The border fence

Is a fence along the U.S. border the best way to slow down illegal aliens? By some estimates it could cost $49 billion to secure the 1952 mile southern border. The life expectancy of this border fence is 25 years. Perhaps this immigration strategy could include another 4000 miles of fence to our north. How many border guards will be required and at what cost? Another $50 billion? Why not spend some of these billions on a more humane approach by building job sites along the border instead of fences? Create opportunities for employment in Mexico that encourages Mexicans to live at home with friends and family. Also eliminate opportunities for drug cartels and thugs by legalizing drugs. The U.S. will spend $24 billion in 2011 on this insane drug war started under the Nixon administration. Prohibition of alcohol should have taught us that the profit incentives create unanticipated consequences such as corruption of police and community leaders, gang warfare (like the cartels along the Mexican borders), death from unregulated product, and wholesale disregard for the law. Together these two proposals: an enterprise zone along the border and drug legalization will go a long way to make a border fence unnecessary while employing and keeping our southern neighbors safer.

The Spar and the business zone

Much has been made of the Spar project, approved finally on Monday night. I might not share everyone's opinion, but I want to congratulate the Wary's for taking on this frustrating battle over the past couple of years. They stuck to their position which was that it was an option for the planning board to approve and the planning board of appeals to grant a conditional use variance. And thank goodness........... because this action is going to improve the physical appearance of the island as well as everyones investment in their homes and cottages and businesses, including mine as an abutter. I am also heartened by the activity at the Donovan site which will go a long way in making this area more attractive. The Long Island Store will continue as is for the foreseeable future and will gladly coexist is this business zone and mix use area. Please share your ideas and comments as I know the islanders have not been of one mind on this topic.

Al Franken

I would be interested in hearing from Saturday Night Live fans, especially, about how you think Al will both represent his state as their junior senator, and how he might liven debate in an otherwise stodgy senate chamber.