The Minutemen Will Make A Fool Of President Bush

GDO Online ^ | 4/8/05

[BurbankKarl]

President Bush has called the Minutemen, who are now patrolling the U.S.-Mexican border:"vigilantes." I suppose that Bush believes anyone who wishes to help enforce our laws and maintain U.S. sovereignty is a vigilante. If our president had not abdicated his responsibility in this matter, the Minuteman Project would not exist. However, he did and they are doing a great job!

Despite the erroneous propaganda perpetuated by the liberal media, the ACLU, the Mexican government, and even our president, the Minutemen are not a group of wild-eyed racists--with bloodlust in their hearts. They are retired police officers, former military men, laborers, businessmen, moms, and dads, in short--they are a cross section of America. The only difference between these Americans and most of us, is the fact that they are willing to sacrifice their time and are even willing to put themselves in harm's way. They like most of us, are fed up with our government's lack of interest in enforcing our borders.

Much has been made of the fact that many of the Minutemen volunteers carry firearms.They do not chase down illegals with guns drawn. They are carrying weapons for self-defense purposes only. They do not apprehend suspects. They are simply operating as the eyes and ears of the incredibly under-staffed U.S. Border Patrol. The area along the Arizona border with Mexico (where the Minutemen are stationed) has become a very violent sector, filled with Latin American drug smugglers. Perhaps, we should remind the left that we as U.S. citizens, still have the right to bear arms.

The Minutemen have taken on the responsibility of spotting and reporting anyone seen, illegally crossing the border. Period.

The Project's duties were well described by Minuteman spokesman Mike McGarry this weekend, he said : "You observe them, report them, and get out of the way."

This past weekend saw the first patrols of the Minutemen, which yielded several arrests of illegal aliens. On Saturday, volunteers spotted and reported sightings of illegal crossings. Their actions resulted in 18 arrests.

As of Tuesday (three days after patrols began), the Minutemen were responsible for aiding in the arrest of 176 illegal aliens. These numbers will continue to rise and by the end of April, this dedicated group of men and women will have done their country a great service. With every illegal alien who is apprehended, President Bush looks a bit more foolish and impotent.

[hosepipe]

[ The Republicans ignore this ( or wish it would go away ) at their peril. Most Americans are not all that dogmatic or doctrinaire, and the party which does the best job of finding solutions to this problem will sweep all before it. You have been warned. ]

Dubya is gonna fool around with this issue and "READ MY LIPS NO NEW TAXES" will be on the family crest.. Unless its "Vaya con Coyote"...

[Tammy8]

I have lived on the border most of my life and in two different border states. This is my take on how all this became such a problem.

Up until about the mid to late 70's it wasn't bad- the majority of the illegals crossed to work on farms and ranches near the border and kept their family in Mexico. They also got jobs in towns near the border, but always returning to Mexico and their family. A lot of them started businesses in Mexico using the $$$ earned here. It was good for Mexico's economy and not really harmful to ours.

The border enforcement was handled by mostly 2 agencies- US Customs and Immigration & Natrualization-(Border Patrol) Both agencies had patrol officers on the actual border- Customs had horse patrol officers and dealt mainly with the issue of drugs crossing the border. The Border Patrol dealt with the people crossing the border.

It all seemed pretty effective, and there were very few issues with illegals. I never heard of violent confrontations with the smugglers that are common now.

Then someone in DC got the brilliant idea that they did not need to patrol the actual border- they could just patrol primary roads near the border (freeways) and they did not need both agencies involved- so Customs Patrol Officers became a thing of the past- Customs Inspectors were confined to border crossings (There are Customs Agents who basically do undercover work but few) These were cost cutting measures under the Carter Administration decided by people that had no idea the reality.

As soon as this major change was implemented the illegals streamed across the border- the BP were all on the freeway and in the towns and in places they were patroling 50+ miles North of the actual border. The illegals could easily move freely on back roads and by the time they are on the freeway & in a vehicle they are hard to catch. Crime along the border became a problem due to the ease of crossing.

The large influx was becoming a problem when Reagan took office and again the folks in DC did not see the real issues and came up with the idea that amnesty was a good idea- well the illegals thought so too, and moved their entire extended family up here. Of course the border was still wide open so more and more came in until now we have both people and drugs pouring across the border. Things got bad in Central America and they started migrating North in large numbers- Mexico doesn't want them so they push them on up to us.

The War on Drugs was declared and suddenly Border Patrol was getting a lot of attention and pats on the back for catching drugs. The illegals were not thought to be a real problem so they were not a priority. Almost all the attention was directed at drug smugglers and the illegals were allowed to stream through--

As far as I know the Clinton bunch did nothing at all- totally ignoring the border.

Fast forward to where we are now- the illegals are doing the biggest part of the smuggling, they arrive with backpacks full of drugs. Drug lords were not stupid, they noticed that the illegals were being ignored. Now both problems are out of control.

