Inevitable: DHS scraps “virtual” border fence
posted at 10:05 pm on March 16, 2010 by Allahpundit
I’m surprised. Not that the fence is a disaster — that’s been true since its beginnings during the Bush administration, with exactly five days elapsing between Michael Chertoff proclaiming it ready for installation and this story in WaPo announcing a three-year delay due to technical difficulties. No, the surprise is that DHS would take border security seriously enough that this dismal failure wouldn’t simply be papered over and declared ready for operation as part of the “security” quid pro quo needed to secure the Democrats’ beloved amnesty.
How’s Graham going to sell border enforcement to congressional Republicans as part of the comprehensive package now?
“Not only do we have an obligation to secure our borders, we have a responsibility to do so in the most cost-effective way possible,” Napolitano said in a statement Tuesday. “The system of sensors and cameras along the Southwest border known as SBInet has been plagued with cost overruns and missed deadlines.”
With that in mind, Napolitano is withholding funding for the program’s first deployment until a review she ordered in January is finished. And she’s taking away $50 million in stimulus funds from the Boeing-managed program. Instead, that funding will be put toward “other tested, commercially available security technology along the Southwest border.”…
“But before we go across that border with this – these big towers, SBInet,” she added, “we are going to reevaluate how those technology dollars are used and whether there are other technologies perhaps that have been developed since SBInet was contracted that would be more mobile, better, easier to maintain and easier to operate.”
Thus did a $2 billion contract aimed at completion by 2009 become a $3.7 billion boondoggle with a target completion date of … 2016. I’m sincerely intrigued by the timing here: Why now, when immigration’s actually been back in the news lately, even in the context of the Hispanic Congressional Caucus threatening to walk away from O-Care over funding for illegals? Maybe they figure it’s a good time to bury the news, especially with no one expecting serious movement on amnesty until next year? Hmmm.
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The GOP will fall for it.
Meanwhile Rubio is acting tough with the IRS to try and provide himself some cover on this disaster.
Bishop on May 22, 2013 at 11:25 AM
Final destruction of America complete in 3, 2, 1
Full reciprocity from the rest of the world for US citizens or STFU. Full up-front funding of $7 trillion by Mexico and the UN or STFU.
oldroy on May 22, 2013 at 11:25 AM
Which is more lethal, ObamaCare or this?
This has more destructive power than ObamaCare IMHO. This is a death panel for the GOP and US.
SparkPlug on May 22, 2013 at 11:30 AM
Even if they risk the wrath of the media, the House has to slam on the brakes with this malarkey. Either that, or pass a bill so enforcement-heavy that this will die in conference. Since puppet-master Schumer will ensure the Gang of Eight bill will pass the Senate, it’s all down to the House.
If they pass the Gang of Eight bill as-is, this country is finished. And so are they, and so’s the Republican Party in general.
KingGold on May 22, 2013 at 11:33 AM
Immigration Equality executive director Rachel Tiven told BuzzFeed, “I was shocked — and I suspect he was too — that not a single member of that committee joined him in saying, ‘These are immigrant families, too. I care about these families.’”
Leahy received expected opposition from Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham and Jeff Flake to the provision, but the introduction also was opposed by four Democratic senators — Sens. Dianne Feinstein, Dick Durbin, Chuck Schumer and Al Franken…
“If we make the effort to make [the protections] part of this bill, they will walk away,” Schumer said. “They’ve said it publicly. They’ve told me privately. I believe them.”…
Human Rights Campaign president Chad Griffin took aim primarily at Republican opposition in a statement, saying that “it is deplorable that a small number of Senators have been able to stand in the way of progress for lesbian and gay couples torn apart by discriminatory laws” and calling out Senators Graham, Flake, John McCain and Marco Rubio for “threaten[ing] to derail the entire immigration bill to appease a small but vocal group of anti-gay social conservatives.”
These individuals ceased being Human some time ago….they
are gutless parasites, that have no interest, NONE , in doing
what’s in the best interests of this country.
