La Shawn has an update from a volunteer pilot for the Minuteman Project on the Arizona/Mexico border.

Some excerpts:

Probably of more interest is what we decided NOT to bring. Sidearms. While I know that comes as a shock to some, I’ll explain why.

First - I think NOT being armed sends just as powerful as a message as showing up ‘loaded for bear’. This is a dangerous area, no doubt about it. However - the primary weapon needed to succeed, and stay out of trouble is located between my ears - not on my hip. By going unarmed - this should force us to concentrate on avoiding trouble, rather the following my natural instinct (so it seems!) to seek it out.

Second - We are pilots (or air controllers) Our job is ‘push tin’ and get aircraft around the sky - extra radio batteries are deemed far more useful then a sidearm.

Third - I’m so sick of the focus on “armed vigilantes” in the desert - it’s time to explore the possibly of being an unarmed vigilante. Much harder, but will certainly bring the level of play up a notch. I’m not even sure you can be a vigilante without a weapon. But - I will do my best!

…

And he was *very* happy to be found. This gent was from Guatemala, his guide had abandoned him 3 days ago, and left him to wander in the desert. He saw the lights of our operation, and simply walked toward the camp, and right up to Reno and Pecos at the front gate. Despite dire media predictions, he was not beaten, robbed, or lynched. He got fed, and actually asked Reno to call “La Migra” to come pick him up. Happy to oblige amigo!

…

I have to tell you - it was a sight for sore eyes. The section of the border we were working in was SHUT DOWN. The BP had over 100 jeeps on the 10 mile stretch, MMP folks had set up lawn chairs, sunshades, and coolers (for keeping soda cold) and were ‘watching’ the border. On the Mexican side -there was a small army of orange “Beta Group” trucks, warning people not to cross or they would be “hunted by criminals”.

Oh - and about 100 news trucks. Major circus.

If this was the case every day - we could pack it in and go home!