Wow. Folks, Rush and other good communicators and debaters have been saying this for how long now?
Words have meaning. And the words you use to shape the debate are powerful. By casting those against illegal immigration as bigots rather than patriots, the author of the linked article is shaping the debate.
That is why the other side had been winning up until now.
Speaking of words, the President hasn't said the vigilante word since his meeting with Fox. In fact, I haven't heard one more word from 'W' on the Minutemen.