Kudos to Brigid wrote on Dec 13, 2007 9:22 PM:Thank you Brigid for seeing this movie and reporting the truth about it. You as always bring sanity to the insane allegations of the minutemen and their ilk. Interesting information regarding Hedgecock I did not know that about him. We all know the the minutemen groups and their leaders are being sued for a number of reasons. Thank you for allowing us to know that their are contributions being made by the Latino immigrants. I know you will be attacked on this blog, your e-mail, and your telephone but let me be the first to thank you for your courage.

Bravo! wrote on Dec 13, 2007 10:03 PM:Thanks you for standing up to these cronies. I cannot believe the Principal would allow such a screening at his school. Ridiculous! The school probably gets donations from minutemen supporters and it's unfortunate they are trying to brainwash our kids. As if we need more xenophabia, white supremacy and racism in this town. We just need to keep presenting the facts and debates these ignorant folks.

Awesome! wrote on Dec 13, 2007 10:27 PM:Thank you, Brigid for helping to enlighten the public on who the minute men really are, their agenda, and their racist strategies of manipulating and creating statistics while denouncing an entire population of people as "criminals." It is astounding that someone in a position of such responsibility as a principal in our communities in a public education system could be so ignorant of what has been going on in our communities and to be so cozy w/ extremists as the minutemen and the hypocrisy of what comes out of talk show Hedgcock, that he would allow a documentary to be shown that is supported by them. It makes me wonder what it must be like for the children in this school if this is an example of the leadership!!! And we wonder why drop out rates for Latinos is so high!

Roger wrote on Dec 13, 2007 10:31 PM:You neglected to point out that the conviction was overturned when jury tampering was discovered. If you're going to refer to an event, please refer to the entire event. While you're at it, please make the distinction between immigration (the lawful entry into a country) and trespassing (the unlawful entry into a country) to avoid making erroneous claims of "racism" and "anti-immigration".

bill wrote on Dec 14, 2007 3:50 AM:Well Ms. Brett you can call names all you want. In my case I can tell you factually that I am not anti- immigration my wife is hispanic, but I am concerned about the economic drain on the social services I have been paying for all my life. I am concerned Why I a veteran and citizen has to pay the taxes I do and still enormous medical ins. premiums and bills and have my credit ruined and various other situations caused by catostrauphic illness and yet an illegal can come here and have a baby and be on social assistance all their lives on our dime using up resources that could have helped myself or another citizen. No Ms. Brett I am not anti-immigration I am pro-citizen!

Sorry Roger wrote on Dec 14, 2007 4:30 AM:Brigid is one of those who chooses not to see the distinction. It requires less thought. All minutemen are bad; all illegal apologists are good. I'm a racist and Brigid is a saint. Now isn't that simple?

Brigid has it all wrong wrote on Dec 14, 2007 4:49 AM:Her comments are in error about Roger. Jury tampering is correct. I don't care how much good you think illegals do for us, they are breaking the law which nullifies any good they may have done. They continue to live the lies. They have to as they cannot be truthful about their checkered past. Breaking and entering is a crime. They continue to build on these lies as they go for fake ID's, benefits. ...The cirle of lies continue.

Thank you wrote on Dec 14, 2007 6:27 AM:It takes courage to take on the border wackos. Keep up the good work and be careful. There are people out there that don't respect your right to express your own views.

Chris wrote on Dec 14, 2007 6:40 AM:Brigid, Although I agree with you that the 10,000 figure may be overstated, there is no denying that illegal immigration has had a tremendous negative effect on the United States. I suggest you go to the border and see "firsthand" the incredible devastation illegal border crossers have inflicted on our residents that live there. I did. I cannot describe what I saw with my own eyes. I interviewed dozens of citizens whose lives have turned into living hells due to illegal immigration. Seeing a problem is quite different than "feeling" a problem. Chris

Pluto wrote on Dec 14, 2007 7:28 AM:Brigid has it all wrong@4:49am and bill have it all wrong. Any "economic drain on social services" is more than offset by their contributions to the economy. And entering illegally doesn't "nullify any good they have done". The fact is that our privileged way of life is largely due to workers without documents. Even stupid Bush knows that the economy needs poor, uneducated workers to work at jobs nobody else will take at those wages. Yet under present laws, there is no way for poor, uneducated workers to come here legally. Deport them and our way of life goes with them. Your prejudice has clouded your thinking. And if you are so concerned about "breaking the law" you should be trying to impeach Bush & Cheney. You are hypocrites.

Clueless wrote on Dec 14, 2007 7:34 AM:How could the Director of the school be so clueless? I saw the trailer for the film and some guy claims that "109 people with ties to known terrorists have been caught crossing the border". Minutemen just make this stuff up... What a hoot! BTW, how much does Roger charge for his latest book?

No Agenda wrote on Dec 14, 2007 7:38 AM:How many times did they say there was no agenda? Did they have their fingers crossed?

K.A.L. wrote on Dec 14, 2007 7:42 AM:Thank you Brigid for bringing truth to a subject that is so our of control. This movie was intended to scare the hell out people and further the agenda of fear and hate that ... and his buddies are propagating. I saw the movie and I find it to be one sided and full of exaggerations. A usual because we know most of what the minutemen and their ilk do best is lie! Many of us break the law everyday perhaps every time a person runs a red light or a stop sign it should be widely publized so we can go to and protest, scream and yell racial slurs, criminalize them beyond belief and then pat ourselves on the backs for a job well done. We as citizens are not the police, not the INS, not ICE, and we are not above the law. We can not take the law into our hands and when we do we are vigilantes. So if you are a minuteman, or an illegal hater or basher than yes my friends you are racist. To Chris believe me when I say this the "illegal border crossers lives are a living hell you have no idea what you are talking about!

Daren wrote on Dec 14, 2007 7:53 AM:Since criminal illegals are not a race, people who are against criminal illegal immigration are not racist. That concept seems to escape the pro-illegals crowd.

