From October 21, 2007
October 9, 2007: From the Border by Sandy Doty
Your intrepid Admin team took a turn on the line last night, ably led
by the Lone Ranger and his side kick, Bob. It looked like we might
have a fierce thunder storm with lots of lightening off in the distance, but instead, we enjoyed a balmy 63 degree evening.
Forgetting all the good training they have had and DONE through the
years, our ditzy duo forgot their peanut radios (thereby ensuring communication problems all evening) and their flashlight. Fortunately, they had a quiet evening, unlike the rest of the team
which was hopping most of the night. The duo's big excitement came
when a person with a flashlight came up to their hidden vehicle and
started looking in it and all around it. They went over to see who it
was and it turned out to be a BP officer on the trail of 5 Illegal aliens called in by a local citizen. They had a nice chat and off he
went. He and another officer spent sometime in the brush around Post
5 with their flashlights, looking for the missing five. Meanwhile, on
other posts one or two at a time were being sighted. Interestingly
enough, all the persons sighted tonight had no back packs. It could
be that they were all scouts, or they just come back and forth across
the border and have clothes and supplies ready for them here. The total sightings by us were 4; we'll find out tonight from BP if any
were apprehended--one got caught on a fence he was jumping over, so that may have slowed him up. BP has kindly reported to our line
leaders the next day on what happens after we leave.
Impressions from the desert:
New Photos from the New Mexico Ops & the Phoenix Protest
You can view all of our PBA event photos by clicking on the camera to the right. Here's a teaser from the New Mexico affiliate:
October 8, 2007: From the Border by Sandy Doty
Those elusive seven Illegal aliens disappeared shortly after the
original sighting last night and later two others appeared and were
visually tracked for sometime. The BP was called but they eluded
capture by jumping a fence where the BP felt they might later be apprehended. We do not know the outcome. But we do know we are
beating New Mexico in sightings as well as apprehensions.
Correction on yesterday's account of the National Geographic Expolorer
TV filming. Our local citizens did not actually see IAs at the
layup--they did hear the tell-tale incessant barking of dogs which
usually indicates their awareness of strangers in their neighborhood. On that basis, they called the BP who checked their shoes to determine
if there were different shoe patterns to follow which there were. On
that basis, the BP officer and his dog tracked the suspects quite a
distance. About an hour later, the BP van was sighted near the original layup site with a possible load of IAs. Our good citizens wanted their account to be accurate and we agree--that is absolutely
essential to the maintenance of credibility.
More local intelligence has provided us with some excellent new sites
for night watches. We expect to use one tonight.
For those who are unable to do the night watches, we have such a great
new place for you to provide your able assistance. One of our
supporters has set up a gazebo under which day watchers may sit and
observe the border which is less than a quarter mile in front of them.
There is even a porta-potty right there. We will provide you with a
radio and you may assist this rancher in protecting his property
during the day. The earlier you start your watch, the more productive
it will be since we hear that there is a lot of traffic between 4 am and 9 am.
PBA Arizona Cook Off!
Dear Minutemen & Supporters!
Please join us this Saturday October 13th for an afternoon cook off! The party starts at high noon at the PBA HQ camp site at the trading post in Palominas, AZ. Bob Wright and I will be the head cooks for the afternoon, serving your every need! Please come by and help devour some great burgers and side dishes.
We are expecting great weather for a cook off. Come fill your bellies and then go stand the 5PM shift if you're available! There is no charge to the cook off so bring your friends and family. We're looking forward to seeing your smiling face there!
Stacey O'Connell
Minuteman
Patriots Border Alliance
Board Member, Vice Chair
www.patriotsborderalliance.com
October 7, 2007: From the Border by Sandy Doty
Brrrr, what a cold night it was last night but still our intrepid
Patriotic Minutemen were rewarded with sighting one and actually knowing that one was captured by the Border Patrol. They thought that the suspect had escaped but when they started to leave, they saw BP
taking him in. Our new line leader, The Lone Ranger, inspires the
volunteers at his pre-muster briefings with his military knowledge and
precision of operation. You know that with someone of his calibre,
the muster will be both an adventure and safely conducted. We all learned something new tonight; guys should kneel or use a bush when
urinating to keep from making any noise... Amazing the things we
learn down here.