The combined efforts of BOTH parties to systematically
destroy this country is breathtaking…we, as a Nation
are in the depths of non-stop Massive Government legislation
that will cripple our country for many years to come…we watched
as Obamacare dripped it’s way thru the Senate, then the House,
told repeatedly by our Bettors in DC that it would never pass.
Well, it did, and now this filthy, digusting, horrific
padlock to Obamacare will be foisted upon the Nation.
God help Us
ToddPA on May 22, 2013 at 11:33 AM
Here’s what I predict;
Notwithstanding the fact this distracts from more important matters with the IRS/taxes, our economy, Benghazi and the press spying- all more important to the Republican base, it won’t produce any new Republicans voters.
The canard that inside an illegal immigrant is a Republican waiting to come out or somehow this will endear Hispanics to the party is probably the stupidest, fallacious piece of nonsense I ever heard.
You don’t start off becoming a Republican by breaking the law, taking gratuitous entitlements we can’t afford and trying to corrupt our democratic process through coercion.
In fact, you don’t start out becoming an American through those actions.
This will not only cost Republicans the base, independents and never materialize Hispanic voters. In the end it will cost control of the Senate and impede any future Republican candidate for President as the fruit of their foolishness is proven right in time for the election.
Marcus Traianus on May 22, 2013 at 11:34 AM
This disaster-in-waiting needs to be stopped in the House.
Liam on May 22, 2013 at 11:34 AM
Marco Rubio will never recover . Why ?
Because he lied to his constituents .
Dems don’t care about lies , that’s how
they roll .
Please , I’m begging you , get to the phones
and keyboards . It’s not over yet .
Lucano on May 22, 2013 at 11:36 AM
It was Obama who asked them to yank it.
He plays the gay card as he needs it.
Anyone who is for amnesty, spontaneously combust, you traitors of the land.
Rubio, go to Hades.
Schadenfreude on May 22, 2013 at 11:37 AM
Sorry, forgot the link.
Schadenfreude on May 22, 2013 at 11:37 AM
AP, The matter can be resolved only by dodge-defying interviews with and investigations of the key Republicans.
Are they aware of the following supposed facts? When did they first learn of these things?
http://www.nationalreview.com/article/348880/clear-immigration-loopholes
http://stream.wsj.com/story/campaign-2012-continuous-coverage/SS-2-9156/SS-2-217135/
http://washingtonexaminer.com/byron-york-senate-skips-details-in-rush-to-pass-immigration-bill/article/2528981
On the other hand, kabuki on kabuki is kabuki.
kunegetikos on May 22, 2013 at 11:40 AM
There’s NO point to me ring a lawful citizen anymore. Lawful citizens are saps who pay their exorbitant taxes, give up their guns and property and become fodder for the state so the politburo can use YOUR resources to grant itself more power and give your money to people acting outside the law for support.
The bill gives US companies like Apple free reign to hire cheaper foreigners and bring them here instead of hiring domestically. Illegal immigrants automatically get access to ALL benefits including free health care and get voting rights to bye themselves even more largesse from those of us who have the audacity to pay higher taxes and do without to work within the system.
Why shouldn’t I just expatriate to China or Hong Kong where foreigners have more rights then their domestic citizens?! My voting rights and property rights obviously mean jack squat here. That wont be any different in China and the China government will at least LEAVE ME ALONE.
I have 4 friends, 2 with 4 year college degrees and one who’s ex-military and all of them have been unable to find work for more than 3 years now because the jobs aren’t there!
Where’s the government for them?!
I refuse to be a sheep to this anymore.
Skywise on May 22, 2013 at 11:42 AM
If Republicans reward lawbreakers by passing the immigration bill, I am done with the party.
