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Border Insecurity( Why Big Money Fences and Drones Aren't Making Us Safer)[BORDER INSECURITY][Hardcover]
Border Insecurity( Why Big Money Fences and Drones Aren't Making Us Safer) <> Hardcover <> SylviaLongmire <> PalgraveMacMillanTrade
Hardcover
First published April 22, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 4, 2014
Received this book as a giveaway.
An interesting look into several of the issues that are plaguing are border. There is no question that there are some issues that cover both the Canadian and Mexican border and this book details those issues. One of the good things about this book is that it give some specific solutions to our problems and they all seemed to be reasonable to me.
The book primarily focuses on the Mexican border as it seems to be the place that we have had and continue to have the majority of our issues. One of the biggest problems is the Mexican government not being willing to work with us like we'd want. With the cartels in Mexico, it's hard to really blame them too much though - they'd probably be assassinated fairly quickly.
Overall, an interesting read and hopefully some of the suggestions here are put into place.
An interesting look into several of the issues that are plaguing are border. There is no question that there are some issues that cover both the Canadian and Mexican border and this book details those issues. One of the good things about this book is that it give some specific solutions to our problems and they all seemed to be reasonable to me.
The book primarily focuses on the Mexican border as it seems to be the place that we have had and continue to have the majority of our issues. One of the biggest problems is the Mexican government not being willing to work with us like we'd want. With the cartels in Mexico, it's hard to really blame them too much though - they'd probably be assassinated fairly quickly.
Overall, an interesting read and hopefully some of the suggestions here are put into place.
December 17, 2014
I read this book with the perspective of a compliance professional, with limited knowledge about border security. I've heard the background noise of politicians arguing about fences and immigration reform.
What do compliance and border security have in common? More than you might initially think. Try reading Sylvia Longmire's Border Insecurity . Some of the issues with border security will resonate with compliance professionals. (Hopefully, you do not have to deal with illegal immigration, human trafficking, terrorism and drug smuggling as the compliance issues at your company.)
One common problem is how you define success.
If there is a rise in the number of successful drug stops. Two things could be happening. You could have a better rate of catching traffickers. Instead of finding 50% of the drug crossings, you are now finding 75%. Or there are more drug crossings and your success rate has stayed the same. It's almost impossible to figure out.
The same is true with compliance. If there is a rise in the number of calls to the hotline, is it because more people are reporting, or because there are more incidents?
If the border were completely secure, there would be no apprehensions beyond the border and there would be 100% success in preventing illegal drugs from crossing border. Of course the border cannot be completely secure. Even if the entire length was double fenced, illegal crossing could go under the fences through tunnels, or over the fences with aircraft or catapults. (Yes, they really catapult drug packages over the fence.)
Compliance can't prevent bad things from happening. It can discourage the activity and it can try to detect the activity. Bad people will do bad things and try to get around the controls that prevent them.
There is ethics sprinkled in the book. Few doubt that the prevention of drug smuggling and criminals from crossing the border are very important elements of border security. Economic immigrants are a more nuanced discussion and Longmire does a great job discussing both sides. There is the humanitarian side and the economic side. Longmire's approach is that it is a distraction. The limited border defense resources should be focused on the very bad things: drugs, criminals, and terrorists.
I found this book to be much better than Longmire's first book Cartel . That book read like a collection of blog posts pasted together into a book. I received both books from the publisher with the expectation of a review.
What do compliance and border security have in common? More than you might initially think. Try reading Sylvia Longmire's Border Insecurity . Some of the issues with border security will resonate with compliance professionals. (Hopefully, you do not have to deal with illegal immigration, human trafficking, terrorism and drug smuggling as the compliance issues at your company.)
One common problem is how you define success.
If there is a rise in the number of successful drug stops. Two things could be happening. You could have a better rate of catching traffickers. Instead of finding 50% of the drug crossings, you are now finding 75%. Or there are more drug crossings and your success rate has stayed the same. It's almost impossible to figure out.