Bush has implemented some things that I think are good ideas- creating the Homeland Security Agency had the effect of once again combining the agencies and I have noticed a change in the patrol areas. In a lot of places they are back on the border patrolling and not 40 miles away on the freeway. The attention is back on illegals and drugs- not just drugs.

A large number of Border Patrol have been hired and they have more money in the budget for tech. things.

We have a long way to go to control the border and I still don't think there is anyone in DC who has any idea of the issues involved. So needless to say they have not made the border a priority. To ever get control we will have to wake them up in DC and force them to find a way to regain control.

We do have to remember though, the border did not get this bad all at once- it was years getting this way- we also have to remember it will take major changes in policy of several agencies to get a grip on it.

So in my opinion it is not all Bush's fault- BUT he needs to wake up and so does Congress- it is now a real crisis.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

I just hope nothing bad happens involving these guys.

On that, we agree. They have certainly made their point. I hope someone is listening.

[TheBattman]

Private citizens have no business bearing arms

I know you didn't post that...come on....

You really don't want to go there. Any against the 2nd amendment is no friend of conservatives or FR.

And the reason this thread hasn't been pulled is because it is true. I personally don't give a rip what the RAT Underground think. Our President has taken a very wrong stance on immigration and he can't even explain why, and is obviously either too dense to know the answer, or is focused on something else (what could be more important than the defense of our country and it's borders???).

[daybreakcoming]

Thank you for the tip. I've never noticed that poster before or maybe I would have see his/her tin foil hat.

[politicalwit]

"Talk to your state legislature about enforcing whatever laws are on the books in your state re illegal immigrants and the people who employ them."

Sorry newbie but we are talking FEDERAL laws. It's a question of Jorge Bush willing to allocate FEDERAL agents to the border. What I find ironic in your statement you suggest working with state politicans to resolve the problem. In my state the governor gave the Clinton administration hell about illegals and the cost associated with the state administrering federal law. He went as far as sending the federal government a bill for over 12 billion dollars for those services. He realized that the problem was one of a serious nature. Unfortunately the governor decided to move on and suddenly the problem of illegals wasn't a problem to him. No, he embraced those illegals with open arms and even suggested that we provide them amnesty. After all, this was a compassioniate man and compassion should be shown to those that hire the illegals aliens and profit from the undercutting and slave wages. You see, that former governor was and is currently President of the United States of America. This is a man that has turned his back on the rule of law. Personally, I have absolutely no respect for anyone that knowingly and willingly violates the law as GWB has done.

As for Bush-bashing, I can't think of reason not to be critical, very critical of GWB. From CFR to illegal aliens to education, GWB has been dead wrong. If you can't see the problems then you're obviously blind to the problems.

As for your "DU" comment I suggest you make a request to the RNC to establish a Bush Arse-kissing forum so you and your buddies can worship your almighty George and drink the purple punch from the same cup.

[attiladhun2]

You know, you could live in a country where people want to get out of instead of trying to get into. I think that speaks volumes about the health of this nation's economy and institutions. The alternative would be to create a closed border, which would hurt our economy and would not work in any case. You simply cannot "seal" off the border. I was stationed close to the AZ border with Mexico while I was in the service. There are thousands of miles of trails crisscrossing the border. There are washes and aroyos crossing the border up the wazoo. For the life of me, I don't know why the people down there need a coyote, because there is so much empty land along the border anybody with half a brain could just walk across it. The border with Canada would even be harder to try to secure. There all you have to do is get a canoe and paddle your way across a big part of it. During the winter you could ski or snowshoe across. People want secure borders, but I don't think they truly understand the magnitude of the problem.
The stats being thrown around that border crossings have been reduced by half in the section of the border patrolled by the MM are irrelevant, since the illegal entrants will just go to some other part of the border not patrolled. So reducing the crossings by 50% at that point means they are probably increasing at some other point.

[daybreakcoming]

Shame you spent so much time on your rant and did not read my post suggesting your state do something about the employers since your fed gov doesn't satisfy you. You really have no clue, do you? So all you can do is talk and call names. So file a freakn lawsuit - join the MinuteMen. People can think they are really big and bad sitting anonymously behind their computer but are actually do-nothings. Don't waste your time with me old man - I'm not impressed.

[danmar]

"Is illegal immigration a problem? Yes, it is, but it is not going to be solved quickly."

Oh, yeah? we have been hearing this for decades by now, how long it will take Washington DC to comprehend that we need to watch our borders?

"Pinche pendejos", see...when a "LEGAL" Immigrant with German background, (after bothering to learn English) starts speaking Spanish, the situation is getting pretty dicey with all those "illegals"

[hinckley buzzard]

"It is bordering on the ridiculous that the Border Patrol is crediting the Mexican Army for reduced border crossings on the Arizona Border."

It has become undeniably clear that the "Border Patrol" is a corrupt, politicized bureaucracy and not a bit like a real policing organization.

They are almost Orwellian in their word-woozy inauthenticity.

[politicalwit]

Illegal migrantion is a FEDERAL problem. What don't you understand about the word "FEDERAL?" It is the responsibility of the FEDERAL government to protect our borders.

