Floyd wrote on Feb 15, 2007 8:16 PM:The most important, unreported fact about the influx of illegal aliens is that they are trespassing into our country. If you came home and found it had been broken into by people who took your possessions and handed you a bill for their medical treatment while they were wiring $23 Billion out of the country, you would call the authorities and have them removed. The Minutemen are making those calls to the authorities -- and more power to them!

K2 wrote on Feb 15, 2007 8:25 PM:You are a sick person. I am ashamed that living in a free country allows this cult of fear mongering to persist. What anarchy are you talking about? Where are the statistics for increased criminal behavior? I've yet to meet a "gangster migrant". What about the unnamed dangerous diseases? Where are the data to support such fear mongering claims?

Gary in Murrieta wrote on Feb 15, 2007 9:13 PM:I could post tons of data to support the ill effects of illegal Immigration, but I am sure NCT will not devote the space. I will say this: I do not support the bush Administration and their sneaky ways of preparing us for the north American Union. Two years ago the Bush Administration quietly pushed through legislation loopholes that allow banks to give illegal Aliens credit cards. The center of disease control CDC is under strict orders not to identify disease thought to be of illegal Alien origin, and that is why they never identify race or names. The nations Guard cannot guard and the Border Patrol cannot shoot or chase. The more Illegal Aliens break into our country the more American Taxpayers have to carry the burden. Even though the majority of people want illegal Immigration stopped the American government is not acting. What is wrong with this picture?

To K2 wrote on Feb 15, 2007 9:20 PM:Just Google the “Most Wanted” list for Los Angeles, or Escondido. Look at the homicide statistics for the San Fernando Valley. Go to the Megan’s law website and check the names and pictures for you city. Simply read the North County Times Newspaper, and keep track of the stories that they do identify the illegal Aliens (You may have to look for the code words). The information is out there, and it is not pretty. How many hit-and run accidents in Escondido lat year, and why do you think why? Look at the gang problems in San Diego and realize that there are either roots from Mexico or members who are illegal Aliens. As our economy slows and Construction slows there will be a lot of out of work and desperate Illegal Aliens amongst us.

Fed Up American wrote on Feb 15, 2007 9:40 PM:Kudos to Jeff and SDMM. Its about time someone stands up to these radical pro-alien groups that dominate the debate. The list of accomplishments is very impressive. Getting the Busby comments on tape may have changed the election for our man Bilbray. You guys rock, can't wait to join you.

Robert wrote on Feb 15, 2007 9:50 PM:Iraqi officials have apparently learned something that seems beyond the grasp of President George W. Bush. Specifically, Lt. Gen. Abboud Gambar, Iraqi commander of Baghdad security, has announced that Iraq would close its borders with Syria and Iran. What a concept! Imagine that, actually taking action to keep enemies out during time of war.

WELL SAID! wrote on Feb 15, 2007 10:03 PM:People of all persuasions owe a debt of gratitude to the Minutemen and other patriots standing on the front lines of this dangerous, insane, corrupt and treacherous Invasion from Mexico, working to expose this crisis to all. Most people have no idea how bad this situation is and what's headed their way because of it. It's time to wake up and act...now.

La Raza Cosmica wrote on Feb 15, 2007 10:34 PM:35 years ago, socialist Chicanos imagined the fable of Aztlan. Read 'The Plan of Aztlan'. It is a fable of hate and racism. It is a fable because California was never part of Aztlan. The California indians never migrated to Mexico City. Never! Further, nearly all Mexicans stayed in California and became Americans after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. The are no displaced native Californianos in Mexico. But radical Chicanos created this fable of hate and racism for teaching young native latinos and illegal immigrants in order to get them to believe that California was unjustly stolen from La Raza. The fruits of this indoctrination fable can be viewed by searching for 'raging racist' on the internet. Illegal immigration must be stopped until the Plan of Aztlan, Brown Power, and La Raza hate groups are exposed, marginalized, and immigrants can come without being seduced by fables of hate and racism.

Pink wrote on Feb 15, 2007 10:57 PM:Hey Floyd... $23 Billion wired out of the country? They DID earn it. US employers paid them. It's not like they broke in and stole it.

John wrote on Feb 15, 2007 11:39 PM:Wah wah blah blah. Another pointless rant from the leader of the psuedo-minutemen. "One of the biggest obstacles to securing our borders and enforcing federal laws is..." NOT extreme latino activist groups. Get real Jeff. The greatest obstacle to regulating the borders is something Schwilk cannot control. It is the market forces of the capitalist system that runs the world. Employment demand created by consumers like Schwilk is the big magnet attracting labor. The more activist groups like SDMM push to squeeze the supply of immigrant labor, the bigger the black market for labor will grow. Schwilk and his ilk are not protecting me. They are harrassing the weakest among us - the easy targets.

