It's not difficult to understand why those ranchers (and others) living and working along the border, weary of the long-term problem and full-up of what has not worked, are saying that a wall is not the answer. Also not difficult to understand why many in the US who live more distant from the border think that a deep/high/strong wall is a good move with promise for success.
Those who live along the border know much more about the ongoing traffic and related problem issues in the area, but that specific knowledge does not necessarily make them any smarter about how to solve the overall illegal immigration and smuggling problems. And, some simplistic perceptions on the part of those more distant does not mean that they won't have good ideas regarding solutions.
The feelings and experiences are most acute for those living along the border (and I feel for those folks), so their situation and needs cannot be ignored. That does not mean that those more distant do not experience significant concerns and anxieties about the ongoing mess because, in large part, extensive illegal immigration is a national issue - in terms legal, economic, political, social and who knows what else?
Metaphor or not, at this stage of disaster a very strong physical barrier (almost impregnable) seems an important aspect of the solution - to be complemented by extensive border line policing, strict and swift enforcement of the immigration laws on the books, sanctions against those who knowingly employ illegals, curtailment of the massive government $$ giveaways to illegals, etc., etc.
Of course, such comprehensive action for the good of the US would require another very important component - widespread COMMON WILL to get it done. That would mean overcoming the evils of greed (financial and political), putting aside the special-interest agendas (ethnic/cultural and otherwise) a commitment to spend the $$, and willingness for cooperation - between those living the border life and those on the far sides of the US - as well as those in between.
Wish his article had gone that direction.