Oracleforhire on May 22, 2013 at 11:43 AM
Okay, so, ho many times does this need to be said(?): Rubio is not going to walk away – he is working for obama – as he has done all along, Rubio will do exactly what obama tells him to do. Rubio chose AMNESTY as his signature issue – he wants this AMNESTY bill to pass, and he is being well-paid to make sure that it does.
Pork-Chop on May 22, 2013 at 11:43 AM
“Fall for it”? Respectfully, I submit, they are ‘in on it’. The Republican aim is depress wages, while the Democratic aim is to maintain electoral hegemony.
M240H on May 22, 2013 at 11:44 AM
I guess the GOP won’t be putting their finger into this dike.
Wino on May 22, 2013 at 11:45 AM
I recommend that everyone contact Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and voice your support of his wanting to scuttle the “comprehensive” approach and tackle this in a series if bills each addressing a discrete immigration issue.
He needs to hear from conservatives now. His House committee will be leading this effort.
Charlemagne on May 22, 2013 at 11:48 AM
I am not aware of any argument to the contrary or how one would even begin to contest this. Talk about the GOP being “duped” is cover up.
kunegetikos on May 22, 2013 at 11:51 AM
Compel Rubio and company to admit on the record that they know what is in the bill!
kunegetikos on May 22, 2013 at 11:52 AM
GOP – I *swear* to you, with the exception of perhaps Ted Cruz (so long as he maintains his credibility), I will *NEVER* vote for any of your candidates again if you support amnesty.
Do not mistake this; I will *NEVER* support you again.
Midas on May 22, 2013 at 11:55 AM
It may work with low-info voters, but not me.
After the revelations of the last few weeks, it should be obvious that if you call yourself a conservative, and you make a deal with this President, then you’re a moron.
Of course, that was obvious 5 years ago to those of us who were paying attention.
Put me in the party of “No” for the next three and a half years. I don’t care what Obama proposes, the answer is not just “No”, but “Hell, no!”
Chris of Rights on May 22, 2013 at 12:02 PM
This whole bill is Kabuki. The Senate bill will not get out of the house and the GOP senators know it.
William Eaton on May 22, 2013 at 12:03 PM
Two big radio hosts have barely discussed immigration .
Both conservative , one is the Big Kahuna .
What do these guys have in common ?
Lucano on May 22, 2013 at 12:03 PM
Okay, would the conservative base please now apply the pressure to Rubio et al to stop this travesty? Would someone point out to Rubio that there is no conceivable way he’ll stand a chance in the GOP 2016 primaries if he continues on this path?
I’ve been trying to figure out Marco Rubio’s political strategy in this whole affair. The best I can come up with is that his closest advisors have convinced him that a big immigration reform deal on Democratic Party-friendly terms is somehow, someway a boost to his presidential aspirations. The theory, I guess, is to balance out Rubio’s Tea Party roots (viewed by his advisors as a negative in a national campaign) with some moderate/bipartisan bona fides. The reason I figure his advisors are behind this is because of the slavery comparisons and other, nearly equally disparaging and denigrating remarks made since Rubio went on his immigration reform crusade. His advisors are provably politically tone-deaf, and so by extension is Rubio since he’s the one who hired them.
The problem with this plan (if such is their plan)? No conservative–not one–will support Rubio in the primaries if he goes ahead with this cynical and transparent ploy to manufacture 10 million instant and lifelong Democratic Party voters. Conservative primary voters will gravitate to Jindal or Paul. Moderates will go to Christie (or possibly Condoleeza Rice, should she announce herself in play). Rubio will get neither.
troyriser_gopftw on May 22, 2013 at 12:03 PM
Just as they used to cry that “rain follows the plough,” so we must recognize that “freedom follows the Gospel.” The USA has forgotten God, and is forgetting freedom and morality. It’s inevitable.
We need to keep fighting the good fight, but keep in mind that wherew the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. All respect to Allapundit and others who don’t believe that, but the Founders recognized it.
