Yesterday I posted Part I of an interview with John Smallberries, a volunteer pilot for the Minuteman Project. Several people pointed out that his last name is an alias. His response:
Yes - Buckaroo Banzai is my all time favorite movie, and while my name really is John - it’s not Smallberries. The reason for this “nome de guerre” is simple: There are no lack of bad guys out here, and while I’m very able to protect myself, my family is not. I dislike subterfuge in general, but this seems like a reasonable security precaution. I’m sorry if this sours folks on my message, but I won’t place them in danger for no good reason.
For further reading on this subject, see this post.
***
Me: This problem is not limited to Mexicans sneaking across the border. What other nationalities are represented? For example, I’ve read that Middle Eastern men have been caught, too.
JS: The question should be who has NOT been popped down there! Have not seen anyone from Norway, Sweden or Canada that I can recall. Other then that - hey - it’s like taking the “small world” ride at Disney. What is scary is that in the last 2 years there has been a distinct rise in OTM’s (other then Mexican) collars. In San Diego we have popped groups from China, Jordan and Chile. Reports from AZ indicate a number of other nationalities. The multi-cultural aspect of this would be heart warming they were not wandering in with automatic weapons and large bags filled with who-knows-what?
Two things to consider:
1) I laugh when folks call this a “racial” issue - i.e. we must be racists because we are trying to keep Mexicans out. Let me assure your readers - if the only folks drifting across the border were Mexican migrant workers - I’d be in Hawaii this April - not Arizona. The average Mexican is coming over the border to escape the deplorable conditions in their own country - they don’t have an ounce of malice in them, and they are not a threat to our security, in and of themselves.
2) Remember - for every person that is caught, the Border Patrol estimates 2 -3 get past them into the interior. You can bet that people who are serious about doing us harm are NOT using the $500 guides, they are paying top dollar and going in with the dope loads, which are seldom caught. Who are these people? Shouldn’t we be stopping them? Does anyone else think this is really scary when people from literally anywhere can simply walk into the USA, carrying whatever they please?
Me: As you may know, the Mexican government plans to sue to try and stop the Project, and the ACLU says it will monitor the Minutemen to make sure they don’t violate aliens’ rights. Does this make you as angry as it makes me?
JS: Well - of course the Mexican government wants to stop this. Their number one export is their own people. Anything that stops that export is bad for business - so it is only logical that they would do anything they could to put the kabosh on this.
What makes me angry at the Mexican government is how they exploit their own people. Rather then educating them, and creating jobs and futures for their own people, the Mexican government tells them to leave their homes and families, take a dangerous trip though the desert, live like a criminal, work for slave wages in the USA, and oh yes - don’t forget to send money to your family back home - they have taxes to pay!
In other times, we would call what they are doing to these poor people slavery. I know that is a harsh word, but really - their lives are little better then that. Since the only choice they have is to either starve, or risk coming here, I don’t see it as much of a choice. They might not come in chains, but given the choice - how many Mexican’s really would risk the journey to come to the USA? Wouldn’t they rather stay at home?
Can you imagine if we were in a similar situation, with a corrupt government, and no choices? How would you feel if the government told you “Sorry - if you want to keep from starving, you need to slip into Canada, where you will toil for 16 hours a day, and get paid sub-human wages” - I think there would be a second American revolution very shortly after that. This is *exactly* the situation the Mexican government needs to avoid - thus - they *must* keep the border open, or all these hungry folks are going to be marching to Mexico City again.
Seeing how these people are exploited, first by the Mexican government, then by us, in pursuit higher profits via cheap labor, disgusts me. So yes I’m angry. As for the ACLU - I’m not sure you have the story correct. I would hope they are coming down to ensure OUR rights to assemble and protest(lawfully). But even if they are not, and are coming to watchdog the Minuteman - I could care less. There is absolutely nothing illegal, immoral or unethical to reporting a crime you witness to the police, and since that is all we intend to do, however large the scale, I don’t see how any rights are going to get violated.
In any group - there are always a few clowns. And while we have worked hard to keep the kooks out - no doubt a few have slipped by. So I can’t promise that everyone will be well behaved. However - if someone does try something stupid - the ACLU will be the least of their worries. We intend to police ourselves far more rigorously then any outside group could. There is zero tolerance for idiots here.
Me: What can the rest of us do to assist? Can people donate or volunteer?
The single best thing folks can do is to get down to Arizona for a few days and check out the situation themselves! *Everyone* is welcome. Even if you don’t want to sit on top of a hill with a radio and binoculars, you can come down and check out the scene for yourself. Spend a day walking around with me, spend a night (dress warmly) watching the “tonga line” of hundreds of people crossing the border, then sprinting to waiting trucks. Listen to the crackle of gunfire in the still desert air. Smell the stench of garbage and human waste left in the fields.
