...Violence wrote on Jan 29, 2008 11:26 PM:The anti-American bigots are the violent ones. However, even they are not going to stop on the freeway to harrass Americans. CalTrans is out of line and should be ashamed.

Reconquista wrote on Jan 29, 2008 11:28 PM:Caltrans will need to change its name to Aztlantrans.

Tony wrote on Jan 29, 2008 11:31 PM:So it's unsafe for the Minute Men to clean that stretch of the highway and yet there are big signs with illegals crossing the freeway unsafely. Who is it making these complaints, besides the anti-american ACLU, are they here legally, are they the ones who are going to destroy the signs. This is a perfect example of why we must secure the border, this should not even be an issue. Illegals are here illegally, they are breaking the law, hell why don't we just let all the murderers out of prison, let's not have any laws we'll be a free-for-all society.

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Jan 30, 2008 1:53 AM:What's the problem? Is it Caltrans' district director Pedro Orso-Delgado who is bending to the wishes of the illegal alien supporters and open-border advocates? The only "safety issue" associated with this sign would be if any pro-illegal alien groups and activists enter the roadway in an attempt to vandalize it. I just wonder if Orso-Delgado has a hidden agenda or supports illegal immigration. Hmmm, this certainly gives me that impression.

Trash talk wrote on Jan 30, 2008 3:32 AM:The debate should be heated. It's an election year. This sorry decision just serves to ramp up the debate. GO MINUTEMEN! Sex and controversy both sell! Power to the American people! RIGHT ON!

Bruce wrote on Jan 30, 2008 4:34 AM:This is supposed to be a free country. This organization has done nothing illegal and shouldn't be discriminated against either.

Yokozuna wrote on Jan 30, 2008 5:52 AM:In the beginning I supported the Minutemen when they were assisting at the border. However, like many groups, their "mission" expanded to activities outside of their purview to include non-border activities. However, like them or not, it would require a person of immense stupidity to stop along a busy freeway to merely deface or remove a sign.

Tuck wrote on Jan 30, 2008 6:29 AM:Watch out Caltran, the environmentalist might block this move!!!

Ray wrote on Jan 30, 2008 6:47 AM:The Minutemen will win this one easy. Supreme ruling already exists in just such a case ( KKK vs. State of Missouri). 8th Circuit agreed, US supreme Court refused to hear the case, the stretch of freeway was returned. It's a no brainer for the Minutemen attorney.

Julie wrote on Jan 30, 2008 6:50 AM:...Violence- "anti- American" Wow! It is the AMERICANS who are sick of the ILEGAL IMMIGRATION problem! I am not a bigot and I am fed up! Get a clue..

Chubton wrote on Jan 30, 2008 6:54 AM:"which violated our clients' equal rights"? Sounds like they're trying to be portrayed as the victim.
Cute because I didn't realize that I, too, have the right to adopt that stretch of highway.

No to Juan and All wrote on Jan 30, 2008 6:58 AM:How can the Minute Men be a problem cleaning the freeway when they are only out there maybe once a month? It's not like they're out there all the time with signs and megaphones. Let them clean out freeways and borders.

Schwilk was dumbfounded??? wrote on Jan 30, 2008 7:00 AM:"In a press release, Schwilk said he was dumbfounded by the agency's safety concerns." Oh come on Schwilk this is what you have been waiting for!!! This is what you live for!!! You are getting all this free media attention you live for?? ... But Schwilk who really suffers for this wreakless action? I'll tell you who the good law abiding taxpaying American citizens you say you love so much. I question the reality of that, well that is just Un-American.

tori wrote on Jan 30, 2008 7:20 AM:regardless of what side of the debate you are on, it is unethical to discriminate against a group trying to do good. As the story clearly states, Caltrans offered this section to the group, they did not seek this section. The Minutemen are trying to do something positive. You can't have it both ways. They can't be castigated for voicing concerns about illegal immigrants and also for cleaning up our environment. This didn't begin as a political endeavor, nor should it be created into one.

Not adding up... wrote on Jan 30, 2008 7:26 AM:The illegal immigrant supporters are able to ?adopt? an entire border without question but the Minute Men try to take care of some unsightly trash on the side of the road and all of a sudden they are in the wrong??? ...

A plead from an American Citizen wrote on Jan 30, 2008 7:41 AM:... I think they do pose a threat to the public. I think Cal Trans should have done their homework before allowing this group a sign of legitimacy. Schwilk and his group are trying to legitimize their group since they have had such bad press lately. I think Schwilk threatening to sue the State or Cal Trans is the most absurd thing I have heard. I would just like to know; What does he think he is accomplishing by doing this? Does he, his group or Mr. Kaloogian think about the taxpaying public. I will be the first to ask the Minutemen to stop trying to speak for me because I am against illegal immigration but more and more I am against their way of combating the problem. Now the tax rebate we might be getting will be going to defend this case. Please stop this now!

Safety issue wrote on Jan 30, 2008 7:54 AM:Putting the MM way out in the middle of nowhere would be a safety issue. What a perfect place for assaults on MM to take place, somewhere no one would ever see. The border patrol check point is the safest place for the MM, under the watchful eye of the CHP. I question Mr. Delgado's decision or motive to out of the blue decide to remove the MM signs, ... I don't get it. It appears to me the Mr. Delgado of Caltrans has positioned himself in this mater that will not reflect him in a good light.

Patriot wrote on Jan 30, 2008 7:59 AM:The ACLU is supposedly for equal protection under the law and free speech, yet they work to silence and shut down any group with an anti-illegal immigration stance. Anything to maintain the free flow of people and drugs across the border.

Call your Reps Now! wrote on Jan 30, 2008 8:02 AM:Why is Caltrans pandering to Enrique Morones? Is it because the head of the Caltran Dept here in SD county operated by a guy named Orso Delgado? I have NEVER seen such a double standard in my life. Some of the Hispanic community wonders why many Americans are angered, its because of issues like this. Its clear discrimination like this that make Americans backlash, you bet the phones will be ringing off the hooks again in the offices of our elected officials over this Racist decision to take away the MM sign by Orso Delgado.

