Senor Grillo fails to understand the United States is already being shook down by tens of millions of illegal aliens with more streaming across the border daily.
11
YES, you can! And will.
3
Not rocket science. If Canada proposed building a border wall and declared that the the U.S. of Trump government would pay for it, how would the administration and the nation's voters react?
Doug Giebel
Big Sandy, Montana
Doug Giebel
Big Sandy, Montana
8
Mexico is a wealthy country in resources but it sure has a pretty poor distribution track. They keep a lid on the anger that might arise from the poverty by sending their poorest to the USA to support them and to guarantee those remittances that helps keep their economy going. Really, how would anyone in the poorest parts of Mexico be able to afford their cell phones without the money coming from the USA? Without all that income from cell phones, how would Carlos Slim be able to keep baling out the Times? In the meantime, the wealth distribution typical of Mexico is also exported here - look at California, richest state, highest level of poverty in the country, starting to look a lot like Mexico - though with a somewhat better safety net.
7
Trump is in a tough spot. He made public claims that he now cannot fulfill, and public failure will make him look stupid to the declining loyalists who blindly follow him. But wait! There is a way out. Invade Mexico! Then force them to pay at gunpoint. If I could be more ashamed of this so-called President, then this latest suggestion of his would enable it. But I cannot.
10
If Obama can force Canada to pay the full cost of a new bridge in Detroit, from US access roads to US customs plaza, then I don't see why Mexico can't pay for a wall.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/canada-to-pay-entire-c...
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/canada-to-pay-entire-c...
3
Dude. Calm down. His not gonna get Mexico to pay for a wall that will never get built
3
For all the commentators on all of the NYT articles decying Trump's plan to build a wall, calling it ineffective, too expensive, wasted tax dollars etc, etc, etc. I have a question. In 2009 the Obama Administration and the Democrat controlled Congress passed an $831 billion stimulus bill which included $111 billion for immediate infrastructure projects. (that's almost 10x the amount to build the wall). So my question, cite for me what that $111 billion built and how effective those projects have been? As I remember in the 2012 and 2016 election cycles, Dems were still calling for increased infrastructure spending to fix our failing bridges, roads and airports.
I'll admit that building the wall may not, in the end, prove very effective at curbing illegal immigration and drug flow across our southern border. But since when did liberals and Democrats care whether money spent on infrastructure actually fixes any of the problems that it was promised to fix??? Over the next year, at President Trump's instruction, Republicans and Democrats will begin debating spending up to $1 trillion over the next decade on infrastructure projects. I certainly don't see why 1.5% of that money can't be allocated for a physical barrier to try and improve our ability to secure our southern border. Anyone??
I'll admit that building the wall may not, in the end, prove very effective at curbing illegal immigration and drug flow across our southern border. But since when did liberals and Democrats care whether money spent on infrastructure actually fixes any of the problems that it was promised to fix??? Over the next year, at President Trump's instruction, Republicans and Democrats will begin debating spending up to $1 trillion over the next decade on infrastructure projects. I certainly don't see why 1.5% of that money can't be allocated for a physical barrier to try and improve our ability to secure our southern border. Anyone??
5
Mexico is a sieve. Forget the U.S. boarder, the Southern border of Mexico is wide open to all of Central and South America. Will we see a dime for building a wall, not likely. But, everyone is on notice, the highway to the U.S. where you can make the MONEY, reap the benefits, not learn the language, has constricted.
The idea that America is all immigrants is quaint, but a false equivalency. Immigration was always, coexistent with assimilation, today it's a distant memory. Immigrants want all the benefits and thumb their noses at fitting in. They work the system, take advantage of our generosity and lax laws, and then complain about not getting respect?
And, this is not limited to the poor tomato pickers from central Mexico. There are plenty of educated South Americans who live here and make the MONEY and whine about American culture and how unsophisticated we are, how non-european. I have been at plenty of parties and had my tongue practically bitten in half listening to the drivel. Get out, just get out.
The idea that America is all immigrants is quaint, but a false equivalency. Immigration was always, coexistent with assimilation, today it's a distant memory. Immigrants want all the benefits and thumb their noses at fitting in. They work the system, take advantage of our generosity and lax laws, and then complain about not getting respect?
And, this is not limited to the poor tomato pickers from central Mexico. There are plenty of educated South Americans who live here and make the MONEY and whine about American culture and how unsophisticated we are, how non-european. I have been at plenty of parties and had my tongue practically bitten in half listening to the drivel. Get out, just get out.
7
I consider Donald Trump a disgrace to A,america, and he never ceases to surprise me in showing just how offensive he can be. He doesn't even seem to realize that we need to be building a close relation ship with a neighbor, who we share a 2,000 common border with.
I would point out an analogy to October of 1962--the Cuban Missile Crisis, when Soviet ships were headed toward Habana, Cuba, carrying ICBMs. That was my senior year in high school, and I can wondering whether I would be receiving my Diploma come June, or serving in the Army somewhere.
There was a whacko Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Curtiss LeMay, who was hounding President John F. Kennedy to bomb Moscow. Luckily, JFK disregard such nonsense, and formed a naval blockade around Cuba. Premier Nikita Khrushchev blinked, and the Soviet ships returned home.
My concern is that, with two similar Wachos in the White House--Trump and Michael Flynn, Chairman of the NSC--what kind of dangers they might create.
As Mexico, and literally all of South America turns away from us, the whole of South America would be fertile locations for Chinese or Russian Military Assets. Mexico has 10 times the population of Cuba, and 20 times the land mass.
We harass are neighbor at our own peril!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
I would point out an analogy to October of 1962--the Cuban Missile Crisis, when Soviet ships were headed toward Habana, Cuba, carrying ICBMs. That was my senior year in high school, and I can wondering whether I would be receiving my Diploma come June, or serving in the Army somewhere.
There was a whacko Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Curtiss LeMay, who was hounding President John F. Kennedy to bomb Moscow. Luckily, JFK disregard such nonsense, and formed a naval blockade around Cuba. Premier Nikita Khrushchev blinked, and the Soviet ships returned home.
My concern is that, with two similar Wachos in the White House--Trump and Michael Flynn, Chairman of the NSC--what kind of dangers they might create.
As Mexico, and literally all of South America turns away from us, the whole of South America would be fertile locations for Chinese or Russian Military Assets. Mexico has 10 times the population of Cuba, and 20 times the land mass.
We harass are neighbor at our own peril!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
5
Obviously Trump never read history. The French built a wall, the Maginot line, similar to what this moron has suggested post World War I. It was designed to keep the Germans out. The Germans went around it and were in Paris in days. Unless we build hundreds of Coast Guard ships to blockade the sea approaches to the US this will be the boondoggle it seems everyone is saying it is.
3
"Mexican Shakedown" is a ruse. It's really an American Shakedown. An import tax would force Americans to pay for that wall.
The wall is not going to be effective anyway. As long as Americans are buying drugs and hiring illegal farm workers, drugs and workers will cross the border. Hiring more border agents and using more technology will just make the drugs and the fresh vegetables more expensive.
The wall is not going to be effective anyway. As long as Americans are buying drugs and hiring illegal farm workers, drugs and workers will cross the border. Hiring more border agents and using more technology will just make the drugs and the fresh vegetables more expensive.
13
If Mexico is not our friend, who will stop the drugs and criminals at the wall? It takes a strong relationship, partnership and whole lotta money from the US to strengthen security...openly bullying Mexico will give even more power to the cartels.
Trump should find a way to negotiate with the wealthy in Mexico and Leadership there to enforce security - embarrassing them will have the opposite effect.
And when those manufacturing plants come back to the US with zero corporate taxes they are coming back automated with few employees and the ones they will have will be engineers. So good luck with that middle America
Trump should find a way to negotiate with the wealthy in Mexico and Leadership there to enforce security - embarrassing them will have the opposite effect.
And when those manufacturing plants come back to the US with zero corporate taxes they are coming back automated with few employees and the ones they will have will be engineers. So good luck with that middle America
13
The bottom line is a tariff will stop outsourcing our manufacturing jobs. And it will also pay for a wall to keep low-skill illegals out, who illegally compete with low-skill American workers.
Yes, we might have to pay a little more for an avocado or a car, but I don't care because many middle class jobs will be saved/created. It's called sacrifice for the good of the country.
Yes, we might have to pay a little more for an avocado or a car, but I don't care because many middle class jobs will be saved/created. It's called sacrifice for the good of the country.
7
Mr. Trump is merely living the Republican dream, and should not be punished by the American press.
When Mr. Trump is rude and unprofessional about building a wall much like the Soviet Union of his childhood, he is merely attempting to distract the media from his 1040 tax forms, and his Constitutional violations, which would cause his impeachment.
Mr. Trump in reality is a troubled soul and should be provided adequate medical care.
When Mr. Trump is rude and unprofessional about building a wall much like the Soviet Union of his childhood, he is merely attempting to distract the media from his 1040 tax forms, and his Constitutional violations, which would cause his impeachment.
Mr. Trump in reality is a troubled soul and should be provided adequate medical care.
13
The author's expertise, is narcotics organizations, that have become de facto nations, war lord states, fully militarized and more armed than traditional nation-states; and Mexico and its southern neighbors are much more at risk from that shadow government, unless that is the REAL government and what we see is the nasty stuff warlords don't do, like pick up the garbage, or not, pick up murdered Mexicans off the streets.
Killing Pablo (Escobar) is an instance of cross-border cooperation. Mexico might invite us, for the next such; and we might need Mexican cooperation of cross border drug interceptions, and Mexican etc crime organizations here - a very real security threat. (I favor legalization)
I suggest the author stick to his expertise.
And be mindful of Porfirio Diaz - 'poor Mexico, so far from god and so close to the United States,' 150 years ago and still true.
=
Of course funds destined for Mexico can be intercepted for US expenditures, walls and other forms of border security.
=
As for shakedown? the locals do much better at shaking down their countrymen and neighbors, oro y plumbo? (lead or gold?) than we ever did or would or could.
Killing Pablo (Escobar) is an instance of cross-border cooperation. Mexico might invite us, for the next such; and we might need Mexican cooperation of cross border drug interceptions, and Mexican etc crime organizations here - a very real security threat. (I favor legalization)
I suggest the author stick to his expertise.
And be mindful of Porfirio Diaz - 'poor Mexico, so far from god and so close to the United States,' 150 years ago and still true.
=
Of course funds destined for Mexico can be intercepted for US expenditures, walls and other forms of border security.
=
As for shakedown? the locals do much better at shaking down their countrymen and neighbors, oro y plumbo? (lead or gold?) than we ever did or would or could.
3
When South Africa was continuing practices of apartheid the world wide practice of divesting their US investments helped to lead the way to ending that practice and created change in that country.
If the United States is viewed world wide as corrupt or having abusive practices towards minorities what would prevent the world community from targeting USA companies in order to create change and limit our economic growth. The world knows how to deal with bully's.
If the United States is viewed world wide as corrupt or having abusive practices towards minorities what would prevent the world community from targeting USA companies in order to create change and limit our economic growth. The world knows how to deal with bully's.
6
trump's primary business model was "the shakedown". those contractors who worked for him were offered pennies on the dollar for their services--take it or leave it. trump's bankruptcies have been another used of the "shakedown" model.
is trump a "good businessman"? those who think so are giving capitalism a bad name.
is trump a "good businessman"? those who think so are giving capitalism a bad name.
11
Buzzards guts man. Trump is a ticking time bomb looking for a war. The guy is so unhinged, so impulsive, and so chaotic and explosive in his thinking ( as well as ignorance, belligerence, and naivete) he has battles going on on multiple fronts and luckily for now, all in his own head.
Building a wall, for whatever security reasons he conjures up, will be impractical, expensive and ineffective. Plus it's just plain idiotic. Destroying relations with Mexico over it is the dumbest move yet. Forget all the bluster. Trump is just an intemperate clod when it comes to communication. Mexico will not pay for the wall and we won't either. The wall will never be built and Trump will find some one, anyone, to blame.
With Trump we are in the midst of a storm the like of which we have never seen and may not recover from for many many years.
Building a wall, for whatever security reasons he conjures up, will be impractical, expensive and ineffective. Plus it's just plain idiotic. Destroying relations with Mexico over it is the dumbest move yet. Forget all the bluster. Trump is just an intemperate clod when it comes to communication. Mexico will not pay for the wall and we won't either. The wall will never be built and Trump will find some one, anyone, to blame.
With Trump we are in the midst of a storm the like of which we have never seen and may not recover from for many many years.
12
To believe the wall is a good strategy, you need not only to be racist (in the sense of attributing the bad characteristics of a few individuals to an entire nationality/ethnicity), but you have to be severely deficit in intelligence (in the sense of believing that a physical structure such as this "wall" will actually prevent passage from one country to another).
It follows that we defeat Trump and his ilk by raising our children to be either a) non-racist, or b) intelligent.
But wait, Trump/Bannon have that figured out too! Just look at their nominee for Sec of Education.
It follows that we defeat Trump and his ilk by raising our children to be either a) non-racist, or b) intelligent.
But wait, Trump/Bannon have that figured out too! Just look at their nominee for Sec of Education.
8
We could start with stopping the shakedown at home.
Look at Alabama, Mississipi, and Kentucky (McConnell, Sessions, and Cockran.
Where the rubber meets the road, those states receive about $2.5 for every dollar of federal taxes they send to Washington.
And, the "Blue" states with their "wildly liberal, throw money at it" ideas are the ones with the dynamic economies paying the bills (receiving considerably less than $1 for every dollar sent to washington.
Now that is a trade deal gone bad.
Look at Alabama, Mississipi, and Kentucky (McConnell, Sessions, and Cockran.
Where the rubber meets the road, those states receive about $2.5 for every dollar of federal taxes they send to Washington.
And, the "Blue" states with their "wildly liberal, throw money at it" ideas are the ones with the dynamic economies paying the bills (receiving considerably less than $1 for every dollar sent to washington.
Now that is a trade deal gone bad.
15
The 'Wall' was a gimmick in the campaign. Most of the rational people who voted for him believed that. They should be louder in their condemnation of it becoming a policy.
For the rest of us, the 'wall' is a distraction- something Trump wants us to focus on while he destroys our country. Stop covering it and he'll let it die. He doesn't care about it.
For the rest of us, the 'wall' is a distraction- something Trump wants us to focus on while he destroys our country. Stop covering it and he'll let it die. He doesn't care about it.
4
Trump's worldview is that of a hardedged NYC real estate developer: every deal is standalone; all sales final; don't see the same customer twice; no recourse; and it's zero-sum so shaft everyone else to get as much of yours as possible. Unfortunately, life is more than real-estate and it's just a matter of time -- weeks or days -- before the US needs someone's help. As Trump destroys a century of goodwill and reliability, we shall see who comes to his (our!!) aid.
8
The wall is one of Mr. Trumps pathological obsessions. Having Mexico pay for it is a cute additional quirk that adds to its populist appeal. Practically, the ability of the wall to cure any identifiable evil is questionable, but Trump was elected on buzz words and populist phrases that incited fury in his base.
Now that Trump has promised that Mexico will pay for the wall, another psychological disorder, pathological narcissism, has driven him to fully believe that once he has said something it becomes a "beautiful" truth that is no longer assailable. I predict that he will stop at no end in his quest to find a way, legal or illegal, to take money from Mexico or Latinos to "pay" for the wall. If he can be stopped at all, it will be in the courts, not in the sniveling, spineless Republican Congress.
Now that Trump has promised that Mexico will pay for the wall, another psychological disorder, pathological narcissism, has driven him to fully believe that once he has said something it becomes a "beautiful" truth that is no longer assailable. I predict that he will stop at no end in his quest to find a way, legal or illegal, to take money from Mexico or Latinos to "pay" for the wall. If he can be stopped at all, it will be in the courts, not in the sniveling, spineless Republican Congress.
Shake down seems to be his operating style. The WH apparently told the PA that if they continue to pursue their efforts to take Israel to ICC, he will put PLO on terrorist list, close their offices in US and cut all aid.
It seems Trump is only scared of shaking down Israel and will continue to finance their illegal behavior.
It seems Trump is only scared of shaking down Israel and will continue to finance their illegal behavior.
3
I think he should build a wall. Then China can enter our back yard. We would be forced to enlist a draft again, and all those brainless deplorables who comprised Trump's election rally mobs can finally have jobs.
The battle of the three crime families, The US, China and Russia is just beginning. China and Russia want to take over our turf. Let the fun and games begin.
Trump will find that Mexico's trade deficit was a bargain insurance policy compared to what he my unleash. We're going to pay doubly for our premature ejaculator in chief's stupidity and bravado. Russia and China can keep it in their pants and control themselves; Trump can't seem to do that.
The battle of the three crime families, The US, China and Russia is just beginning. China and Russia want to take over our turf. Let the fun and games begin.
Trump will find that Mexico's trade deficit was a bargain insurance policy compared to what he my unleash. We're going to pay doubly for our premature ejaculator in chief's stupidity and bravado. Russia and China can keep it in their pants and control themselves; Trump can't seem to do that.
1
Trump has shown he can punch down a poorer country that can't hit back yet. But I am waiting for the day he tries his shenanigans with China. They can counter-counter punch him harder. He can't threaten them like he did Mexico. Or for that matter an even crazier authoritarian like Kim Jong-Un. Trump can't pick on him because that loon is even more unpredictable, he might just decide to nuke the South or Japan or invade the South and bring on a new war. We can't walk off from that one.
The best thing he can do is to make nice withe Mexico and move on to some other victim, maybe harangue a few more American CEOs, they don't fight back either. We can't afford to have a simmering low grade feud with our neighbors.
The best thing he can do is to make nice withe Mexico and move on to some other victim, maybe harangue a few more American CEOs, they don't fight back either. We can't afford to have a simmering low grade feud with our neighbors.
3
I sympathize with Mexico. And making them pay for a wall would set back
US-Latin America relations for a long time.
But one comment in the article deserves attention. That 28 million Mexicans cannot afford to eat properly.
Is it because Mexico does not have enough land or good enough land?
No.
It is because the Mexican economy is not giving priority to feeding its population properly, that it does not understand that a basic feature of long-term growth is to have a healthy and strong population.
The government does not respect the population.
And that, for 28 million people right now, is a scandal.
US-Latin America relations for a long time.
But one comment in the article deserves attention. That 28 million Mexicans cannot afford to eat properly.
Is it because Mexico does not have enough land or good enough land?
No.
It is because the Mexican economy is not giving priority to feeding its population properly, that it does not understand that a basic feature of long-term growth is to have a healthy and strong population.
The government does not respect the population.
And that, for 28 million people right now, is a scandal.
2
Trump rants. Trump threatens. Trump gossip-mongers. Trump this. And Trump that...
In the morning, he threatens Mexico. At midday, he insults Germany. And in the afternoon, he demeans Australia. After dessert, he "puts Iran on notice".
Alas, the life of the "Intrepidus Dux Maximus" ("Maximum Fearless Leader") is, indeed, exhausting...what is one to do? There are so many idiots and fools to be dealt with. So: After dinner, turn on the TV, relax, and witness Scwarzenegger's pitifully awful performance. And pray for him in public! May Arnie recover his ratings!
Iran and the U.S. have not agreed on much lately. But, perhaps we can agree with Iranian spokesman Velayati when he today discounts Trump's "baseless ranting". Perhaps, Americans should stop paying attention to these temperamental and narcisstic ranting tantrums.
We should tell him to stay on point...that is what he was hired to do. If not, then he will be fired!
In the morning, he threatens Mexico. At midday, he insults Germany. And in the afternoon, he demeans Australia. After dessert, he "puts Iran on notice".
Alas, the life of the "Intrepidus Dux Maximus" ("Maximum Fearless Leader") is, indeed, exhausting...what is one to do? There are so many idiots and fools to be dealt with. So: After dinner, turn on the TV, relax, and witness Scwarzenegger's pitifully awful performance. And pray for him in public! May Arnie recover his ratings!
Iran and the U.S. have not agreed on much lately. But, perhaps we can agree with Iranian spokesman Velayati when he today discounts Trump's "baseless ranting". Perhaps, Americans should stop paying attention to these temperamental and narcisstic ranting tantrums.
We should tell him to stay on point...that is what he was hired to do. If not, then he will be fired!
4
Why shouldn't he shake down Mexico? After all, he's shaking down the Saudis, letting them off the terrorist hook in exchange for Wahhabi investments in the U.S. pipeline expansion.
Call it what you wish: Shakedown, Protection Racket, Extortion, ....... Trump calls it "The Art of the Deal" !?!
Call it what you wish: Shakedown, Protection Racket, Extortion, ....... Trump calls it "The Art of the Deal" !?!
4
Land title litigation dating over centuries; water rights; environmental issues, especially in traversing national parklands, and topography subject to dramatic shifts from natural causes. This is the US/Mexican border, not a corner lot in Chelsea up for rezoning! Mr. Tillerson, please weigh in here with some thoughtful, experienced adult supervision.
Trump can't make a deal to get Mexico to pay for the wall. He hasn't been able to make a deal to get Americans to pay for the wall. He has so far failed miserably at both of those things.
If Trump intends to make Mexico an example of how he hopes the US will treat other nations, Mexico will become an example of how other nations can resist that. Political opposition to forcing Americans to pay for the wall can become a model of how to oppose Trump on other fronts.
Trump is working hard to wall himself in. Let's help him.
If Trump intends to make Mexico an example of how he hopes the US will treat other nations, Mexico will become an example of how other nations can resist that. Political opposition to forcing Americans to pay for the wall can become a model of how to oppose Trump on other fronts.
Trump is working hard to wall himself in. Let's help him.
3
Mr. Trump continually fails to account for the 40% production sharing program between Mexico and the U.S. The U.S. actually has a positive trade balance with Mexico.
2
Neither the trade imbalance with Mexico nor the drug wars on the border are Mexico’s fault. If Mexico has a trade surplus with the U.S., it is only because it is smart at legally using the NAFTA provisions that the U.S. agreed to in the first place (much like Trump was “smart” at legally not paying his income taxes). And there would be no drug wars if not for the huge market of U.S. consumers demanding illegal drugs. Mexico would be plenty justified in demanding the U.S. pay the tab for Mexico's fight against drug gangs in their country, where thousands have been murdered and law has broken down.
Picking a stupid fight with Mexico is only part and parcel of Trump’s chest-beating and pandering to the xenophobic fears of his base. He doesn’t care, and hopes his base doesn’t understand, that the economic fortunes of the U.S. and Mexico are entertwined regardless of NAFTA and will rise and fall together.
Picking a stupid fight with Mexico is only part and parcel of Trump’s chest-beating and pandering to the xenophobic fears of his base. He doesn’t care, and hopes his base doesn’t understand, that the economic fortunes of the U.S. and Mexico are entertwined regardless of NAFTA and will rise and fall together.
4
Trump doesn't give a fig about democracy. A wall for him will be like a pyramid to a Pharaoh, a permanent edifice to his power. It's consistent with his life as a developer, affixing his name atop gaudy towers.
"Build the wall" and "make Mexico pay" are two distinct notions. Trump wants the wall for his personal reasons, but realized it lacked xenophobic flair. the Great Wall of China was defense, not offense. "Make Mexico pay" was added to give it the nasty edge.
No Mexican government will survive capitulating to Trump. Any effort to extort the money will be met by a response to hurt American interests. There's a lot of retired Americans living in Mexico.
The British in Spain will discover what Brexit really means, once their homeland separates for good. Spain 's economic self-interest may or may not matter. Mexico's economic self-interest will mean nothing, if Trump acts aggressively. Mexicans are proud; have a keen sense of America's high-handedness, and will sacrifice in response to insult.
Indeed, Mexicans know that's their strength. Trump's Americans are cowards. Bullies talk tough. Ever see what happens when someone doesn't run, but fights back? I've seen bullies cry.
"Build the wall" and "make Mexico pay" are two distinct notions. Trump wants the wall for his personal reasons, but realized it lacked xenophobic flair. the Great Wall of China was defense, not offense. "Make Mexico pay" was added to give it the nasty edge.
No Mexican government will survive capitulating to Trump. Any effort to extort the money will be met by a response to hurt American interests. There's a lot of retired Americans living in Mexico.
The British in Spain will discover what Brexit really means, once their homeland separates for good. Spain 's economic self-interest may or may not matter. Mexico's economic self-interest will mean nothing, if Trump acts aggressively. Mexicans are proud; have a keen sense of America's high-handedness, and will sacrifice in response to insult.
Indeed, Mexicans know that's their strength. Trump's Americans are cowards. Bullies talk tough. Ever see what happens when someone doesn't run, but fights back? I've seen bullies cry.
4
Let’s summarize the immigration problem.
We let a few dozen million illegal immigrants into America so we could economically exploit them by making them work for the miniscule wages far below the federal minimum because the workers without a legal status have no negotiating power.
Of course, by doing it we save the dozens billions dollars, and get spoiled and pampered because we believe we are far above working in the agricultural fields or washing the dishes in the restaurants.
Consequentially, the drug cartels use our ego, hubris, conceit and boredom to sell us the dozens-billions-dollars-worth illegal drugs!
We get spoiled, pampered, bored and addicted to the drugs...
Again, how is all of this in our best national interest?
We let a few dozen million illegal immigrants into America so we could economically exploit them by making them work for the miniscule wages far below the federal minimum because the workers without a legal status have no negotiating power.
Of course, by doing it we save the dozens billions dollars, and get spoiled and pampered because we believe we are far above working in the agricultural fields or washing the dishes in the restaurants.
Consequentially, the drug cartels use our ego, hubris, conceit and boredom to sell us the dozens-billions-dollars-worth illegal drugs!
We get spoiled, pampered, bored and addicted to the drugs...
Again, how is all of this in our best national interest?
Take a good long look America. Look at the president of the United States and his band of liars. Take a long look at the Congress that is shredding the United States Constitution on a daily basis. Take a long look at state governments that want to restrict voting rights and union rights and women's rights.
We get the government we deserve. As horrible as it is, this is who we are as a nation, and this makes me very sad.
We get the government we deserve. As horrible as it is, this is who we are as a nation, and this makes me very sad.
4
Throw as much mud as you can, you and most other people clearly don't know what you are talking about.
First, the "tax" is to offset Mexico's VAT applied to US imports. That makes it fair. Next, Mexico's 40% part law gives them a huge advantage over US manufacturers.
So bottom line, yes we can.
First, the "tax" is to offset Mexico's VAT applied to US imports. That makes it fair. Next, Mexico's 40% part law gives them a huge advantage over US manufacturers.
So bottom line, yes we can.
1
Only in the deluded, far left minds of the awful NYT is such a thing as a will for the US to finally stop mexico from sending 20% of its impoverished across the border to steal money from US workers and taxpayers a "shakedown."
NO COUNTRY ON EARTH is as lax as the US in enforcing its borders and accepting huge amounts of illegal aliens, none.
The US can no longer afford to pay to support the poor of the rest of the world PLUS its own, as we are seeing large numbers of homeless vets on the street because the VAs and other facilities are underfunded.
mexico has benefitted for decades the US' willingness to look the other way while uneducated mexicans and other central/south americans stream across into the US. Now mexico and these other countries will have to get their economic acts together and build real countries, intstead of expecting to outsource their economies to the US.
Trump is merely trying to enforce existing US law, and help the american working class - people that the democrats USED to pretend to support.
NO COUNTRY ON EARTH is as lax as the US in enforcing its borders and accepting huge amounts of illegal aliens, none.
The US can no longer afford to pay to support the poor of the rest of the world PLUS its own, as we are seeing large numbers of homeless vets on the street because the VAs and other facilities are underfunded.
mexico has benefitted for decades the US' willingness to look the other way while uneducated mexicans and other central/south americans stream across into the US. Now mexico and these other countries will have to get their economic acts together and build real countries, intstead of expecting to outsource their economies to the US.
Trump is merely trying to enforce existing US law, and help the american working class - people that the democrats USED to pretend to support.
3
Mr. Grillo, shallow thinkers and deliberate journalistic hooligans, only hear what they want to hear. Trump has repeatedly said that the wall will be paid for by the benefits derived from a renegotiated relationship with Mexico. Stop wasting our time opining about fabricated problems.
Let's call it what it really is - the demand that Mexico will pay for the wall is extortion - pure and simple.
It is also a waste of money. There are already walls and fences in many places along the border and yet desperate and determined people still get across them. If they can't get over a wall, desperate people will tunnel under one.
Aside from the initial cost of building this useless monstrosity, it will have to be maintained and that will cost money. Plus, it would be an embarrassing eye-sore.
I hope Mexico just continues to quietly, but firmly, continues to just say "No" to any demands or suggestions that they pay for this useless wall.
