The Minuteman Project: What They Stand For In Their Own Words

[Itsthetruth]

The Minuteman Project Website: In Their Own Words

Some DU posters have made comments in support of the Minuteman Project. I believe that most, if not all, have done this because they simply are not well informed on the nature of the Minuteman Project .... who they are, what they believe and who their supporters are.

Their main goal is to divert attention from those who are responsible for the growing economic crisis .... big business interests and their political representatives. They are doing what all incipient fascist organizations have done in history. They are scapegoating "foreign" immigrant workers, especially Mexican workers, for the jobs crisis.

Read the material posted here carefully. Their hysterical propaganda campaign of fear directed against Hispanics is nothing more than a diversion. Don't be fooled. The Minuteman Project is dangerous and their activities must be opposed by everyone who is really wants to defend the American people from the corporate/government attacks on our rights and living standards.

You gotta love their recruitment pitch. Now how in the world can anyone accuse them of being bigots? And I just love that Confederate flag at their rally. And how about the lovely picture of that great "progressive" Bay Buchanan seated at one of the Minuteman Project orientation meetings?

--------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM THE MINUTEMAN WEBSITE:

WELCOME

The Minuteman Project is a grassroots effort to bring Americans to the defense of their homeland, similar to the way the original Minutemen from Massachusetts (and other U. S. colonies) did in the late 1700s. Like them, we want to bring to this effort only what few personal possessions we can carry...plus our heart, mind and spirit.

It is a call to peacefully assemble at the Arizona-Mexico border to bring national awareness to the decades-long careless disregard of effective U.S. immigration law enforcement. It is a reminder to Americans that our nation was founded as a nation governed by the "rule of law", not by the whims of mobs of ILLEGAL aliens who endlessly stream across U.S. borders.

Accordingly, the men and women volunteering for this mission are those who are willing to sacrifice their time, and the comforts of a cozy home, to muster for something much more important than acquiring more "toys" to play with while their nation is devoured and plundered by the menace of tens of millions of invading illegal aliens.

Future generations will inherit a tangle of rancorous, unassimilated, squabbling cultures with no common bond to hold them together, and a certain guarantee of the death of this nation as a harmonious "melting pot."

The result: political, economic and social mayhem.
Historians will write about how a lax America let its unique and coveted form of government and society sink into a quagmire of mutual acrimony among the various sub-nations that will comprise the new self-destructing America.

"At the current rate of invasion the United States will be completely over run with ILLEGAL aliens by the year 2025...only 21 years away. ILLEGAL aliens and their offspring will be the dominant population in the U.S. and will have made such inroads into the political and social systems that they will have more influence than the U.S. Constitution over how the U.S. is governed. That ugly consequence is already taking place. The United States of America is under invasion." --- James Gilchrist - Founder Of The MinuteMan Project



AND HERE ARE SOME OF THE LETTERS OF SUPPORT POSTED ON THE MINUTEMAN WEBSITE:

The MinuteMan Project - Positive feedback - letters from supporters

I am a Captian with the U.S. Army where I am currently serving in Afghanistan for the second time. Most of my co-workers agree that there is nothing to gain from more immigrants entering the US from Mexico. We strongly believe in taking any means necessary to stop the flow of illegal immigration. Whatever it takes.

I have traveled a lot in my life and I find so many things very strange.

First, that European countries have such a better fix on illegal immigration. A country there requires everyone to have a national ID, that is very hard to fake. Much like a passport. Since everyone has papers, a policeman can ask to see them at any time. When they (I have seen this before) come across people without papers they are arrested and taken away. I saw several muslim men get arrested during my last visit to Prague like this. Why doesn't the US have a national ID. This would allow police to deport anyone that is not in compliance.

Second, I hate to think that our forefathers secured the country through many wars, only for us to loose it because the mexicans breed at such a higher rate, and cross into the US so fast. In my hometown of Oklahoma you can't go to a flee market without seeing an illegal mexican woman with her 7 kids. We are loosing the country simply through numbers, and must close the border to these people. They are uneducated, and have nothing to offer the US except some cheap manual labor.

