United States-Mexico Border Fence

I would like to remind my opponent that the previous round (round two) was ONLY for main arguments. His rebuttals should have been in this round. He should have the “conduct” points taken away from him in the votes due to him not following the debate structure I implemented. I would also like to apologize that the last MLA citation did not work properly. I do not know what happened and why. Rebuttals & Arguments Continued I have plenty of rebuttals. My opponent’s points are largely valid, but it is the question of how you interpret the facts that really matters in this debate. First of all, the border fence should not be there for the reasons I have already stated and I will continue to strengthen my stance by supporting the arguments I have already made and making new arguments. I can rebut your points. I will do so now. You said that “[you] believe that we should keep the United States-Mexico border because of the crime in Mexico that it can potentially keep out. ” First of all, for the reasons I have stated in my previous argument, we should not keep the fence. Secondly, I have a new point I am going to make: Is a pathetic fence going to stop the drug cartels and illegal immigrants? I say no. A fence - as I have defined in my opening statements - is “usually made of posts and wire or wood”. Below is an image of the United States-Mexico border fence. Now tell me a drug cartel cannot get through this fence. Also, drug cartels aren’t the only issue. People who try to leave Mexico and the crime it has wish to immigrate to the United States to start a new life. This debate isn’t only about the border fence. It is also about immigration reform. You said in your opening statement in round one that “we should not assist illegal immigrants because all are criminals since they have illegally come here. ” Logically speaking, this is accurate. However, I don’t think you realize why they wish to immigrate. They wish to leave a country filled with crime, drugs, and violence. Can’t we grant them citizenship? Can’t we stop deporting them back to their home nation, one of darkness? Think about it. Your first argument states: “I believe that we should keep the United States-Mexico border fence because of the money already invested on it. Since we have invested so much money, it is useless to spend more money and not get rid of it. My opponent is not looking at the price tag on his proposals. Just to build the border fence, it has already cost us $2.4 billion! (1) If we take it down, I assume it will cost millions more for the work force to tear it down plus the high tech equipment. Another price tag that he is not looking at is the security system he has proposed. This would cost billions of more dollars, all from the government out of our, the taxpayers, pockets! Therefore, the United States-Mexico border should not be built because it will financially impact the United States more than it already has. ” We have the money. We are the richest nation in the world. We have a GDP of about 17 trillion dollars. However, we need to reduce spending in certain areas, increase spending in other areas, balance the budget, reduce the deficit, and manage our finances correctly. We have the money, but we just need to manage it properly. Your second argument states: “I believe that we should keep the United States-Mexico border because of the crime in Mexico that it can potentially keep out. In 2012 in the country of Mexico, there were 102,085 homicides in total. (2) Also, in Mexico, in the year of 2011, there were 12,358 drug-related murders in Mexico. (3) Do we want all of these criminals and crimes in our country in addition to the crime rates of the Untied States? I'd say no. ” We cannot ignore the crime that has occurred in Mexico. However, I don’t believe you understand that a fence won’t do anything. We need gun control, immigration reform, and above all, diplomacy. A fence may slow a drug cartel, but it won’t stop it. Even with the fence, cartels have already invaded Texas and other bordering states. In Texas, for example, arrests have been made that are linked to the drug cartels in Mexico. A fence won’t do anything. I hope you realize this. Look at the image above. Two nations you see, separated by a pathetic fence. Does this look beautiful to you? Behind that fence, violent crimes occur. Logically speaking, when we tear the fence down, the cartels will invade us. But no, with immigration reform and gun control, the issues will be resolved. With diplomacy and courage, the problem will be no more. Look at this beautiful flag; the banner of red, white, and blue. We are the country of liberty and justice for all, forged upon the principles of egalitarianism, diplomacy, and harmony. Don’t you think we have an obligation to our ideals? Don't you think we should pass immigration reform and properly deal with the drug cartels? I say we should. We have an obligation to ensure that this world remains peaceful. We aren't doing enough. Let's start now. I support the movement. Do you? MLA Citations "37 Arrested in Austin after Months-long Drug Cartel Investigation. " KVUE Kvue. com. Web. 26 Mar. 2014. <. http://www.kvue.com...;. "Police: Central Texas Busts Have Ties to Zetas Drug Cartel. " KVUE Kvue. com. Web. 26 Mar. 2014. <. http://www.kvue.com...;. "The New Global Economy. "CNNMoney. Cable News Network. Web. 24 Mar. 2014. <. http://money.cnn.com...;.