Mexican Living: Lets Be Perfectly Clear

Readers often send me interesting and exciting e-mails about the op-ed pieces I write and manage to publish. As a writer, I get all sorts. Some are actually encouraging. Then there are those who say, "This is YOUR fantasy, not the reality I have seen." Or, they ask, "Your point is?"

Alas and alack, it is the lot of professional writers to suffer these comments all in the name of trying to write something someone wants to read (and buy!).

In my latest piece on the Minuteman Project, some readers took offense at my attempt to link Chris Simcox, one of the co-founders, with groups run by gomers like Glenn Spencer. In fact, one lady wrote and said,

"Your attempt to tarnish the citizens of the Minuteman Project by linking it to Spencer and the ABP is about as honest and courageous as spreading the stench of MS-13 over the entire illegal population."

And of course, everyone knows what "MS-13" is!

So, I am thinking, perhaps I was not as clear as I could have been. Perhaps this lady has a (small) point and I need to restate my position.

Therefore, your humble columnist is here today to try to right a possible wrong. So here goes, and let me be perfectly clear: What tainted this Minuteman Project from its beginning was that Chris Simcox was one of its co-founders. The evidence supports, in my view, that this man has another agenda.

I did not buy the "Observer and Report" goal of his Minuteman project because of the past behavior and rhetoric of this man. Never once has he recanted, apologized, or generally taken back what he's said and done in the past about the Mexican Immigration issue.

For example:

1. Chris Simcox has a federal arrest record. "Chris Simcox, the co-founder of the group he adulates, was arrested in January 2003, by Federal Park rangers for possession of loaded and concealed weapons, disorderly conduct, and interfering with law enforcement on federal land, according to Ernesto Cienfuegos of La Voz de Aztlan."

2. Los Angeles Times Magazine writer, Dan Baum, wrote on March 16, 2003:

?Chris Simcox won't stop fooling with his gun.

??whenever he is photographed by the media--which is often these days--Simcox makes sure the pistol is in every frame.

??but his body language is all about the gun. Sooner or later he's going to use it, he wants everybody to know, in a showdown with the illegal immigrants and Mexican drug dealers he believes are ruining the United States.

??If Simcox dies in a blaze of border gunfire, so be it, he says.

?At 42, he is owner, editor and publisher (and reporter, ad director and circulation manager) of the weekly Tombstone Tumbleweed, circulation 1,200. His Oct. 24 issue bore the headline: "Enough is Enough! A Public Call to Arms!" The paper invited readers to join a "Citizens Border Patrol Militia."

Let me ask the questions America should be asking:

Does Chris Simcox, from his past rhetoric, seem to be just an "Observe and Report" kind of guy? Has he once admitted and recanted this rhetoric? Has he admitted to any of this?

I would like to hear Mr. Simcox's public explanation of what he's said "on the record" and if he still believes it. I would also love to know why this man's past hasn't been reported in the press and especially on the "Fair and Balanced" cable news network, Fox News?

There is an expression, "The Fish Rots From The Head Down."

Let us watch and see what happens.

Doug Bower is a freelance writer and book author. His most recent writing credits include The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Houston Chronicle, and The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Transitions Abroad. He lives with his wife in Guanajuato, Mexico.

His new book, Mexican Living: Blogging it from a Third World Country, can be seen at http://www.lulu.com/content/126241

---

Important Points of Fiction

Fiction manuscripts receive feedback that addresses and scores:· The theme... Read More

Power Writing 101: Tips and Tricks to Get You Taken Seriously!

In my ten years as an advertiser, I've encountered plenty... Read More

Understanding The First Rule Of Writing ? Before You Start The Great American Book

Chaos and confusion come when established rules and procedures are... Read More

Building a Character Wall

For any great novelist, defining your cast of intriguing characters... Read More

How To Avoid Viewpoint Slips

Sit back, and imagine what it feels like to be... Read More

Six Tips for Submitting Fiction - if you want it to get published

You can learn a lot about what it takes to... Read More

Plagiarism Through The Eyes Of College Students

Plagiarism has been condemned lately by all types of experts,... Read More

The Power of Punctuation

Punctuation, when used creatively, is powerful. Note, however, that when... Read More

When Getting Stuck Goes Amuck

Many of us have always wanted to write. We have... Read More

Bird by Bird

It's easy to feel overwhelmed by marketing. First, there's so... Read More

Keeping a Love Journal

Do you love someone very deeply? A spouse, son, daughter,... Read More

Are You Feeling Dash-ing? Using Punctuation for Effect and Influence

The dash--that curious mark of punctuation people use in their... Read More

Ways to Make Extra Income Using the Internet

To capitalize on ways to make extra income you can... Read More

10 Secrets For Writing Killer Complaint Letters

Complaint letters aren't always fun, but sometimes they need to... Read More

10 Ways to Shatter Writers Block

1. Use Logic: Check for External PressuresAre you under physical... Read More

How To Write Thank You Letters With Class

When I first started tracking the information preferences of people... Read More

Does The Title Reflect The Story?

Short Story Writing Tips ?We all have different tastes in... Read More

Writing Tips for your Journey

Tips for your writing journeySo, you'd like to be a... Read More

Ten Tips To Get Started Writing Your Book

You are far more likely to successfully write and publish... Read More

7 Writing Muse Kickers to Fill Up That Blank Page

Nothing is more daunting for any writer than having to... Read More

New Year Resolutions for Writers - The Best Kind to Make and How to Keep Them

On the first day of a bright and shiny new... Read More

Top Ten Ways to Write a Book That Sells

Is there a book inside of you? Yes? Then why... Read More

Why Every Freelancer Should Have A Web Site

"Do I send samples, a media kit, or just the... Read More

Using Metaphor Effectively

We've all heard a politician on their soapbox, pushing for... Read More

To Tell If You Are A Literary Snob

"I don't know if I should put 'writer' on my... Read More

First Priority

No matter what you are writing, the first priority is... Read More

Finish Your Book Already!

I owe the completion and success of my book to... Read More

Business Writing Tip: Question & Answer Format

Traditionally, business writing uses the "one thing after another" format,... Read More

Amazing Ways Writing Articles Can Improve Your Business

How to get a lot of traffic to your website... Read More

Writing Made Them Rich #1: JK Rowling

Joanne Kathleen Rowling was born in Chipping Sodbury,England in 1965.... Read More

Create A Dream Diary

How many times have you forced yourself to sit in... Read More

Screenwriting, Screenplays, Screenwriters ? Incremental Productivity

When attempting to understand Creativity and Innovation, it pays to... Read More

Documenting Everything: Your Journal is Your Logbook

Sailors had it for years. Great explorers had it as... Read More