It is also a waste of money. There are already walls and fences in many places along the border and yet desperate and determined people still get across them. If they can't get over a wall, desperate people will tunnel under one.
Aside from the initial cost of building this useless monstrosity, it will have to be maintained and that will cost money. Plus, it would be an embarrassing eye-sore.
I hope Mexico just continues to quietly, but firmly, continues to just say "No" to any demands or suggestions that they pay for this useless wall.
2
The liberals only think they are supportive of the illegal immigration. They actually want to exploit the cheap labor deprived of the fundamental legal and working rights.
Otherwise, they would provide the immigrants with the legal status over the last two decades. Obviously, they are still working on it! It’s complicated! Their base - the blue color workers - are against it, because the illegal workers undermine their standard of living and their wages.
So, when the American middle class complains about the unfair competition, just portray them as the racists!
The liberals are supportive of everything as long as it’s free. It’s free as long as we run a trillion dollar budget deficits per year and somebody else will be saddled with paying off the crippling national debt after their deaths...
What country do we live in if both the conservatives and the liberals are against balancing the federal budgets?
Shouldn’t the conservatives be fiscally responsible and the liberals socially conscious?
Greed does the amazing things to our basic human values! It distorts and ruins them!
Otherwise, they would provide the immigrants with the legal status over the last two decades. Obviously, they are still working on it! It’s complicated! Their base - the blue color workers - are against it, because the illegal workers undermine their standard of living and their wages.
So, when the American middle class complains about the unfair competition, just portray them as the racists!
The liberals are supportive of everything as long as it’s free. It’s free as long as we run a trillion dollar budget deficits per year and somebody else will be saddled with paying off the crippling national debt after their deaths...
What country do we live in if both the conservatives and the liberals are against balancing the federal budgets?
Shouldn’t the conservatives be fiscally responsible and the liberals socially conscious?
Greed does the amazing things to our basic human values! It distorts and ruins them!
Mr. Grillo suggests that, "the United States no longer believes in fair play or the rule of law." He is right about that, and entirely correct to lay this malignant new attribute at the feet of the USA and not Trump personally, for he is now the reflected face of the nation. We created this monster; only we can restrain the depravity that now defines us.
In Congress, we see no such intention, at least not enough to make a substantive difference. We can only hope that we have the decency of national character to turn the tables in 2018 and 2020. I see nothing on the horizon, save our impassioned protests, to encourage me. And this Administration is already doing everything it can to close down this popular opposition.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
In Congress, we see no such intention, at least not enough to make a substantive difference. We can only hope that we have the decency of national character to turn the tables in 2018 and 2020. I see nothing on the horizon, save our impassioned protests, to encourage me. And this Administration is already doing everything it can to close down this popular opposition.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
3
It seems clear to me that the "president" believes he can bully any country to bend to his will because everyone needs the U.S. True, Mexico would be devastated if NAFTA is undone. However, this will be an opportunity for Mexico to establish closer ties and forge new trade agreements with the EU, China, and the rest of the world to offset the damage.
Globalization means there is no single country that dominates the economic landscape anymore. The U.S. will be isolated because countries will realize that although they are an important partner, they are no longer a necessity to survive or even thrive in the global economically.
Globalization means there is no single country that dominates the economic landscape anymore. The U.S. will be isolated because countries will realize that although they are an important partner, they are no longer a necessity to survive or even thrive in the global economically.
3
Some say Trump is crazy. I think he could be crazy as a fox. The leaked transcript of his recent phone conversation with Mexican President Nieto indicates Trump told him he was considering sending U.S. troops to Mexico to help get the "bad hombres." What a creative way to get Mexico not only to PAY for the wall, but to BUILD it--stop a U.S. invasion!
The only word that comes to mind that accurately describes the entire Trump disaster is SURREAL.
The only word that comes to mind that accurately describes the entire Trump disaster is SURREAL.
1
Dear President Trump,
The voice of 11th POTUS James Polk circa 1845 is speaking to you from the grave:
"Peace, plenty, and contentment reign throughout our borders, and our beloved country presents a sublime moral spectacle to the world."
"The world has nothing to fear from military ambition in our Government."
"Minorities have a right to appeal to the Constitution as a shield against such oppression."
For once in your life listen.
The voice of 11th POTUS James Polk circa 1845 is speaking to you from the grave:
"Peace, plenty, and contentment reign throughout our borders, and our beloved country presents a sublime moral spectacle to the world."
"The world has nothing to fear from military ambition in our Government."
"Minorities have a right to appeal to the Constitution as a shield against such oppression."
For once in your life listen.
4
Remember that Donald Trump is the leader of the Republican party and speaks and acts on their behalf, with their approval.
Don't call it Trumpism. What Trump is doing is Reopublican policy.
Don't call it Trumpism. What Trump is doing is Reopublican policy.
5
There are places which have no immigration problem. Syria, for example. Zimbabwe is probably on the list. N. Korea. Given a free hand, Trump will do his best to make the USA a place with no immigration problem at all. If anything, we'll be more like China where citizens who have the money are moving out. Clever plan, Donald!
Trump has the emotional development of a 5th grade bully. Forcing others to kneel at his feet and proving his dominance is what makes him tick. As we have seen time and time again, when the facts don't support him winning by the larges margins, getting the biggest crowds, being praised by others as to how great he is, he simply makes up his own facts. Trump is a sad little ego-challenged man. What's really sad though is that so many millions of Americans actually think he's doing a good job.
4
We need to build a wall around Trump and Bannon.
5
Is the "secret" reason for Trump's wall to limit the impact of Climate Change on Southern Texas with a dike, or has he merely confused his sexist antipathy with dykes to represent a new style of geographic sexism?
oh, i see the problem: Donald believes the things he says.
1
Nice point about Trump's ignorance of the tax laws (and how taxes end up being paid) he (read: his CPA's and lawyers) takes advantage of to avoid paying the pesky things and, even more his obliviosity to Intro to Econ 101. Trump reminds us every day how smart he is. Uh-huh, and if asked to describe a polymath, he would probably tell us it is someone who can add, subtract, multiply and divide...all in one equation. The breadth of his intelligence is in inverse proportion its depth. It's shallow enough as it is when limited to just his study of the female species and what arouses them, but when the subject wanders off into math and science, his IQ approaches that of a billiard ball.
1
He can't? Hey, that sounds like Jeb Bush telling Trump "you can't insult your way to the presidency". Many people have told Trump that he couldn't do this or that...he could not win the primaries, he could not win the election ... many people including journalists and the whole team working for this newspaper... and you know what ? turned out that he could.
So chances are that he will make mexico pay for the wall.
Mexico is the one with more to lose. Trump wants to renegotiate nafta now, and the renegotiation will include the wall. It's not up to the Mexican gvt.
So chances are that he will make mexico pay for the wall.
Mexico is the one with more to lose. Trump wants to renegotiate nafta now, and the renegotiation will include the wall. It's not up to the Mexican gvt.
1
I presume our diplomats and intel connections have back channels to other nations to let them know Donald Trump does not speak for America.
Unowed money? How much does Mexico's economy receive from remittances from those who have broken our immigration laws?
3
He could tax remittances to Mexico, no?
it may end with Mexico enjoying the wall that keeps ugly Americans away.
4
It was reported by news outlets last night that in his conversation with the Mexican president, Trump threatened to send federal troops in to Mexico. There is ample justification for the Democrats to call for impeachment.
4
"This is utter madness."
That's it, in a nutshell.
That's it, in a nutshell.
5
There's no downside for Trump for maintaining this rhetoric. This is the reason that his supporters elected him. It's unlikely that any outcome from this will change their minds.
2
Trump treats negotiations with Mexico as a zero sum game. If Mexico reduces its economic and political dependence on the U.S. it will reduce the costs of not accepting Trump's demands, while increasing the cost to Trump of bullying.
I live in a farming region. Mexicans, maybe illegals, do practically all the farm labor. The locals don't do stuff like working in open fields in 100 degree heat anymore. If Trump deports all these workers, the work won't get done. Most of the farmers probably voted for Trump and might get what they were asking for.
5
oh, oh. time to distract Donny. Maybe Arnold can engage him in a twitter war to keep Donny's hands off the phone.
1
Those of you who are calling for a border wall need to visit the border. There are many communities with people on both sides of the border; grandma may live on the U.S. side and her grandkids on the Mexican side. There are also many wildlife species that have their habitats on either side of the border. The border wall is a silly idea as well as a thorn in the relationship between the United States and Mexico. We've survived without it this long, why do we all of a sudden need it?
4
I think trump is about to shake down Governor Brown over the incompetence of UC Regents and UC campus police in protecting the individual right to free speech. California (Norte California) is next...can't wait.
4
My recommendation to President Nieto: Kill two birds with one stone. Your war on drugs--actually the war on drugs the US created through its demand for drugs--hurts Mexico financially, encourages corruption, and makes everyday life for Mexicans more dangerous. End the drug war. The money you save will more than compensate for any loss of American aid and will make Mexico more attractive to investment. Best of all, it would make Trump's head explode.
1
Well, he may have explicitly threatened invasion of Mexico by our armed forces in his phone call to the Mexican President: "You have a bunch of bad hombres down there," Trump told Pena Nieto, according to the excerpt given to AP. "You aren't doing enough to stop them. I think your military is scared. Our military isn't, so I just might send them down to take care of it."
2
A businessperson might be more immediately focused on the “efficient” aspect than on the “dignified” aspect of governance.
In 1952, Congress approved a bill making the "illegally harboring or concealing an illegal entrant" a felony, but the Texas Proviso, named for the delegation demanding its inclusion, specifically said that employing undocumented migrants would not constitute "harboring or concealing" them.
Ironically it is the agricultural areas that depend economically upon illegal workers where the resentment and hatred is the greatest, as they push themselves into a dark corner soul destroying policy of enforcing a permanent hereditary class of non-citizen laborers without rights or legal protections. You can't get any more un-American than that.
Ironically it is the agricultural areas that depend economically upon illegal workers where the resentment and hatred is the greatest, as they push themselves into a dark corner soul destroying policy of enforcing a permanent hereditary class of non-citizen laborers without rights or legal protections. You can't get any more un-American than that.
1
I agree with the conclusion of this article. There are plenty of things about the immigration system that need fixing, but they need to be done with finesse and some remote sense that if you provoke everyone else unnecessarily you will eventually lose the zero-sum game you're playing. But this is not about fulfilling campaign promises. This is about speaking loudly and waving a big stick. Or something else that rhymes with stick.
This is the farthest thing from a shakedown: when thousands - perhaps tens of thousands - of deaths per year in the US are directly attributable to the drugs flowing in from Mexico and a Mexican government either too limp or corrupt (you pick) to stop it, the wall is a good beginner step.
2
Trump is going to blunder into some dangerous avoidable mess. Trying to extort money out of Mexico to pay for a wall that will be obsolete as soon as it is built falls easily in Trump's crack pot thinking.
2
Seems Trump plans to pay for the wall by raising revenues through taxation of Mexican goods. Don't think extortion is apposite when discussing a country that has partially solved its economic problems by allowing millions of its poor to illegally cross the US border. Last time I looked countries have some responsibility for who leaves as well as who comes in.
2
If you can't police your own borders and America is forced to police your borders for you - exactly who do you think should be paying the bill?
America does not want to humiliate Mexico - they seem to do a commendable job of that themselves.
America does not want to humiliate Mexico - they seem to do a commendable job of that themselves.
6
Yes, it shows the world that the US no longer believes in fair play or the rule of law. But Trump's party has been showing us that THEY don't believe in those things for a long time. Think of their refusal to have hearings for Obama's SCOTUS pick; of their shutting down questioning and ramming through nominees without Democratic input; their horrible long-term vendetta against Hilllary Clinton, while ignoring huge ethical problems (legal problems) against Trump. We are no longer the United ststes, but a state under seige and tyranny of the minority.
11
Trump is wrong and the Mexican people deserve better, both from Trump and their own government, but I am not sure anyone from Mexico is qualified to lecture Trump about "fairness and the rule of law" given the rampant corruption permeating the Mexican government at all levels. Why have so many Mexicans risked life and limb to immigrate to the US? Because for generations their own Mexican government has consistently failed them utterly.
6
Because their minimum wage is $4 per day, not per hour.
2
Illegal immigration and drug traficking have the same explanation: market forces, supply and demand. The US has two choices if it really wants to address these problems: Either stop hiring illegal aliens altogether and cutting cold turkey its drug addiction, or create a comprehensible guest-work program (E-verifiable) for aliens willing to work for lower wages and return to their country afterwards, and legalize drugs.
Since astronomical ammounts of money are made in the human and drug traficking, politicians will opt for neither, and very hypocritically condemn the status quo while doing everything they can to preserve it. Trump's wall fits this scheme like a glove.
Since astronomical ammounts of money are made in the human and drug traficking, politicians will opt for neither, and very hypocritically condemn the status quo while doing everything they can to preserve it. Trump's wall fits this scheme like a glove.
3
Nick Kristof apologized to the Muslims today. I think Mexico is also owed an apology for the crazy president the United States has installed.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
12
Who is truly biased here, Trump or the liberals?
Trump said we don’t need the illegal immigrants here. He wanted us to be self-sustainable! The liberals said we need them because we don’t want to work hard. Let them sweat on our behalf for the lean wages!
Trump said if they have the problems and violence in Mexico, let’s fix Mexico so the immigrants don’t have to run away from their homes anymore. That way we are going to help everybody in Mexico! The liberals said let them move in here so we can feel good about ourselves and have our restaurants, construction sites, agricultural fields and the laws serviced cheaper by the illegal immigrants than by the American workers, so our Wall Street investments can continue to skyrocket! The liberals don’t want to make Mexico a better place!
Trump said we don’t have enough money to afford it any longer and run the colossal trade deficits. The liberals said let’s put it on credit card (increase our national debt) and let the future generations pay the full price for our lavish spending and us being pampered.
I fully agree that Trump’s economic measure would cut our standard of living by 10% but that’s much better than letting our economy collapse in two decades.
The key subject Trump is wrong about is his willingness to cut the corporate taxes. If the fellow Americans will have to sacrifice for the better future, the corporations will have to be burdened even more!
Trump said we don’t need the illegal immigrants here. He wanted us to be self-sustainable! The liberals said we need them because we don’t want to work hard. Let them sweat on our behalf for the lean wages!
Trump said if they have the problems and violence in Mexico, let’s fix Mexico so the immigrants don’t have to run away from their homes anymore. That way we are going to help everybody in Mexico! The liberals said let them move in here so we can feel good about ourselves and have our restaurants, construction sites, agricultural fields and the laws serviced cheaper by the illegal immigrants than by the American workers, so our Wall Street investments can continue to skyrocket! The liberals don’t want to make Mexico a better place!
Trump said we don’t have enough money to afford it any longer and run the colossal trade deficits. The liberals said let’s put it on credit card (increase our national debt) and let the future generations pay the full price for our lavish spending and us being pampered.
I fully agree that Trump’s economic measure would cut our standard of living by 10% but that’s much better than letting our economy collapse in two decades.
The key subject Trump is wrong about is his willingness to cut the corporate taxes. If the fellow Americans will have to sacrifice for the better future, the corporations will have to be burdened even more!
5
A headline during the election concerning one of Trump’s earlier insanities was - Trump’s plan to seize Iraq’s oil: “It’s not stealing, we’re reimbursing ourselves” The word “reimbursing” is now being used in context with Trump’s assertion that he will force Mexico to pay for the wall. Trump reiterated that he would have seized Iraq’s oil recently at a speech to the CIA. Maybe a war do if Trump ordered military force to be used to seize Mexican assets for such reimbursement.
As with many ill-conceived government interventions in free markets there are many possibilities for circumvention with a Border Adjustment Tax. Since it would only impact profitable corporations, imports of goods directly to individuals or tax exempt entities could be encouraged. Travelers may be more apt to carry goods with them upon returning to the U.S. from abroad. Corporations might restructure so that the entity that actually imports goods and services does not have to incur a tax liability. There is also the complex issue of the prices American subsidiaries in foreign countries would charge the parent company for goods sold to the parent for sale to the U.S. market or as components for goods that might be exported or for sale in the United States. The president has bragged about his ability to use the tax code to reduce or eliminate his tax liability. Would anyone think sophisticated corporations with legions of accountants and lawyers could not do .."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/4039655
As with many ill-conceived government interventions in free markets there are many possibilities for circumvention with a Border Adjustment Tax. Since it would only impact profitable corporations, imports of goods directly to individuals or tax exempt entities could be encouraged. Travelers may be more apt to carry goods with them upon returning to the U.S. from abroad. Corporations might restructure so that the entity that actually imports goods and services does not have to incur a tax liability. There is also the complex issue of the prices American subsidiaries in foreign countries would charge the parent company for goods sold to the parent for sale to the U.S. market or as components for goods that might be exported or for sale in the United States. The president has bragged about his ability to use the tax code to reduce or eliminate his tax liability. Would anyone think sophisticated corporations with legions of accountants and lawyers could not do .."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/4039655
1
A view from an American expat living in Mexico- Far more Americans are moving to Mexico than are Mexicans moving to the USA. This is not an "alternative fact". The warm heart of Mexico welcomes us with a vibrant culture of music, art, literature, cuisine and friendship. Learning to speak Spanish and entering into the life of the community activates and enhances the brain. Top quality health care is easily available and affordable. A retiree can actually live a decent life here.
Now, with the ugliness of the Trump administration I see so much sadness in the eyes of many friends. Life is hard for many people here but the benefits of the NAFTA agreement have been undeniable. That's one of the reasons Mexicans are staying home. There is more opportunity now and a growing middle class. To those who would assert that this Mexican prosperity has come at the expense of the American middle class I would answer,"Nonsense. Their money went, via increasingly inequitable distribution of wealth, to the upper 1%. of Americans. This is the inconvenient "fact" the Republicans don't want you to consider. It's so much easier to scapegoat a nation of hard working people. Tax cuts for the already wealthy and destruction of the health care for millions are the real culprit."
I, and most of the expats I know, stand with Mexico. You should too.
Now, with the ugliness of the Trump administration I see so much sadness in the eyes of many friends. Life is hard for many people here but the benefits of the NAFTA agreement have been undeniable. That's one of the reasons Mexicans are staying home. There is more opportunity now and a growing middle class. To those who would assert that this Mexican prosperity has come at the expense of the American middle class I would answer,"Nonsense. Their money went, via increasingly inequitable distribution of wealth, to the upper 1%. of Americans. This is the inconvenient "fact" the Republicans don't want you to consider. It's so much easier to scapegoat a nation of hard working people. Tax cuts for the already wealthy and destruction of the health care for millions are the real culprit."
I, and most of the expats I know, stand with Mexico. You should too.
15
“There is a real risk of the conflict turning into violence,” Ms. Valdés said. “This man is capable of anything.”
--
an of course trump, the extortionist, did threaten violence, said yesterday he'd send american troops across the southern border
--
an of course trump, the extortionist, did threaten violence, said yesterday he'd send american troops across the southern border
5
Trump is a fool. He doesn't know his own limits and he does not consider consequences beyond is immediate concerns, and he thinks he can bumble and screw up without anyone considering him to be a silly person. He fails to consider that Mexico can simply refuse to cooperate with anything which is considers not in it's interest and Trump has no realistic ways of forcing Mexico to comply which would not hurt the U.S. as much or more than Mexico. The man is shaking up the world all right, he's got the whole world agape with his stupid antics about to peal into sustained laughter. The man has no self respect.
An underlying strategy has been for Mexico to create a vibrant middle class and NAFTA was to be a part of that. Jobs would be created in Mexico allowing those aspirants to joining the middle class would have opportunities. That has apparently not happened and there still remains a large number of those seeking the middle class still cannot find it. Uplifting Mexican society is Mexico's responsibility and they apparently are not doing that and looking the other way when those they cannot help seek betterment in the USA. I don't blame those seeking opportunity I blame Mexico for not stepping up.
In addition, Mexico is not doing enough to stem the flow of drugs and weapons into the US. Again I blame Mexico!
Lastly Mexico allows people to cross their own porous southern border with Central America and proceed all the way through Mexico to cross the US border. AGAIN, I BLAME MEXICO.
Mexico must, at least, share the cost of the wall.
In addition, Mexico is not doing enough to stem the flow of drugs and weapons into the US. Again I blame Mexico!
Lastly Mexico allows people to cross their own porous southern border with Central America and proceed all the way through Mexico to cross the US border. AGAIN, I BLAME MEXICO.
Mexico must, at least, share the cost of the wall.
6
Shakedown is a very accurate way to frame it. With neighbors like us who needs enemies?
A 14-foot ladder costs around 175 bucks. It makes the wall a 25 billion dollar speed bump.
A 14-foot ladder costs around 175 bucks. It makes the wall a 25 billion dollar speed bump.
5
The president of Mexico is to be highly commended for finally standing up to Trump. Trump's basic thesis of doing all this infrastructure work in America, helping veterans more, making Obamacare BETTER, etc. etc., all while cutting taxes - is fraudulent on its face and impossible to pull off. Rattling the cages of our neighbors and strong allies, right out of the box, has quickly shown the world
what a huge mistake this megalomaniac is.
what a huge mistake this megalomaniac is.
4
It wouldn't be "fraudulent" if the US did not have to spend hundreds of billions each year on illegal aliens.
2
$320 million per year and Mexico can't cooperate better?
With friends like that...
Clearly we can find better ways to spend $320 million, like on a fence and upgrading water, roads, bridges, etc.
With friends like that...
Clearly we can find better ways to spend $320 million, like on a fence and upgrading water, roads, bridges, etc.
5
Trump is the president as thug, as capo, as bully. None of the words is strong enough. To think that this man who legally has many tools at his command cannot use the tools of diplomacy, cannot be patient, cannot recognize the humanity in others makes me sick.
8
Of course the U.S. cannot force Mexico to pay for a wall. Trump know this. Overwrought reactions to provocations like this are precisely what he wants - a distraction. Just as a street magician uses distraction as a means of deception, so too does Trump. Don't fall for it.
4
Aw Senõr Grillo, perhaps you “don’t understand sarcasm”, from a suit balloon.
Neighbors cold work out a deal. Mexico could deduct the cost from: controlling illegal Central Americans; and any remaining would be illegals,
resettling and transporting expenditures, returning illegal arms etc. A price tag could be put on United States savings from coupons, (food stamps), civil, medical, criminal and educational expenditures, payments back into social security for Americans returning to work and savings from expenses from Americans being out of work. Even rewards for Americans affording jobs, marriage and families can somehow make its way there.
Mexico could tally up its losses from cash crossing the border, securing the borders from terrorist. industries returning to the U.S. The savings incurred from another few decades of taking the American lazy way out.
There is cost from contributing to the Ditch/Wall on their side of the border. This should come to billions of dollars. I could be off, but its something.
resettling and transporting expenditures, returning illegal arms etc. A price tag could be put on United States savings from coupons, (food stamps), civil, medical, criminal and educational expenditures, payments back into social security for Americans returning to work and savings from expenses from Americans being out of work. Even rewards for Americans affording jobs, marriage and families can somehow make its way there.
Mexico could tally up its losses from cash crossing the border, securing the borders from terrorist. industries returning to the U.S. The savings incurred from another few decades of taking the American lazy way out.
There is cost from contributing to the Ditch/Wall on their side of the border. This should come to billions of dollars. I could be off, but its something.
2
“…we thought we didn’t need to take Mr. Trump literally, especially with a suggestion as absurd as this.” Many of us (meaning non-T supporters) thought he was serious and literal. As Ms. Valdés said, “This man is capable of anything.” Anyone who doesn’t think this is the case is ignoring everything this five-year-old has been saying and doing for years. Two weeks in and his administration is in chaos. Thanks to those who voted for him.
8
If the Mexicans stop crossing illegally and the ones here illegally successfully deported, would Americans fill their jobs? Chicken processing plants, argricultural labor, hotel custodial work, and very disagreeable manual labor are now primarily done by Mexicans or other immigrants. Everyone agrees there are Americans desperate for a job but will they take the jobs currently done by the illegal worker? Perhaps Trump can stem the tide with his border wall but what is his plan to replace those workers with Americans? Think about it -- a thousand hotel workers in Vegas disappear over the course of one month -- that's a lot of dirty rooms to clean.
55
That "tide" is NOT flowing into the U.S. If anything it is ebbing back into Mexico. If, however, Trump succeeds in dismantling the parts of the Mexican economy that rely on trade with the U.S. that tide could reverse. Hugely in our self interest to have a prospering partner across our southern border, hugely NOT in our self interest to have Mexico impoverished in any way.
Hey!..if we aren't really stupid, ignorant or "manipulative" we can analyze this sorry event starting with the US-Latin America interventions history from 2016, or far before if you will, let's say the end of WWII or better yet: 200 years ago.
We can use words like bullying, arrogant imperialism, superiority complex, so on and so forth but .... does anybody know the "real" past history of our sorry and tortured continent?
So, don't pay attention to my rage and check: "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man" by John Perkins widely available in the web.
This master piece will teach you how the US has been behaving thru the last decades exporting "freedom and democracy" down south.
Don't make me lough! I would be cracking up if were not so tragic.
We can use words like bullying, arrogant imperialism, superiority complex, so on and so forth but .... does anybody know the "real" past history of our sorry and tortured continent?
So, don't pay attention to my rage and check: "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man" by John Perkins widely available in the web.
This master piece will teach you how the US has been behaving thru the last decades exporting "freedom and democracy" down south.
Don't make me lough! I would be cracking up if were not so tragic.
1
Yes, Trump has basically told Mexico to payup or he will invade with military. He has threatened enough in two weeks. Impeach this maniac before it's too late.
6
I try to compare this current America with that of the Greatest Generation. The winning of WWII. The Marshall Plan. The Berlin Airlift. And I am appalled at how far we've come from the values that persuaded the world that the US really had the good answers.
13
Nice try mineralliberal, unfortunately you comparison is kind of void of some significant history. FDR and the greatest generation interned Japanese immigrants AND Japanese-Americans for most of the war. Out of fear that Nazis would smuggle in spies and saboteurs with refugees between 1941-1944 the State Dept. instituted extreme vetting measures for refugees fleeing Nazi controlled areas of Europe allowing only a few thousand, primarily Jewish refugees who could document their religious heritage, to enter the country. Only after the breadth of the holocaust became known and after the Allied forces began to take back territory did the government begin to loosen those strict controls. And only once the enemy forces were defeated did we institute the Marshall Plan and the Berlin Airlift and both were designed to help Germans over there. The airlift was not a massive effort to bring refugees here, and immigrants that were allowed to come were required to do so legally. So the actions of the Greatest Generation did not compromise the nation's security, in fact they were specifically designed to protect it, and they didn't involve massively ignoring our immigration laws.
1
I wouldn't be surprised if Trump was willing to invade Mexico. Would the military go along? Would the republicans?
3
Why bother? Just stop giving the Mexican government money and build the stinking fence.
3
You obviously don't have any idea about economics. No surprises there. Most Trump supporters have no education. But, as a taxpayer, I object to using my taxes to pay for a useless wall.
1
Instead of a wall, T-Rex (the dinosaur who wants to be king) might start by fixing the roads in -- say -- Michigan. They're in terrible shape. There's a double benefit: he could actually create some jobs in the process.
And if he wants to ask Mexico to (help?) pay for roads in Michigan, Mexico might extend some foreign aid to its poor neighbor to the north.
Who knows?
And if he wants to ask Mexico to (help?) pay for roads in Michigan, Mexico might extend some foreign aid to its poor neighbor to the north.
Who knows?
4
It's we not Mexico who are humiliated. The absurdity of demanding that Mexico, a long time ally of ours, pay for the stupid wall, was exacerbated by the phone call last night between Trump and the President of Mexico. Reports are that the conversation abruptly ended when Trump-even for him it's hard to believe-threatened to send our troops into Mexico. What kind of leader threatens an act of war with a friendly nation that shares thousands of miles of border with us?
Yesterday, a member of the Canadian parliament, infuriated by Trump's executive orders, publicly callled him a "fascist". Canada, a soft spoken nation who helped save many of our diplomats during the Iran hostage crisis, has never publicly even criticized us but instead has stood and fought along side us for generations. To quote trump in a different context, until we find out "what the hell's going on," let's not make any more enemies out of our friends." We have enough enemies already.
Enough!
Yesterday, a member of the Canadian parliament, infuriated by Trump's executive orders, publicly callled him a "fascist". Canada, a soft spoken nation who helped save many of our diplomats during the Iran hostage crisis, has never publicly even criticized us but instead has stood and fought along side us for generations. To quote trump in a different context, until we find out "what the hell's going on," let's not make any more enemies out of our friends." We have enough enemies already.
Enough!
