2008 Woodie Awards
More than a 'minute' needed at border
Rachel Nelson Graphics/Photo Editor
Issue date: 9/8/05 Section: Issues
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In the bleak and rigid age of terrorism, protecting the United States' southwestern border has not been at the top of President Bush's agenda. Swamps of illegal immigrants continue to make their way across the border while the government seemingly turns a blind eye.
Although securing the national borders is a state and federal responsibility, a group of Americans is repeating history by taking matters into its own hands. They have earned the title "Minutemen," and rightfully so.
The first Minutemen date to 1645, according to information found at www.ushistory.org.
"Minutemen were a small, hand-picked elite force which were required to be highly mobile and able to assemble quickly. Minutemen were selected from militia muster rolls by their commanding officers.
Typically 25 years of age or younger, they were chosen for their enthusiasm, reliability, and physical strength.
Usually about one quarter of the militia served as Minutemen, performing additional duties as such. The Minutemen were the first armed militia to arrive or await a battle," the site explains.
Modern-day Minutemen are composed of more than 15,000 civilian soldiers and perform similar tasks. They act fast when called upon and are passionate about their cause.
Concerned that the United States government isn't doing enough to secure the homeland at its borders, the volunteer group helps stop the flow of drugs and illegal immigration in the United States.
According to www.minutemanhq.com, most of the Minutemen are stationed at posts on the Naco Line, the border with Mexico and along Route 92, where the Huachuca Mountains are a transit area for illegal aliens, drug runners and criminals. Initially, the Minutemen help keep an eye on the border.
The Minutemen Web site offers all the information a person needs about the Minuteman Project, including how to join the cause.
The men and women volunteering for the mission not only sacrifice their time, but the comforts of a cozy home.
Although securing the national borders is a state and federal responsibility, a group of Americans is repeating history by taking matters into its own hands. They have earned the title "Minutemen," and rightfully so.
The first Minutemen date to 1645, according to information found at www.ushistory.org.
"Minutemen were a small, hand-picked elite force which were required to be highly mobile and able to assemble quickly. Minutemen were selected from militia muster rolls by their commanding officers.
Typically 25 years of age or younger, they were chosen for their enthusiasm, reliability, and physical strength.
Usually about one quarter of the militia served as Minutemen, performing additional duties as such. The Minutemen were the first armed militia to arrive or await a battle," the site explains.
Modern-day Minutemen are composed of more than 15,000 civilian soldiers and perform similar tasks. They act fast when called upon and are passionate about their cause.
Concerned that the United States government isn't doing enough to secure the homeland at its borders, the volunteer group helps stop the flow of drugs and illegal immigration in the United States.
According to www.minutemanhq.com, most of the Minutemen are stationed at posts on the Naco Line, the border with Mexico and along Route 92, where the Huachuca Mountains are a transit area for illegal aliens, drug runners and criminals. Initially, the Minutemen help keep an eye on the border.
The Minutemen Web site offers all the information a person needs about the Minuteman Project, including how to join the cause.
The men and women volunteering for the mission not only sacrifice their time, but the comforts of a cozy home.