Thread: Another Hearing and Protest on Border Wall

Another Hearing and Protest on Border Wall

Watch the Video
http://www.kveo.com/news/local/12459781.html


Another hearing and protest rally on the border wall took place in the Valley.

Homeland Security put on their second public comment hearing at the Brownsville Events Center. Brownsville's mayor led an anti-wall rally with priests, doctors, lawyers, politicians, and everyday people all came to join Mayor Ahumada's coalition against a border wall.

Ahumada says, time can't be wasted, the government must understand the city doesn't want a wall. He says there are other options. If the feds still go forth with plans to build, Ahumada, says they've got a lawsuit up their sleeves.

The mayor's not alone in this fight. Jay Johnson Castro, whose known as the border ambassador, knows all too well, the affects a wall could bring. Castro takes photos, as he walks along the border, so he can bring better awareness of what they could be seeing here.

Homeland Security says, they want to hear public comments, on what they call the "tactical infrastructure," while local officials are calling it a wall of shame.

Amongst those against a wall being planted in the dirt, a few think it's a good plan. Maria Elena Martines says she knows most people don't share her views, but feels, a wall will stop illegal immigrants.

It's a controversial issue, in which everybody has an opinion.

FROM THE BROWNSVILLE SITE:

Mexico is just a two-step across the Rio Grande from downtown Brownsville, easily making your trip an international one. The friendly neighbors of Matamoros welcome visitors to join their cultural events, to shop for bargains at old world style markets, and to enjoy the cuisine of a variety of restaurants.

Mexicans love a fiesta. This means that many holidays become a festival. Some examples include Dies y seis de Septiembre (Independence Day), Day of the Dead, Battle of Puebla, Holy Week, and the Christmas holidays.

The shops and markets of Matamoros offer many art, handcraft, and souvenir options. Good values are available on items ranging from leather goods, silver and gold jewelry, colorfully woven fabrics, pottery, and even prescription drugs. The museums trace the unique history and include new exhibits, one recounting the travels of Pancho Villa.

Matamoros has an ever-expanding collection of restaurants. Along with authentic Mexican, regional seafood, casual French, Asian, and continental fare is served, often accompanied by native music, performed at your table.

Be sure to include Matamoros as part of your trip to the Rio Grande Valley!

For more information and current events in Matamoros, Mexico visit: www.matamoros.com


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BROWNSVILLE....you're going to love it! Brownsville is a semi-tropical paradise of stately palm trees, ever-blooming bougainvilleas, exotic birds, and warm Gulf breezes.

‘On the Border …By the Sea’ and enjoy sight-seeing and shopping in Mexico, gorgeous white sand beaches, world class birding, the world famous Gladys Porter Zoo, great Brownsville museums and important historic sites. It's worth the trip!.

Brownsville, Texas is a truly international city located in a semi-tropical paradise where two cultures meet to create a unique land of exotic sounds, flavors, history and natural beauty found nowhere else in the U.S.

At the extreme southern tip of Texas, Brownsville’s bustling downtown is a five minute stroll across an international bridge from Matamoros, Mexico and an easy 30 minute drive to the beaches of South Padre Island.

The Brownsville Convention & Visitors Bureau is here to help you with any questions or needs you may have prior to your visit to the Texas tropics and your two-nation vacation.

http://www.brownsville.org/bcvborg/home.asp
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TO SEND BROWNSVILLE A MESSAGE THAT THEIR BUSINESSES TAKE SECOND PLACE TO AMERICAN SECURITY.........HERE IS A PAGE WITH THE MAYOR AND ALL THE CITY COMMISSIONERS LISTED ALONG WITH THEIR EMAIL ADDRESSES. (Check out their NAMES..............does it give you a hint as to their attitude on the border fence?)

http://www.cob.us/commission.asp

IF YOU HAD ANY DOUBTS AT ALL AS TO WHY BROWNSVILLE OFFICIALS OBJECT TO A FENCE, READ ON.

ABOUT BROWNSVILLE

An aggressive, pro-business climate, a can-do attitude, along with a well developed infrastructure, modern industrial parks, and an unsurpassed quality of life, make Brownsville a center for technology, industry and distribution.