To Julie wrote on Jan 30, 2008 8:05 AM:The editor took out the two words before 'violence'. The two words were not in English. 'anti-American' was not directed to anyone who is against illegal immigration. Quite the opposite. Just like Caltrans, the editor is cowering to the bigots who hate Americans and call us racists because we oppose illegal immigration.

See ya in Court wrote on Jan 30, 2008 8:07 AM:It appears to me that Enrique Morones can no longer use the race card here. It is clear that he is the racist not the MM. Why is it that when a Mexican opposes illegal immigration he/she is called ...or a sell out by its own people. Enrique needs to go back to the desert and stick to leaving water for the migrants and stay out of politics. This stunt is going to cause a huge outcry by fed up Americans and this time we are going to fight it out in the courts!!!

Idiotz wrote on Jan 30, 2008 8:20 AM:Were the Minutemen painting Swastika's on the sides of the road? Were they marching with signs protesting the immigration issue? Were nooses being left along the freeway as a way of stating their position regarding the policing of our borders? These folks were simply picking up the litter along a stretch of freeway which was not getting any attention previous to the Minutemen group being assigned there. Once again a spineless government agency allows the desires of a relative few dictate policy.

Talk is cheap wrote on Jan 30, 2008 8:28 AM: It's easy to say you're going to sue, and both Jeff and Howard are well known .... "I'm going to sue/appeal" is what you say to save face. Are they going to claim they have a constitutional right to adopt those two miles of I-5? This should be funny.

Pluto wrote on Jan 30, 2008 8:33 AM: Tony @11:31pm says "This is a perfect example of why we must secure the border". So we won't fight over adopt-a-highway signs? This is a good example of Minuteman logic, as well as "why don't we just let all the murderers out of prison"? Because murderers are dangerous, Tony.

Sounds good to me!!! wrote on Jan 30, 2008 8:34 AM:I have an idea about where the minutemen can go do a clean up how does Siberia sound!!!! Sounds good to me anywhere but the streets of our fine cities.

Nutz wrote on Jan 30, 2008 8:36 AM:To the Cal Trans officials responsible for this fiasco: you ... need to get out of the business of policing the citizens of this state. You have enough problems trying to get our freeways to flow smoothly without spending time trying to investigate the actions of groups such as the Minutemen. You had to be lacking in smarts to begin with if you didn't figure that providing this group a stretch of freeway at a Border Patrol check station wouldn't at least some controversy. With such intelligence at work we shouldn't be surprised to see Cal Trans award alternative sites at the San Ysidro or Otay Mesa border crossings.

esteban wrote on Jan 30, 2008 8:37 AM:CalTrans just showed us all how gutless they are. NO backbone whatsoever. They caved to the bigoted pressure of Morones and Jillings. If El Grupo wants a strecth of highway, CalTrans would bow down to them. But if a pro American group (always deemed white and racist if you love America) wants to express its views, they are shut down. It is the end of the white man here in America.

Concerned-1 wrote on Jan 30, 2008 8:48 AM:There are so many ironies in this story. First, the fact that Caltrans offered that stretch to the Minutemen. There was no mention of any problems other than complaints from the open borders crowd. And, I'm sorry but I can't help feel that the Caltrans position was somehow affected by a guy who uses the name Pedro. We are living in such a dumbed-down nation and it's getting worse.

Peter wrote on Jan 30, 2008 8:53 AM:I thought it was the illegals who do jobs Americans don't want to do...i.e. picking up trash along the freeway.

Pluto To tori @7:20am wrote on Jan 30, 2008 8:53 AM: Yes, there's nothing wrong with picking up trash, but SDMM is using the adopt-a-highway program to clean up their well-deserved image as confrontational liars and hatemongers who spent the last two years doing nothing more than making life more difficult for desperately poor day laborers. CalTrans has regs against such groups using the program.

And this is news how? wrote on Jan 30, 2008 9:04 AM:"Minutemen will fight Caltrans decision" Can we expect anything else from this horrible group. They are proving more and more that they are an Anti-American group. Why can't they see that they are hurting the American people more than they are helping us! Why do they need a sign in order to clean the streets? True volunteers would do it without all the hipe.

Shocked wrote on Jan 30, 2008 9:09 AM:I was shocked when I saw the Minuteman sign up near the checkpoint last week. Caltrans made the right decision. The Minutemen should have the right to adopt a highway like everybody else, but not in a place where it is obviously offensive. Caltrans, thank you for paying attention.

Pluto wrote on Jan 30, 2008 9:10 AM: To Julie @8:05am calls us "bigots who hate Americans". This is part of the pretense that Minutemen are "patriots" who represent the views of "real" Americans. They use military terminology, always have big flags at their "ops", and have lots of fierce looking eagles in their logo, on their web site, etc. The truth is that they wrap themselves in the flag to make themselves more acceptable and cover their divisive and un-American agenda of bullying and intimidation. When I see their abundance of flags I'm reminded of Samuel Johnson, who said "patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel". Don't kid yourself: We don't hate Americans, we are Americans.

Ugh Minutepeople wrote on Jan 30, 2008 9:14 AM:Thank god the stretch along 78 was not available. I don't want to see those people along side the corridor I drive every day! Thank you Cal Trans!

Karl wrote on Jan 30, 2008 9:22 AM:Wouldn't it be a hoot if the
ACLU came to the Minutemen's defense?

Janice wrote on Jan 30, 2008 9:34 AM:This is indeed a sad commentary on our society. For all intent and purposes this state has become as corrupt and deplorable as that third world country next to us.

To see ya in Court!!! wrote on Jan 30, 2008 9:34 AM:Who is that threat directed to? Oh yeah the American people that this group claims to be defending and protecting. This makes no sense to me.