Today some local residents accompanied National Geographic Explorer TV
on an inspection of some local layup sites. As they approached one,
people were sighted running away. BP was called and came immediately
and took off in hot pursuit with one agent and his dog tracking 4-5 suspects. Great action film for National Geographic. A truck came
racing up during this time which the residents thought at first was
the BP; when it wasn't, they suspected it to be the get-away vehicle for the suspects who had run quite a distance away since it saw them
and sped on by. As they inspected the layups which were equipped with
food and water, they saw a BP pick-up van in the vacinity and believe
that they picked up the smuggled people who had been hiding nearby
during the pursuit of the 4-5. All this captured on film by the
National Geo. Good for our local activists!
Our good Communications leader is out of the hospital and able to head
for home tomorrow. He feels much better but needs some medical
follow-up when he gets home. We are so grateful that he is doing so
well and has no indications of serious repercussions from his heart
episode a few days ago. Despite this setback in leadership, we had
others step up to the plate and offer their able assistance, so the
mission can proceed as planned.
New and old friends keep showing up, making each day an adventure in
Admin. We trained two new members today who live nearby and wanted to
help out. Later in the day, two old friends showed up to pitch in
despite some recent health issues. Tonight yet another old friend
showed up. We stand in awe and appreciation of the great people who choose to assist us in our effort to stop the flow of illegal
smuggling of people and drugs and inform the public of our
findings--especially regarding the fence being built by the US Government. We understand that Grassfire is starting a Where's the
Fence on Friday effort--getting their members to call their
representatives in Congress every Friday to ask them where's the
Fence? We already have learned from American Border Patrol since we got here that only 62 miles of new fencing have been built by the USG. They stopped building in the Naco area several weeks ago saying they
were ahead of schedule so "take a break." Not what a contractor wants
to hear... Not what American citizens want to hear!!! Why delay when
the overall goal of completing the 800 miles of fence authorized last
year is so horribly behind? This is totally outrageous!!
It's late tonight as I write this--it's been a busy day and I have to
do this after I finish the day's regular chores. We just heard that
they are tracking 7 individuals on the Thermal scope, so there's a lot
to keep the volunteers awake tonight.
Can't wait for the big cookout this weekend. The guys are going to
grill for us...emmmmm, I wonder who will be the better cook--Stacey or
Bob? Anyone who overcooks my hamburger is dead meat!
Don't forget the taj majal of tents awaits any volunteer who needs a
place to lay his head at night--up at the American Border Patrol
compound. It comes complete with refrigerator and pristine
porta-potty. Will be posting a picture of it tomorrow. It's huge and
has a central room with surrounding sleeping pods. Really cool. What great support we have received from ABP!
October 6, 2007: From the Border by Sandy Doty
Yesterday started off with the raising of our new American Flag which a local resident donated to Patriots' Border Alliance. It seems that everyday shows us how much the local residents appreciate our efforts on their behalf. Shortly thereafter, our Communications Director, Bob, was experiencing some shortness of breath at the Palominas Trading Post where everyone jumped in to provide assistance. The young lady who was serving as waitress recognized the danger signs and called over a local EMT to provide assistance. That young man, Craig, didn't hesitate to offer to drive Bob to the local ER and expedite his care and treatment. He even came back to camp to make some helpful suggestions about health issues of our members. As John Waters, owner of the Palominas Trading Post said, "the folks in Palominas haven't forgotten how to be really good and caring neighbors." One of our own local volunteers exemplified that sentiment when she called Bob after he was admitted to the hospital, pitched in the help in Comms, and even visited he and his wife at the hospital to bring books and comfort. Several of the PBA Board of Directors went to the hospital to follow up on Bob's care and assisted his wife in getting a nice motel nearby when she arrived.
That night, the Patriots' Border Alliance Vice Chairman, Stacey, led an inspiring pre-muster briefing that uplifted and encouraged the volunteers. As you can see by the pictures posted on the website for the 2nd Week in Palominas, Pineapple 6 and Talkinghorse lit the symbolic mission lantern to remind us of the lantern carried by Paul Revere in our country's Revolution. There are pictures of volunteers from various briefings included there as well.
It proved to be a very quiet watch here in Palominas last night. It was so quiet that the Border Patrol came by to chat with our volunteers for lack of activity for them as well. They stated that there have been fewer apprehensions since we arrived and mentioned that one of the first questions illegal aliens ask when they are apprehended is, "Are you the Minutemen?" They are very relieved when the BP officer tells them they are not because apparently they are being misled to think that the Minutemen of PBA are very dangerous and will hurt them. If they only knew how often we hear the Code of Conduct that emphasizes that we always treat everyone we encounter with respect and kindness; they are never restricted or told to stop; they are provided water, food and medical assistance if required, etc.