What we most need is people who have not witnessed the utter chaos in Arizona to see it, report it, and take it back home to tell their friends about. I can’t say it enough - come down to Arizona. No matter how crazy you think the situation is - you will find it far worse then you imagine. The first time you see a drive though, or a broad daylight dope run, or 100 people rush the fence, jump it, and then haul buns to waiting trucks, you will say… it is that powerful of a moment. Guaranteed.
Barring that - donations are welcome. We are running this on a shoestring budget, most of the costs have come out of our own pockets, and that’s OK. (the original minutemen had to buy their own equipment too, so I guess we are in good company) If your readers would like to support us, there is a “donate” button on the web site. Again - donations are great, and appreciated, but we really need eyes and ears to see what is going on. Spend the money on gas and a sleeping bag, and get out to Arizona!
***
John Smallberries can be reached at berryhunter@gmail.com.
Needless to say, the whole idea of Americans trying to enforce law invokes charges of vigilantism. From reader Jim S. :
Ms. Barber:I don’t want to invest too much of my time nor take from yours with this observation…..
However, I was in Army Special Forces for three years. I know the psychological profile that fits the individuals for that special niche in life. John Smallberries (lmao with that irony) is not motivated by patriotism or a genuine sense of righteousness. He is just a “Deer Hunter” soon to have a beer belly if not already in possession of such.
He is simply a low level mercenary seeking entertainment and action. This policing the Borders for America gig is merely a ruse that he can us to be in some action, and live an illusion that he is in control. I pity the people he encounters on the border.
Border patrol is the work of a legitimate paramilitary force. Not a collection of survivalists looking for purpose in their purposeless lives.
Beware the Smallberries of the world.
Regards,
Jim S.
Speaking of vigilantism, check out Gringo Unleashed.
The Minute Man Project~Part II
La Shawn Barber post part 2 of her interview with John Smallberries, of the Minuteman Project.
Trackback by The Other Point Of View — 03.16.05 @ 7:43 am
Thank you La Shawn!
Comment by Fausta — 03.16.05 @ 7:59 am
Interview with John Smallberries, Minuteman Projec
Here is part two of the interview i posted about earlier. It is up over at Lashawn Barber’s place.
Trackback by HCS and Gen's Pad — 03.16.05 @ 8:46 am
The New Minutemen
Okay, so maybe I’m crazy, but dang it, I support the Minutemen Project in Arizona. LaShawn Barber had a great interview with one of the volunteers. The comment afterward from a Special Forces vet did make me stop and think for a moment, I admit. Ho…
Trackback by euphoric reality — 03.16.05 @ 9:15 am
La Shawn, I am surprised you would repeat Jim Dingberries comment in your post.
To personally slander someone he does not know and has never met says more about him personally than his personal comments about John Smallberries. From John’s responses in your interview, he sounds lika a pretty thoughtful and level headed person to me.
Notice Dingberries offers no solutions himself.
Comment by Jim R — 03.16.05 @ 9:34 am
Comment for Mr. Smallberries:
“Laugh while you can Monkeyboy!”
Comment by pajamazon — 03.16.05 @ 10:16 am
Maybe I should explain. Buckaroo Banzai is also one of my favorite films.
“Stop acting like a schoolgirl General and pull yourself together!”
Comment by pajamazon — 03.16.05 @ 10:19 am
Interview with a Minuteman, Part II
“The single best thing folks can do is to get down to Arizona for a few days and check out…
Trackback by VodkaPundit — 03.16.05 @ 10:32 am
Great work! This is important stuff.
Your blog is now on my Daily list. Ignore the idiots who give you crap and keep doing what you’re doing.
All the best,
Bruce
Comment by B Chan — 03.16.05 @ 10:57 am
Illegal Aliens From the 8th Dimension!
I was thrilled to see La Shawn Barber’s interview with “John Smallberries” from the Minuteman Project. I often thought of these guys like Buckeroo Banzai’s Blue Blaze Irregulars. But then again, I think bloggers are like Blue Blaze Irregulars. Gues…
Trackback by Slant Point — 03.16.05 @ 11:16 am
La Shawn Barber Interviews A Minuteman Project Volunteer [Update]
La Shawn Barber has an interview with a volunteer of the Minuteman Project. The Minuteman Project is a group of now over 900 volunteers who plan to patrol the Arizona-Mexico border for a month, starting April 1, alerting Border Patrol…
Trackback by Diggers Realm — 03.16.05 @ 11:19 am
Your commenter Jim S. better hurry his butt to Arizona and stop those 900+ volunteers — who are all “deer hunters” — from having so much fun… for a whole month… on their own dime… just for the heck of it.