To: Idiotz wrote on Jan 30, 2008 9:40 AM:... The spineless government agency has rules and guidelines and clearly the minutepeople violate those guidelines; Under the Adopt-A-Highway eligibility criteria, entities that advocate violence, violation of law, or discrimination based on race, religion,color, national origin, ancestry, physical handicap, medical condition,marital status, age, sex or sexual orientation may not participate in the program. So there you have it!! Why do they need a sign anyway there are lots of streets they can pickup trash from! oh yeah no one will know they are doing it, no glory so why bother!!

To Karl and the hooters!!!! wrote on Jan 30, 2008 10:05 AM:The minutepeople are a well funded "volunteer group". They have lawyers on their payroll they don't need the ACLU to defend them. Read the article, man they are heavily armed.

What is next!!! wrote on Jan 30, 2008 10:17 AM:What can we expect next from this group? Wow! now they are suing the American people, ironic from a group who swear up and down every time they open their mouths that everything they do is to protect the American people. Am I really the only one who sees the irony in this?

This is an environmental issue. wrote on Jan 30, 2008 10:28 AM:Open borders activist have done it again. I thought they stood for equality for all, that includes the MM. Enrique Morones should have applauded the MM for wanting to do community service. Now Enrique has turned this issue into a circus. Where is Enrique on the environment? Does he not realize that effects of illegal immigration on the environment? The enviromental impact of illegal immigration is one of the BIGGEST reasons the MM oppose illegal immigration, but the Media NEVER recognizes that. The media continues to make it a race issue.

Who is Enrique Morones? wrote on Jan 30, 2008 10:40 AM:Is Enrique Morones a Presidential candidate? If so, who is he? If not who cares where he stands on the environment! Who are the open border activists you speak about? I personally do not applaud the minutemen for anything they do. I have seen them on one to many newscasts to give them any credence. From what I have seen on different media outlets and news casts their leader is a violent man who I saw on tv screaming and yelling ... No I think the circus came to town long ago with the appearance of the minutemen.

To Morones wrote on Jan 30, 2008 10:41 AM:Hey Enrique I would like to invite you and your movement to help me out with a Grafitti remove project in San Diego. Are you interested??

To Flores wrote on Jan 30, 2008 10:49 AM:
Come on Bill Flores where are you and your un-american el grupo? Adopt your own highway and do something constuctive for the American people. You just sit in your castle and whine.

Victory for America! wrote on Jan 30, 2008 10:49 AM:This will be a huge victory for the Minutemen and America and a huge defeat for the paid open borders activists and agents of the Mexican Govt. who just want Americans to "shut up" about border security and illegal immigration!

To: Idiotz @9:40 a.m. wrote on Jan 30, 2008 10:53 AM:Guess you told me! Nice that you seem to be so on top of the "rules and guidelines" Now maybe you can tell me how the Minuteman group falls under any of the criteria noted in your blog? And don't allow your own personal interpretation determine your answer. And while you are at it maybe you can explain how Cal Trans determined that the Minutemen DID NOT fall under the criteria for refusing them a portion of the freeway. Could it be because they are a legitimate group for consideration?

Clear Discrimination! wrote on Jan 30, 2008 10:53 AM:The state better give this group their highway back or it will cost us taxpayers millions of dollars. You can't silence a group and violate their rights just because the Latino Activists don't like their political message. I'm Calling Caltrans and telling them to give it back.
This is now a civil rights issue and the Americans will win easily in Federal Court!

Its now a federal issue wrote on Jan 30, 2008 10:54 AM:Interstate 5 is federally funded even though it's maintained by California.
So, the Federal court can't ignore it's previous rulings in re: Klan vs.
Missouri. What Morones and Delgado fail to realize that we are a Nation of the rule of law. Don't like the law change it. Until then be quite. MM sign should stay, because the law says so.

To who is Enrique Morones wrote on Jan 30, 2008 10:57 AM:You believe everything you see in the News!?!? What other source do you get your info from the National Enquire. You need to have a better argument then that.

Victory for America, Not!!! wrote on Jan 30, 2008 10:58 AM:What makes you think that this is a victory for anyone except those who stand to get some cash flow out of this travesty? No one wins here, especially not the taxpaying Americans. How does this have anything to do with border security and illegal immigration? I thought this had to do with highway litter. Oh I see now this has everything to do with the racist agenda that this group perpetuates every day of the week except for the days they are picking up trash. Please this is hurting Americans more than you will ever admit. We have all lost because of the greed a few not so good men.

To It's now a federal issue!!!! wrote on Jan 30, 2008 11:04 AM:You are so correct. So why don't you and the minutemen begin to respect the rule of law in our U.S. Constitution under the 14th Amendment which clearly gives rights to ANY PERSON!!! If you don't like the law change it, until then be quiet not quite. The minutemen have to go because they are not law abiding citizens and they tromp on the rights of others.

To Enrique Morones wrote on Jan 30, 2008 11:08 AM:you talk trash, how about picking some up. The stretch of freeway by the border is open for adoption go and apply, but you and your group fail to meet the criteria, you sposor and promote an illegal act... disqualified!

To: Clear discrmination wrote on Jan 30, 2008 11:08 AM:Hear! Hear! Ditto! Ditto! Touche! Touche! You can not silence a group or violate their rights just because the racists bigots don't like their political message. The minutemen don't own the highway so their is no reason to "give this group their highway back". This has been a civil rights issue ever since the minutemen made it a race issue. Americans will not be winning anything in this case. Think about it!

To: Idiotz @9:40 a.m wrote on Jan 30, 2008 11:08 AM:Speaking of rules and guidelines, why aren't the illegal aliens following the US Immigration laws. We wouldn't need groups like the MM if the illegals were not breaking the law in the first place.

Concerned-1 wrote on Jan 30, 2008 11:10 AM:Who are the open borders crowd? Where to begin? How about Enrique Morones, Bill Flores, Tina Jillings and one specific NCT reporter for starters. Please add George Bush, Ted Kennedy, John McCain, Barbara Boxer, Diane Feinstein, the majority of the California legislature and Professor Narrvaro from UCR to the list. You also might want to add some of the above posters. FYI, C-1.

MM are racist ? wrote on Jan 30, 2008 11:12 AM:Why? Because open border activist say so??? No way!

