The national leader of the Minuteman in Bellingham Thursday

The national leader of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps will come to Bellingham Thursday to defend the volunteer border watchers at a state Human Rights Commission meeting...

...To Simcox, the Minuteman corps represents a way to show disapproval with the “miserable failure” of President Bush and the U.S. Congress on homeland security issues. Minuteman volunteers “embarrass and expose” the government’s failings, not harass immigrants, he said...

...Marc Brenman, the executive director of the state's Human Rights Commission, sharply disagrees.

"There are a lot of people who are afraid of the rhetoric and action of the so-called Minutemen," Brenman said. "It is clear that they have a history of anti-immigrant - particularly anti-Latino - rhetoric."

While the Minutemen speak in a "“modern media-sensitive language,"” Brenman said their actions only encourage hate groups throughout the state. However, he stressed it was "not to say everyone involved with them shares those beliefs."

The Washington Minuteman Detachment began watching Whatcom County's border with Canada in October. Led by Tom Williams of Deming, Minuteman volunteers currently are on a month-long watch manning positions between Blaine and Sumas.

So far, there have been no complaints filed against Minuteman volunteers, said Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo. However, emotions remain high on both sides as a new group calling itself Águila del Norte began watching Minuteman volunteers this month.

Bellingham police Lt. Craige Ambrose said Tuesday he knew of no special police presence for Thursday's event, though he said the police likely wouldn't discuss any potential deployment plans.

Brenman said the Human Rights Commission would make sure its Thursday night meeting runs smoothly.

"“We will maintain control of the meeting,"” he said. "We will expect everyone to follow the ground rules." (Bellingham Herald article)

'guess Simcox isn't getting enough media coverage down in Arizona.

In the '90's, Whatcom County had experience with groups of armed loonies and we're not interesting in letting the situation get 'border-line' out of control - again.
If you're up here in the Whatcom County, please consider showing up for the Hearing tomorrow night.

Washington State Human Rights Commission Hearing
*OPEN COMMUNITY HEARING*
Thursday April 27th 7:00-9:00pm
First Congregational Church - 2401 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham

All are invited to an official hearing of the Washington State Human Rights Commission. Hear local folks testify on their situation as immigrants in Whatcom County and the impact of the Minuteman Project on the national immigration debate.

Sponsored by: Community to Community Development, Aguila del Norte Legal Observe Team and the First Congregational Church of Bellingham.

More info: (360)756-2330 - notinmycounty@qwest.net - notinmycounty.org