Comment by Digger — 03.16.05 @ 11:28 am
Now that the entire interview is published, I have read all the emails and comments, I thought I would check back in with all of you.
#1 I want to thank all the people who taken the time to read this, and the kind words most of you have offered.
#2 The ranch where I ‘work’ is in San Diego County (in the El Campo fire district - located in the far east of the county) not in the city limits of San Diego. In this area, the border wall is a simple 10 foot high metal fence. I’ve had a few questions about this, sorry to confuse people familiar with the very effective border fence that exists near the city.
#3 The comments by the ‘3 year SOF vet’ while unfavorable, are not entirely incorrect.
Since I have worked as a US government ‘contractor’ - I suppose that makes me a mercenary. I prefer the term PMC - professional military contractor, but there is nothing wrong in calling things what they are. However, since none of the MinuteMen are paid, the correct derogatory term is “Rambo”, Wanna be”, “Vigilante” or “Redneck Yahoo”, but not “mercenary”. Thank you.
He is also correct when he states that my motives are not national pride or a deep sense of patriotic duty. I’m too cynical to fall for that stuff. (large smile here) My purpose is simple, selfish and as old as humanity itself - self preservation. I have no desire to get blown into the ionosphere by a backpack nuke detonated in downtown LA. Nor am I excited by the already bad LA smog being enriched by a heapin’ helpin’ of VX or Sarin nerve gas. Call me silly, but life in LA is hard enough already.
His best point however, and the one I 1000% agree with, is that the job of border control is one best left to professionals, like the US Border Patrol. Sir - you are totally correct. This is NOT a job for simple citizens. The correct way to handle this is to double or triple the size of the border patrol, not via a group like the MinuteMen. Please inform me of ETA of this relief force, and I can assure you the MinuteMen will cease to exist the moment they arrive to replace us on border watch.
The only point I really take issue with is that I must have a beer gut! While I’m not going to make the centerfold of next month’s VQ (Vigilante Quarterly) I think still I’m in pretty good shape. At least for an ‘old guy’. It is a constant battle, so he is probably correct in saying that one is not too far in my future. I don’t drink, but I am seriously considering taking it up of late. A beer gut could easily follow. (smile)
Overall this gentlemen makes some great points, and it is clear that he is far more qualified, rational, and clear headed then myself to perform this mission. In the interest of doing what is right, I’ll be happy to step aside in April, allow him to perform my patrol flights. I don’t pretend to be the best qualified person to carry out these duties, I’m simply filling an empty seat until a professional arrives.
On a serious note - my experience has been that people who participate in things such as this often are pathetic losers, and want-to-be Rambo’s that would be dangerous if they were not so inept. His bias is well founded.
I invite this gentlemen, and any others, to join us in Arizona and meet me and the other volunteers in person, and observe how we conduct ourselves, and this mission. If you still feel the same way after that, feel free to make whatever judgments or comments you desire.
Respectfully,
John
Comment by John Smallberries — 03.16.05 @ 1:36 pm
Wednesday Lunch:
Try one of these specials with your breakfast.
Trackback by basil's blog — 03.16.05 @ 1:36 pm
Two points for Jim S.:
1) With all due respect, you don’t know anything of whether John is “motivated by patriotism or a genuine sense of righteousness.” He clearly claims to be motivated by protecting this country, and whether he fits your pre-ordained profile of the “Deer Hunter” is utterly irrelevant.
2) I think most of us agree that border patrol is and should be the work of a legitimate paramilitary force. But you would also have to agree that our border defense system (such as it is) has not acquitted itself well in keeping out illegal immigrants. We need a change in how we deal with this problem. Your personal feelings the Minutemen aside, they are at least getting the message out about the seriousness of the problem, and for that, they should definitely be commended.
Comment by Matt — 03.16.05 @ 1:36 pm
During the American Revolution, the Regular Colonial Army did not have enough men. Thus, militia men had to supplement the work that the regular Army was doing. The volunteers with the Minuteman Project are performing a similar service, but without making direct contact with illegal immigrants.
I am glad that the project’s volunteers are trying to screen out anti-Hispanic racists.
Comment by Dodo David — 03.16.05 @ 2:47 pm
Great discussion…John Smallberries seems for real. It is the ranches in East San Diego County that have the problem because of the fence in the city. Having lived in AZ, I’m very familiar with the border beings that Bisbee is my favorite city in the state and that we regularly went through Ajo and across the border when we went to Rocky Point.