Citizen wrote on Feb 16, 2007 12:09 AM:We need to stop Bush's North American Union in it's tracks. We don't need the crime, poverty, corruption, and Latin American gangs taking over. Mexico should solve their own problems, instead they're pushing them onto us. We can't take care of everybody in the world.

we can't do it wrote on Feb 16, 2007 12:09 AM:We, the U.S., may have accepted a regulated and controlled number of immigrants in the past depending primarily upon the need of our country. That doesn't translate into either the ability or the obligation to accept an unlimited number of immigrants today or an infinite number tomorrow -- as many somehow expect us to do. And, previous generations of immigrants either found a way to contribute and be self-supporting or went back home -- not to the local welfare or Social Security office. And, past immigrants were willing to become Americans, rather than demand that Americans cater to them and everybody "like them". The notion that we are or ever were an open border "nation of immigrants" country is a relatively recent fabrication foisted on us primarily by ethnicity first and foremost type lobbies and individuals using politically correct blackmail techniques to get whatever they wanted. Of course, they did find some fairly willing partners in greedy businesses, overly compliant unprofessional media, hate-America foundations, politicians looking to buy votes cheaply, and churches wanting to expand political influence. I don't know what we will have accomplished in the end when we wake up one day and discover the U.S. has become exactly what the illegals were running away from -- or more likely something even worse than that. The near equality of global wretchedness, I guess.

patriot to pink wrote on Feb 16, 2007 1:31 AM:What do you call someone who is in this country illegally by climbing under the fence in the dark of night? A thief? and when an illegal fills out a w2 form, they put 9 children, so how much tax can you take out of their paychecks. oh and least we forget, the day laborers don't pay tax and neither does their slave masters. So Pink, get your facts straight. $23 billion is a lot of money to be leaving this country with little or no tax being paid.

Randy wrote on Feb 16, 2007 3:03 AM:The fear-mongering fomented by the ultra nationalists is not dissimilar to the fear-mongering fomented by Hitler against the Jews!

Responding to 'La Raza Cosmica' wrote on Feb 16, 2007 3:29 AM:I've also read the history and current pro-apologist writings on the subject. I'm amazed that NCT would not censor your post. If interested in this subject including stats and socialist biases please read "Magical Urbanism" by Mike Davis. The Escondido library has a copy. My copy is is from a USC class on third world countries. Enjoy and be enlightened and let the chips fall where they may!

Please notice the title of this Story wrote on Feb 16, 2007 4:28 AM:"Fighting "illegal" immigration. Let's not make this more then what it is. Let me clarify that for you... I-L-L-E-G-A-L.... This issue is about ILLEGAL ALIENS who are breaking America's Laws, and undermining the American taxpayer. Until the laws are changed or enforced, these illegal Aliens are lawbreakers. Illegal Aliens is not a race, and attempts to portray the issue as racism are just plain wrong. Overpopulation is overpopulation regardless of race. Undermining the tax base hurts everyone.

ship them out wrote on Feb 16, 2007 5:30 AM:Hey Pink first of all they earned it illegally so stuff it!!! Second of all once you break into our country as a criminal alien you have no rights!!! Go Minute Men and thank you for trying to get America back from these criminals

Ben wrote on Feb 16, 2007 5:43 AM:Great article, cudos to the SDMM as well as the local supporters! To deny the negative impact of the illegal aliens is just plain naive. People like K2 and Pink should get educated on the impacts of losing all of that money from the local economy and the cost of the social services that the illegals take every day. Keep up the good work and MAYBE some of the political hacks will get the message!

Voice of Reason wrote on Feb 16, 2007 6:10 AM:The second biggest obstacle to securing the border, behind open borders advocates, illegal alien sympathisers, reconquistas, and the rest of that filthy lot would be people who are completely ignorant about what happens at the border. Fortunately those people have banded together and formed a group so the rest of us can easily identify them. They're called minutemen.

Diogenes wrote on Feb 16, 2007 6:38 AM:Thank you, NC Times, for facilitating this exercise of the 1st Amendment and allowing Mr. Schwilk to express his position at length. Without stating on which side I stand, I believe that the more unfettered expression we witness from both sides of this issue, the more the truth becomes apparent. So, illegal aliens and their supporters, pour it on. Closed border advocates, let's have it. NC Times, provide a level playing field, and rest assured that the vast majority of your readers will extract the truth from the debate, regardless of how messy it may become.

