<TABLE class=media-innerbuffer cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=markerTEXTblueMAJOR colSpan=3>Illegal Immigration Documentary is Eye-Opening </TD></TR><TR><TD class=discussionTEXTred colSpan=3>Human Events : January 23 , 2008 -- by Ned Rice </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3></TD></TR><TR><TD class=markerTEXTblueMINOR vAlign=top height="100%">"We meet American ranchers whose property has been destroyed by migrants, doctors whose border-town hospitals are overrun by the undocumented indigent, and native-born American workers whose livelihoods have been lost to illegal immigrant labor ... But the most compelling, real-life characters in Border are the Americans of various ages, ethnicities and backgrounds who came from all over the U.S. to volunteer their services in defense of our borders." </TD><TD width="2%"></TD><TD vAlign=top><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=discussionTEXT colSpan=2>What's the one-word theme of the 2008 presidential primaries? According to the media it's "change." Hillary Clinton recently claimed that she's been an agent of change for the past 35 years, which struck some of us as being even more contradictory than her position on Iraq. But the real key to this year's presidential race may prove to be immigration. According to a recent New York Times/CBS News poll, illegal immigration ranks just behind the Iraq War as the most important problem facing the U.S. Three out of four Republican voters describe illegal immigration as a "very serious" problem, according to another Times/CBS poll. Meanwhile, 27% of independent voters say that a candidates' position on illegal immigration could be a deal-breaker for them. Maybe that's why Huckabee, Romney, and Giuliani are hardening their positions on illegal immigration just as fast as their little flip-floppers will flip-flop them -- I mean, which is why the top-tier Republican candidates have been so busy refining and clarifying their evolving positions on illegal immigration as of late.
</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2></TD></TR><TR><TD class=discussionTEXT colSpan=2>As luck would have it, a new documentary on illegal immigration has just been released. It's required viewing for anyone who seeks a fuller understanding of this complicated issue. The film, "Border", is the work of director Chris Burgard, an independent filmmaker (please don't call him an "indie") whose journey from Wisconsin to Hollywood by way of the rodeo circuit is a tale unto itself. </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2></TD></TR><TR><TD class=discussionTEXT colSpan=2>The genesis of this film dates back to 2005 when activist Chris Simcox founded the Minute Men Civil Defense Corps. After Simcox's group announced plans to spend October of 2005 monitoring and reporting illegal border crossings along the U.S./Mexican border, Burgard paid them a visit, and before long, he decided to document their efforts on film. </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2></TD></TR><TR><TD class=discussionTEXT colSpan=2>"Border" is set in the parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and California where most of the illegal crossings take place. Here we meet illegal immigrants who, despite their lawlessness, are clearly more victims than villains of the status quo. We meet American ranchers whose property has been destroyed by migrants, doctors whose border-town hospitals are overrun by the undocumented indigent, and native-born American workers whose livelihoods have been lost to illegal immigrant labor. We also encounter the obligatory ACLU spokesman who predictably claims that the real problem here is American racism. But the most compelling, real-life characters in Border are the Americans of various ages, ethnicities and backgrounds who came from all over the U.S. to volunteer their services in defense of our borders. Armed mostly with lawn chairs, binoculars and walkie-talkies, these brave men (and women) become the eyes and ears of our undermanned Border Patrol, not to mention an embarrassment to the agencies and officials whose jobs they're doing. </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2></TD></TR><TR><TD class=discussionTEXT colSpan=2>Despite its serious subject matter, "Border" is a briskly paced, highly entertaining feature with moments of genuine humor and pathos, not to mention excellent production values. Indeed, some of the sequences -- like the after-dark thermal footage of armed coyotes passing mere yards from Burgard's hidden camera -- would not seem out of place in a big-budget Hollywood thriller. Burgard's unaffected charm and sly wit permeate the film through his occasional narration and on-camera appearances. But unlike the works of some other documentarians we could mention, Burgard's movie is never about him. Instead, Burgard lets the film's powerful visuals, and the people he meets, tell the story. Moreover, Burgard's use of animation to graphically depict dynamic situations and statistical graphics that put the film's visual content into context are both first-rate. While its overall message is alarming, I'm happy to report that Border ends on an optimistic note, even offering suggestions as to how this multi-faceted problem might be addressed. Whether you agree with these ideas or not, you really can't see this film without acquiring a deeper understanding of America's illegal immigration problem and a renewed determination to do something about it. On that basis alone, I strongly urge every American who cares about the future of this country to see "Border" whether you happen to be running for President at the moment or not. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
"Border" is set in the parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and California where most of the illegal crossings take place. Here we meet illegal immigrants who, despite their lawlessness, are clearly more victims than villains of the status quo. We meet American ranchers whose property has been destroyed by migrants, doctors whose border-town hospitals are overrun by the undocumented indigent, and native-born American workers whose livelihoods have been lost to illegal immigrant labor. We also encounter the obligatory ACLU spokesman who predictably claims that the real problem here is American racism. But the most compelling, real-life characters in Border are the Americans of various ages, ethnicities and backgrounds who came from all over the U.S. to volunteer their services in defense of our borders. Armed mostly with lawn chairs, binoculars and walkie-talkies, these brave men (and women) become the eyes and ears of our undermanned Border Patrol, not to mention an embarrassment to the agencies and officials whose jobs they’re doing.
