Ricardo wrote on Mar 23, 2006 7:07 AM:The NCTimes gives big coverage to a pitiful handful of so-called Minutemen grandstanding in Vista again. If they had a brain between them they'd know that this is prime time for crossing the border, and if they were more than con artists, they'd be there, or they'd be denouoncing Issa for keeping the checkpoints closed (I thank him for that) But they aren't serious about any of these things, just stirring up the base instincts of nativism and racism in order to divert attention from the stunning failures of the party in power. It's amazing that the NCTimes gives such coverage to a dozen flag-wavers from Orange County, but didn't see fit to cover the Peace Train of North County residents or the antiwar protest they attended on Saturday in Balboa Park.

Ron wrote on Mar 23, 2006 8:46 AM:When you run out of good arguments, you name call. This is a failure of the federal government, Issa is a federal representative, hence, the protest. The Senate is going to include a guest worker program in their immigration reform legistration. The point is: We have a min. of 10 million illegals in the country. They can't legally work here, but they do. Why? Because you need to go after the employer. As Colin Powell said about Iraq, "...you cut the head off the snake, and kill it.." Fine, and jail these employers, and this problem "will" go away. And illegals will go home if theres no work for them.

z wrote on Mar 23, 2006 8:48 AM:I guess if the minutemen were really serious they would volunteer to work in the fastfood and farming business at illegal alien wages so no one would hire illegals.

American woman wrote on Mar 23, 2006 9:30 AM:Ricardo, your xenophobia is showing. In case folks haven't noticed (and unfortunately I'm afraid that's the case), there is an enormous radical Latino extremist faction which has infiltrated the United States (thanks to GWB)over the last ten+ years. Like Al-Qaeda, they are very patient. When you have plans of the magnitude these anti-American folks entertain, your entire agenda might take 20+ years, but to them, it's worth it! What do they propose? Not much! Just the reduction of the US to third-world status within our kids' and grandkids' lifetimes, that's all. Apparently, most of the beer and wine sipping couch sitters of our country prefer to remain in denial of such an eventuality. Hey, folks! Your government is in on it, too! Is anybody out there awake? What is America THINKING??? Thank God for the Minuteman Project and like-minded others who are willing to stand together in solidarity for their once-sovereign nation, their families and YOUR futures! A dozen or so demonstrators on a Wednesday is pretty fair numbers, I think...especially when you factor-in the apathy permeating local state and national communities! What was holding Issa's constituency back, after they got off work? There was an hour or so there when they could have stood up for their community. Oh, that's right...that martini or cold beer and the La-Z-Boy beckoned! By the way Ricky, I've made a few visits to the CA border recently. Chula Vista, Otay Mesa, Campo, Boulevard, and Jacumba are teaming with Minutemen. Don't let your fear of discovery rule your mouth, Ricky!

Kent wrote on Mar 23, 2006 9:37 AM:Ron, you are a thoughtful, intelligent guy by all outward appearances. It seems you are categorizing yourself this time, though. American Woman has you pegged! Why do you simply accept the concept of a guest or temporary worker program? With that attitude, you'll be right again. By the way, I agree we need to hit the employers where it hurts the most, in their oily, overstuffed wallets.

Bill wrote on Mar 23, 2006 10:37 AM:Thank you Minutemen!!! When this country is finally broken then everyone will be walking around in a daze wondering what went wrong. It's like Ross Perot said about jobs and the big sucking sound and nobody believed it until it happened. This country is going down the drain fast!!

Lynne wrote on Mar 23, 2006 11:40 AM:OK every body. Lets see a show of hands of who out there in the work force...would like to get up every morning Monday thru Friday, winter and summer. To weed, cut grass, trim plants, remove dead branches, plant ground cover to keep the common areas looking great in Homeowner Associations? Oh yes for basic wages. I'm waiting....

So Cal Native wrote on Mar 23, 2006 11:57 AM:When is the NCT going to get off of this already! Dont they have anything better to report than a handfull of transplants claiming to be local native's? All there doing is stirring up hatred but, the NCT knows this and is thriving on it. Yes, that cold beer does sound good and by the way American woman, Ricardo in english is Richard which tells me you are not even a true californian. Cant the NCT tell already that the majority of all comments are against illegal immigration and to tighten up the borders for obvious reasons, national security. Move on to something else already, this is old news!