Pluto wrote on Feb 16, 2007 7:21 AM:Jeff likes to think he is up against "large, powerful and well-financed" groups, which he names. Truth is that Border Angels and the Coalition for Peace, Justice and Dignity are grass-roots groups which have little or no funding at all. The ACLU is funded by supporters, and just got a nice check from the City of Escondido for passing an illegal ordinance which Jeff provoked. (what part of illegal don't they understand?) AFSC, of course is an arm of the Quakers, a historic and highly respected religious organization which advocates peace on every level.

Another lie wrote on Feb 16, 2007 7:28 AM:Jeff lists the main groups he opposes, then says "Some alien supporters call their coordinated campaign "reconquista". None of the groups he listed, however, use this or any similar term, and none of them advocate such a notion, which went out with the Sixties. Wrong again, Jeff.

Nice try wrote on Feb 16, 2007 7:32 AM:Jeff lists the "brave leaders" of the immigrant bashing movement, but how many of them would endorse him now that he has shown his true colors?

Paul wrote on Feb 16, 2007 8:02 AM:Very well said. We will not give away our country to the ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.

American woman wrote on Feb 16, 2007 9:21 AM:The EXTREMIST Latino factors, mentioned by Mr. Schwilk in this well-expressed editorial are the medias' most over-emphasized, least-American entities involved in the on-going battle for America's sovereignty. It is a 'given' for those of us fighting the hard fight, that those who comprise the radical Latino/Mexicano organizations (La Raza [NCLR], LULAC, MALDEF, MAPA, ... MEChA...the list is long)are bent on destroying this country. Are you concerned about terrorism? Why these are the terrorists among terrorists within the U.S.! Wake up, America! You are losing your country.

Jorge wrote on Feb 16, 2007 9:23 AM:Hey, K2: Apparently you have a computer. Look all that data up. It's all over the internet. If you don't know how, LEARN!

American woman wrote on Feb 16, 2007 9:26 AM:Pink, you are extremely uninformed! Illegal aliens are called i-l-l-e-g-a-l because when they cross the border u-n-l-a-w-f-u-l-l-y, they have broken U.S. immigration laws. Yikes! You people can be dense.

Kudos SDMM wrote on Feb 16, 2007 9:45 AM:Thank you MinuteMen for protecting our borders and our tax dollars. It is really hard to file our income taxes when we know that thousands of those dollars are supporting people who illegally enter our country and use our health, educational and social services without contributing.

David G wrote on Feb 16, 2007 10:12 AM:Viva La Minutemen OLE!

Guess Who wrote on Feb 16, 2007 10:21 AM:American Woman - they got jobs here and earned the money. They earned it legally inspite of their immigration status. At least Pink can think.

Pink wrote on Feb 16, 2007 10:34 AM:Patriot and American Woman would make a cute couple. But I have heard Minuteman relationships don't last too long. Go read John's comment on the black market and take an economics 101 class. Then we can talk about reality. These Illegals are earning their wages from US employers - and they usually do a fair days work for a meager pay check. They do more good than you give them credit for. Shame on you.

California belonged to who first? wrote on Feb 16, 2007 10:35 AM:What is American Woman talking about? Wasn't California part of Mexico at one time? DUH! The only terrorists are the racist Minute-girly-men gang.

Paying Attention wrote on Feb 16, 2007 10:35 AM:This invasion continues because of the Axis of Evil, Bush, Attorney General Gonzales and Secretary of Homeland Insecurity, Chertoff. If it hadn't been for the Minutemen, most Americans would still be asleep just like they were before 9-11. Sadly, people like K2 and Pink have been dumbed down thanks to our schools overflowing with illegals who don't speak English and are too slow to learn. The Minutemen are the most incredible movement America has seen in years and certainly the most courageous notwithstanding our soldiers in Iraq.!

Vindicated wrote on Feb 16, 2007 11:08 AM:Thank you for your article. All I want is for our laws to be enforced so we can continue to live in a relatively stable (compared with Mexico, anyway!) society. I'm encouraged by the fact that you see that racism doesn't define this issue--lawlessness, and the ill-effects of lawlessness do.

Never-ceases-to-be-amazed wrote on Feb 16, 2007 11:10 AM: Schwilk constantly refers to the "lies" his opponents tell about him and the Minutemen, but he never documents them. Calling an opponent a slut. A lie? Referring to illegal border crossers as being "at the bottom of the gene pool." A lie? Out of control behavior at labor sites and in his own home recorded on video. Lies? Skewed statistics about illegal alien crimes. Lies? Which lies are you referring to, Jeff? And who in his/her right mind would follow this "leader?"

