I remain puzzled at the mania for closed–which means policed and guarded by the morons in DC–borders among conservatives and even many lovers of liberty. These folks seemingly ignore the first lesson of the Berlin Wall: policed borders not only keep others out, they keep us in. That’s particularly terrifying once a country has officially sanctioned torture.
Second, are the fans of closed borders asleep, or do they not realize their wish has already come true? The federal government–specifically the DHS, that bastion of common sense, integrity and benevolence that includes everyone’s favorite goons, the TSA–tightly controls the border. But don’t take my word for it: read about the DHS’s harassment of a journalist, “born a US citizen” and trying to return home after a trip abroad “on my American passport…” The bureaucrats decreed that her “rights as a US citizen (or citizen of the world) go out the window” at the border–and handed her a “document” substantiating that claim (which she appends to her comments). “This law applies at any point of entry into the US, whether naval, air or land and extends for 100 miles into the US from the border or formal points of entry.” So if you’re planning a similar sojourn, you’ll want to heed the four tips on protecting yourself in this zone of enslavement that conclude her essay. (Thanks to Mark Luedtke for the link.)
Finally, if you are unhappy with the government’s current administration of the borders, you may want to reconsider demanding even more power for these bozos over our comings and goings. No wonder the Founders didn’t include “control, ‘protect’ and close the borders” among the Feds’ enumerated powers.
10:39 am on July 26, 2016