Interestingly, I was chatting recently with Jerry Williamson, the president of Go to the Nations, and he was telling me how God is doing a mighty work in Russia. Even in the major cities, the churches are jammed to capacity. Well, just last night the Russian Duma passed a law criminalizing people who attack Christianity to offend the faithful with some serious repercussions if they do. I’m not saying that is a wise step. It’s a bit like when all the revivalists of the 1890s brought us the Prohibition movement. Mistakes are made in the heat of renewed religious fervor. I’m just saying when God shows up, the slow accretions of liberal tyranny are swept away in a moment. It seems as though Russia might be finally waking up.
It will happen in the USA again too, but not before people are desperate enough to fall on their faces before God. Unfortunately, getting there isn’t usually fun.
JoseQuinones on May 22, 2013 at 12:04 PM
I agree completely. I may even make a symbolic donation and vote for the dem in the general election as a big F U to the Republican party. The elites obviously think there are enough low info Republicans that will just show up and vote for them.
Wigglesworth on May 22, 2013 at 12:07 PM
troyriser_gopftw on May 22, 2013 at 12:03 PM
Karl Rove is advising Rubio ? Sure sounds like it .
Lucano on May 22, 2013 at 12:09 PM
Hey Palinistas,
When’s yo hero gonna go grizzly on Hatch’s pay-for-play, backstabbing, primary-victorious azz?
kunegetikos on May 22, 2013 at 12:13 PM
In the Spirit of Bi-Partisanship we dump the gehs…
workingclass artist on May 22, 2013 at 12:15 PM
Um, not for nothing, but exactly what the f*ck does Palin have to do with anything being discussed here? Pull your head out.
Midas on May 22, 2013 at 12:18 PM
Obamacare is the shaft…Immigration Bill removes the KY on the shaft.
Both hurt like hell and Americans have the IRS to request they smile while they take the shaft.
si si puede…
workingclass artist on May 22, 2013 at 12:18 PM
Understand yet?
kunegetikos on May 22, 2013 at 12:19 PM
Bishop on May 22, 2013 at 11:25 AM
He can run, but he can’t hide from this screw up with the Gang of Eight! Where’s McConnell, by the way? AWOL, as usual!
tomshup on May 22, 2013 at 12:21 PM
Should I even waste my time calling Corker or Alexander? *sigh*
pannw on May 22, 2013 at 12:26 PM
I agree. ObamaCare can be undone; amnesty cannot. Mexico has 115 million people. They are projecting that 33 million will come here as a result of amnesty and family reunification. That nearly 30% of Mexico’s population.
The Democrats will have tens on millions of additional voters. Grover Norquist and the Chamber of Commerce will have cheap labor subsidized by the U.S. taxpayers. We will lose our national identity and the country will move to the left.
bw222 on May 22, 2013 at 12:36 PM
Fixed, as I can see no higher calling in life than to be referred to as “our Republicans” by the biggest poser in the Senate.
MNHawk on May 22, 2013 at 12:37 PM
Actually McConnell has cleared the way for a floor vote.
bw222 on May 22, 2013 at 12:38 PM
Throw the whole “Gang of 8″ in prison for subverting the Constitution and refusing to enforce existing laws. Congressional representatives is an oxymoron.
ultracon on May 22, 2013 at 12:39 PM
Last night Howie Carr was substituting for Mark Levin and he attacked this bill much harder than Levin ever did. Levin and Limbaugh have been far too easy on Rubio. I discount Hannity because he is worthless any way.
bw222 on May 22, 2013 at 12:41 PM
As the owner of the largest privately held ISP on the West Coast, of which information highly discrete and confidential, we do have a politics drop down for discussion to our 286,000 residential customers as well as 1.3M business customers. Today’s homepage will be on these representative’s bio’s as to who introduced them to us, who supported and who continues to support Rubio, Flake, McCain and Graham. These will be the folks that allowed these four to throw what’s left of the Republican Party over to the Democrats. Without securing the border as our first priority all 4 must go, non negotiable. Time for a 3rd party my friends as with representatives like this who needs Pelosi, Reid, Schumer, et al.,? Not me and that is non negotiable.
