Building the Wall Back Better

George H.W. Bush in New Hampshire in 1980, the moderator asked that Ronald Reagan’s microphone be “For the moment, it is off.” Reagan was angry and said something that might be applied to the failure of the Biden administration to use materials lying unused in Texas paid for during the Trump administration for the purpose of constructing the border wall. Said Reagan, “I paid for this microphone.” The clear implication was that since he paid for it, he ought to be able to use it.

Gov. Greg Abbott from Texas makes a similar argument. He thinks that either out of spite for Trump or because they are not interested in security at the border, the Biden administration refuses materials paid for by taxpayers so it can resume building the wall. Abbott is now unable to speak for himself. ordered Construction can resume using taxpayer money and new materials.

Trump Administration spent over $100 Million of taxpayer funds on materials to build the border wall. These materials should be available for Gov. Abbott, but the Biden administration won’t allow it. Biden, President Annulled Contracts for its construction after entering office last January.

Texas Department of Transportation has agreed to spend nearly $25,000,000 on the construction of Eagle Pass’s concrete border barrier. This is the Texas Tribune reports: “Under the project, the state has also contracted for a temporary fence near the right of way along State Loop 480, which the Department of Public Safety has designated a high-traffic area for illegal immigration.”

The Texas Department of Public Safety officers patrol areas of the border that federal border control officers are not able to find. Crossing immigrants are charged with Trespassing and sent to jail.

Gov. Abbott has : “The Biden administration has abandoned its responsibilities to secure the border and Texans are suffering as a result. The problems along the border are only getting worse due to President Biden’s inaction. The destruction of property, the smuggling of deadly drugs and weapons into states across the border is causing havoc. Law enforcement has to redirect its resources and judges in county are finding themselves with skyrocketing costs. Texas has done more to secure the border than any other state, however it’s clear that Texas needs more. In the Biden administration’s absence, Texas is stepping up to get the job done by building the border wall. This comprehensive public safety initiative will help secure our border and slow down the illegal immigration flow. It also restores order to the communities bordering us.

According to Fox News, some outlets show images of immigrants illegally entering the United States. However, new reports indicate that many are from Central American countries. This is A Fox poll last spring found an increase in the portion of respondents saying the migrants “hurt” the country and that attitude is seen across the board: “independents (+21), Republicans (+20), Whites (+18), men (+16), women (+14), Blacks (+11), and Democrats (+8) are more likely to think immigrants hurt rather than help.”

Abbott set up a GoFundMe equivalent so that additional funds can be raised to finish the wall. You can visit the website here borderwall.texas.gov.

I’m betting there are many Americans who would be willing to contribute, because they want to see the wall finished and stop the invasion. I would call the project “building the wall back better.”