workers. Therefore, put in the fair share locally and federally. We do our part too.
9
How many of those homeowners and tax-paying hard workers voted for Trump?
Do dopeheads here in the USA pay any taxes on the drugs that are sold by the Mexican cartels? Who funds them? The USA does, not the government, the drug addicted citizens do.
1
Perhaps a side bar issue: Trump announced.the meeting with the President of Mexico was "jointly" cancelled. Untrue? A lie? Alt facts? All the above? None?
What we know is that the President of Mexico unilaterally cancelled,the meeting.
What we know is that the President of Mexico unilaterally cancelled,the meeting.
7
Hi Job,
Peña Nieto did not have any other choice. The moment Trump tweeted that Mexico would be paying for the wall or otherwise there would be no meeting, he gave him a an easy way out of the problem he was into. Peña, an otherwise, unpopular President, all of a sudden became the voice of every single Mexican and, for the first time ever during his presidency, he has the support of political friends and adversaries, including millions of Mexicans. Would he not cancel the meeting, there'd probably be no president in Mexico come next week, and it would be a political suicide for his party as well. I think that Trump is very stupid and visceral and, by virtue of this, anyone, including Putin, can play him like a violin. Truth of the matter is EPN cancelled the meeting but Trump is too thin skinned to accept it.
Peña Nieto did not have any other choice. The moment Trump tweeted that Mexico would be paying for the wall or otherwise there would be no meeting, he gave him a an easy way out of the problem he was into. Peña, an otherwise, unpopular President, all of a sudden became the voice of every single Mexican and, for the first time ever during his presidency, he has the support of political friends and adversaries, including millions of Mexicans. Would he not cancel the meeting, there'd probably be no president in Mexico come next week, and it would be a political suicide for his party as well. I think that Trump is very stupid and visceral and, by virtue of this, anyone, including Putin, can play him like a violin. Truth of the matter is EPN cancelled the meeting but Trump is too thin skinned to accept it.
Trump just announced he's seeking a 20% tax on imports from Mexico. Now we know who's paying for the wall. We are. What a surprise.
12
Am I the only one missing Obama?
9
Trump is bringing back jobs to America!
So, anyone that's unemployed, time to update your resumé to include your experience with lawn care and day labor.
This just in….Trump announced that he will tax Mexico 20% on imports to pay for "The Wall"
Livin' the dream!
So, anyone that's unemployed, time to update your resumé to include your experience with lawn care and day labor.
This just in….Trump announced that he will tax Mexico 20% on imports to pay for "The Wall"
Livin' the dream!
2
And the jobs he brings to America will be for many Americans to work for his hotels, casinos (if he hasn't bankrupted them) and his daughter's fashion business....
Congratulations to Mr. Pena Nieto for his courage and strength of character in standing up to the despotic autocrat, Donald Trump. Much of America stands with Mr. Pena Nieto.
National leaders around the world would be wise to follow the lead of the Mexican president in their approach to America's president. Trump will prove to be too unstable and un-American even for Republicans. He will not last.
America, you are now the pariah of the world. You should be ashamed of yourself for electing this unqualified president.
National leaders around the world would be wise to follow the lead of the Mexican president in their approach to America's president. Trump will prove to be too unstable and un-American even for Republicans. He will not last.
America, you are now the pariah of the world. You should be ashamed of yourself for electing this unqualified president.
14
How sad that the once great America has become little more than a tinpot dictatorship thanks to Mr Trump. Shame!
11
The writing is on this wall, indeed.
2
Thank you, NYT, for unflinching and wholehearted support and encouragement in these dark times.
Down with the walls, borders and all other obstacles for entering America!
Sincerely,
Undocumented, Illegal, Unauthorized, And All Other Such Immigrants.
Down with the walls, borders and all other obstacles for entering America!
Sincerely,
Undocumented, Illegal, Unauthorized, And All Other Such Immigrants.
2
One neighbor down, how many to go? The middle-school arrogance is dispiriting.
5
Well done, President Nieto. I really hope that the Irish Prime Minister, Enda Kenny, similarly snubs Trump on St. Patrick's Day this year.
5
Why would the Mexicans object to the wall? They can still go through the legal border crossings. Trump hasn't restricted legal traffic or imposed a strict visa scheme. What's the problem?
27
The problem is the symbolism of the wall, which is racist. You don't see Trump demanding a wall with Canada, do you?
1
Aristotle,
It's clear you have not thought about the issue profusely. The US can build any walls their government proposes. The issue is who pays.
It's clear you have not thought about the issue profusely. The US can build any walls their government proposes. The issue is who pays.
1
Hey New York Times: Why did you choose this comment as "pick?" The questions posed in it obviously don't take into account the whole issue of Mexico paying for it.
1
Why are we picking fights with countries all over the world? It's not even a week yet and I'm already thoroughly sick of this clown. Start the movement to impeach. We need to demonstrate to the rest of the world that the majority of Americans oppose these dictatorial moves.
24
No John, a majority of Americans applaud these moves. If you're sick of it, you should move to another country. Send us a postcard when you get there to let us know how that's working out for you.
1
As an immigrant to the US I had to learn English. The word "majority" means 'the quality or state of being greater". For example, the number of people who voted for Hillary Clinton, or the number of people opposing the wall (55% is greater than the rest).
At first English was difficult, but it becomes easier as you work at it. Don't give up.
At first English was difficult, but it becomes easier as you work at it. Don't give up.
2
"a majority of Americans applaud these moves"
And yet a near 3 million majority of voters voted against them.
And yet a near 3 million majority of voters voted against them.
1
I do not know how much Mexico imports from the USA or its tariff policy on imports from other countries, but perhaps it should retaliate with its own tariffs increases on US imports while reducing tariffs to other countries like China, or elsewhere--if they apply. This may be a boost for production in other countries, albeit Mexico's markets may not be huge. Perhaps Krugman can comment on this issue in one of his columns.
5
I hope Mexico treats any future bills or communications from the US like most Americans do with their junk mail.
Toss em.
Toss em.
5
Mexico is the second destiny of US exports, we'll have to impose duties on those imports. There will be a trade war, both countries will lose jobs.