It was pretty cold last night as well--dropping down to the 40s around 11 pm. Everyone who brought extra clothing was glad to have it last night. At least it was clear and dry. Sleeping in a tent on the ground on a cold night is a special challenge and takes a truly dedicated volunteer to endure. Not to mention a cold water face wash in the morning. But all was perfect after the donkey wake up call which is better than the rooster's crowing early in the morning (see picture) and the warming of the morning sun. It got up to 85 today. What great volunteers and How We Do Appreciate them!!!
We stand in awe of the tremendous support we are receiving from local residents here. Of special note is the technical assistance being provided by DTG Industries which has supplied our digital phone service, wireless high speed internet, webcam support, and daily checking to ensure that everything is working perfectly. In this day and age, without such technical support, it would be very difficult to conduct a muster such as ours. Jon Healey has lots of good ideas for future technological innovations to assist in this effort to protect our country's borders as well.
As is typical of a volunteer organization such as PBA, several had to leave for hearth, home and jobs today. But others arrived, so the line carried on tonight in good strength. Many old friends from the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps have been visiting us and going down to see both the MCDC unfinished fence and what the US Government is now building. After seeing how unnecessary the MCDC fence will be after the USG fence is completed a few feet away, it is hard for them to understand how solicitation for money to build the MCDC fence is being continued on their website and in direct mail requests. As always, we share with them the great regret we feel for the events that caused PBA members to proceed in a different direction from MCDC. But we remain focused on our ultimate purpose in being here--to bring to the public and the government's attention the significant problems of illegal immigration and the importance of securing our country from the invasion of terrorists.
Volunteer Interview
PBA is proud to present a weekly series during our month-long operation in which a volunteer is interviewed to give a "face" to our membership. We all have so much that can be learned from one another!
It's truly awe-inspiring to get to know some of the PBA Minutemen who have come down to the border to help in the October border watch. We interviewed one of these volunteers from Colorado Springs yesterday and this is what we learned about "Ralph." (last name omitted to protect his identity)
Q. What brings you to the border?
A. After telling us about his numerous activities in his locality in writing, passing petitions, sending faxes, making phone calls, he stated: "It's a subject I feel very strongly about. I feel I need to do whatever I can within legal limits to stop this problem. I feel I have a duty to do this if I am physically able. It's easier for me, as a retired person to do this than those who are employed."
Q. How has illegal immigration impacted your life?
A. "I have had no personal problems with illegals but I see how it is impacting all taxpayers in higher taxes, the cost of education children, the medical care provided to illegals, etc."
Q. What do you think about when sitting out on the border at night?
A. "I wonder if we are being watched; when is this shift going to end; how beautiful it is on a clear night."
You should know that Ralph has been here since we started last weekend and has been sleeping in his tent on the ground. He brought a big container of water to use for washing and cooking and is always ready to volunteer extra services. He checks in with his wife every day and does not carry a weapon. He is just an active citizen who has gotten frustrated with the lack of enforcement on the border and wants to keep sending our government the message that if they won't do the job the Constitution mandates that they do, the citizens will!
October 6, 2007: From the Border by Sandy Doty
Last night, with the help of the eye-in-the-sky American Border Patrol Thermal Camera, we spotted two illegals last night fairly early in the evening. One was carrying a very large back pack and was very fleet of foot. The Border Patrol responded quickly and appreciated the thermal's capability to ferret out the individual with the back pack. The other suspect ran in the other direction but all efforts concentrated on the person with the back pack. Even with the thermal camera, however, the alleged drug runner managed to elude capture by the BP. It must have been valuable cargo since the viewers said he moved very quickly and elusively. As far as we know, the BP did not apprehend him later, but since they do not inform us after the fact, it is hard to verify that. As one of our local volunteers said, it is difficult to apprehend illegals in this area because they have so may routes into the country and have such a wide network of supporters assisting them in Cochise County.
We had several volunteers interviewed today by a local media person who informed us that there had been news of us in other media yesterday. We understand that a local activist, Cindy Kolb, appeared on CNN the other night to discuss the immigration problems in this area.
Be sure to look at the American Border Patrol's weekly TV broadcast on their website. We participated in yesterday's filming which will be posted by Monday. In it, our great volunteer from Maryland, "Talkinghorse" was interviewed by Glenn Spencer and gave a most articulate presentation on his personal activities in Maryland and here to combat illegal immigration. Additionally, Glenn pointed out that Secretary Chertoff's recent assertation that there is "in existence and has been built" 150 miles of fencing was not an accurate reflection of what has recently been built. In that statement he was including the miles of fence already in existence which does not show the American people that actually, only 62 miles of fence has been built since last year's Fence Authorization bill was signed by the President. Some of those 62 miles have been foolishly placed in areas that would be impossible for people to cross anyway, or next to trees or high hills that make transversing them easy. We thought we had been recently promised to have 150 miles of new fencing completed by the end of September.... It just hasn't happened and Glenn Spencer has clearly documented this mille by mile. We stand in awe of the tremendous job Glenn and his small organization is doing in finding out "where's the beef?" after we all were assured that our government would indeed "beef up" our border enforcement.
