"Scaremongering" Along The US Borders

Approximately two weeks ago, the Senate passed an amendment to divert nearly 2 billion dollars intended for Iraq to be used to secure the border along Arizona. Claiming it to be necessary for the "war on terrorism" and to thwart potential threats to national security, spending would be expanded to increase patrols and equipment stationed along the border. In reality, according to the Nixon Center, of the 373 known or suspected terrorists to enter the US since 1993, not one has entered via the border with Mexico. Additionally, Syracuse University's Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism claims that US authorities have yet to detain, "even a single terrorist trying to cross over the southern border into the United States."

With 5 guards per mile stationed along the southern border, one must assume that terrorists are also familiar with the fact that the US has less than 1 guard per 5 miles along the northern border. While it is impossible to say that terrorists will not choose to enter via Mexico, the potential for capture is much less along the northern border. Although it may be more difficult to enter Canada than Mexico, it is still easier to enter via Canada and enter the US indirectly than to fly directly into JFK or LAX. If the federal government is truly interested in protecting the lives of American citizens, perhaps the current fixation with the Mexican border and the prevention of illegal Mexican workers should be directed towards the known lapses in border/airport security. Since the hijackers of 9/11 all entered the United States via airports, according to the Brookings Institute, a more comprehensive plan, including biometric scanning and a better watch-list, must be created. The media's focus on the border issue, including the tireless coverage by CNN and MSNBC, should be redirected towards issues that pose the greatest threat to the nation. The media must serve as a watchdog for the public and by creating a false sense of security, as would be created by the construction of a border wall, this will only further make the American population more naive and susceptible to future attack.