We Mexicans will have to strengthen our ties with other countries and end cooperation with USA on security.
How about a Chinese military base miles from the US border?
We Mexicans will have to strengthen our ties with other countries and end cooperation with USA on security.
How about a Chinese military base miles from the US border?
14
The President of Mexico should immediately invite Trade Minister of China so they can work out a good trade deal for both countries. China will be happy to work with Pacific Rim countries in North and South America and Mexico needs to get away from the Trump idea of diplomacy.
With the conspiracy theory based Trump policies, Canada should also begin the process of establishing stronger trade ties with Pacific Rim countries on both North America and Asia sides.
It seems clear that the Trump idea of what he calls fair trade will disadvantage any country who seeks to trade with America. Countries in the TPP and other partnerships must unite now to form blocks and also work bilateral trade agreements as needed.
The truth is that in America, diplomacy has gone out the window and bullying has entered as the face which America will present to the world.
With the conspiracy theory based Trump policies, Canada should also begin the process of establishing stronger trade ties with Pacific Rim countries on both North America and Asia sides.
It seems clear that the Trump idea of what he calls fair trade will disadvantage any country who seeks to trade with America. Countries in the TPP and other partnerships must unite now to form blocks and also work bilateral trade agreements as needed.
The truth is that in America, diplomacy has gone out the window and bullying has entered as the face which America will present to the world.
9
So in the end the tax and the wall is paid for by the American consumer. That'll fix those Mexicans.
12
Were I a Mexican official in power, I would take Mr. Trump's obvious hostility as an invitation to seek trading partners elsewhere. And who has the largest economy? China.
This would invite a powerful adversary to a place on our border and throughout Central and South America.
Trump's pursuing a foolish and dangerous trade and national security policy in not cultivating good neighbors.
This would invite a powerful adversary to a place on our border and throughout Central and South America.
Trump's pursuing a foolish and dangerous trade and national security policy in not cultivating good neighbors.
10
Exactly. We are going to end up with China on our Southern border, economic, cultural and militarily. Great move Trump. And how are the Mexican's going to support themselves during the lean years, why with the U.S. Dollars we have been sending to China to pay for shopping everyday at Walmart.
2
Mr. Trump must be treated like the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Both are petulant egotists, with more power than they could ever earn or manage. Isolation of both for now, with hope for a collapse of not disastrous proportions in the near future.
13
If a tax is imposed on Mexican imports, then it's Americans who will be funding the wall.
17
So far we're not hearing very much from economists. The US has many investments in Mexico, mostly because of cheaper labor. We also rely very heavily on Mexican farm labor and there are a host of other NAFTA related mutual exchanges ranging from taxes to special visa and immigration rules.
Precipitous moves by Trump can toss all these economic interest into the air. While relocating businesses back to the US will eventually bring some jobs home, other companies will simply relocate to yet another country with even cheaper labor.
In the short run, many US owned businesses will loose money on these moves. And in the long run, who knows? These companies relocated to increase their profits. The congress and Wall Street have worked together to make this part of global capitalism very lucrative for the investor class. Now Trump is saying you've made enough. Come back home and pay higher wages and take less profit. Or, is that what he really means?
It's not a bad idea, but we're talking billions that are now at play. At the end of the day i don't think Trump is ready to mess with that much money, especially since some of it is his own investment into this global system.
Precipitous moves by Trump can toss all these economic interest into the air. While relocating businesses back to the US will eventually bring some jobs home, other companies will simply relocate to yet another country with even cheaper labor.
In the short run, many US owned businesses will loose money on these moves. And in the long run, who knows? These companies relocated to increase their profits. The congress and Wall Street have worked together to make this part of global capitalism very lucrative for the investor class. Now Trump is saying you've made enough. Come back home and pay higher wages and take less profit. Or, is that what he really means?
It's not a bad idea, but we're talking billions that are now at play. At the end of the day i don't think Trump is ready to mess with that much money, especially since some of it is his own investment into this global system.
4
Good for President Nieto. There is no point in negotiating face to face with a compulsive, delusional liar or his toadies. Sir, anything the US has to say to your country, get it in writing and make multiple copies!
12
The leaders mutually canceled their meeting. More importantly, Trump suggested a 20% tariff on ALL products imported from Mexico.
Trump is living up to my expectations. He is definitely going to Make America Great Again!
Trump is living up to my expectations. He is definitely going to Make America Great Again!
6
More like a banana republic.
Does Trump realize that a 20% tariff on Mexican imports is paid by Americans? He's building a wall and Americans are paying for it.
7
Since 2014 Peña Nieto has implemented a clampdown on his porous southern border and has also begun construction of a high-technology equivalent of a “wall” to prevent illegal immigrants from entering Mexico.
I guess the outrage against a US wall - by both the Mexican government and supports of illegal immigration here in the US - has a boundary that ends at the Rio Grande.
I guess the outrage against a US wall - by both the Mexican government and supports of illegal immigration here in the US - has a boundary that ends at the Rio Grande.
1
it is good to see the mexican president stand up to trump. the wall is a bad idea and a huge waste of money, money that could be used to help mexico, our brothers to the south, "a better mexico means a better border" charles bowden.
6
It really is a pleasure to see so many liberals go absolutely crazy over President Trump. It's going to make the next four years a pleasure.
A rather small-minded pleasure.
A 20% tax on Mexican imports won't be paid by Mexico, it will be paid by Americans buying Mexican products. Wait until Trump voters see prices at WalMart jump 20%. And then, of course, Mexico will retaliate with its own import tax on American products so it will be a lose/lose situation and not even a gain in American jobs.
12
When the sales of Mexican products drop because of the import tax they will be open to negotiate better trade deals.
Never underestimate American purchasing power
Never underestimate American purchasing power
For decades Mexico has stolen from the American taxpayer period. This president and others could have put their security at the wall but they wanted those people to leave. No sympathy for this Mexican president.
