What happened to Monroe?

In 1823, with European powers on the verge of a war to gain influence over Argentina, Chile and Venezuela, President James Monroe gave a speech. He declared any attempt on Europe's part to "extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety." This concept of American sovereignty is now known as the Monroe Doctrine, and has shaped nearly two centuries of United States foreign policy. However, its foundation is today being undermined by the shortsightedness of politicians concerned only with their own reputation.

On Jan. 12, Governor Bill Owens delivered his State of the State address. Citing a "growing concern" about illegal immigration, Owens put forth a two-part plan, the first part of which gives cause for concern. "Secure the border," Owens said, "with a barrier, technology-whatever it takes, because no solution is possible to immigration without a secure border."

A barrier? Where are we, Israel? I am dumbfounded that politicians and pundits alike are rallying behind the idea of an actual wall between us and Mexico. These same people accuse others of being weak on foreign policy, but what they fail to recognize is that closing ourselves off with a wall would be weak. Reaching out to all of the Americas-bringing everyone into our sphere of influence, rather than keeping them out-that would be strong. If we're hegemonic, let's show it.

Instead of building a wall, why don't we redirect our current nation-building efforts (i.e. Iraq) back to our own hemisphere? Let's focus on the underdeveloped, underdemocratized nations of South and Central America-not the Middle East-and build up our strength here at home before we go tramping about in the world abroad.

With China's star rising and with the European Union gathering momentum, the United States is going to have to face the fact that we may-very soon-no longer be the world's sole superpower-or even its most important. However, we can bolster our influence and authority in the coming decades by insuring the vitality of the entire American hemisphere-not just our own narrow interests.

Last September, in an interview with Democracy Now!, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez declared his country's intent to aid impoverished Africa; provide cheap, direct oil to Caribbean countries; and-get this-provide poor people in the United States with heating oil this winter. I'm not campaigning for Chavez, who has been a burr in George W's hide since he took office, but it seems like we should be the ones making those concessions, pulling South and Central American countries into our corner where we need their support in the coming years-even if it is symbolic. Instead, we've made an enemy out of Chavez and Venezuela-and will make an enemy out of many more countries if we build a 20-foot-tall, 1,951-mile-long wall along our southern border.

There are many solutions to the problem of illegal immigration and the security concerns that it raises. Let's revisit the Monroe Doctrine, reassert our authority in the Western Hemisphere, and look to long-term economic alliances, not short-term blunders of fear and ignorance.