Bridges and Walls

Ensenada, Mexico

Too many politicians are just singing the wrong tune.

Globalization is inevitable. Making globalization serve the interests of the many and not just the few is the real challenge.

Very little can, will or should stop globalization over the long term. Those calling for building social, economic or even physical walls between the U.S. and Mexico or, say, France and its burgeoning immigrant populations must understand that nothing will ever stop poor people searching for better lives. We Americans must understand that we are the only developed country bordered by a developing nation. What should we expect?

Yes, much needs to be done to improve U.S. border security and to insist on legal immigration. Yet the hypocrisy on all sides of the immigration issue is breathtaking. Consider the hardliners who call for all manner of condemnation and punishment for "illegals," some of which borders on racism. It's notable that these same folks are nonetheless willing to accept campaign contributions from businesses that rely on cheap labor made possible by undocumented Mexicans, Brazilians and others. Many of these same politicians who claim that illegal immigrants are depressing wages should focus instead on increasing the minimum wage.

We cannot stop globalization. However, we can reduce illegal immigration from Mexico by seriously collaborating with that country to build a more robust Mexican economy. Illegal immigration is only the symptom. The real problem is the hopeless state of the Mexican economy, which gives its people little reason to remain. Build the equivalent of the Berlin Wall and illegal immigration will persist. Build real economic incentives for Mexicans in their own country and illegal immigration will abate.

When will our elected officials ever accept that true leadership means addressing complex problems at their root and over the long term? The hollow rhetoric and so-called "reforms" remain window dressing that in the retail business, come to think of it, is usually assembled by undocumented workers making $3.00 an hour.

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