2
I believe the sympathy will have to be reserved for Americans who will see a 20% jump in goods, especially food. The very people who mostly voted for Trump and who can't afford to see a spike in their food bills. We import an enormous amount of products, and those saying we can just buy American made instead could have been buying American made all along. But they don't. Most Americans are addicted to cheap goods. Made in America costs more. We aren't going to be making curtains and trashcans and clothing and refrigerators and cell phones and craft supplies...at the scale that Americans demand. Never. Issues are always more complex than the simpleton sound bites that so many voters gobbled up. Everything is interconnected and has consequences. And at the same time that so many are losing their health insurance. Awful.
2
And how exactly does Mexico stole taxes from the american tax payer?
If Trump imposes a tax on imports from Mexico, American consumers/taxpayers will be paying it (as many comments have pointed out already).
This is consistent with the Trump MO: Bully and threaten, and try to intimidate and frighten. It wont work. In fact, it will hurt the U.S. and Americans in the long run. So much for the community of nations. So much for pursuing shared interests.
Trump's pugnacious approach is stupid, short-sighted and counterproductive. It will do nothing to advance America's interests. Americans and Mexicans will suffer. What's worse, it will convey to the rest of the world that we can't be trusted, that we're the enemy. You can be sure that, except perhaps for Britain and a couple of other countries, we'll be treated as the enemy around the globe.
Trump's pugnacious approach is stupid, short-sighted and counterproductive. It will do nothing to advance America's interests. Americans and Mexicans will suffer. What's worse, it will convey to the rest of the world that we can't be trusted, that we're the enemy. You can be sure that, except perhaps for Britain and a couple of other countries, we'll be treated as the enemy around the globe.
7
We should build the wall tall and proud! Then cover it with solar panels and send the electricity for free to Mexico. Every time they look at the wall they will simmer with anger at our xenophobia and every time they flip the light switch they will be reminded of how confusing our culture will be to future historians.
2
America’s continued security has, for the most part, been guaranteed by two great oceans and the two friendly countries on our southern and northern borders. We risk the breakdown of this security on our southern border through Trump’s belligerent and demeaning attitude toward Mexico. His unilateral demagogic actions toward Mexico risk our peaceful historical relationship. Only a fool would not see China taking advantage of a breakdown in US/Mexico relations. That would be a threat to our national security.
Immigrants from Mexico who work for minimal wages on huge agricultural farms or smaller farms all across the US, including here in upstate New York, enable us to have fresh fruits and vegetables year round. They are not threat to our national security. If anything, they allow us to live a luxurious life. If we follow Trump’s deviant yellow brick road, be ready for a deterioration in our quality of life and our national security.
Follow Trump and we will reap the chaos of this madman Trump.
Immigrants from Mexico who work for minimal wages on huge agricultural farms or smaller farms all across the US, including here in upstate New York, enable us to have fresh fruits and vegetables year round. They are not threat to our national security. If anything, they allow us to live a luxurious life. If we follow Trump’s deviant yellow brick road, be ready for a deterioration in our quality of life and our national security.
Follow Trump and we will reap the chaos of this madman Trump.
9
The Donald is about to learn a hard lesson in International diplomacy. He has gotten his way by bullying small business people and holding up payment for goods and services - now he is playing with The Big Boys. The Donald needs to put on his Big Boy Pants and pretend that he is an adult. His days of conning are over.
15
If Trump knew how to use a computer he would know that:
1. There is already a wall / fence on 60% of the border.
2. More people are leaving the US to go to Mexico than coming in.
3. Many US farmers and manufacturers benefit from trade with Mexico. Once Mexico slaps a tariff back on us, many, many Americans will be out of work.
4. You can't put a wall through the Rio Grande
5. If people are determined to come to the US, a fence will stop no one.
10
I guess Mexico has been sneaking into the US for so long they feel like it's an entitlement. We insulted them by even saying we are building a wall. I don't see their point of view. I can see them being upset that it will be harder to sneak over but insulted? Would I be insulted if Mexico built a wall? Not in the least. Would I be insulted in Canada built a wall? Not at all. What is the insult?
I guess the insult is the "Mexico is going to pay for the wall" part, which you're completely neglecting in your opinion.
4
President Nieto is right to cancel his meeting with Trump. Trump has shown that he just wants to exert his will at all costs and has ignored all previous indications from Mexico that they will not pay for this stupid wall. If he had met with Trump, it would have just given Trump the opportunity to lie once again to the American people. He has shown over and over again that he will not tell the truth unless it is favorable to his ego. I think he has a personality disorder.
9
President Xi of China should invite President Nieto for a visit. There are a lot of allies to be made under Trump's America (obviously no including the U.S.).
6
Phew, fascinating, interesting. Trump already makes the American politics truly a comedy show.
You know what, growing up faraway in China, I have seen so many Chinese historical TV shows, such as Romance of theThree Kingdom or SunTzi's Art of War. In these shows, there are Emperors who lie in front of the God, Ministers who tell fake new in front of the Emperor, Generals who order fake battle plan to his staffs, Brilliant Strategists who pretend to be mad in front of his lords, even Princes who take poison mixed with antidote to hide the fact that they murder siblings by poison. Every fake actions are made in order to deceive the enemy. The better the fakes are, the more interesting the shows will be.
As a neutral viewer, should I doubt that a President who already 'lied' in front of the Congress about fraud voters is 'making a show' in the border-wall issue? And, if it is just a show, then how good this show will be? Well, I can't be sure. But this is why the show is interesting.
But there are two points to remember. First, the show is meant to deceive the enemies. What are the 'enemies' in Trump's show? Second, all shows must come to an end because the audiences will sooner or later recognize and be bored with the shows. There must be an end at the right time for this show, otherwise, the players will surely suffer loss.
You know what, growing up faraway in China, I have seen so many Chinese historical TV shows, such as Romance of theThree Kingdom or SunTzi's Art of War. In these shows, there are Emperors who lie in front of the God, Ministers who tell fake new in front of the Emperor, Generals who order fake battle plan to his staffs, Brilliant Strategists who pretend to be mad in front of his lords, even Princes who take poison mixed with antidote to hide the fact that they murder siblings by poison. Every fake actions are made in order to deceive the enemy. The better the fakes are, the more interesting the shows will be.
As a neutral viewer, should I doubt that a President who already 'lied' in front of the Congress about fraud voters is 'making a show' in the border-wall issue? And, if it is just a show, then how good this show will be? Well, I can't be sure. But this is why the show is interesting.