Lastly, it is strange that great people I know in Czech Repuplic, Hungary, Croatia, and South Africa (dutch and english descent) can't even get a VISA to visit the US. I know so many educated people who speak 5 languages, have good jobs, and have the same culture and religion as we do. They share the same history. Yet, they can't get visas just to visit. While our country fills up with mexicans, cubans, and haitians. What the hell is going on. I would rather have people that are like us and can contribute to the US in my country instead of someone that will simply drain our social welfare system, crowd our schools with their seven kids, raise crime, and simply never blend into our society.

I would volunteer, but I am currently serving in Afghanistan. Good luck.
R.

I have been interested in your organization since I heard about in the Rush Limbaugh show when you first started out. I want to join and when you have the time please contact me in how to join.
G.J.

I am from ... Ca and I am tired of hearing about how racist the minuteman project is. Even though my name is ...I am Hispanic. if you could use a brown face for a couple of days I would be more than happy to sacrifice sometime from my vacation. I am a teacher and know first hand what illegal aliens are doing to our society and specifically our school system.
M.H.

the great state of south carolina isbeing over-run by illegals. my hat is off to you guys. these people must be stopped.

I'm a citizen that sees on a dailey basis how the open borders are destroying America and how the security of this nation is gravely threatened but politicians pandering to the Latino population in the U.S.
M.L.

We have heard about your organization through Bill O'Reilly on FOX News, and CNN News .... We have signed Bill O'Reilly's petition to Gearge Bush about getting more border control and e-mailed the ACLU about our opinion thinking that it is outrageous for them to get involved with fighting the minuteman project.
E.H.

I can help. I have experience. Navy, ... Firearms Academy, ....
I can spot movement for miles.
S.W.

I heard Fox is sending 1000 armed Mexicans soldiers to harass your (our) protectors. Please let me know what i can do.Thanks
M.W.

We need you guys here along the Canadian border ! All along the new york state border they sneak in every day not enough agents here as well !
R.M.

believe no one could more eloquently state the concern we have of ignoring our southern border and the total disregard for American law by our southern neighbor, Mexico, and its supportive groups within the legal borders of the United States, aka; MALDEF, La Raza, Lulac and other racist organizations.

HisFox] countrys' coordination with the afforementioned Mexican groups to influence politics within our own borders is nothing less than what Nikita Khruschev did with Russian spies years ago and is tantamount to a declaration of war against anyone living in the United States....
R.T.

I live in yuma where the gringos are now nearing only 40% of the population. Crime is overwhelming and my neighbors need translators to talk to me. I need to get out of here.
K.


I at least want to encourage you to keep up the good work no matter how much the liberal media distorts your efforts or attacks you.
G.M.

I fully support the LOCKDOWN of all US ports of entry but especially the borders.

If we took every soldier that is deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan and brought them home we could have a soldier almost each half mile along every border including all the Alaskan islands and Hawaii.

Around here, blacks used to be the majority you would see in the health departments. These days, hispanics are the majority and few Americans can get treated.
S.

My congrats. to you in this endeavour. We here in S.C. are under an 'invasion' of sorts by illegals that drive w/o lisences and/or insurance---reproduce at alarming rates and fund their newly born children with our tax dollars.
J.B.

I am a Border Patrol Agent in upstate NY .... our Mexican border problem is a military issue, not a law enforcement issue. Our laws are for us, not the invaders. God bless America
J.W.


As a Border Patrol Agent, I'm in the "trenches" and see daily the complete disregard for our country (represented by all of the trash and water bottles) that these invaders leave in their wake. More importantly, I realize what is in store for our country as people whose only loyalty is to Mexico gain even more of a political foothold.

Liberal-minded people say that illegal aliens are just flocking here to work the jobs we won't work and make a better life for their poor children, etc. etc. What they fail to mention is the benefits the illegals are really seeking:

No taxes! Free medical! Free American education! Free public assistance! & all the money they make goes right back into their
foreign homeland's economy, as they carry it south to their families still living in countries below our border.
Anonymous, please.

I was the 2004 Constitution Party candidate for the U.S. Senate here in South Carolina, and I visited Simcox and went out on patrol with him and some other volunteers in July. I wish you all success and Godspeed.
Patrick
Simpsonville, South Carolina

I think you are either a "miracle-worker" or a Former Marine...or, both! God bless you, and every one of those blessed people who are joining you.

The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up the light of His Countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen

Semper Fidelis,
Bill

We face the conquest of the United States of America -- without a shot being fired. Snake Head smuggling organizations ferry countless numbers of Chinese illegal aliens to Washington, Oregon and California. Vancouver, Canada sports a large community of ethnic illegal alien Chinese "fresh off the boat".