JB wrote on Feb 16, 2007 11:16 AM:While I agree with the need to curb illegal immigration, I don't necessarily agree with the tactics and rhetoric of the Minutemen (I'm sure that some of the people that consider themselves part of the group are not quite as radical as the leaders). I find it interesting that this article is well written which would lead one to think that the Minutemen are rather well spoken, but when I've heard them speak it doesn't come across that way. They seem to get a little too full of themselves. I also find it intersting that the pro-illegal groups immediately label anyone opposing illegal immigration as racist. I sure would like to hear why they think someone who has entered this country unlawfully should be given all the rights that they are demanding.

CA minuteman wrote on Feb 16, 2007 12:22 PM:In mexico, " Payola" or the payoff is normal and expected. To pay a traffic cop for a violation you did not even do is considered normal and has happened to me several times. Greasing the palms of the lower paid mexican officials who dont make that much money anyway is simply a way of life .........but thats mexico right? Wrong! With the taking down of Duke Cunningham, from San Diego, the U.S. town closest to the most busy international port in the world at Tiajuana, is it any wonder that this graft has migrated over the line from mexico? I sincerely think that the Social Security system (Hitler had the SS, We have the SSS?) need to be reformed, there is a lot of talk about IOU's being put into the SSs's general fund, and that baby boomers will outstrip the cash on hand at some point in the future. So why arent the politicians on any side (left, center or right) really talking about it? The answer is the lowly impoverished illegal alien from south of the border. The illegal aliens AKA the alien foreign nationals, are here in droves using false Social Security cards ( how easy are these paper cards to make anyway?) in order to obtain Illegal working status. In effect they are proping up Social Security!!! The system wont go broke if there is a chunk of people putting "payola" into the system right? This is one of the main reasons politicians wont address directly the Illegal allien mess, the graft and corruption from mexico is too strong for the raiders that are sacking the SS system. Heres the problem though, the Social Security system has a unique number for every valid participant. by using anothers number for contribution you have essentialy comited identity theft as this number is part of the Identity of the person it was issued to. I am going to go to the SS office and find out what would happen to my personal Social Security number if 10K illegal aliens were using it to contribute Payola into my account? Would I be able to retire with benefits or would they be denied because someone stole my number and illegaly contributed to my misfortune? We will find out. Stay tuned... - MAtt

Jay from the Heartland wrote on Feb 16, 2007 12:37 PM:Isn't it interesting how the agenda of the socialist left is supporting the agenda of the transnational capitalists that are seeking to defeat the Constitution and bring all of North America under their umbrella of corporate control? Leftest = Corporate stooge. Extreme elite powers--might as well call them fascists--are moving in to destroy America and its Constitution. Don't drink the Politically Correct Kool-Aid, folks!

JK wrote on Feb 16, 2007 12:45 PM:I find it annoying that the when reporting on this topic the media will simply drop one word from a description and totally change the focus of the point being made. I would like to see the myopic media call the players in this sad chapter of our history as they are. If someone has imigrated to the US LEGALLY, then call them an IMMIGRANT. If someone has imigrated to the US ILLEGALLY, then call them an ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT.

Pluto wrote on Feb 16, 2007 12:48 PM:Yes, the article is "well-spoken", and the Minutemen are well behaved in City Council meetings and other such forums. But they show their true colors at day labor sites and demonstrations, in e-mails, and at Super Bowl parties. Check it out at minutemenunvarnished And they are profoundly un-democratic because they get mean and nasty with anyone who disagrees with them. They even trash Edward Sifuentes for reporting stories objectively. I bet they would be kinder to him if his name was Edward Smith.

Bob wrote on Feb 16, 2007 12:56 PM:Can someone please tell me why I should send my TAX money to the IRS on April 15? How much of the 23 billion that went to Mexico was taxed?

Shouting Doesn't Cut It wrote on Feb 16, 2007 1:24 PM:Whether this SCHWILK character likes it or not, he should step down and let someone who will embarass their "gang" less. Maybe someone who will NOT use slurs, but will stick to facts. Get one thing straight, I have watched bullies, I was one once, and their biggest weakness is that they are cowards.

To Pluto wrote on Feb 16, 2007 1:25 PM:One powerful illegal alien support group is MEChA, a racial organization that got established on our college campuses over 30 years ago. It has since spread to many of our high schools. Go to any one of their web sites and read El Plan Espiritual de Aztlán. MEChA is a group formed out of love for the brown race and hate for the white race. If you read their plan, it is simple. Their established goal is a racial takeover of political power, economic resources, education, and culture from the "gringo". Many MEChA members in college graduated and went on to hold political office. Others went on to teach high school where they started MEChA clubs that staged walkouts last May 1. All of you who haven't read El Plan Espiritual de Aztlán haven't read genuine hate rhetoric.

