Petition to MCDC Leadership Regarding David "Pineapple 6" Jones, April 2007:

PETITION to MCDC LEADERSHIP

WHEREAS, We, the volunteers of Minuteman Civil Defense Corps who have worked with this organization for sometime and have dedicated our time and talents towards solving the problem of illegal immigration; and

WHEREAS, David Jones has been exemplary in his loyalty and dedication to this organization, its people, and the cause; and

WHEREAS, David Jones has been a consistent leader in border and other operations and is the most experienced and trusted of all Line Leaders; and

WHEREAS, David Jones is the main reason the Arizona Minuteman operations have been able to go forward and improve over time; and

WHEREAS, David Jones is trusted and respected by we, the signers of this petition; and

WHEREAS, We, the volunteers strongly object to the treatment David Jones has been given as of April 6, 2007;

THEREFORE BE IT DECLARED, that we, the signers of this petition demand his reinstatement as a leader in this organization.  We consider this a serious demoralizing  factor in our organization and wish to inform MCDC National Leaders that we will not tolerate this treatment of this good person who has given more of his time and talents to this organization than any other person!

Note from Sandy Doty to Chris Simcox, April 14, 2007:

Dear Chris,

Have been thinking a lot about several things you said to me the other day.

1.  That my "friendship with Pineapple has clouded my judgment."  Well, I'd be a pretty poor friend if I didn't stick up for someone I care about.  One of the reasons I work so hard for MCDC is because of the deep relationships I have built with various members over the years.  This is, after all, a volunteer organization--not a business or a military operation.  Punishing volunteers is contrary to encouraging and building a cohesive volunteer organization.  The treatment of Pineapple, no matter what, just is wrong and is very much perceived as such by most of us volunteers.

2.  Regarding the petition.  According to the US Constitution, this is a fundamental right of all citizens.  (First Amendment)   Since when do you have the right to stop citizens from trying to redress a perceived wrong by their governing officials?  This is not an example of mob rule but an example of a democracy properly functioning in a legal manner.  It is the antithesis of anarchy or mob rule.

3.  I continue to receive calls and questions from many people who miss Pineapple and Whitney being at this muster.  There are many.  I believe there are far more who want Pineapple here than have been "turned away" by his gruff demeanor.

4.  Like Pineapple, I will work my heart out for MCDC and the cause it represents.  But to be squashed like a bug in the manner leadership chose has to have been devastating to Pineapple.  I know I would have been crushed and ready to turn on the organization.  It's truly bad policy to put people in that position.  Fortunately for you, Pineapple doesn't want to retaliate or cause the organization to break up per his open letter.  Continuing to hold to a hard-nosed decision just to come out the winner will ultimately
leave you the loser of many really good volunteers.

5.  I have always greatly respected you Chris, for your leadership in this major fight to protect our country.  This is the first time you have really disappointed me.  I am heartsick and saddened by all this--mostly because I hate to see someone I also respect greatly, David Jones, being diminished and disrespected after all he has done for this organization!

I sincerely hope you and MCDC leadership will reconsider and will reinstate Dave to what he does better than anyone--being line leader and scout in MCDC musters.

Sandy Doty