GOD help us.
C.
Tucson, Arizona

I spent 15 yrs. living in Mesa, AZ so the invasion of our culture and language enrages me.

Here in California, my wife and I refuse to speak Spanish, and are not ashamed of our own Heritage and language (German/Italian, but we speak English).
Sincerely,
James D. P.

California is bankrupt because it has become the welfare
state for mostly Mexican citizens illegally in our country.
American citizens by the Arizona border suffer losses of property and are in danger of physical harm from the invaders. Our national parks are being destroyed by the hordes that camp there waiting for their smugglers.
Haydee P - Ca.

am fed up and would like to know about defending my turf with a weapon. The illegals up in this area do not ask for food or water, they just inquire about cash and weapons. And they certainly do NOT want to work. We had several citizens killed last year by the illegals ....
Dick

Mr. Gilchrist,

I'm a DHS officer. I heard you on the Sean Hannity show today.
My hat's off to you for what you are trying to accomplish.

Unfortunately, illegals will continue to come through the revolving door called the US/Mexican border. When we detain or arrest someone, often we do it at our own peril not only physically but also legally. DHS has made it clear to my agency that
it will NOT back you up legally. This puts a bad taste in the mouth of many an officer who then becomes reluctant to
do pat downs, draw a firearm, etc., for fear of finding themselves in a legal battle where the deck appears stacked against him or her.
You also have unions to contend with ....
Then you also have to contend with the liberal do-gooders of the world who have the mainstream media as a mouth piece.
DHS Officer -- Annonymous (for fear of being fired)

It is hard to believe that politicians responsible for protecting the sovereignty of the US have done nothing to stem the flow of illegal immigrants that have cost this country so much in social services, lost jobs and lowered wages, increased crime, education and health costs, sapping Social Security, etc..

The fact is that they've stolen jobs from Americans. This steady stream of illegal workers who will work for peanuts, prevents American workers from benefiting from what should be a free market on wages and allow US citizens to be paid a going rate.
Thomas V.
Pennsylvania

Fellow Patriots,
Thank You for your dedication to preserving the safety and culture of our great country.
God Bless You and God Bless America .
Regards,
Paul

America is overrun with illegal aliens, and we have already lost much of life as we knew it. Hospitals are closing, the educational system is in the toilet, the welfare system no longer exists for Americans who need assistance, Social Security has been depleted to the point of "pay as you go," and population growth has encroached on our wildlands. Food, water, gas, and electric energy is at an all time low, and we have far exceeded the "carrying capacity" of the United States. We have depleted the fossil fuels that power our automobiles, and provide us with heat in the winter. My grandchildren may be facing life on a barren earth, and this thought chills my bones; yet population keeps on breeding!

This is not about race or ethnic group. Sincerely,
Liz D.
Hayward, California


http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1302401/posts?page=18

[sui generis]

1. what a bunch of dumb fucking yahoos

they just want to hunt big game, preferably the two legged kind.

This takes "ugly Americans" to a new low. The fact that the state is letting them do this unchallenged is equally disgusting. Get those loons out of there. We are the laughingstock of the planet.

[Itsthetruth]

2. So Undocumented Workers Are Responsible For This?

Ford Cutting 1,000 Jobs To Boost Profits

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=1370266&mesg_id=1370266

[barb162]

6. "they just want to hunt big game" Oh, Come on!

do you have a link to their psych tests or some proof of your accusations.

[sui generis]

9. sorry, evil me

unfortunately psych tests aren't required to belong to a militia or you can bet I'd give you a link.

Just the fact of belonging to a militia makes me think "flawed human". Militias are what you hear about running around "liberating" farms in Zimbabwe and raping everything with legs in Somalia. Militias are what fought against the evil U.S. government in Texas at Waco.

Maybe it's me, but I'd hire a PR guy. There's nothing I can think of besides contact with an alternate reality that would make me want to be affiliated with a militia.

Oh, and here's a link to a bunch of whack jobs waving the confederate flag on the U.S. border:



Who needs psych profiles?

[barb162]

17. Neighborhood watch programs must be militias too

because they phone in to the police when they see illegal activity.