Never wrote on Feb 16, 2007 2:18 PM:I'm SURE you have never called a person a name in your life, you've never made a derrogatory comment about anyone EVER. The only reason YOU are aware of those comments is because the pro open border scum broke into Mr. Scwilk's email account and stole them. MORE lawlessness, gotta love it. And PLEASE do some research about ILLEGAL alien crime statistics, would you?

THANKS TO SDMM wrote on Feb 16, 2007 4:23 PM:The SDMM are doing the work most American politicians won't do. Sorta sound familiar? Those of you who think illegal immigration from Mexico isn't a problem might want to read "State of Emergency" by Patrick Buchanan. Thanks again, Jeff!

friends of day laborers wrote on Feb 16, 2007 6:29 PM:You know what's amazing about the Minutemen? They never actually talk to the day laborers. For more than a year I've watched them show up with their signs, parade around, and hollar at Home Depot customers. They operate on mythology and hate. That's why we call them racists...that and the unadulterated hate speech that regularly pours out of their mouths. The guys Jeff harasses are funny, friendly, hard working people. I know because I've actually talked to them. They deserve our respect and appreciation. Minutemen...stop harassing hard working people!

CaliGal wrote on Feb 16, 2007 8:02 PM:ILLEGAL IS ILLEGAL ILLEGAL IS NOT LAW-ABIDING ILLEGAL IS CRIMINAL END OF DEBATE!

Stewart wrote on Feb 16, 2007 8:12 PM:I found it interesting that Mr. Schwilk mentions Mark Wyland as some kind of hero. What has he ever done? He might talk a good game, but I noticed he has not stood up to support his own cities in his district when they are under attack from illegals. He was absent when Escondido was fighting the ACLU and he is absent when the illegal day laborers are facing off in Vista. I live in Carlsbad and I never hear him doing anything of substance on this issue. Has he publically criticized Bush as the traitor he is putting Campeon/Ramos in jail? Exactly what has he done?

Jake wrote on Feb 16, 2007 9:16 PM:K2- You must be living in a bubble.

Pluto wrote on Feb 16, 2007 9:21 PM:If anyone wonders why we call Minutemen ignorant racists, just read these blogs.

Amanda wrote on Feb 16, 2007 9:36 PM:Responding to 'La Raza Cosmica'---You are one to talk for your information; the NCT respects this thing called First Amendment Rights, “FREE SPEECH.” I have also read similar writings that correlate with 'La Raza Cosmica’ so this Aztlan conquista is quite a interesting and one can be assured that it has some radicals behind it. My point is that this is a Free Speech blog and I am shocked that you being so HIGLY educated and ENLIGHTENED in the subject would think that your source and your believe is the only one that counts here. Sorry to burst your bubble but there are other opinions and books out there besides yours…….

El Roberto wrote on Feb 17, 2007 3:44 AM:A well documented barrage of e-mails by this SCHWILK and his ilk is jusy another reason to oppose the minute men and their vigilante types.

Robert wrote on Feb 17, 2007 6:11 AM:Slut is a pejorative term for a person (usually female) who is more sexually promiscuous than is deemed socially acceptable. The term has traditionally been applied to women and is generally used as an insult or offensive term of disparagement. Slut has also been reclaimed as a slang term in the BDSM, polyamorous and gay and bisexual communities. It may be used by the person concerned as an expression of pride in their status, or as an expression of enviousness in the "success rate" of others. The term is not interchangeable with whore or prostitute as those terms denote a person who engages in sex for money.

To CaliGal wrote on Feb 17, 2007 6:42 AM:You are right "illegal is illegal". "Illegal is not law-abiding" One thing you are forgetting is that the knife cuts both ways. I have watched the news and gone to the minutemenunvarnished website and I wonder what part of "illegal" do the minutemen not understand? They are the most lawless people I have seen acting out in public. Unfortunately, Honey according to our very own U.S. Constitution the immigrants are protected under equal protection under the law. If you read the 14th Amendment for yourself you will see the reason that the immigrants "illegal" or not can not be touched by law enforcement. Please tell me why you think Immigration officers are not out there rounding up these "lawbreakers"? Because they can't touch them. So Jeff Schwilk is trying to blame everyone who opposes him except our own government who can not do a thing about this problem. I think what they want to do is noble in deed but how they are going about it is NOT.

