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!"
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Everything has its limits, but even though Emma Lazarus’ poem on the Statue of Liberty may not be in harmony with the politics and economics of today’s America, it still has historical and literary value. The two excerpts in this blog were written nearly 100 years apart and reflect opposing viewpoints. I can’t help but wonder what America’s viewpoint on immigration will be in another 100 years. They say history repeats itself or goes in cycles. I wonder if technology can somehow help America to accommodate a lot more people in the future so that she can again invite the huddled masses to find a new home on her shores.
I think the two excerpts or opposite to each other because they both have different views on immigration. The excerpt about the border fence is clearly stating that this country doesn't want any immigrants coming in at all and the border patrol will do anything to keep them out. As for the poems, to me, it is saying that all are welcome to come in and be free and have all of the liberties of the land.
Post a Comment