Janet Napolitano: Borders Are Safer Than People Think

In a recent speech at the University of Texas at El Paso, Janet Napolitano recently said our cities along the Mexican border are safer than people think.

"It is inaccurate to state, as too many have, that the border is overrun with violence and out of control," Napolitano said in prepared remarks. "This statement - often made only to score political points - is just plain wrong. Not only does it ignore all of the statistical evidence, it also belittles the significant progress that effective law enforcement has made to protect this border and the people who live alongside it."

Napolitano made this statement in a city that has experienced automatic weapons fire coming across the border and in a state where drug cartels and even Mexican authorities have crossed the border illegally, and a rancher was killed by illegal aliens in their quest to reach the United States. I’m not sure who she was trying to convince as the people who live in El Paso know first hand the dangers of living on the border. (I would have loved to have been in that audience in El Paso to see the audience reaction.)

Perhaps Ms. Napolitano has forgotten about the conditions in her own state where, in response to the ever increasing violence there, the Federal government (basically her department) has erected signs warning American citizens not to venture too close to the border out of fear for their own safety. If the borders are safe, why were these signs necessary?

Secretary Napolitano went on to issue an ultimatum to the drug cartels and others who threaten violence on or near the borders: "Today I say to the cartels: Don't even think about bringing your violence and tactics across this border. You will be met by an overwhelming response. And we're going to continue to work with our partners in Mexico to dismantle and defeat you. And that message extends to anyone considering coming across that border illegally, whether a smuggler, a human trafficker, or an unlawful immigrant seeking work."

That’s mighty tough talk from a government which has done very little to stop illegal border crossings and put up signs instead. Does this mean the President and the Department of Homeland Security are actually going to do something about the problem? Just last week Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Arizona rounded up 60 some illegal aliens in a legal, law enforcement operation. Immediately the Department of Justice dispatched investigators to Arizona to talk to Sheriff Arpaio’s deputies about the legality of their actions. The Obama administration is currently still engaged in a lawsuit against the state of Arizona for enforcing immigration laws that they (the Obama administration) refuse to enforce. Rather than be embarrassed that a governor had to take matters in her own hands (because the Federal government won’t do it) the Obama administration is suing the state to make them stop. It’s not only ridiculous it’s downright embarrassing for people who still have some pride in our system of government.

I’m sure the drug cartels are truly frightened by Janet Napolitano and her threats, particularly since the violence, kidnappings and murders of Americans has gone virtually unchecked to date. In fact, it seems the only people doing anything about it at all are local law enforcement agencies in Arizona, New Mexico, California and Texas. But, of course, they’re subject to being sued by the President and the Attorney General. And I’m not sure what statistics she’s talking about but the numbers of bodies of American citizens are rising, both in Mexico and here in the States. And Phoenix continues to be the kidnapping capitol of the country, almost all of which are done to and by illegal immigrants. Maybe we need a few more signs, printed in Spanish and facing the other way. While they’re at it they should also post a few more Spanish signs that say “Arizona has very citizen friendly gun laws and many of us own guns. If you come on my property and endanger my family I will shoot you. You’ve been warned.” But alas, that would be violent, racist rhetoric and would probably make some poor, mentally deficient lad shoot a politician. And we can’t have that. Of course, someone would ultimately blame Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck….