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The Wall.

A constant source of headache for me and millions of Americans as we try to explain the absurdity of making our government shut down over bricks and ego. I guess I am not convinced that putting $5billion aside for a wall is a good use of taxpayers' money.

I was trying to consider why I am so opposed to the idea of "the wall," and it goes deeper than just fighting the Trump Administration. At least, that is how I see it. To affirm my position, I came up with my top ten reasons I am against the wall, and I tried to include facts not just opinions (but there is a little of both.)

Coral's Top Ten Reasons I Am Against 'The Wall'

1. Border Security- Simply put, I would rather the money go to border security as a whole and not specifically for a wall. The funds should go directly to the areas that need it.

2. Immigration- We are a nation of diverse people. Every person who is alive now came from people who migrated into America, even native Americans were born of migrants who crossed over the land bridge. Race is a social construct, and everyone regardless of where they were born should have the opportunity to become green card holders. I would like to see our immigration process become more efficient without losing our security.

3. Economy- During the partial shutdown, the economy lost $6 billion for a $5.7 billion wall according to the S& P Global (Stalter, 2019). If an agreement isn't made during this 3-week reprieve, we will be back to another shut down costing our economy more money.

4. Family- My dad is not only a "disabled" veteran who spent 29 years in service to his country, but he is also a current government employee. During these last few months, our family has been stressing over whether rent would be able to be made, food could be bought, and bills be paid. This is a significant financial stress as we waited to see if his regular paycheck and his pension would occur. We still don't know if, as a working furloughed employee, if he is going to get back pay for being required to work through it. How would you feel if this was you or your family?

5. Environment- There are real-life concerns of what a physical barrier will do to the ecosystem there. It could increase flooding or wildfires. It could disrupt the migration of animals. The plans even include literal bisections of Protected Wildlife Sanctuaries that could devastate endangered species. National Geographic had a great article on 'the 6 ways the border wall could disrupt the environment' which is worthy of a read.

6. Builders/ Border Security Opinions- The options provided are not going to do what people think it's going to do. Many professionals say that the wall that Trump has been pushing is insufficient for that area. A wall can be overcome whether by digging or climbing. When humans are faced with obstacles like this, we see ingenuity. Again this is why I think money should go to improving the overall process and not just a physical barrier. Even the security officers doing this work have said, "border barriers will never stop illegal immigration because a wall or fence cannot apprehend crossers" (Bier, 2017).

7. Mexico isn't Paying For It- "I will build a great, great wall on our southern border," [Trump] boasted in June 2015. For good measure, he added, "And I will have Mexico pay for that wall" (Bier, 2017). If the money is coming from the taxpayers, then Mexico isn't paying for it.

8. Divisive Rhetoric- I'm just not okay with the hate and anger that is associated with a wall like this. I want to see people put compassion and empathy forward. The majority of people coming through the border checkpoints are refugees seeking asylum. If I were in their shoes and needed help, how would I want to be treated?

9. Maintenance- How much money is it going to cost to maintain this eyesore and how much of that money is going to go to current areas that currently need repair? None. That money is only for the building of the new wall, not to maintain it and not to fix the areas that are in disarray now.

10. Ego- I believe Trump wants this wall not for security, but to be able to say to his base, "Look what I accomplished." I also believe that the government shutdown is being used as a distraction from the current investigation into his campaign. I cannot prove either right now, but I have a hard time shaking it so I'm including it on my list, but admittedly this is my weakest point which is why I am putting it last.

Do you agree or disagree with anything on my list? #JoinTheConversation #NoWallNoShutdown #Immigration #TrumpShutDown #MAGA

Sources & References

Bier, D (2017, MAY), 'Why the Wall Won't Work' Reason. Cato Institute. Retrieved from: https://www.cato.org/publications/commentary/why-wall-wont-work

Parker, L. (2019, JAN), "6 ways the border wall could disrupt the environment." National Geographic. Retrieved from:https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2019/01/how-trump-us-mexico-border-wall-could-impact-environment-wildlife-water/

Stalter, M (2019, JAN), "US economy lost at least $6 billion during shutdown, S&P says" The Hill. Retrieved from: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/427085-us-economy-lost-at-least-6-billion-during-shutdown-sp-says

thephilippena. (2014, APR). 'Wall Building Bricks' [Image] Pixabay. Retrieved from: https://pixabay.com/en/wall-building-bricks-architecture-321201/