Border wall a symbol of our symbolic politics

As we close out 2018 with a partial government shutdown merely adding some extra spice to the monotonous stew of political rage served daily, it's worth noting that the primary sticking point isn't an ideological split over border security, nor is it the recalcitrance of the president or the Democrats. It's about symbolism, for want of a better word.

I am in no way trying to minimize the disagreement. We often dismiss controversies or concerns by waving