Suzette wrote on Feb 17, 2007 9:31 AM:Nice title for the article but it sure is the wrong title. The minutemen are not fighting immigration they are attacking immigrants. There is a big difference in what they say they are doing and what they are actually doing. There is a big difference in what they started out doing and what they are doing now. They are just bullies and thugs in the business of hurting people how on earth can this be fighting immigration?

ds wrote on Feb 17, 2007 10:38 AM:This is the problem with the minuteman movement as a whole. They pick a benign and important purpose -- like fighting illegal immigration -- and use that as a public cover for the racist, hateful things they do when they think the public isn't watching. Well the public is watching, Jeff, and anyone who cares about the cause should be ashamed that you have soiled it so with your hateful e-mails, language and behavior. I'm all for fighting illegal immigration, but not with the minutemen. They make the movement look bad, and they should get out of town.

Please read the Constitution closely wrote on Feb 17, 2007 6:17 PM:Respond to –“ To CaliGal” You appear to quote the Constitution very broadly so tell me what article and section you are making reference to specifically? If it is the 14th Amendment what part and please be unequivocal? I am sorry but you say that "illegal" or not cannot be touched by law enforcement.” The duty of the police is to bring peace, law and order but not harm. I am sorry but this statement does not exist under the UNITED STATES CONSTITUION, you appear to be twisting and stretching the, “equal protection” that protects natural humans from HARM and injury by others. The civil rights movement based on segregation, lynching, slavery, and inequality and so forth is a perfect example of what the constitution was referencing to and please don’t try to confuse the two because they are not the same.

CaliGal wrote on Feb 17, 2007 7:20 PM:Illegal aliens knew they would be violating the law even before they made the decision to come north. This knowledge made no difference as they made their choice between a legal and illegal entry process. They are criminals and they do not enjoy the same rights as do American citizens. The Constitution was written for the benefit of America and Americans and does not apply to foreign aliens. The U.S. has been invaded by millions of non-citizens and they are destroying the American way of life. They break into our country and then demand that they be given rights like those of U.S.citizens. Rights? They're illegal aliens. They're non-citizens, the only "right" they are entitled to is safe passage back to their own countries.

One if by Land wrote on Feb 17, 2007 8:43 PM:Thanks to best selling books by Lou Dobbs Pat Buchanan-State of Emergency Peter Brimelow - Alien Nation Victor Davis Hanson-Mexifornia Georgie Anne Geyer-Americans No More Tom Tancredo- In Mortal Danger Jim Gilchrist- Minutemen We all now know what "La Raza" means and what the "A" in MEChA stands for. People who choose their" Race" or their"People" over CITIZENSHIP are the real racists.

Butch63 wrote on Feb 17, 2007 9:00 PM:I wish the so called Minutemen would choose another name. Maybe like the CLANSMEN. The Minutemen were colonist that gathered to defeat the British and establish the USA. This group is nothing but a bunch of bigots going after Mexicans. IF the "The Minutemen" want to stop illegal immigration go after the corporations that hire them!

Butch63 wrote on Feb 17, 2007 9:54 PM:Geez CaliGal, Why are you so hateful? These "Illegal aliens" as you refer to them are just trying to better their lives. A lot of then have green cards and can legally work here. The "Minutemen" are a bunch of bullies looking to relive their childhoods when they were the "kings"(or queens) of the playground.

To the commentor of February 17, 2007 6:17 PM:" wrote on Feb 17, 2007 10:37 PM:I am just wondering what land you live in if you actually believe your statement that "The duty of the police is to bring peace, law and order but not harm/" Truly you do not live in Vista!!!! We have hard core law enforcement officers who rather than bring peace into a situation they incite havoc into a situation. They shoot to kill and use Gestapo tactics so please save the rhetoric about the cops being the good guys. I think you have watched one too many episodes of CSI Miami.

Hey Bob wrote on Feb 17, 2007 10:43 PM:For every dollar that is sent to Mexico 4 dollars are spent here in the USA I think it is time that we all stop and recognize the contributions made by those who you all wish to call "illegal". Our economy would crumble without their 92 Billion dollars, I think the stats quoted here are a bit exaggerated but isn't that what you all do best?

Jimbo wrote on Feb 17, 2007 11:38 PM:Simply put. Anyone who thinks illegal immigration is good for the US is either not very intelligent or is anti-American as far as I'm concerned. If you want to help these people, go protest in Mexico for human rights. Help start a revolution that would bring Mexico to better living standrads. I would even support that by donating if I saw a clear promising plan. By allowing uneductated, impoverished people coming through unchecked brings nothing but negative consequences. Crime, lower quality of education, strained social services, etc, etc. We all know this. Now you can remind me of the produce pickers. I know.

