Securing the Texas Mexico Border Through Reforestation and Agritourism

Securing the Texas Mexico Border
Through Reforestation and Agritourism
by
Craig Michael Crawford

I do not claim to be an expert on Texas and it's current economic and social problems. I do however firmly believe that the answers to all these far reaching problems lies within the people who live and work in Texas and Mexico. We were born a nation of states committed to our states rights to govern their citizens. We have known since the birth of our nation that the people who care most about the health, welfare and quality of the lives of it's citizens are the states in which they reside. We know that the successes and failures of individuals or individual states, will indeed be realized by their immediate neighbors. Our current form of government limits states rights in enforcing the laws which they are allowed to create for themselves. We are currently seeing this in Arizona everyday. No state is more motivated right now to change the way they govern their own state. This country is calling out for innovative leadership, willing to take bold progressive steps to ensure the future of our once great country. I know these statesmen exist just as they always have here in America. Texas has always been and can continue to be a leader in economic growth, states rights, social reform, and patriotism. With these known attributes I am confident that Texas will formulate a smart plan to secure their border and provide an example of how hard working, honest , entrepreneurial individuals can change the state of Texas back into a leader in all aspects of American life as it has once been.

This is just an idea for a smart plan for Texas to rebuild itself, Mexico, and the central US one homestead at a time. Like I said before my focus is on myself and California. Anyone willing to use it is free to do so:

The unique geography of the Texas/Mexico border provides the perfect solution for the enforcement of border security, and opportunity for development and growth along the border areas. The Rio Grande river runs along the entire southern border. This provides the necessary transportation device for goods as well as an easily secured boundary line between our 2 countries. The same type of border wall mentioned earlier could quickly and easily be constructed in a manner that takes into account the uniqueness of this particular border area. There are many concerns along the lines of environmental impact to land/wildlife and flow of goods and labor across coutry lines. The Texas/Mexico border is also designed to be completely porous. That is because the goods and services as well as labor have been shared resources between Mexico and Texas. Unfortunately short sighted legislation and flimsy enforcement of said legislation, regarding immigration and drug laws, coupled with the usurpation of the Mexican people by our American government, American companies and American people has created the economic situation Texas and Mexico now find themselves in. Mexico's per capita income and living conditions especially in the border areas are near third world counditions. The state of Texas and it's people are guilty of using Mexico to get rich quick a million times over. It is time for strong forward thinking Texas individuals to stand up, remember the Texas that they loved, admit their wrong doings, and rectify their problems with thoughtful solutions one at a time, that can be beneficial to Texas, Mexico, the environment, and the world economy. Texas is full of big dreamers and strong fighters. They can create their own path to economic recovery, and with them the nations of the world will follow.

My plan for the border would include a similar wall and similar homesteads as mentioned in my previous essay “My American Story Pt. 1”. This wall however will be placed 100 yards back from the bank of the Rio Grande on both sides of the Border. This will allow for 200 total yards plus the width of the river separating Texas and Mexico. The 100 yards on each side can be planted with various pine/fir trees that are currently grown in large numbers by members Texas Christmas Tree farmers association. On the state sides of the walls the homesteaders can choose if they wish to continue in the work of the Christmas Tree Farmers and continue to farm Christmas tree crops, and eventually be able to spread these profitable self sustaining forests across what was once the great plains of the central U.S. And possibly the entire northern border. Along with the numerous positive environmental affects, wholesale sales of Christmas trees as well as potential retail sales for smaller more profitable agritourism based Christmas tree farm sales could drive Texas tourist revenues to unheard of levels. This would provide a perfect opportunity to continue the hard work now completed by the four pivotal southern states in securing our entire southern border through sound social and economic development with the interests of the individuals and their communities as the focus for all development.

Potential investors/supporters for the redevelopment of Texas through reforestation and agritourism would be one of the smartest, most recognizable and patriotic companies in America and one of the most recognizable and thoughtful artists in Country music. The artist I am referring to is Taylor Swift, who grew up on a Christmas tree farm, is an emerging social leader as well as proud supporter of America and it's values. She is personally an inspiration for my two little girls and I would be proud to have her represent this cause. The company I was referring to already retails Christmas trees bought on the wholesale market by the millions every year and would only be able to expand their own market share in this billions of dollars a year business. Being behind this cause would propel the WalMart corporation as the retail chain store leader in America and the world. Growth of this magnitude may not have even thought possible by Sam Walton himself (but it probably was). He like many men of his generation understood the value of paying his workers proper wages and treating them they way valued members of their communities deserve to be treated. He also echoes my sentiments that strong leaders create strong communities, and honest, hard work will always create success, and drive progress. He would not cheat his employees, or try to pull the wool over their eyes. WalMart is now, always has been, and probably always will be a strong example of how businesses should operate to ensure the strength of their companies are rooted in the strength of their employees and communities. I would be proud to have WalMart become a leader for this cause of rebuilding America one homestead at a time.

I was saving this idea for my father, who has transformed his own appearance to match the spirit of his heart, and now looks like Santa Claus all year round. He performs as Santa during the holiday season to supplement his teacher salary, and loves every wonderful minute of it. He was the inspiration for a large portion of this plan, but feel free to run with it.....he will understand.

P.S. I used the figure on 100 yard treeline beacuse the Department of Homeland "Security" has aquired the right to utilize land along all border lines and 100 yards to the American side of those borders in what ever way they see fit. Regardless of environmental or local land protection laws which exist. this is their mission statement taken from the DHS website:

"II. Vision
A secure America, a confident public, and a strong and resilient society and economy.
III. Mission
We will lead the unified national effort to secure America. We will prevent and deter terrorist attacks and protect against and respond to threats and hazards to the Nation. We will secure our national borders while welcoming lawful immigrants, visitors, and trade."

DHS you are not doing your job properly and you are costing every taxpayer millions of dollars every day to not enforce the will of the people. We no longer need departments of the federal government controlling the most important aspects of each individual states safety, security, and overall well being.