[sui generis]

24. We call ourselves "Neighborhood Watch"

not "Neighborhood Militia". Anyway, I know I'm being inflammatory -

It's not that I don't like the idea Barb, it's mostly that I don't like the kind of people this particular activity attracts. I really don't believe they represent America well, especially when they're flying the confederate flag.

If they're so concerned about illegal activity, why don't they sit by the side of the road in any major city and report speeders or people who don't use their signals? Why do they drive across the country to support this exercise in xenophobia rather than participate in their neighborhood watch? Why do they feel compelled to deliver a manifesto explaining their vision of America?

[barb162]

35. why do some people pick animal rights and some people pick

cystic fybrosis charities. Both are admirable in and of themselves. It is what is most important to them; that's all it is. I can't "divine" their motivations as I don't know these people individually. Therefore I will only look at their website and take their word for what they are doing. If I see someone in my neighbor's yard breaking a window, I will call the police. If the person breaking the window is not my race, I guess someone can call me a racist that I called the cops. Yeah well, that's nice. If the person is my race, well, they can't me that, can they? To me this is a story about bigtime illegal entry year after year after year to the USA and the Bush administration is basically not doing a damn thing about it. In my opinion he fosters it as it helps his GOP buddies/employers hire cheap labor and increase revenue (which also breaks the back of the American worker).

These people, the Minutemen, are exercising their rights as citizens. Their legal rights. Things are getting totally screwed up when ILLEGAL immigration activity is promoted and LEGAL activity by American citizens is not.

In what other country do citizens support ILLEGAL immigration?

[Redstone]

42. Funny how often I've seen that tired comparison lately...

Neighborhood watches are, pretty generally, composed of people from the neighborhood, not of armed peckerwoods from a thousand miles away who show up without an invitation.

Redstone

[Walt Starr]

3. I didn't read a word of your post and here's why

I support the rights of Neo-Nazis to march in Skokie Illinois because they are guaranteed that right under the constitution, not bnecause I agree with Neo-Nazis.

Any attempt to abridge the rights of any citizen because they hold political opinons which are abhorent is an attack against the rights of ALL CITIZENS.

[Bridget Burke]

4. The post did not recommend ANY action be taken against the MiniMen...

All it did was quote from their website. But the mirror can be cruel:

Future generations will inherit a tangle of rancorous, unassimilated, squabbling cultures with no common bond to hold them together, and a certain guarantee of the death of this nation as an harmonious "melting pot."

The result: political, economic and social mayhem. Historians will write about how a lax America let its unique and coveted form of government and society sink into a quagmire of mutual acrimony among the various sub-nations that will comprise the new self-destructing America.

Spanish has been spoken in Texas for centuries & it's not going away. Those concerned about holding the nation together should not work toward division. How about sponsoring ESL classes--or teaching them? There are economic arguments for controlling immigration; they were avoided in favor of xenophobia.

Some of the visitor comments were quite revolting but I don't blame the Minutemen. Surely they'll delete the more offensive ones.

[Walt Starr]

8. I don't GIVE A DAMN what they stand for

All that matters to me is the constitution and the law. They are following the law and to stop them from doing it is a violation of the constitution.

That's all the hell I need to know in this case.

[Itsthetruth]

10. They Already Did!

"Some of the visitor comments were quite revolting but I don't blame the Minutemen. Surely they'll delete the more offensive ones."

I'm sure they already deleted "the more offensive ones"!!!!

They don't want to look bad .... like the right-wing Hispanic bashing, xenophobic, racist nutcases that they really are.

[John BigBootay]

44. Looks like we've found a subject many DU'ers share with shrub.

Hooda-thunk it?

[Maestro]

16. The minutemen are idiots

We were never a "melting pot." We have been at the very least a mosaic, a tapestry of different cultures. These guys are scared because what they call the United States of America is changing and they can not adapt. I hope Darwin wins out and these people go extinct. Only those that adapt can survive. Fools.

[Itsthetruth]

5. Do You Normally Comment On Posts You Haven't Read?

"I didn't read a word of your post and here's why
I support the rights of Neo-Nazis to march in Skokie Illinois because they are guaranteed that right under the constitution, not bnecause I agree with Neo-Nazis.
Any attempt to abridge the rights of any citizen because they hold political opinons which are abhorent is an attack against the rights of ALL CITIZENS."

Perhaps you should read posts before you comment on them. I hope you come back and at least read the words of the Minuteman Project founder and his supporters if you want to know what they stand for.

