"The Minuteman Project"

A few days ago I was at a political event where political candidates were gathered to help voters and constituents better understand their platforms and policies. I overheard a conversation between a woman and one of the candidates about a bill SB-81 that just passed in the Utah legislature that would enable local law enforcement officials the prospect of cross training to become immigration officials as well. After this woman had finished her conversation with the candidate I asked her about the bill. She looked like a hispanic (I admit I am guilty of racial profiling but it turns out that her parents immigrated to this country from Mexico, legally of course), so I thought she was opposed to the bill. It turns out that she was a member of the Minuteman Project (those noble souls who feel it is their lot in life to exact justice). We began talking and I explained to her that I had been working with the Latin American Chamber of Commerce in the Public Affairs department and that we had been working to mitigate the stringent and ineffective immigration law that is currently in place. Well she just could not believe her ears that a "nice young college boy" (of course that description fits me perfect) such as myself could be involved in such a disreputable cause. I tried to explain to her the similarity in belief we shared, but it was unfathomable to her that such a similarity could exist. As we talked I felt bad that her ideologies dominated her views. I also began to think of the Minuteman Project and how I hoped that not all of its members were so irrational. I feel that I need to add here that I do not in any way feel like I am superior to this woman. The fact of the matter is that she would not even let me speak, but would tell me how I was wrong even before I could finish. In a debate there are usually two competitors and they are both free to make their arguments. Back to the Minuteman Project. So I began to ponder the Minuteman Project and the name it carried. This summer I had the opportunity to travel to Boston. We toured Lexington and Concord, and visited the bridge where the shot heard round the world was fired. I inevitably thought of the brave men who gave their lives that day. The Minutemen were vital to the militia. They were the ones who were to be ready at a minutes notice to take up arms and defend the cause of liberty against the British. They were fighting to defend the principles in the Declaration of Independence that all men, not just the men of this country are created equal and are endowed with certain inalienable by their creator. These men upheld these principles with great honor and some even made the ultimate sacrifice in giving their lives. They fought for the freedom of an idea. That men are free and equal. In our time the Minuteman Project undermines the very principles for which the original Minutemen gave their lives. It is unfortunate to see our country that has been so blessed, elevating ourselves above others. We speak of freedom and liberty, yet we would seek to deny it to those that thirst after it. It is my humble petition to this woman, the Minuteman Project and all American citizens that we remember the principle and humility that made this country great and freely offer these gifts to all that truly seek them. We are blessed to live in this great nation and can bless the lives of many that are only seeking a better life for themselves and for their families, The same reason the founding fathers and many early Americans came to this country. Let us remember the true principles and morals for which the Minutemen fought so bravely to uphold from their oppressors.