Hey, K.A.L...... wrote on Dec 14, 2007 8:09 AM:Why have laws at all? I'm going to keep asking this until someone has the guts to answer this: Why is it OK for Mexico to have immigration laws but not the U.S.?---And, have you BEEN to Laredo by any chance? Think what's going on down there is a figment of one's imagination? Think that all the people who have had to go through the nightmare of having their ID's stolen is a figment of their imaginations? How about the 'facts' of the case surrounding the smuggler who was sentenced to 41 months is prison a couple of days ago from whom they confiscated $343,000 in CASH---was that the Feds' imagination playing tricks on them?---Grow up and learn some new words besides 'racist.' You lose all credibility when you start name-calling.---And Bridget, someone needs to enlighten me as to how people from a third-world country, many who can't even write in their own language is somehow going to make my life better? Hate to disappoint you, but my family is perfectly capable of watching our own kids, working in construction, and tending to our own beautiful yards (>gasp!

to K.A.L. wrote on Dec 14, 2007 8:15 AM:I am not racist, it just kills me that my country is turning into a third world cesspool and some people seem to think that is OK. I can only hope people come to their senses before it is too late.

esteban wrote on Dec 14, 2007 8:52 AM:So the anti illegal side can't tell their side, but the pro illegal/anti american side can spout their hate all they want? Yeah, they're really fair and balanced too! Hypocrates!

IroquoisChief wrote on Dec 14, 2007 8:53 AM:"When I questioned the director of the school, Dennis Snyder, about supporting a film promoted by aggressively anti-immigrant individuals and racist groups..." Your ignorance, bias, and un-fair and im-balance shows through, Ms. Brigid. The people shown in the film were not 'anti-immigrant' or 'racist', they were 'anti-ILLEGAL-immigration' and definitely not racist. Also, your quoting of a well-known feloneous (aiding and abetting illegal immigration is a felony) hate group, the SPLC, for your statistics on so-called hate crimes (thought control) puts you in the same category: a bigoted, felony-supporting, un-fair and im-balanced anti-American. Both you and Huckabee should take a Hike!

Wayne wrote on Dec 14, 2007 8:56 AM:Just because I am against the illegal aliens coming into my country, supporting the Minutemen, doesn't make me a racist. Many of you need to get your definitions straight on what a racist is. However, those same will continue the name calling no matter what, and since by calling those of us racists makes their world a happy and bright world, go for it. I won't stop them. So, I pay a little less for my oranges and my lettuce, so what. I pay a heck of a lot more for my taxes, my car insurance and my health insurance. Many ethnic US citizens are denied benefits because they "have the potential to make money" when all they need is a little help to get them through or a little assistance to feed their baby. Tell us, "oh great racist accusers", how do these illegal aliens benefit our diverse US citizens and this country? As far as them pumping their money back into the economy by buying food and renting homes....nope! I aint buying that either!! To Brigid and all of those who support the illegal crossers, fine, you want them, you pay for them!!!

Danny wrote on Dec 14, 2007 8:57 AM:All of you that are thanking Brigid ought to spend some time at the border in Arizona and Texas. Bet you would be appauled as to what is going on there. Google Sheriff Rick Flores of Texas. This Sheriff tells it like it is and he's Mexican. People like Brigid that can't keep legal and illegal immigration separate are part of the problem instead of the solution. These are not anti-immigration groups. They are people that woke up to what is a real problem in our own country. Who do you think killed our own Oceanside Police Officer, Tony Zepatella? An illegal that returned to the USA after being deported twice before. We need to know who and what is crossing our borders. We need controlled legal immigration and not out of control illegal immigration. I dare you Brigid to go into the neighborhoods in LA where the illegal (not legal) immigrants live. You will think you are in a gang infested ghetto third world country. I know how bad it is there because I've seen it first hand and I don't belong to any group. I am a citizen concerned about what I see happening to our country. I appreciate the fact that others are trying to wake up this country to the reality. 60 Americans have been kidnapped into Mexico. Why don't you investigate that? More needs to be heard about that problem. Many are Mexican/American Citizens. Does that sound racist??

to Daren@7:53am wrote on Dec 14, 2007 9:00 AM:So you guys aren't racist, eh? What nationality are the "criminal illegals" you are concerned about? What color is their skin, their hair? Do you advocate a fence and militarizing our border with Canada? And check out K.A.L.@8:15am, who's also not a racist, but objects to the "third world cesspool". Many of those "third world" people are citizens and legal residents. If you were so concerned about legalities, you'd be trying to impeach Bush & Cheney. Their lying war of choice has cost more money than all the "illegals" put together, and more American lives than bin Laden on 9/11. But it takes less courage to pick on the poor and powerless. And it's just a coincidence that they have brown skins and black hair, speak Spanish, and didn't go to Yale.

Reality wrote on Dec 14, 2007 9:06 AM:I am so confused about this issue. If you come to this country without going through the proper channels you are illegally entering. If I were to hop the fence and go into Mexico what would happen to me? Is this an issue of people breaking the laws of America or is this a Human rights issue. If this is a breaking the law issue then we are going in the right direction with the minutemen keeping it in the news and keeping the pressure on our government to do something about it. I always see info about MADD keeping the drunk driving issue in the news. I understand there was a film out this week about Meth and that group trying to keep the issue in the news.If this is a human rights issue then I do not believe we are doing anything about it. Is there a group from the pro-iiegal stand, who has been born and educated in America, going to Mexico to try and change the Government and make life south of the border a better place? If we want to stop the flow into America then we need to fix the leak at its source.

Bill wrote on Dec 14, 2007 9:10 AM:My wife and I joined the MCDC Minuteman Project in April of 2005 after a trip to Tombstone, AZ. We talked to the people, most living 50 to 100 miles from the boarder, who have to be armed 24 - 7. We met a couple with a young daughter in a park. The husband said he had to wear a gun while watching TV because they have had several occasions when illegal aliens had busted through the door or window. I don't think United State citizens should have to live like that. Another couple stated they can’t leave their home without leaving an armed person to protect their home. While we were standing our post, locals come by and thank us, saying thinks like “Last night was the first time I have been able to sleep all night in the last 10 years”. The Minutemen I have known are not against immigration. Many are immigrants. They are not racist. They will report to the Boarder Patrol anyone they see crossing the boarder. I served with man from N.J. who was concerned about terrorist. I was concerned about rising violence along the boarder and even where I live, 100 miles away. And some are concerned about the sheer volume to people coming across. I hope this helps. You need to go down there and see what is going on. Lies and name calling is not a good substitute for facts and understanding the other point of view.

esteban wrote on Dec 14, 2007 9:15 AM:To To Daren...I don't see too many Canadians hopping over the fence to come here. And we do enforce the border up there as well. ...

