Any bets on how this turns out?

April 5, 2005 at 4:53 am (Politics)

As you may know, a brave cadre of American Patriots is fearlessly
patrolling the US/AZ border, to protect families and pro-life citizens
of all stripes from errant Mexican strawberry pickers. (Or gas station
attendants, if they are lucky enough to make it all the way to Oregon).
Vicente Fox has threatened diplomatic action (traduccion: a vaguely
worded statement about the “unfortunateness” of the situation), and
counter-demonstrations are occurring to protest what dreadlocked
hippies and Reed College graduates are certain will be a violation of
somebody’s rights. The media is envisioning another frenzy, since
there’s nothing else happening right now (Terri Whovo? Ironic how the
Pope’s death relegated her to the Craig Kilborne of newsmakers, no? But
I digress…) The Minutemen, as they call themselves, are protesting
what they see as a failure of our government to protect our borders,
and by extension, the American people. They have a point there, and no
one can seriously contest that claim. What no one knows is how serious
a problem it is. Personally, if I were a terrorist, I would come in
through Mexico, so I support strengthening the border. Here is
something I may never say again. I actually support GWB’s plan to
legalize migrant workers. Studies have shown that they are more likely
to go back home if they know they can do so safely and legally. Of
course, I am providing no citation, but I heard it on Ed Schultz. If
you don’t listen to big Eddie on Air America, you are doing yourself a disservice.

Most of us know at least one shotgun-toting, bible thumping redneck.
What are the chances that these people are going to go down there and
“report to the border patrol” any illegal activity? Small. More likely
to happen is a firefight between some drunk Texans and a cocaine
cartel, or worse yet an actual family who could legitimately claim self
defense. How long until that happens? Apparently this is only a 30-day
trial run of vigilantism, after which there is a money-back guarantee.
The only stat available so far is that petty crimes are down 72%, but
doorknob beatings are up 965%. Come on, you all saw that one coming.

Anyway, here’s a link, what do you think?