Thread: Tom Ridge talks about border security

Tom Ridge talks about border security

By Steve Ramirez sramirez@lcsun-news.com
Posted: 10/08/2010 12:29:38 AM MDT

LAS CRUCES - The first secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security discussed both the strengths and weaknesses of border security Thursday.

Tom Ridge told interested Las Crucens and New Mexico State University students, including several ROTC cadets, that not every illegal immigrant is bad, but the government must be able to determine that they are in the country for legitimate reasons.

"We still haven't figured out the appropriate technology to use along the border," said Ridge, a participant in the first Domenici Institute Forum, conducted at NMSU. "We need to figure out what does and doesn't work. Let's use UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, for surveillance), sensors and ground sensors. But we need to get rid of the cell phone towers that haven't proven they work at all.

"We probably have enough manpower to adequately patrol the border. But we don't have the support of the Mexican government."

Ridge gave a frank overview of national and border security, and the events that have impacted those efforts since the 9-11 terrorist attacks nine years ago. He said "smart power" and economic development assistance for other countries will be some of the keys in preserving national security.

"We need visionary leaders to appreciate that notion," Ridge said. "The threat is real, but it's manageable. Should we anticipate another terrorist attack? I think you better. It's the new reality the government should recognize.

"By the same token, we should continue to be wary, not fearful, and go about America."
Ridge praised the ROTC students for their willingness to wear Army and Air Force uniforms on campus and spoke briefly about the qualities of good leadership. He ended his hour-long lecture with a question-and-answer session with the audience.

"His insight into border security and national defense was especially interesting," said Rachel Morton, an NMSU student. "I kind of came away with the feeling there was more he could've told us, but didn't because of security reasons. I definitely got something out of what he had to say."

Steve Ramirez can be reached at (575) 541-5452

Tom Ridge
• Ridge, 65, served as the first secretary of Homeland Security, from Jan. 24, 2003 until Feb. 1, 2005.

• He was the governor of Pennsylvania from Jan. 17, 1995 until Oct. 5, 2001.

• He also served in the U.S. House of Representatives from Jan. 3, 1983 until Jan. 3, 1995

• Ridge served with the U.S. Army, in Vietnam. His military awards include the Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-news/ci_16285210

Tom Ridge told interested Las Crucens and New Mexico State University students, including several ROTC cadets, that not every illegal immigrant is bad, but the government must be able to determine that they are in the country for legitimate reasons.

Say whaaat?? There are NO legitimate reasons for being here illegally! If they can't get approval to come here legally, there's got to be a reason, hmmm? Perhaps they wouldn't pass a background check aka they are bad!

WHat a maroon!

We probably have enough manpower to adequately patrol the border. But we don't have the support of the Mexican government."

Now we need the permission of the Mexican government.......

He said "smart power" and economic development assistance for other countries will be some of the keys in preserving national security.

Those are the reasons why we have been attacked. Because we meddle into other countries business!

Tom Ridge proved himself an idiot as Secretary of DHS. A shame too because when he was head of DHS is when the problem was still manageable. Now it will take a massive effort by the states to resolve. Ridge is the person who said on national television referring to illegal aliens, "we don't know who they are, where they are or what they're doing."

Originally Posted by uniteasone

He said "smart power" and economic development assistance for other countries will be some of the keys in preserving national security.

Those are the reasons why we have been attacked. Because we meddle into other countries business!

It's possible that some countries hate our corrupt politicians as much as we do...