Just the facts please wrote on Dec 14, 2007 9:21 AM:Its not "found guilty" when the charges are overturned. Did you even read your own link? You seem to want to sensationalize a "fact" that many are not familiar with; to further your "agenda"; and yet you expect readers to take the rest of your "article/opinion" at face value? Impossible to do. I'll just take your word for it the movie was bad. Gee thanks.

Darrell wrote on Dec 14, 2007 9:22 AM:To Daren: Last time I checked the Canadians did not make up the majority in California.

bill wrote on Dec 14, 2007 9:31 AM:Pluto... that must be where you're from if you really believe that spew. There is no way illegals "more than offset any drain on social services". I would suggest that many of them are very hard working and to contribute to some extent but nowhere near what they use. They are all welcome here but they should go back to wherever they came from and go through the same process as all naturalized citizens. The only hypocrate is you.

to Darrell@9:22am wrote on Dec 14, 2007 9:55 AM:The U.S. didn't steal California from Canada, we stole it from Mexico. Many Mexicans didn't cross the border, the border crossed them. If you don't know the shameful history of the Mexican-American War, you should. I recommend "A People's History of the United States" by Howard Zinn.

Pluto wrote on Dec 14, 2007 9:58 AM:to IroquoisChief @8:53am - I agree with you about Huckabee.

Pluto wrote on Dec 14, 2007 10:19 AM:Wayne @8:56am says "As far as them pumping their money back into the economy by buying food and renting homes....nope! I aint buying that either!!" What does that mean? You don't think they buy food, appliances, clothing, cribs, cars, tires, car seats, school books, soccer balls, ipods, get haircuts, eat in restaurants, or rent homes? Or do you think 12 million people doing those things doesn't have an economic impact? The North County Times ran a NYTimes article in the Business section on 9-30-07 which described the economic devastation after Riverside, N.J. passed laws against "illegals", and many immigrants and their families left town. "Suddenly, many people - including some who originally favored the law - started having second thoughts. So the town rescinded the ordinance, joining a small but growing list of municipalities nationwide that have begun rethinking such laws as their legal and economic consequences have become clearer."

to to Darrell wrote on Dec 14, 2007 10:32 AM:I'm just curious..can you name ANY country in the world, throughout the history of man, that hasn't been invaded and over taken by another? Just one? The US doesn't have a corner on invade and conquer. Nor do we have a copyright on the phrase "to the victor goes the spoils". Get OVER your anti American self righteousness. You speak of HISTORY!!! Last time I checked, >I< did not defeat any Mexican, but for some reason, YOU feel I owe them? I don't. My history tells me that not only did the US conquer, but ALSO paid the Mexican government. That was the END of it...150 years ago.

Bravo? wrote on Dec 14, 2007 10:37 AM:Could you please present some facts, right here and now? Aside from hearing the term racist bandied about, even though it is inaccurate, I have never seen a fact that justifies, clarifies, condones or legitimizes the illegal alien situation. Please, enlighten us all with your facts?

Brigid is open borders wrote on Dec 14, 2007 10:41 AM:This woman can't contain her hate of America, the rule of law, and those who stand up for it. She seems full of hate to me just like these other illegal alien activists. How sad. They throw poison into America's traditional melting pot by promoting illegal aliens and the problems they bring to our society. LEGAL immigration is the only way to save this great nation!

E.F. wrote on Dec 14, 2007 10:57 AM:Ms Brett is glaringly WRONG when she writes, "Americans are doomed to a future of crime, filth, disease, hospital closures, rapists, drug dealers, unemployment and people who hate the American flag." WE ARE ALREADY SUFFERING THESE EFFECTS NOW, MS Brett. Take off your progressive liberal blindfold and see the truth in middle class communities. You are pathetically out of touch with average Americans.

Pluto wrote on Dec 14, 2007 10:57 AM:She knows whut's up@10:23am illustrates how whacked-out the anti-immigrant crowd is. It's true that the U.S. is a dying empire, but La Raza, Aztlan, Brigid & Hugo Chavez are not the problem. Corporate greed, costly, illegal wars, plus the cost of maintaining 737 military bases outside the U.S., 2nd rate educations, globalization, outsourcing, downsizing, national debt, trade deficits - "illegals" are victims like the rest of us.

whateva wrote on Dec 14, 2007 11:00 AM:Thats the best thing about Op-Ed pieces. You don't really have to get the material straight before commenting. You can simply step in and start spewing. At least get the names of the people correct. Chris Wilcox is not the head of the Minutemen Civil Defense Corp. A 10-sec Google search would have fixed that. But, obviously, accuracy is not so much of a concern as to expend that kind of energy.

Brigid embodies American Values!!!! wrote on Dec 14, 2007 11:03 AM:Brigid always writes wonderful columns. She embodies American Values. If are against illegal immigration that in itself does not make you a racist. But when you support groups like the minutemen than unfortunately you are guilty by association because these maladjusted misfits are the epitome of racist, hatemongers that I have ever heard of. I have read many articles in this very paper that paint the true picture of these men and women and their tactics. I have seen it for myself when I attempted to do my banking at Bank of America one Saturday morning. I am against illegal immigration but I am more against a group who has caused racism against all Latinos to be acceptable. I am a citizen who happens to be of Mexican Ancestry and I am tired of being singled out and treated poorly by the ignorant people who have promoted the lie that all brown people are illegal immigrants. That is ignorant and stupid. That is the way people get hurt by extremists groups like the minutemen. I appreciate Brigid opinion after all we are all entitled to free speech, right? Thanks again Brigid. Keep up the good work.