8
I am ready for a change in the narrative.
It takes two to tango..
In more frank language, Mexico has to own up to being a major part of the problem, too.
This situation on the border cannot be explained as "hateful, evil AmeriKa picking on poor misunderstood Mexico that just wants to live a life free from poverty and oppression".
Mexico has only existed in legal form since 1821! And from 1821-1880 spent almost 50 years in utter chaos, as governments established and collapsed on a regular basis, while various wealthy land owners staked out private kingdoms...not to mention a 3 year occupation by France! Before the chaos of "Mexico", the local inhabitants were burdened with a 300 year legacy of oppressive Conquistidores and Priests, And prior to the Conquistidores, the Aztecs reign of terror.
Porfirio Diaz, the dictator, opened his nation to the North, and dragged Mexico screaming and kicking into the Industrial Age. When the iron-fisted ruler grew too old and feeble,,,,,Mexico immediately descended back into the chaos, corruption and slaughter so often celebrated by Hollywood.
Then came PRI, a noble attempt to apply the same socialist/Keynsian ideals popular in the 1930s....and there was progress....coupled with corruption. The PRI stumbled, feebly into the 21st Century.....now dominated by Drug Lords, who in true Aztec fashion, demand daily spillng of blood to ensure the system continues..........
It takes two to tango..
In more frank language, Mexico has to own up to being a major part of the problem, too.
This situation on the border cannot be explained as "hateful, evil AmeriKa picking on poor misunderstood Mexico that just wants to live a life free from poverty and oppression".
Mexico has only existed in legal form since 1821! And from 1821-1880 spent almost 50 years in utter chaos, as governments established and collapsed on a regular basis, while various wealthy land owners staked out private kingdoms...not to mention a 3 year occupation by France! Before the chaos of "Mexico", the local inhabitants were burdened with a 300 year legacy of oppressive Conquistidores and Priests, And prior to the Conquistidores, the Aztecs reign of terror.
Porfirio Diaz, the dictator, opened his nation to the North, and dragged Mexico screaming and kicking into the Industrial Age. When the iron-fisted ruler grew too old and feeble,,,,,Mexico immediately descended back into the chaos, corruption and slaughter so often celebrated by Hollywood.
Then came PRI, a noble attempt to apply the same socialist/Keynsian ideals popular in the 1930s....and there was progress....coupled with corruption. The PRI stumbled, feebly into the 21st Century.....now dominated by Drug Lords, who in true Aztec fashion, demand daily spillng of blood to ensure the system continues..........
5
Dear readers:
As a Mexican living in one of the poorest Mexican states, I feel Mr. Trump's attacks on Mexico could mean war ina more powerful country. He is really not bullying, but agressing my country and my people. If poverty is a crime then we are guilty. But we will fight. Surely not officially, but the US which under Obama was beacon of democracy and good government is now, under Trump, an obscure nation, trapped by diabolic evil.
Mexico, if loosing this war, will become another Syria, but very close to you. And what was a bothering flow of hard working people beggimg to do the lowest jobs with joy, and sending their money to improve conditions back home, will become in no time, wall or not wall, and even before the first 100 miles are finished, a powerful river of refugees who will swamp your ailing cities, forcing the white population to retreat ti walled areas. Of course, you can opt for the radival solution: going nuclear and blow us up with all your power. But we will stalk you, we will get into your conscience and you will become a pariah nation, and your people will live with evil, rencor and hate for many generations. It's up to you.
As a Mexican living in one of the poorest Mexican states, I feel Mr. Trump's attacks on Mexico could mean war ina more powerful country. He is really not bullying, but agressing my country and my people. If poverty is a crime then we are guilty. But we will fight. Surely not officially, but the US which under Obama was beacon of democracy and good government is now, under Trump, an obscure nation, trapped by diabolic evil.
Mexico, if loosing this war, will become another Syria, but very close to you. And what was a bothering flow of hard working people beggimg to do the lowest jobs with joy, and sending their money to improve conditions back home, will become in no time, wall or not wall, and even before the first 100 miles are finished, a powerful river of refugees who will swamp your ailing cities, forcing the white population to retreat ti walled areas. Of course, you can opt for the radival solution: going nuclear and blow us up with all your power. But we will stalk you, we will get into your conscience and you will become a pariah nation, and your people will live with evil, rencor and hate for many generations. It's up to you.
6
This is baffling. Has Trump built walls around his properties and demanded the neighbors pay for them? Can you imagine a neighbor building a fence and demanding you pay for it? Sometimes people voluntarily share costs for such things, but it can't be forced. Trump is not a smart guy. He is clever as grifters often are, but not smart.
6
Let the fool start a war with Mexico and Australia and Iran at the same time. Just nuke everyone and end it all. The USA is being punished by God for electing trump and we are are going to pay for the sins of him and his supporters.
The wall won't be built, so there is no need for anyone to worry about how/who is paying for it. It was just one more of trump's lies to appeal to his lowest-common-denominator supporters. Just like his secret plan whereby he was going to finish off ISIS immediately upon his becoming president - just another of his many, many lies.
5
One would consider the wall to be in Mexico's security interests as well, in regards to the northward peristaltic motion of bad manners bordering on the parasitic, impatience, etc that often begins on Mexico's other end. Surely their government is having a similar problems and find the wall to be, if nothing else for them an established landmark symbolizing the futility of illegal entry here. Soon, by word of mouth (returning immigrants) it would have an effect of stemming such flows. Why this has not been a topic make me wonder if these people are making individual decisions or are they victims of an unmasked political agenda.
3
we're getting into 25th amendment territory.are republicans going to DO something about this or do we just sit back and watch our democracy crumble??typical that the only republicans to show a moral compass are women..thank you senators Collins and Murkowski.
6
This whole discussion is NONSENSE: Why should anyone expect country A (Mexico) to pay for infrastructure (a border wall) that country B (United States) wants to build?
3
It's a tragedy of the fourth estate that Trump was allowed to give vague answers to how the wall would be paid for during the debates and in interviews. His bluster shut down most TV interviewers whose moderation tactics were woefully inadequate to the task of examining this man's claims and professed credentials. (NBC, in particular, through its airing of his "reality" TV show built on the image of the brilliant business man, bears considerable blame for this travesty, and should make public ALL raw, unedited footage.)
4
The American concept of patriotism is that somebody else should sacrifice to protect the country. That’s is the only operational bipartisan agreement!
1
A loose canon can still fire cannonballs. I think that even trump would not start a war with Mexico, Americans don't like conflicts so close to home, they would have to deal with it face on.
2
Trump's demand is ridiculous. Who would ask another party to pay for something they don't want? I'll tell you who: mobsters. Trump is acting like a mafioso in thinking he can force another country to pay for something that he wants them to buy.
6
Australia, Germany, China, Mexico, the Middle East - the list of places Trump has insulted just keeps getting longer. The only reason Canada hasnèt been insulted yet is because our PM has restrained himself even though the vast majority of Canadians think Trump is a danger to the world and a complete nut job. In fact, many Canadians are now pressing the PM to stand up for Canadian values and stick it to Trump - in the battle for world opinion we know who would win that battle. Trump has done more to damage US standing in the world and make US citizens less safe both inside and especially outside of the US in 10 days, than any President in HISTORY. Impeachment in 6 months.
"But it is patently outrageous to force a neighboring country to pay for your own infrastructure."
Mexico does nothing to prevent its land being used by the migrants, so it indeed "owes" us for all the trouble they create.
Mexico does nothing to prevent its land being used by the migrants, so it indeed "owes" us for all the trouble they create.
4
There are 196 countries in the world. Take away Russia and that leaves 195 for Trump to pick a fight with. At the rate he is going he should be done with that well before he hits 100 days in office. I was going to say before the honeymoon is over but that ended in his first week.
Hardly mentioned is the profound damage "the wall" will do to the environment, cutting thousands of vital natural animal pathways and migration routes. Ignoring this threat to biodiversity (many extinctions will occur) points out how Trump's priorities dominate rational discussion. Then trying to force Mexico to pay for this ecological catastrophe affecting their country is craziness upon craziness.
3
There is an alternative explanation. While a Wall won't eliminate the flow of drugs (especially opiates) across the border, any mitigation of this scourge is a plus.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't the Mexican cartels armed with American made weapons? And don't those cartels import drugs to our country because there is a demand for it? This idea that America is somehow is an innocent exemplar of virtue is ridiculous.
3
Those who want a wall paid for by Mexico have no idea what is contributed by that country. All winter long we get vegetables and fruits. Also our ridiculous laws that keep out much need Mexican labor hurt American farmers. Every year they have to plow crops under because they have no pickers. Americans seem to scorn those jobs. In the end we will pay at the checkstand. We need sane immigration and guest worker policies, not a wall. A 20 foot wall will bring around tunnels and 21 foot ladders. The wall will just be a testimate to our presidents massive ego and that is all it will do.
6
For the second time: legitimate imports like those you mention are going to travel through proper border controls. Building a fence will not make a difference in that matter.
What are you thinking?
What are you thinking?
1
This is an encouraging Op-Ed. It signals that there is growing realization that (a) there will be a wall and (b) Mexico will pay for it.
4
Dear President Enrique Peña Nieto: Thank you for standing up against the bully in the WH! This WH does not speak for most of the country. Your country and it's people are our friends!
4
An international shakedown: what else do you expect from our casino-boss president?
5
Can't we please construct a Wall around the Whitehouse?
4
This is just the beginning of Trump's undoing. His belligerence will reach a tipping point and result in a logical, though historically shocking, result.
2
if i don't want my neighbors kids to come into my backyard i build the fence. i don't ask the neighbor to pay me to build the fence?
1
Quick someone, we need to distract Donald with inconsequential things like his hands or the number of people at his inauguration. Or say an impeachment. Empty or not a threat of invasion must give someone in the republican party reason to impeach and still save face for his own re-election. Seriously, how many votes does Donald give them today?
2
I bet the only regret that Pres. Bannon's lapdog had from the cancellation of the meeting with President Nieto was that he had to cancel the state dinner, which was to be catered by Taco Bell.
2
At best, American taxpayers will cover the cost (hidden by Trump's team, of course) and Mexicans will get to write their feelings about Mr. Trump on their side of the wall.
1
I have always found it puzzling that Republicans always use immigration as an emotional pull to get people to support them. But probably the most effective tool to stop illegal immigrants from employment is never mentioned.
If the government would make employment of illegal immigrants a crime punishable by a fine of $100,000 per offense, and fund enforcement of the law, illegal employment would decline sharply. But, this would reduce earnings for the businesses so it will never be introduced.
If the government would make employment of illegal immigrants a crime punishable by a fine of $100,000 per offense, and fund enforcement of the law, illegal employment would decline sharply. But, this would reduce earnings for the businesses so it will never be introduced.
3
In this article, the author mentions fair play and the rule of law but Trump has never played fair. He has never followed any rules and no regard for the law. For evidence, one only needs to count the staggering number of lawsuits pending against him right now. Cooperation is not a concept he has ever embraced; it’s his way or the highway. “You’re fired!” As a schoolboy he was a bully. As 70-year-old man Trump will never change, not one iota. He regularly interprets any appearance of compromise as a tremendous “win” for himself.
Every day in every day, the POTUS is proving that he is (as Lee from Chicago mentions), acting like a crime boss. It appears that we are all being extorted.
Every day in every day, the POTUS is proving that he is (as Lee from Chicago mentions), acting like a crime boss. It appears that we are all being extorted.
80
Dear sashaki. This piling on is getting tiresome. Where to begin.. for years the US brought a knife to a gunfight for fear of being considered an ugly American. Unfortunately a lot of the elites have bought into the notion that the US should be the one to feel guilty and make up for past sins (slavery, indians..etc) We are losing our "fight" or what got us to be a super power... the wilingness to get nasty when the gloves drop. Lets get nasty! so if that means having a crime boss at our helm... so be it. We haven't been winning up until now..
I am totally against the idea of building the wall. But, I'm tired, too, about many seriously stupid arguments against its potential efficacy. Do people really think a wall would be built that didn't include sensors to immediately detect efforts to climb over, tunnel under, or blast through the structure? . . . As well as enhanced methods to thwart entry by those who try, or even succeed? That, of course leves open the question of navigating around the ends by sea.Or over the top by air. Etc., etc.!
9
You mention the sensors. These, in fact should obviate the need for the wall.
2
But the tunnel openings would start on Mexican soil, perhaps some distance from the fences. There have already been tunnels built, apparently undetected by sensors or human intelligence. And with the Trump administration's hostility to Mexico, one would expect less co-operation from Mexico in ferreting out such construction. Indeed, I would expect less co-operation from Mexico in many aspects of border control. So I disagree that such measures would work, and they might even be counterproductive.
1
That sounds really expensive, but I'm sure Donnie's contractor friends will be happy.
1
Any article or opinion piece about the stupid wall should begin with these sentences. "It must be noted that net migration from Mexico is in the vicinity of zero. In fact, more Mexicans are now returning home than are migrating to the U.S., as has been the case for quite a few years." Any article should also add: "Without Mexican migrant labor, much of our American fruits and vegetables will rot in our fields and orchards." Also: "Many U.S. restaurants will be forced to close, for lack of menial labor." Also: "Immigrant communities have much lower crime rates than 'native' communities." And these points are just a start.
157
in the past year Mexico stopped 80,000 migrating through from Central America but missed approx. 100,000 who got through to the US.
Did you think the wall should deter only Mexicans?
What curious, magical thinking.
Did you think the wall should deter only Mexicans?
What curious, magical thinking.
4
The problem are the "alternative facts" that some are considering facts, already... I think that if D Trump wants a wall, fine, make him pay with the taxes he omitted in the past...
1
Add to this the important contributions of Mexican migrants to Social Security and the Gross National Product.
Mexico has a vested interest in their people coming to our country so they can 1) send money back to Mexico and 2) remove them from the worker pool in their own country, thus reducing unemployment. They do nothing to stop them from coming to the US and by doing nothing, they are effectively promoting their departure. This is unacceptable for our neighbor and frankly insulting to think that we should tolerate it
23
Mr Drewski- I applaud your clear sightedness sir. What we have is called a bad neighbor... the type who lets his trees' branches fall into your yard without cutting them or plays loud music knowing you are reading a good book in your yard.... and you can't get him to stop. That's Mexico.
Then what you should be demanding is the very straightforward solution of hammering the employers, not this ridiculous wall. See how interested your business-friendly Republicans are about that strategy.
True. The article mentions that the minimum wage in Mexico has just gone up to about $4 per day, or about 50 cents per hour assuming an 8 hour day. That's obscene in a country as rich as Mexico. And Mexico is rich! They have oil, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and people with a very sturdy work ethic. The people who control the government and the economy are very, very rich. It's the rest of the people of Mexico who are poor.
2
I think Mr. Grillo is focusing on the negotiating tactic, "Build a Great Wall"....and confusing it with the goal of the tactic....."Make America Great Again".
"Build a Great Wall" is better defined as the threat, the cajole, the push, to make Mexico counter-offer with something better. Say, perhaps, Civil Justice Reform. Not another empty show of force , a "war on corruption"...but a complete change in the character of Mexico....which has existed only as the Conquistadores "might makes right", which itself was a continuation of the Aztec Reign of Terror.
Imagine a change in Mexico's paranoid fear of loss of national identity. A change in the Conquistidore's belief that the people must be crushed, brutally punished when they challenge authority, patted on the head and thrown a scrap or two when they behave. What if Americans(and Canadians) could own land in fee simple(100%) anywhere in Mexico(as NAFTA treaty requires)?
Everything is negotiable.
"Build a Great Wall" is better defined as the threat, the cajole, the push, to make Mexico counter-offer with something better. Say, perhaps, Civil Justice Reform. Not another empty show of force , a "war on corruption"...but a complete change in the character of Mexico....which has existed only as the Conquistadores "might makes right", which itself was a continuation of the Aztec Reign of Terror.
Imagine a change in Mexico's paranoid fear of loss of national identity. A change in the Conquistidore's belief that the people must be crushed, brutally punished when they challenge authority, patted on the head and thrown a scrap or two when they behave. What if Americans(and Canadians) could own land in fee simple(100%) anywhere in Mexico(as NAFTA treaty requires)?
Everything is negotiable.
1
Suggestion - actually a critical need, is a "TRUMP FREE" version of the NYT.
I'd pay an extra buck a copy to get NYT with no mention of TRUMP, PUTIN, BANNON, CONWAY, various right-wing "leadership".
Redaction can be beautiful, uplifting and healthy!
I'd pay an extra buck a copy to get NYT with no mention of TRUMP, PUTIN, BANNON, CONWAY, various right-wing "leadership".
Redaction can be beautiful, uplifting and healthy!
2
"You just can't force a neighboring country to pay for your infrastructure."
But I see that you can, with the consent and active involvement of the liberal progressive Democratic movement, force another country to take in members of your excess, poor population, feed them, house them and give them jobs that are taken away from the indigenous population.
Take the "wall" money out of any future foreign aid destined to Mexico, let them solve their own problems.
But I see that you can, with the consent and active involvement of the liberal progressive Democratic movement, force another country to take in members of your excess, poor population, feed them, house them and give them jobs that are taken away from the indigenous population.
Take the "wall" money out of any future foreign aid destined to Mexico, let them solve their own problems.
5
The United States has created or greatly enhanced many of those problems, and it is our obligation and in our best interest to help them undo it. The original demand for drugs was the United States--nobody had even grown marijuana in Mexico until the 50s when Columbian drug cartels realized they could grow it closer to its destination and paid farmers to take over their land. The drug wars in Mexico and the resulting fleeing families are not some inherent cultural thing to Mexico. Remember our border with them is a political one--that is, entirely manmade. When wages and jobs are up, immigration goes down. There is no such thing as their "own problems" in this world of globalization, as terrorism has shown.
1
deselby - "The United States has created or greatly enhanced many of those problems,"
Careful you're violating the liberal progressive screed that it's the SELLER of the drugs that is always at fault NOT the buyer. THEY sell, they manufacture, they smuggle the drugs int the United States while stupid Americans only do the buying. Don't blame the victim!
"Remember our border with them is a political one--that is, entirely manmade."
I never heard that excuse before - really what national border IN THE WORLD is NOT manmade?
Careful you're violating the liberal progressive screed that it's the SELLER of the drugs that is always at fault NOT the buyer. THEY sell, they manufacture, they smuggle the drugs int the United States while stupid Americans only do the buying. Don't blame the victim!
"Remember our border with them is a political one--that is, entirely manmade."
I never heard that excuse before - really what national border IN THE WORLD is NOT manmade?
The wall is a stupid idea to begin with. Expecting Mexico to pay for it is beyond the pale. By the time Trump is through, we won't have any international friends left.
10
This is just the kind of reporting we need. It's virtually impossible to keep up with all of Trump's misguided initiatives. When things that seemed like crazy campaign rhetoric meet the light of day, we collectively have to stop, consider the consequences and make our voices heard. Grillo is right. This is bullying pure and simple. And I have to believe that none of my fellow Americans, people who share my love for this sometimes too big-hearted country, really wanted this.
9
Investment options: Why should we spend the billions of dollars on a wall that really won't work, when the money could be used for, say....education to help prepare our workforce in the tech sector.
9
Because the Republicans learned a long time ago that a poorly educated electorate votes for them.
http://swxrflab.net/Shackmanblogrant.htm
http://swxrflab.net/Shackmanblogrant.htm
1
I would suggest that ALL world leaders refuse to deal with our illegitimate administration. We have a psychopath for a president*, being advised by a Nazi. We wouldn't deal with Kim Jong-Il because he's a madman, so why should the leader of any other country deal with our very own Dear Leader?
13
After President Obama made me proud to be an American again, the evil toad squatting in the oval office makes me recoil in abject shame from a country who would allow his elevation. I would like to be able to be in a coma for the coming 4 years. Wake me when it's over, if there is anyone left to do so by then.
17
Former president Obama invited illegal immigration with lax security and reduced enforcement. I am not proud of that.
1
Making other people pay is how Trump got rich. He's made contractors pay, tradesmen pay, shareholders pay, bond holders pay, caterers pay, golf club members pay, co-op members pay, etc..... The list of people that have taken money out of their own pocket and put it into Trumps is very long.
15
This story must have been written before Trump threatened to send US troops into Mexico to get rid of the "bad hombres", as he said in a horrifyingly embarrassing phone call with Pieto.
So the president is going to invade Mexico? That's how he will make them pay for the wall! Invade the country, grab all the money from the banks as "spoils of war" and presto! the wall is paid for.
That sounds over the top? No more so than anything Trump says on a daily basis. He is going to get many, many Americans killed if he serves a full term.
So the president is going to invade Mexico? That's how he will make them pay for the wall! Invade the country, grab all the money from the banks as "spoils of war" and presto! the wall is paid for.
That sounds over the top? No more so than anything Trump says on a daily basis. He is going to get many, many Americans killed if he serves a full term.
22
Who is Pieto?
1
But Mexico is okay with twenty million of it's citizens ignoring the borders and laws of a neighbor!
5
And a new wall won't change that.
Let's give history its due.
The United States are what they are through force. I don't know the curriculum that is taught in schools in the US, but if it is in any way complete and truthful, it should at the very least mention that throughout the 19th century successive American governments made solemn treaties with Native tribes, ratified said treaties and then aided and abetted those who violated them, rather than enforce their prohibitions.
So, the development that an Administration decides unilaterally to upend NAFTA or to scupper the TPP, can't come as a surprise. If it is perceived to be good for supposed (or very narrowly defined) American interests, treaties will be condemned to the dustbin, decisions will be taken regardless of long-term effects or collateral damage. Now it's Mexico that's getting a kick in the teeth, soon it will be some other country or people.
And one day, probably sooner rather than later, the worm will turn. That's when the paradigm will really shift...
The United States are what they are through force. I don't know the curriculum that is taught in schools in the US, but if it is in any way complete and truthful, it should at the very least mention that throughout the 19th century successive American governments made solemn treaties with Native tribes, ratified said treaties and then aided and abetted those who violated them, rather than enforce their prohibitions.
So, the development that an Administration decides unilaterally to upend NAFTA or to scupper the TPP, can't come as a surprise. If it is perceived to be good for supposed (or very narrowly defined) American interests, treaties will be condemned to the dustbin, decisions will be taken regardless of long-term effects or collateral damage. Now it's Mexico that's getting a kick in the teeth, soon it will be some other country or people.
And one day, probably sooner rather than later, the worm will turn. That's when the paradigm will really shift...
6
Yup. A bully and a fool.
5
Trump has to try to shake down the Mexican government in order to build his stupid wall. Without the money for the wall coming from Mexico, Trump would be forced to impose a $10,000,000,000 tax on the United States taxpayer.
2
With 120 million people Mexico is the 10th most populous nation on Earth with the 11th nominal GDP in a democratic nation allied with America that was one of the six world cradles of civilization.
Until the American instigated imperial Mexican American war most of the Southwest and West was part of Mexico. About 11% of Americans have some Mexican ancestry and more Americans live in Mexico than any other nation. But for Americans insatiable appetite for illegal drugs and a gun fetish organized drug gangs would not be killing and corrupting thousands in Mexico and America.
Mexican immigration is at a 40 year low. Cheap Mexican labor performs most of America's agricultural and domestic work. Legal immigration is too slow, too costly, too complicated and too inconsistent to be worthy of a great nation of immigrants.
America needs far fewer immigrants like Trump's cowardly criminal German military draft dodging grandfather or his gold digging Scottish mother. America could do without Trump's two Slavic communist atheist model gold digger foreign wives. Trump is an ignorant immature inexperienced incompetent narcissist bigoted demagogue bent on tyranny.
Until the American instigated imperial Mexican American war most of the Southwest and West was part of Mexico. About 11% of Americans have some Mexican ancestry and more Americans live in Mexico than any other nation. But for Americans insatiable appetite for illegal drugs and a gun fetish organized drug gangs would not be killing and corrupting thousands in Mexico and America.
Mexican immigration is at a 40 year low. Cheap Mexican labor performs most of America's agricultural and domestic work. Legal immigration is too slow, too costly, too complicated and too inconsistent to be worthy of a great nation of immigrants.
America needs far fewer immigrants like Trump's cowardly criminal German military draft dodging grandfather or his gold digging Scottish mother. America could do without Trump's two Slavic communist atheist model gold digger foreign wives. Trump is an ignorant immature inexperienced incompetent narcissist bigoted demagogue bent on tyranny.
12
If those numbers are correct why do they get US foreign aid?
1
Dr. John Burch Mountain View, CA Pending Approval
Donald Trump may be mentally ill. He may have BPD or NPD. In the long run, whatever he says or does is most likely going to be bad for Americans. He may need psychiatric help! The sooner we get hold of this reality, and act upon it, the better off everyone will be. If a firefighter, policeman, teacher, university professor, doctor or airline pilot is determined to need psychotherapy, they are pulled off the job and helped immediately. It's what the mental health professions do, and it is what society requires, legally, to protect citizens from harm. The President has more power and influence than all those people combined! So why is his mental health being ignored? He currently has to authority to launch our entire nuclear arsenal. He alone can make this decision. Wake up America! We have elected a president who is not suited to lead, much less rule. Somehow this must be changed... ...before it is too late!!
Donald Trump may be mentally ill. He may have BPD or NPD. In the long run, whatever he says or does is most likely going to be bad for Americans. He may need psychiatric help! The sooner we get hold of this reality, and act upon it, the better off everyone will be. If a firefighter, policeman, teacher, university professor, doctor or airline pilot is determined to need psychotherapy, they are pulled off the job and helped immediately. It's what the mental health professions do, and it is what society requires, legally, to protect citizens from harm. The President has more power and influence than all those people combined! So why is his mental health being ignored? He currently has to authority to launch our entire nuclear arsenal. He alone can make this decision. Wake up America! We have elected a president who is not suited to lead, much less rule. Somehow this must be changed... ...before it is too late!!
15
One of the key pillars of a democracy is the sanctity of agreements and the right to termination with cause. The ruling "tribe" of a so-called beacon of democracy is now showing that that's not so. All agreements can be terminated at will when a new ruling group comes into power. All dealings with the US is only good till the next "tribe" gets in. Perhaps that is why the Red Indians cried "white men speak with fork tongues" when their treaties were ignored.
Democracy deserve better
Democracy deserve better
10
Let us not forget the historical lesson that walls are easily breached by wooden horses. Troy may have held off Agamemnon and Achilles for ten years, but the deception of a wooden horse brought the effectiveness of the wall to a quick and disastrous end. We should not fear the wooden horse so much as the hubris of thinking that a wall provides security, especially when the builder of the wall has stolen the treasures of the builder of the horse. It was not the thousand ships that Helen's face launched, but a simple seeming gift that opened the wall. Beware of gifts from those you have robbed. Extort at your own peril, no matter the walls you build.
3
Mexico won't pay for a wall. Frankly, Mexico is corrupt to the core. They don't want a wall, sending immigrants over the border is part of the government's (and cartel's) revenue stream.
There are innocent people coming in from Mexico - those that cannot make a living in their town and face violence from the hoodlums that the police and government are complicit with. Allowing millions of Mexicans into the US illegally (or legally at this point) will not fix the core cancer. This is true of many countries around the world - governments and/or corruption is the rule of the day for many. And the US cannot take all of those that face danger - that would be billions.
The fact that assimilation is not a goal hurts the US. In ATL Mexicans marched with Mexican flags, demanding to stay regardless of papers. In California, many local governments are now run by those of Mexican descent. I'm thinking that very few came in through proper channels.
It wasn't too long ago when readers almost unanimously stated their opposition to illegal immigration, as well as policies that led to illegal immigration. We need reform, they kind that Bill Clinton proposed - cutting immigration from current numbers. This country is getting over populated, we're building a sprawl across this great nation, without significant new infrastructure and without funding for current infrastructure.
Honestly, immigrants were welcome in the 1900s because we needed people to work. Different today.
There are innocent people coming in from Mexico - those that cannot make a living in their town and face violence from the hoodlums that the police and government are complicit with. Allowing millions of Mexicans into the US illegally (or legally at this point) will not fix the core cancer. This is true of many countries around the world - governments and/or corruption is the rule of the day for many. And the US cannot take all of those that face danger - that would be billions.
The fact that assimilation is not a goal hurts the US. In ATL Mexicans marched with Mexican flags, demanding to stay regardless of papers. In California, many local governments are now run by those of Mexican descent. I'm thinking that very few came in through proper channels.
It wasn't too long ago when readers almost unanimously stated their opposition to illegal immigration, as well as policies that led to illegal immigration. We need reform, they kind that Bill Clinton proposed - cutting immigration from current numbers. This country is getting over populated, we're building a sprawl across this great nation, without significant new infrastructure and without funding for current infrastructure.
