“Not Mentally Fit”: Ramaswamy’s Competence in Question After Proposing U.S.-Canada Border Wall with Central America Footing the Bill

Gabriel RomanNov 14, 2023

Minute Read

In recent political debates, a new focus has emerged – border security. While discussions traditionally centered on the southern U.S. border, a fresh perspective is gaining momentum among tough-on-immigration Republicans. The proposal is to extend the concept of a border wall to the north, between the United States and Canada.

The Emerging Border Security Proposal

Republicans are now advocating for a wall along both the southern and northern U.S. borders. This proposal marks a significant shift in the traditional focus on the southern border with Mexico. The northern border, often overlooked in these discussions, is now at the forefront of a new security strategy.

Vivek Ramaswamy’s Bold Proposition

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Vivek Ramaswamy has been vocal in his support for this dual-wall strategy. In a compelling statement during a recent presidential debate, Ramaswamy declared, “Don’t just build the (southern) wall. Build both walls.” His stance shows a deep concern for security along the U.S.-Canada border. He believes there is a need for comprehensive border fortification.

Nikki Haley Echoes Security Concerns

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Adding to the chorus of voices on this issue is Nikki Haley. She echoed the sentiment for heightened border security in a debate, stressing the importance of strengthening both the southern and northern borders. Haley’s support represents a growing agreement in some political sectors on the need for more robust border defenses.

Ramaswamy’s Northern Border Visit

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During his visit to Colebrook, New Hampshire, Ramaswamy spoke candidly about the vulnerabilities of the U.S.-Canada border, describing it as “wide open.” His observations and concerns align with Governor Chris Sununu’s actions. He has significantly increased law enforcement along New Hampshire’s Canada-facing border in response to rising security issues.

Surging Border Crossings in the North

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2022 witnessed a substantial increase in unauthorized border crossings into states like New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York. The tally of nearly 6,000 incidents represents a sharp rise compared to the previous year. It suggests that there is proof of the growing concern about the security of the northern U.S. border.

Governor Sununu’s Stand

Reacting to the uptick in border crossings, Governor Sununu has actively mobilized state and local law enforcement to monitor the northern border. This decision reflects a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction with the federal government’s approach. They believe there is a need for more direct state intervention.

The Financial Blueprint for a Northern Wall

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Addressing the question of funding for the proposed northern wall, Ramaswamy suggested the U.S. should finance it directly. He claimed that additional indirect support would come through reallocating aid, particularly from Central American countries. This funding strategy, while interesting, raises questions about its practicality and implications.

Questioning Aid Reallocation

Ramaswamy’s suggestion to divert foreign aid to finance the border wall introduces a complex debate. The impact of such a reallocation, especially on Central American countries, is a point of disagreement. It has created many discussions about the ethics and feasibility of this approach.

Misconceptions About Border-Crossers

Data from Customs and Border Patrol challenges some common beliefs about the demographics of northern border-crossers. Contrary to popular opinion, Central Americans comprise a minor portion of these individuals. Less than 2% of recent apprehensions involve people from Central America.

Congressional Authority over Foreign Aid

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Any significant diversion of foreign aid, such as Ramaswamy’s proposal to fund border infrastructure, would require the approval of the U.S. Congress. This body holds the authority over aid allocation. This fact presents a potential obstacle to reallocating funds for border wall construction.

Estimating the Cost of a Northern Wall

Constructing a wall along the U.S.-Canada border presents a daunting financial challenge. Current estimates suggest that the cost could well exceed $110 billion, a figure that dwarfs the total U.S. foreign aid budget. This raises serious questions about the economic viability of such a large-scale project.

The Effectiveness of Militarizing Borders

The debate over militarizing borders, especially in the context of reducing illegal immigration, is ongoing and complex. This discussion becomes even more pressing when considering the practical and ethical implications of constructing a northern border wall. It appears there is no easy solution to this.

Ramaswamy’s Competence Questioned

Critics have been vocal about questioning Vivek Ramaswamy’s fitness for high office following his border wall proposal. One commenter said, “Ramaswamy, the fake candidate who is a Trump puppet, continues to prove he is not mentally fit to be on a stage, let alone anywhere near decision-making responsibilities.” Such remarks underline the skepticism and controversy surrounding his stance on border security.

Economic Concerns of the Proposed Wall

Critics highlight the immense costs of the wall proposal, with one commentator remarking, “A wall of that scale would cost 100s of billions of $$ and would make no sense at all.” This economic impracticality is a key factor fueling opposition to the plan. It shows the real concerns about the possibility of such a massive infrastructure project.

Nikki Haley’s Condemnation

Some users spoke about Nikki Haley’s strong disapproval of Ramaswamy’s proposal and supported them. One user said, “Nikki Haley was correct in calling him scum.” Haley’s critical stance mirrors broader concerns about the implications and rationale behind Ramaswamy’s border security proposals.

Confusion Over Central America’s Relevance

Some users were confused about Ramaswamy’s attempt to link Central American issues with the U.S.-Canada border wall. One bewildered response encapsulates this sentiment: “WHAT THE HELL DOES CENTRAL AMERICA HAVE TO DO WITH US/CANADA BORDER WALL???” This confusion highlights the perceived disconnect between Ramaswamy’s arguments and the broader debate about border security strategies.

Taxpayers’ Burden in Border Wall Construction

Many believe the cost of building any new border wall will ultimately fall onto American taxpayers. One user said, “We all know who will really be paying for any wall built on any US border – the American taxpayers.” Other users shared these fears about the economic burden such a large-scale project would place on the public.

The Wall Proposal’s Viability

The debate over the proposal to construct a wall along the U.S.-Canada border raises critical questions. As one comment suggests, “Maybe we should build a wall around California, Texas, and Florida while we’re at it.” This reflects the ongoing discussion and evolving perspectives on this controversial idea in an ever-changing political landscape.