The same is true with compliance. If there is a rise in the number of calls to the hotline, is it because more people are reporting, or because there are more incidents?
If the border were completely secure, there would be no apprehensions beyond the border and there would be 100% success in preventing illegal drugs from crossing border. Of course the border cannot be completely secure. Even if the entire length was double fenced, illegal crossing could go under the fences through tunnels, or over the fences with aircraft or catapults. (Yes, they really catapult drug packages over the fence.)
Compliance can't prevent bad things from happening. It can discourage the activity and it can try to detect the activity. Bad people will do bad things and try to get around the controls that prevent them.
There is ethics sprinkled in the book. Few doubt that the prevention of drug smuggling and criminals from crossing the border are very important elements of border security. Economic immigrants are a more nuanced discussion and Longmire does a great job discussing both sides. There is the humanitarian side and the economic side. Longmire's approach is that it is a distraction. The limited border defense resources should be focused on the very bad things: drugs, criminals, and terrorists.
I found this book to be much better than Longmire's first book Cartel . That book read like a collection of blog posts pasted together into a book. I received both books from the publisher with the expectation of a review.
May 10, 2014
I'd like to thank First Reads for the book. Sylvia Longmire has done her research. This book is written for the average Joe and Jane. She tells the good, bad and ugly about our border security. I have a much clearer idea of what border security is and isn't. The illegal immigration, human trafficking, terrorism and drug smuggling problems are huge. I had read about violence on our south border for years, but didn't know how these issues affected the people living there. I think everyone in the House and Senate should read this book........but they'd have to pass a bill to see what's in it. That probably explains why some projects to secure our border aren't working. Sylvia also compares the US/Canada and US/Mexico border's drug and terrorist threats. This book held my interest from cover to cover. When I was done I had to go to her blog and read more. http://www.mexicosdrugwar.com/
February 27, 2019
Ah...the neverending attempt at getting "the facts, ma'am, just the facts".
This book makes what appears to be an objective assessment of available facts.
And the facts appear to be:
1) Money, money, money...there is a ton of money to be made via illegal drugs. Money for the cartels, money for cash-starved Mexicans, money for defense contractors, and, unfortunately, money for some percentage of border patrol agents, etc.
2) A secondary, but important immigration driver, is the thousands of South and Central Americans who are seeking a safer, financially sustainable life outside their original homes.
3) The US immigration policy is a mess. Unfortunately, I have not found a clear explanation as to why our Congress has failed so miserably to craft a meaningful policy.
4) There is the old dictum: you cannot solve a problem until you can somehow measure it. Ms. Longmire points out the significant challenges in getting accurate numbers and explaining how those numbers are impacted by changes in tactics.
Ms. Longmire does a solid job mapping out the main drivers for this mess...and the book was published in 2014 (it is now 2019). 5 years later...and the confusion seems to be worse. Perhaps those in positions to do something about the problem should start with this book.
This book makes what appears to be an objective assessment of available facts.
And the facts appear to be:
1) Money, money, money...there is a ton of money to be made via illegal drugs. Money for the cartels, money for cash-starved Mexicans, money for defense contractors, and, unfortunately, money for some percentage of border patrol agents, etc.
2) A secondary, but important immigration driver, is the thousands of South and Central Americans who are seeking a safer, financially sustainable life outside their original homes.
3) The US immigration policy is a mess. Unfortunately, I have not found a clear explanation as to why our Congress has failed so miserably to craft a meaningful policy.
4) There is the old dictum: you cannot solve a problem until you can somehow measure it. Ms. Longmire points out the significant challenges in getting accurate numbers and explaining how those numbers are impacted by changes in tactics.
Ms. Longmire does a solid job mapping out the main drivers for this mess...and the book was published in 2014 (it is now 2019). 5 years later...and the confusion seems to be worse. Perhaps those in positions to do something about the problem should start with this book.