BTW...I'll be in Sierra Vista, AZ April 24th to join in on the activities. As a former resident of Sierra Vista I'm well aware of the lack of response of our government and GWB.

Keep drinkin' that good ol' republican party punch!!

[daybreakcoming]

You and I will never be on the same page. I am talking about the employers and you are hung up on the illegals cause it makes you feel big and bad. Target the employers and the illegals will slow down to a trickle. Sheesh

[politicalwit]

" Target the employers and the illegals will slow down to a trickle. Sheesh"

Do you know how many businesses were prosecuted under Federal law in 2004 for illegal alien hiring? 13...that's right thirteen. Thanks Jorge for enforcing the law...turncoat George is more fitting.

[gulfcoast6]

As my next door neighbor tells me, 'Teddy Kennedy has a lot of Early Times moments'

[TheForceOfOne]

Your welcome :)
I think what we kind of get away from here sometimes is we all want things to change for the better and do not wish to become complacent with what we have achieved in reversing years of decay in our society. I think we waste our efforts when we break down into name calling and such as I have seen lately on the threads. Frustration and emotions lead us to be less than kind to each other.

I am not a leader but I will follow when the cause is just and done so correctly by laws which restrains us from our ability to go to far.

I think the Internet, talk radio, and Fox News present outlets for the conservative message that was missing for so many years of liberal media dominance. I think since this has happened the liberal agenda has slowed to a crawl or a stop.

I don't think they have the means to progress their agenda as before. We have seen this with the CBS memo's and a string of other issues where our ability to get our opposing view out or receive it from the new media now keeps the MSM in check and furthermore it has discredited them and has driven away their viewers.

I listen to Rush all the time and he is such a voice in the wilderness to me. When Rush gets liberal callers he talks to them without trying to insult them as long as they're being civil in their conversation. Even when we disagree, we should try to show respect when possible in debate or the conversation breaks down into worthless rhetoric with one side or both sides talking and know one listening.

This forum offers a lot of good perspective, opinions, and ideas from other FReepers with more knowledge and experience than I have to offer too you. We have Lawyers, Military, Doctors, etc. who offer insight depending on the issue or thread. It is like an army of our own, with the power to make change, as long as we have the patience and the right attitude to make the issue come alive and be noticed.

Jim Robinson and others physically hold protests by marching in D.C. or other places to gain recognition to our cause and I commend them for their efforts. They lead the way for the rest of us who want change but don't know how to make it happen.

Last, about my FReeper name, it means we all have power as individuals to make change, to be counted, and be heard. We each have one vote on election day, it is the culmination of these individual votes that change which direction this nation takes and how we choose to live our lives. Our individual voices coming together here with others creates a force. United FReepers stand, divided FReepers fall.

Don't lose faith, it is getting better, there is reason for hope.

[William Terrell]

Thanks for the summary. So it really started with Carter. No big surprise here.

[FBD]

The President deserves praise for cutting taxes and trying to take on Social Security. But on the border issue and immigration, the buck stops at his desk.

We are at war, and the President sends border agents to Iraq, to help them learn how to secure their borders? Good grief. The President is a good man, but on this issue, he deserves to be criticized.

Going on his 5th year as President, and he still doesn't have an identifiable immigration policy. That is completely irresponsible in a time of war.

---

"The President is merely the most important among a large number of public servants. He should be supported or opposed exactly to the degree which is warranted by his good conduct or bad conduct, his efficiency or inefficiency in rendering loyal, able, and disinterested service to the Nation as a whole.

Therefore it is absolutely necessary that there should be full liberty to tell the truth about his acts, and this means that it is exactly necessary to blame him when he does wrong as to praise him when he does right. Any other attitude in an American citizen is both base and servile.

To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.

Nothing but the truth should be spoken about him or any one else. But it is even more important to tell the truth, pleasant or unpleasant, about him than about any one else."
"Roosevelt in the Kansas City Star", 149 May 7, 1918

[spodefly]

bw:

You should read this thread:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1379971/posts

It is a firsthand report from the border on the activities of the Minuteman Project. Has some interesting details on the realities they face down there and coming soon to your neighborhood.

[Liberator]

" Private citizens have no business bearing arms and deciding to become law enforcement -- particularly since the illegals crossing the border are not shooting their way in."

Ever hear of the 2nd Amendment, Sparky?

And I suppose you believe an invasion NOT an invasion if tanks aren't rolling across a sovereign border?

Don't know what planet you're posting from, but I assume The Mother Ship is parked on hospital grounds.

[Liberator]

"Going on his 5th year as President, and he still doesn't have an identifiable immigration policy. That is completely irresponsible in a time of war."

Nice priorities, eh?

The President is eagle-eyed in Iraqi; Blind as a bat in his own back yard.

But still for his delusional subjects, King George is still "looking out for us" by guarding the front door, while the back door is knowingly flung open.

It's negligence, plain and simple.

The worse part, the President knows, yet care not a whit.