But there are two points to remember. First, the show is meant to deceive the enemies. What are the 'enemies' in Trump's show? Second, all shows must come to an end because the audiences will sooner or later recognize and be bored with the shows. There must be an end at the right time for this show, otherwise, the players will surely suffer loss.
2
Comedy is not the right word. Nothing funny at all.
1
The twenty percent increase comes out of the pocket books of the red staters who voted for Trump. America will pay more at the grocery store for this absurd project. Well, not me, because I buy my food at the local farmer's market. But those folks who think meat and produces come in plastics trays will have it tough. And....Trump's restaurants will have to raise the prices on their second rate food.
The Chinese will be more than happy to build canning and food processing factories in Mexico. More jobs for Mexico. More presence by China on the world stage.
The Chinese will be more than happy to build canning and food processing factories in Mexico. More jobs for Mexico. More presence by China on the world stage.
13
As much as I agree with your overall point, could you sound more privileged and judgmental? "But those folks who think meat and produces come in plastics trays will have it tough." If we ever want to attempt to come together as a nation, can we cool it with the elitism which is one of the many reasons people vote against us?
2
Yeah, I shop at the farmers' market too but guess who picks the produce? It's not the people you see necessarily manning the stands.....Mexican migrant workers do. So everyone will end up paying.
What a lot of people don't recognize but even red state conservative farmers do is if there is no one to pick/ process produce and animal products, the whole US suffers. Hence even among Republicans at one point, there was support for a guest workers program.
What a lot of people don't recognize but even red state conservative farmers do is if there is no one to pick/ process produce and animal products, the whole US suffers. Hence even among Republicans at one point, there was support for a guest workers program.
As yourself this question: why does Mexico so repeatedly mention defending "migrant rights"? I understand the idea of them not wanting to pay for the border. That is money down the drain for them. But its obvious that them being so proactive in "defending migrants" is because they know they benefit net-wise from dumping citizens they can't take care of.
2
You don't have to own a crystal ball to see what's coming.
Trump puts a 20% tax on Mexico to save face for his wall. Mexico is humiliated and angry.
Guess who is in the wings to buy their goods and lend them money? China. the same country that is slowly taking over Africa by its monetary benevolence.
Once China establishes a financial beachhead in Mexico military bases follow.
This is what happens when a president with zero diplomatic skill and 100% ego is elected.
Trump puts a 20% tax on Mexico to save face for his wall. Mexico is humiliated and angry.
Guess who is in the wings to buy their goods and lend them money? China. the same country that is slowly taking over Africa by its monetary benevolence.
Once China establishes a financial beachhead in Mexico military bases follow.
This is what happens when a president with zero diplomatic skill and 100% ego is elected.
21
In 2006, Joseph Contreras profiled the issue of Guatemalan immigrants illegally entering Mexico for Newsweek magazine and pointed out that while Mexican president Vicente Fox demanded that the United States grant legal residency to millions of illegal Mexican immigrants, Mexico had only granted legal status to 15,000 illegal immigrants. Additionally, Contreras found that at coffee farms in the Mexican state Chiapas, "40,000 Guatemalan field hands endure backbreaking jobs and squalid living conditions to earn roughly [US]$3.50 a day" and that some farmers "even deduct the cost of room and board from that amount."[2] The Mexican National Institute of Migration estimated that 400,235 people crossed the border illegally every year and that around 150,000 of them intended to enter the United States.[3]
2
"40,000 Guatemalan field hands endure backbreaking jobs and squalid living conditions to earn roughly [US]$3.50 a day" and that some farmers "even deduct the cost of room and board from that amount."[2]
Likely true, but it misses the fact that Mexican field hands earn the same and are probably subject to the same treatment. Oh, and also the point that $3.50 dollars a day is roughly the same people earn working for American companies at maquiladoras
Likely true, but it misses the fact that Mexican field hands earn the same and are probably subject to the same treatment. Oh, and also the point that $3.50 dollars a day is roughly the same people earn working for American companies at maquiladoras
I don't know when I have felt so ashamed of being American. Trump acts as if our government policy did not encourage Mexicans to come here and work--for the gain of our corporations and families wanting cheaper labor. I hope Mexico finds a way to punish Trump and the Republicans who pander to him. There is no excuse for such extreme cruelty on the part of our government, treating our neighbors as if they don't matter at all.
3
Nothing about this; "Mexican president Vicente Fox demanded that the United States grant legal residency to millions of illegal Mexican immigrants, Mexico had only granted legal status to 15,000 illegal immigrants."
Pena Nieto should stand up to this reckless bully by imposing a tax on American imports. The American People elected this ignorant bully, and the American People must now pay the price of a tariff war.
13
All those white men and women from mid America who want jobs, should be required to go build the wall. Through the summer months when temperatures reach the 100 deg mark. They will be happily employed and will learn first hand what it means to build the wall that they applauded for in trump rallies.
26
Travel to Mexico has just became even more dangerous than it was previously.
Increased destabilization of the Mexican govt is not good for the people of the US
Increased destabilization of the Mexican govt is not good for the people of the US
7
You are wrong, at this moment there are more americans on our streets than ever, not tourists, becoming residents.
A uniform 30 foot wall will stimulate the economy, that is, the economy in Mexico for 31 foot ladders. And trenching shovels. Even my dog knows how to dig under the fence I built to keep her on our property.
This is madness. A 20% tax on Mexican exports will savage their economy and instead of 20% of $296B in imports we might have 20% of $0B in imports. Another fine mess, Mr. Trump!
This is madness. A 20% tax on Mexican exports will savage their economy and instead of 20% of $296B in imports we might have 20% of $0B in imports. Another fine mess, Mr. Trump!
14
We have long past the fact the President is insane. Mexico should seal the border themselves with the US, And when the whiney children of rich Republicans cannot go to Cabo or Cancun for spring break, watch the Republican leadership wake up.
Too Late.
Too Late.
18
As a Canadian who has travelled all over the United States during my lifetime, I was looking forward to my first visit to Washington DC in May . There is so much I have loved - and envied - about your country. Instead, I've decide to spend my 50th birthday somewhere else: anywhere in Mexico.