If you had bothered to read my post you would not have suggested that I called upon the government to interfere with their right to speak, conduct meetings or to even march.

Without reading my post did you just assume that I advocated government curtailment of their free speech and assembly rights? It sure seems that way. So, please read posts before you offer an uninformed opinion on them.

After you hopefully read the entire post please come back and post your opinion on it.

Thanks

[Walt Starr]

7. I don't really GIVE A DAMN what they stand for, only what they are doing

They are sitting on the border watching and when they see an illegal alien cross the border they report it to INS.

There is nothing illegal about that. They are 100% within their rights. There is not thing one that can be done to stop that ujnder the law and the constitution.

So no, I'm not reading your post.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

11. They stand for racism and intimidation.

Just like their Nazi precursers.

[Walt Starr]

14. I still advocate constitutional rights for Nazis

They have a right to do what they are doing it. I support that. I don;t give a Damn if they are Nazis, KKK, Black Panthers, Cowboys for Vishnu, or Alien lovers who hate evrybody who doesn't believe in aliens!

[Itsthetruth]

20. You Don't Care What Right-Wing Racist Outfits Stand For?

"I don't really GIVE A DAMN what they stand for, only what they are doing"
Posted by Walt Starr

You went way beyond simply defending their "their right to do what they are doing" when you said you "don't give a damn what they stand for".

I'm sorry to hear that. Don't you also care about what the KKK and other right-wing outfits stand for?

So what is the Minuteman Project doing that you apparently don't find objectionable? They are engaged in a hysterical racist campaign against Hispanics and blaming them for the economic woes of working class people in order to take the heat off corporate interests. And it is big business interests, not undocumented workers, that are cutting our pay and benefits and outsourcing millions of jobs to cheap labor nations. And they are taking the law into their own hands as they hunt down and "capture" people who speak Spanish and might be undocumented workers. I have to wonder if they will expand their mission to cover other "un-Americans" and "subversive" types. Don't be surprised!

[Walt Starr]

25. Not when it comes to constitutional issues

We do not protect or deny constituionally guaranteed rights based upon the popularity of the political opinions one might have. That is the basis for our consitutional form of government. Certain rights are protected regardless of the stannces held by the individual.

Just how hard is that to understand?

[Itsthetruth]

27. We Understand

"We do not protect or deny constituionally guaranteed rights based upon the popularity of the political opinions one might have. That is the basis for our consitutional form of government. Certain rights are protected regardless of the stannces held by the individual.

Just how hard is that to understand?"

That's not hard to understand at all. That's why no one has suggested the government take away their free speech and assembly rights. So what's your point?

Now please go back and read the lead post. I'd like to know your opinion on what the Minuteman Project and their supporters stand for.

Thanks

[Walt Starr]

28. There are posts all over DU advocating taking away their rights!!!!

:eyes:

[BurtWorm]

32. The right to object to what they stand for isn't unconstitutional, is it?

You're not suggesting we just quietly sit back and let them do what they want to do--and not do what WE want to do, which is oppose them and make clear they're not speaking for us, are you?

[Walt Starr]

33. Not at all

But too many people are questioning their right to do this.

Better than criticizing them for their actions would be to contact congrssional representation to reform immigration laws. Currnetly, we as a nation are either unwilling or incapable of enforcing the existing laws.

[BurtWorm]

34. That's another matter entirely, isn't it? Most people on DU would

want the laws to discourage people from risking their lives to come here, or to encourage them to come lawfully. That's not what the nuts along the border want. They want to stop the Brown Tide altogether. They don't care if Mexicans come legally or illegally. They don't want any more Mexicans to come at all.

[Finder]

21. I support their constitutional right, however...

when is the last time weapons(or nail clippers) were allowed at a peace rally? I understand that open carry is legal but I sincerely hope nobody gets hurt.

On a positive note...it gives us a good idea how many there are in these groups. Between this and the Shiavo affair, it seems a lot less that I imagined it would be. It is comforting in a warped way.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

30. This isn't about free speech or assembly, it's about intimidation.

If they don't like the laws let them "peaceably assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances" unarmed.

[Walt Starr]

36. Second amendment and Arizona law

I'm sorry, but they've got that one covered, too.

Everything they are doing is 100% above board and legal.

