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Minutemen
represent an image of responding to imminent danger to their country and
communities. The damaging effects of illegal immigration are as big a
threat to America
today as were the threats faced by the original Minutemen at the time of
our nation's founding. We live in different times and must adapt our
strategies accordingly. The image and message we project as Minutemen will
directly influence the degree of success we will achieve in getting public
support.
Today's
Minutemen have been successful in maintaining the image of what we are:
firm in our patriotism and values, operating within the law, and
steadfastly willing to defend what we believe in. We are America.
We are friends, neighbors and co-workers. We are what built America.
We are those that make this county work.
For
this reason, Minutemen must adhere to standards not required of others. We
remain polite and respectful. We respect private property. We avoid
inflammatory language. We do not resort to violence.
Regarding
illegal aliens, the Minutemen policy
is one of zero contact. Yes, illegals are often a part of our daily lives.
Nevertheless, we do not gesture, confront, intimidate, or apprehend them.
Illegals are off limits.
We
have the greatest respect for law enforcement, and will never interfere with law enforcement
activities. We are not militia or vigilantes taking the law into our own
hands. While we may not agree with current enforcement of immigration laws,
it important to remember that law officers operate within the dictates of
their policies and procedures.
As
Colorado
is not a border state, we will deal with the issue of employers
who
unlawfully hire illegals. Our aim is not to run employers out of business.
They are vital to our communities. They also are neighbors and friends. Our
goal is to convince employers that adhering to the law is the right and
beneficial way to approach the problem of illegal immigration.
The
general public often equates Minutemen as Militiamen. It is our job to
change this inaccurate image. While most Minutemen own guns, and would
defend county, community and family, there will be no guns or
weapons at any
Minutemen activities. The exception, of course, is a person holding a
concealed weapons permit.
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