Comments on: Are We Spraying Agent Orange Along The US Mexican Border?

By: mariasampson

mariasampson — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:23:30 +0000

When I first saw this article, buried on Drudge, I really thought the headline was a joke. I cannot even believe that we are considering this as a fix. Once again, our border policies are sacrificing law abiding citizens. This is just another example of a policy enacted by this Administration that is just being tried off the cuff without much thought behind it. I really don't care if there may not be side effects caused by this chemical. The act of using it for this purpose is wrong. We cannot sacrifice ourselves for the sake of finding a few illegals hiding behind stalks of cane.

Not only will this chemical kill the cane and any plants around it, but the affects will trickle down to the wildlife that depends on all those plants, and finally to the people that depend on the water supply. All this because we want to be able to see the illegals? What is ironic about this is that one of the arguments against the fence was the impact on the environment. So, this was a more viable alternative?

I encourage us to stand up against this. The effects of this spraying could have more far reaching ends than any of us can imagine now. The lawsuits have already begun, and I fear there will be more.

By: Keywizard

Keywizard — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 16:58:16 +0000

It's our Nation's boundary. If there isn't an "easement" there should be! States should have no jurisdiction for our Federal boundary. Freedom isn't free is it? Thanks for your service in Vietnam! My brother flew Hueys…He still doesn't talk about it. Thank you for protecting us and holding the burden of thoughts that you have. I feel that soldiers, and their burden have done a remarkable service for the rest of us who haven't had that experience. I remember you guys and gals always! God bless you!

By: Keywizard

Keywizard — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 16:52:58 +0000

Much better! I stand corrected!!

By: NancyNurse

NancyNurse — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:34:13 +0000

I know what I am talking about and am serious about what I said as well. I know all about Agent Orange. It has and will affect my life for the rest of my life. I also know that it had its proper use. First, I need to let you know that I am a wife of a veteran who got his share of chemical defoliants in Vietnam. He got sick while there and didn't know what was wrong. In the late 70's, he was tested for 'exposure' (actually, he just had a simple blood test by the VA and was told he was ok) after we lost three children with severe birth defects. Finally we did have two kids, but they had birth defects as well that were corrected and the children lived to adulthood. Our daughter cannot have kids. Our son had a son and he has birth defects as well. Our son can have no more children, either now. My husband's exposure has resulted in diabetes II, MS, and chloracne. He does not get a dime from the government in compensation. I am a nurse/scientistwith a Master's Degree. I have done some consulting with an expert from Columbia who got a grant and worked with the American Cancer Society quantifying chemical exposures in Vietnam. The theoretical use of this chemical defoliant in Vietnam was to prevent safe haven for the enemy, but the joke was on us. As my husband pointed out, that the deforested areas might have made it easier to see the enemy, but it also made it easier for the enemy to see you! My childish quip as you put it is not childish at all. Anyone can die from any chemical exposure when it is in the wrong proportions to the conditions of life. In Vietnam, the problem was that the military didn't realize the toxicity of this chemical, did little to no training of those entrusted to spray or spread it, and it was applied incorrectly. Thus, the damage.
Answer me this: how many people died of Agent Orange exposure last year versus how many died from water intoxication (drowning) last year. Should we then outlaw water? See my point? Any chemical can be harmful. But we cannot become paranoid about the use of a chemical, just know its purpose and the range of when it does its proposed job and when it is in the wrong concentration. Agent Orange and the chemicals in it are used in the USA every day. Read the back of any bottle of weedkiller. You might just be surprised that the chemicals in them are similar if not identical to the chemicals used in Vietnam. So I hope that you understand that I was not being irrelevant or illogical. In fact, I think you are.

By: NancyNurse

NancyNurse — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:15:05 +0000

So how does one analyze that data and hang it on a proper hypothesis and theorize about its content? Give me a break elitist. You don't know a thing about the human toll or the reality of chemical use. Only an academic elitist would ever sound like you just did. This forum is not about impressing each other with academics. And I stand by what I said. You sound dumb. Oops. Politically incorrect. Stupid.

By: Rattle_Snake

Rattle_Snake — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 01:51:56 +0000

I received a reply from Senator Sherrod Brown which simply detailed the pay and benefits the Senators receive. The others didn't reply at all. Nice to know these guys are listening to us.

By: TheAudacity

TheAudacity — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:26:53 +0000

Thank you! Our country is very accommodating to immigrants, and for good reason. Some countries are very anti-immigration (even legal immigration). Some countries don't let people buy houses if they are foreigners, it is next to impossible to gain citizenship, and people who are foreigners in their country aren't given the same opportunities as the residents. So America is very very kind to immigrants, but in turn they should respect our language. I don't expect them to be perfect in English, they just need to try. We have many free ESL classes at local schools. One year of night classes can go a long way in helping learn a language.

I agree that we either accommodate all or none. Why should we post everything in English and Spanish? We have other populations who speak many other languages, so why are we leaving them out?

When we cater to them and their language we open a door to cater to other things as well. They get this idea that we will help them in whatever they need including free healthcare, welfare, etc.

By: woemcat

woemcat — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:49:29 +0000

(comment continues here) In fact, I've got a friend who came to this country from Hong Kong when she was 8. She spoke no English and she had no Chinese-speaking teachers. She learned English through immersion and by the end of the school year, was fluent in English. We do a disservice to Spanish-speaking people by catering to them. It's offensive to me and actually, it holds them down. English is our language, voted on by Congress when our country was young. German lost out by 1 or 2 votes. Spanish wasn't on the table. I say, SPEAK ENGLISH! At least try it. I found many people helped me when I tried to speak their language (in both Japan and Austria). We're basically good people and I know I'd be more willing to help if people try instead of insisting I cater to them.

By: woemcat

woemcat — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:49:05 +0000

Exactly! I lived (briefly) in Japan and Austria. I tried to learn their languages and yes, I did butcher them. However, the point is, I tried. There were many places where there wasn't anyone who spoke English, so I can sympathize with people who move here and can't speak English. The problem I have, is that we bend over backwards for Spanish-speaking people, but not for anyone else. We have classes in our schools that are bilingual (English and Spanish), but nothing for anyone else. We either should accomodate EVERYONE or NOONE. (comment continues)

By: Clarkson709

Clarkson709 — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 07:26:06 +0000

Signed and fowarded to everyone i know!