May 7, 2017
This is an unbiased, non-partisan read on border security. The author does an amazing job of synthesizing extensive research and many different viewpoints to create what feels like common-sense reform suggestions. (This is a difficult feat in our highly divisive political climate.) I highly recommend this book for those who are interested in bipartisan immigration reform.
I didn't give this book 5 stars because of the chapter on vigilantes where she attempts to present an unbiased account of white-supremacist, old, white guys who moved to the border to cause trouble. I firmly believe that this normalizes white supremacy. I'll also add that her anecdotal evidence sounds more like a legal document than a coherent narrative, which may repel some readers... (though I personally appreciated this.)
I didn't give this book 5 stars because of the chapter on vigilantes where she attempts to present an unbiased account of white-supremacist, old, white guys who moved to the border to cause trouble. I firmly believe that this normalizes white supremacy. I'll also add that her anecdotal evidence sounds more like a legal document than a coherent narrative, which may repel some readers... (though I personally appreciated this.)
August 7, 2014
If you watch the National news with any sort of regularity, you have probably noticed that there is much to be said about illegal immigration and our border security-primarily the Mexican Border. Since 9/11, border security has become a hot button issue and a highly contested political talking point during each election cycle. Border Insecurity: Why Big Money, Fences, And Drones Aren't Making Us Safer by Sylvia Longmire is a comprehensive, and well researched look at the many issues involved with the security of our borders with Mexico, and to some extent Canada.
This is not a breeze of a read, but is easy to follow and quite interesting. Sylvia Longmire has done her homework, offering the latest in Government and University statistics, as well as personal anecdotes from those who either work in border security, or are involved in the political leadership on both sides of the fence. I learned a lot from this book, because like many Americans I only knew what was fed to me via news outlets, or politicians who are not always forthcoming with the whole story. Within these pages I have found an explanation of the problems, and the many botched solutions that have been tried over decades.
For instance, the U.S./Mexican border encompasses over 2000 miles of terrain, and it was estimated to cost approximately $2 million per mile to build a fence from beginning to end as of 2008. In 2012 it was re-estimated at roughly $20 million per mile. This is just one of many signs of ineptitude that is brought to the surface; billions have been spent over the years for security measures that have been proven untenable, and of little help in our fight to secure our borders.
Border Insecurity goes deeper than just cost analysis and political intrigues involved with the issue. There are numerous stories of drug cartel violence, political corruption, drone technology, citizen's groups-both for and against immigration, as well as first-hand accounts of American land owners being treated unfairly, with issues such as Imminent Domain and government over-reach being investigated.
As we witness the issues of illegal immigration, drug trafficking and it's connected violence, and the wasting of billions of American tax dollars spent on a fool's errand, Border Insecurity by Sylvia Longmire offers anyone with an interest in this important issue a very well researched account of the history and processes involved with our border security issues. She lays out a meticulous accounting of all issues attached to America's struggle to offer its citizens not only security from foreign threats, but also a mechanism that will stem the tide of illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
In addition to the comprehensive information presented here, Longmire also throws her two cents into the discussion, and frankly, her ideas may be some of the better ideas offered in many years. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in domestic politics, homeland security, immigration issues, current events and history.
This is not a breeze of a read, but is easy to follow and quite interesting. Sylvia Longmire has done her homework, offering the latest in Government and University statistics, as well as personal anecdotes from those who either work in border security, or are involved in the political leadership on both sides of the fence. I learned a lot from this book, because like many Americans I only knew what was fed to me via news outlets, or politicians who are not always forthcoming with the whole story. Within these pages I have found an explanation of the problems, and the many botched solutions that have been tried over decades.
For instance, the U.S./Mexican border encompasses over 2000 miles of terrain, and it was estimated to cost approximately $2 million per mile to build a fence from beginning to end as of 2008. In 2012 it was re-estimated at roughly $20 million per mile. This is just one of many signs of ineptitude that is brought to the surface; billions have been spent over the years for security measures that have been proven untenable, and of little help in our fight to secure our borders.
