The proposed border-crossing plan mandating passports for travel between the United States and Canada is a misguided attempt at bolstering U.S. security. Not only is it impractical, but the area's economy will take a major hit as a result. It's a relief, albeit a possibly short-lived one, that officials have delayed the plan until a more reasonable border plan can be found.
The measure was met with extreme criticism when initially announced, which caused the Bush administration to discontinue proposed plans for the Niagara region. However, Homeland Security recently announced the plan's continuation, and a modified version is scheduled for implementation in 2008.
It's undeniable that increased boarder security should be a high priority in light of the 9/11 attacks and the war on terror in response, but mandated passports for those traveling between the United States and Canada aren't the answer. The terrorists who commandeered planes on the 9/11 attacks had passports, as did members of the infamous Lackawanna Six. There's no evidence passports keep the bad guys out, but mandating their use when traveling between the United States and Canada certainly affects consumers crossing in.
Buffalo's planned Bass Pro extravaganza downtown would suffer because residents of southern Ontario who are factored into the business model wouldn't come as expected-future border hassles guarantee that. Buffalo's expected casino and Niagara Falls' casino expansions will also be affected the same way. Canadians will not travel here considering their side of the falls offers a better gambling environment already.
It's debatable if mandated passports for travel between the United States and Canada would improve security. Unfortunately, the economic consequences for the region are not.
Intelligence from the outside
The Spectrum endorses Judy Einach for Buffalo's mayoral race
When voting, many base their decisions on the lesser of two evils paradigm. In Buffalo's mayoral race, this means voters will choose between the flawed Democratic or Republican candidates running. But there is a better option.
The Spectrum endorses Judy Einach, who is running on the Green Party's ticket in Tuesday's election. And unlike frontrunners Byron Brown, a Democrat, and Kevin Helfer, a Republican, who are beholden to special interests, Einach is an outsider who will not fall prey to the business-as-usual approach found in our local government. That's why she is the best candidate for mayor and, in turn, Buffalo's future.
Einach represents real change, which is what Buffalo desperately needs. Though the winner of the race faces a control board's restraints, Einach's open and knowledgeable style would allow her to work best with the board. In the last debate, she demonstrated greater understanding of the issues and problems afflicting Buffalo than the frontrunners. She's also the only dissenting voice on the casino issue: Einach is explicitly against a Buffalo casino, perhaps the best decision for long-term Buffalo growth.
Assorted unions along with Buffalo's Democratic establishment back Brown, while Helfer's primary backer is Carl Paladino, the controversial land developer who has raised about half of Helfer's campaign war chest. Helfer is tainted by his role in Joel Giambra's administration while Brown comes from the ineffective State Senate.
Einach has never held political office and earned a master's degree in education from Harvard focusing on community problem solving. That's why she is the best candidate. She's the smart mayor Buffalo needs and deserves.
