Real strategy of the wall

A border wall or fence is not going to stop immigrants. First, immigrants are not an army of invasion. Even in the case they do not present themselves to officials with a plea for asylum, immigrants will find a way over, under, or through a wall. History shows that once people’s aspirations and will are engaged, no physical barrier can long impede them. It will not stop drug traffic, for given a market for illegal substances, entrepreneurs will find a way to satisfy the demand.

The expense of building a border wall or fence makes it a loser, a maxi-min strategy that yields to any other. It is so bad a strategy that I am forced to believe that border security is not the point at all. The proposal, however, is viable strategy and a glance at the polling numbers indicating a deepening divide between Democrats and Republicans suggests it may be a winning strategy. The proposal to build the wall is part of the ages-old ploy of would-be autocrats: create an enemy to unify and energize their base.

Gregory Chipps

Spokane