To: To Idiotz wrote on Jan 30, 2008 11:18 AM:So you are from the school of two wrongs make it right? We do not need groups like the MM and KKK because we have the government to do that job. I do not believe anyone has the right to take the law into their own hands. Sorry but you are wrong on this one. There is never a need for violence, ever!!!

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Jan 30, 2008 11:22 AM:Aside from Enrique Morones, I suspect Bill Flores (and El Grupo), MEChA, National Council of La Raza (NCLR), and other 'open border' advocates and illegal alien supporters are behind the sign removal and relocation. Unfortunately for them, the concern about illegal immigration is not going to go away. To the majority of hard working US citizens, we're at the end of our level of tolerance and with current situation of our economy and budget shortfalls, we're going to see a backlash and more of an outcry by concerned US citizens. The Minutemen represent many more people than their present ranks would suggest. As for the sign being a "safety issue" about the only safety issue I could see would be attempts by illegal alien supporters entering the freeway to protest and/or deface this sign. In fact, I see more of a safety issue from the multitude of illegal aliens who actually drive on our roads without driver's licenses and insurance, and who are oftentimes responsible for the many hit-and-run accidents.

To: Esteban wrote on Jan 30, 2008 11:27 AM:"But if a pro American group (always deemed white and racist if you love America) wants to express its views, they are shut down. It is the end of the white man here in America." Gee I thought the minutemen were a multi-ethnic group? HUMMMMM! You just exposed yourself ... Why are you worried about it with a name like Esteban you sound like you would blend right into a not so white America. Why do want to shut down the Human Rights activists, don't they have the right to be heard?

Josh wrote on Jan 30, 2008 11:33 AM:Come on Minutemen, out of all places you had to post a sign near the checkpoint. If your so involved in helping out and cleaning the highways, I would enjoy giving you Minutemen contact information through-out North County about Neighborhood Clean-Ups,
Revitalizations etc....Let's see if you realy would like to get your hands dirty.

To Concerned 1 wrote on Jan 30, 2008 11:35 AM:You name names of open border activists as if you know this to be a certainty. I do not think you should use such a broad brush to label people. I think of them as Human Rights activists and that does not in itself make them a part of the open borders crowd. I am for equality and I believe we need to uphold the Constitution of the United States. I agreed with the message of the minutemen until I think they became violent. I have determined after viewing many different venues regarding them that they have really become a group of racists. Sorry about that but it is true. I would certainly not use as broad a brush as yours to say anyone who is against illegal immigration is a minuteman or a racist.

Patriot wrote on Jan 30, 2008 11:59 AM:C'mon ACLU, are you threatened by the Minutemen so much that you will deny them a road sign? What about free speech?

JSten wrote on Jan 30, 2008 12:06 PM:I dont see the big deal, everyone knows the minutemen will be done in a minute.

American woman wrote on Jan 30, 2008 12:24 PM:Here we go. More of the same old rhetoric, this time coming from CalTrans, one of the slowest, least adept agencies we are forced to endure in California! How long has it taken them to poop their collective trousers and act against a group of Americans for the sake of a bunch of radical pretenders, like...can you say, "Enrique Morones?" Folks, it's as simple as this: As long as we and our so-called government leaders allow this sort of anti-American decisions to take place, we have no one but ourselves to thank, when one day we wake up to a Mexican flag, flying quite legally next to Old Glory. What will it take for Americans to become angry enough to step-up to the plate for this country?

To: Patriot wrote on Jan 30, 2008 12:26 PM:What about free speech????? The minutepeople continue to tromp on the free speech of others and you have the audacity to support free speech. Oh yeah you do as long as you are the ones talking. There is nothing Patriotic about that! I stand with Pluto on this when he said in a comment above; "I'm reminded of Samuel Johnson, who said "patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel". Don't kid yourself: We don't hate Americans, we are Americans. No on is threatened by a sign but many threats have left the lips of a minuteman many times.

Thank you minute men and women wrote on Jan 30, 2008 12:29 PM:for all you do to protect our country from Illegal immigration. It saddens me to see how our government has sold America down the river, between China and Mexico we are sunk.

Say What! wrote on Jan 30, 2008 12:36 PM:To It's now a federal issue!!!! wrote on Jan 30, 2008 11:04 AM:You are so correct. So why don't you and the minutemen begin to respect the rule of law in our U.S. Constitution under the 14th Amendment which clearly gives rights to ANY PERSON!!! If you don't like the law change it, until then be quiet not quite. The minutemen have to go because they are not law abiding citizens and they tromp on the rights of others.

You are soooo right. So what law did the MM break? Picking up trash? The law breakers are the ones that come across the borders illegally and demand that we change for them. As you said the 14th gives rights to all, so why don't the MM have the right to pick up trash where they were given the the right to pick up trash?

Slam Dunk for SDMM! wrote on Jan 30, 2008 12:49 PM:Let's see, SDMM is about 10% Mexican-American, their Highway Director is a Mexican immigrant (LEGAL!), they are 100% law-abiding and Caltrans is trying to smear them with Enrique's tired old lies. Oh and they've had no problems on their clean up events. I'd say slam dunk for the Minutemen and a victory for the U.S. Constitution! Check out SanDiegoMinutemen website. Cool stuff on there and very informative.

More Press for the Minutemen wrote on Jan 30, 2008 1:06 PM:Most Americans are sick and tired of the illegal immigrant problem. More minds are made aware by groups like the Minutemen who are just trying to protect this great land. Caltrans will have their hands full. They are probably violating the rights of the Minutemen. Fight On Minutemen!

Concerned-1 wrote on Jan 30, 2008 1:08 PM:Yes I am using a broad brush in categorizing my list as open borders supporters, and I'm slinging it far and wide. What? That's not fair? It's only fair when the other side does it? The real racists in this argument are the latino groups such as La Raza, etc. As far as them being "human rights supporters," I have to laugh. Please see what good "human rights supporters" have done around the world lately. Start with the UN's Human Rights Committee. Humans' Rights seem to be up to a lot of interpretation. Here's my interpretation: the worst is yet to come.