Ron wrote on Mar 23, 2006 12:21 PM:Let me clear this up for you Kent. I don't want a guest worker program. But listen to the talk coming out of the Senate. Phrases like "...a comprehensive immigration reform." That is code for a guest worker program. And both of them want it, Republicans and Democrats. Wait, and you'll see I'm right on this. As for employers, that is the only way to get to the root of this. Kill the illegal jobs, by crimminal employers.

Another American Woman wrote on Mar 23, 2006 12:25 PM:Oh brother, I've lived in California all of my life and have heard paranoid rantings and ravings similar to those of American Woman's. It is boring. The bottom line is The Minute Men and people who support them are afraid. Get over it and find something more postive and constructive to do. I'm sure God would be pleased.

to Lynne wrote on Mar 23, 2006 12:32 PM:As a matter of fact, I am looking for a second job. How much you willing to pay me Lynne to mow your lawn? I know you gated community people got some money. By the way, does your homeowners association pay for health insurance for those poor gardeners? I wonder?

Tomate wrote on Mar 23, 2006 1:09 PM:Let my people go,I mean come pick your fruits & Vegtables.

Annoyed wrote on Mar 23, 2006 2:54 PM:You know, it's almost ridiculous to see how ignorant some people are. Not only do they say "Ahh...get 'em outta here!" or "We don't need them!" but then they go out and hire these same people they, apparently, don't want. Give me a break. If you peopple really wanted immigrants out of here all you'd have to do is go to every hotel, every mcdonalds, jack in the box, carls junior, even denny's and ihop, and take 'em outta there. Also, go to Home Depot and the street corners in places liek Vista, Fallbrook, Escondido, etc. You can get them there too! Oh, and take them out of your homes, as well. THATS HOW EASY IT IS. But wait, you're not doing that....yet you people complain and complain that they are a hazard to your kids becuse they are so close to the elementary schools and they take and take and never give up. Um, excuse me... just because you are 45 years old and going to night classes while they are out working in the fields, takign care of your children, or making your food isn't really showing that you dont want them here. Go get those illegal immigrants...they're waiting for you. C'mon, if that's how bad you really want it....go, but just quit complaining that you can't do anyhting about it. I think people should just quit complaining and keep taking advantage of their cheap labor so that they, in turn, can make a better life for themselves. The minutemen project is a load of dong and those men have nothign better to do than to sit in their La-Z-boys, drink beer and watch football.

fred wrote on Mar 23, 2006 3:00 PM:What's next a flag waving[Mexican,US,or California] protest at Bill Horn's house in Carlsbad ? Term limits anybody?

Confused wrote on Mar 23, 2006 4:38 PM:Ok, so tell me again why we sent the Haitians and Vietnamese that tried to come to America for a better life back to their home? These illegal immigrants are here ummm.....illegally. Regardless of the crooked employers (who should be penalized), these people, because they are willing to "do the work" are allowed to stay yet we send everyone else back to their home because they traveled here...ummmm...illegally. Some of these people were actually running for their lives, and we sent them back to their deaths. What's the difference and why should Mexican illegals not only get to work here, but collect welfare, send their kids to school here (and we provide EXTRA help because they do not speak english- yet our children have to be diagnosed as disabled before we can get FREE extra help in school.)Not to mention the crimes that have been committed by persons here....illegally. I'm all for the American dream...but I don't think they are just coming over for work.

John wrote on Mar 23, 2006 5:35 PM:It's not just farming jobs. I work construction and have seen an insrease of 500% in Mexicans on the job site over the last 10 years. These are jobs that Americans would love to have. Companies will not hire an American for $20.00 an hour when they can get an ilegal for $12.00 an hour. Hell Yes it makes me mad.

Lynne wrote on Mar 23, 2006 6:12 PM:To...these are independent contractors, landscaping companies that the homeowner associations hire to do the work. Barely any benefits from the landscaping companies and starting at base wage for California. I am still waiting who is lining up for these jobs...kids out of high school..I don't think so...students out of college. The guy handing selling papers, the guy on side of the road with a sign asking for beer money. NOT...then who???