4
The Donald is fully living up to my expectations. Fiascoes loom.
22
This is madness. The Presidential Apprentice just wants his popularity. He wants the cheers, he wants people standing from NYC to Mexico clapping their hands and waving gold banners saying "TRUMP."
The Apprentice would love a war with Mexico because he'd be safe counting his money, gold and Inauguration attendance.
Guess what: This American loves Mexico.
Who's ready for another march?
The Apprentice would love a war with Mexico because he'd be safe counting his money, gold and Inauguration attendance.
Guess what: This American loves Mexico.
Who's ready for another march?
38
I'm ready, Debra.
By demanding that Mexico pay for a wall, Trump guaranteed they would not. Essentially, he was saying "submit to me!" No proud country can ever do that or forever be known as the ones who capitulated.
47
The man proves a disaster in just two weeks.
1
And this is how you create a bordered enemy. Mexico is expected to elect a new president in 2018, and it can/will likely vote very far left, setting up a socialist government (or as 'mericuns call it - "communism") that will inevitably look to other socialist governments for trade and support. Coincidentally - those same governments are in place in countries we butt heads with often, China, Russia, Venezuela and North Korea.
That wall isn't going to stop Russian imported tanks, Chinese purchased jets nor North Korean bombs. It's like no one learned anything in history class.
That wall isn't going to stop Russian imported tanks, Chinese purchased jets nor North Korean bombs. It's like no one learned anything in history class.
47
I'm not sure that resorting to threats, as you did in your post, is a way to win the argument of the people you most need to convert.
I would have applauded Nieto's refusing to see Trump because of Trumps unjust, revolting, racist characterizations of Mexicans 7 Mexican Americans. But in refusing to meet Trump because of the wall, Nieto is, in effect, saying that Mexico has a right to ship its poverty problem to the US, that Americans are responsible for the poor of Mexico, rather than their wealthy countrymen & political leaders. There is nothing inherently wrong with a border wall to help slow down illegal immigration. I'm not opposed to a referendum on open borders. But we should not allow whatever the law is to be violated with impunity
6
The reason the Mexican president cancelled the meeting is because Trump again stated that Mexico will pay for the wall. He actually said: "If Mexico refuses to pay, there is not point in this meeting". Trump wants to dictate to a sovereign nation, a neighbor, trading partner and ally. He is telling Mexico "I require your submission to my rule". It is not only undiplomatic, it is the act of bully and wannabe dictator and emperor. If Republicans go along with this, they will be doing this country a great disservice.
2
OK, then Mexico can build a wall and have American's pay for the wall from a tax on the drug dealers and users who buy and consume drugs coming from Mexico.
Then YOU pay for the wall. I would prefer that the folks who want the wall to pay for the wall and pay for all the folks that will be needed to remove ladders and close up tunnels. YOU be the person who pays for this boondoggle. Pony up. Put your money where your mouth is. Wait.... actually you WILL be paying for it, instead of funding for vets, the infirm, the elderly, you'll get this lovely useless wall.
7
There will be an American who won't be paying for this useless wall. Donald Trump. Just as he doesn't pay a penny in federal income taxes for the military, the vets, infrastructure, education, medical and scientific research, NASA, the CIA, FBI, Homeland Security, and every other benefit the federal government provides. Donald Trump and too many of his fellow billionaires will pass the bills,including the $14 billion cost of the wall, to those of us who pay the taxes that keep this country running.
43
Does this breach with Mexico by the Donald mean that he is chalking up a win for the American people? Not even a week into his illegitimate ascension to power and he is sowing discord with no regard for the economic and diplomatic consequences. Our country is now on Donald Trump's fast track to third world status and chaos. Does the United States have any way to forestall this impending train wreck?
39
Well, who is going to fire this Apprentice?
15
"Well, who is going to fire this Apprentice?"....
"I'll be back"
"I'll be back"
Let's just pause a minute and think who is ultimately going to pay for the 20% tax on Mexican imports Trump now wants (and apparently congressional Republicans are going to go along with). Not Mexico. Not the corporations. American consumers will pay through HIGHER prices for imports. Trump doesn't understand this (clearly) but your congressional representatives may do once they stop groveling. And of course American exports to Mexico get hit with the same taxes = fewer jobs here, less tax revenue and so it goes. Oh, and it's reported he wants a 20% tax on all imports, leading to a global trade war. And still it's only day 6!
72
The man does not know the chain of supply that has interlocked the various economies. He is a disrupter, an angry child throwing the pieces of the board game because he does not like the rules his multiple predecessors established.
5
I somewhat agree with your analysis, but....
Corporations will pay as well, maybe even more than consumers.
Let's consider Ford, for example. They do have several plants in Mexico.
If their cars get hit with a tax, who pays for it?
Consumers that insist on buying Ford will pay for it, but most will buy something else. Ford might lose a significant amount of business.
Mexicans working at a Ford plant will pay as well, as production will decline, unless those cars are sold to a third country.
Corporations will pay as well, maybe even more than consumers.
Let's consider Ford, for example. They do have several plants in Mexico.
If their cars get hit with a tax, who pays for it?
Consumers that insist on buying Ford will pay for it, but most will buy something else. Ford might lose a significant amount of business.
Mexicans working at a Ford plant will pay as well, as production will decline, unless those cars are sold to a third country.
2
I know a very wealthy old man, who voted for Trump. So his heirs would not have to pay inheritance taxes.
I wonder how he's gonna feel when he learns that his Mexican factory stuff will carry a 20% tariff!
Will they have much of a business to inherit?
What about his factories in China? How long before that tariff appears.
Must be the Law of Karma....
I wonder how he's gonna feel when he learns that his Mexican factory stuff will carry a 20% tariff!
Will they have much of a business to inherit?
What about his factories in China? How long before that tariff appears.
Must be the Law of Karma....
15
The New York Times must be commended on superb reporting.
