Do we Americans need open, closed, or regulated 'smart' borders ?

Question

Public security and economic security are mutually reinforcing.

By working together to develop a zone of confidence against terrorist and communist activity, the create a unique opportunity to build a smart border for the 21st century, a border that allows the secure, free flow of people and goods, a border that reflects the largest trading relationship in the world.

Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge led a U.S. delegation that included representatives from the departments of Justice, Transportation, Defense, State, and Treasury; and the offices of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the National Security Council, Customs, and the U.S. Coast Guard.

ACTION PLAN FOR CREATING A SECURE & SMART BORDER

Secure Flow of People

- Resume and evaluate the NEXUS

- Share Advance Passenger Information on flights between the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

North American Union

Answer 1

The NAU needs to be stopped it is only for Corporate greed, and public control.  

Answer 2

Compared to flushing 10 billion a month down the Iraqi toilet, smart or dumb borders is a ten cent question..

Answer 3

We need Smarter Borders. Too many terrorist are getting in and out smarting Americans. They are probably skipping in as we speak because their resources are ordered to concentrate on Mexican Illegals. Terrorist take advantage of our educational system, to only use the power they gained against us.

Answer 4

the world needs open borders. barring that, i think the US needs regulated borders.

Answer 5

Oh get over it! we are not being hit by terrorists left and right we are being invaded by a poor and corrupt country at our heels. If the Homeland jerk offs would pull their collective heads out they would realize this and do something about it as they are required to do by law- not merely by pissing away a fortune on a worthless bureaucracy that could easily have been displaced by simply insisting that existing branches communicate effectively!

Answer 6

we  already have a somewhat closed border (visa and green card) it's  the unprotected areas that are the problem. take away the reason for them coming over and they won't come.  

Answer 7

Unfortunately, playing defense is harder than playing offense (unless you're using guerrilla tactics). No matter what type of border system you create, drug cartels have the cash to find a way to bypass it, and consequently establish an infrastructure that can be exploited by terrorists.

If it's border security you want, South Korea is the country we should be consulting. They've been in the business for over 50 years. I say carpet bomb Mexico a mile or two inland, wiping out all signs of life, and declare it a demilitarized zone. Anyone who steps into it is free game, which will keep all the honest people out. What are the odds an innocent person will cross the DMZ knowing full well the consequences? It won't be an accident, I can promise you that much.

I'm inclined to agree with thc451... I'm very disappointed in Homeland Security. Larger government with more control is not the answer. They are now THEE LARGEST branch of government there is. And it sickens me.