Instruments of Mass Percussion
Architect Ronald Rael, at UC Berkeley, has designed several tongue-in-cheek representations of a better US/Mexican frontier including the following, as well as proposed some genuinely progressive installations—energy farms, for one—in lieu of the brute implacability of the current executive proposal. Author of Borderwall as Architecture: a Manifesto for the US-Mexico Boundary, Rael explores his more constructive ideas for a boundary via a short video on vimeo.
As we contemplate the prospect of such a wall at the southern borders of the USA, to "protect" those confined within from spurious enemies, and if one must have an imperium, it would do well to contemplate the southern borders of the Roman Empire in its north African territories. Archaeological evidence, sourced from satellite imaging, has revealed a system of garrisons maintained by rather small numbers of military, more like border guards, who oversaw a permeable frontier. The walls constructed allowed those to the south to pass through, trade, conduct business, even settle—all under rather magnanimous, though controlled, conditions. Rome knew the wisdom of amicable relations with one's neighbors and the costliness of war. Thus, through the promotion of economic and social security at that border, Rome maintained the integrity of its boundaries and insured the stabililty of its cities and civilization.
You will also recall, dear Reader, that the title of this online journal was chosen from the partition in the play within a play in Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream, which facilitated the communication of lovers on either side.
You will also recall, dear Reader, that the title of this online journal was chosen from the partition in the play within a play in Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream, which facilitated the communication of lovers on either side.