Brownsville is the sixth fastest growing manufacturing region in the United States, according to a national ranking by Industry Week Magazine. The same survey rates Brownsville 55th out of 310 metropolitan areas nationwide as a good place to do business - the highest rating of any other border city. Economic data reflects a 22% employment increase and a 36% income hike for the manufacturing sector over the last three years. These numbers were calculated prior to Titan Wheel and other manufactures announced they would add a combined 1,000 jobs in the upcoming year. This will continue to place Brownsville at the nation's forefront of economic growth and attractiveness to new companies. Brownsville is the front door to free trade. A quality, award-winning workforce provides cost effectiveness and productivity unmatched along the border. Opportunities abound for manufacturing and assembly production on both sides of the border through Mexico's Production Sharing Program, the U.S. Foreign Trade Zone, and excellent transportation and communication facilities that link manufactures and suppliers to the global marketplace. Brownsville is the largest city in the Rio Grande Valley with nearly every economic indicator at a record high. What is driving all this activity? Here are just a few of the reasons for Brownsville's phenomenal growth:

Regional growth:

The Rio Grande Valley is home to 860,000 persons, making it the 56th largest market in the U.S. Total retail sales in 1996 were $5.7 billion, $1.4 billion higher than in 1990.

Job Creation: Brownsville has been among the nation's leaders in job growth throughout the 1990's. In fact, the entire Rio Grande Valley has added 55,000 jobs in 1990-1997.

A young population: The median age in Brownsville is 25.5 years, well below the state and national averages. 63% of the population is below 34 years of age.

Proximity to Mexico: NAFTA has consolidated Brownsville's role as a gateway for U.S./ Mexico commerce. Merchandise exports have exploded by 88% since the agreement was signed in late 1993. Matamoros maquiladoras have added 15,000 jobs over the same period, a phenomenal growth rate of 8.3% a year.

Continental Airlines provides daily, direct flights from the Brownsville/SPI International Airport. The airport's proximity plays a vital role in Brownsville's economy. It is the closest Rio Grande Valley airport to South Padre Island and the Republic of Mexico. Agriculture also plays an important role in Brownsville, as well as all of Cameron County. With more than 230 sunshine filled days a year, Brownsville boasts a local multi-million dollar agriculture industry. Approximately 455,000 of the 573,000 acres of land in the county are dedicated to farming and ranching. The major crops include upland cotton, grain sorghum, corn for grain, sugarcane, cabbage, onions, bell peppers, sweet corn, tomatoes, carrots, and citrus. The citrus industry provides a cash crop, as well as a scenic landscape of orchards of orange, grapefruit, tangerines, lemon and lime trees. Valley grapefruit has the distinction of being redder, sweeter, and juicier than those grown in other parts of the country. Texas oranges are also known for their juiciness and low-acid content. The Shrimping Industry pumps an average of $60 million dollars a year into Brownsville's economy, and indirectly contributes to the creation of thousands of jobs throughout the community. Home to over 190 shrimp boats the shrimp harvest at the Port of Brownsville places Brownsville fifth highest overall in the United States. As a world-class facility, it boasts all conceivable services vital to the shrimping industry. The Brownsville shrimp fleet, along with that of Port Isabel, makes our area the Shrimp Capital of the United States. There is no doubt that Brownsville is on the threshold of its greatest economic development. While many factors contribute to the area's economic potential, Brownsville's success is due to a joint effort between the private and public sector. Together, Brownsville is prepared and organized to face the challenges of a rapidly growing population and economy.

A year-round tropical paradise at the southernmost tip of Texas, Brownsville is home to unique natural beauty and a dynamic, progressive business community. Brownsville is the major manufacturing center of the Rio Grande Valley and is known for a loyal world-class workforce with a strong work ethic. An aggressive, probusiness climate and can-do attitude, along with a well-developed infrastructure, modern industrial parks and an unsurpassed quality of life make Brownsville a center for technology, industry and distribution. Brownsville is the front door to free trade. A quality, award-winning workforce provides cost effectiveness and productivity unmatched along the border. Opportunities abound for manufacturing and assembly production on both sides of the border through Mexico's Production Sharing program, the U.S. Foreign Trade Zone and excellent transportation and communication facilities that link manufacturers and suppliers to the global marketplace. Industries located in Brownsville and Matamoros use some of the most highly technical manufacturing operations available today.

http://www.cob.us/about_brownsville.asp

Well if they don't want the wall then build the wall around them and relocate the border so Brownsville is now mexican territory.
Problem solved. Within a two year time span it will look like the third world garbage dump that mexico is now.

Originally Posted by sippy

Well if they don't want the wall then build the wall around them and relocate the border so Brownsville is now mexican territory.
Problem solved. Within a two year time span it will look like the third world garbage dump that mexico is now.

Many parts of it already do, just like El Paso and Laredo.

You know Brownsville is near the coast. Is the government going to fence off the coastline also?