President Trump wants a border wall — a symbolic monument to xenophobia and hate. Top Democrats have repeatedly advocated for a “smart wall” or “technological wall” as an alternative to a physical barrier at the southern border. As of Monday night, negotiators say they have reached an “agreement in principle” on border security funding. Spending more money on these existing surveillance programs will only increase their scope and their capacity for harm. By pushing for expanded surveillance as an “alternative” to a literal barrier, Democrats have caved to the president’s worst impulses.

Source: Washington Post February 13, 2019 20:44 UTC