Honestly, immigrants were welcome in the 1900s because we needed people to work. Different today.
8
Mary in Atlanta - from the Economic Policy Institute:
Unauthorized immigrants account for about 3.7 percent of the total U.S. population and about 5.2 percent of the labor force. Note that unauthorized immigrants are a larger share of the labor force than of the total population because the vast majority of unauthorized immigrants are working-age adults
unauthorized immigrant workers add to the supply of labor, they also consume goods and services, thereby generating economic activity and creating jobs. One way to think of this is to remember that the labor force is growing all the time due to both immigration and native-born population growth, and that’s okay, because the economy expands too. We all understand this intuitively; that’s why we don’t worry when a new graduate enters the labor force. We know those new graduates buy food and cars and clothes and pay rent. By the same token, unauthorized immigrants are not just workers, they are also consumers. We could remove them, which would indeed reduce the number of workers, but it would also reduce the jobs created by the economic activity they generate. So the right choice is to bring the unauthorized immigrants who are already here out of the shadows so they can help the country realize its economic potential.
Unauthorized immigrants account for about 3.7 percent of the total U.S. population and about 5.2 percent of the labor force. Note that unauthorized immigrants are a larger share of the labor force than of the total population because the vast majority of unauthorized immigrants are working-age adults
unauthorized immigrant workers add to the supply of labor, they also consume goods and services, thereby generating economic activity and creating jobs. One way to think of this is to remember that the labor force is growing all the time due to both immigration and native-born population growth, and that’s okay, because the economy expands too. We all understand this intuitively; that’s why we don’t worry when a new graduate enters the labor force. We know those new graduates buy food and cars and clothes and pay rent. By the same token, unauthorized immigrants are not just workers, they are also consumers. We could remove them, which would indeed reduce the number of workers, but it would also reduce the jobs created by the economic activity they generate. So the right choice is to bring the unauthorized immigrants who are already here out of the shadows so they can help the country realize its economic potential.
1
Watch Texas. They neither want the wall ( across Big Bend?), nor do they think it will be effective. Plus the Texas economy is dependent on labor from Mexico & Central America. Plus there are more people leaving than coming in. This argument has always been overblown.
David, maybe they are a smaller percentage overall, but they tend to cluster. The effect on local residents in those clusters is increased education, infrastructure, medical, etc.
It's been estimated that 10% of Manhattan is composed of illegal immigrants. Is that correct?
It's been estimated that 10% of Manhattan is composed of illegal immigrants. Is that correct?
2
First it was $4million to build it, then it was $6mm, now he's saying $12mm. In the last 20 years, as waves of illegal immigrants from Central and South America moved further and further north in the US, in of all the press reports and political speeches, I've only heard one person ask 'why are they coming?" rather than complain about it, and it was Bob Schieffer, on Face the Nation. People don't leave their homes for a perilous journey for any reason other than necessity - economic, political, or security. If Trump is determined to spend that money, the US would be better suited to help make those countries economically stable and free of the violent crime that drives people from their homes. You want them to go back home? Then help give them worthwhile economies to go back to and they'll stay there and build lives with their families. And we'll all be happy.
17
To paraphrase the favorite of the Republicans: Mr. Trump, tear down that wall.
4
Is there any truth to the rumor that the president wants to defray some of the costs of building the wall by encouraging advertising billboards on both sides of it?
1
Brilliant suggestion. Maybe corporate sponsorship is what we need.
1
To all the people who thought this was just campaign rhetoric, or Trump didn't literally mean it: May I suggest you read Judith Herman's Trauma and Recovery, which discusses the commonalities between the suffering of child abuse survivors and prisoners-of-war who have been tortured. Donald Trump is a perpetrator. Perpetrators mean what they say. When they say they will kill you, they mean it. When they say they will bludgeon you, they mean it. You cannot understand them or try to imagine their point of view because perpetrators are different in their way of thinking and utterly lack empathy. Now we have a perpetrator as president, who has surrounded himself with enablers, other perpetrators, and cowards. Decent people must stand and resist - it is the only choice. A big shout out to the brave people in the federal workforce who are already doing so, and to the federal judges who stood against Trump's executive order. Don't try to understand Trump - you can't. Stand up for what is decent and humane.
5
I have never understood or figured out why Trump hates Mexico. Usually Trump goes after someone who he feels has slighted him. But it can not be disputed that Trump is certainly fixated. And now he is POTUS and can act on his stupid campaign promise. It makes him look so manly, so strong! In reality bullying and humiliating are tools of the weak. Trump has shown himself and his administration to be very unprepared for the job before them.
Trump will not be able to make an example of Mexico and enact any of his threats. You see we have a national and worldwide resistance starting up against Trump. It is small but growing by the day as Trump reveals new edicts that are ill considered and at times cruel.
Right now there is even discussion about all the legal hurdles facing construction of a wall which only America would pay for. Yes we have crazy in the White House but resistance is not futile, it is growing. NO way, no war.
Trump will not be able to make an example of Mexico and enact any of his threats. You see we have a national and worldwide resistance starting up against Trump. It is small but growing by the day as Trump reveals new edicts that are ill considered and at times cruel.
Right now there is even discussion about all the legal hurdles facing construction of a wall which only America would pay for. Yes we have crazy in the White House but resistance is not futile, it is growing. NO way, no war.
2
Perhaps Mexico will replace the USA's place in NATO?
Beware of the wall Trump want to build to keep Americans in as he destroys our country. The only way to be totally safe is to give up all of your rights and freedom. W.-Cheney started this fear-mongering to get us into war and now Trump-Bannon is taking it to the next and absurd level making Mexico look like a great escape route.
Mexico is not Palestine to be controlled, humiliated or subjugated by arrogant antagonistic leaders in the north.
Beware of the wall Trump want to build to keep Americans in as he destroys our country. The only way to be totally safe is to give up all of your rights and freedom. W.-Cheney started this fear-mongering to get us into war and now Trump-Bannon is taking it to the next and absurd level making Mexico look like a great escape route.
Mexico is not Palestine to be controlled, humiliated or subjugated by arrogant antagonistic leaders in the north.
4
Trump is plain stupid and has no idea what he is doing. He has no plans. When, contrary to his foolish assumptions, all other foreign leaders don't instantly cave to "Trump the great negotiator" he is stumped and just tweets tantrums and does foolish things. This is the behavior of a spoiled person who has never heard the word "no" or had to deal with true adversity. He is a national disgrace.
5
What an important article, showing one more time (as if we needed further proof) that Trump is a vile bully (in Spanish we would call him "marico'n), a coward in disguise and a hypocrite, shaking hands and smiling at you while present, and hitting you in the groin when 'safely' away. When crooked lying Trump tries to humiliate others, cowing them into submission, all he is doing is humiliating himself, and his country, given than he confuses strength with weakness. In these difficult times, with world upheavals, while our digital technology is catapulting us into huge potential wealth, we need hate and division like we need a knife in our hearts. And this is exactly what is occurring now, an unscrupulous and irresponsible thug-in-chief holding a knife to Me'jico's throat, just because he can. This is institutionalized violence and it must be opposed by the forces of good, and courage, to see an abusive ignorant fail to drag us down into his stinking hole.
2
It is quite surprising, and in some ways disconcerting, to hear and read the pundits explaining how the Democratic Party ignored part of the country, leading to their loss of power. Although there may be a modicum of truth in that interpretation, it is hard to understand the lack of talk and writing on how wrong those people are who still chant "build that wall, build that wall,..." The real failing is not in losing the election, but in leaving them in the dark, living in an ancient dream, and relishing old victories in their "historical" but "historically incorrect" costumes. The failing of both parties is in not leveling with the masses and a total lack of honesty.
Mr. Trump and his "advisors" will likely continue in their current state of "shoot first, aim later" approach to internal and external affairs, but it will bring the country and the world to a dangerous brink.
Mr. Trump and his "advisors" will likely continue in their current state of "shoot first, aim later" approach to internal and external affairs, but it will bring the country and the world to a dangerous brink.
3
That richest country in the world is resorting to extortion in relation to its much poorer neighbor is morally abhorent. The idea that Mexico would pay many billions for a wall has been absurd on the face of it from the beginning. That it's been treated as serious policy among voters says as much about the state of mind of DJT and his supporters as anything else.
6
Mr. Trump's entire act has been one of belittling everyone and everything that is not sucked up tight in his camp. He began years ago with the stupid lie that Obama was a Kenyan Muslim, not even an American and that every program offered the American people was a disaster and Obama (a black man) was at fault. The racist constituents ate it up, and the press made it the daily headline.
His supporters defend his terrible actions by saying he is just trying to protect us from all the Muslims/Mexicans/Refugees that Obama supposedly supported.
Call a spade a spade, he is a pathological liar and responsible Republicans should proceed posthaste to enact the 25th amendment.
Then we have his shadow, the religious zealot Mike Pence to deal with, but first things firs.
His supporters defend his terrible actions by saying he is just trying to protect us from all the Muslims/Mexicans/Refugees that Obama supposedly supported.
Call a spade a spade, he is a pathological liar and responsible Republicans should proceed posthaste to enact the 25th amendment.
Then we have his shadow, the religious zealot Mike Pence to deal with, but first things firs.
2
It's really not a good idea to tick off the neighbours, next door or overseas. Here's a small example why.
Many Canadians 'go south' for the winter, often to Florida or Arizona. Well, two couples we know, who do not know each other, just told us this weekend they cannot, in good conscience, travel or spend money in the Trump-brand US. They've cancelled reservations and are taking their travel funds elsewhere.
Many Canadians 'go south' for the winter, often to Florida or Arizona. Well, two couples we know, who do not know each other, just told us this weekend they cannot, in good conscience, travel or spend money in the Trump-brand US. They've cancelled reservations and are taking their travel funds elsewhere.
7
Yes, it's war with Mexico and I hope we lose this one and you get Texas back as a result.
2
I find it ironic--completely ironic--that this writer can refer to Trump's insistence that Mexico pay for the wall, as a "shakedown". A wall between countries ideally serves the purposes of both--unless one is taking advantage of the other. In terms of our relationship with Mexico--this is certainly the case.
If we cannot get Mexico to pay for the wall, perhaps we might send them a bill for costs their citizens have inflicted on our nation, by coming here illegally in their millions. After all:
--Illegals have filled up our prisons with their drug dealers, gang members, smugglers, thieves and multitudes other criminals. Over 25% of inmates in our federal prisons are illegal aliens.
--Illegals have filled up our schools with their children--many purposefully born here in order to gain American citizenship. In many communities, taxpayers struggle to accommodate their free education.
--Illegals continue to fill up our emergency rooms with their sick and injured-- handing the bill to the American people--raising the cost of health care for OUR citizens.
--And despite denials by liberal politicians, Illegals have signed up for billions in government assistance, further straining the purses of American taxpayers.
So let's forget the bill for the wall. We'll use American materials and American workers to construct it. But let's send Mexico a bill for everything else. If they refuse to pay--we have a legitimate reason to send their citizens back home.
If we cannot get Mexico to pay for the wall, perhaps we might send them a bill for costs their citizens have inflicted on our nation, by coming here illegally in their millions. After all:
--Illegals have filled up our prisons with their drug dealers, gang members, smugglers, thieves and multitudes other criminals. Over 25% of inmates in our federal prisons are illegal aliens.
--Illegals have filled up our schools with their children--many purposefully born here in order to gain American citizenship. In many communities, taxpayers struggle to accommodate their free education.
--Illegals continue to fill up our emergency rooms with their sick and injured-- handing the bill to the American people--raising the cost of health care for OUR citizens.
--And despite denials by liberal politicians, Illegals have signed up for billions in government assistance, further straining the purses of American taxpayers.
So let's forget the bill for the wall. We'll use American materials and American workers to construct it. But let's send Mexico a bill for everything else. If they refuse to pay--we have a legitimate reason to send their citizens back home.
5
"...--Illegals continue to fill up our emergency rooms --raising the cost of health care for OUR citizens...."
And their work lowers the cost to Americans of a whole lot of other things. If not for the law of supply and demand, they wouldn't be here. (When my ancestors came, the immigration laws reflected the economic realities, which, sadly, they don't now.) Funny, considering the reverence most conservatives have for economic laws, except when they get in the way of prejudice.
And the Mexican workers here have paid billions into the Social Security fund with no hope of ever seeing a cent.
And their work lowers the cost to Americans of a whole lot of other things. If not for the law of supply and demand, they wouldn't be here. (When my ancestors came, the immigration laws reflected the economic realities, which, sadly, they don't now.) Funny, considering the reverence most conservatives have for economic laws, except when they get in the way of prejudice.
And the Mexican workers here have paid billions into the Social Security fund with no hope of ever seeing a cent.
1
Yes, build the wall but ONLY to keep out the vile Americans permanently from both Mexico and Canada. Why, just look at the fascist authoritarian trash we just elected. Don't let Americans in your country ever. You will regret it. Stupid Americans! NOT a president ever!
Should've voted for President Hillary Clinton and Dems, instead.
Should've voted for President Hillary Clinton and Dems, instead.
9
We can simply withhold some of the $209M we GIVE to mexico each year to help for the wall. Perhaps once it hits them in the pocketbook they will do their part to reduce the flood of illegals crossing their borders.
2
Mexico is already paying in the attempt to deal with drug issues - drugs that are bought in the U.S.
2
"Mexico is already paying in the attempt to deal with drug issues - drugs that are bought in the U.S. "
And The Wall won't make much difference. Those cartels have plenty of resources, to go over, under, and around a wall, and to corrupt Border Patrol personnel -- which already is a problem and will get worse with thousands of new hires. Drones will carry drugs over The Wall, and poor people will try to smuggle drugs in, under extortion and fear for their families. The cartel business will become competitive and more violent, and the worst actors will gain power inside Mexico from this.
The Wall will keep out the housepainters and hotel maids and fruit-pickers, that's all. Saving American Jobs -- for all the Americans who wants to clean motel rooms or pick fruit.
And The Wall won't make much difference. Those cartels have plenty of resources, to go over, under, and around a wall, and to corrupt Border Patrol personnel -- which already is a problem and will get worse with thousands of new hires. Drones will carry drugs over The Wall, and poor people will try to smuggle drugs in, under extortion and fear for their families. The cartel business will become competitive and more violent, and the worst actors will gain power inside Mexico from this.
The Wall will keep out the housepainters and hotel maids and fruit-pickers, that's all. Saving American Jobs -- for all the Americans who wants to clean motel rooms or pick fruit.
Mr. Grillo, please read "Beneath the United States: a History of U.S. Policy toward Latin America," by Lars Shoultz. It may explain to you that you should not be surprised.
2
Magic 8-ball foreign policy: the day after so-called president has phone conversation with Putin, Russia initiates shelling in eastern Ukraine; in response, so-called president threatens to send troops into Mexico.
3
"Shakedown" is the perfect word. The problem is that most Americans don't belong to the Trump gang. Normally, most of us don't particularly care about foreign affairs and leave them to the pros; however, if things are going from bad to worse, they will step out of the culture of silence into the mix saying no more. A nation is a neighborhood of a global village and no single nation, no matter how big and influential cannot stand by itself, especially when it becomes a global bully. The world has already had a few small time thugs acting important, America should not add to the trauma or the whole world will suffer
4
Country borders are mostly artificial creations. Natural borders constrain people more than man made borders. However, man made borders such as fences topped with barbed wire hurt migrating wildlife, interrupt cross border relationships, and prevent people from escaping places that endanger their existence. If America values all lives why do we want to tell Mexicans or others with whom we share a hemisphere that they have to stay in countries where they cannot earn a living, cannot keep their children safe, or are in danger of being murdered by their own government for religious or other reasons? Illegal immigrants and legal immigrants are not stealing our jobs. Businesses are refusing to hire us because they don't want to pay Americans a decent wage. They are the ones hiring illegal or legal immigrants, or outsourcing jobs and our government allows this.
If we want to keep illegal immigrants out we need to help their countries in providing them with a reason to stay. Otherwise these people will continue to come across our borders, especially if an illegal life here is better than the life they can have in their own country.
If we want to keep illegal immigrants out we need to help their countries in providing them with a reason to stay. Otherwise these people will continue to come across our borders, especially if an illegal life here is better than the life they can have in their own country.
5
What is carefully left out of arguments for the wall is you do not make money from a wall (beyond the initial construction). You make money by controlling passage through the wall. Donald Trump knows this. The purpose of the wall is not to eliminate drugs but to facilitate the extraction/extortion of "rents" from smugglers. Smugglers with easy access to the United States have no incentive for payments to politicians, lobbyists, promoters and P.R. people or others to facilitate access to the US narcotics market. High-value, high-volume drug shipments are not carried across the border by large numbers of immigrants.....they are too vulnerable and too difficult to control. Valuable shipments pass through secreted in the thousands of cargo trucks that enter from Mexico daily. If those shipments can be corralled into a limited number of passageways the chance to divert cartel profits from the Mexican side of the border to the US increases. That is what the wall is about, not a bunch of farmworkers and dishwashers. The access fees now paid as dark money campaign contributions (note how quickly President Trump filled for re-election so he could keep incoming contributions), manipulated real estate deals, and other transactions can rise if gatekeeping is more effective. Stop thinking about the wall as a passive defense. It is to skim profits from the drug trade so the heroin and meth sold in Indiana benefits American border-watchers, not the Mexican pipeline. Just business.
5
My guess is that the big money-makers will be privately operated detention centers along the border.
2
Without these immigrants who will pick our fruits and vegetables, paint our homes, mow our lawns, fix our roofs, clean our toilets, slaughter or meats, wash our cars, and pretty soon maybe wipe our derrieres, all for not that much money. We need them. Think our spoiled brats and mamas' boys will fend for themselves?
4
Mike: because you live in NYC, you don't have access to local home-grown fruits and veggies (sad); our lawn people and roofers are white/black, our cars are automatically washed; and most of Americans cannot afford to have their toilets or homes cleaned, but do everything themselves. None of these services are done by illegal aliens, so will you, and others stop using the same old phrase, "...who will pick...."etc. It's not true. Get out of NYC andobserve the real America and Americans.
2
It's Donald Trump. He's not going to build a wall. He will build some small, shoddy structure, use it for a photo op and move on. He will use some ridiculous lie to pretend Mexico paid for it and call it done. America elected a small time, late night television con man. He is going to do plenty of real damage but things like the wall where he can simply lie and bluff his way through it, are the least of our and the world's problems right now.
12
Trump is a bully---he starts with the little guy on the street, but, at some point he will meet up with someone bigger and ready to go the distance with him--China for example.
11
Why this animosity against an essential neighbor ? did once a mexicana snob trumps tower ? If US $ feels overpriced, Trannon alias Bamp could create a monetary union with Mexico. This is how the Euro works : interlinked weak and strong economies lead to a stabler overall valuta. Creative economic concepts are needed, not isolated personalized agressions. Trump should have read economy textbooks instead of playboy, while senility hadnt yet struck him.
7
The wall may very well be mostly symbolic, albeit expensive. But symbolism can be very powerful in that it sets a tone that may change bad behavior such as illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Why should Mexico pay? These behaviors are very toxic to the US, and no one has been able to stop them. We certainly don't have this problem with Canada, do we?
6
Not as many drugs sourced from the North Pole!
A wall, regardless of its questionable symbolic power, will do nothing to stop U.S. demand for drugs. The reason drugs make their way into our homes is because we want them; if the demand goes away, so, in theory at least, does the supply. My question to you is why should Mexico continue to pay for the U.S. appetite for drugs and cheap labor?
The reason we have less of an issue with Canada in this regard is also simple economics. The standard of living in Canada is similar to that of the U.S. Both are higher than the overall standard of living in Mexico. We generally provide higher wage jobs to Canadians than we do to Mexicans, and vice-versa.
The short of it is that the wall will accomplish nothing but discord.
The reason we have less of an issue with Canada in this regard is also simple economics. The standard of living in Canada is similar to that of the U.S. Both are higher than the overall standard of living in Mexico. We generally provide higher wage jobs to Canadians than we do to Mexicans, and vice-versa.
The short of it is that the wall will accomplish nothing but discord.
Amazing that a country, Mexico, that seems to have no problem when Mexicans break American law, has a big problem when an American tells them that their lawlessness is finally going to have some costs.
The wall is a waste of time, the idea that Mexico should pay for all the illegal Mexican immigrants is not.
The wall is a waste of time, the idea that Mexico should pay for all the illegal Mexican immigrants is not.
2
" it tells the world the United States no longer believes in fair play or the rule of law."
And what of the illegal immigrants from Mexico, who break our immigration laws and unfairly cut in line, before people from other countries, who've followed the rules? They do this with encouragement of the Mexican government, making them a party to this mass flaunting of US sovereignty.
And what of the illegal immigrants from Mexico, who break our immigration laws and unfairly cut in line, before people from other countries, who've followed the rules? They do this with encouragement of the Mexican government, making them a party to this mass flaunting of US sovereignty.
1
Mexicans crossing the border is not an official policy of the Mexican government. Trump's executive orders are.
Your reasoning assumes that there is some sort of "line" in which immigrants wait. There isn't.
If Congress starts an import tax on goods it would appear the the consumer in the US will pay for the wall.
4
It's very difficult for me to understand why, if there are ANY sensible, informed individuals anywhere in our government or mass media, the FACT that immigration is at net zero, and the FACT that there are ZERO studies that show that a fence-wall would be effective, are ideas that aren't even part of the conversation anymore. Truly pathetic.
7
A friend of the president's once described Teddy Roosevelt as being about 6 years old, referring to his childlike exuberance. Our current chief executive serves as a better example of a child in the White House, but for very different reasons. In Trump's case, his lack of maturity reveals itself in his tendency to convert petty grievances into government policy, without any thought or concern for the consequences.
If Mexico defies him, which it must, the president will treat the rebuff as a personal affront, requiring a savage response on his part. Unless Congress or the courts restrain him, Trump could damage US/Mexican relations for a generation. Well, the voters who supported him wanted change. The assault on Mexico represents one aspect of that change.
If Mexico defies him, which it must, the president will treat the rebuff as a personal affront, requiring a savage response on his part. Unless Congress or the courts restrain him, Trump could damage US/Mexican relations for a generation. Well, the voters who supported him wanted change. The assault on Mexico represents one aspect of that change.
7
Mexico is our neighbor, our partner, our friend. All the issues and problems that affect the US and Mexico can best be be solved together. Extortion, lies and threats, big walls, big noises and complete nonsense only make things worse.
135
Cumba ya my love cumba ya. What world do you live in? The world is a nasty place. Why can't the US play nasty??
What about Mexico's shakedown of the U.S.? Mexico exports its poverty and social ills to the U.S., propping up a corrupt system. Mexico exports thousands of "refugees" from around the world, passing them often through the length of Mexico to the U.S. border where they claim "asylum" and the many benefits illegal immigrants from Mexico also claim for their children born on U.S. soil. I cannot stand Donald Trump, but he is absolutely right to be at least talking about this and it, in my opinion, a perhaps the biggest factor in his winning the presidency. The rule of law is all that stands between U.S. society and places like Mexico and many of us would like to keep it.
20
Trump's approach to solving the problem you describe (with whatever degree of accuracy) is the issue here. Saying the approach is badly misguided is not the same thing as saying there's no problem. Trump's primary negotiation tactic is humiliation, and it would seem from the stories we've learned about his business ventures that his success has as much to do with his willingness to stiff people out of their money as anything. If there are violations of the law on the part of Mexico, it would make sense (and probably cost less) to deal with them through established channels. But Trump isn't interested in solving any actual problem -- he wants to ram a symbol of his campaign down the throat of a neighbor to show that he can.
The trade we do with Mexico results in better business for Mexico, and that raises wages in Mexico, provides, jobs and provides much needed stability, which slows illegal immigration. Drugs wars would never have gotten such a hold their in the first place had they not been both impoverished and a strategic geographic location so close to us, the primary demand for these drugs, and Columbia. My point is that the healthier Mexico is, the less illegal immigration we see. There is a direct relationship between immigration being down and the rising wages in Mexico. The best way to slow illegal immigration is the opposite of a wall--it is to strengthen our relationship with Mexico. We should have elected someone who actually respects the rule of law if we wanted someone to uphold it.
Mexico isn't shaking down the US, that's like saying that your neighbor who makes half what you do in a year is shaking you down because you pay his kid to mow your lawn and pick up after your dog and he uses the money to buy medicine for his aging grandmother who lives with them.
Also the difference between the US and Mexico isn't the rule of law, it's money, lots and lots of money.
Also the difference between the US and Mexico isn't the rule of law, it's money, lots and lots of money.
Instead of wasting billions on building a wall why don't we fix what's not working with our immigration policies? Our immigration system is badly broken. But Congress has failed to update the immigration program for 27 years. Foreign nationals can wait more than a decade for a green card. The lottery system for worker visas is overburdened. And 11 million unauthorized immigrants live in the back alleys of America.
Yes, we need to enforce the current laws but when you have States and many cities doing their own thing (ie sanctuary cities, etc.) and the Feds pushing their own agenda then no one will be enforcing the same laws in the same manner. How do you send a consistent message all the way to the local level? How do you enforce that if districts won't comply? (and no you can't withhold Fed funding unless it directly related to immigration/policing)
Besides affecting the construction industry, do you want to just round up the illegals that are more than 50% of the agricultural workforce in America?
From a recent article in the WSJ: ' More than the wall, the best way to keep immigrants from crossing the border is to give them reasons to stay home.
North American supply chains are so tightly interwoven that 80% of Mexican exports go to the U.S.—and 40% of the parts those exports contain are made in the U.S. Fourteen states now count Mexico as their main trading partner, including anchors of the angry middle class like Michigan, which catapulted Mr. Trump to victory.'
Yes, we need to enforce the current laws but when you have States and many cities doing their own thing (ie sanctuary cities, etc.) and the Feds pushing their own agenda then no one will be enforcing the same laws in the same manner. How do you send a consistent message all the way to the local level? How do you enforce that if districts won't comply? (and no you can't withhold Fed funding unless it directly related to immigration/policing)
Besides affecting the construction industry, do you want to just round up the illegals that are more than 50% of the agricultural workforce in America?
From a recent article in the WSJ: ' More than the wall, the best way to keep immigrants from crossing the border is to give them reasons to stay home.
North American supply chains are so tightly interwoven that 80% of Mexican exports go to the U.S.—and 40% of the parts those exports contain are made in the U.S. Fourteen states now count Mexico as their main trading partner, including anchors of the angry middle class like Michigan, which catapulted Mr. Trump to victory.'
79
I agree. Penalize employers for employing illegals is a first step to making illegals stay home.Then deport the ones who are here and who deal drugs or commit felonies, that will start making them think twice about coming into the US. Since when is the US an open bar?
The “Wall” was a huge issue for Trump voters. I think we can safely say that those who voted for Sec’y Clinton didn’t vote for the “Wall”. We can reasonably conclude the majority of American voters do not want the “Wall.” What to do? What about having the Trump voters pay for the “Wall”? They’re so hot for it, and are content to see the U.S. pay for it while Mr. Trump angles for leverage against Mexico. Why bother with all of that? Heck, that Cabinet, those most visible of Trump supporters, could pay for that “Wall” with what for them is pocket change. Trump supporters, flush or not, can put their money where their mouths are. End of issue.
1
In 1995 President Bill Clinton said this in his address to the nation,
https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4351026/clinton-1995-immigration-sotu
That was 22 years ago, if we did something about it then this wouldn't be an issue today. I believe if Trump gave this identical speech, he would be excoriated by the press. Maybe the Times can come up with some of the things they published about Clinton's illegal immigration plans. Surely they covered it.
https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4351026/clinton-1995-immigration-sotu
That was 22 years ago, if we did something about it then this wouldn't be an issue today. I believe if Trump gave this identical speech, he would be excoriated by the press. Maybe the Times can come up with some of the things they published about Clinton's illegal immigration plans. Surely they covered it.
1
With Mexico, Trump is soliciting protection money, to ‘pay for the wall’, New York gangster style, just like they do in the construction business he is so familiar with. Don't pay and bad things happen.
2
Trump, with his bombastic attitude, the need to fuel his ego and self-aggrandizement, has backed himself into a corner.
When he made those inane statements to his supporters during the campaign, my thoughts, as repeated in the op-ed, why would Mexico pay for his beautiful wall. Yet, his supporters and courtiers uncorked this bottle and now they can't get the cork back in. Trump needs this wall, and the Mexican government to pay for it to further add legitimacy to his radical foreign policy experiments.
It is refreshing to see a government stand up to the bully tactics employed by Trump and company. However, the people on both sides of the border will feel the effects should Mexico be punished by a Trump tantrum when he realizes he won't get his way. Sad.