Theater artists must mirror & counter the media mayhem. The time is ripe to complement journalism with something akin to the vintage Living Newspaper. Mexico's dynamic mythology offers enough to spawn myriad dramatic works. At no time in recent eras has a vivid theater arts been so needed. Responding to the ongoing mammoth Monopoly game our citizens encounter dramatists must decipher media messages, tweets, blogs about cultural compulsions & appetites. We playwrights are now explorers like Cortez & Pizarro.
Theater artists must mirror & counter the media mayhem. The time is ripe to complement journalism with something akin to the vintage Living Newspaper. Mexico's dynamic mythology offers enough to spawn myriad dramatic works. At no time in recent eras has a vivid theater arts been so needed. Responding to the ongoing mammoth Monopoly game our citizens encounter dramatists must decipher media messages, tweets, blogs about cultural compulsions & appetites. We playwrights are now explorers like Cortez & Pizarro.
2
Why, of course Mexico will pay for the wall. Trump was told "the check is in the mail."
2
Just like his $6 Million donation to the veterans...
3
we need a reality check!
Can't wait. Go for it. The chaos would be immense.
10
How many times must Mexico be threatened by its far more powerful neighbor to the north? It seems to me that America should have long ago been more than content with having taken by force half of Mexico's territory in 1848.
28
This "president" is going to hurt the United States and the citizens of the United States BADLY.
The US's imports and exports with Mexico are roughly $300 billion give or take $40 billion.
This "president" is well on his way to causing a trade war with one of our most important and physically closest trading partners. So maybe he'll actually try to tax Mexican imports? And if he does, the cost of those goods will go up substantially for the US citizens who buy them, right? Forget Mexico; how on earth is that good for the United States? How on earth is that good for the citizens of the United States?
The US's imports and exports with Mexico are roughly $300 billion give or take $40 billion.
This "president" is well on his way to causing a trade war with one of our most important and physically closest trading partners. So maybe he'll actually try to tax Mexican imports? And if he does, the cost of those goods will go up substantially for the US citizens who buy them, right? Forget Mexico; how on earth is that good for the United States? How on earth is that good for the citizens of the United States?
49
You mean BIGLY.
1
Those of us in the US who live near the border can see first-hand the importance of Mexico to our economy. We also need a stable, successful Mexico. The people of Mexico are already hurting with the falling peso since this maniac took office. Why would we want to destabilize a neighbor.
God help the US in the next four years.
God help the US in the next four years.
63
A total destruction of any economic relations we may have had with a bordering nation.
3
He possesses stamina, but is nuts. A very dangerous combination.
27
Stamina? Try Manic Psychotic. A delusional one at that.
And the faithless in the Electoral College appointed him against the will of the majority of "The People".
We were all warned that he is a danger to us and the planet. We were warned he is not fit to be president.
How true. Throw him out.
And the faithless in the Electoral College appointed him against the will of the majority of "The People".
We were all warned that he is a danger to us and the planet. We were warned he is not fit to be president.
How true. Throw him out.
5
I have seen nothing to indicate this stamina you speak of. He's nuts and lazy.
3
I would urge Prime Minister May to follow suit, and not come to the US on Friday.
I am begining to believe that Trump is insane.
I am begining to believe that Trump is insane.
60
Beginning?
Shame on the Republican Party for not stopping this in its tracks a year ago.
Of course I didn't want Jeb but I hate to say it but the Bushes are looking pretty good now.
Shame on the Republican Party for not stopping this in its tracks a year ago.
Of course I didn't want Jeb but I hate to say it but the Bushes are looking pretty good now.
5
I've thought that for a long time. So have many others.
He is insane, and each time something comes up that goes against his own "reality" (like the popular vote) he will only get crazier. He's also surrounded by "Yes" people; I'm scared to death.
4
Fences out. Tunnels in.
Waste o' money.
Somebody needs to build a (soundproof) fence around Trump.
Waste o' money.
Somebody needs to build a (soundproof) fence around Trump.
32
He already lives in a wall of echoes of his own voice and thoughts. At the republican retreat he was clapping at himself gleefully like a first year old at his own birthday, so clueless.
4
Very proud of Mexico for standing their ground to this bully. Hopefully more nations will follow suit.
74
what about our nation?
Treat the US fairly, with respect? When Mr. Trump launched his campaign for President how did he open? By calling Mexicans rapists and criminals. How respectful is that? How fair is it to the millions of honest hard working people on both sides of the border who only want to be treated fairly and with respect? Mr Trump should have taken Diplomacy 101 while a student at Wharton. But then does Mr. Trump respect anything or anyone? I think not...
63
Now Trump gets to blow smoke at an empty chair.
12
keep insulting an invited guest and he cancels on you
the nerve of some people, eh
the nerve of some people, eh
14
When people, or governments, stand up to bullies, the bullies back down. Mr. Trump thinks he has been anointed king, and his "court" is too afraid to stand up to him, so others must do so. Good for Mr. Nieto!! I hope other foreign leaders have the courage to do the same when the opportunity presents itself...and it will! Right now Mr. Trump resembles King George III more than any president the U.S. has had in its long history. Hopefully, the American people will rise up and overthrow the current Congress in the 2018 elections. God help us if they don't!
16
Love the irony; someone sticking Trump with the bill.
20
Give the bully a bully pulpit and bad stuff happens. Here's to Presidente Nieto for having the courage to fight back!!
21
If this is how the great negotiator negotiates, God help us all.
30
This is how he ended up bankrupt 7 times. The Comrade is an idiot. He has no clues as to the collateral damage that will cause to American companies.
3
The bully is back. Such a simple man dealing with such complex issues. It's embarrassing to be an American right now.
43
I am wondering how Trump plans to tackle the jobs that privileged Americans have long stopped from even thinking about. Precisely , who will pick the tomatoes , the jalapenos, the onions, the apples, the oranges, the grapes. ?
Who will milk the cows, tend to the pigs, raise the chickens, eviscerate the poultry in the slaughter houses, collect the eggs.... The list is so vast, it spells a catastrophe in the making and possibly hunger for the American citizen.
I guess the people who never think about how the poor toil to make a living will never know what it is like to work for a living. The President probably earns more on the first day of a New Year than an agricultural worker in the whole year. I suppose, it is the penalty they have been paying for being illegal and always to have been abused for it.
