[dirtboy]

Unfortunately, most of the locals have been badgered into submission by the advocates for the illegals. Most of the ranchers won't allow the citizen's watch groups onto their land. I don't know if you've ever been to this forest, but its southern border is against Mexico. It's prime land for illegal entry.

It only takes a few private landowners to create a platform for the border groups, and they're already drawing a tremendous amount of attention to the border issues with their actions so far. They can't stop the tide of illegals by themselves, but they can drive public opinion to force the government to take action. That IMO is where the battle needs to be waged, and the border groups need to be acutely aware that their opponents are waiting to pounce on the SLIGHTEST misstep, as this incident aptly demonstrates.

[MineralMan]

"That IMO is where the battle needs to be waged, and the border groups need to be acutely aware that their opponents are waiting to pounce on the SLIGHTEST misstep, as this incident aptly demonstrates.

"

Bingo! Every time one of these folks gets arrested, it diminishes their message. While they may well feel that they have a right to go armed into the Nat. Parks, the law says that they do not. As you say, private land and publicity are going to be the keys here to winning public opinion over.

Given the general conservative nature of farmers, ranchers, and other large landowners, though, I wonder about that statement that most ranchers don't want these folks on their property. There's something here that's not being said.

[Chemist_Geek]

That IMO is where the battle needs to be waged, and the border groups need to be acutely aware that their opponents are waiting to pounce on the SLIGHTEST misstep, as this incident aptly demonstrates.

Who cares about image! But they can't take away our rights! What part of 'shall not be infringed' don't they understand? Traitors!

There. I think my impression of the politically-tin-eared, mouth-breathing libertarian FR poster is spot-on.

[Chemist_Geek]

Oh, I forgot to add something about the "hoards" of illegals coming over the "boarders." But you get the point...