Dee wrote on Jan 30, 2008 1:08 PM:I agree with an earlier comment that "the border patrol checkpoint is the safest place for he MM, under the watchful eye of the CHP". This is obviously a political decision rather than Caltrash worrying about keeping "everyone" safe. How safe do they think the MM would be cleaning up a road in the middle of nowhere where illegal aliens & their supporters would feel free to assault them with impunity.

Patriot wrote on Jan 30, 2008 1:29 PM:What are some examples of threats you have heard come out of the lips of minutemen? I'm calling the border patrol? If you have a specific charge to make, state what you heard said and when and where you heard it.

I just love how wrote on Jan 30, 2008 1:30 PM:the pro illegal, open border, anti American groups have to keep changing their stance and position. First they were compassionate to those less fortunate, then they were anti racists, then they were no human is illegal, then they were we are ALL Americans because we live on the North American Continent, then they were Aztlanders, then they were the American Indians who WERE here first brigade, NOW they are human rights activists. All these different groups have only ONE thing in common and continually spin their arguments to try and hide their true agenda: Pro illegal anti Americanism. I think it is interesting that through ALL these gyrations by the Open Border League the patriot groups like the San Diego Minutemen have had ONE agenda, and one only: Stop the flow of illegal aliens into this country.

Minutemen/liars same thing wrote on Jan 30, 2008 1:34 PM:Sure, Sure I am logging onto my computer to go to the Minuteman website please, talk about tired old lies!!!! Oh come on they only cleaned up once and they have plenty of problems at their protests as we have seen time and again on news casts and read time again in this very newspaper. The SDMM are Anti-American. Who says they can't pickup trash, go right ahead they just don't get a sign on any freeway in my country. Yes the Constitution rocks!!!!!

I laugh wrote on Jan 30, 2008 1:36 PM:every time I hear people call the Minute Men racist. Seems to me they are simply political activists who support upholding the existing laws of the country and state. There is no discrimination in lobbying for a government to do its job. For all those who feel so sorry for those really poor day laborers, maybe you should help them return to Mexico or their native country to live where the cost of living is much less. If they want to come here to live in a LEGAL manner, I welcome them with open arms and will do what I can to help. If the come here illegally, breaking laws, sneaking across the border, and committing crimes (yes, being here illegally is a crime), then send them back after they pay a fine and maybe some hard labor at a prison camp.

Marcella wrote on Jan 30, 2008 1:38 PM:"we began to get very concerned about the safety of the motoring public and the safety of the Minutemen folks when they were doing their pickup." Caltrans

So let me see if I get this right, people called in threatening violence or leading Caltrans to think the Minutemen would be endangered , so they pull the area?

Sounds like domestic terrorism to me!!

THE Maricela wrote on Jan 30, 2008 2:04 PM:To Minutemen/liars & Pluto: take your CHECKS (Monentary gain at the expense and reputations that you smear for MONEY) and go buy some integrity and TRUTH. You are sorely in NEED of BOTH.

Betsy To SchwilkWasDumfounded: wrote on Jan 30, 2008 2:07 PM:CalTrans INVESTIGATED THE MINUTEMEN PRIOR (THAT MEANS BEFORE, IN ENGLISH) to assigning the sign. There is no base for the slander and low-level smear campaign that you, and several others happily carry out. I am happy to sue you, as individuals, as the PROUD, HISPANIC, LEGAL MinuteChica that I AM!! Any more slander, and you WILL be called to task!!

To:I just love how wrote on Jan 30, 2008 1:30 PM wrote on Jan 30, 2008 2:12 PM:You made this remark in your comment "the patriot groups like the San Diego Minutemen have had ONE agenda, and one only: Stop the flow of illegal aliens into this country." Please tell me just how they have done that!!! I have seen so much bad press on these guys. I don't think harassing Americans is helping the flow of illegals crossing the borders. Just a couple of weeks ago I saw on Channel ... News coveragev a minutewomen arguing with a woman and when the woman defended herself against the verbal assault of this vile woman, the minutewoman began to pretend to play the proverbial violin as if this woman's point was unimportant. This is what I have seen from this group and I have to agree with Cal Trans. They should not have the privilege to be community volunteers when they treat the community so poorly.

To: The Maricela wrote on Jan 30, 2008 2:14 PM:What on God's green earth are you talking about??? I think perhaps you should take your money and go buy yourself some intelligence because you are sorely in need of some.

Madam Patriot wrote on Jan 30, 2008 2:22 PM:To Josh... please read the article completely. When you do you'll see that it was CalTrans who determined the location, not the Minutemen.

To Pluto... why quote an Englishman who died right after we won the revolution? Was there no American statesman you could find a quote from?

Question 1: Why do the open border activists always pull out the 'race card' when trying to justify illegal behavior?

Question 2: Why is it that the open border activists can meet face-to-face with CalTrans' district director Pedro Orso-Delgado but anti-illegal immigration activists can't get a return phone call from him? (This was a question posed by Roger Hedgecock yesterday.) What is fair about that?

otulP wrote on Jan 30, 2008 2:23 PM:is backwards. The confrontational liars and hatemongers are on the side of the illegal immigrants. God bless the SDMM for their courage to stand up to the controntational liars and hatemonger set on enlarging the illegal and immoral invasion of America and the disruption of civil discourse and order.

This is soo funny! wrote on Jan 30, 2008 2:23 PM:This whole thing is a tempest in a teapot. Caltrans err'd in giving that stretch to the MM. They have every right to fix it if they feel their decision was in error. It's that simple! As for all the "shut the borders" people, get over it. No one wants to close the borders, at least no one who is capable of doing it. It just isn't going to happen. The powers that be feel that the cheap labor force from the south is vital to our ability to provide inexpensive goods in the marketplace, and stay competitive with the rest of the world. A simple econ class taken at the same time as a simple political science class would bear this out. Watch what happens next week in the primary. The candidates that agressively push for closed borders will lose. The issue simply does not resonate. Most believe that in a down economy, aliens self deport, therefore problem solved. Maybe y'all should forget this obssession of yours and go enjoy a walk outdoors. The fresh air would do you some good. Have a taco while you're at it!!