Humanity at its best or an immoral and repugnant enslavery by design.??
Who will milk the cows, tend to the pigs, raise the chickens, eviscerate the poultry in the slaughter houses, collect the eggs.... The list is so vast, it spells a catastrophe in the making and possibly hunger for the American citizen.
I guess the people who never think about how the poor toil to make a living will never know what it is like to work for a living. The President probably earns more on the first day of a New Year than an agricultural worker in the whole year. I suppose, it is the penalty they have been paying for being illegal and always to have been abused for it.
Humanity at its best or an immoral and repugnant enslavery by design.??
23
You should know there are agricultural worker visas available for that sort of work.
There is no instance where someone must hire an illegal immigrant.
There is no instance where someone must hire an illegal immigrant.
Now that Trump wants to tax imports from Mexico, Mexico should impose an immediate 200% tax (or maybe an immediate halt) to exports, to demonstrate the foolishness his proposal. NAFTA is imperfect, but protectionism is economic suicide (see 1930).
18
How can one assert decades of friendly relations on immigration? Mexico protects its southern border. The United States has every right to do the same. president Trump promised to do it and he should. Payment for the wall can come in the form of reduced financial and economic support to Mexico. On the other hand, I assert that the reason we have so much illegal immigration is because we do not have enough legal immigration. And we need immigration of peoples all over the world. We need people who are only capable of working with their backs all the way to Ph.D.s who work with their brains. And the incompetent federal government is at the heart of this dilemma.
6
Mexico gets no economic support form the USA. They have trade, which is the same as any other nation in the world.
5
An incompetent Federal Government is what just came into office.
1
Mexico does not have wall on its southern border, nor is Mexico demanding that Guatemala pay for one! Mexico is struggling with all the Central Americans crossing that border on their way to the USA, but many decide to stay in Mexico.
As a landscape architect, I work with landscape contractors. Some time ago, I was invited to share a lunch with them, and the conversation at the table was almost all about hiring aliens, about going to Washington to talk to their representatives about allowing more aliens to work for longer periods, and most frighteningly, the anger that an alien worker had switched companies as he was offered a better paying job (still under the standard wage). The other landscape contractors were furious that this could happen. I left nauseous, as to me this seemed like indentured labor.
In the ensuing years, more and more aliens (i.e. on short term visas) have been hired by landscape contractors. Some landscape contractors are all Spanish speaking. At least we can hope that those may have a chance to receive a decent wage.
In the ensuing years, more and more aliens (i.e. on short term visas) have been hired by landscape contractors. Some landscape contractors are all Spanish speaking. At least we can hope that those may have a chance to receive a decent wage.
15
Trump plans on taxing goods imported from mexico to pay for the wall. so its the buyers of this products that pay for the wall ? that means americans ?
48
Yes, the people who voted for Trump will be paying more for cars, vegetables, fruit, juices, diapers; most things the poor people buy everyday. If Trump had campaigned on a promise to build a wall and tax every American $50,000 he would not have lasted through a second campaign appearance. But that is exactly what is happening. Unless, of course, Congress says no, then Trump can blame everybody else.
3
Precisely. Higher prices on vegetables. berries and lemons, and car engines.
Trump is bad, but Pence will be worse. An we're going to get him as soon as Trump disassociates. He may be in the middle of it right now. Let's face, it the guy is nuts.
54
Pence is bad but at least he is reasonably sane. His wife is an art teacher and he has two cats. As far as we know, he doesn't want the world blown up.
2
It may have been the ploy of ploys. Pence would never have been elected - even by the rednecks. So - a unhinged fascist wanna be is going to be replaced by a real fascist. Scary.
1
this is hardly a recommendation...
Essentially this would unilaterally destroy the NAFTA agreement. I'm sure the Republicans in congress must be getting a bit nervous at the implications.
12
Interestingly, no mention made by the Mexican President about being happy to welcome it's nationals back to Mexico.
6
Interesting that you think he should do that. Does the British Prime Minister mention that she is happy to welcome nationals back to England? What about the Irish? A full 40% of all illegal immigrants are Europeans who come here and simply overstay their Visas.
1
He doesn't want them back.
Wow, this policy will do nothing more than increase poverty rates on both sides of the border. The 20% tax proposal on all Mexican imports will mean that American families will have far less affordable fresh food to eat (among many other things). That may well lead to greater levels of obesity. Now let's cut healthcare, too. That'll be a way to go.
I shudder to imagine how our southern neighbors will suffer.
I shudder to imagine how our southern neighbors will suffer.
28
Great decision President Nieto. - not to attend. Don't be fooled by our new leader as were millions of us Americans or intimidated by him. That's how he will proceed in the future - his intentions are no secret. We "must overcome".
The "Wall", as other Walls in the past, only create enmity - none worked including: The great Chinese Wall against the Mongols, the Maginot Line against Hitler and the Russian Wall separating Berlin.
Determination and steadfastness, from those of us who think this Wall is bizarre, must be our reaction.
What a terrible insult to our neighbors south of us.
I would hope that Mr. trump will renege on this fantasy.
But then I have long since given up on the "tooth fairy".
The "Wall", as other Walls in the past, only create enmity - none worked including: The great Chinese Wall against the Mongols, the Maginot Line against Hitler and the Russian Wall separating Berlin.
Determination and steadfastness, from those of us who think this Wall is bizarre, must be our reaction.
What a terrible insult to our neighbors south of us.
I would hope that Mr. trump will renege on this fantasy.
But then I have long since given up on the "tooth fairy".
17
One week post inaugural. The State Department and CIA crumble. Trump and Bannon go for the lowest hanging fruit, excoriate the press, bully Mexico. North Korea, China, and Russia, observe and bide their time. This little saga hasn't even got past the frontispiece.
26
Next -- Trump will rail against Iceland because they are not sharing enough ice with the US.
11
Isn't that what Tweet Master wanted? We all know who will be paying for that despicable wall - the US. He's already duping tax payers.
13
Bravo, Señor Peña Nieto for not kowtowing to our fascist pretender. If only some of our federal legislators and corporate leaders could find the courage to say NO to this miserable excuse for a human being!