Clea wrote on Dec 14, 2007 11:06 AM:I guess the NCT just couldnt resist. After publishing an article which accurately depicted the truth about the movie "BORDER", they have to inject the biased, hate filled slant they so often do. It is obvious Brigid couldn't resist spewing her pro-illegal alien and anti minutemen agenda. This movie was NOT about the Mintemen any more than it was about Sherrifs, congressmen or the President. It was clearly about what is happening at the border between the US and Mexico. It documented in a non-partisan manner, what IS happening at our nations border EVERY DAY. Brigid and by extension, the NCT couldn't help herself to completely miss the point of the movie and instead attempt to attack those who recognize the movie for what it really is, a documentary of the truth. Any readers which haven't yet seen it are encouraged by one who has to get the movie and judge for yourself. A google search on "Border Movie" should help you find it. People like Brigid of course don't want you or anyone else seeing something like this and making up YOUR OWN mind. Exercise YOUR freedom (while you still can) and learn the TRUTH.

Thank you, Ms. Brett wrote on Dec 14, 2007 11:14 AM:I remember the Hedgecock scandal and always wondered how anyone could take him seriously. I wasn't aware though that "Border" has a subtitle. They failed to mention that on the 10:00 news--"A Man, His Dog and the End of America." No agenda, indeed!

Taxpayer wrote on Dec 14, 2007 11:14 AM:Blame this "Newspaper" for this kind of a trash commentary appearing in it's pages. You will notice that they did not publish the fact that the film was going to be shown. They do not care that Mr. Hedgecock had all of his charges overturned and does not have a criminal record. They do not care that Mr. Hedgecock spends more time researching the issues before he takes a stance then this "Freelance" trash writer. They just allow this name calling to go on without regard to the truth. This article is just another attempt by the NCTimes to discredit those of us who want soemthing done about the ILLEGAL ALIEN problem.

Jim wrote on Dec 14, 2007 11:24 AM: the people who think mexicans owned the sw US just don't know anything about history. poeple in this area were indiginess indians who had lived here fo thousand of years. MEXICAN IS NOT A RACE they are members of the brown races. It is probable that there no pure aztec left, they are probably part spanish and indains of mexico. I was Born in the US therefore I belong here! If you want tell me to go back to europe, then you need to go back across the land bridge and to Spain. Don't spew ignorace learn history!

Wayne wrote on Dec 14, 2007 11:26 AM:To Pluto and anybody else that questions my comment regarding "not buying it". Sure, they buy all sorts of stuff and YES, that means putting money back into the economy. What I'm not buying, is the fact this money they put into the economy does not "offset" their contributions. I don't care what some economical numbers state. To me and many others, those numbers are padded and full of fluff. Yeah, I read that article. It doesn't surprise me that it's an article published by the NY Times. I would like to see how a trip to a restaurant and the purchase of four new tires offests the economical benefit it contributes ...

UBChain wrote on Dec 14, 2007 11:31 AM:I don't often respond to this trash. As one who did see this movie, I cannot resist commenting on Ms Brett's what at best can be described as gross incompetence as a journalist or worse, her sick and twisted condonement of the loss of human life at the hands of inhumane smugglers from Mexico. First of all she turned a "review" of a documentary into an attempted personal assault on Roger Hedgecock. If she were at all concerned about conveying FACT, she would have included that Mr Hedgecock was a victim of jury tampering and DOES NOT have a conviction on his record. This would have been responsible journalism IF the article were on Roger Hedgecock or on some part of the legal process. The article was allegedly a review on the movie "Border". This movie shows what IS happening at our border. This includes horrific deaths of human beings who are willing to risk their lives (and unfortunately loose it) coming to our country. It also shows the ruthlessness of the smugglers who bring in people and drugs to our country. Ms Brett's position can be construed as condoning the needless deaths of these human beings. This is shameful and the NCT should make note of it. Anyone with real compassion for human life would work towards securing the border and encouraging LEGAL immigration so people can come here safely and orderly without loosing their life at the hands of hateful people with no regard for life. If you haven't seen the movie, see it and decide for yourself about it.

Hey Brigid wrote on Dec 14, 2007 11:31 AM:According to hate crime statistics published annually by the FBI (I found them on the Web site of the Southern Poverty Law Center) anti-Latino hate crimes rose by almost 35 percent between 2003 and 2006. In California, the state with the largest population of Latinos in the country, anti-Latino hate crimes almost doubled in the same period. It is films like this that fuel the kind of fear leading to hate. What was the increase in the NUMBER of illegals during the same time period? Do you even have a clue? What % were illegal on illegal? What % were gang related? What % were retaliation crimes? Your ignorance is appalling.

LA Woman wrote on Dec 14, 2007 11:33 AM:Well Brigid you may have supporters making comments here, however the polls among Americans prove that your supporters are the minority. I found your article ironic as you were quick to point out Roger's "criminal" past, but see no harm in the criminal act of illegal trespassing. Brigid and supporters have you all forgotten 9/11? Apparently so that you can have cheap slave labor it is ok for the borders to be wide open, but for 3/4 of Americans this is not acceptable. Finally, school campuses host MECHA and LA RAZA clubs and I have not seen Brigid write about these "racist" clubs. I am sure if the principal was hosting a film for MECHA, then Brigid would write a glowing report. But since the principal hosted an American film he is a horrible person? By the way, my children are Mexican-American. My teenage daughter is constantly "recruited" by MECHA. Since she does not agree that "brown" means superior and since she is American first, they call her a coconut. The statistics on crimes committed by illegals are readily available for all to see. There is no mistake in the facts, but if you are blinded by "greed" anything can be overlooked.

Clea wrote on Dec 14, 2007 11:41 AM:To one who calls themself 'Brigid embodies...': Please take a moment to realize that you are getting your information from a source like NCT. Brigid has turned the review of a documentary which shows the horrific situation at our border where people are dieing at the hands of cruel and inhumane smugglers. People like Brigid who attack the Minutemen are in essense aiding in the deaths of these human beings. If you were to do even a little research on your own, you would find that the Minutemen at the border (and elsewhere) include many good people who are either immigrants from Mexico or whose immideate ancestors are. These people who care about human life, take up watch at the border and observe and report, nothing more. Even a slight bit of research would prove to you what I say is the truth. Blind belief in those with an agenda at the expense of human life is a dangerous path to take.

