But it is an Unfriendly Gesture to our Neighbors.

Somehow, American neighborhoods have managed to survive despite the multitude of fences separating loving neighbors.  There have been no civil wars and in fact some may argue the fences have prevented such outbreaks and preserved the peace.  Fences have permitted neighbors to co-exist even if one of them is not holding their part of the bargain in being a “good neighbor.”  While the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico is more complex than two neighbors at a cul de sac, the basic elements of the “fence  doctrine” apply.   For years, the United States and Mexico in certain border regions have been divided for miles by a fence placed to deter illegal border crossings.  Yet, we have not seen military clashes in these areas or a complete breakdown of our neighborly relations and border economies.  The argument against the fence is further undermined by the fact that our neighbor Mexico has utterly failed to keep its side of the good neighbor bargain by allowing city sized populations of its nationals, and now from its southern neighbors, to easily meander towards the border knowing that their sole intent is to illegally enter the United States.  For years the United States has implored Mexico to begin deterring its nationals from illegally crossing the border.  For years the United States has asked Mexico to shore up its southern border to prevent the “flow-through” illegal immigration from Central and South America.  For years, Mexico has replied with a “lo siento” coupled with a rather lame explanation that its constitution prevents Mexican authorities from preventing its citizens (and I guess by some illogical extension its temporary guests from South and Central  America) from illegally entering the United States.  Well, if my neighbor permitted his children and his children’s friends to cross into my yard without my permission and dirty the place up, would it be a shock to the conscience that I immediately call to have a fence built to stop this? My answer, is no.  It is even less shocking when the neighbor has millions of children.