Betsy wrote on Jan 30, 2008 2:33 PM:To the Editorial Staff: I support freedom of the press. But with that, comes responsibility. Because I do not reflect your Anti-Minutemen views, you allow me, and my group, to be slandered--yet deny me the forum to state my innocence. Thank you for perpetuating the lies.

Those who agree with this are Anti-American wrote on Jan 30, 2008 3:29 PM:There is no other way to say it!!! If you agree with this group suing the American people because they have been deemed ineligible to participate in this Cal Trans program than you are UnAmerican. Tell me just who do you think will foot the bill for this frivolous lawsuit? I think Mr. Kaloogian stands to line his pockets with lots of taxpayers dollars. To any of you who say the illegal immigrants take advantage of the system, I say yeah right!!! Look at who is ripping off the American now, the so called, self appointed, Patriots. PUKE!!!!

Yes this is domestic terrorism! wrote on Jan 30, 2008 3:43 PM:To:To: The Maricela wrote on Jan 30, 2008 2:14 PM:What on God's green earth are you talking about??? I think perhaps you should take your money and go buy yourself some intelligence because you are sorely in need of some.

You are the one who needs some intelligence. Caltrans has said numerous times they are worried for the safety of the MM when they are out on the highway because of some of the comments/threats they have received. Thus, those calling in the threats are trying to stop the activity by means of terroristic threats, ie domestic terrorism !

SWIZZLE STICK wrote on Jan 30, 2008 3:48 PM:NOW HEAR THIS! The Minute Men are the illegal ones, not those hard working laborers in our midst who just happen to be missing some little dinky piece of paper issued by some faceless bureaucrat! Vigilantes are illegal and Minute Men are vigilantes. Philosophy 101.

Nutz wrote on Jan 30, 2008 3:49 PM:Can't believe how many of these comments equate the Minutemen with the KKK or other violent racial groups. Can any of you provide proof of any crime that a MM member has been convicted of committing? The MM can't even pick up trash without being trashed themselves by those of you with your own agenda's. Why do you have the right to slam the MM but you find their protests to be beyond the laws?

Kal Trans wrote on Jan 30, 2008 3:57 PM:Since when is it the job of Cal Trans to police groups such as the Minutemen? You guys can't even straighten out the mess on our freeways! Rather than taking calls from people that have an agenda, find a way to complete the work on the I-15 freeway.

Clea wrote on Jan 30, 2008 3:59 PM:Let's analyze this. Caltrans cites "security concerns" for their recent action. The Minutemen peacefully picked up trash with no incidents whatsoever. SDMM did not threaten anything to be of a "security concern." This leaves Enrique or his squad of terrorists as the source of the threats to "security". It is clear to this reader that Enrique et al are engaged in what the American Heritage Dictionary definition of "terrorism" is: "The unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence by a person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons." WHERE'S THE FBI?

Clea you are spot on!! wrote on Jan 30, 2008 4:05 PM:The threats from Enrique and his followers definitely meet the definiton of "domestic terrorism." I certainly hope Caltrans has saved the threatening emails and telephone calls! Threats to hurt people who are picking up trash- what has happened to the US?

Tilda wrote on Jan 30, 2008 4:08 PM:To who is MORONes and any others who have formed their opinion of the SDMM based on "news" reports and the Editorials taken from the front pages of publications such as the NCT which pass it off as "news" I offer a suggestion. If you are truely objective and want to learn the truth, take a moment or two out to attend any event at which members of SDMM congregate. This could be a trash pickup, a pro-America rally, a border watch or an operation to educate employers at Day Labor Sites about LEGAL employment alternatives. You will find the truth about the multi-ethnic group of people who are as kind-hearted and for obeying all laws as you will find anywhere. The only fear one should have amongst them is to be shunned at even the remote hint of any racism.

Notice how the OBL wrote on Jan 30, 2008 4:09 PM:continues to smear the San Diego Minutemen with fear tactics? Nowhere in the article or in the lawsuit is MONETARY damage mentioned. The open border activists just try to spin, once again, to divert your attention from the BILLIONS annually paid by taxpayers for the "privilege" of making employers of illegals wealthier. Really sad that they presume that Americans are too stupid to see/read/investigate the truth. You just blindly keep on believing their lies til whoops, America is a Third World country.

Yoko writes: wrote on Jan 30, 2008 4:12 PM:"However, like them or not, it would require a person of immense stupidity to stop along a busy freeway to merely deface or remove a sign."
WOW sounds like you know EXACTLY who the SDMM are up against.

Good try Yoko!!!! wrote on Jan 30, 2008 4:25 PM:You try to sound as if you are impartial but then you go on blast. You know if Cal Trans has to come up with excuses as to why these ... should not be picking up garbage then we know EXACTLY who the SDMM are!!!

To SWIZZLE STICK wrote on Jan 30, 2008 4:29 PM:Millions of legal residents and new citizens applied for their dinky piece of paper from some faceless bureaucrat, and then waited patiently for years to get it. Hard working or not, if a person does not respect my country enough to follow my country's process for entering, that person shows no respect for me and my country and won't get any respect in return.

Edgar wrote on Jan 30, 2008 4:36 PM:As far as I know, the alegations against the SDMM have never been proven. Does the words Duke Lacrosse mean anything to you all. Still, Enrique "Nifong" Morones never stops slandering those who oppose illegal immigration. How come no one has ever proven that the SDMM are violent eventhough there is a $10,000 reward set up by Bill Flores?

Concerned-1 wrote on Jan 30, 2008 4:38 PM:The truth here is evident. Those with the pro-illegal agenda do not have a leg to stand on so they resort to underhanded tactics. They pull the race card. They ask for "human rights sympathy. They equate anyone not on their side to the KKK. Someone here earlier accused me of using a broad brush. There's no brush broader than this group of anti-American supporters. The truth will come out and the will of the people shall prevail. We will not allow ourselves to become a third world country.