[John BigBootay]

45. What do the minutemen stand for?

I think if you asked 100 Minutemen you get a least a dozen different answers.

I support their efforts and I am as non-racist as the next guy.

I wouldn't go so far as to join them down there, but I'm glad that somebody is doing it.

Our lame-ass government NEEDS it's citizens to tell it where it's going wrong from time to time.

If you pay even the barest lip service to protecting our nation in the least draconian way, then you MUST BE for greater border enforcement.

That is my number one reason for supporting the minutemen.

Now, how exactly does that make me a racist?

[barb162]

12. I disagree with your first several paragraphs of comments

From what I have seen and read about this group, they are well aware of the connection to American business hiring illegals, the reasoning, ramifications, etc.

Do you know of any country in Europe, Africa, Asia, or South America,etc., that promotes illegal immigration

[Itsthetruth]

26. Minuteman Project Uses "Anti-Capitalist" Demagogy To Arouse Prejudices

They are good at employing "anti-capitalist" demagogy and rhetoric, lashing out at big business interests that employ "illegals", while their main fire is directed against those undocumented workers and Hispanic workers in general.

Incipient fascist organizations always use similiar radical sounding rhetoric against corporations while they work hard to confuse and divide working class people. Such outfits have no interest in organizing a united working class resistance against corporate attacks on our jobs and living standards.

Their purpose and goal is to divide, not unite working people. And in order to defend ourselves from these corporate attacks it will be necessary to organize and unite all workers, undocumented and citizens, on both sides of the Mexican/US/Candian borders.

[in_cog_ni_to]

13. THAT'S DISGUSTING!!!!!

There's NO WAY IN HELL I would ever stand in support of people like that! EVER! Damn, fucking bigots! That shit ROYALLY pisses me off. :grr::nuke::grr::nuke::grr:

[K-W]

15. White supremicists and xenophobes. Charming as always. EOM

[FreedomAngel82]

18. Their homeland??

Uh did they forget who was here first? And they have the right to keep people from coming. Yeah right.

[Cleita]

19. Buwahaha! Loved this paragraph...

Lastly, it is strange that great people I know in Czech Repuplic, Hungary, Croatia, and South Africa (dutch and english descent) can't even get a VISA to visit the US. I know so many educated people who speak 5 languages, have good jobs, and have the same culture and religion as we do. They share the same history. Yet, they can't get visas just to visit. While our country fills up with mexicans, cubans, and haitians. What the hell is going on. I would rather have people that are like us and can contribute to the US in my country instead of someone that will simply drain our social welfare system, crowd our schools with their seven kids, raise crime, and simply never blend into our society.

Yes but are they willing to clean out stables, toilets or pick asparagus? Talk about shooting yourself in the foot. These are the guys who really could take American jobs. However, because they are educated professionals don't need to immigrate here.

[stanwyck]

22. My concern is that someone will get wounded, or

worse as these wannabes play soldier. They'll shoot one of their own. Or a federal agent. Or an undocumented worker.
Sorry these guys with little guns have to go out and carry big guns to feel better about themselves. Yes, it's pathetic.
My fear is that someone is going to die because of their twisted maschismo.

[Power Trowell]

31. I take the concerns about out of control Minutemen

with the same grain of salt I took the warnings here on DU of Christian pograms once "The Passion" was released.

Did they ever materialize?

[Itsthetruth]

37. Not A Very Good Analogy

As you point out, nothing much materialized in the way of organized right-wing activity when a movie, "The Passion" was released.

But, what does that have to do with the Minuteman Project? This is a very real right-wing movement that is organizing very real actions and propaganda against Hispanic workers, both legal and those without papers.

I don't think we need to sit around and speculate about whether such a right-wing inspired movement against undocumented workers will actually materialize. It exists!

So I don't get the connection to a movie.

[Power Trowell]

40. I'm justn comparing the hysteria at DU then to the hysteria now

So I will bide my time and see if any incidents develop as is predicted in this case.

Then I will point out the results. See whose predictions came to pass.

[stanwyck]

43. No hysteria

just people who know the statistics in the U.S. about yahoos with guns. And the tragedies that result.
I have to tell you, as the mother of a Marine on his second tour in Iraq, these posturing wannabes with their puffed up faux warrior strutting make me ill.
Why didn't they just join the military if they like "playing" soldier so much? Or join the police force?
They never do. Like Dubya, they're all hat and no cattle. Fakes. Who reel in the gullible with their make-believe uniforms (Dubya borrowed his flight suit....cause the one he was supposed to wear in the Guard was, uh, "misplaced"...like his tour of duty).
Save your respect for the real heroes.
They're not The Minutemen.