Tea Party Marco Rubio will be out and the Tea Party created this monster called Jeff Flake who will be making our lives as Republicans miserable for the balance of this term. So to the Tea Parties that created the Akins, Rubio’s Flakes, et al., keep your candidates! You’re destroying our country literally. So now my manager teams square off and do some historical digging and I want names of those individuals who first introduced us to Marco Rubio and Jeff Flake first then on to the Akin’s, O’Donnell’s, et al.
Tangerinesong on May 22, 2013 at 12:46 PM
Another huge legislative turd moving through the bowels of Congress. They will have to pass it to see what’s in it.
kirkill on May 22, 2013 at 12:56 PM
Hiding the contents of the bill is to give the Republicans cover. That is, to deceive the public on behalf of the GOP.
The Dems don’t care.
kunegetikos on May 22, 2013 at 1:03 PM
Two big radio hosts have barely discussed immigration .
Both conservative , one is the Big Kahuna .
What do these guys have in common ?
Lucano on May 22, 2013 at 12:03 PM
Last night Howie Carr was substituting for Mark Levin and he attacked this bill much harder than Levin ever did. Levin and Limbaugh have been far too easy on Rubio. I discount Hannity because he is worthless any way.
bw222 on May 22, 2013 at 12:41 PM
Actually I was referring to Rush and Glenn . Both are sponsored by Matt Kibbe and Freedom Works .
I love Levin but don’t listen and don’t know if he has the same sponsors .
I got suspicious about Kibbe when he had to buy out Dick Armey for 6 m$ . Big bucks .
Freedom Works is ” sitting out ” the immigration deal .
Do they advertise on Levin ?
I don’t know why Rush is staying away from the issue . It has to be more than Rubio is a friend .
I’ve never known Rush to be for something ( by silence ) that’s not good for this country .
There has to be an answer .
Lucano on May 22, 2013 at 1:23 PM
More like Bunraku than Kabuki
DarkCurrent on May 22, 2013 at 1:38 PM
That is being waaaay too optimistic.
This is Obamacare all over again.
Myron Falwell on May 22, 2013 at 1:43 PM
Answer:
kunegetikos on May 22, 2013 at 1:44 PM
It is also full of pork for Graham, Hatch, et al.
kunegetikos on May 22, 2013 at 1:45 PM
Oh, please. The entire bill is the GOP getting rolled.
Anyone can bring a lawsuit to save a salamander on the border from a fence being built, tie things up in court for 10 years, and all illegals become legal. That is the bill. End of story.
Lawsuits gut border security.
Carnac on May 22, 2013 at 1:46 PM
Rush just said ….The bill is not ment to pass . The dems want the issue for 2014 .
I wish I were so sure of that .
Honestly , his reputation is at stake and I can’t imagine him screwing with his base .
Lucano on May 22, 2013 at 1:58 PM
Wrong. Rubio knows what is in the bill and he is rolling the base, along with Schumer’s “our Republicans,” Rush, the WSJ, the Chamber of Commerce, etc.
kunegetikos on May 22, 2013 at 2:57 PM
How could anyone, even a Republican who supports immigration reform, as I do, support this deceitful mess?
kunegetikos on May 22, 2013 at 3:01 PM
You are right. Predictions from left or right wing talking heads are worth the price you pay for them. Which is not too much.
Search Limbaugh predictions of the past. even if you knock off the unfair nonsense from the lefty morons, he is still a little shaky in the psychic department.
And Dick Morris was an irresponsible huckster and disaster merchant before he went way out on a limb with the last election.
I laugh at the clowns who worship these commentators.
IlikedAUH2O on May 22, 2013 at 3:09 PM
…and if he is wrong, Rush can verbally wiggle right around it given the serpentine course of legislation.
IlikedAUH2O on May 22, 2013 at 3:10 PM