Is this guy for real??? wrote on Feb 17, 2007 11:45 PM:I cannot believe this was actually printed in the newspaper. This guy is trying to hard to sell us a bill of goods. This is nothing more than a pathetic attempt to salvage the reputation of his defunk group. He has destroyed the credibility of his group and has tainted the reputation of this movement. I read this article with interest and all I got out of it were the whining words of a desperate guy who is doing some quick back peddling to continue to peddle his hate and racism cloaked in "I love America" rhetoric. He and his group are now seen as a bunch of crazed out of control lunatics. Too bad because I really thought they would change things and now I am afraid they can't recover from this. This is just PR to try to recover some credibility or maybe he just likes to see his name in print.

Gary in Murrieta wrote on Feb 18, 2007 6:59 AM:For every dollar that is sent to Mexico 4 dollars are spent here in the USA, there are little no taxes collected. The cost of housing, education, and medical care is borne by the American middle-class taxpayers. I would rather pay 50 cents more for a head of lettuce then to subsidize the mass influx of impoverished, uneducated, and non assimilating hordes of illegal Aliens. The only other thing I would add is that the price of lettuce has almost nothing to do with Illegal Aliens.

Just curious!! wrote on Feb 18, 2007 7:02 AM:To NCT censor: Why was the comment from Robert wrote on February 17, 2007 6:11 AM posted?

gary wrote on Feb 18, 2007 7:06 AM:A lot of These "Illegal aliens" as you refer to them are just trying to better their lives". That is the problem. There are millions and millions of them. Every night 6,000 new illegal aliens sneak or are smuggled into our country. Surveys have shown that 60% of all Mexico would mover here tomorrow legally or illegally if they could. What about Guatemala, Brazil, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Peru, and all of the other countries that would simply empty out all of their poor and impoverished people if they could. What about China and India, as I am sure that they have a few people there that would also like to have a better life. The numbers are staggering, and those “feel good” people who want to let everyone in, seem to have their heads stuck in the sand when it comes to the reality of our dwindling natural resources, space, gasoline, water, electricity, and infrastructure.

Osider wrote on Feb 18, 2007 9:03 AM:To Jeff-Your group in nothing more than a modern day KKK recruiting depot. You need to be targeting businesses that hire these illegals rather than picking on the weak. I am against illegal immigration but, the way you go about it does not speak for me. Your group is very small when it comes to percentages of population and will not survive in my city O'side!

American Vet wrote on Feb 18, 2007 3:02 PM:We are Americans! We are not Amexicans. There is no North American Union (at least not yet). I am totally fed up with foreigners, illegally coming into the United States, and then demanding rights. Have you not heard the saying "Familiarity Breeds Contempt"? These people think that because they have been here for awhile, and have great numbers that they can intimidate, threaten, and coerce Americans into getting what they want. I did not vote for this, nor will I ever vote for this. America wake-up!

To : Just curious!! wrote on Feb 18, 2007 3:11 PM:RE : Why was the comment from Robert wrote on February 17, 2007 6:11 AM posted? >>>> It was a counter post to a previous post, which North County Times deemed fit to print. If you read the first Edward Sifuentes story on the San Diego minutemen, then you would know that the term was used in his character attack on Steve Schwilk. The term originally came from E-mails that Edward reported that Steve sent out. If you are having trouble following this account then you should be reading the enquirer. LOL R/ Skip

To Osider: wrote on Feb 18, 2007 3:37 PM:In this kinder, gentler, and politically correct world we live in, nothing is being done. Our government acts like it is paralyzed with fear at offending the Hispanics. Problem is; is that there is a difference between Hispanic Americans and Illegal Aliens, and the liberals and Open Border lobby are blurring the difference, so now we are all confused. To me fear mongering is bringing the KKK or Nazis into the discussion where it does not belong. The Minutemen have a mission, and they have strict guidelines to keep it by the book and legal. The only person in America that I do not have respect for is President George W. Bush when he referred to the Minutemen as vigilantes. If you want to blame someone then blame the Federal Government for letting this problem get so out of hand. We simply cannot absorb 20 million more uneducated, impoverished and desperate Illegal Aliens.

To To Osider wrote on Feb 19, 2007 8:41 AM:A video of one of the munutemen intentionally "bumping" into someone is actually a video proof of battery, the only matter is degree, it is that simple. To say that the minutemen obey the law, when there is proof that they are breaking it, is a lie.