Marcos wrote on Jan 30, 2008 5:13 PM:Prior to the installation of the Pete Wilson statue, I definitely remember threats that it would be torn down. They said things like "remember what happened to Sadam's statue,etc. There were threats of vandalizing it and putting girl's underwear on it.

It was all said very publicly (in the paper and on the news channels). Now that is TERRORISM! Some are now threatening to endanger the safety of people on the side of the road who are cleaning our freeway.

This is blatant terrorism!
Who are these people? Who is this Merones person? Is there an investigation going on?

Wake me up from this nightmare! wrote on Jan 30, 2008 5:13 PM:Why is Enrique Morones allowed to intimidate Catran's. Caltran's is afraid that someone will vandalize the sign? By whom? Pro-illegal immigrant supporters, thugs, gang members, Minutemen, average citizens? It seems to me that Enrique has create concern by Caltrans of Violence or Vandalism by Enrique's group and supporters. So, Caltran's is going to pull the location? So every time a group threatens harm it raises safety concerns. That IS terrorism! Why is Enrique allowed to threaten official as he did at the Pete Wilson ceremony and not be arrested for domestic terrorism?? I was a the Pete Wilson ceremony, I saw Enrique and his Mexican Movement group. GooGle the Mexican Movement and ask yourself if you think they are not a racist group, terrorizing Americans. Watch Gangland on the History channel and see what the Aztlands and Mexican movement is all about. Wake me up from this nightmare, because this isn't America they way I know it.

La Raza Lefties are a Crack Up! wrote on Jan 30, 2008 5:17 PM:I read these blogs just to see the ridiculous American haters spew their trash (the kind we don't have to pick up thankfully). The open borders folks are trying so desperately to find a way to convince the sheeple that illegal immigration is good. All the crime, disease, depressed wages that illegal immigration gives us. Oh yes, give me more please! Dumb commies.

Glad Caltrans took the MM sign wrote on Jan 30, 2008 5:19 PM:Because now we now the real agenda of Enrique Morones, Orso Delgado, Laura Saldana. Thanks Enrique for showing us that you are about your race and nothing else. Its over Enrique Americans aren't going to lay down and take it anymore. We inherited this country from our founding fathers, we will protect this country and uphold the rule of law. So, get ready cause we are mad as heck. We will call every elected official 10 times a day if that s what it takes, we aren't asking for border security anymore , we are demanding it and we will get it!!!!

Madam Patriot wrote on Jan 30, 2008 5:37 PM:To ‘This is so funny,’ no I don’t want to close our borders and I’m all for free trade. That being said I also believe in the rule of law and when you start picking and choosing which laws to break, no matter how trivial you think they are we as a society run a great risk of repeating what was the downfall of great civilizations. History tells us so.

Illegal immigration is wrong on many different fronts. From the people who’ve been in line patiently waiting their turn, to identify theft, to the lowering of wages in jobs that do not require secondary education, etc., etc. You say all you have to do is look at the economics. Well let’s look. When illegal immigrants left the fields and displaced legal workers in the home construction industry, did the price of homes drop? I know wages did. Legal drywall framers used to make upwards of $20 an hour ten years ago; the same job is done now for about $12 an hour. Same goes with the meat packing industry which in the late 80’s legal workers were making upwards of $24 an hour, now they get paid $10-$14 an hour, did the price of beef drop? You can argue that prices were kept low because of these workers but how do you know? Prices are typically kept in check because of a free market without price controls. Business loves illegal workers since it allows them to make more profit. Haven’t you been paying attention to the market? Haven’t businesses been reporting record profits in most sectors? Profits are based upon margin; lower costs equals higher profits.

If you’re a pro-illegal supporter and believe that illegal workers supposedly do all these jobs that a legal worker won’t do. What happens if you get you’re wish and this great big mass of people get ‘legalized with real papers,’ and they no longer are willing to pick fruit or veggies, or clean hotel rooms, or gut chickens, etc., and decide they want to work in new untapped industries and are willing to do it for $2-3 less than the job was already paying? Economics, even at entry level positions such as a data entry clerk would be impacted. Businesses would not be willing to give current workers raises because they’ll know they will have someone who will be willing to the job cheaper. The lower the wage the less paid in matching social security payments, workers compensation, etc. Cheap labor equals much happiness in the business world. Big business still will want cheap labor, and as they have already proven they are willing to do just about anything to get it.

But here’s the real kicker, if these ‘workers’ leave the jobs they now hold for greener pastures who’s going to do the jobs that are now going to be vacant? Do we allow another 15, 20, 30 million in illegally or will we mandate people obey the law? Also, if we are truly a melting pot don’t you think we might invite people from other improvised countries other than Latin America? I love tacos as well, but I also like Thai, Chinese, Indian, and Ethiopian food too!

Reardon wrote on Jan 30, 2008 6:30 PM:Ch. 9 reported tonight that the ACLU supports the right of the MM to pick up their trash where they were firrst offered. The ACLU ha snot said they will take a position on the lawsuit, but they DO support the right of the MM.

Exactly wrote on Jan 30, 2008 7:01 PM:Madam Patriot. After amnesty, will we need new illegal immigrants to do the jobs that the newly legalized immigrants will not do? Of course not because the whole argument that Americans will not do certain jobs is a LIE. The truth is that illegal immigrants are willing to undercut prevailing wages, to the extreme detriment of wages of Americans!!!

To la Raza Lefties crack me up! wrote on Jan 30, 2008 7:20 PM:The anti-immigrant crowd are the ones that are a riot! I love how they give you this speech about doing it for America! When all they really are just a bunch wannabe wish- it- was the old West again posse group! straight out of old Pecos! YEHAAAWWWW!
oh sure everybody bashes the illegals for being here. You know why there here right? Hypocrisy! See the same people who oppose "illegals" are using them in some form or another. (cheap labor,gardening,maid,ectect u get the idea) While there telling Maria or Jose to hurry up because they got company coming, there kids are getting wasted in TJ on cheap booze!!!..come on you know its true! dont try to deny it! prove me wrong! I dare ya! So let them have their freeway big deal! boohoo...Besides I dont support "nationalistic" or "facist" groups! Thats right I am looking at you "La Raza" and Minutemen!

