On April 28, 2021

Great disorder on the border

Dear Editor,

It has come to my attention that the Green Mountain state has become greatly incognizant of the issues of the U.S./Mexico border wall in regard to its environmental instability. Our local newspapers have failed to recognize the immense issues of the border wall even though they coincide with the ideals and values of Vermonters alike. I ask that Vermonters confront President Biden and ask for the redistribution of funds away from the construction of the border wall. 

Although in Vermont we share a peaceful border with Canada, there are border issues that should be of concern for Vermonters that are rarely publicized. Environmental destruction is prominent on the U.S./Mexico border and as an eco-friendly state it should be our great concern.

Trump’s border wall has constructed a physical barrier for migrants attempting to cross but has also blockaded an entire ecosystem. From the Mexican gray wolf to the revered indigenous jaguar, animals are losing their habitat due to the construction of the border wall and are unable to reach their families across the border. As citizens of the Green Mountain State who take great pride in our equitable relationship with Mother Nature, we must be cognizant of the border construction and environmental destruction down south. 

Unfortunately, many of our federal environmental laws have been vetoed by the executive branch of our government, the Trump administration. However, Trump is not solely to blame. Former President Bush, Obama, and Trump all continued the construction of the wall. Although President Obama slowed it down, it was never halted.

The U.S. has taken its misconceived issues of migration and turned them into an environmental catastrophe. The DHS Secretary, John Kelly, waived all litigation of federal environmental laws. Until we can provide nonviolent migration rights for immigrants, the species we adore such as the gray wolf and the jaguar will soon be extinct. Please, join me in protecting these magnificent animals and reach out to our state legislatures to help a national catastrophe.

Morgan Emanuele

Hartland, and student at Skidmore College

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Quarter Pounder packs a wallop

November 6, 2024
Dear Editor, There is a problem with our food systems. The recent E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers has led to illness, hospitalization, and even death. The CDC, FDA, and other health agencies are investigating, with fresh slivered onions and quarter-pound beef patties as the suspected sources of contamination. This incident isn’t…

Doctors need more time with patients, not less

November 6, 2024
Dear Editor, Bruce Hamory’s recommendation to the Green Mountain Care Board to reduce doctors’ time with patients is completely off base. The report’s conclusion that the state will have enough primary care providers is based on primary care providers (PCPs) seeing three patients per hour, and many internists, who see more complex patients, currently see a…

Doing away with the Electoral College would make Vt’s votes matter less

November 6, 2024
Dear Editor, (In response to Matthew Cecere’s commentary, “The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact could give Vermont voters more impact”). I’m amazed to see an educator come out in favor of such a ridiculous concept, and to also be in favor of abolishing the Electoral College. No, the Electoral College is not perfect. But, it is…

Burdened by homelessness

November 6, 2024
‘Not in my backyard’ is hitting Rutland hard, solutions must be statewide By Alis Headlam Editor’s note: Alis Headlam, of Rutland, is a former educator and member of Project VISION. The “not in my backyard” syndrome has put the Rutland area in a very difficult situation. Rutland has become the go-to place for people who…