U.S. should be able to control its borders

In 1998, Congress set up the National Commission on Terrorism, comprised of six Republicans and four Democrats. They recently released their findings and recommendations. They expressed concern about America's vulnerability and lack of preparedness.

"The panel is concerned about the threat that terrorism poses for the U.S."

"The United States faces a heightened risk of devastating terror attacks."

"What the government needs to do is prepare better so that we don't have the risk of even one major terrorist attack."

Where would terrorists come from and how would they get here?

Getting here is no problem, the INS admits there are over 6 million illegal aliens presently residing here. The Border Patrol estimates 30,000 more enter illegally from all points of the compass. These are people who owe no allegiance to the U.S. and have had no background checks. There are students and visitors who overstay their visas and just melt into ethnic populations. Drug smugglers know how to bring their poisons in. Customs and the Border Patrol say they stop maybe 28 percent of drugs being brought in.

Strange, we have the resources to protect the borders of South Korea, Bosnia, Kuwait, Kosovo, Saudi Arabia, but we can't protect our own country. The explanation is an 1878 law called "Posse Comitatus" which "Prohibits the use of the military in domestic law enforcement." No problem, change the law, especially in the face of a threat to national

security.

Our military spends billions on training. Let the military make believe these are enemy land, sea and air forces attempting to invade our country. It's time American taxes were used to protect American

taxpayers.

The following are two statements made before a congressional Committee that kind of sum this all up.

"If we don't act like we care about this country, we're not going to have a country. A nation that cannot control its borders won't be a country for very long."

"It is a question of whether the United States, as a self-governing nation, will uphold the rule of law, secure its borders and protect its citizens."

LEONARD GOSTIN

Carson City