Amen Taxpayer wrote on Dec 14, 2007 11:42 AM:Brigid Brett is a definite liability to the NCT whose credibility wanes as I type. The FACT that Brett is misinformed, inaccurate and even admits that she feels that people not of a like mind should be silenced: "When I questioned the director of the school, Dennis Snyder, about supporting a film promoted by aggressively anti-immigrant individuals and racist groups, he disagreed with my assessment of the Minutemen and said he'd seen the film and thought it was "very good, educational and worth seeing." How's that for First Amendment rights, according to the "journalist" Brett? NCT has really sunk to a new low with this diatribe.

sid wrote on Dec 14, 2007 12:03 PM: Where did the NCT dig up this wacko Brigid Brett.? Surely she is no credit to the NCT.

esteban wrote on Dec 14, 2007 12:27 PM:Heu Bridget, how do you feel now? Only loons support your beliefs!

BRIGID CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH! wrote on Dec 14, 2007 12:27 PM:Border speaks the truth. Brigid and her supporters don't like the truth. So they call the messengers racists and hateful...how....logical???

RG wrote on Dec 14, 2007 12:44 PM:Just another article by Ms. Brett who again shows how out of touch with reality she is. What other laws does she condone breaking? At least she could have avoided the character attacks and name calling. Maybe she will write an article on why we should all feel good about the fact that 9 out of the '10 most wanted' fugitives in San Diego County are Latino. Don't believe it? Go to the SD Sheriff web site and see for yourself. In her mind, I suppose she thinks they are just trying to make a better life for their families. Shame on the NCT for printing such drivel.

Wackos wrote on Dec 14, 2007 1:13 PM:Yup, you're all wackos! Claiming that being against illegal immigration is not racist is like saying being for slavery in the 1800's has nothing to do with blacks. Today, illegal immigration is a synonym for being anti-mexican. You can thank the MM and their ilk for allowing people who are truly concerned about the entire issue (as many posters here claim) to be painted with such a wide brush. ... . I have no problem with the principal showing the movie since this movie should be seen. It should be seen for what it truly is - a propoganda piece. It's right along the lines of Birth of a Nation - that silent gem of the '20's. This movie does absolutely nothing for the debate or the discussion. It opens no minds, only closes them. While it is very good at illustrating it's point of view, it does nothing to define the debate, nor offer viable solutions. It's a hit piece. It reminds me of a film I saw in grade school that was anti development. Essentially, we were subjected to close ups of prairie dogs being shot from their holes in order to make way for a building project. Come on - what were we supposed to think after seeing that!?!?!

Sam wrote on Dec 14, 2007 1:19 PM:Would the NCT print where this movie will be shown next. I will be there in support of Rodger and Denny. What an honor to show this film. We should show at all public theaters.

Veronica O. wrote on Dec 14, 2007 1:41 PM:To the gentleman who said any illegal law broken nulifies anything else. Why is Jeff (the leader of the minute men) validated in anything he does. I saw him on the news [during an investigation of] vandalism.

Skip wrote on Dec 14, 2007 2:06 PM:You all should remember Brigid, as she wrote that fine commentary entitled "Internet opens new window for hate". We all know what her agenda is. I honestly think she hates Americans. http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/08/25/opinion/brett/19_35_598_23_07.txt

Clea wrote on Dec 14, 2007 2:28 PM:To Veronica O. You may have seen all sorts of things on the news including all sorts of false allegations. If you were paying attention you also saw John Monti in court accused of doing things he did not. He was aquitted. Jeff has not been convicted of anything those with the leftist, reconquista agenda have acused him of either. Charges were dropped. It is EASY to get someone into court. All you have to do is file papers. The problem with your "news" is that they neglect to publish when the charges are thrown out or dropped with as much (or any) fanfare as they exhibit when showing there have been charges filed. Because you "see it on the news" or read it in a birdcage liner like NCT does not make it true. Try and get out and learn some TRUTH for yourself. Go to the border sometime with a Minuteman group and see for yourself what really happens at the border. Witness for yourself what these patriotic Americans who happen to be black, brown, white and every beautiful shade inbeteen really do and believe.

Skip wrote on Dec 14, 2007 2:31 PM:Drop-out rates are the highest they have ever been for California High Schools. Hmmm .... now what has changed so drastically in the last ten years?

Lets see it first wrote on Dec 14, 2007 2:32 PM:I think a lot of us would like to see this documentary film and make up our own minds. Since the NCT probably will not inform us of when a local showing might be scheduled, and I don't trust Brett to give us an unbiased report, I have ordered a DVD of it on line from bordermovie. It is available for about $30 including shipping.

censoring again! wrote on Dec 14, 2007 2:53 PM:I made a comment earlier today and said absolutely nothing wrong except that Ms. Brigid did not have her facts straight and that she definitely has an agenda, etc. and it wasn't published. You guys! This is why I cancelled my subscription. Go sell subscriptions down on Quince.

Here is what the movie is about (from the website) wrote on Dec 14, 2007 3:09 PM:California filmmaker Chris Burgard’s award-winning, feature-length documentary, BORDER, takes a firsthand look at the dire and real human consequences of America’s failure to secure its borders. BORDER unleashes a haunting, inside look at what has arguably become a war zone: Rape Trees, illegal immigration, drug smuggling, sex trafficking, Mexican military incursions and more—all taking place at the United States’ southern border. From drug cartels and smuggler towns to besieged American ranchers routinely finding corpses on their properties, BORDER gives the viewer a front row seat. In footage of illegal border crossings and captures by the Border Patrol, BORDER focuses on the staggering number of people brutally victimized while illegally crossing from Mexico. The film includes startling covert thermal imaging footage of drug smugglers, a mere seven yards away from the hidden film crew, moving millions of dollars of drugs across the border into the United States where U.S. National Guard troops were forced to retreat on January 3rd of this year. BORDER takes you on a journey from state to state and exposes a failed system and a failed policy that Burgard and crew courageously dare to unveil. Presenting the facts and leaving it to the viewer to digest the stunning reality that exists along our southern border with Mexico, BORDER stands as an historic account of our broken border.

