Well, I don't think the lawsuit has a lot of merit, but I do think that if people are dying in the United States, we have a moral obligation to help prevent their death. I don't think the U.S. Government should be required to ensure the safety of people crossing the border illegally - I think that's asking a little too much. On the other hand, if humanitarian groups want to help illegal aliens, the government shouldn't get in the way.

Actually, I think that the U.S. Border Patrol does a pretty good job of this most of the time. They have worked with humanitarian groups to allow the placing of water stations and even shelter, and they have worked to make it less likely that aliens will drown while crossing irrigation canals. More could be done, but isn't that always the case?

The Southern California desert is awesomely beautiful, but it's a very dangerous place. It's impossible to ensure complete safety for those who cross that desert on foot. It's too vast, and too treacherous. The border areas east of California can be even more treacherous.

-Joe Offer in the Sierra Foothills, which can also be a treacherous place-