A Wall, A Fence: Hysteria and Hate Continue To Build It

H.R. 6061, the “Secure Fence Act of 2006“, was introduced on September 13, 2006. It passed through the U.S. House of Representatives on September 14, 2006 with a vote of 283–138.

On September 29, 2006, by a vote of 80–19 the U.S. Senate confirmed H.R. 6061 authorizing, and partially funding the “possible” construction of 700 miles (1,125 km) of physical fence/barriers along the border. The very broad support implied that many assurances were been made by the Administration — to the Democrats, Mexico, and the pro “Comprehensive immigration reform” minority within the GOP — that Homeland Security would proceed very cautiously. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, announced that an eight-month test of the virtual fence he favored would precede any construction of a physical barrier.

On October 26, 2006, President George W. Bush signed H.R. 6061 which was voted upon and passed by the 109th Congress of the United States.

I remember that 80-19 vote. I remember Hillary Clinton being among the eighty. And Chuck Schumer. And other Democrats that were loved by many.

A decade later, over 5,000 souls have perished attempting to find new entry points, dying in treacherous terrain, hot deserts, and at the hands of smugglers. Humans who were just looking for something better than their US-tainted home countries offered.

Trump’s wall is nothing new, really. Much like the current fencing, it’s a symbol of fear, blame, and hate. Or, as the old white Democrat (men and women) who voted for Trump calls it, “economic anxiety.”

That Republicans propose this kind of hate is nothing new. REAL ID and HR4437 back in 2005-2006 were in direct response to Mexican and other Latino migrants. But why do Democrats go along with it?

More often that not, Democrats go along with this kind of hate because they fear getting ousted by the bigots in their districts and states. So many times, I’ve been criticized for writing about Democratic bigotry in the ranks of the party, and told that “we need to win re-election,” as if some fake majority will save us.

A decade later, Trump’s wall may get its beginnings. Ridding itself of the EPA, I doubt time will be wasted on environmental impact statements. Ridding itself of the parks service, I doubt there will be any talk about protecting some of the area’s furry residents. And, certainly, such a project will call for an increase in military (and militaristic–think #NoDAPL’s response) presence on the border.

One can argue waste and corruption, which will happen. But no one will listen. This has been a decade in the making. Politically, though, it shows why Democrats should never support anything like this. All one has to do is realize the intentions of such policies and a NO vote should be easy. Unless, they actually enjoy promoting hate, blame, and fear.

Still, I doubt Democrats will ever learn. What’s upsetting is that it’s usually on issues regarding migrants and Latinos.