Thursday, August 28, 2008

Mexico-U.S. Border Fence

Dear class:

Below is a section of the Department of Homeland Security's webpage about the border fence. Below it, you will find the poem written on the Statue of Liberty. Comment on your thoughts upon reading the two quotations:

Southwest Border Fence

As part of our southwest border security strategy, the Department is committed to completing a total of 670 miles of pedestrian and vehicle fence along the Southwest border by the end of 2008.
Miles of Fencing

Fence completed as of August 13, 2008:

* 184.2 miles of pedestrian fence
* 153.8 miles of vehicle fence

Proposed fence to be completed by December 31, 2008:

* 370 miles of pedestrian fence
* 300 miles of vehicle fence

Vehicle and pedestrian fencing are not the only methods used to secure our southwest border. Natural geographic barriers and technological solutions can also be effective deterrents to illegal entry.


STATUE OF LIBERTY POEM: "THE NEW COLOSSUS" by Emma Lazarus

“"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!"” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Monday, August 18, 2008

World Literature Fall 08

We will respond to comments and ideas on this blog.--KPR