When he made those inane statements to his supporters during the campaign, my thoughts, as repeated in the op-ed, why would Mexico pay for his beautiful wall. Yet, his supporters and courtiers uncorked this bottle and now they can't get the cork back in. Trump needs this wall, and the Mexican government to pay for it to further add legitimacy to his radical foreign policy experiments.
It is refreshing to see a government stand up to the bully tactics employed by Trump and company. However, the people on both sides of the border will feel the effects should Mexico be punished by a Trump tantrum when he realizes he won't get his way. Sad.
2
Mexicans need rto tear down the wall in many places while trump is building the war elsewhere. Dynamite, after all, is a legitimate response to oppose another nation trying to control them, and destroyed walls is a good way to proceed.
2
Trump's wall is nothing more than a welfare project to give his unemployable supporters jobs for a few months. Then Trump can hold a press conference to brag that he carried through on two of his campaign promises: to build a wall and to create jobs. After that, the Trump supporters who built the wall can go back to collecting unemployment and sitting on the couch all day. Trump will have no use for them.
2
Trump is not only obnoxious, revolting and super-unqualified to be President of the US. He is also just plain embarrassing. The very conception of a wall between Mexico and the US is absurd and his demand that Mexico pay for this wall is beyond absurd. It is insulting not to mention just plain ridiculous.
9
The majority of illegals don't even come through the southern border.
Spending billions that could go to fixing our failing roads, bridges, and public transportation on a wall is madness.
Spending billions that could go to fixing our failing roads, bridges, and public transportation on a wall is madness.
4
Have Mexico haters in the U.S. considered that we took Texas and California by force? They were here long before Europeans in the U.S. Take it back 200 years and WE are the illegals.
Immigrants from Mexico plant and harvest our crops, butcher our meat and do many other jobs Americans won't do. We need a guest worker program, not a wall, and stronger regulations requiring U.S. employers to verify that workers have proper documentation. Citizens are being victimized by desperate immigrants who steal identities so they can work.
Immigrants from Mexico plant and harvest our crops, butcher our meat and do many other jobs Americans won't do. We need a guest worker program, not a wall, and stronger regulations requiring U.S. employers to verify that workers have proper documentation. Citizens are being victimized by desperate immigrants who steal identities so they can work.
6
You need to go back and read some more history. The Spanish took the land from the Indians. We took it from them.
1
Your history is fiction. North American Indians occupied Texas and California for 15K years; Spain owned it for over 300 years; Mexico started owning it in 1821, and, 27 years later, ceded it to the US which has held it for over 150 years.
Your other point is probably equally flawed.
Your other point is probably equally flawed.
"I hope such fears are crazy. They should be."
You hope? I live in Mexico, along with around 800,000 other mostly retired Americans. We're the ones realllly hoping.
You hope? I live in Mexico, along with around 800,000 other mostly retired Americans. We're the ones realllly hoping.
2
This is a blame-the-victim president.
Americans buy tons of illicit drugs and pay people to do things Americans don't do themselves: nanny their kids, clean, cook, yard work, wash dishes in restaurants, clean toilets and launder sheets at hotels, pick lettuce and grapes, sheetrock walls, dig ditches.
Illegals are hardworking, reliable and trusted in our homes, caring for our kids or frail granny. They work long hours at low pay with no benefits or security. The little they do earn is sent home to support their families. It takes a bare minimum of empathy or twinge of humanity to feel the edge of desperation that forces them to leave their families to seek work where they are unwelcome, mistreated and invisible.
No they don't take jobs from Americans and are a lot less likely than Americans to commit crime. And rape is what Americans do to illegals, not what they do to Americans.
They're here because we need them to do our dirty work.
Americans like their drugs, being served by menials, and when we feel lousy about ourselves we like to kick people who are lower down the food chain. Makes us feel better. If bad stuff happens, it's never our fault. It's their fault.
That's why we elected Trump President. He's the Blamer-in-Chief. He'll tell us who to blame for our carnage.
Look, why blame the 1 percent when there are illegals? Why rage against Wall Street when there's the Wall?
Why victimize people if you can't vilify them?
Trump's genius is depravity.
Americans buy tons of illicit drugs and pay people to do things Americans don't do themselves: nanny their kids, clean, cook, yard work, wash dishes in restaurants, clean toilets and launder sheets at hotels, pick lettuce and grapes, sheetrock walls, dig ditches.
Illegals are hardworking, reliable and trusted in our homes, caring for our kids or frail granny. They work long hours at low pay with no benefits or security. The little they do earn is sent home to support their families. It takes a bare minimum of empathy or twinge of humanity to feel the edge of desperation that forces them to leave their families to seek work where they are unwelcome, mistreated and invisible.
No they don't take jobs from Americans and are a lot less likely than Americans to commit crime. And rape is what Americans do to illegals, not what they do to Americans.
They're here because we need them to do our dirty work.
Americans like their drugs, being served by menials, and when we feel lousy about ourselves we like to kick people who are lower down the food chain. Makes us feel better. If bad stuff happens, it's never our fault. It's their fault.
That's why we elected Trump President. He's the Blamer-in-Chief. He'll tell us who to blame for our carnage.
Look, why blame the 1 percent when there are illegals? Why rage against Wall Street when there's the Wall?
Why victimize people if you can't vilify them?
Trump's genius is depravity.
33
I wish I could recommend your comment 20 times.
1
Building a wall along the Mexican border will prove to be misguided and ineffective.
Trump has used bullying tactics in the private sector to get his way. That is the only way he knows how to conduct himself. I doubt he has the ability to change his stripes, and am not at all surprised that he has gone down this road as President.
This will not end well.
Trump has used bullying tactics in the private sector to get his way. That is the only way he knows how to conduct himself. I doubt he has the ability to change his stripes, and am not at all surprised that he has gone down this road as President.
This will not end well.
3
Since 1986, Mexico has had it their way when it comes to people entering our country. America is finally reserving that power to ourselves. Trump is using the whole "wall" thing simply as a bargaining chip (remember SDI?) and to keep the news media distracted as we expel 12 million illegal aliens from our country.
1
Well, head on down to Mexico to a town like Ajijic, or San Miguel Allende, or scores of other places, and you'll see that people from the US have certainly had their way with Mexico as well. Total gringo invasion. Nobody wants to talk about reciprocity. Restrict Mexican travel, but goodness forbid we should ever restrict an "American" (continent? nation?) right to free travel, exploits, conquests, and colonizations of other lands.
Extortion and outright theft - one reason Trump is so wealthy. He wants to steal Iraqi oil too.
"any officials involved in such a shakedown should" be locked up - Republicans have no conscience to be found. They have been shaking down the political process for decades and diverting hard earned taxes to give to their wealthy palls.
Someone needs to tell Donald that plundering another country's wealth is an act of war, and that he is a short distance to becoming a war criminal given his outrageous statements so far.
"any officials involved in such a shakedown should" be locked up - Republicans have no conscience to be found. They have been shaking down the political process for decades and diverting hard earned taxes to give to their wealthy palls.
Someone needs to tell Donald that plundering another country's wealth is an act of war, and that he is a short distance to becoming a war criminal given his outrageous statements so far.
9
I love it. By everyone's admission, including this author, Mexico is rife with political corruption, numerous regions of the country are controlled by illegal drug cartels, and drugs, crime and illegal immigrants are flowing across our border and have been for decades. And the politicians in our country who swore an oath to "protect and defend" our country and our laws, who are trying to stop all of the above from continuing to flow into our country... are the ones that Pan thinks should be locked up. Priceless.
Demented, President Trump's promise to build a wall to keep Mexicans out of the United States of America! Humiliating Mexico is our 45th President's idea of toying with a cat. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, though backed into a corner, was wise to cancel his meeting with Donald Trump. The wall on our Southern border won't be built and neither will any of Trump's mad promises and lies happen, as President Trump will not last forever. Maybe only till mid-term elections, or even before, if he decides to give up our Presidency and Tweeting and go back into the golf and real estate fields where he affixes the gilded Trump brand onto anything and everything.
4
Gracias, Señor Grillo. I grew up 5 miles from the border in east San Diego County in the 50s. Then the border "wall" was either nothing at all or a fence with many small ladders built to easily pass over. My first job at 14 was riding fences on a ranch on the border. Most of the rancheros came over each day from the Tijuana/Tecate side and were some of the hardest working men I've ever known, as well as possessing great wit and intelligence. I learned to be a kind and strong man from them.
The U.S. and Mexico, as well as Canada, could make up the greatest three countries in the history of the world. Now, it is warfare perpetrated by a con man, who has never really lived as a citizen in his own country. As someone wrote today, he reminds me of Hugo Chávez. Sad for both countries and the world.
The U.S. and Mexico, as well as Canada, could make up the greatest three countries in the history of the world. Now, it is warfare perpetrated by a con man, who has never really lived as a citizen in his own country. As someone wrote today, he reminds me of Hugo Chávez. Sad for both countries and the world.
248
Steve: I am pretty sure the Wall will be different than the one you knew as a boy in the 50s. Hugo Chavez?? wrong political ideology. President Trump wants less government not more...
1
President Enrique Pena Nieto helped President Trump get elected when he shared the stage with then candidate Trump in Mexico. Trump looked and sounded presidential. He looked as though he was already president and a world leader. Lastly, during that photo op the wall was never mentioned.
1
I'm glad finally someone brought this matter to the light: the unfairness of trying to make Mexico paying for the wall. I was really surprised that no writer was talking about this. I guess everybody is worried about other stuff.
This has personal implications for me because my roots are Mexican, and I love being part of two cultures and speaking two languages and being a professional for several years working in both sides of the border.
In some way this administration has managed to scapegoating Mexico and a lot of people is buying in this. Well, ask the people whose jobs are heavily involved with exports to Mexico. A far better solution would be to have a good temporary work immigration program and also start asking the business owners not to hire undocumented workers; nobody has said anything about how a lot of fox have been filling their pockets by using this cheap labor and not paying benefits or a decent wage. We need the manpower, we re getting older and the birth rate won't be enough to cover the retirements. But lets be fair and do the things the right way. If we continue in this path a lot of people will be affected, and not only in Mexico. By the way, Mexico needs desperately a new refinery so they can reduce gasoline imports from the USA, what if they ask us to pay for it ? I'm laughing just by imagine the kind of reaction that something like that would trigger from our Senators and officials here.
This has personal implications for me because my roots are Mexican, and I love being part of two cultures and speaking two languages and being a professional for several years working in both sides of the border.
In some way this administration has managed to scapegoating Mexico and a lot of people is buying in this. Well, ask the people whose jobs are heavily involved with exports to Mexico. A far better solution would be to have a good temporary work immigration program and also start asking the business owners not to hire undocumented workers; nobody has said anything about how a lot of fox have been filling their pockets by using this cheap labor and not paying benefits or a decent wage. We need the manpower, we re getting older and the birth rate won't be enough to cover the retirements. But lets be fair and do the things the right way. If we continue in this path a lot of people will be affected, and not only in Mexico. By the way, Mexico needs desperately a new refinery so they can reduce gasoline imports from the USA, what if they ask us to pay for it ? I'm laughing just by imagine the kind of reaction that something like that would trigger from our Senators and officials here.
2
Taxing remittances would force illegal immigrants who make a border barrier necessary to pay for its construction. The tax would be collected by the wire services that transmit the remittances, Even with the tax, the remittances would still be the quickest, least expensive and by far the safest way to send money home to Mexico.
A wall ... To fix social problems ... Intriguing idea, Donald.
We have walls in prisons, and so now there is no more crime. Germany once had a wall in Berlin and everything the Germans did back then was smart and sensible and the result: Angela Merkel! I agree that The Wall was a pretty good Pink Floyd album. Wall-to-wall carpets make your house look nice. When we build that wall, do the Mexican get to paint their side of it? They still have some good muralists who could work on it. That might be nice.
What amazes me is that Mexicans don't know how to book airline tickets since I believe airplanes can fly over even very tall walls.
So let's build that wall! This is the best idea I have heard from Mr. Trump since he told the Australian Prime Minister, like he told his workers and casino bondholders and first two wives, that he was not going to honor his commitments. But I just now Donald can deliver the wall, all the way!
But why stop there? If he is going to be remembered as the truly great President that he is destined to be, maybe Mr. Donald (President Bannon, are you listening?) can add a clerestory window, some gold trim on the crown molding and maybe some gold-flock wallpaper so that Arizonans and Texans can have a border wall where they can entertain friends on formal occasions,
We have walls in prisons, and so now there is no more crime. Germany once had a wall in Berlin and everything the Germans did back then was smart and sensible and the result: Angela Merkel! I agree that The Wall was a pretty good Pink Floyd album. Wall-to-wall carpets make your house look nice. When we build that wall, do the Mexican get to paint their side of it? They still have some good muralists who could work on it. That might be nice.
What amazes me is that Mexicans don't know how to book airline tickets since I believe airplanes can fly over even very tall walls.
So let's build that wall! This is the best idea I have heard from Mr. Trump since he told the Australian Prime Minister, like he told his workers and casino bondholders and first two wives, that he was not going to honor his commitments. But I just now Donald can deliver the wall, all the way!
But why stop there? If he is going to be remembered as the truly great President that he is destined to be, maybe Mr. Donald (President Bannon, are you listening?) can add a clerestory window, some gold trim on the crown molding and maybe some gold-flock wallpaper so that Arizonans and Texans can have a border wall where they can entertain friends on formal occasions,
4
Apparently, Trump is intent on turning partners and allies into enemies. He’s threatened to send the U.S. military into Mexico to deal with the “bad hombres.” He abruptly ended a phone call with Australian prime minister when the latter insisted that America uphold an agreement to take in 1250 refugees currently stuck on an island in the Pacific. He has repeatedly questioned the value of NATO. Trump thinks his “America first” worldview projects strength, but he fails to understand that “one is the loneliest number.” If America decides to go it alone, it loses the ability to exert leverage in the world. Far from making America great, Trump is making weak.
5
Great article, except does not point out that virtually all "aid" to Mexico is for military police support of US security agenda. Also, UCLA Naid has calculated that Mexican taxpayers have already "paid for the wall" multiple times in subsidizing the health and education of millions of immigrant workers now in US contributing to US GDP and paying US taxes. Pay MEXICO Back!
6
Important perspective. Like most of Trump's initiatives, the Wall is calculated to make him look good without regard for the consequences in reality.
But why should he care? Trump can't make America great again unless he tears it down first.
But why should he care? Trump can't make America great again unless he tears it down first.
1
Ms. Valdes said, "This man (Mr. Trump) is capable of anything". I don't agree with Mr. Grillo that "such fears are crazy". Such fears are justified, considering the actions of Mr.Trump since he was sworn in, as well as his statements throughout the campaign. His remarks may be irrational, but his advisers are not
4
There is an Associated Press report circulating in the media that Trump threatened President Peña Nieto in a recent telephone call that he would send US troops to Mexico to take out what he describes as "bad hombres," if the Mexican army does not do it. If true, this is an outrageous and alarming development, and one more egregious example of Trump's delusional mindset of his role as president and of his position in the world. The days are over when the US could send its armies to Latin America and depose any government it felt threatened its interests: Mexico, Chile, Dominican Republic, Panama, Grenada, Cuba, Nicaragua, and the rest of Central America under Reagan. The wall will not only divide the US and Mexico, but the US and Latin America, and the rest of the world.
Also, and just as alarming, Trump just had a rough, discourteous, and less than diplomatic telephone conversation with the Australian Prime Minister, who asked him to retract his illegal and punitive immigration edicts . Did this pompous egomaniac also threaten the PM with an invasion of Australia?
Where do we go from here? Get the drift?
Also, and just as alarming, Trump just had a rough, discourteous, and less than diplomatic telephone conversation with the Australian Prime Minister, who asked him to retract his illegal and punitive immigration edicts . Did this pompous egomaniac also threaten the PM with an invasion of Australia?
Where do we go from here? Get the drift?
7
And now Mr Trump tells the Mexican President that the US may invade Mexico to catch some "bad hombres". Where are the Republicans in the white House, the Congress, or the Country willing to stand up to this awful bully demagogue?
7
At what point does the Koch-topus realize they have put a Frankenstein monster with incompetent minions in the White House, put the machine in reverse, and figure out how to get him out of there?
6
Shame on Senator Cornyn and Senator Cruz who won't come out against Trump and his ridiculous, vindictive "border wall" and anti-NAFTA rhetoric. The result will be a wrecked Texas economy and you can be sure neither one's senate seat will be safe.
Trump's endgame is humiliation. Has any truth been put to the rumor that this all stems from a denial of prime beachfront real estate by the Mexican government for a Trump hotel? Trump is petty enough to launch a campaign against an entire country for a perceived slight. Unreal.
Trump's endgame is humiliation. Has any truth been put to the rumor that this all stems from a denial of prime beachfront real estate by the Mexican government for a Trump hotel? Trump is petty enough to launch a campaign against an entire country for a perceived slight. Unreal.
6
Wall off Cornyn and wall off Cruz. America does not need Trump's wall. I'm not from Texas but I've lived there and I will be happy to lend support to any candidate opposing Cornyn and Cruz who will work to stop the madness of the Trump regime and the Republican extremists who follow him.
A Trump brand retirement high rise on the coast in Baja California, near Enseñada Mexico left American retirees duped & out their down payments -- leaving the beautiful coastline scarred with construction that was never finished sits.
Maybe that's why Mexico doesn't want him -- been there, done that!
Maybe that's why Mexico doesn't want him -- been there, done that!
1
Our last republican president tried this, he flushed billions trying to "build" a fence over some of the roughest terrain of any of our borders.....we employ over 3 thousand border patrol agents (!), we have drones, cameras and no doubt those mega worms from the Tremor movies.
But, it's not enough say the nationials, there are too many brown people here and they must be kept out, evidently at any and all cost. There are some Americans who can't stand the thought that we give food to the hungry and medicine to the sick or provide a peaceful land to inhabit. These people cannot be allowed to speak for all of us, to define us as greedy and selfish as the family that now resides in the WhiteHouse.
No wall, no matter what.....
But, it's not enough say the nationials, there are too many brown people here and they must be kept out, evidently at any and all cost. There are some Americans who can't stand the thought that we give food to the hungry and medicine to the sick or provide a peaceful land to inhabit. These people cannot be allowed to speak for all of us, to define us as greedy and selfish as the family that now resides in the WhiteHouse.
No wall, no matter what.....
4
Trump is one despicable excuse for a human being, the lowest of the low, the bottom of the barrel of bottom feeders. The odious stench Trump is leaving in the White House will be hard to rid this nation of, but it will, eventually when those who did not vote for Hillary, some 6 million fewer Dems than in '12, return to the polls in 2018 and 2020 and kick both Trump and his ugly horde of Republican racists out of power. That day is coming. The Trump Resistance will be taking down more than just Trump. This Congress must be removed from the majority so that Dems can begin hearings on impeachment. How soon is now? It began yesterday.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
14
Trump's wall is the first of his monuments he intends to showcase as part of his legacy. I'm quite convinced that President Trump believes he would be able to see the "Trump Wall" from outer space, and that it will be greater and more spectacular than the Great Wall of China.
4
We must also put the spotlight on McConnell & Ryan. Congress holds the purse strings. I wish people like McCain would stand up forcefully to this awful administration - after all, he is 80 years old, just won another 6 years in the Senate, and he used to have respect from a lot of Democrats (until the Sarah Palin VP episode!) so this is probably his last term - he has nothing to lose!
Stand up to this bully in the White House, Senator McCain!!
Stand up to this bully in the White House, Senator McCain!!
16
Strange that there is still this rhetoric about who is going to pay for the wall.
In less than two weeks, Trump has embarrassed the USA around the world...already threatening and alienating at least four nations...and thousands of journalists. He seems to mean business.
If he really is a man of his words, he should have already put on a hard hat, and take al those photo ops, as he puts thousands of Americans (or illegal Mexican immigrants) to work actually building the wall. Time is fleeting Mr. President.
In less than two weeks, Trump has embarrassed the USA around the world...already threatening and alienating at least four nations...and thousands of journalists. He seems to mean business.
If he really is a man of his words, he should have already put on a hard hat, and take al those photo ops, as he puts thousands of Americans (or illegal Mexican immigrants) to work actually building the wall. Time is fleeting Mr. President.
2
Turn the wall sideways put it in Michigan and name it l 94.
5
Mexico, just say no. End of discussion about wall payment.
10
Fair play and the rule of law? A sovereign nation is authorized to defend itself against the economic and security risk arising from the unrestrained flow of immigrants from and through a neighboring nation. Cost recovery is an element of that right.
Mexico has benefited handily from NAFTA. Mexico should allocate a greater part of that benefit to control its border. If Mexico fails, then the United States may recover its consequential damages.
President Trump was elected because he is an iconoclast. Mexico should not be surprised that he holds it responsible for the unrestrained flow of immigrants into the United States.
The better argument by Mexico would be that the United States illegally annexed that part of Mexico that now forms the states of California, Nevada, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico, as the spoils of war, as well as the former Republic of Texas. That assertion will go nowhere as well, although ceding California governor Jerry Brown to Mexico would be a benefit to the United States.
Mexico has benefited handily from NAFTA. Mexico should allocate a greater part of that benefit to control its border. If Mexico fails, then the United States may recover its consequential damages.
President Trump was elected because he is an iconoclast. Mexico should not be surprised that he holds it responsible for the unrestrained flow of immigrants into the United States.
The better argument by Mexico would be that the United States illegally annexed that part of Mexico that now forms the states of California, Nevada, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico, as the spoils of war, as well as the former Republic of Texas. That assertion will go nowhere as well, although ceding California governor Jerry Brown to Mexico would be a benefit to the United States.
1
when Chinese Warships start showing up in Mexican ports, when Chinese contractors start taking the oil service jobs and other Carlisle and Haliburton contracts in Iraq and Libya and other places, we will learn we are not the only game in town. Driving our customers to the hands of our competitors for absolutely no reason but to feel good, is insanity and idiocy beyond degree and description.
19
In a poll on the Winston-Salem Journal website a two-to-one majority voted for Trump to pay for the wall. I think that's an excellent idea! If he wants a wall he should pay for it.
10
What POTUS "said" on the campaign trail is not as important as what his followers heard. "Just shoot them until they pay". The unelected criminals in Mexico say "plata o plomo" (silver or lead? You decide). Many Latinos in California flocked to Governor Reagan in the summer of 1968 when Mexican military slaughtered protestors outside the Olympic games and Reagan famously said, "Maybe what we need here is a bloodbath". Afterall, a study by the business focused California Roundtable commissioned a massive study of immigration and the most likely group to lose their jobs to Mexican workers were, and are, first and second generation American born Latinos.
1
The author makes sense but omitted from much of the discussion is our need for good relations with Mexico.The Mexican government and our drug police work together to catch drug lords who run an illegal trade that ruins millions of lives and brings violent crime here, they report hundreds from other countries seeking illegal entry to the U.S.via Mexico, and, as we know, via NAFTA they keep tariffs low for Americans exporters. we also fail to see the many benefits accrue to America from the illegal immigrants themselves.
Please send more immigrants yearning to breathe free. We have too many white supremacists choking the life out of the rest of us.
6
Why not build the wall and stiff the contractors?
6
The supremely cynical old-world-money Castilian Spaniards and Arab immigrant oligarchs who run Mexico have treated the northern Mestizos with contempt and disdain for centuries, relegating them to the status of second-class (literally) citizens.
A better solution - than negotiating with them at all - is to first send troops into northern Mexico and occupy the northern 150 miles (as we have done before), then build the wall, then send a check to Mexico City for 10 billion dollars to pay them for the land (as we have done before), and be rid of those corrupt and arrogant rodents,forever.
The northern Mexicans who are coming across the border do so because the Mexico City elite have ignored them since day one, and have systematically turned their home into a garbage pit full of drug cartels and human traffickers.
These folks deserve much better. You don't have to look any further than San Antonio to see that, given a chance, they can run vibrant city and be happy and welcome citizens of the US.
If the Mexico City crowd are angry with our new stance, this is a clear indication that we are doing the right thing.
A better solution - than negotiating with them at all - is to first send troops into northern Mexico and occupy the northern 150 miles (as we have done before), then build the wall, then send a check to Mexico City for 10 billion dollars to pay them for the land (as we have done before), and be rid of those corrupt and arrogant rodents,forever.
The northern Mexicans who are coming across the border do so because the Mexico City elite have ignored them since day one, and have systematically turned their home into a garbage pit full of drug cartels and human traffickers.
These folks deserve much better. You don't have to look any further than San Antonio to see that, given a chance, they can run vibrant city and be happy and welcome citizens of the US.
If the Mexico City crowd are angry with our new stance, this is a clear indication that we are doing the right thing.
This isn't 1846. Mexico is no longer ruled by a dictator (Santa Anna) and, unlike then, every Mexican from Tijuana to Chiapas now feels part of the same country. Also, since the end of the Mexican revolution, northern Mexicans have been playing a much more important role in Mexican politics than southern Mexicans.
1
Rodents? Well, you certainly have announced yourself for what you are! I think most posters will feel obligated to ignore you.
Old world Castillian Spaniards? Arab immigrants?
Methinks you don't know what you are talking about. Mexico was conquered by poor Spaniards from Extremadura (Cortez et al.) and northern Mexico, Monterrey in particular, was settled by hard working Sephardic Jews. World class steel is made in northern Mexico by smart and hard working Mexicans.
One sees Mexican immigrants from all over the country. In Houston you find restaurants named La Michoacana (Michoacan food), La Yucateca (Yucatan food), and on and on. That reflects the immigration patterns, as a matter of fact Mexicans have been coming to the USA way back when.
In Houston (and other cities I suspect) you'll see white Americans begging at traffic lights with signs reading: "Homeless Vet, need money", "I have cancer", and the like. And if you go to Home Depot and/or Lowe's you'll find Mexicans waiting in the shade of a tree for the contractors that will hire them (like I did after a hurricane; $10.00/hr, 5 hrs minimum).
Americans are lazy, junior.
Methinks you don't know what you are talking about. Mexico was conquered by poor Spaniards from Extremadura (Cortez et al.) and northern Mexico, Monterrey in particular, was settled by hard working Sephardic Jews. World class steel is made in northern Mexico by smart and hard working Mexicans.
One sees Mexican immigrants from all over the country. In Houston you find restaurants named La Michoacana (Michoacan food), La Yucateca (Yucatan food), and on and on. That reflects the immigration patterns, as a matter of fact Mexicans have been coming to the USA way back when.
In Houston (and other cities I suspect) you'll see white Americans begging at traffic lights with signs reading: "Homeless Vet, need money", "I have cancer", and the like. And if you go to Home Depot and/or Lowe's you'll find Mexicans waiting in the shade of a tree for the contractors that will hire them (like I did after a hurricane; $10.00/hr, 5 hrs minimum).
Americans are lazy, junior.
Does anyone seriously think that having Mexico pay for a wall was a thought-out idea? Most likely it was blurted out during a rally -- "And Mexico's gonna pay for it!" -- to bring the cheers to a crescendo. The crescendos reached new heights at subsequent rallies, and Trump was stuck with a pledge that any sane political consultant would have told him was insane as well as damaging to our relationship with our southern neighbor.
2
On top of the narcissistic disorder, we are dealing with a blatant draft dodger who has used bullying throughout his life to hide his cowardice.
6
Why don't we build the wall with Mexican labor? Think of the cost savings that can be passed on to the US consumer. We might even let them continue to pick our crops and work in our meat and poultry industry until the wall is built. Maybe US citizens will be able to continue to enjoy fruit, vegetables, meat and poultry at a reasonable price before the wall is finished.
3
Trump is Moron! His presidency is an obscene reminder of how low the United States has sunk into the political slime.
He and his supporters disgust me to no end. Until this tyrant is Constitutionally removed from power the Republic will remain lost down the rabbit hole.
We are all in grave danger.
He and his supporters disgust me to no end. Until this tyrant is Constitutionally removed from power the Republic will remain lost down the rabbit hole.
We are all in grave danger.
7
The fundamental mistake the Trump and his disciples make it assuming the problem is Mexico. The answer is more integration, not less.
If there were no demand north of the border for cheap unskilled labor, then the supply would quickly disappear. People don't cross the border at great expense and risk to move to Kansas or Iowa for the lovely weather and the welcoming communities. If there is demand, then there will be a supply one way or another.
Address the demand side by putting the cost on the people who hire illegal immigrants and by balancing the supply with demand by legitimizing temporary workers. Let the free market work its magic balancing supply & demand. Instead of a wall that will destroy the border economies and communities on both sides, invest in development and economic integration. A secure, prosperous Mexico is the best partner in a secure border.
