Rememberances of things past
Joseph Nevins, in New American Media on the loss of simple decency in our dialogue about the border.
[I]n Imperial Beach, Calif. on Aug. 18, 1971 to inaugurate a state park…the First Lady promised to cross the boundary to shake hands with some of the hundreds of Mexican nationals witnessing her visit. As reported in the Los Angeles Times, she declared, “I hate to see a fence anywhere.”
After a member of her security detail cut a section of the then barbed-wire barrier, she traversed the divide and embraced Mexican children, stating, “I hope there won’t be a fence here too long.”
There were no criticisms of Pat Nixon’s statements and actions—at least as indicated by press coverage.
The appearance of what many locals used to call Friendship Park reflects the radical shift that has taken place since the First Lady’s visit.
mexfiles.net 
Pat Nixon I read was supposed to be a really nice lady who suffered terribly in her marriage to Tricky Dick. He used to tell her to “shutup”.
San Diego was still pretty nice in 71, now it’s caca.