From the editor: Former Secretary of State and County Judge Carlos Cascos uses social media to speak out on issues.
As Cascos reportedly may again seek political office and, perhaps also in respect for his tenure of service, we repost a few of his observations below(We've taken the liberty of bolding key points):
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| Carlos Cascos |
"Border security should be at the forefront, but if these actions are accurate, it goes beyond inhumane treatment & should be denounced by all. There's got to be a better way to secure our border without causing deaths or serious injuries to anyone.
Those that don't live or spend time on the border do not realize the importance our border has on our State & Nation's economy.
Inspite of the challenges we have regarding border security, the border continues to be a vibrant component of our relationship with Mexico & all should be done to maintain & strengthen that relationship.
Human smuggling, many of which are children, illegally cross our border daily.
How do we address this?
1) more boots on the ground along our Southern border, with the necessary tools to curb the crossings & better vetting of all child sponsors.
2) Increase law enforcement on our roads & highways inland.
3) using K9 units for all Southbound traffic trained to detect cash & weapons.
4) sentencing guidelines to include a minimum of 20 yrs or life in prison without parole for those convicted of human smuggling.
5) electing people that will support border security & our initiatives that curb illegal crossings. Stopping any illegal activity along our border is a multi prong attack. It takes addressing several components of these issues & recognizing that there is no easy quick solution."
For the most part I have little problem with Caso's comments as presented here but a minimum of twenty years with no parole for human smuggling? I have family friends -- she is undocumented but has lived in the Valley for over twenty years. She is raising two U.S. citizens. The oldest just graduated in the top of her high school class and will be taking advantage of a full ride scholarship at a major university. She has been married to the U.S. born father of her children for over 19 years. He has always been employed and they are home owners. If she is caught and deported should her family go to prison for life as human smugglers if they help her return? Should I, because I would hope to be included in any plan to bring her back? This is a woman that makes the community better because she lives here and because of the contribution she makes to our city. Somehow I think it is better to keep the family supporting the community rather than having the community support them as prisoners.
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