Finally, get a handle on America's insatiable appetite for illegal drugs which has turned desperate migrants into drug mules and let to the industrialization of both the drug trade and the migrant trade by the cartels.
If there were no demand north of the border for cheap unskilled labor, then the supply would quickly disappear. People don't cross the border at great expense and risk to move to Kansas or Iowa for the lovely weather and the welcoming communities. If there is demand, then there will be a supply one way or another.
Address the demand side by putting the cost on the people who hire illegal immigrants and by balancing the supply with demand by legitimizing temporary workers. Let the free market work its magic balancing supply & demand. Instead of a wall that will destroy the border economies and communities on both sides, invest in development and economic integration. A secure, prosperous Mexico is the best partner in a secure border.
Finally, get a handle on America's insatiable appetite for illegal drugs which has turned desperate migrants into drug mules and let to the industrialization of both the drug trade and the migrant trade by the cartels.
6
Mexicans say trump has united them, and they will boycott U.S. goods and companies such as Walmart and McDonalds. Opposition to trump in other nations should be encouraged by Americans who oppose trump tyranny, and cooperation between all of us should be coordinated to maximize world is against trump, along with hundreds of millions of us. There are rapid response groups ready to protest trump and his cowardly Republican party minions. Milwaukee showed us what needs to be done; there should not be a trip by the tyrant anywhere in the U.S. or world where he is not met with protests, boycotts of his businesses, and those that support his tyranny. trump is a weak man, and he can be defeated: HE MUST BE DEFEATED¡
9
"it tells the world the United States no longer believes in fair play or the rule of law. Any officials involved in such a shakedown should search their conscience."
In your book, sending over 11 million illegals, drugs and crime is "fair play and the rule of law". Give me a break!
Stop the grandstanding and take care of your own people
In your book, sending over 11 million illegals, drugs and crime is "fair play and the rule of law". Give me a break!
Stop the grandstanding and take care of your own people
2
There is an economic principle known far and wide as supply and demand curves. These esoteric concepts, well known to Econ 101 students, but but an alien territory to many ill-educated Americans are at the heart of the drug trafficking between Mexico and the US. If there were no demand by Americans for illicit drugs there would be no suppliers. Thus, the power off the drug cartels and the mayhem they cause in Mexico would be considerably reduced if American drug usage fell sharply. In short we are both the cause and the cure of the problem. Perhaps the new president should focus on that and tell his many supporters to stop using drugs, or at least buy American.
There should be a continuation of anti trump demonstrations around the world. Trump is a criminal that must be stopped.
3
What crime has he committed?
Wow, the U.S has been financing Mexico for years. Why not a little payback. How many Illegals send Yankee dollars back to Mexico to supplement their economy? Last time I checked the Peso is a disaster.
1
Do you wish to keep all dollars in the US? I think many economists would drop dead of heart attacks if any such thing were attempted.
That's the extent of this so called nationalism now? That we don't even want our money to leave the country? A new level of absurdity.
That's the extent of this so called nationalism now? That we don't even want our money to leave the country? A new level of absurdity.
How many yankee dollars are supporting your island in the Caribbean Miguelito?
Trump has always been a shakedown artist. It's just now in the light of day.
4
So far, the tweeter's best idea has been the import duty that means that if you buy a car or eat a lot of avocados you'll be doing your part to pay for the wall. Holy Guacamole! Mexico's best option is to go silent and let Mr Donald tweet in a vacuum. Meanwhile, they could dial back their cooperation with the DEA and toughen their scrutiny of the spoiled american brats who cross over from our side.
3
And today it's reported Mr. Trump suggested, during his phone call with Mr. Peña Nieto, that perhaps he should send U.S. troops south of the border to deal with Mexico's "bad hombres." "Hey, he was just kidding," we're told by White House officials. Uh-huh. You're a riot, Mr. "President." I'm sure Mexico's anxious citizens are relieved to know you were just having a little fun.
5
Perhaps a psychoanalyst will put a name on Trump's condition. He wants people to agree him, to like him, even to love him. But he never misses an opportunity to shove people away, with disdain, with mockery, with anger... Is he so afraid that he will not be loved that he makes sure it happens and for reasons he can point to? Does he have a sneaking suspicion that people just don't like such an uncultured, bragging, bullying buffoon?
He treats the heads of government of Mexico and Australia as if they are managers of his failing casinos. Is that simply a matter of stupidity or does he imagine that this is how a POTUS should act?
He treats the heads of government of Mexico and Australia as if they are managers of his failing casinos. Is that simply a matter of stupidity or does he imagine that this is how a POTUS should act?
3
Many have put a name on it, and if one has studied psychology, one knows the name; Narcissistic Personality Disorder is the term used in the current DSM-V, the bible of psychopathology.
2
Dimitri is simply being his old transactional self. If he wants something from you, you will be browbeaten, insulted, abused, etc. until you give up something - in other words, as you have stated quite clearly - extortion. The wall is not the thing, it is the McGuffin, the ruse the red herring. This is his leverage-gaining tactic for renegotiating NAFTA. He knows Mexico has great negotiators.
Here is a simple solution, eject Texas as a state and create a new nation-state staus under the American rubric. Then let Texas worry about the wall. They could easily pay for it with oil revenues. I would add Puerto Rica as state number 50, and then award Mexico and Canada favored nation-state status, just below Texas.
Here is a simple solution, eject Texas as a state and create a new nation-state staus under the American rubric. Then let Texas worry about the wall. They could easily pay for it with oil revenues. I would add Puerto Rica as state number 50, and then award Mexico and Canada favored nation-state status, just below Texas.
1
Stop blaming poor Mexico for taking jobs. You don't see Trump-supporter types working dishwasher jobs. They're waiting for their ship to come in: if it's not a high-paying job with no commute from their hometown, then it's not gonna work for them. Many of these "true" Americans live off of disability and workers' compensation for years on end. Then they age into Social Security. They have no work ethic, so they don't encourage their kids to go to college and better themselves and move to places with good work. God forbid you are LGBTQ - it's not just brown-skinned folks who disrupt their world view. And they wonder why there's a heroin epidemic. I am so done with Flyover America. They're way too ignorant to ever have a clue about what they have done to our nation.
13
No immigrant "takes" any job. Jobs are given by the 'creators' to those who will accept a non-living wage in order to survive. All jobs are given away by business. No foreigner has EVER taken a job from anyone else.
But...the right blames it on government, because to bad mouth business on the right is heresy. Government is not in the business of job creation, not according to the Constitution, that is left to the private sector.
But...the right blames it on government, because to bad mouth business on the right is heresy. Government is not in the business of job creation, not according to the Constitution, that is left to the private sector.
2
Could somebody (smarter than I am) please start a campaign based on Republican saint Reagan's " Mr. . . . . tear down this wall."
2
Trump is a gangster who is bullying a friendly nation.
7
Don Trump and his consiglieri are trying to figure out a way to extort money form Mexico. I am sure that they will be open to a negotiation. Build a couple of Trump hotels around Mexico and all will be forgiven.
4
This is an evil awful corrupt man. He is not proposing to do anything that at least half the US voters agree or support -
2
Interesting analogy; the Brits couldn't afford the cost of building the Channel Tunnel to France & don't have a high enough standard of rail infrastructure or technology....so the French built it themselves....
1
President Bannon seems ever more in charge daily. Things are blowing up for him nicely.
6
What's wrong with this picture. $4 minimum wage; 28 million Mexicans cannot afford a healthy diet...plus you forgot another fscyvfrleased this week....Mexicans residing here in our country sent back to Mexico a record-breaking $60 billion dollars! If people like you harassed and threatened your own government into elevating the standard of living of their citizens, then the US wouldn't have this problem. Yes,we do need a wall, to protect our own sovereignty and we should tax all of those remittances sent home to Mexico to pay for the wall.
2
Do you understand the difference between a remittance and a trade deficit? You have your numbers wrong.
Math Teacher: I was talking about "remittances" but cited incorrectly, that out of the $60 billion remitted from U.S. to other countries, $25 billion went to Mexico.
1
How do you propose taxing money sent by Western Union, etc? All money sent out of US? Money sent to Mexico? Then they send it to family in CA and then it is forwarded to them. No big deal. It's easy to just throw out random ideas, it is another thing entirely to make rational policy.
1
Two points about your column:
"Any officials involved in such a shakedown should search their conscience." Well, Trump doesn't have a conscience. That became obvious a long time ago. It is how he is able to do all of the despicable things he does.
"But perhaps this idea of humiliating Mexico is what appeals to President Trump and his most fervent supporters." Bingo! Were you watching the campaign? Humiliating people is what he LOVES to do. Lyin' Ted. Little Marco. Crooked Hillary. It's what gets him off, and it's what got him into the White House.
"Any officials involved in such a shakedown should search their conscience." Well, Trump doesn't have a conscience. That became obvious a long time ago. It is how he is able to do all of the despicable things he does.
"But perhaps this idea of humiliating Mexico is what appeals to President Trump and his most fervent supporters." Bingo! Were you watching the campaign? Humiliating people is what he LOVES to do. Lyin' Ted. Little Marco. Crooked Hillary. It's what gets him off, and it's what got him into the White House.
7
Nothing is impossible or too outrageous for the Bannon administration.
9
We are all learning a great deal about how Trump conducted business in the past..bluster and lots of it. Do they teach this technique in business school?
Mexico again needs the 'Three Amigos' to fight El Guapo! If only,
Israel has built a wall that has greatly reduced terrorist attacks. You ignore this fact entirely.
A wall is not infrastructure as it carries no utilities. The wall is going up because Mexico and the countries South make no effort to keep their criminals home.
A wall is not infrastructure as it carries no utilities. The wall is going up because Mexico and the countries South make no effort to keep their criminals home.
3
So unless something does not "carries utilities" it's not infrastructure? I think we need a trip to the dictionary.
Israel is the size of New Jersey. To build a wall there takes weeks. We have over 2000 miles of border with Mexico. Miles of hills, dunes, washes, rivers, private land, trees. There are ways over walls, under walls, around walls. No, the wall is a multi-billion dollar boondoggle that will not 'fix' immigration, prevent smugglers or in any other way be beneficial. It is a waste of time and money, and it is an affront to a neighbor.
I'm sure that someone who has brought more companies into bankruptcy than I've even worked at knows more about this than I do, but, it seems to me if you want to curtail drug use one would do better to mitigate demand and let supply respond accordingly.
4
This is a man who said America first and yet he is working hard to destroy America while he threatens foreign wars that will push us further into debt! What happened to draining the swamp, bringing down the cost of prescription drugs and on and on? Just lies. I hope the DNC is happy.
3
Well, the positive elements of this op-ed are encouraging.
If we’re no longer talking seriously about WHETHER the wall will be built, then I’m perfectly happy to focus on who will be paying for it. But Mr. Grillo and millions of others should note the epochally successful distraction that Trump has engineered in this matter: he’s split the championship of open-borders and resistance to the wall itself between those who resist it for its pivot on illegal immigration policy and those who are outraged that Mexico is called on to pay for it.
Best-guesses at present are that the wall will cost $20 billion, not $12-$15 billion. And if we had to pay for every dime of it, I would regard the money well-spent to regain control of our borders. And if part of that $20 billion were spent to more effectively interdict the caravans of illicit drugs that the Mexican and other cartels employ, then even better and MORE worth the money.
Problem is that if the U.S. markets for illicit drugs become largely inaccessible, what are those cartels likely to do in the societies below our southern border to prosper? Likely nothing Mexico wants to seriously consider.
Just ignore Trump’s distraction about who will be paying for the wall. Consider instead what it is about Latin American societies that allow the rise and dominance of lawless, murderous cartels, and what you can effectively do about them.
If we’re no longer talking seriously about WHETHER the wall will be built, then I’m perfectly happy to focus on who will be paying for it. But Mr. Grillo and millions of others should note the epochally successful distraction that Trump has engineered in this matter: he’s split the championship of open-borders and resistance to the wall itself between those who resist it for its pivot on illegal immigration policy and those who are outraged that Mexico is called on to pay for it.
Best-guesses at present are that the wall will cost $20 billion, not $12-$15 billion. And if we had to pay for every dime of it, I would regard the money well-spent to regain control of our borders. And if part of that $20 billion were spent to more effectively interdict the caravans of illicit drugs that the Mexican and other cartels employ, then even better and MORE worth the money.
Problem is that if the U.S. markets for illicit drugs become largely inaccessible, what are those cartels likely to do in the societies below our southern border to prosper? Likely nothing Mexico wants to seriously consider.
Just ignore Trump’s distraction about who will be paying for the wall. Consider instead what it is about Latin American societies that allow the rise and dominance of lawless, murderous cartels, and what you can effectively do about them.
1
You're joking right? Money well spent? Most importantly f the contraband arrives via tunnel.
Drug demand from the USA, would be the most substantial driver. Some of the demand now satisfied by methamphetamine locally produced.
Why are you surprised? Why did Trump get so much free press and why did Bill Clinton ask him to run? Could it be they are all really on the same side? Now that we have Trump, this faux outrage is also just as silly, cruel and scary as what Trump is leading us into..war with everybody. Why wars? They make lots of money. And they give an excuse to force everyone to fall in line in order to consolidate power. And money and power are the obvious goal..those with the gold rules, and it ain't us.
20
Snopes (http://www.snopes.com/search/?q=bill+clinton+ask+trump+to+run) is not aware of this rumour. Snopes does say the reports that Hillary Clinton in 2013 said "I would like to see people like Donald Trump run for office" is FAKE NEWS
Please verify your assertions before posting them here.
Please verify your assertions before posting them here.
I would recommend a qualification: Wars don't really "make" money...they increase government debt moving that money into defense contractors' pockets at the expense of everyone else.
It's not a secret they've been friends for decades.
It appears we Americans will spend the next four years apologizing for president Trump to countries all over the world. In all fairness, those who voted for him should shuffle forward and do the majority of the apologizing. Unfortunately, there are strangely few that admit voting for him, making the math difficult about how he actually won.
As a fourteen year expatriate here in Provence, my American citizenship was not important until Trump won the election. Now, there is a steady stream of people offering condolences to me for his election or, more frequently, expressing horror at the shocking reality of someone like Trump somehow getting elected at all!
As a fourteen year expatriate here in Provence, my American citizenship was not important until Trump won the election. Now, there is a steady stream of people offering condolences to me for his election or, more frequently, expressing horror at the shocking reality of someone like Trump somehow getting elected at all!
64
You should keep in mind that this is what the American People want and the Republican Party has been working for about 20 years since Reagan to gain control of America through any despicable means possible.
3
It is insane here: stay where you are.
1
Just one comment today, mentioned eloquently by Mr. Grillo as "utter madness," which it surely is: Trade deficits or surpluses, one or the other unless by some odd circumstances there is an absolutely identical value of exports and imports between two trading countries, always exist, every year, with every trading partner. A trade deficit or a surplus, in and of itself, is no indicator of "winning" or "losing" anything. I hardly know how to proceed to explain such a concept to our new president, so I'll just leave it at that.
26
Trump isn't trying to humiliate Mexico, that is just icing. He is trying to score points with his political base.
At work, when I was a corporate wonk, we had a strategy called "Saturday Meetings." When the exec was charged with a patently impossible task, he'd never tell the next level it was impossible, he'd instead make a big fuss about how hard he was working to get it done. "We held Saturday Meetings!" In retrospect it is amazing how often this flies.
We are killing an international relationship as part of a Saturday meeting strategy. For the base that firmly believes that Mexicans took they jobs, and not machines and computer systems, the symbolic tough talk, and the ridiculous wall, and the tariffs and penalties imposed are all to convince the masses that we did something and worked hard. But it will create enmity without creating jobs, because it never addressed the right problem.
But I bet it will win votes in swing states and that is all that matters.
At work, when I was a corporate wonk, we had a strategy called "Saturday Meetings." When the exec was charged with a patently impossible task, he'd never tell the next level it was impossible, he'd instead make a big fuss about how hard he was working to get it done. "We held Saturday Meetings!" In retrospect it is amazing how often this flies.
We are killing an international relationship as part of a Saturday meeting strategy. For the base that firmly believes that Mexicans took they jobs, and not machines and computer systems, the symbolic tough talk, and the ridiculous wall, and the tariffs and penalties imposed are all to convince the masses that we did something and worked hard. But it will create enmity without creating jobs, because it never addressed the right problem.
But I bet it will win votes in swing states and that is all that matters.
18
An unbiased study is lacking.
Why not? The main reason this "infrastructure" is being built is to prevent millions of Mexicans to continue to illegally enter the US and take away jobs that would be going to unskilled Americans, and for a higher pay, if there weren't so many illegal immigrants willing to work for much less. Therefore, illegal immigration has and continues to deeply hurt American workers. Of course Mexico should pay for our border wall.
9
stop watching the liars on Fox.
Your simplistic explanation for the economic challenges facing the US are pure fantasy. You will need to READ up on this issue.
I mean, you can read----can't you?
Your simplistic explanation for the economic challenges facing the US are pure fantasy. You will need to READ up on this issue.
I mean, you can read----can't you?
So you think that "unskilled Americans" would take these jobs? Why are they not out competing for them? Have you been to the kitchen of a restaurant and seen the work that goes on? Or a field where *your* food is grown and harvested? How do you think employers & corporations who are paying desperate immigrants would take to paying fair wages to these unskilled Americans? If you want to police immigrant labor, police the employers and be ready to eat the cost yourself. We are all the beneficiaries of these laborers without admitting it.
There is work to be done all over our country and hard working people are doing it in their search for a better life; you would do no differently in their shoes. Our immigration policy needs work, yes, but the idea of a wall is ridiculous.
There is work to be done all over our country and hard working people are doing it in their search for a better life; you would do no differently in their shoes. Our immigration policy needs work, yes, but the idea of a wall is ridiculous.
Well then you should probably get out of Manhattan since you are part of the problem. Just about every deli or restaurant you walk into has this labor and you are taking advantage of it. I am sure there are tons of Americans who would love to deliver your breakfast, pick your fruit and watch your kids and you are going to be very happy to pay them more to do it, right?
I had hoped Trump would eventually clarify that he didn't mean all of the wall would necessarily be physical but rather that much of it would be a less costly "virtual" wall made possible through increased surveillance technology (drones, etc.). Oh well.
There is no legal or moral justification to demand Mexico pay for our wall. When Trump came up with this campaign gimmick, I think he never expected he would actually win and find himself painted in a corner on this issue. Hopefully he's just pretending to be serious about this until he figures out a face-saving exit strategy.
There is no legal or moral justification to demand Mexico pay for our wall. When Trump came up with this campaign gimmick, I think he never expected he would actually win and find himself painted in a corner on this issue. Hopefully he's just pretending to be serious about this until he figures out a face-saving exit strategy.
3
" ... it tells the world the United States no longer believes in fair play or the rule of law ..."
C'mon, the US has not believed in fair play since at least the mid 1800s when came to 'America First'.
Especially when its politics regarded Mexico which was always seen as some kind of poor and dirty US backyard by the US governments.
And no, the wall will not help anything, it will only make some people shift their methods on how to circumvent it a bit.
After that it will be business as usual.
In 1961, the East German government built the "anti fascist wall" to keep out all those Western fascists while in reality it was a way to keep East Germans in and isolate the country.
I bet that this wall between the US and Mexico will be the same, to keep the US in, not the Mexcians out.
Remember those dystopian scifi moves like Judge Dredd that were all the vogue a few years ago?
They all played in a land that was isolated from the rest of the "bad" world out there by a huge wall.
Looks like someone actually believes that was a good idea that might be worth doing.
C'mon, the US has not believed in fair play since at least the mid 1800s when came to 'America First'.
Especially when its politics regarded Mexico which was always seen as some kind of poor and dirty US backyard by the US governments.
And no, the wall will not help anything, it will only make some people shift their methods on how to circumvent it a bit.
After that it will be business as usual.
In 1961, the East German government built the "anti fascist wall" to keep out all those Western fascists while in reality it was a way to keep East Germans in and isolate the country.
I bet that this wall between the US and Mexico will be the same, to keep the US in, not the Mexcians out.
Remember those dystopian scifi moves like Judge Dredd that were all the vogue a few years ago?
They all played in a land that was isolated from the rest of the "bad" world out there by a huge wall.
Looks like someone actually believes that was a good idea that might be worth doing.
7
I agree with Thomas. Fair play was never an American interest. After WWII, the U.S. gvt. made world plans on how to "make America great and keep America great" which included knocking down any Central or South American emerging democracy for the sake of U.S. business all the while masking this from the American public. (How do we know this? Some archives are now open.) Trump is simply continuing this play, but crudely and openly. And forsaking diplomacy in the process. ~Patricia H.
Those trumpeting to build this wall don't seem to care that we humans share the earth with other living creatures who deserve some respect for their homeland security, too. Consider, for example, the jaguars who would be walled off from their potential mates. Jaguars aren't Mexican or American, but the barrier to keep humans on their own side of an invisible line will restrict their territory and possibly even endanger their species. To build such a wall is ethically wrong, no matter who pays for it.
25
An earthen ditch/wall and college funded studies could help some.
1
Our "president" has palled around with gangsters, made his fortune by bankrupting and bilking investors and companies, conned people living in trailer homes out of their life savings... this vile man does not represent the United States. However, a series of unfortunate events, malevolent manipulations and a poor opposition candidate, have given him the levers of power.
Of course Mexico should not pay for a stupid and useless wall. Mexico must not pay for it.
Welcome to the resistance.
Of course Mexico should not pay for a stupid and useless wall. Mexico must not pay for it.
Welcome to the resistance.
74
I have a "Domino Theory" as pertains to trump's Mexican wall threat.
If Mexico knuckles under to extortion, then others will fall,
and in other areas requiring diplomacy, all over the world.
The Iranians have been "put on notice", a vague but menacing threat.
Its been leaked that trump is trying to bully the Australian
Prime Minister over refugees.
I can maybe understand the Iran thing. But the Australians?
What's next?
No, Mexico must face trump down.
This aggression must not be allowed to stand, or trumpism will spread.
If Mexico knuckles under to extortion, then others will fall,
and in other areas requiring diplomacy, all over the world.
The Iranians have been "put on notice", a vague but menacing threat.
Its been leaked that trump is trying to bully the Australian
Prime Minister over refugees.
I can maybe understand the Iran thing. But the Australians?
What's next?
No, Mexico must face trump down.
This aggression must not be allowed to stand, or trumpism will spread.
65
Mexico won't pay for Trump's idiotic Wall because it is idiotic and they can't afford it. If trade imbalance is the issue, Trump should make China send us their Wall like Jon Stewart suggested. Of course China's Wall is thousands of years old, when Walls actually kept people out. A Wall doing that in 2017 is truly idiotic, but I would love to have China send us theirs - it would make it so much easier for me to visit.
Diplomacy at the point of a gun cannot, and should not, work. It is immoral, unethical, hostile, uncharitable, and against whatever "Christian" principles his supporters supposedly possess.
Since his inauguration, Trump has been building walls...separating "us" from Mexico, from refugees, from Green Card residents, from Muslims, from China, from Nato, from Australia, from Europe, from Democrats, from liberals, from women, from federal employees, from scientists...if there is a group he disagrees with, despises, distrusts, or dismisses, it's "build a wall" whether that be physical or figurative.
Everything Trump has done - prodded on by his puppermaster, President Bannon - has been the result of a total lack of creativity, imagination, understanding, knowledge, respect, compassion, and humility.
If I were another country, I would be looking for other nations to quickly form new alliances with - based on this maniac's toddleresque behavior. If the American people cannot stop him (or, as the GOP has shown, refuses to stop him), then perhaps other countries can.
No nation worthy of the name can, or should, rule over other nations...and certainly not with violence or the threat of it. What he is doing to them is wrong. What he is doing to America is unconscionable.
Since his inauguration, Trump has been building walls...separating "us" from Mexico, from refugees, from Green Card residents, from Muslims, from China, from Nato, from Australia, from Europe, from Democrats, from liberals, from women, from federal employees, from scientists...if there is a group he disagrees with, despises, distrusts, or dismisses, it's "build a wall" whether that be physical or figurative.
Everything Trump has done - prodded on by his puppermaster, President Bannon - has been the result of a total lack of creativity, imagination, understanding, knowledge, respect, compassion, and humility.
If I were another country, I would be looking for other nations to quickly form new alliances with - based on this maniac's toddleresque behavior. If the American people cannot stop him (or, as the GOP has shown, refuses to stop him), then perhaps other countries can.
No nation worthy of the name can, or should, rule over other nations...and certainly not with violence or the threat of it. What he is doing to them is wrong. What he is doing to America is unconscionable.
99
"...
If I were another country, I would be looking for other nations to quickly form new alliances with -.."
This won't be easy. If the US starts impounding remittances, there's not much anyone can do. Likewise even if it executes some raids into Mexico. Neighboring countries are small, weak, and themselves fearful - Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, etc. Even Brazil couldn't stand up to serious economic pressure from us. Europe is divided, and Trump's actions could actually add momentum to Le Pen types; and if some European company, or country, takes business out of the US, China, Japan, or Korea will replace it quickly.
Trump is very, very smart. He has great instincts for exploiting people's emotional needs and weaknesses, and for dividing his opponents against each other. This made him a very wealthy man and then President, despite his crude manners, lack of knowledge of many things, and even his known history of mistreating others. Since there's no mechanism to recall him, and no principled Republican leadership (McConnell? Ryan?), he is going to be President for 4 years if not 8. This is uniquely frightening situation.
If I were another country, I would be looking for other nations to quickly form new alliances with -.."
This won't be easy. If the US starts impounding remittances, there's not much anyone can do. Likewise even if it executes some raids into Mexico. Neighboring countries are small, weak, and themselves fearful - Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, etc. Even Brazil couldn't stand up to serious economic pressure from us. Europe is divided, and Trump's actions could actually add momentum to Le Pen types; and if some European company, or country, takes business out of the US, China, Japan, or Korea will replace it quickly.
Trump is very, very smart. He has great instincts for exploiting people's emotional needs and weaknesses, and for dividing his opponents against each other. This made him a very wealthy man and then President, despite his crude manners, lack of knowledge of many things, and even his known history of mistreating others. Since there's no mechanism to recall him, and no principled Republican leadership (McConnell? Ryan?), he is going to be President for 4 years if not 8. This is uniquely frightening situation.
The thought that Mexico - or any other nation - should pay the US because the US has a trade deficit is laughable. The US sees itself as the leader of the capitalist world, yet is unable to produce a trade surplus. We are clearly not fit to compete in the real world.
Let us instead rely on a wall - one that might repulse a quant horse-back cavalry assault. This will be a giant welfare gift to US workers who insist on "doing it alone".
No irony here...
Let us instead rely on a wall - one that might repulse a quant horse-back cavalry assault. This will be a giant welfare gift to US workers who insist on "doing it alone".
No irony here...
16
i doubt American workers could handle the demands of building a wall in the middle of a desert.
Great article. We needed this: to say things as they are. Continuing with the "Mexico will pay for the wall" talk is pure extortion. And to a poorer friend, nonetheless.
It's sad to see that so many outrageous Trump ideas are being normalized in the media and public discourse. Think about it... Go one step back and consider once again the idea to force a sovereign, neighboring, ally to fund a ridiculous infrastructure elephant that will not work and --if done-- will be demolished in shame 20 years down the road. Utter craziness.
It's sad to see that so many outrageous Trump ideas are being normalized in the media and public discourse. Think about it... Go one step back and consider once again the idea to force a sovereign, neighboring, ally to fund a ridiculous infrastructure elephant that will not work and --if done-- will be demolished in shame 20 years down the road. Utter craziness.
76
Absolutely, Frank. I couldn't help but think of the Sheriff of Nottingham stealing from the poor to give to the already powerful. Sad to say, this is the real world not the stuff of fiction. I was also reminded of a story told me by a family friend from my earliest childhood days--she was the wife of the Persian ambassador, we lived next door to them until I was 5 years old. Years and years later, her husband who had remained in their diplomatic corps for decades, was arrested by Khomeni's people and jailed. The Iranian goverment demanded he pay back to the government all of the money he had made as a diplomat during his entire career. The wife pleaded with the authorities that they should take her instead as she was younger and more healthy. The government relented a bit, put him under house arrest with several threats to friends and family should he try to escape. The point of this story is, the tactics of authoritarian regimes are cruel, irrational, absurd or the word you use, crazy. Is it too early to think about Amendment 25?
And so the morning begins with Trump in a two-week tenure bullying multiple countries as tensions escalate here, there and everywhere.
A repeatedly shown video of an Oval Office call to Australia, with hot-headed adviser Bannon and "America's Angriest General" Flynn sitting across from him. The three of them looking miserable.