Border Insecurity goes deeper than just cost analysis and political intrigues involved with the issue. There are numerous stories of drug cartel violence, political corruption, drone technology, citizen's groups-both for and against immigration, as well as first-hand accounts of American land owners being treated unfairly, with issues such as Imminent Domain and government over-reach being investigated.
As we witness the issues of illegal immigration, drug trafficking and it's connected violence, and the wasting of billions of American tax dollars spent on a fool's errand, Border Insecurity by Sylvia Longmire offers anyone with an interest in this important issue a very well researched account of the history and processes involved with our border security issues. She lays out a meticulous accounting of all issues attached to America's struggle to offer its citizens not only security from foreign threats, but also a mechanism that will stem the tide of illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
In addition to the comprehensive information presented here, Longmire also throws her two cents into the discussion, and frankly, her ideas may be some of the better ideas offered in many years. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in domestic politics, homeland security, immigration issues, current events and history.
April 29, 2014
Before I review this book, I must disclose that I received an ARC copy through the Giveaways. Thank you to all that made that possible!
Border Insecurity is, without a doubt, a very well-researched book. Ms. Longmire has put a great deal of time and effort into checking her facts and citing them perfectly. When you are dealing with such a controversial issue as how to keep the border safe, it helps to have your ducks in a row, for it is just a matter of time before someone else comes along and claims everything that's been written is incorrect.
This mountainous amount of information she has gathered about the problems with our borders, (both North and South), make her case that what has been done to secure our borders, to this point, has been a complete failure.
I think many of us agree that we know this, but Ms. Longmire does give some interesting background that isn't well known. I can definitely say I walked away knowing more than I did about our border problems than before I read the book.
For those of you who may be thinking the book is overly full of technical jargon and mind-numbing facts and figures, don't worry. The book is really a rather easy read given the subject matter being discussed.
I did have a few difficulties with the book. There were times where Ms. Longmire would be relating information in an impartial third person account, and with one or two sentences, she would input her opinion on the subject, then resume the third person writing. It was just a little out off place, I'm not sure if I'm describing it well, but it was disconcerting.
When I finished the book, I realized that, while I enjoyed it, it didn't really stir much emotion inside of me. I think the sheer amount of information that was given was deadening.
I think that losing the emotional side of an issue is a danger for any writer who takes on a challenge to write about a political issue. After all, you want your readers to connect with your cause and feel your passion for it. I didn't feel it with this book, but I did gain some valuable knowledge on the issues surrounding our borders.
Border Insecurity is, without a doubt, a very well-researched book. Ms. Longmire has put a great deal of time and effort into checking her facts and citing them perfectly. When you are dealing with such a controversial issue as how to keep the border safe, it helps to have your ducks in a row, for it is just a matter of time before someone else comes along and claims everything that's been written is incorrect.
This mountainous amount of information she has gathered about the problems with our borders, (both North and South), make her case that what has been done to secure our borders, to this point, has been a complete failure.
I think many of us agree that we know this, but Ms. Longmire does give some interesting background that isn't well known. I can definitely say I walked away knowing more than I did about our border problems than before I read the book.
For those of you who may be thinking the book is overly full of technical jargon and mind-numbing facts and figures, don't worry. The book is really a rather easy read given the subject matter being discussed.
I did have a few difficulties with the book. There were times where Ms. Longmire would be relating information in an impartial third person account, and with one or two sentences, she would input her opinion on the subject, then resume the third person writing. It was just a little out off place, I'm not sure if I'm describing it well, but it was disconcerting.
When I finished the book, I realized that, while I enjoyed it, it didn't really stir much emotion inside of me. I think the sheer amount of information that was given was deadening.
I think that losing the emotional side of an issue is a danger for any writer who takes on a challenge to write about a political issue. After all, you want your readers to connect with your cause and feel your passion for it. I didn't feel it with this book, but I did gain some valuable knowledge on the issues surrounding our borders.
July 21, 2014
I won this book from Goodreads.