Hey Bridget, why don't you actually watch the Movie! wrote on Dec 14, 2007 3:49 PM:... I was a hard core ANTI-illegal advocate until I saw the movie. Now I have major compassion for the illegal immigrants and what they go through to get here. You are ignorant for being so Bias. Did you even see the movie??? It was mostly focused on the DRUG SMUGGLERS and the people effected by illegal immigrants and their crossings. The movie moved me when I realized the suffering the migrants go throw and the abuse that is put upon them. If the Movie was so pro-minuteman, why did I not come away from the movie that way. Its about Human suffering and Drug smugglers!!!

Come on now Claudia wrote on Dec 14, 2007 3:51 PM:TO" Wackos wrote 1:13 PM:: You didn't see the movie Claudia. Your writing style and diatribe is so obvious!

SPLC wrote on Dec 14, 2007 3:52 PM:Does NOT have ACCURATE statistics on anything. Bridget, before you embarrass yourself any further check your facts , just like that false fact about Roger Hedgecock!

Such hypocrisy wrote on Dec 14, 2007 3:57 PM:The poster @11:03am writes: But when you support groups like the minutemen than unfortunately you are guilty by association because these maladjusted misfits are the epitome of racist, hatemongers that I have ever heard of. Then whines: I am a citizen who happens to be of Mexican Ancestry and I am tired of being singled out and treated poorly by the ignorant people who have promoted the lie that all brown people are illegal immigrants. Finally, she states that Brigid "embodies American values." ...

American woman wrote on Dec 14, 2007 4:13 PM:Beautiful Brigid Brett. Who really is the hateful, racially motivated one, BBB? I think that from now on, I will get all my information on African American history from Tom Metzger or Matt Hale, or maybe just any old skin-head. Reference to SPLC tips your hand, BBB. ... May we please be graced with material that is appropriate for all readers? ... BTW, BBB...The gentleman's name is Simcox, not Wilcox. NOTE: I doubt we will hear back from BBB on the stats she questions. Truth be told, the numbers are very likely to be higher than the movie, "Border" portrays. Also, I wonder how BBB feels about the sale of Matricula Consular ID cards at public U.S. locations? We all know that the only folks who "need" this ID are illegal aliens. How about that "sale" a week ago Sunday, in SJC at a public school? Seems at least QUESTIONABLE, doesn't it? Don't ya THINK? NOTE TO 'WHACKOS': All your sparkly words and decent grammar won't cover for you, pal. Why don't you explain how anyone's opposition to millions of foreigners' unlawful invasion of the sovereign United States of America, makes them RACISTS? I'm sure others here will agree that your "reasoning" makes no sense! Your Synonym Directory is skewed... You are the artist, WHACKOS. You chose the brush you like best. Perhaps you should go back to school on this one. And about the minds which have been closed by the movie...who closed them? Isn't there such a thing as 'free will' any more? Certainly there is! It's American patriots, such as participants in the Minuteman movement, who keep this freedom alive! Our children certainly are not taught to think freely in our public schools. Think about most of the U.S. colleges and universities, filling the heads of our youth with twisted information spewing from the lips of countless left-wing liberal freaks who call themselves EDUCATORS! Thank God for large, open minds belonging to strong willed-kids! Otherwise, we may as well kiss these United States of America good-bye. Wake up, WHACKOS...before it's too late to be a part of the SOLUTION. Currently, you are a part of the PROBLEM. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Claudia? to 3:51 wrote on Dec 14, 2007 4:26 PM:I'm not Claudia....who's Claudia? And I did see the movie. It's not bad, it gets its point accross, but I still think its a hit piece. You would get a similar effect if you made a movie about the Chargers staying in San Diego and only focused on drunks, fights, traffic, and the Raider game. Diatribe? 1) a prolonged discourse 2) a bitter and abusive speech or writing, or 3) ironic or satirical criticism. It wasn't too long, it's certainly not bitter or abusive, and I didn't mean any irony or sarcasm - so what's your point?

Wackos is wrote on Dec 14, 2007 4:34 PM:typical of the pro illegal ranters who have NO argument so speak in inanities. I haven't seen the movie, but I have been to the border. The filth is incredible, the crime is pathetic and anyone who feels this is a good thing is a loon. America MUST secure it's borders, stop the crime and death on the border and control the flow of legal immigration, period. None of the atrocities would be occurring IF this were the case. There is nothing ranting or racist in this opinion, perhaps Brett could learn something about calm fact.

Stopping the people is not the solution. The governments need to change. wrote on Dec 14, 2007 4:48 PM:Our government needs to secure the borders and uphold our laws and the Mexican government needs to start listening and helping their own people thrive in their own country. The same goes for the other illegal aliens and their countries.

Veronica O. wrote on Dec 14, 2007 4:53 PM:I agree that the minutemen and all of these hateful racially motivated groups have extreme paranoid concepts. That's why you always seem them in their biographies w/ guns and weapons they are fearful. They should invest in a good college education and see how cultural diversities can be benefical.

LOS ANGELES, MEXICO wrote on Dec 14, 2007 5:17 PM:The Los Angeles Times Webpage carries a Daily Blog Entitled: "THE HOMICIDE REPORT". This should be required reading for everyone who wants open borders, and is in denial about the United states slipping into a third world country. The more Illegals that come here, the more they bring the things that were wrong with their own country right along with them.

Adam wrote on Dec 14, 2007 5:18 PM:A few hard working Illegal Immigrant families are cute, but my God we are talking about millions and millions.

As President Felipe Calderon would say-- wrote on Dec 14, 2007 5:22 PM:keep wiring the money home!

Gary in Murrieta wrote on Dec 14, 2007 5:25 PM:I have been listening to the Roger Hedgecock Show during my commute home from San diego for the last ten years. I have a lot of respect for Roger Hedgecock. I cannot put in print what I think about Brigid ..............

Apparently Veronica O wrote on Dec 14, 2007 5:34 PM:is about as correct and trustworthy as Brett. How, pray tell, did you "see him (Jeff)on the news being accused, in a court of law, of vandalism" when that, in fact, never happened, let alone was televised? Obviously, your blatant untruths are more representation of the spin doctoring so rampant in the open border cadre. Can you say libel, "Veronica"?

