This rant is going to be brief because I'm at real risk for getting off topic.

A news item from the Associated Press on Monday said:

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff defended the construction of a fence along the Southwest border, saying it's actually better for the environment than what happens when people illegally cross the U.S.-Mexico line.

Well, the immigration issue is certainly off topic for me, but I've got to ask: since when is Michael Chertoff an expert on environmental issues?

Since when does he (or his boss) have the credibility to get away with the following point of view?

Illegal migrants really degrade the environment. I've seen pictures of human waste, garbage, discarded bottles and other human artifact in pristine areas. And believe me, that is the worst thing you can do to the environment.

Tell me, Michael, why should we believe you? Particularly when you go so far as to claim something to be the worst thing you can do to the environment.

Seems to me that there are a number of things the Bush Administration has done — or has neglected to do — that put the environment at much more risk than the litter associated with illegal immigration.

Nuf said.

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