"Mere immigrants" are NOT our enemies. There are at least 3 bigger (reviewer's opinion) border problems; drugs, terrorists, and our international enemies. Although much of the book covers Mexican attempts to cross over, I got focused on those 3.
We have 5500 miles of border with Canada, 2000 with Mexico - & then all of the US shoreline. Panga boats? What are they? Apparently they can float in 3 INCHES of water! I was aware of the drug tunnels, but drug submarines?!
The author took a very thorough look in all directions. This was a monumental task and makes an excellent reference book.
Here's one example: 2012, a government estimate for maintenance of the existing 690 miles of fence was $20 million per MILE to keep it at its current working level for 20 years.
What about those other 1300 miles? The book also mentions why building new fencing costs vary greatly per mile: Private vs public land? Vehicle or foot traffic? Difference of terrain? Private contractors or government hires?
Many subjects are covered here, not just the few I've mentioned.
If you live in the United States, read it. Discuss it. Our 'border insecurity' isn't going to go away.
"Mere immigrants" are NOT our enemies. There are at least 3 bigger (reviewer's opinion) border problems; drugs, terrorists, and our international enemies. Although much of the book covers Mexican attempts to cross over, I got focused on those 3.
We have 5500 miles of border with Canada, 2000 with Mexico - & then all of the US shoreline. Panga boats? What are they? Apparently they can float in 3 INCHES of water! I was aware of the drug tunnels, but drug submarines?!
The author took a very thorough look in all directions. This was a monumental task and makes an excellent reference book.
Here's one example: 2012, a government estimate for maintenance of the existing 690 miles of fence was $20 million per MILE to keep it at its current working level for 20 years.
What about those other 1300 miles? The book also mentions why building new fencing costs vary greatly per mile: Private vs public land? Vehicle or foot traffic? Difference of terrain? Private contractors or government hires?
Many subjects are covered here, not just the few I've mentioned.
If you live in the United States, read it. Discuss it. Our 'border insecurity' isn't going to go away.
May 15, 2014
Thanks for giving me an advance copy as part of Goodreads giveaways.
Longmire comes to this book with plenty of expertise to address the topic. When I finished the book - I felt like I learned a tremendous amount about the challenges of securing our borders (both north & south). Frankly I had never given much thought to the topic beyond thinking that the cries for a fence from sea to shining sea was not the answer.
She explains clearly the many facets of the problems of border insecurity from the problems of fencing the southern border, property rights of border residents and money laundering to the lack of accountability and grant management. We're wasting 10's of millions of dollar through inadequate oversight of grants awarded. Oh and then she turns her attention to the northern border - enormous amounts of drugs are coming through our border with Canada daily.
I highly recommend this to everyone who pays taxes. Read it and email your congress persons and senators.
Longmire comes to this book with plenty of expertise to address the topic. When I finished the book - I felt like I learned a tremendous amount about the challenges of securing our borders (both north & south). Frankly I had never given much thought to the topic beyond thinking that the cries for a fence from sea to shining sea was not the answer.
She explains clearly the many facets of the problems of border insecurity from the problems of fencing the southern border, property rights of border residents and money laundering to the lack of accountability and grant management. We're wasting 10's of millions of dollar through inadequate oversight of grants awarded. Oh and then she turns her attention to the northern border - enormous amounts of drugs are coming through our border with Canada daily.
I highly recommend this to everyone who pays taxes. Read it and email your congress persons and senators.
August 26, 2014
Border Insecurity: Why Big Money, Fences and Drones Aren't Making Us Safer by Sylvia Longmire
This is the best book I have read about border issues. As a former Air Force officer and special agent, Longmire is in an excellent position to elucidate the various factors that must be addressed if we are to have any success, regardless of how you define that success. The most important thing she does is to separate out security concerns from immigration issues. Once that is done, the problems, objectives, and solutions become easier to determine. For example, she state that the U.S. Border patrol is suited to handle security problems, but not immigration problems. That alone was worth the read for me. This is a very interesting and readable book on what can seem to be a complicated issue. I highly recommend it for anyone with even the slightest interest in border control.
