Posted on 07/04/2009 10:02:18 AM PDT by SandRat
PALOMINAS — It isn’t along a highway, but Glenn Spencer’s billboard along the American-Mexican border carries a special message to those responsible for the nation’s security: Finish the Job.
The day before the Fourth of July, Spencer, who heads the private nonprofit American Border Patrol (which should not be confused with the federal U.S. Border Patrol), and a number of helpers placed 3,000 small American flags and messages on part of the 18-foot high border fence, changing a 60-foot stretch of rusty metal into colorful patches of red, white and blue.
This is the second year during the national independence holiday that he has placed Old Glory and messages on a stretch of the border fence.
Last year the international boundary near his ranch — consisting of five stands of barbed wire about three-foot tall — was similarly decorated, and through openings in the more substantial fence some of the flags and notes that remain can be seen. The old fence is six feet north from the actual border, and the newer structure three feet north of the old one.
As flags and messages were being attached, U.S. Border Patrol agents drove along the dirt road, and each time they passed the group words of support came from the individuals, along with waves.
“The American people want their border secured,” Spencer said.
That is the message of placing flags and messages on the border fence, a project which he said the U.S. Border Patrol was told about and did not express any opposition.
“May God bless each and every one of you fighting to save our beloved America,” one message from a woman in Florida said.
A man in Wisconsin wrote: “Legal immigration is OK. Illegal no way.”
Some messages were unsigned.
One stated, “Close the border, keep the bad men out,” while another read “My prayer is God will always be with us as we do the right thing.”
With a base of 7,000 supporters nationwide and from Americans living overseas, a mail-out seeking support for the project was sent, asking individuals to return the flags with messages and 3,000 of them were returned, he said.
For helper Valerie Roller of Phoenix, each returned flag means “there are a thousand others who support us.”
Her husband, George Sprankle, said it’s much like making a phone call to a member of Congress on a subject and their staff knows a particular view is held by at least 100 people.
Both are members of Riders USA, and they said putting the flags and messages on the fence is meant to get the attention of federal authorities who, to them, have been remiss in completing a job that was promised years ago.
On the back of his T-shirt was a message: “Riders Against Illegal Aliens.”
Spencer said in 2006 Congress approved the Secured Fence Act requiring a double fence along the border with Mexico and President Barack Obama, then a senator, voted for the legislation.
But, now as president, “he is emphasizing technology” as the answer to securing the border. Spencer said such equipment is at least five years away from being proven to protect the international boundary from illegal activities crossing the line.
One of the two larger signs the American Border Patrol affixed to the fence stated: “Congress ordered 700 miles of double fence. You built 230 miles of single fence.”
Since the larger fence has been put up in his area, illegal immigrants and drug smugglers have not successfully crossed the border in that area, he said.
At an estimated $4 million per mile for a double fence, the cost is less than the developing technology, Spencer claims.
Known for flying along the border, he said there are gaps in the more substantial fence line.
And just a few hundred feet east of where his special billboard stood was one of those gaps, a quarter-mile wide along the San Pedro River which due to flooding concerns has not been fenced.
The fence along the border in his area is five miles long and then stops for 42 miles starting again east of Nogales, Ariz., and the only stopgap measure is what Spencer calls ineffective vehicle barriers in light that those engaged in illegal activities have learned how to bridge those devices.
According to news reports, a major problem, especially in Texas, is that some ranchers and private property owners are fighting putting up the fence because in some areas it will stop them from getting to some of their land.
Looking up at the flags and messages on the fence, Spencer said the message he hears and the one he wants Washington, D.C., to listen to simply is: “Protect our border.”
And, to him, there is no more appropriate day to emphasis the message than the Fourth of July.
Herald/Review senior reporter Bill Hess can be reached at 515-4615 or by e-mail at bill.hess@svherald.com.
American Border Patrol volunteers decorate the border fence
dividing Mexico and the United States with American flags
and banners Friday in Hereford.
(Mark Levy•Herald/Review)
Melissa Jaramillo places American flags on the U.S.-Mexico
border fence Friday in Palominas.
(Mark Levy•Herald/Review)
Border Ping
Tsunami coming!!! Vote Them All Out
Every arrogant, in-your-face Elitist in office must be voted OUT!!! Document every word, every vote, every corrupt deed and expose them to the American people.
All voter fraud must be exposed and perps tried.
STOP Serial Offenders! Vote Them All Out!!!
The flags are a great idea. The legacy of George W. Bush should include condemnation for his refusal to defend this country by closing the borders.
There is nothing that I am aware of that he did that would mitigate his refusal to even pretend to want to defend American sovreignty after 9/11. Attacking Iraq was necessary considering the information available at the time. Placing rules of engagement on our troops that resulted in accusations by Iraqis resulting in arrest and trial by our military is inexcusable.
I salute those Americans who placed the flags along the fence. It is unfortunate that our government will do nothing to support them.
Agree
Serial Offenders is right. VOTE THEM ALL OUT
And meanwhile, in Los Angeles, this is how our new ‘migrants’ celebrate this nation:
Here’s what they’re doing today to celebrate our Nation’s independence.
The Latino’s in LA call it the FARCE of JULY.
http://www.madeinaztlan.com/?p=354
THE FARCE OF JULY
July 4th, 2008 Concert
[snip]Since 1997, XRF has independently produced concerts and music albums in Los Angeles, built connections with artists in Mexico, Canada, throughout the US, and Indian country. “The Farce of July” was created in order to use art and music as an instrument of community empowerment, education, and celebration while bringing to light the experience of historically oppressed peoples throughout the world.
Just 3 of the groups performing:
Performers Include:
2Mex
Aztlan Unearthed
Chicano Secret Service
BUMP!!!~
Bump to your post! Voter fraud has to be exposed and perps sent to jail.
Yes! Unless the fraud and cheating of the 'Rats in all aspects of the election process is sharply curtailed, all our efforts regarding educating the American public to the issues may go for naught. We must have fair and honest elections in this country, from the vetting of the eligibility of the voters to the counting of the vote! If we can't achieve that, we have descended into third world status.
Ping!
The Terry Anderson Show...
Geraldo says ‘the immigration debate has demonized an entire race of people’.
Demonized ??? Just who forced them to come here illegally ???
What do you care about what Geraldo has said ???
Call Terry LIVE 9-10 PM PST at (866) 870-57521
LIVE stream at http://krla870.townhall.com/
http://www.republicbroadcasting.org/index.php?cmd=listenliv
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2286189/posts?page=3
EXCELLENT! GO MEL!!
Thanks for the ping!!
“STOP Serial Offenders! Vote Them All Out!!!”
BUMP!
The Terry Anderson Show...
Tonight Terry will declare ...
“Jim Crow, alive and well in Los Angeles”
Wonder who can that be ... Do you care ???
Call Terry and tell him what you think...
Call Terry LIVE 9-10 PM PST at (866) 870-57521
LIVE stream at http://krla870.townhall.com/
http://www.republicbroadcasting.org/index.php?cmd=listenliv
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2291119/posts?page=1
No, the debate hasn't done it, their criminal behavior did it!
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