Provocative phone calls. Sabre-rattling remarks. Implications of potential military action. Insults. Grudges.
To Trump, everything and everyone are "dumb." Don't most people quit saying that belittling word in 6th grade?
An aide leaks Trump throws temper tantrums if criticized on anything. Even his aides might be feeling the burn of Trump Regret.
Making America great? He's making America nervous.
A repeatedly shown video of an Oval Office call to Australia, with hot-headed adviser Bannon and "America's Angriest General" Flynn sitting across from him. The three of them looking miserable.
Provocative phone calls. Sabre-rattling remarks. Implications of potential military action. Insults. Grudges.
To Trump, everything and everyone are "dumb." Don't most people quit saying that belittling word in 6th grade?
An aide leaks Trump throws temper tantrums if criticized on anything. Even his aides might be feeling the burn of Trump Regret.
Making America great? He's making America nervous.
78
Nervous??? This citizen is well beyond nervous.
1
Exactly. I'm practically getting neurotic and about ready to crawl into a fetal position. Despite being at the beach. With every day sunny and brilliant.
There are no words to explain how awful this white house is.
I keep wanting to end every post with "Thanks, Flyover Country."
There are no words to explain how awful this white house is.
I keep wanting to end every post with "Thanks, Flyover Country."
To secure the border we need not just a fence but a wall. Picture the walls that enclose maximum security prisons. That 2300 mile wall would be manned with sentries. 40,000 sentries charged with shooting to kill should do it. They would be supplemented with planes, helicopters, drones and security cameras. We would also need to patrol our coastlines and the northern border. In addition, we should track all incoming tourists and workers with implanted microchips so we could make sure they don't overstay. Finally we should scan all women entering the country to make sure they aren't pregnant.
41
Steve Bannon, is that you?
1
Satire, I hope. You've just described East Germany before 1989.
Then, of course, there all those Claymore and anti-personnel mines we have stored away for the next war that trump is designing as we speak. While we at it, we should probably consider a dike along the border with Canada. A dike should make do since Canadians are notorious non-swimmers. Then again, they do skate well, and the dike would freeze in the winter. What to do? President Bannon will figure it, I'm certain.
All this is certainly true and it is more than ridiculous that Mexico or anyone build a wall on the southern boarder. Regarding the minimum wage it is also true that it is a national embarrassment for Mexico that wages are so low. What Mr. Grillo doesn't mention is that no one, down to the person who cleans the gum off the subway steps in Mexico City, who makes minimum wage has only one income source. Thus you have the enormous informal economy that is Mexico's bane. It is the reason Mexico has no tax base and the root of the reason why people leave the country in the first place.
5
If Trump wants to reduce the trade imbalance with Mexico, why doesn't he stop the huge consumption of drugs that occur in deep red state America. Much if not most of the meth and oxy end up there. Heroin use is skyrocketing there because oxy is so expensive. That will keep many billions from flowing out of the country. It will reduce the use of taxpayer money going to people "on the dole" as they call it to by illicit drugs. Then he should make a deal with all the meth labs in rural America to tax them for the freedom to supply the remaining demand. The taxes generated could be used to build the wall.
The southside of Chicago isn't the only place in America with problems. Trump should shakedown his own people first before going after the Mexicans because of our problems.
P.S. If he really wants to help rural America, then open up thousands of vocational-technical schools to train the workers for the 21st century. Let's see how many of them can make it through and graduate.
The southside of Chicago isn't the only place in America with problems. Trump should shakedown his own people first before going after the Mexicans because of our problems.
P.S. If he really wants to help rural America, then open up thousands of vocational-technical schools to train the workers for the 21st century. Let's see how many of them can make it through and graduate.
31
I close my eyes and try to imagine a government that makes us feel proud, confident, safer, inspired, and more at peace with ourselves to show our closest neighbors the advantages of equality. Then I open my eyes and see the opposite.
347
This is a good time to climb up off that couch and drive from the US to Toronto; then drive from the US to Juarez. If you survive Juarez lets talk about what you saw and which country you prefer to call home.
After Trump's recent conversations with the leaders of Mexico and Australia, I'm starting to wonder whether the man has ever really had friends. I mean, in his personal life. There are certain skills of friendship he seems to lack entirely. Schmoozing is not the same as having a healthy emotional temperament that allows you to carry out smooth interpersonal relations day to day—much less schmoozing alternating with bullying.
Friendships or alliances among nations aren't personal, of course, but maintaining them requires some of the same skills: seeing the other party's point of view, respect, an aura of receptivity, reserving judgment until a full understanding has been reached.
We've all had family members who take every perceived slight as the first shot in a war. Those are the ones we aren't really friends with; those are the ones we dread seeing at the holiday table. I feel as if to our allies, the U.S. has now become that obnoxious relative.
Friendships or alliances among nations aren't personal, of course, but maintaining them requires some of the same skills: seeing the other party's point of view, respect, an aura of receptivity, reserving judgment until a full understanding has been reached.
We've all had family members who take every perceived slight as the first shot in a war. Those are the ones we aren't really friends with; those are the ones we dread seeing at the holiday table. I feel as if to our allies, the U.S. has now become that obnoxious relative.
41
Trump is a malignant narcissist. They don't have friends. They just use people, and mimic being friendly until it suits them to be otherwise. Look it up. He not only fits the profile - his picture will probably be in the updated version of the DSM-5. He so fulfills the bullet points that no further descriptive text will be needed.
Friends can amount to no more than back scratching, that proves nothing. Trump appears to have a normal American family life spanning several marriages. What is important for a president is how he treats the abstract populace who are neither friends nor family, including those who didn't vote for them. It's entirely possible for a president to have a minimalist social and family life, and instead considering the general populace as their extend family and social circle - actually preferable.
I don't think the wall idea will work. An obstacle is only as good as the people guarding it, and we have no intention of guarding it properly down such a huge link.
However, those who propose it don't think it is "unowed." They think Mexico owes it because Mexicans are the ones making it necessary by pouring across the border.
Leveraging "unowed" into a threat of violence is a stretch that serves nobody except our domestic partisan venom.
There is however a real threat of violence. Trump addressed the Mexican drug war, saying that if their Army can't clean things up themselves we might send our Army to do it. That was a stupid thing to say. It is a stupid idea to occupy Mexico, or on a smaller scale to repeat the Pancho Villa episode of failure.
Leveraging the wall talk into violent threat tends to conceal the real threat of violence. That needs to be smacked down.
However, those who propose it don't think it is "unowed." They think Mexico owes it because Mexicans are the ones making it necessary by pouring across the border.
Leveraging "unowed" into a threat of violence is a stretch that serves nobody except our domestic partisan venom.
There is however a real threat of violence. Trump addressed the Mexican drug war, saying that if their Army can't clean things up themselves we might send our Army to do it. That was a stupid thing to say. It is a stupid idea to occupy Mexico, or on a smaller scale to repeat the Pancho Villa episode of failure.
Leveraging the wall talk into violent threat tends to conceal the real threat of violence. That needs to be smacked down.
22
In a way, I'm perversely happy at this news. President Trump has applied full makeup. He is the Reality TV Show Clown President, and non-insane Republicans everywhere have to be coming to know this if they didn't before. That's so strange, to find oneself that something awful might bring some good.
6
No worries Mr Grillo!
Mr Xi from China is ready, willing and able to pour billions into the Mexican economy through soft loans, aid and investment. Sure, there will be a price but after our knucklehead president trashes your economy and puts some serious dents in ours Xi will be there to establish a strong economic and political beachhead on the southern US flank. Get your best negotiators in fighting trim.
Mr Xi from China is ready, willing and able to pour billions into the Mexican economy through soft loans, aid and investment. Sure, there will be a price but after our knucklehead president trashes your economy and puts some serious dents in ours Xi will be there to establish a strong economic and political beachhead on the southern US flank. Get your best negotiators in fighting trim.
36
If the president in were to notify the country that in 6 months agents of the Federal Government would begin showing up randomly at businesses. If the business had undocumented workers it would be fined $10,000/worker that was not negotiable. These companies are often not paying payroll taxes on these employees. Where I live the lawn is cut by illegals,the snow is shoveled and other services are performed by what appear to be illegal immigrants.
16
Firstly Americans don't want the snow shovelling and lawn cutting jobs..Although the $10,000 fine for undocumented workers would both eliminate illegals or possibly bring in some negligible monies into government coffers, the lawns would go uncut and snow unshovelled. The US would be better served by examining tax records and forcing foreign banks to reveal American tax cheats, including elected officials. Much more dollars there.
37
Find me one, just one, American citizen who will do those jobs at a reasonable price. They don't exist. Period. In a free market, someone else who will do your job for less deserves to get your job. That's just how it works. In the end, protectionism will not work, be it tariffs on steel, limits on agriculture or bans on immigration.
John, you better learn how to cut your lawn.
The Mexican problem will be resolved with a conciliatory, mutual agreement. The Trump strategy is to rant, rave, simmer and come to an understanding.
This was the strategy for Roy Cohn in the 1970's, and Trump has practiced
this strategy for 50 years. He has moved to center stage. Australia and
Iran will receive similar treatment.
This was the strategy for Roy Cohn in the 1970's, and Trump has practiced
this strategy for 50 years. He has moved to center stage. Australia and
Iran will receive similar treatment.
2
If these migrants want to immigrate to the US they should go to their local US embassy and apply to immigrate. Learn English, imbue themselves in American culture and history and they have a good chance of gaining admission legally. This sneaking-in stuff has got to stop.
11
100 %
When the Southwest including huge chunks of Texas and most of California was Mexico, the migrants who moved north to pick crops weren't undocumented workers. Indians actually drive out of their reservations occasionally.
You might want to bone up on your American history. This country was settled by Indians, French trappers and Mexicans long before English ever arrived.
You might want to bone up on your American history. This country was settled by Indians, French trappers and Mexicans long before English ever arrived.
1
Pretty sure most trumpsters couldn't pass the test administered to candidates for citizenship.
1
Although we care not "who pays", there are indeed methods to bill the Juaristas. The IMF, the World Bank, the International Bank of Settlements - the US financial system is the bulwark behind each of these, not to mention the finances of many UN aid agencies. All these NGOs are creditors to, or aid providers, to Mexico. Money transfer is easy. Another method is to simply not permit the remittance, electronically, of illegal aliens' earnings across the border. If these illegals physically depart to bring earnings back, excellent - they will not be readmitted to the US. So there's that. The "wall" is not so much that as it will be a barrier - fencing, concrete, water hazards, dogs, drones, motion detectors, towers, sarellite surveillance and roving cadres of INS, HS, local police agencies and volunteers, mouted onnhorseback and in ATVs. The constant hope that " it won't work" may be placebo to the deluded, but in the places of serious thought it is known that it does work and every success diminishes the desire to attempt the passage. Cling to your fantasies if it soothes; we mean business as never before.
4
How do you stop anyone in America from sending money to a third party bank outside USA and then that bank directing the money to any place the depositor requested they send it?
Needless to say the US would become a pariah in the world for returning to ancient practice of extracting ransom.
16
It's only ransom if we keep them here. They're free to return to their country of origin any time.
1
There has been lots of talk about this wall and people from Mexico coming here across the boarder with Texas illegally. First, I have never seen this boarder nor even been in Texas. I would love to hear a real, not political, number of people suspected to do this each day, then I could really judge if boarder security was a issue. Second, each country has a right to choose the way it wants to secure its boarder. If we choose a 15$ bullion dollar wall its on us. Third, I encourage all countries in the world to stand up to trump. We, the 60% of Americans that think he is horrendous, need your help!
12
Correct. The US has the right to build a wall around the entire country. And of course the US should pay for it. Both the US and Mexico, wall or no wall, should devote resources to reduce illegal immigration.
To paraphrase an international immigration expert whose name I cannot recall: If you build a 20 ft. wall, immigrants will build a 22 ft. ladder. Walls, fences, etc. do not work. To truly enforce a border, you have to commit to shoot violators such as with the Berlin Wall, which worked almost 100% of the time. America will not do that, so quit the wall crap. Continue developing a relationship with Mexico that will eventually obviate the need for a wall. Such a concept requires advanced thinking, something the existing White House is short of.
16
The wall is symbolic. I myself am not strongly in favor of it, but it has symbolic value.
The real way to keep out illegals is E-verify. The best thing, is it works on EVERY illegal -- even the tiny minority who come here from Canada, Europe, China -- so it cannot be accused of being "racist".
ENFORCE mandatory E-verify. In a year, most illegals will be gone, because there will be no jobs for them.
The real way to keep out illegals is E-verify. The best thing, is it works on EVERY illegal -- even the tiny minority who come here from Canada, Europe, China -- so it cannot be accused of being "racist".
ENFORCE mandatory E-verify. In a year, most illegals will be gone, because there will be no jobs for them.
1
In just the first 10 days of his presidency (and after conspiring with a hostile foreign power to flip an American election his way), Mr. Trump has threatened war with North Korea, China, Iran and now our ally and neighbor, Mexico. He's even hinted at revisiting a war with Iraq and specifically to steal their natural resources as a prize of that war - a prize he believes we should have grabbed the first time we invaded that sovereign country. Trump claims he's Israel's biggest friend yet when asked last February about the regional strife between Israel and the Palestinians, he claimed he had no favorite and thought the United States shouldn't be involved in local disputes. He has threatened economic war against allies Japan and the EU while also threatening to leave the United Nations, pull out of NATO, let Japan and South Korea fend for themselves and renege on our security agreements in the Baltics.
To date, Mr. Trump has found landsmen in just two leaders, his enabler Putin in Russia and Duterte in the Philippines. if we're defined by the company we keep, Mr. Trump's moral base would make him a liability to NBC as a reality show host yet alone to this nation as its president.
Still, through all of his deconstruction abroad, our sociopathic Republican Congress remains mute, too happy to be gorging on and destroying our domestic tranquility in return for campaign contributions.
Seems treason comes cheap these days.
The Rosenbergs were executed for less.
To date, Mr. Trump has found landsmen in just two leaders, his enabler Putin in Russia and Duterte in the Philippines. if we're defined by the company we keep, Mr. Trump's moral base would make him a liability to NBC as a reality show host yet alone to this nation as its president.
Still, through all of his deconstruction abroad, our sociopathic Republican Congress remains mute, too happy to be gorging on and destroying our domestic tranquility in return for campaign contributions.
Seems treason comes cheap these days.
The Rosenbergs were executed for less.
31
It's a fact that people are sneaking into the US from Mexico. In fact many of these people sneak into Mexico from other places like Central America or Haiti. Mexico should take care of their end of this.
6
Actually, Mexico defends its southern borders very well. The Central Americans are only permitted to "pass through" to the USA.
Mexican immigration laws are swift and very harsh -- you get deported or sent to "midnight express" style prisons.
We could learn a LOT from how they treat THEIR illegals....
Mexican immigration laws are swift and very harsh -- you get deported or sent to "midnight express" style prisons.
We could learn a LOT from how they treat THEIR illegals....
Mexico uses the United States as a source of needed cash. Workers arrive, frequently illegally, stay, and send money home. This is not merely tolerated, it is encouraged, and it has been happening for years.
Perhaps Mexico should focus on its own problems rather than worry about the United States. Problems like what you refer to as the "so-called" drug war. Nothing so-called about it. Rooting out government corruption would be another smart idea. Whatever Mexico's problems are, they do not include Donald Trump.
Perhaps Mexico should focus on its own problems rather than worry about the United States. Problems like what you refer to as the "so-called" drug war. Nothing so-called about it. Rooting out government corruption would be another smart idea. Whatever Mexico's problems are, they do not include Donald Trump.
6
If there were plentiful jobs South of the border, and if it were safe to live there, people there would not have the overwhelming motivation to emigrate.
The way for the U.S.A. to diminish immigration is to promote the economy and the rule of law beyond our border — which would include free trade.
The way for the U.S.A. to diminish immigration is to promote the economy and the rule of law beyond our border — which would include free trade.
20
A lot of Americans regularly vacation in Mexico and many retired ones live there essentially full time. Wouldn't happen if it were all so "dangerous."
1
Has no one noticed the Ex-pats living in Mexico who find the culture, beauty and quality of life a bargain compared to expenses in the US?
They like it there, and Trump is not their president.
The Mexicans are a welcoming people, or at least were before January 20th.
They like it there, and Trump is not their president.
The Mexicans are a welcoming people, or at least were before January 20th.
And now he's telling Mexico to get their "Bad Hombres" under control or he may have to send U.S. troops in to do it. The U.S. now has the poster boy for being a bully as president- a person who is insecure, a crybaby and a coward who now has American resources to use as threats to those he deems "Little People". Only his uneducated followers, the kind that were willing to fight to keep slavery legal in the U.S. sees this as "Putting America First", and kind of shows what cowards they are as well. Looks like coercion is the "Art of the deal", and if that's the case Trump is just reinforcing one of the stereotypes about America. America's weakness, not its strength, is being put on display.
29
Dear Mexico:
Kindly join Canada in repeating the famous words of Nancy Reagan:
" Just Say No"!
Regards,
Canada
Kindly join Canada in repeating the famous words of Nancy Reagan:
" Just Say No"!
Regards,
Canada
18
Sure, they'll pay for it. After Cheetos Voldemort sends the troops in they will snatch up 10-15 billion dollars worth of tequila and burritos. While they are there they will force businesses to manufacture trump ties at a loss. In less than two weeks, the trump administration is challenging the eight years of Dubya/Cheney as the least competent, most destructive administration in the last 80 years. They will soon surpass James Buchanan and Andrew Johnson as the least competent, most destructive administration in history. Trump is an impulsive rank amateur with a quick temper and a Cluster B Personality Disorder. Cluster? Hmm...An apt term in more ways than one.
22
Yes, King Midas is at it again. More gold for the United States but everything he touches will be dead, including the planet. Just say no!
1
If Mexico pays for the wall, will they own it? At the very least they should be able to paint both sides with a giant Trump clown-face mural.
24
Trump's extortion of Mexico is completely in keeping with way he did business with many small businesses. He stiffed them and forced them to take partial payments for money he owed them. He had a team of lawyers do his dirty business for him. This is the miserable and shameless person who is President of the United States.
95
Two weeks into this Presidency and we are threatening Iran, in a spat with Australia, trying to browbeat Mexico into extortion, making policy based on the view that every Muslim in the world including medically ill 4 year olds is a terrorist, cozying up to Russia even as they renew military pressures on Ukraine, and launching what seems increasingly like a scorched earth policy against anyone or anything that tries to question their often hasty and poorly planned impulsive actions.
At this pace, one wonders where this nation will be by springtime and whether we will have any allies left in the world.
At this pace, one wonders where this nation will be by springtime and whether we will have any allies left in the world.
65
And will there be any world left?
1
I read an article that this is a military maneuver in the "shock and awe" category. Confuse everyone with all the activity so they do not know what is really going on.
Perhaps Mexico should file suit in the International Court for return of all lands acquired by the USA through force. Texas, California, Arizona and New Mexico. Pena-Nieto has shown so much more class than Trump on the world stage. Trump's antics have divided the American people and united those of Mexico. It will be fitting, when Mexico wins against the Northern Bully.
11
Problem is...we took those lands from the Empire of Spain. There was no "Mexican nation" back then.
So it would have to be SPAIN filing suit.
They would also get back FLORIDA, so I hope you are prepared to pack, leave and give them your HOUSE for FREE.
So it would have to be SPAIN filing suit.
They would also get back FLORIDA, so I hope you are prepared to pack, leave and give them your HOUSE for FREE.
1
Please enlighten me about the Spanish-American war fought in Texas.
Apples and Oranges:
Buried deep in an appendix to the Pew study widely touted by the anti-wall, anti-serious-border-control crowd that supposedly shows a (minuscule) "net negative" immigration from Mexico (during one or two measly recent years):
Apples (numbers taken for inward flow into the US from Mexico):
U.S. Government numbers for persons born in Mexico living in the USA.
Oranges (numbers taken for outward flow from the USA into Mexico):
Mexican Government numbers combining not only persons born in Mexico returning to Mexico to live there but also persons born anywhere outside Mexico coming into Mexico.
Not only different sources, but also fundamentally different methodology:
Clearly, the Mexican government numbers (taken as the flow out from the US)
include children born in the US to parents born in Mexico,
not only giving the lie to the claim of "net negative" immigration
but also giving the lie to the mantra that America's "cruel" immigration "system" necessarily "tears families apart".
Buried deep in an appendix to the Pew study widely touted by the anti-wall, anti-serious-border-control crowd that supposedly shows a (minuscule) "net negative" immigration from Mexico (during one or two measly recent years):
Apples (numbers taken for inward flow into the US from Mexico):
U.S. Government numbers for persons born in Mexico living in the USA.
Oranges (numbers taken for outward flow from the USA into Mexico):
Mexican Government numbers combining not only persons born in Mexico returning to Mexico to live there but also persons born anywhere outside Mexico coming into Mexico.
Not only different sources, but also fundamentally different methodology:
Clearly, the Mexican government numbers (taken as the flow out from the US)
include children born in the US to parents born in Mexico,
not only giving the lie to the claim of "net negative" immigration
but also giving the lie to the mantra that America's "cruel" immigration "system" necessarily "tears families apart".
3
Just like Obama claimed to be "deporting more illegals" but in fact, he simply changed the definition of "deport" to mean "turned away at the border".
We are not blind; we see those Mexican families in our cities, our schools, our supermarkets....we see they have six kids. We see they are paying with food stamps. We see they are illiterate (in BOTH languages) and need remediation and bilingual ed. We go to the ER and have to wait 7 hours to see a doctor, because most of the people in the room are illegal aliens.
WE ARE NOT BLIND.
We are not blind; we see those Mexican families in our cities, our schools, our supermarkets....we see they have six kids. We see they are paying with food stamps. We see they are illiterate (in BOTH languages) and need remediation and bilingual ed. We go to the ER and have to wait 7 hours to see a doctor, because most of the people in the room are illegal aliens.
WE ARE NOT BLIND.
1
Given the pace at which Trump is building resentment around the world it's just a matter of time before the rest of the world start boycotting Us products and start dumping US assets...then the economy will crash and bared a major war (which is a possibility given the guy craziness) the trump presidency will be just a blip on the history book and finally give the Us to the new generations that are much more aligned with democratic principles....
14
I agree, Biglio. A Depression, worse than the recent Recession is creeping up on the rest of U.S. from the enabled Washington swamp.
1
A shakedown? Forcing Mexico to pay for our infrastructure? Exceptionally poor reasoning at best.
Does Mexico make much of an effort to stop people from crossing illegally into the States? How does Mexico protect its southern border? According to a recent Times article they do their share of protecting their own southern border. So who's kidding who?
Here are the facts: Folks who are immigrating legally need have no fear of the wall. It doesn't affect them. It only affects the illegal immigrant. And given the quantity of illegals that cross the Mexican border it doesn't make sense that America should pay for the wall. Of course, if America believes we should have illegals crossing the border in large numbers then it would make sense that we pay for it.
Therefore, America decide if you're ok with illegals crossing the border. It's a simple decision actually; either we want illegals here or we don't. America, make a decision one way or the other. The people crossing legally are entitled to know where they stand.
Does Mexico make much of an effort to stop people from crossing illegally into the States? How does Mexico protect its southern border? According to a recent Times article they do their share of protecting their own southern border. So who's kidding who?
Here are the facts: Folks who are immigrating legally need have no fear of the wall. It doesn't affect them. It only affects the illegal immigrant. And given the quantity of illegals that cross the Mexican border it doesn't make sense that America should pay for the wall. Of course, if America believes we should have illegals crossing the border in large numbers then it would make sense that we pay for it.
Therefore, America decide if you're ok with illegals crossing the border. It's a simple decision actually; either we want illegals here or we don't. America, make a decision one way or the other. The people crossing legally are entitled to know where they stand.
4
Couldn't agree more--and let's do something to stop the illegal Irish in Boston and Illegal Israelis in NYC. Close down the airports!
Uhhmm, okay. So what's your stance on the author's actual point, which is the all-too-obvious point that nations don't shake down their allies for their own infrastructure projects. I know you'd rather talk about illegal immigration, but why don't you find a column that is ABOUT THAT, and post your reply?
2
Here's my choice, Walker. I want illegals crossing the border. I want many of you to brave the miserable weather up here in the North Country and work for me and my friends. We'll pay you as well as we'd have to pay the non-handypeople who can't do a day's labor without botching things up -- when they even bother to show up.
I'll teach you English, because I'm licensed to do so. I'll help you meet people who'll take you through the process to get your papers. I will trust you. I will respect you as a human being.
I'll teach you English, because I'm licensed to do so. I'll help you meet people who'll take you through the process to get your papers. I will trust you. I will respect you as a human being.
The Trumpian style of tossing the linguine on the wall and seeing what sticks is barely tolerable domestically - when he tries that nonsense with other nations the damage is much worse. It puts the rest of the world on high alert that they are dealing with an adolescent con-man who somehow was able to worm his way into the highest office. Disgusting once again.
28
A bully will never stop unless you bloody their nose.
Having said, nations should band together ( along with domestic forces ) to put pressure on this administration to tone down the rhetoric, as well as deter any antagonistic actions.
Aye, a border must be maintained for any sovereign country, but one needs to address the reasons why any border may be breached in the first place.
For the United States, a drug habit ( cocaine ), money laundering ( profits from those drugs ) and slave trade ( cheap illegal labor ) fuel the flow of people over, under and around that border.
Address that, before flinging around accusations and presenting bills for walls.
Having said, nations should band together ( along with domestic forces ) to put pressure on this administration to tone down the rhetoric, as well as deter any antagonistic actions.
Aye, a border must be maintained for any sovereign country, but one needs to address the reasons why any border may be breached in the first place.
For the United States, a drug habit ( cocaine ), money laundering ( profits from those drugs ) and slave trade ( cheap illegal labor ) fuel the flow of people over, under and around that border.
Address that, before flinging around accusations and presenting bills for walls.
19
The man is capable of anything except rational thought.
51
Of course you can make Mexico pay. It can be a tax or fee on some or all items of trade or electronic remittances of money to Mexico. All things are possible and should be examined to pay for the wall.
Another way would be to bill Mexico for any illegal that is caught in the US that has gone through our southern border for the social costs of their stay. Or by counting up the illegals that flow through Mexico and decrease the ability of any future Mexicans to be let through the border in any one year.
America and American citizens and legal immigrants are tired of the free passes illegal aliens get in the press and by their elected officials. Its time to enforce immigration law, and start a policy of getting those governments that allow illegals to cross to have major consequences. Those illegals wouldn't get to the US if Mexico didn't let them, after all.
Another way would be to bill Mexico for any illegal that is caught in the US that has gone through our southern border for the social costs of their stay. Or by counting up the illegals that flow through Mexico and decrease the ability of any future Mexicans to be let through the border in any one year.
America and American citizens and legal immigrants are tired of the free passes illegal aliens get in the press and by their elected officials. Its time to enforce immigration law, and start a policy of getting those governments that allow illegals to cross to have major consequences. Those illegals wouldn't get to the US if Mexico didn't let them, after all.
6
Enforce e-verify and the problem goes away. Employers exploit illegals for their profits and republicans do nothing to stop them. The wall is a joke, look at a map.
2
This is getting a little tiring. MinhZ let me help you out by asking: Would the US prevent you from going to Mexico or anywhere else? If you haven't caught on yet Mexicans and most of the other people in this hemisphere are free to decide where they want to go it is a concept called "freedom".
2
“If Mexico is unwilling to pay for the badly needed wall, then it would be better to cancel the upcoming meeting.”
In Trump's saying that, we have an impeachable offense.
In Trump's saying that, we have an impeachable offense.
8
It is the Republican Donald J Trump that is doing this. It is the modus operandi of the Republican Party. Take from the poor and give to the rich. Destroy your friends so you can be more wealthy. Tax the poor to make it easier for the rich. Infrastructure is for the rich not the middle class. Let them eat cake. It is Republican insanity spouted by a Republican President backed up by a Republican Congress.
They are busy killing the goose that laid the golden egg while they are running around yelling 'not me' with the broken milk glass at their feet.
Typical lying Republican fare. At least the Australians have enough backbone to hang up on a bully. When will the rest of our friends join with them?
They are busy killing the goose that laid the golden egg while they are running around yelling 'not me' with the broken milk glass at their feet.
Typical lying Republican fare. At least the Australians have enough backbone to hang up on a bully. When will the rest of our friends join with them?
21
Kirk,
but the people keep voting republican... Who is crazy here?
but the people keep voting republican... Who is crazy here?
