President Donald Trump has caused quite a stir with his recent suggestion to potentially reopen Alcatraz as a supermax prison to house ‘the worst of the worst.’ Many dismissed this announcement as mere rambling, reminiscent of his earlier bizarre ideas such as annexing Greenland and Canada or promoting cane sugar over high fructose corn syrup.
However, this assumption could be a grave error, given what we’ve witnessed during Trump’s second term. For each seemingly incoherent notion, there have been actions that demonstrate a willingness to execute on alarming ideas. This has included controversial acts like sending undocumented individuals to detention centers in remote countries or deploying military forces to U.S. cities.
The stark reality is that Trump II is not the same as his first term. When he verbalizes plans and engages his administration in announcements, it signals a real intention behind his words.
Alcatraz, known as a top tourist destination and drawing nearly 2 million visitors annually, would be costly to operate as a supermax prison. The logistical challenges are immense; the island lacks basic infrastructure such as a working sewer or water system. Daily transport of potable water and sewage illustrates the impracticality of maintaining a prison there, a significant factor involved in its closure over six decades ago.
Additionally, Alcatraz has a historical reputation for being vulnerable to escapes. The island may evoke images of security due to its remote nature, but history shows that it was never infallible.
The question arises: why would Trump even contemplate such an impractical operation? The simple answer lies in a broader strategy of expanding a powerful police state. The Republican Congress has approved an astonishing $75 billion to enhance the operations of ICE, allowing the hiring of additional agents and the construction of more detention facilities.
In this light, the potential for an Alcatraz prison becomes part of a larger narrative. It fits seamlessly into Trump’s vision of a formidable and expansive enforcement apparatus under the guise of national security.
Senator Scott Wiener, representing San Francisco and northern San Mateo County, expressed his concerns and hopes to thwart this misguided plan. He emphasizes that it is critical to not simply dismiss the idea as far-fetched, but rather to strategize on how best to oppose it.
Local and state officials are contemplating various approaches to counteract this initiative. Unlike many federal decisions regarding land use, which may limit local agency, there are still potential avenues for resistance.
For instance, San Francisco’s existing sewer infrastructure may not be required to accommodate an Alcatraz prison. Evaluating the logistical ties to the local water supply or port services also presents potential opportunities for local officials to challenge the proposal.
Beyond administrative measures, there is a call for public action. Wiener urges residents of San Francisco to mobilize against the plan with the same vigor displayed in past protests. Sustaining advocacy is crucial; diverting attention from this issue could permit its progression under the radar.
Stopping this controversial and dangerous proposal for Alcatraz needs to become a priority, joined with efforts to halt other components of Trump’s emerging police state.
In summary, the discourse surrounding the potential reopening of Alcatraz as a supermax prison is more than just a bizarre idea from President Trump. It represents a critical juncture where citizens and officials must unite and act decisively in defending their community. Alcatraz should be preserved as a historic landmark, not repurposed for a misguided vision.
image source from：sfstandard