What is really interesting is our own camp's instant relay camera that you can view on the PBA webpage. The government's cameras have at least a 45-second time delay replay function. They paid hundreds of thousands for these useless cameras since illegal activity happening 45 seconds ago can easily elude apprehension. Yet for about a $600 skybot camera (camera is on loan from ABP), we can get instant relay. What's up with that? Why can't our government spend less and do better with the proper equipment? We all have recently learned that the virtual fence that everyone touted as being far more efficient and cost effective than manning the border or building a fence is totally useless. How many millions were wasted on that?
Additionally, the sensors the government uses on the border aren't nearly as effective as the ones that American Border Patrol has been able to build in their garage. Why isn't the government doing the type of ariel surveillance that ABP does? Why aren't they telling us the truth about the progress on the fence? Could it be that they don't really want to protect our country? The more time we spend on this border, the more we come to realize that border enforcement is not what we all would hope to protect us from the incursion of terrorists, drug and people smugglers, and more crime in our streets.
October 5, 2007: From the Border by Sandy Doty
It was a slow, yet interesting night on the border last night. It
rained briefly before the convoy left camp and then was a sparkling,
clear night. All was quiet until 10 p.m. when some local kids decided
to ride their ATVs around the back roads near our location. This
activity stirred up one apparent illegal immigrant. The Border Patrol
appeared quickly thereafter having observed that a sensor went off.
It is unknown if the BP was able to apprehend the suspect, or if there
were more with him, which is usually the case.
Meanwhile more old friends are rolling into camp. One seasoned volunteer who has been in the Minutemen from the beginning took a walk
with us this morning, with his dog in the riparian area near the San Pedro River. We saw a large hawk on a phone pole that we had seen on that same pole several days ago. "LRRP" remarked that he had seen
that bird on that same pole many times before when he was working in this area, since he walked his dog on that path. There are
opportunities for great bird watching within walking distance of our
camp--and early morning is a wonderful time for this activity.
Local residents tell us there is a big illegal layup down near the river but
the park rangers don't want us driving down this road and discouraged
us from doing anything in the park other than sight seeing.
Today, one of our leaders, "Talkinghorse" will be participating with
American Border Patrol leader, Glenn Spencer, on a radio show.
***We'll try to get an audio or written transcript.***
Webcam Back Online
Thanks to Jon Healy, president of Digital Technology Group, the damaged web cam is now back online. He had it repaired and is working with the PBA board to purchase a new one. We thank him for his efforts!
If you would like to see what's going on in camp, click the video camera to the right.
http://www.americanborderpatrol.com/PBACam/body.html
North Carolina Patriot Minutemen
The Daily Tarheel has a great article featuring PBA Board Member Bill Irwin and NC Patriot Minutemen leader Marion Larabee:
The Patriots' Border Alliance, a national organization of minutemen, sponsored the push, said alliance operations coordinator Bill Irwin.
"It starts to cool off in the desert, and the illegals begin to move," he said. "The drug running picks up in September because marijuana is harvested in September."
Irwin said minutemen groups from states around the country, including North Carolina, travel to the Southwest throughout the year to compensate for what they consider a lack of action by the federal government.
Marion Larabee, of New Bern, said he founded the N.C. Minuteman Patriots in January and has recruited about 12 new members since.
Larabee said he started N.C. Minuteman Patriots because he feels that illegal immigrants are taking away American jobs and pose a security risk.
"Enforcing existing immigration law is what we need to do," he said. "They're trying to take away the Southwest part of the country right now."
October 4, 2007: From the Border by Sandy Doty
It was a very quiet night last night. It looks like we have discouraged the coyotes from using our friendly rancher's land from moving illegal immigrants. One of our volunteers, "Annie Oakley" commented, "the crickets were so loud, I couldn't hear footsteps last night." "Pineapple 6" retorted, "when the crickets are loud, and the quails are making noise, there are no people out there..." But it was a clear night, so the volunteers at least didn't have to contend with rain. Our total sightings and apprehensions were zero.
Another local resident stopped in yesterday morning to report that there has been a lot of illegal activity east of our location. The BP picked up 12 and 17 at that easterly location during the past two days. He also claimed that when he and some friends were in the Huachucas over the past weekend, that they were confronted by armed Mexican Military.
