I don't know if the major networks have tackled this one much but the Washington Post had a piece on it April 2, as well as the Chicago Tribune and Britain's Independent—maybe we do still need newspapers after all.
Anyway, according to the W. Post's piece more than 20 environmental laws are being waived to finish up the last 470 odd miles of this monstrosity by the end of 2008. Mr. Homeland Security, Michael "Skeletor" Chertoff said that they had no choice but to bypass the "standard environmental reviews."
"Criminal activity at the border does not stop for endless debate or protracted litigation," said Chertoff. Gosh Beav, really? Well then, sure, don't let a silly thing like a rule or law get in your way then. Just do what you want, that is what this administration has always done.
The land that this section of the fence will cut through includes areas of the Colorado River, the Peloncillo Mountians, as well as many national parks, wildlife refuges and other wilderness areas. Hasta la vista jack rabbits!
Meanwhile, two environmental groups—Sierra Club and Defenders of Wildlife—have asked the Supreme Court to review the constitutionality of the administration's waiver. Not that I would hold my breath about Thomas, Scalia and the boys deciding that plants and animals are good anytime soon.