[MountainLaurel]

23. Jesus Christ -- is anyone surprised?

Anytime you look at the anti-immigration movement, behind them (often with $$) are people who would be comfortable wearing white sheets and burning crosses.

[VOX]

29. FACT: Illegal Immigrants Are Bolstering Social Security With Billions

The utter hysteria about illegals draining Medicare and SS is FICTION. The facts show that illegals, by the necessitated use of false IDs, pay into these systems but never draw anything out. They are, in fact, bolstering Social Security by an estimated $7 billion per year!
- - - - - - -

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/05/business/05immigration.html
NY Times
By EDUARDO PORTER
Published: April 5, 2005

STOCKTON, Calif. - Since illegally crossing the Mexican border into the United States six years ago, Ángel Martínez has done backbreaking work, harvesting asparagus, pruning grapevines and picking the ripe fruit. More recently, he has also washed trucks, often working as much as 70 hours a week, earning $8.50 to $12.75 an hour.

Not surprisingly, Mr. Martínez, 28, has not given much thought to Social Security's long-term financial problems. But Mr. Martínez - who comes from the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico and hiked for two days through the desert to enter the United States near Tecate, some 20 miles east of Tijuana - contributes more than most Americans to the solvency of the nation's public retirement system.

Last year, Mr. Martínez paid about $2,000 toward Social Security and $450 for Medicare through payroll taxes withheld from his wages. Yet unlike most Americans, who will receive some form of a public pension in retirement and will be eligible for Medicare as soon as they turn 65, Mr. Martínez is not entitled to benefits.

He belongs to a big club. As the debate over Social Security heats up, the estimated seven million or so illegal immigrant workers in the United States are now providing the system with a subsidy of as much as $7 billion a year.
<snip>

[Bouncy Ball]

38. Eh. I'd almost rather their racism and xenophobia be out in the

open for all to see, like this, than cloaked in something else. At least I know where they are and what they're doing.

AND the first time they shoot and kill someone, game's over. I have a feeling that WILL happen. Itchy trigger fingers and all.

[Itsthetruth]

39. They Are Trying To Cover Their Asses With Anti-Corporate Rhetoric

I think they are trying to cloak themselves as simply good Americans who just hate corporations that are exploiting those poor "illegal" workers. Their real agenda is loud and clear if you read the statements of their supporters carefully. Scapegoat Latinos for the loss of jobs and lowering of our living standards.

[mr blur]

41. Wrong about Europe, too

Not every country here "requires everyone to have a national ID, that is very hard to fake." We don't have one in the UK and the government's suggestion that we might met with great opposition. I have nothing "official" with my photograph on and what I look like and where I go is none of the fucking government's business. Identity "papers" have always struck me as being one of the first stages towards a repressive state. If I'm not doing anything illegal then it's nobody's business who I am or where I'm going.

[DoveTurnedHawk]

46. These Guys Are a Bunch of Racists (eom)

DTH

[Itsthetruth]

47. Minuteman Actions Have Nothing To Do With Free Speech & Assembly

The Minuteman Project participants are harassing, intimidating, frisking, interrogating and "capturing" people in the streets who "look Spanish" that they think might be "illegal". They are demanding citizenship papers!

Who the hell do they think they are to demand anything from people who are walking the streets of this nation or shopping peacefully? What about our rights? Their actions interfere with our right to travel unmolested in the streets by self-appointed right-wing guardians of immigration law. If any private person came up to me and demanded "papers" I'd give them fair warning and if they persisted I'd pop them in the nose!

What will these vigilantes do next? Perhaps stop motorists, hijack cars and demand our driver's license and proof of insurance to make sure we are legal?

Not without a fight!

[Balbus]

48. You are wrong.

The subject may be right to an extent, they are there to protest illegal immigration - not the first amendment, but the body of your post is terribly far from what is actually happening.

"The Minuteman Project participants are harassing, intimidating, frisking, interrogating and "capturing" people in the streets who "look Spanish" that they think might be "illegal". They are demanding citizenship papers! " - that is not what they are doing at all.