The weather report says that clear days and nights are ahead for the next week or so.
Line leaders are discussing their plan of action for tonight. There are at least 5 other areas of activity they can use, so they will consult local scouts and determine the best place for the watch this evening. We had several Alabama volunteers come in last night so there will be a training session today. We are busy today training a new person in Admin. She has also served in the Comms area several nights after completing her day job. What a trooper! We are well blessed by our good volunteers who are so willing to pitch in where needed.
Chairman Bob Wright went to Phoenix for the rally against sanctuary city policies in Arizona yesterday and then drove over to help out at the muster of the New Mexico Patriots. Our old friend, Gayle, from California, accompanied him and we are glad to have her most able assistance once again!
Camera Update from Jon Healy: I have had the camera fixed and have installed it back at the Trading Post. Enjoy!
We still need to have our own camera, so those who have donated for the camera will be notified and asked if they would like us to apply it to getting one, and any who wish to donate, we will still need to get our own so feel free to send them donations in.
Thank you.
October 3, 2007 UPDATE: From the Border
The rancher on whose land we have been watching just called to inform us that the BP apprehended 8 illegal individuals on his land early this morning. So the five we sighted last night must have had three other companions that waited until we left after midnight to proceed up the road.
October 3, 2007: Report from the Border
Another rainy night did not deter 16 Patriots from standing watch on private land, where they had been requested to help stop the steady flow of illegal immigrants. There were several sightings on the eye-in-the-sky thermal manned by an American Border Patrol expert. First there was a group of five that moved off quickly and avoided further detection. Then there were two more sighted but a car with blinking brake lights seemed to be right there to pick them up and speed off. Another interesting phenomenon last night was the sound of a human baby heard off in the desert by several volunteers. We know from the layups that babies are being brought across the border from the baby products that are left behind at the time of their pick up by a coyote.
We had more intelligence this morning from local residents regarding some drug activity in the area that was observed this morning. We also had some guidance from the local park rangers regarding our legal rights and responsibilities on national park lands. They were very nice and provided us with some clear guidelines as to where we might go and the restrictions on the carrying of loaded weapons. We make sure that the volunteers are advised of this at every briefing.
The American Border Patrol has been so helpful since we arrived--especially with their loan of the real-time camera we had installed in our camp. Jon Healy, president of Digital Technology Group LLC has spent many hours working on the camera to ensure that it is up to "snuff". We hope to have it or another one up and running shortly.
Local residents together with the Freedom Riders are planning a big rally here on Oct. 21st. There will be food, music, and T.J. Bonner will be among the speakers. The folks here in Cochise County are the best supporters and we very much appreciate their guidance and reinforcement. They have been at the forefront in this battle against illegal immigration, having started the Cochise County Civil Defense Corps before the Minuteman project evolved. We understand that collectively they raised over $50,000 for the Ramos and Compean families at the recent rally in Phoenix. There is tremendous support for the Border Patrol amongst our volunteers as well as the local citizens.
Today, Patriots' Border Alliance Chairman, Bob Wright, is scheduled to speak at the gathering at Cesar Chavez Plaza in Phoenix. So he and a contingent of volunteers left early this morning for the long drive up. The rally will be from 2-6 today near the Phoenix City Hall. We hope he will also be allowed to speak to the City Council about this critical security issue. It is time to rescind Phoenix's policy that restricts the police from asking immigration status when a person is apprehended committing a crime.
Another of our recent arrivals from Pennsylvania is focusing on the SPP/NAU issues and has done extensive research on this issue. He has learned that the trans-American corridor will be routed through Pennsylvania as well as through the middle of our country and this has local PA residents very upset. Before we know it, we will all be one big happy North American Union. PBA plans on directing our efforts towards stopping this bus before we are no longer a sovereign nation, as well as continuing our work on the border.
Many thanks to supporters near and far who have contributed toward our October border watch. We will need to use some of our donations for a new battery for our Thermal camera. Please be sure to click on the financial button above the Opening Webpage for PBA to see just what we have received and how we are spending it. We will never use contributions for frivolous or unnecessary expenditures. If you could see how our Chairman and other leaders rough it down here, you would know that our focus is strictly on the mission. We all look pretty scruffy after sleeping in tents, cars and trailers for a month. But we are blessed to have the Palominas Trading Post right here to serve great meals and lots of coffee when we need them.
As of today, we have volunteers here from Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, and Washington. We are grateful that volunteers are willing to travel from so far away to help in this important fight. We must get our border enforced!