Donald Trump professed a belief many times that President Barack Obama was born in Kenya. He said it in public many times. Did he ever really believe it? Did part of him believe in the superiority of the white race? Who knows what lurks in the kaleidoscopic mind of The Donald? The refrain that Mexico will pay for the wall was repeated dozens of times. The true believers at Trump rallies gleefully said in response to who is gonna pay for the wall, “Mexico.”
Neither former Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto, nor the new President of Mexico Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador ever indicated that Mexico would pay one centavo for the wall. The main source of fake news has always been the bombastic Trump himself.
Democrats started to control the House of Representatives after the federal government partial shutdown began. The loss of total control of the government happened due to inconsistencies and flip-flopping by Trump.
One meeting at the White House between the President, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, and Congressman Chuck Schumer seemed to lay the groundwork for a budget deal. Then Trump did an about-face after realizing that if he didn’t make a stand on the wall then there would be virtually nothing left to offer his base.
The day after Trump took office he signed papers for his re-election campaign in 2020. Fundraising is a constant in the never ending campaign. And if some of the money for the inauguration of Trump becomes money for the 2020 campaign-no one in the administration is keeping track.
There is no hint that Democrats in Congress will accept a quid pro quo to fund the wall. Lots of economic activity occurs all along the border with Mexico. A steady stream of trucks passes through the Otay Mesa crossing. Many people cross over both ways to shop. I used to go to Tijuana for cheaper dental care. It is true that a tiny fraction of immigrants and refugees coming into the U.S. commit vile crimes. It is equally true that citizens of the U.S. commit heinous crimes against Americans.
Who should fund the wall? Perhaps the millionaires and billionaires in the Trump cabinet could do it. Or maybe the loyal participants in Trump rallies could send checks to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. and show their support for the wall.
Robert Frost said that, “Something there is that doesn’t love a wall.” A bit of that something resides in the heart of tolerant, flexible, broad-minded human beings living all over Planet Earth.
Deuel Woodward resides in Chula Vista.
