Border Crossings

The proposal to speed things up at the border is interesting, but I feel that San Diego Dialogue has the picture a bit out-of-focus. They suggest opening another port of entry, and sprucing things up, among other ideas. These revolutionary proposals stem from a survey that estimates Mexicans spend $2.6 billion in San Diego annually. Who funded this survey, the Medellin cartel?

What about the $13 billion California spent last year providing medical care and welfare benefits to illegal aliens? What about the $80,000 per week that state-sponsored recycling centers are spending on recycling Mexican manufactured aluminum cans? I suppose that one could rationalize that from an ecological standpoint, but it is nonetheless difficult to swallow when our state is basically broke.

The real solution is efficient public transportation. Opening another port of entry will insure that things will always remain the same. We must discourage frivolous border crossings and initiate toll charges for sparsely occupied vehicles and multiple daily crosses. Just how many are licensed drivers? How many carry liability insurance? How many Baja-registered vehicles could pass stringent California emission control standards or safety inspections? Any further pointed questions and I am sure that the ACLU will scream ethnic sensibility violations.

I have monitored the HOV (Diamond Lane) fiasco from its inception. Another perfect example of the U.S. attempting to improve conditions for commuters. It was received by our neighbor to the south with predictable results. After an intense media blitz on Mexican TV/radio/newspaper, it remains a farce one year later.

I hate to run the risk of sounding like Tom Metzger, but I am sorry. If you find the entry-and re-entry process offensive, then stay home and shut up.

MICHELLE IMMEL, Chula Vista