Chris wrote on Dec 14, 2007 5:45 PM:Actually, Pluto, I do know what I'm talking about. You see, unlike you, I only debate topics I have first hand experience with. That's why these threads go around and around with name calling and nasty accusations. Most commentors scrape the bottom of the internet swamp and actually believe the scum that coincides with their beliefs and agendas. What a waste of time and energy. But hey Pluto, here's something you can probably explain to me cuz' it's really puzzling to me: if "illegals" lives are such hell here.....why do they keep coming?

California In A State Of Financial Crisis wrote on Dec 14, 2007 6:00 PM:Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Friday he will declare a "fiscal emergency" in January to give him and the Legislature more power to deal with the state's growing deficit. California's budget deficit is worse -- far worse -- than economists predicted just a few weeks ago. The shortfall is not $10 billion, but more than $14 billion. Meanwhile California has the largest population of Illegal Immigrants in the nation, and Brigid would be telling you that it is racist not to keep letting them in.

Edgar in Chula Vista wrote on Dec 14, 2007 6:10 PM:Definition of a racist according to BRIGID BRETT: Citizen who opposes an illegal activity and notices the difference between an illegal alien and a legal immigrant. To all who say "No one is illegal", I say "Immigration laws apply to ALL HUMANS".

To Veronica. wrote on Dec 14, 2007 6:15 PM:Was Jeff Schwilk found guilty of Vandalism? NO, he was not... In the U.S. of A, we have laws and an investigation does not equate to a guilty verdict.

Skip wrote on Dec 14, 2007 6:17 PM:After a year on probation, the charges were dismissed (the norm in California for first time misdemeanants). With the controversy ending his political career, Hedgecock became a talk show host four days after resigning. Despite having been a moderate Republican for County Supervisor and Mayor, as a talk show host he has taken conservative stances on most political issues, especially illegal immigration. His opinions oppose environmental extremism, despite having been a spokesman in his early career for the Sierra Club before that group took a radical turn to the left.. His ratings were initially fueled by his campaign contribution controversy, but he still continues to remain as a popular commentator to this date.

Wilma wrote on Dec 14, 2007 6:21 PM:I'm a life long Southern Californian. I remember the days when we were somewhat of a moderate state, with great schools and beautiful environment. Today, the Mexican invasion has contributed to many of the ills facing California. I truly believe one of the reasons this state is going broke is due to the illegals. Truly I don't blame them, I blame the idiots the liberals and probably the illegals who vote these people in office. Now the problem has festered and we're on the brink of bankruptcy. When you have governments spending more than taking in you will go broke. Tax revenues from the millions of illegals here go south to Mexico. They don't pay taxes. They now want to raise taxes, i.e., an automobile tax. I say to all Californians we better make it clear we will not pay higher taxes.

Terri wrote on Dec 14, 2007 6:31 PM:This Border movie was interesting and informative. I believe it represented both sides rather well. Bridgit, you are the racist and biased person. Why is it that those words are always spoken when someone disagrees with another? Is it because you cannot come up with a good enough argument to support your views? I have sympathy for their plight but no sympathy for their breaking our laws and in making demands upon our country. Who are they to demand anything when they are here illegally, without any credible standing within the community. They should make their demands upon their own government for changes and a better life. Perhaps you should educate yourself better on this subject before you go off on a rant without substantial resources to back you up. Read the daily newspapers around this country about the crime, health concerns, etc. communities are subjected too, by these illegal aliens. Maybe you would change your tune if the situation were reversed. No one is saying that as a people they are unworthy, just as illegal aliens they subject themselves to those tortures and become criminals when they break our laws. That is not racist, that is fact.

To Edgar in Chula Vista wrote on Dec 14, 2007 6:32 PM:Definition of a R-A-C-I-S-T according to Madeline Cosman : Real American Committed to Integrity Sovereignty and Truth

Alion wrote on Dec 14, 2007 6:38 PM:Why wouldn't the principle alow the viewing of this movie.The N.E.A.allows our schools to have MECHAclasses.To call the minutemen racist is just ignorant. Can you please back up you fears with documented cases.No you can not. The mans name is Simcox.The term is attention to detail.Something every mole I mean reporter should have.America is waking up and you don't like it .Adios gringa.

Stephen wrote on Dec 14, 2007 7:09 PM:Biased, useless garbage. Hats off to Roger, and Chris Burgard! Thank you!

Skip wrote on Dec 14, 2007 8:05 PM:By the way Roger Hedgecock is also the stand-in for Rush Limbaugh when he is not available for his Nationally Syndicated Talk Show, now that says a lot of the credibility and integrity of Roger. I have a lot of respect for this man.

Sylvia wrote on Dec 14, 2007 8:09 PM:The first volume of "The 2008 Conservative Voter's Field Guide" reviews the issues and current circumstances surrounding immigration in the U.S. providing statistics, factual references and expert opinions. "The 2008 Conservative Voter's Field Guide--Immigration" (88 pages from front to back) was released November 3, 2007 and can currently be found in major bookstores or by visiting Amazon. com.

False Accusations wrote on Dec 14, 2007 8:10 PM:Minutemen are 100% law-abiding volunteer activists despite the lies thrown around in the bought-and-paid-for media. The pro-illegal supporters and activists lie without hesitation to promote their socialist agenda. Accusing people of crimes they have not been implicated in is a despicable tactic that you only use when you've lost the argument. America is securing our borders and returning to rule of law! End of story!

Skip wrote on Dec 14, 2007 8:16 PM:There is a new website (Victims of Illegal Alien Crime) documenting the crimes committed by Illegal Aliens on American Citizens. They have only been around for a few months but already the have documented over 300 serious crimes in their database.