2
during the campaign tRumps bluster was off putting to anyone other than his base. i bet world leaders were shaking their heads wondering what is wrong with the american populace..
well world we have got a strange hubris filled buffoon for our leader. i apologize to the world for our collective ignorance. now your job is to stand up to this fool. he thinks bluster will make the world his oyster.
he is so mistaken that you other leaders hold out. his foot will be shot any month now. he has no filter. eventually the wrong thing (it does exist) will get out. muck tends to slide off with sunlight. Spring is coming.
A face in the crowd.
well world we have got a strange hubris filled buffoon for our leader. i apologize to the world for our collective ignorance. now your job is to stand up to this fool. he thinks bluster will make the world his oyster.
he is so mistaken that you other leaders hold out. his foot will be shot any month now. he has no filter. eventually the wrong thing (it does exist) will get out. muck tends to slide off with sunlight. Spring is coming.
A face in the crowd.
13
No fear regarding DT is crazy, alas. But this column reflects the modesty and good manners that all readers familiar with Mexican culture will know and admire. The time has now come for Mexico to boast a bit, and to hold EPN's refusal to meet DT out as an example to the world's other heads of state and government. "Teresa" may rush to appease tyrants like DT and Erdogan, but other world leaders should decline to have any direct contact with such men. ¡Viva México!
7
The United States has been shaken down countless times since 1945.
3
Mexico should not in any way feel humiliated by President Trump's asinine demand (extortion). The majority of Americans are embarrassed by and oppose his actions on the Wall and the Muslim ban on refugees.
He is a dangerous man and our republican legislative branch has not yet shown the courage to stand up to him.
We must all be vigilant and resist. President Enrique Peña Nieto was right to cancel his visit to the U.S. It demonstrated to the world that Mexico will not be pushed around by a tyrant.
He is a dangerous man and our republican legislative branch has not yet shown the courage to stand up to him.
We must all be vigilant and resist. President Enrique Peña Nieto was right to cancel his visit to the U.S. It demonstrated to the world that Mexico will not be pushed around by a tyrant.
23
It's hard to find a rationale why Mexico should pay for the wall. Even harder than finding one why the wall should be built. It can only be ascribed to the fact that Trump considers Mexico a piddling little country that can be pushed around.
The historic resentment that Latin-American countries have toward the US is based on the many military intrusions and exploitations that have occurred for more than a century. Roosevelt's "Good Neighbor Policy" was indicative of the awareness of that situation and the need to change the behavior of the US with respect to Latin-America. However, that policy has had only occasional application and the interferences of the US have continued. In Panama, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile, the heavy hand of the US has always been there. Trump is reviving all of that. He is risking whatever repository of good will there remains, and risking dangerous consequences. Does he think that transforming Mexico into a Colombia or Venezuela will be of benefit to us?
The historic resentment that Latin-American countries have toward the US is based on the many military intrusions and exploitations that have occurred for more than a century. Roosevelt's "Good Neighbor Policy" was indicative of the awareness of that situation and the need to change the behavior of the US with respect to Latin-America. However, that policy has had only occasional application and the interferences of the US have continued. In Panama, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile, the heavy hand of the US has always been there. Trump is reviving all of that. He is risking whatever repository of good will there remains, and risking dangerous consequences. Does he think that transforming Mexico into a Colombia or Venezuela will be of benefit to us?
22
The last time a punitive expedition went to Mexico General Pershing spent months dashing around the countryside and returned embarrassed. How exactly will the US Army distinguish between "bad hombres" and hungry campesinos with bad teeth? How will president assure that a military already overextended by service in Afghanistan, the Middle East, hot spots in Africa, as well as threats in Korea and Eastern Europe has the resources to do this? Perhaps President Trump recalls from his Vietnam service the enervating effects chasing an elusive foe under demanding and frustrating conditions can have on an army. At least he has two sons who like to kill things who could join Ranger patrols, or perhaps form Seal Team 57. Meanwhile the Mexicans will offer the Chinese Navy basing rights in Ensenada and Tampico. Actually the Mexicans have quite an effective intelligence service operating in the US via the cartels. They know which members of Congress use cocaine, who looks the other way while heroin and meth flood states like Indiana and Kentucky, and which politicians have family members who are addicts. Does Donald Trump know how much dark money flowed into his campaign from drug connections? President Trump may embrace extortion but he can be vulnerable to blackmail. And of course the $360 billion worth of American investments in Mexico would not be affected by military action. Not at all. As Houston, San Diego, Phoenix, and Dallas are in easy range of Chinese missiles in Mexico...?
103
Dear USA999, Right on!
In addition to all the ramifications that you mention, let's not forget the 6 or 7 million U.S. Jobs that will be lost when Mexico stops importing: American branded automóviles, in favor of European brands; Ben & Jerry's and Blue Bell Ice Creams; Sarah Lee Pies; MacDonald's; Burger King; KFC; Domino's Pizza; Hormel Chili; Coca-Cola; Pepsi-Cola; Lay's Potato Chips; Heinz Catsup; Del Monte mustard; American beef; American chicken; American pork; I-phones; etc., and many, many other American products that are very popular in Mexico.
Many of the 6-7 million Americans involved in making these products voted for Trump in 2016.
I doubt they will in 2020.
In addition to all the ramifications that you mention, let's not forget the 6 or 7 million U.S. Jobs that will be lost when Mexico stops importing: American branded automóviles, in favor of European brands; Ben & Jerry's and Blue Bell Ice Creams; Sarah Lee Pies; MacDonald's; Burger King; KFC; Domino's Pizza; Hormel Chili; Coca-Cola; Pepsi-Cola; Lay's Potato Chips; Heinz Catsup; Del Monte mustard; American beef; American chicken; American pork; I-phones; etc., and many, many other American products that are very popular in Mexico.
Many of the 6-7 million Americans involved in making these products voted for Trump in 2016.
I doubt they will in 2020.
2
It is embarrassing that a “Fight Club” mentality characterizes the international behavior of American Foreign Policy. Acting like thuggish brutes, making unenforceable threats, makes the new administration look and feel like a Billionaire’s Mafia.
Our country has tarnished it’s image with it’s unrelenting war on the Middle East since the uncalled for invasion of Iraq…now it seems we have an administration bent on dragging us deeper into conflict with traditional allies as well. Mexico pay for an unneeded, unwanted wall? Bullying extortion will only lead to severely strained relations with Mexico, and further divide us from traditional allies.
Our country has tarnished it’s image with it’s unrelenting war on the Middle East since the uncalled for invasion of Iraq…now it seems we have an administration bent on dragging us deeper into conflict with traditional allies as well. Mexico pay for an unneeded, unwanted wall? Bullying extortion will only lead to severely strained relations with Mexico, and further divide us from traditional allies.
86
Mexico is NOT OUR ALLY; they have destroyed our economy and our border security, by pushing fully 10% of their population -- the poorest and least educated or skilled -- off on us, ensuring we must support them and Mexico benefit from monies they mail back home.
Trust me, we have the upper hand here and WE WILL USE IT, until every illegal alien is deported.
Trust me, we have the upper hand here and WE WILL USE IT, until every illegal alien is deported.
1
Mr. Trump forces every one of his many adversaries into a corner, including over 65 million Americans who voted against him. Hasn't he learned from cats yet?
60
He has learned that no one will stop him and that he can become super wealthy and the president of the United States. What have we learned? That our friends, neighbors and relatives willfully choose this demonstrably venal man and his not unclear record of racism and misogyny to fluff their own flailing egos. Even if, for once, Republicans unite with Democrats to throw him out (and the grinning visage of Yertle McConnell enjoying sticking it to the Democrats- his raison d'être- proves not likely) we still face the fallout of having to coexist with them post-delusion.
12
The people of Mexico are also proud and they will never accept any humiliation by US.
We should never think, Mexico has no measures to response wall building project.
What happen if Mexican authorities support drug traffic in the direction of US
as a response to Trump´s wall building project?
The result can be as follow: More and affordable drugs come in US and finally more
drug dead in US. This is a nightmare. At the end President Trump will achieve totally opposite.
We should never think, Mexico has no measures to response wall building project.
What happen if Mexican authorities support drug traffic in the direction of US
as a response to Trump´s wall building project?
The result can be as follow: More and affordable drugs come in US and finally more
drug dead in US. This is a nightmare. At the end President Trump will achieve totally opposite.
5
@Nazim: literally, our present drug problem (FROM MEXICO) could not actually get any worse. The drugs are already dirt cheap.
Sure Mexico will scream and holler, but we hold the upper hand and we WILL build a wall and we WILL deport every illegal back to their native homeland.
It's going to happen. Accept it.
Sure Mexico will scream and holler, but we hold the upper hand and we WILL build a wall and we WILL deport every illegal back to their native homeland.
It's going to happen. Accept it.
John Locke said that the only fence against the world is a thorough knowledge of it. Trump and the U.S. would be better served paying closer attention to the people trying to get in rather than trying to get them to pay for their own obstacles. But we do need for the Mexicans and those slipping through Mexico to "pay" respect for our border. That's the real payment demanded, if truth be told. Like it or not, Trump is correct that Mexicans disrespect our border, and that such disrespect is unsustainable.
17
With all due "respect" Trump said the payment would be cash.
And the Irish disrespect Logan Airport in Boston--it is the major avenue for Irish who come to the US and stay illegally. Shut down the airport!
3
Mr. Grillo, have no fear. American taxpayers are going to pay for the president's silly border wall. His threat to get rid of the criminals, rapists and druggies and to keep them out permanently played well to mainstream Americans who gave no thought about how and especially who, would finance the barrier that would keep America clean, and white. That's why he has no idea where the money for this project is coming from, that's why blocking money sent back home to needy families by Mexicans already here is just one idea that he may think would work.
This president thrives on humiliating his opponents, and even his supporters, like Chris Christie and Mitt Romney, his wannabe secretary of state. Mexico should stand up to the Ugly American and dare him to force compliance with his asinine imperialistic threats. It's about time somebody called his bluff.
This president thrives on humiliating his opponents, and even his supporters, like Chris Christie and Mitt Romney, his wannabe secretary of state. Mexico should stand up to the Ugly American and dare him to force compliance with his asinine imperialistic threats. It's about time somebody called his bluff.
205
The best lack all conviction and the worst are full of passionate intensity.
3
True. Trump's demand for Mexico to pay for HIS wall along the border is outrageous and can be characterized as a shakedown.
However, a property rights type of approach for assessing the shakedown is in order. It will create few winners and a huge number of losers.
Mexico is a net loser. Regardless of the wall's height, poor Mexicans will continue to seek a better life in the US.
Mexico's business community and the ruling elite are big time losers. The two US support elites that maintain governability and wealth creation for US investors. Regime change is a possibility if the economy continues to deteriorate.
US investors are also a loser. American international corporations will lose and China's economic, financial and commercial presence in Latin America will certainly be strengthened.
The only ' winner' is Donald Trump and his hardcore voting base.
However, a property rights type of approach for assessing the shakedown is in order. It will create few winners and a huge number of losers.
Mexico is a net loser. Regardless of the wall's height, poor Mexicans will continue to seek a better life in the US.
Mexico's business community and the ruling elite are big time losers. The two US support elites that maintain governability and wealth creation for US investors. Regime change is a possibility if the economy continues to deteriorate.
US investors are also a loser. American international corporations will lose and China's economic, financial and commercial presence in Latin America will certainly be strengthened.
The only ' winner' is Donald Trump and his hardcore voting base.
29
Fact: the flow of poor Mexicans has slowed, almost to a stop, thanks to NAFTA. The flow over the southern border now consists largely of people from Central America, not Mexico.
6
"But it is patently outrageous to force a neighboring country to pay for your own infrastructure."
Well, yes and no. It is 'patently outrageous' but it is not 'infrastructure' ... the 'wall' is not infrastructure. It is something far worse and beyond words.
Well, yes and no. It is 'patently outrageous' but it is not 'infrastructure' ... the 'wall' is not infrastructure. It is something far worse and beyond words.
149
The residents of Mexico are hearing today that trump, during his telephone discussion with their President, said he'd send in US military troops to deal with the "bad hombres" if the Mexican military didn't do something. The world (especially your allies) is very quickly learning that it must coalesce against this lying, crazy bullying administration.
212
There are two parties to a border wall. Party wall agreements are common in real estate here, there and elsewhere. Trump is intimate with the concept. We either want a border wall or we don't. The voters have spoken and Trump is going to implement.
Mexico refuses to pay for the wall in cash, that is understandable, why should they? The existing arrangement suits them, if not us. So we build and reinforce the border. Mexico will pay for this (at least they will pay substantially for this) as they should- after all, our porous border problems are caused due to what is happening on the Mexican side, not ours.
So, we force Mexico to pay, de facto payments levied from import taxes makes most sense. Prices of Mexican imports rise and US producers become more competitive and employ more people, it's a matter of balance.
Even a marginal 3% tax on Mexican imports would pay for the wall over ten years. So we pay $2.16/lb rather than $2.10/lb for some Mexican tomatoes. I doubt that will cause a problem for too many here.
Would you pay 6¢ to clean up your neighborhood?
The fact is a nation without borders is no nation at all. We either have a country of our own, or we don't. We work well with Canada, we don't with Mexico. So we build a wall. Call it a shake-down all you want, it's what the American people want.
Continuing the influx of drugs, guns, crime, illegal immigrants? No thanks, a wall makes more sense thank you. Money, price and cost has little to do with it.
Mexico refuses to pay for the wall in cash, that is understandable, why should they? The existing arrangement suits them, if not us. So we build and reinforce the border. Mexico will pay for this (at least they will pay substantially for this) as they should- after all, our porous border problems are caused due to what is happening on the Mexican side, not ours.
So, we force Mexico to pay, de facto payments levied from import taxes makes most sense. Prices of Mexican imports rise and US producers become more competitive and employ more people, it's a matter of balance.
Even a marginal 3% tax on Mexican imports would pay for the wall over ten years. So we pay $2.16/lb rather than $2.10/lb for some Mexican tomatoes. I doubt that will cause a problem for too many here.
Would you pay 6¢ to clean up your neighborhood?
The fact is a nation without borders is no nation at all. We either have a country of our own, or we don't. We work well with Canada, we don't with Mexico. So we build a wall. Call it a shake-down all you want, it's what the American people want.
Continuing the influx of drugs, guns, crime, illegal immigrants? No thanks, a wall makes more sense thank you. Money, price and cost has little to do with it.
12
A wall is a symbol. A spit in the face if not something wanted by both sides. It doesn't actually keep anyone out. They actually fly or ship drugs in. There are also tunnels. You can easily solve the problem of illegal immigrants by changing Visa restrictions and requiring employers to pay everyone at least $15. Trump is playing the typical 3-card Monte: Look over here, y'all at my wall while I pick your pocket.
224
" our porous border problems are caused due to what is happening on the Mexican side, not ours."
Nonsense! The migration problem is due to continuous meddling by the United States in Central American affairs, from early in the last century. Our repeated incursions into the area, including the infamous Reagan/GFWBush meddling in Nicaragua have destroyed all indigenous efforts to establish effective governments and efficient economies in the region.
It is U.S. backing of corporate imperialism that has created the conditions that force desperate Central Americans to travel through terrible perils to come here to survive.
Nonsense! The migration problem is due to continuous meddling by the United States in Central American affairs, from early in the last century. Our repeated incursions into the area, including the infamous Reagan/GFWBush meddling in Nicaragua have destroyed all indigenous efforts to establish effective governments and efficient economies in the region.
It is U.S. backing of corporate imperialism that has created the conditions that force desperate Central Americans to travel through terrible perils to come here to survive.
31
The fundamental problem with your reasoning is that your conclusions are based on absolutes we know (or should know) are not by any means absolute. According to your reasoning, building the wall will absolutely stop 'bad' people from coming into the USA. Furthermore, building the wall will absolutely help create more jobs here at home. And, lastly, building the wall will absolutely cause only a modest rise in the price of goods that most people absolutely won't notice. What those in support of the inane notion of a wall forget is that the next movement of people between the two countries is absolutely opposite of what you imagine it to be. The Pew Research Center has estimated that since 2009 more Mexicans have returned to Mexico than have come into the US. The reasons are: 1) near full employment in the US economy and 2) job opportunities at home as the Mexican economy has improved thanks in large part to NAFTA and other free trade agreements. Furthermore, in 2013, India and China overtook Mexico as the number one and two countries of origin for people living in the US illegally. Are we going to bar those folks from entering the US, too, or is this wall absurdity more about latent racism and reimagining history (the west was Mexico longer than it's been the US and was always contested space)? Moreover, what happens when Trump tears up NAFTA, builds a wall you and I pay for, and isolates the Mexican economy? My guess is that those trends in migration reverse quite quickly.
23
Dear Mexico:
We have this insanity and stupidity thing going on internally right now. Please be patient with us while we work through it.
Sincerely,
America
We have this insanity and stupidity thing going on internally right now. Please be patient with us while we work through it.
Sincerely,
America
397
Can we please add Australia to this list? I'm sure the list will grow longer as our boy-child president continues to speak and tweet. Australians, please accept our apologies for this American. This is not the way we are.
5
Trump is being attacked for keeping his campaign promises?
Novel idea.
Mexico must pay for the wall because it refuses to police it citizenry and borders.
Nonetheless, I am very happy with Trump so far. As an African-American man, native New Yorker, business owner and Trump supporter, I have seen the effects of millions of illegal aliens from Mexico depressing wages and syphoning money from the social services for themselves in NYC and Long Island.
Why are illegal aliens given welfare benefits as soon as they have a child in the country, a country they have illegally entered?
Mexico needs to pay for the wall because it is complicit in the behavior of its citizens and its poorly ran government which cannot secure its national borders.
Novel idea.
Mexico must pay for the wall because it refuses to police it citizenry and borders.
Nonetheless, I am very happy with Trump so far. As an African-American man, native New Yorker, business owner and Trump supporter, I have seen the effects of millions of illegal aliens from Mexico depressing wages and syphoning money from the social services for themselves in NYC and Long Island.
Why are illegal aliens given welfare benefits as soon as they have a child in the country, a country they have illegally entered?
Mexico needs to pay for the wall because it is complicit in the behavior of its citizens and its poorly ran government which cannot secure its national borders.
39
So you really think Mexico is gonna pay for that wall wrong. It will be the US tax payers that will pay for that wall. A wall that is a big waste of money. You do know that most peopl fly in right, or they use tunnels. The wall will be stupid and useless. That money can much better be spent on other technologies that will work better
6
The logic here fails as there are no checks on illegal gun exports to Mexico. Cash? That too. US citizens and their drug consumption and criminality are complicit because "its poorly run govt. which cannot secure its national borders." The challenges of maintaining a border and lawful behavior depends on a reciprocal relationship that is built on diplomacy not counterproductive threats.
8
45 now says that he will place a 20% tariff on products from Mexico to pay for the wall. That means you and I will pay as our food and durable goods from Mexico go up in price. This will be a regressive tax, hitting the middle and working class the most. Still happy with him?
11
As the author rightly points out, Trump's demand that Mexico pays for the wall is an act of extortion. How long do we tolerate the POTUS who is acting like crime boss?
422
As long as we don't make whole the minimum wage and left behind people that voted for him. There are other demagogues waiting behind him.
5
"the POTUS who is acting like crime boss?"
He aint acting
He's blonde mafioso thug
He aint acting
He's blonde mafioso thug
7
The majority of voters in the Red States handed Trump the presidency precisely because he acts in that manner. He knows exactly how to jerk their strings. They resent the illegal Latinos within their states, want them evicted and (incorrectly) blame their presence on the last Administration. The "wall" is simply symbolic to them.
4
Billies pick fights with the weakest in the school yard crowd. Flexing military muscle in an overnight battle and brief occupation was a signature motif for Reagan's Granada invasion, and America's first military foray since Carter's failed hostage rescue in Iran, and America's Vietnam war horror. Trump is itching to use our nation's military power in South America, and drawing his line in the sands of our southern border was and is a call to arms for his base.
39
Grenada was a member of the British Commonwealth and despite Mrs Thatcher our Prime Minister who was very close to President Reagan warning him against invading, he did. So what hope for the world is there with that precedent and a loose cannon now in the White House
12
Some might call it extortion, others would call it the price that the market is willing to bear. You can't force somebody to pay a high price for a product that one does not need, but that does not mean that the merchant will not try and that a buyer will not do so.
Thus Mr. Trump can indeed try to force Mexico and if he succeeds then I guess he can force them. Circular logic? Sure, but also his business logic.
Thus Mr. Trump can indeed try to force Mexico and if he succeeds then I guess he can force them. Circular logic? Sure, but also his business logic.
10
I thought the invisible hand of the market was based on the exercise of free agency by each individual party. And I suppose you would view this as blithely if the object of his belligerent, callow menace were Israel instead?
2
No, it's nonsense.
3
What should calm Mexico's legitimate fears is that Trump has been steadily building resentment among US allies, even brushing off similarly reactionaries xenophobes like Australian PM Turnbull. MErkel, Hollande, Trudeau,Abe are already considering doing with less of the USA for the next four years. In bullying the world, Trump will effectively isolate this country, at a time where globalization is not an ideology, but the very reality of the economy, whether inside or outside.
It is simply untenable, and will not hold.
It is simply untenable, and will not hold.
231
In fact, we've seen signs of this already as it has been reported in other articles that: China is moving into the void created in the Pacific rim trading countries by his retreat from TPP; our EU allies are looking to strengthen relations with China, I believe it was the French foreign minister who said if your friend deserts you you find new friends; and of course, our esteemed ambassador to the UN came in with guns blazing, with her "you're either with us or against us" speech including the threat that we "are taking names". America is already too much resented as a bully, although with Obama's sense of diplomacy and, yes, respect for sovereign nations' sensibilities, that was tamped down considerably. This thug and his entourage will just fan the flames right back up. And BTW, have you noticed in photos in the Oval that neither Bannon nor Flynn wear a suit and tied to work? Yes, they all have great respect for the office and the gravitas it holds. To them, it's just a means to take the country down into their dangerous vision. The only hope is that the electorate wakes up, but I'm not holding my breath.
21
Mr. Grillo, it is my fervent hope that Mexico will tell Donald Trump that any attempt to extort money from Mexico will mean war. Yes, W-A-R.
It isn't a fight that most would expect Mexico to win, but victory is not the point here; the point is to draw a line in the sand and defend one's sovereign borders, borders, by the way, that the United States has rigged (sorry, bad word here, that) to its benefit and to Mexico's everlasting loss.
I cannot understand how anyone doesn't interpret Trump's antagonism to Mexico as anything but racist. He's never said the first word about a wall from Canada's Halifax (on the Atlantic) to British Columbia (on the Pacific). So, what gives with Mexico, one asks? It can't be a difference of culture or language because Spanish and French are foreign languages. Could it possibly be that Mexicans are of a darker hue than Canadians, by and large?
This Wall idea of Trump's stinks of colonialism. What he's saying is that if Mexico doesn't dance the jig to Trump's tune, then we'll have to put those foreigners to rights. Most presidents have been forced, out of respect for their fellow (and sister) presidents, prime ministers or premiers, to at least bend the knee of civility in acknowledging their positions of national authority on the world stage. Not so Trump, and he made no mistake about where he was going as early as June, 2015: "build that wall."
Mr. Grillo, Trump is an international gangster; a dealer not in drugs but in terror and coercion.
It isn't a fight that most would expect Mexico to win, but victory is not the point here; the point is to draw a line in the sand and defend one's sovereign borders, borders, by the way, that the United States has rigged (sorry, bad word here, that) to its benefit and to Mexico's everlasting loss.
I cannot understand how anyone doesn't interpret Trump's antagonism to Mexico as anything but racist. He's never said the first word about a wall from Canada's Halifax (on the Atlantic) to British Columbia (on the Pacific). So, what gives with Mexico, one asks? It can't be a difference of culture or language because Spanish and French are foreign languages. Could it possibly be that Mexicans are of a darker hue than Canadians, by and large?
This Wall idea of Trump's stinks of colonialism. What he's saying is that if Mexico doesn't dance the jig to Trump's tune, then we'll have to put those foreigners to rights. Most presidents have been forced, out of respect for their fellow (and sister) presidents, prime ministers or premiers, to at least bend the knee of civility in acknowledging their positions of national authority on the world stage. Not so Trump, and he made no mistake about where he was going as early as June, 2015: "build that wall."
Mr. Grillo, Trump is an international gangster; a dealer not in drugs but in terror and coercion.
303
We have every legal right to defend our borders. You have every legal right to defend your home.
3
Yes, Trump is an ignorant bullying thug but please don't appeal to other nations to call him on his behavior. We cannot rid ourselves of this pestilence by cajoling Mexico or any other country to defy Trump publicly to their own peril.
The maxim that bullies always back down is inapt here. Bullies may retreat when their own well-being is threatened; bullies with armies often sacrifice the lives of children to promote the size of their hands.
Mexico shouldn't antagonize Trump-ignoring him would be more fruitful. Other countries would do well to carry on without counting on the USA for the next several years. If the bully can't play nicely, let him play with himself. I say this knowing that the people of this country will suffer from the isolation. This is our burden to bear; our system elected Trump. In a perverse way, maybe the USA can set an example by reteaching the world of the dangers of mindless nationalism.
The maxim that bullies always back down is inapt here. Bullies may retreat when their own well-being is threatened; bullies with armies often sacrifice the lives of children to promote the size of their hands.
Mexico shouldn't antagonize Trump-ignoring him would be more fruitful. Other countries would do well to carry on without counting on the USA for the next several years. If the bully can't play nicely, let him play with himself. I say this knowing that the people of this country will suffer from the isolation. This is our burden to bear; our system elected Trump. In a perverse way, maybe the USA can set an example by reteaching the world of the dangers of mindless nationalism.
4
well maybe in drugs as well. His money is not clean.
1
So many thing so wrong about this wall. In the first place, immigration from Mexico has declined. In the second place, building the "wall" was a convenient and little thought-out (surprise?) shout out for effect. Thirdly, immigrants from the south do not take jobs away from Americans, In fact they do the jobs that so many of us will not do, are often illegally paid shamefully low wages, and are a mainstay of our corporate farms that supply our nation with food. Additionally, DJT wanted to show his business acumen at the "art of the deal"....get construction right away with outside investors (we, the taxpayers) and then try to leverage non-payment when Mexico didn't pay. His tariff idea would again put the burden on us - the consumers. And he had nothing invested. Oh, I forgot to mention the backstory -- his infrastructure plans largely benefit his cronies. Can't wait to see how that one turns out! Advice to DJT...forget the wall, move on.
158
Let's not forget how ineffectual a wall would be. Tunnels will go under it. Illegals will get around it. It is a colossal and expensive boondoggle.
4
If it has declined even slightly, it is temporary and perhaps related to deportations. I think the numbers are fudged, myself. It was to the Obama Administration's benefit to claim this, since they wanted amnesty and The Dream Act.
Most of us can SEE the increased numbers of illegals in our own communities.
And the idea that "there are jobs Americans won't do" -- well, it is hateful and untrue, and shows what an elite snob you are. Americans CAN AND WILL do any job, and we did in the past -- when we could compete fairly and get a decent wage for our work! The illegals literally drove out the meatpacking unions, and drove down wages to sub-minimum in an industry that used to be UNIONIZED, pay good wages and benefits and had pensions! It was not for lack of US employees that this happened. The companies SOLICITED illegals to come and take those jobs, because it saved them money and gave them huge profits. It is shocking to see you colluding with this kind of thing.
Also: only 1% of all illegal aliens work in agriculture! the other 99% live in CITIES and do the same kinds of jobs that Americans did do, can do and WILL DO AGAIN when all illegals are deported under President Trump.
We will NOT forget nor give up and you can whinge all you want. We won, and the illegals are going home. So wave "bye bye" to your cheap nanny and $4 an hour landscaper.
Most of us can SEE the increased numbers of illegals in our own communities.
And the idea that "there are jobs Americans won't do" -- well, it is hateful and untrue, and shows what an elite snob you are. Americans CAN AND WILL do any job, and we did in the past -- when we could compete fairly and get a decent wage for our work! The illegals literally drove out the meatpacking unions, and drove down wages to sub-minimum in an industry that used to be UNIONIZED, pay good wages and benefits and had pensions! It was not for lack of US employees that this happened. The companies SOLICITED illegals to come and take those jobs, because it saved them money and gave them huge profits. It is shocking to see you colluding with this kind of thing.
Also: only 1% of all illegal aliens work in agriculture! the other 99% live in CITIES and do the same kinds of jobs that Americans did do, can do and WILL DO AGAIN when all illegals are deported under President Trump.
We will NOT forget nor give up and you can whinge all you want. We won, and the illegals are going home. So wave "bye bye" to your cheap nanny and $4 an hour landscaper.
1