One symptom of a failing state is the inability of the government to enforce the rule of law over territory, a problem that has been growing in Mexico for some time.

So it’s disturbing to see the United States officially throwing in the towel on some real estate near the border. Why do we spend $515 billion annually on the military and not be able to defend our own perimeter? What’s wrong with this picture?

(I remember being surprised after the 9/11 attacks when government officials said we needed a new agency for ”homeland” security. Silly me; I thought the Pentagon was supposed to protect the nation. Actually, I still think that job should be in the hands of the military.)

Back to the recent news:

Uptick in Violence Forces Closing of Parkland Along Mexico Border to Americans, Fox News, June 16, 2010

About 3,500 acres of southern Arizona have been closed off to U.S. citizens due to increased violence at the U.S.-Mexico border, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The closed off area includes part of the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge that stretches along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu told Fox News that violence against law enforcement officers and U.S. citizens has increased in the past four months, forcing officers on an 80 mile stretch of Arizona land north of the Mexico border off-limits to Americans.

The refuge had been adversely affected by the increase in drug smugglers, illegal activity and surveillance, which made it dangerous for Americans to visit.

”The situation in this zone has reached a point where continued public use of the area is not prudent,” said refuge manager Mitch Ellis.

”It’s literally out of control,” said Babeu. ”We stood with Senator McCain and literally demanded support for 3,000 soldiers to be deployed to Arizona to get this under control and finally secure our border with Mexico. ”

U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials have warned visitors in Arizona to beware of heavily armed drug smugglers and human traffickers.

”We need support from the federal government. It’s their job to secure the border and they haven’t done it,” said Babeu. ”In fact, President Obama suspended the construction of the fence and it’s just simply outrageous.”