RobertM wrote on Jan 30, 2008 7:21 PM:"Just missing some dinky piece of paper?" I hope your doctor, your contractor and your parents aren't missing some dinky piece of paper. Sometimes those dinky pieces of paper, like our constitution, mean something.

Poor La Raza.... wrote on Jan 30, 2008 7:40 PM:They keep trying to convince Americans that ILLEGALS are necessary here in Mexifornia. No one is buying that horse manure anymore except bonifide bleeding heart socialists.
Secure our Borders, stop illegal immigration. Go Minutemen! JFK said in a famous speech in 1961 that "we need a nation of Minutemen". Those words have never been truer than right now! Hasta la vista, la raza!

I know why they're here... wrote on Jan 30, 2008 7:57 PM:To ..."You know why there here right? Hypocrisy!"...they're here because their own pathetic excuse for a government doesn't provide work or any type of decent existence for its own people, and our current elected officials don't seem to want to call the Mexican leaders on the carpet for it. THAT'S why they're here. Make Mexico accountable for the welfare of Mexicans, solve everyone's problem.

Legal Fund for Fighting La Raza wrote on Jan 30, 2008 8:13 PM:SanDiegoMinutemen website says they have hired Howard Kaloogian to go after the anarchists. I just donated $50. I can't think of money better spent than dragging these criminal anarchists into court for their constant attacks on American citizens. I've had enough. I want my country back!!!! We look forward to many court victories!

human wrote on Jan 30, 2008 8:18 PM:
wahhhh wahh boohoo man everybody such crybaby nowadays if its not "la raza" or Mecha! its the Minutemen! Jeez give me a break people...let them have their sign. no skin off my nose

Roberto1 wrote on Jan 31, 2008 1:44 AM:Who gives a rat's ass if the racist MM want's to pick up trash?...Its nothing more than a publicity stunt by a bunch of xenophobes who's hidden agenda is to attack Mexicans IMHO. I say let them pick up trash.... to bad the blog that goes with it, draws out the xenophobes who IMHO don't even understand the issue.

Andrea wrote on Jan 31, 2008 7:06 AM:We used to be a nation of laws. Now people in positions of power (our so-called leaders) give in to others who have their own agendas. I was born here and it's awful to see what OUR country has become partially due to not standing up for what's right for our citizens and country. Give the Minutemen back their stretch of highway. They're doing nothing wrong, simply picking up trash thrown by others who don't care whatsoever about our environment or our laws.

To Madam Patriot wrote on Jan 31, 2008 9:27 AM:I think we're on the same page here. I agree with most of what you say. Because compnaies are evaluated on their earnings, they will do what they can to make sure earnings stay healthy. They don't care about the color or origin of it's labor as long as it's cheap. If the decision is between earnings and welfare of the worker, earnings wins everytime. This is why unions exist. I think that the MM side of the discussion makes an erroneous conclusion. Just because your not in favor of a border fence doesn't make you pro-illegal alien. There are many in corporate circles who would like to see more controls over the border, but do not want to see those controls eroding earnings. Talk of closing the border and deporting 20M people scares them - it's not reasonable and it's not practical. Until the MM side of the discussion realizes this and addresses this, they will never be able to pervail in any other way than a useless and powerless populist revolt. At it's core, that's how the MM started, and until they bring in some real creative brains into the mix, they will fizzle in a sea of frustration, stamping their feet and turnng blue like small children in a tantrum. Now, if they were to do this, they wouldn't be getting any headlines.

As far as selectively enforcing laws, it happens all the time and the legal sytem as not suffered to greatly. However, when you have a president that repeatedly signs bills into law with no intent of following or enforcing them (signing statements), then the rule of law is truly cheapened.

John wrote on Jan 31, 2008 10:43 AM:Vote for Pedro!

Do you notice wrote on Jan 31, 2008 1:31 PM:when asked to provide proof that the SDMM are racists, xenophobes, anti Mexican, vigilantes the OBL becomes hypocritically quiet? When presented with seasoned, measured, rational arguments, they have NOT a word of rebuttal? 90% of these people have no clue about what they are saying, they simply robotically spew the OBL's mantras. The Pluto's, Roberto's and Swizzle Stick's in this debate can never present an argument because their "handler's" Enrique, Claudia and Tina have NONE to give them to spew. The transparency is SO glaring.

1:31 - You must be kidding wrote on Jan 31, 2008 3:10 PM:The SDMM are very focused on only one type of illegal immigration - that coming from the south. Not once have I heard, read, or seen any concern for any other type of immigration. What is the SDMM's stance on the differing treatment between Haitian and Cuban refugees? Have they addressed this? What is their position on the illegal transportation of eastern European women into the US under the guise of mail order brides? What is the SDMM's position on the illegal immigration of far eastern poor to work in the sweat shops of LA, NY and other major US cities? Please, point me to a well thought out, reasoned position paper on these issues? Seems to the "build a wall and build it now" solution wouldn't work on these problems. So you tell me how an anti-illegal immigration outfit that only focuses on the southern border and totally disreguards all other aspects of a very complex issue can be considered anything but racist! This is not meant to be avalidatin of the SDMM's opponents views, because they are equally as hypocritical, but any sane rational person comes to a similar conclusion. This is why this issue will simply go nowhere with the powers that be. Frankly, both sides of this issue deserve themselves.

face wrote on Jan 31, 2008 5:17 PM:hahahha I agree that the Minutemen are just a bunch wannabe cowboys that wish it was the old west lets hang em at noon posse!! They all hide behind their own warped version of "patriotism" disgraceful!I wonder how their immigrant ancestors would say if they saw them them now? After they suffered so much hatred,animosity,and pain. Struggling everyday just to survive in a society that despises them. Yeah I said immigrant! Everybody here