Fence.

This is coolbert:

"All along the watchtower, princes kept the view" - - Bob Dylan.

The U.S. Congress is doing some horse trading with regard to a "security fence" along the border between the U.S. and Mexico.

A variety of proposals are being offered:

* The Senate wants a 300 mile long fence, the House wants a fence 700 miles long.

* The Senate wants a "fence", the House wants a "wall" [correctly read barrier].

* The Senate wants a single wire fence, the House wants a double wire fence.

Etc.

Horse trading. Normally folks would concede that this IS NOT a good way to consider and implement security and border issues. NOT the way to go. Does not show resolve or will, or a proper appreciation of the problem.

In contrast, the East German communists, during the period of the Cold War, demonstrated a LOT of resolve and WILL power in stopping border crossers. Persons trying to "escape" from the communist bloc to West Germany.

At great cost in dollars and manpower, the East Germans virtually sealed their border. Created a more or less impenetrable barrier to movement. Movement that at any rate would have been ONLY in the direction of east to west.

Of course, the situation on the border between East and West Germany was radically different than the current border situation between Mexico and the U.S.

On either side of the East-West German border, you had large and powerful military forces, arrayed against one another.

On the communist side you had the thirty some divisions of the Group of Soviet Forces Germany [GSoFG]. This comprised the striking force of TWO SOVIET FRONTS to be employed by the communists in time of war against the "west".

On the West German side of the border were the combined NATO units of the U.S., Great Britain,, and West Germany. Also formidable numbers with enormous striking capacity.

Military units in a constant state of readiness, prepared to go to all-out war, nuclear confrontation and probably use of nukes from the get go.

Military aside, you did have many East Germans who would, if the opportunity availed itself, WOULD have "escaped" to the west. Crossed the border to a better life and freedom.

Almost everything about the border fence running along the West-East border was directed at persons trying to cross from east to west. This is just a fact.

A formidable structure was constructed that DID STOP with almost 100 % effectiveness border crossers.

In rural areas, the barrier consisted of fencing, land mines, and watch towers. Watch towers manned by guards trained and ordered to shoot persons attempting to cross the border. Guards not only trained and ordered to shoot, but guards that DID use lethal force from time to time.




In places where human habitation abutted the border, a wall of very stout and rugged construction was built. NOT easy to get over that wall.




The above photo seems shows an ELECTRIFIED portion of the fence. Just like Auschwitz, is it not!!??

Just approaching the border of itself was difficult. A security fence a certain distance EAST of the border also existed. NO ONE was allowed in the area between the security fence and the border fence unless you had special permit or authorization.

And just do not think of that fence at the border as being an ordinary structure either [this was not your average chain-link fence as you find in your back yard]. A mesh like fence, razor sharp on the edges. And apparently hinged in some manner. If you stuck your fingers between the openings and applied weight to the mesh with your body if an effort to climb over, the openings would close on your fingers and snip them off [yee-ouch!!].



The fence also had attached to it some sort of sensor activated shot-gun like device that would send a spew of steel pellets eastward at any person foolish enough to try a border crossing. Something similar to a U.S. Claymore mine? Devices ALL facing EASTWARD!!

A security fences, watch towers with guards empowered to use lethal force, minefields, mesh fence, electrification in some cases, shot-gun like devices, etc. This was a formidable combination that made for a SUCCESSFUL BARRIER.

BUT, at a great cost to the East Germans too. NOT only could they not "ESCAPE" but expensive and manpower exhaustive too. It is estimated that the East German border force numbered around 400,000 men?! Just to stop border crossers moving from east to west.

Don't expect ANYTHING like the communist fence to be built along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Results, nearly 100 %, can be had, but remember, at great cost.

[one may suggest that the cost of NOT building such a barrier are very great too!! The decision is political as what to build.]

coolbert.