TO: To To Osider wrote on Feb 19, 2007 12:10 PM: You are too funny. Here is an actual photo of the event I think you are describing. What ever happened to the charges brought against the minutemen? LOL, because there is none! Meanwhile on the border, the violence is growing every day as our Border security slowly improves. Thousands of people are being hurt and killed by drug runners, bandits, coyotes, and just plain ordinary bad guys. Get real and try not to spin this story too out of control. http://www.nctimes.com/content/articles/2006/11/07/news/inland/7_01_5411_6_06.jpg

To To To Osider wrote on Feb 19, 2007 1:04 PM:An anti-illegal immigration group was attacked and their meeting disrupted when they tried to organize two years ago. The NCTimes reported the story here: http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2005/09/18/news/top_stories/22_18_179_17_05.txt A group called Gente Unida disrupted a meeting of the Friends of the Border Patrol in Mission Valley on September 17, 2005. A report by Jodi Baker of Fox 6 News shows the video. Go Minutemen! We Americans know who is really trying to intimidate who!

Teddy wrote on Feb 20, 2007 7:00 PM:Snore, snore, more of "I'm a great guy look at what I am doing" self promotion bla, bla, bla. North County does not need to see more of your vulgar language “assault and battery” and hate filled tapes. You do not speak for me or the vast majority of law abiding citizens. Go back to your day job and stop coming out with your Jerry Springer videos.

Open border advocates wrote on Feb 21, 2007 2:49 PM:have NO idea what it is to be law abiding. I think the irony that their very EXISTENCE is premised on lawlessness is lost on far too many. There is NO human rights involved in creating a slave class who will work for next to nothing while being supplemented by tax payers. Hypocrites one and ALL.

El Roberto wrote on Feb 21, 2007 3:03 PM:If you are defending the racist, bigoted minute men save your breath.

Beth-SM wrote on Feb 22, 2007 7:32 AM:Right on Jeff. And K2! Why are you sick? There is nothing racist about the Minuteman Project at all. Freedom cannot be Stolen,it is Earned

One if by Land wrote on Feb 22, 2007 10:49 AM:Illegal Alien Rights Advocates do not seem to get it. By denying the fact that a certain country has knowingly abused it's emigration privileges to the USA ,gamed and overwhelmed our immigration and social services system , they have severely undercut their standing in the debate.And by falling back on the specious hollow taunt of racism loose all relevence to Citizens like Jeff and the 2/3 of the USA who feel the same as he does!

Hear here.... wrote on Feb 22, 2007 12:27 PM:Congradulations on an excellent article; it's too bad you were limited to 500 words or less because there is so much more to be said and the commentators here are adding what that is. Illegal Immigration is our hidden on-soil war and people are beginning to awaken to this as we find our taxes going up and our social services being depleted by illegal aliens who are slurping it all up, and then sending their own tax-free "earnings" back home.

El Roberto wrote on Feb 22, 2007 3:54 PM:Here here...Wheres the beef? Statistics or numbers showing you net deficit to the taxpayers et. al. Or are you just opening your piehole with no particular direction?

Jimbo wrote on Feb 23, 2007 1:18 AM:Answer to El Roberto's response to Hear Here: All studies I've come across have shown illegals as a financial drain on tax payers. Just read any article, even liberal media papers cannot deny it. Just take a look around. Talk to any health care industry worker, law enforcement officer, or school teacher (observing their kids, whom by the way is their responsibility, not tax payers', eating for free each day at lunch time). The situation is so obvious. You can put any spin on it you'd like, but I think you'll have a hard time refuting obvious evidence that can be found by simply having a set of eyes and ears.

To 'Open border advocates' wrote on Feb 23, 2007 5:19 AM:Our very future depends upon how many of us actually understand what is happening and can align ourselves in an effective and appropriate way to respond to this thinly-veiled crisis. Make no mistake! - we have our work cut out for us! This will be the American Revolution - Act II!!!

Roberto wrote on Feb 23, 2007 8:53 AM:Still no beef...What goes into and out of isn't refuting the obvious. Apples to apples and oranges to oranges comparison hasn't been made and all this I think it's this way or that way is nothing but a bunch of hooey.

Giovanny age. 15 wrote on Dec 19, 2007 8:27 PM:I come to this cite looking for information on your so-called services, and I wanted to tell you guys that my parents came to this country illegally to make an honest living, and to take advantage of the job opportunities that Mexico sometimes can't give. 20 Years later both my parent have been able to become citizens, and always pay their taxes, now we own a house, but these opportunities slip away from the people you people snitch on. You people don't have an idea of what the immigrant goes through, and you people need to get your facts straight......unknown diseases? WTF