Guest Commentary: It’s our duty to observe and report

I’m sure it was a collective jaw-dropping event in our community a few weeks ago when we read that freelance writer Carol Vinzant had written that Green Valley was one of the 13 worst communities in America in which to retire. Upon reading the entire article, however, there was also a collective nodding of heads when the basis of her opinion was read; Illegal aliens have free access to our community.

The concern of our citizens regarding this subject burst once again to the forefront at the Green Valley Forum held Jan. 30. A standing-room-only crowd of 215 gathered to hear Don Severe, founder of the Green Valley chapter of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps, speak about what that organization is doing to assist authorities in mitigating this blight on our community. The attendance set a new record for the Forum, according to one of the volunteers.

Citing laws presently on the books Mr. Severe repeated several times that the organization stands for the principle of the rule of law since our country is based on just that; a set of laws, not to be picked and chosen at the whim of individuals but applying to all. Those who cross our borders illegally are breaking the law and are therefore criminals. Further, those who aid and abet those criminals are equally culpable and should be prosecuted.

Mr. Severe, for 45 minutes, clearly stated the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and rules strictly enforced by the MCDC. In doing so many misconceptions concerning the organization were corrected and spontaneous applause was prolific.

The MCDC, which is growing in geometric numbers, takes their responsibilities very seriously. Extensive training is mandatory for each new volunteer. With over 10,000 active volunteers in the United States there has never been a single embarrassing incident involving a volunteer.

Since there are other individuals and organizations calling themselves “Minutemen,” Mr. Severe was quick to point out that there are significant differences in the way they operate. There is only one organization with the name Minuteman Civil Defense Corps.

The local MCDC chapter works with local law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Border Patrol, and has already made a significant difference since their inception only three months ago. The MCDC GV Chapter has sixty volunteers in this short time.

To the enlightenment of many in the audience Mr. Severe stated that the organization has no authority to detain illegal aliens. In fact, more than often the aliens are provided food and water, when needed. A search and rescue group is also part of MCDC. When they encounter illegal aliens, they will provide clothing and medical attention if required in addition to food and water. But, contrary to other organizations, law enforcement agencies are informed of the number and location of the invaders so apprehensions can be made. This is in compliance with the MCDC’s SOP which is: OBSERVE AND REPORT.

As a member of the audience, I sensed that the most important aspect of Mr. Severe’s message was that we, as citizens, have an obligation to ourselves, our neighbors and our nation to also follow the SOP of the MCDC, to OBSERVE AND REPORT….nothing more nor less….Please OBSERVE AND REPORT any worrisome or illegal activity in your neighborhood. Together, as a community, we can make a significant difference.

Gary Meinert and his wife Karlyn spend six months in Green Valley and six months at their lake home in far northern Wisconsin.Comment on this story online at www.gvnews.com

The views expressed are the writer’s and not necessarily this newspaper’s.