American Patriot wrote on Mar 24, 2006 1:58 AM:Why? Why is it so bad to want secure borders? Why is it so bad to want employers that are addicted to cheap labor to have their supply cut off so they will be made to pay a living wage to the unemployed americans. There is no job americans won't do if paid a living wage. They don't want to be taken advantage of. It's amazing the lack of loyalty to the american workers by americans. What shape will this country be in when we hand it to our children and grandchildren. It's not a sin to stand up, speak up for our rights in this country. Funny how its not a sin when illegals do it.

Robin wrote on Mar 24, 2006 10:01 AM:Uphold the law. It is that simple. Enter our country LEGALLY. Our nation is great because we are a nation of laws. The Mintuemen merely rallied in support of the law. Enter our country LEGALLY and you are protected and entitled to all that has made this nation the greatest country in the history of the world.

Eileen wrote on Mar 24, 2006 10:02 AM:I support the Minutemen. VIVA MINUTEMEN!

So Cali Native wrote on Mar 24, 2006 11:44 AM:When is the NCT going to get off of this already! Dont they have anything better to report than a handfull of transplants claiming to be local native's? All there doing is stirring up hatred but, the NCT knows this and is thriving on it. I bet most in this forum are not even a true Californian's either. Cant the NCT tell already that the majority of all comments are against illegal immigration and to tighten up the borders for obvious reasons, national security. Move on to something else already, this is old news!

Bubba wrote on Mar 24, 2006 12:50 PM:Dey tuk r jobs!!!

Ricardo wrote on Mar 25, 2006 5:03 AM:Robin calls this "the greatest country in the history of the world". This common sentiment reminds me of my children's elementary school principal, who was fond of saying that his/our school was the best school in California, with the best kids ever. It's OK to say stuff like that to kids, but this juvenile conceit is killing our country and the world. It's time to wake up and smell the sewage. You can't solve problems unless you recognize them as problems. Grow up.

TC in DC wrote on Mar 25, 2006 12:32 PM:Ricardo, this is the greatest country in the world. And people who deny that should put forward the country they want to move to that is better. This type of speech on a public newspaper is proof. Do you believe that there is another country in the world that people can speak of their government and the people in it like this? Saying anything they want, recklessly in many cases, with no fear of being thrown into a prison or sued for libel. America is the greatest nation in the history of the world. Don't believe put forward another country that is better, provides more freedom, accepts more people, gives every person regardless of color race or religion every opportunity to succeed.

shane of los angeles wrote on Mar 26, 2006 10:21 AM:Illegal immigration: 1. makes it easier for terrorists to get us here; 2. undermines legal immigration; 3. undermines the rule of law.

esteban wrote on Mar 27, 2006 11:05 AM:With the way this country is going, and the way the Liberals are trying to tell you how to live...I give this nation 50 more years or less, then it is extinct.

Reality Chick wrote on Mar 28, 2006 5:11 AM:Esteban, I think you are being optimistic.

esteban wrote on Mar 28, 2006 3:51 PM:Reality Chick...I pride myself on being an optimist...but no more. You are right, I give the USA ten years until total annihilation by the Left.

Legal Citizen Worker wrote on Feb 16, 2007 12:25 AM:I'm a naturalized citizen. I've been "temporary" worker with the same employer for years in a business dominated by immigrants. Some of them are temporary, but ALL the full time ones were born outside the U.S. I still rent and many of my immigrant coworkers have owned homes (some of them more than one house) for years. Why? Most of them work very hard; but even the hard workers have told me over the years that they have learned to work the system here in my country, which they don't consider theirs! I've heard it all: double identities, borrowing SSNs, free programs, etc. I've been directly told it's easy if you're not born here. They've agreed that my government takes better care of them than me. I'm both pitied and laughed at for these sad facts. Some get more hours than I do and not because they work cheaper. We all make over $20/hr., but they get medical benefits and I don't. Many of them make more than me and we all do the same work. If I complain, I get less hours and have been threatened. Sometimes, I can barely take the injustices anymore, but there's not too many jobs at that pay rate. I know people with Master's Degrees who make less. I admire many immigrants for working so hard, but at legal workers' expense? I can't tell you how sick I am of hearing that "Americans don't want these jobs". I and others are living proof that we do.