In Silence Sunday

As I am breaking the week up into a set schedule for my posts

and delineated what topics I will cover or what I want to show

that I've been cooking, I thought it was essential that I designate

a day for the discussion of the plight of non-human animals and

the degradation of or planet. Since Sunday is usually a day off for

me and comes as a holy day for many, I thought it was natural

that I choose this day to open to you all issues that come up

in my week that I feel are particularly pertinent and I can set

a space of time to honor the non-human animal that suffer at the

hand of their fellow earthlings. It is important that we honor who

we fight for and we remain grounded remembering that we're

not alone. In a way, it is honouring the fallen and rediscovering

our passion for life.

Today I came home from a class debate meeting slightly disappointed

in our not covering an angle that I feel is very important.

Our debate is on the effect of illegal immigrant on the economic

and social well-being of the US. It is unfortunate that this narrowed

thesis doesn't seem to allow for a discussion of environmental

well being. Yet, we must acknowledge that without long-lasting

environmental sustainability, you will not have economic

or social well-being. The degradation of our land will not support

the perseverance of any species-- thats the bottom line.

So here is the issue that I was hoping we would be able to outline.

The traffic and discarding of waste by illegal immigrants traveling

up through the US-Mexican border is destroying Southwestern parks,

wildlife refuges, and natural habitats.

The increase in border control near by urban areas has pushed illegal

immigrants into environmentally fragile areas. It would only take

some forethought to protect these areas, as well as their borders.

The main areas that are being affected are the Organ Pipe Cactus

National Monument and the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge,

which span more than a million acres of natural desert wilderness and

house beautiful creatures such as the Sonoran pronghorn, jaguar,

desert bighorn sheep, Gila Monsters, tropical kingbirds, and desert

tortoise-- and damage inflicted on these areas and these species could

take decades to repair.

In July of 2009 video footage from hidden cameras was put out

showing hundreds of immigrants carving trails though sensitive lands,

leaving behind piles of trash, human waste, clothing, drugs, CARS (!),

and evidence of fires. These roads are destroying vegetarian, wildlife

habitat and force migratory animals to retreat. These immigrants

draw the attention of Border Patrol helicopters that can disturb wildlife

as well as off roading vehicles that damage sensitive regions. The

trash left behind can poison the soil and water, as well as affect natural

erosion.

And what is the response to stop illegal immigrants tromping through

these precious wildness areas? Building huge fences and watch towers

across the borders. These fences are just as destructive to animal habitat

and wildlife patterns. This could be avoided by more innovative designs

for construction projects or more intelligent surveillance equipment

to improve security and reduce the need for fences, since all the fences

do is harm the animals-- they don't impede people. Partnerships could

be struck between environmental conservation groups and government

agencies to work together to protect these desert forests.

Now it has become a war in the government with opponents arguing

that once again environmentalists are impeding the progress of national

security. I read somewhere that there has at least been a decrease

in vehicles used by border control-- replaced by agents on horseback

in attempts to protect the natural wilderness.

If you watch the video (Created by a right wing group surprisingly),

you will be shocked by the disgusting disregard these people have

for this ecosystem. Trash and debris litters the trails in heaps. They

discard their belongings on the last part of the trek before taking off

in packed vehicles, led by coyotes (human traffickers).

Animals are shown frequenting these areas. As a hiker that religiously

abides the ultimate rule (leave only footprints), it makes me sick.

I'm not sure that I have a specific solution, but spreading the knowledge

is more important. Read more become aware.

And always write to your political representatives to make your views

and concerns known, even if they don't always read these things

what do you have to loose? A few minutes?

http://www.life.com/image/57203830

http://www.californiachronicle.com/articles/view/5378

http://www.defenders.org/newsroom/press_releases_folder/2006/02_01_2006_report_details_environmental_damage_from_illegal_immigration_and_border_enforcement_activities.php

http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/nov/16/national-park-service-putting-holes-in-border-secu/