I received this book through the Library Thing early reviewers program.
This is the best book I have read about border issues. As a former Air Force officer and special agent, Longmire is in an excellent position to elucidate the various factors that must be addressed if we are to have any success, regardless of how you define that success. The most important thing she does is to separate out security concerns from immigration issues. Once that is done, the problems, objectives, and solutions become easier to determine. For example, she state that the U.S. Border patrol is suited to handle security problems, but not immigration problems. That alone was worth the read for me. This is a very interesting and readable book on what can seem to be a complicated issue. I highly recommend it for anyone with even the slightest interest in border control.
I received this book through the Library Thing early reviewers program.
May 12, 2014
Border Insecurity: Why Big Money, Fences and Drones Aren't Making Us Safer by Sylvia Longmire, is a text book of what is going on with our country's borders. Sylvia Longmire does with this book what she did with her earlier book, CARTEL, she educates the reader with a topic that needs more attention, not only from the American people, but government and the world. In this book, the author brings the reader into the lives of the people that protect our borders and those people that live there, on both sides. I highly recommend this book and the author's other book, CARTEL to anyone that wants to know more about our borders and without a biased to any political party. Enlightening, educating and entreating.
Beau Smith
The Flying Fist Ranch
Beau Smith
The Flying Fist Ranch
May 14, 2014
Border Insecurity by Sylvia Longmire is excellent. Not only is it easy to read, thoroughly researched and documented, it is published at the opportune time to have an impact on the current discussion that’s needed to make the critical decisions required to actually secure our Borders. Ms Longmire correctly points out that it is impossible to make those decisions until our politicians can agree upon a definition of “border security.” This book is a non political must read for anyone interested in not only understanding the reality of life on our borders, but also the seemingly impossible task of border security. Border Insecurity is already the standard reference on the subject, and at the same time an enjoyable read.
July 26, 2014
What a difficult topic! AND it is changing everyday.
Longmire does best at not taking sides on what has become a political hot button issue and one that is filled with misinformation and political manipulation.
She selects key topics about boarder security, presents the history of the topic and the difficulties the United States currently faces in addressing this topic. Topics include, fencing, violence, technology, migration, and the US/Canadian border.
For one who would like more than an introduction to the history that has led to the current crisis that is informed and not written to push a political ideology, this is book is a great place to start.
Longmire does best at not taking sides on what has become a political hot button issue and one that is filled with misinformation and political manipulation.
She selects key topics about boarder security, presents the history of the topic and the difficulties the United States currently faces in addressing this topic. Topics include, fencing, violence, technology, migration, and the US/Canadian border.
For one who would like more than an introduction to the history that has led to the current crisis that is informed and not written to push a political ideology, this is book is a great place to start.
May 26, 2015
I got about 3/4 of the way through. It needed better editing, but did contain lots of relevant information and analysis. I appreciate that she attempted to present different perspectives fairly and with compassion. I say attempted because, although one book-jacket commenter claimed that the book was entirely without bias, it was clear to me that the author, who has a military background and who works as a consultant, has a law enforcement bias that created certain blind spots within a bigger picture of shalom.
June 11, 2016
I received a copy of this book from the LibraryThing Early Review program.
Like several other reviewers, I expected a more biased viewpoint about immigration but the author does a good job of describing several issues with the border including the fence, Mexican drug cartel violence, drones, the northern border with Canada and the huge amount of money spent on all of these things. She asks great questions: what are we getting for all of that money? What are the goals of border security? Well researched and well written book about border issues in general.
Like several other reviewers, I expected a more biased viewpoint about immigration but the author does a good job of describing several issues with the border including the fence, Mexican drug cartel violence, drones, the northern border with Canada and the huge amount of money spent on all of these things. She asks great questions: what are we getting for all of that money? What are the goals of border security? Well researched and well written book about border issues in general.
November 13, 2014
We'll thought out review of our border problems
September 3, 2015
Informative and as apolitical a presentation on the topic as I think is possible.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews