BORDER SECURITY

We Applaud Perry's Efforts to Stabilize Our Borders, We Just Wonder
What Took So Long

Regardless of whether it was a political move designed to bolster his
support, Gov. Rick Perry's decision last week to send teams of Texas
Rangers to problem areas on the Texas border in attempt to quell
drug-related violence was the correct one. The only problem is, it's a
little late.

Perry ordered special Ranger "recon" teams to the border. Perry
described their role as one to "fill the gap that's been left by the
federal government's ongoing failure to adequately secure our
international border with Mexico." The move could have been
precipitated by a recent mass execution in Juarez, across the border
from El Paso, but drug-related violence along the border has been a
problem for several years.

Rangers will work the entire border, coordinating with local law
enforcement and the U.S. Border Patrol, including rural areas where
smugglers have little or no trouble crossing. Perry has repeatedly
asked the Department of Homeland Security for 1,000 additional
National Guard troops to help provide border security but the
logistics of the deployment, including who will foot the bill for the
troops, has delayed action.

Perry said the cost of the Ranger program, about $110 million, will be
picked up by the state under funds authorized by the Legislature
during the past two sessions.

That's where the timing question arises. If the money was available,
why wasn't this action taken four years ago? Drug-related violence and
smuggling operations certainly didn't wait for action from Washington.

We are glad Perry is taking steps towards stabilizing our borders;
it's about time more was done. We also offer our thoughts and prayers
for those Rangers and the personnel that will work with along our border.