12
We have lost a friend and trading partner. The first of many, I suspect. Putin's Russia remains true for now. That was the plan was it not Mitch McConnell?
15
Mitch
McConnell only cares about Taiwan because his wife the transportation secretary is from there.
McConnell only cares about Taiwan because his wife the transportation secretary is from there.
1
Wait until Mexico decides to meet with China and Canada to begin trade talks. The last screw will fall out of Trumps hinges.
31
Yes but we pay for the fallout.
Take that piñata-in-chief supporters. He has just proposed a 20% tax on you and other Americans for products they get imported from Mexico - TVs, cars, parts and components, fruits and vegetables, and avocados.
Is this what the genius business-piñata promised, to raise our grocery bills and TV costs by 20% - a week before the Superbowl?
Is this what the genius business-piñata promised, to raise our grocery bills and TV costs by 20% - a week before the Superbowl?
20
Not a problem - I gave up on Oreo's.
Build hospitals, where thinking, decent, Americans can go for treatment, which is paid for by the Affordable Care Act, which is THE LAW OF THE LAND . Adolf Trump is channeling Hitler. The real world needs to retake control, quickly, from this Mentally I'll individual, who was overwhelmingly defeated by Hillary Clinton, for whom America's needs are recognized as those on the Temporal Plane, actual, not imaginary.Germany had a chance to stop Adolf Hitler in 1933. We real Americans must call out trump NOW. I am a lifelong Florida resident. In Florida, those who exhibit a danger to themselves and others are legally sequestered by Psychiatric Practitioners, for a Specific Time Period, to prevent imminent harm (to the Endangered, Mentally-ill Individual or others.) This person, Donald trump, clearly requires Sequestration and Treatment. He is following Hitler's pattern of removing all tools of dissent, but I am smarter than he is, and so are the individuals around him, who are Whimsically offering to restrict his use of the telephone. Remove this demented, evil-spewing threat from the midst of those he would harm.
11
Viva Mexico!!
Many of us love you and respect you.
We are ashamed of our President, and we humbly apologize.
We know that his own political situation is complicated, but Bravo to your President for cancelling this meeting.
Of course, how could be possibly have scheduled it in the first place, given the results of the last meeting in Mexico, eh?
Many of us love you and respect you.
We are ashamed of our President, and we humbly apologize.
We know that his own political situation is complicated, but Bravo to your President for cancelling this meeting.
Of course, how could be possibly have scheduled it in the first place, given the results of the last meeting in Mexico, eh?
16
President Peña Nieto,
Please invite the United States Congressional Democratic leaders and State Governor's to Mexico for a Summit on US / Mexico economic and cultural relationship immediately and bi-pass the Whitehouse.
Please invite the United States Congressional Democratic leaders and State Governor's to Mexico for a Summit on US / Mexico economic and cultural relationship immediately and bi-pass the Whitehouse.
2
I don't know why we want to bother building a wall at all, I have a feeling illegal immigration which has been dropping for the last few years is going to stop completely. Who's going to want to come live in the US now?
22
Congress is not going to allocate the money to build Hadrian Trump's wall. Apparantly, Trump has never heard of tunnels. The Israelis learned about them at the Gaza border. If Trump is going to continue to stomp around the diplomatic world like this, one way countries could get his attention would be to downgrade their relations by recalling their ambassadors. Next step would be to cancel the landing rights of American air carriers. There are ways to show that truculent behavior has consequences.
18
Appropriate, not allocate.
President Veruca Salt and the endless temper tantrum. Stunning. When will the Oompa Loompas roll him away for good?
13
Mild correction, it was Violet Beauregarde that got rolled away, Veruca Salt was taken down a hole by squirrels. Same idea though really.
love this remark, and love your portrait! Holy crap! that's all I have to say. This is his first official meeting with a foreign power, and this is how it goes? What will the second one be like?
Not even a week in office and a trail of Trump carnage
19
Of course, Trump still expects that Mexico will work with the DEA to stop the cartel from shipping drugs to the US and to work with the CIA and Homeland Security to stop terrorists arriving in Mexico from trying to enter the US.
Won't he be surprised when they tell him to go fish?
Our Lunatic-in-Chief has delusions about how much other nations will kow-tow before him.
Won't he be surprised when they tell him to go fish?
Our Lunatic-in-Chief has delusions about how much other nations will kow-tow before him.
12
As do his supporters. But there may be a silver lining here. If the U.S. exits the world stage, we can close our numerous military bases around the world and save a ton of money. This effectively means we will not keep our promises to protect our allies, but that's completely consistent with giving up our position as world leader to the Germans, Russians, and Chinese. Let's just suck it up and pursue a policy of realpolitik and a true balance of major world powers with agreed areas of exclusive influence and hegemony. Let the storied British Navy and its European allies keep the Suez Canal open and the Singapore and Malacca Straits secure. We can leave the U.K. with a lot of open space on Diego Garcia for their immediate use.
1
To quote Trump "If Mexico is unwilling to pay for the badly needed wall, then it would be better to cancel the upcoming meeting." The meeting has understandably been canceled by Peña Nieto, so...who's paying for the wall?
11
That's an easy one. You are. I am.
2
Trump thinks he can bully the world and be a bully like his pal Putin unilaterally taking Crimea. Trump is out of control.
11
I have a simple question. Why should the Mexicans pay for an American wall?
17
I think Trump plans to impose an import tax on Mexican exporters. They will pass the cost on to their customers in the U.S. So, the U.S. will actually pay for it.
4
More to the point, you and I will end up paying for it, not this amorphous "US", both in the form of increased taxes and increased prices for things like fresh fruit and veggies, whether home grown or imported from Mexico/ South America. (Check out the labels next time you're at a supermarket.)
1
Atta boy! If this is draining the swamp then I'm with the artiste in chief! The art of the deal come home to roost - we don't want your stinkin drugs in our beautiful country!
5
Then stop being the consumer of the drugs. That is the big problem.
4
You are too limited to understand what Mexico and Mexicans contribute to the US. The relationship is not perfect but you're blinded by the Liar in Chief's alternative facts. Wake up!
1
If you think the border can be "sealed", you have overlooked the FACT that some of our borders are oceans.
1