The Border Flick wrote on Dec 14, 2007 8:29 PM:In footage of illegal border crossings and captures by the Border Patrol, BORDER focuses on the staggering number of people brutally victimized while illegally crossing from Mexico. The film includes startling covert thermal imaging footage of drug smugglers, a mere seven yards away from the hidden film crew, moving millions of dollars of drugs across the border into the United States where U.S. National Guard troops were forced to retreat on January 3rd of this year. (From the Border Wepage)

Standoff between National Guard and outlaws on border rattles troops, raises questions wrote on Dec 14, 2007 8:32 PM:http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/02/02/military/15_61_801_31_07.txt

To To Veronica. wrote on Dec 14, 2007 6:15 PM: wrote on Dec 14, 2007 8:47 PM:Does that go for everyone or just Jeff Schwilk? So all the false allegations and lies that Jeff Schwilk and his ilk spread are meaningless unless convictions happen, right? Oh no thats right only some people can break the laws of land and be exonerated. The minutemen and those likeminded really need to educate themselves. I appreciate you Brigid for your column is always insightful and truthful. Thank you again and don't let the turkeys get you down because you soar with the eagles. You are a graceful, eloquent beautiful woman. I appreciate your column and I read everything you write. You are awesome. God bless you, Brigid.

One Only need To Read The NCT Daily wrote on Dec 14, 2007 8:48 PM:And you will see stories of filth, disease, hospital closures, rapists, drug dealers, unemployment and people who hate the American flag. (Hospitals file for Chapter 9 bankruptcy) http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/12/14/news/californian/18_56_2612_13_07.txt , ( Police catch, arrest gang member after chase) http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/12/09/news/breaking/3_18_1912_8_07.txt , (U.S. renews warnings to Baja travelers) http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/11/26/news/top_stories/20_13_1611_25_07.txt , ('No-match' letters still pending, officials say; U.S. wants to reinstate warnings to employers) http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/11/18/news/top_stories/17_10_5711_17_07.txt, (Man sentenced in fatal drunken driving crash) http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/02/22/news/inland/ramona/10_15_572_21_07.txt And rember Mr. Thomas Icenogle.

Remember Amy Kortlang, 22 wrote on Dec 14, 2007 8:52 PM:http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/02/22/news/inland/ramona/10_15_572_21_07.txt

K.A.L. wrote on Dec 14, 2007 9:09 PM:I am only speaking Brigid. I think you are the courageous woman on earth. You had to know all the wackos would come out of the woodwork when you dared to challenge this movie. I appreciate your honesty and courage. You have totally managed to make these people angry. I just want to say thank you for your article and I want to say stay strong. You are the voice of reason in a chaotic messy issue. I think we will look back at this time in history and be ashamed of ourselves, but you Ms. Brett will have stood for what is right. You will be remembered in history as one who faced adversity and stood your ground no matter what the cost. Thank you!

Remember Maria Guadalupe Beltran wrote on Dec 14, 2007 9:44 PM:who lost her life tragically in the Harris fire while crossing the border.

RJ wrote on Dec 14, 2007 9:48 PM:Speaking of hypocrisy; I am tired of Mexico dumping their poor into the United States as a relief valve for their own failed economic structure. Why doesn’t anyone criticize Mexico’s own society for the complete lack of social services for these poor? Why doesn’t anyone criticize Mexico’s “monopoly” system that makes the rich families rich and keeps the poor families poor? Mexico has more millionaires per capita then any country in the world. Mexico is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of natural resources. Shame on the Mexican people and their Government for not taking care of their own citizens.

domack wrote on Dec 14, 2007 10:08 PM:Where my comment dude?

Anti-Aztlan and Reconquista wrote on Dec 14, 2007 10:26 PM:Brigid must not speak Spanish. I do. What I heard at the 2006 protests was shocking. Illegal aliens are not America's palestinians, California was not stolen from Mexico, Mexicans do not have a right to ignore the border and freely migrant to California, and La Raza is not a latino issue, it is solely a Mexican issue. I have lived in several Latin American countries, and I never heard of La Raza until I returned to California. Stop the La Raza invasion!

TO The Dec. 14, 9:44 pm post wrote on Dec 14, 2007 10:28 PM:You forgot the most crucial word in your sntence--ILLEGALLY--crossing the border.

Sylvia wrote on Dec 14, 2007 10:31 PM:You may have heard of the woman who had the accident on th 5 near San Juan Capistrano this week. The man who stopped to help her ended up raping her. Well he was caught and guess what? He was also an Illegal Alien. Not a day goes by, when you can't pick out the crime stories of Illegal Aliens in Southern California.

Robert wrote on Dec 14, 2007 10:53 PM:Story after story in the daily NCT contains the names of Criminal suspects. Even though it seems like the majority of names are Hispanic, the NCT will not freely identify the stories that involve Illegal Aliens. I think this practice is harmful towards Hispanics, as Illegal Aliens are giving them a bad name. It is people like Bill, Tina, and Brigid, who would have you believe that there is no difference between Hispanics and Illegal Aliens and I find this untruthful.

How True wrote on Dec 14, 2007 10:56 PM:This film is blatantly clear: it should scare the (insert expletive) out of you.

zeezil wrote on Dec 14, 2007 11:29 PM:This is one of the worst pieces of writing that I've ever seen. A total piece of (insert expletive), unaccurate, and totally biased. Absolute irrefutable proof that liberalism is a mental disease. ...

miguelina wrote on Dec 14, 2007 11:37 PM:How can we get this movie to show in ALL states?

To Remember Maria Guadalupe Beltran wrote on Dec 14, 2007 11:50 PM:She was not killed by an Illegal American.

ILK wrote on Dec 14, 2007 11:57 PM:When one uses ilk, as in the phrase men of his ilk, one is using a word with an ancient pedigree even though the sense of ilk, "kind or sort," is actually quite recent, having been first recorded at the end of the 18th century. This sense grew out of an older use of ilk in the phrase of that ilk, meaning "of the same place, territorial designation, or name." This phrase was used chiefly in names of landed families, Guthrie of that ilk meaning "Guthrie of Guthrie." "Same" is the fundamental meaning of the word. The ancestors of ilk, Old English ilca and Middle English ilke, were common words, usually appearing with such words as the or that, but the word hardly survived the Middle Ages in those uses. http://www.nctimes.com/content/articles/2007/02/05/opinion/cartoon/local/local02052007.jpg

Chris wrote on Dec 15, 2007 12:09 AM:At a time when America is in crisis, one man ventures to the southern border of Mexico in a big blue bus to discover the truth about illegal immigration. Filmmaker Chris Burgard’s movie is a striking and awakening vision of the true immigration story on our southern border. "Border" is a fresh and controversial documentary that takes a firsthand l