WALL: A smarter alternative

The federal deficit has surpassed $22 trillion, nearly $70,000 for every man, woman and child in our country. One of the strongest economies on record and we are still generating nearly a trillion dollar deficit per year? Something is drastically wrong.

The spending compromise bill calls for $1.375 billion to fund 55 miles of new physical border barriers. Over $24 million per mile for a barrier? No wonder we are $22 trillion in debt.

From another perspective: In 2015 the Federal Highway Administration estimated that the widening of 31 miles of U.S. 95 from Garwood to Sagle would cost approximately $152 million. Less than $5 million per mile.

U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, a Texas Republican whose district has about 800 miles of border between the U.S. and Mexico, is a one of several lawmakers who supports a bill that uses a “smart wall.” Israel uses “smart wall” technology along almost all of its border. It works. Might we accomplish the same goal of having a secure border but at a cost of about 1/2 million per mile? As the most technologically advanced country in the world, one would think we could employ it to secure our border.

The $1.375 billion that has been appropriated could conceivably pay for 2,750 miles of smart fencing. I believe it is worth a closer look. Our children and grandchildren, who will be saddled with our debts, deserve no less.

RYAN ROSLAK

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