BUT…John should not even have to be involved in this. This problem, which he is describing with absolute accuracy and urgency, is squarely on the shoulders of George Bush and I notice that his name is not being mentioned by anyone. He is providing for only 200 or so new BP agents, instead of the 2000 that have been approved. This is probably in all your newspapers. The focus has to be on HIM because it is a national emergency. Forget the Mexican government, the illegals themselves, etc. George Bush IS the problem, along with the employers that hire them. The horse may already be out of the barn. I would be shocked if a number of terrorists hadn’t already crossed in the last 3+ years. Why are Republicans and conservatives letting him skate on this?
La Shawn, you should come on out…
Comment by stan — 03.16.05 @ 3:02 pm
Stan, you might want to re-check the posts on other threads. Mr. Bush is being spanked fairly hard on this issue by a number of those who voted for him. No skating allowed.
Comment by RedBeard — 03.16.05 @ 3:35 pm
RedBeard,
Will do.
Comment by stan — 03.16.05 @ 3:51 pm
Great interview, La Shawn! Thoughtful questions and good, clear answers from John S.
My wife and I would very much like to spend a week with the Undocumented Border Agents in AZ, but we can’t get the time away from work. I think that they’ll be able to serve one of the most critical functions in a security operation - observation. While the Border Patrol is pathetically understrength, they certainly can’t watch everywhere and do enforcement as well. The extra eyeballs should be a huge help.
Our family has some land in SW Texas. When I grew up and would visit, most everyone had a .22 or .243 caliber “varmint gun” in their truck, for snakes, coyotes and such. Now, it’s much more common to see heavy pistols and automatic rifles. The varmints have gotten much bigger in the last 15 years, and are better armed. It’s not the folks coming here to make a living that are the problem. It’s the worms that take their money to get them here that will cut your fences and shoot first. Like the 9/11 commission and John point out, some of the illegal visitors are not coming here to work at Taco Bell or frame houses.
Comment by Peyton — 03.16.05 @ 3:52 pm
I don’t think it’s fair to claim that the project volunteers are motivated solely by “entertainment and action.†There is a moral question here, whether the federal government is living up to its obligation to protect the national border. Residents of border states have not only a moral issue with the border problem, but an immediate motivation to act. The economic consequences of the out-of-control border are deeply felt, especially in Arizona. Residents closest to the border have to deal with increased crime and degradation of the environment. Statewide tax revenues are depleted through increased burdens on hospitals, police, and the courts. While there may be volunteers that are in for some vigilante thrills, I would guess that the majority of people involved have a practical economic stake in the issue. There is no shame in wanting the federal government to pay its fair share of border control cost.
Comment by Diana — 03.16.05 @ 6:48 pm
Diana,
Exactly right. Before the 2000 election, Pres. Bush promised to get the Feds to pay the cost of illegal incarcerations among other things. Said he understood because he’d been the governor of Texas. But he has reneged on his promise (or was he lying) so that the states are still being buried with the costs.
Comment by stan — 03.16.05 @ 9:11 pm
Stan–I don’t think he’s lying; I think his priorities shifted a bit too far. Although I may not be as hard on Bush on this issue as LaShawn, I do think he needs to pay a heck of a lot more attention to our southern border.
As I mentioned in my comment on the first installment posted yesterday, this issue is near and dear to my heart. I wish I could go down there, even if only for a day. Instead, I’ll be up here lighting candles and praying for the safety of all.
Comment by lornkanaga — 03.16.05 @ 9:37 pm
lornkanaga,
He was lying…picking a hot topic to fish for votes. A corrupt old man in the Nixon administration told reporters not to listen to what they were saying but to watch what they were doing. I’ve followed his advice for over 30 yrs, applying it to both parties. He was right. His name was John Mitchell.
Comment by stan — 03.17.05 @ 3:07 pm
As a “local” who lives in the area of the project I cannot agree more that this type of action is required to give the Federal Gov’t a kick in the butt to get something done. I make a weekly trek around my property to pick up all manner of trash and fix fences that have been broken down or destroyed by the illegals. My house and outbuildings have been broken into more times than I can count. Property has been stolen and I still am not allowed to protect it by using force. The time has come to put up or shut up as far as I am concerned.
Comment by Mike — 03.18.05 @ 3:52 pm
At War On The Border
Remember America’s own pop-up militia, the Minutemen volunteers who will soon begin patrolling the US/Mexico border. La Shawn Barber has now conducted an interview with one of the Minutemen and posted Part 1 and Part 2 on her website….
Trackback by Daily Pundit — 03.21.05 @ 2:48 pm