Despite its serious subject matter, "Border" is a briskly paced, highly entertaining feature with moments of genuine humor and pathos, not to mention excellent production values. Indeed, some of the sequences -- like the after-dark thermal footage of armed coyotes passing mere yards from Burgard’s hidden camera -- would not seem out of place in a big-budget Hollywood thriller. Burgard’s unaffected charm and sly wit permeate the film through his occasional narration and on-camera appearances. But unlike the works of some other documentarians we could mention, Burgard’s movie is never about him. Instead, Burgard lets the film’s powerful visuals, and the people he meets, tell the story. Moreover, Burgard’s use of animation to graphically depict dynamic situations and statistical graphics that put the film’s visual content into context are both first-rate. While its overall message is alarming, I’m happy to report that Border ends on an optimistic note, even offering suggestions as to how this multi-faceted problem might be addressed. Whether you agree with these ideas or not, you really can’t see this film without acquiring a deeper understanding of America’s illegal immigration problem and a renewed determination to do something about it. On that basis alone, I strongly urge every American who cares about the future of this country to see
"Border" whether you happen to be running for President at the moment or not.
<HR>
Mr. Rice is believed to be the only person in Hollywood to have both written for "Real Time with Bill Maher" and voted Republican. His other staff writing credits include "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Politically Incorrect," and many other fine television programs. He can be reached at egrice@ca.rr.com.
<HR>
Reader Comments: ( 33
)
Here are the comments submitted by Human Events readers:
Page 1 What a great article! I will definately see the film.
It is nice for once to see a journalist treat the whole illegal immigration issue as a real problem, not just a mole hill created by racist, nativist, xenophobic people who just don't understand why amnesty is just what business needs.
Bettybb, San Jose, CA
Jan 23, 2008 @ 05:40 AM
Sen. McCain Champions Illegal Aliens
mlimberg, USA
Jan 23, 2008 @ 08:31 AM
I'm willing to bet Sen. McCain would be revealed as one of those coyotes helping illegals across our alleged southern border.
Jamal Taylor, Tampa, FL
Jan 23, 2008 @ 08:49 AM
Learn more here:
http://www.bordermovie.com/
Related:
http://www.borderwarmovie.com/
tiredofit, Texas
Jan 23, 2008 @ 08:50 AM
It is a shame that people like Betty from San Jose use the typical lingo against those that are concerned about illegal aliens and the severe problems they have on the economy and our country. Why is an American branded as nativist or xenophobe if he or she opposes illegal immigration? So, what Betty is really trying to convey is: the law should apply for Americans but not illegal aliens because they (illegals) are just trying to work? Clearly, that argument is worthless as Clinton's land scheme. Amenesty is not an option, it did not work for Reagan and why would one think that it will work now against 12 - 20 million? If Eisenhower had the courage to deport over 1 million why should it not be done now. That would send a very clear message to the illegals and the foreign governments that undermine American policy.
Adam Bennett, Jacksonville, FL
Jan 23, 2008 @ 10:15 AM
Just a few months ago I saw this film at a special showing in Charlotte, NC sponsored by ALIPAC (Americans for Legal Immigration Political Action Committee). I was blown away by the scenes and events shown. This is a tremendously important film that the mainstream media will never address, support or encourage you to see. I also had the opportunity to spend time with the film maker, Chris Burgard and William Gheen, ALIPAC president afterwards in a discussion. These two gentlemen are trying to get the truth and facts out to the American public as to the effect of illegal immigration on our country. What an eye opening experience. I was so impressed with this film that I bought copies for Christmas presents to give each of my family members who are scattered across the country. I wanted them to know what is really going on at the Mexican border.
I highly recommend you see this film.
zeezil, North Carolina
Jan 23, 2008 @ 10:15 AM
While I'm sure showing the actual border does go to show some of the problems faced there, do they go into depth as to why there was a giant influx of Immigrants, starting in 1993? The reason people are coming in droves, and leaving their families behind(think about what it would take for a head of household to do that for your family), is that the Mexican Economy collapsed after Clinton rammed NAFTA. The North American Free Trade deal, and keep in mind, the Free is just "Sloganeering", has hurt a great number of people south of the border. As work dried up due to increased corporate Globalization, many people were forced from their land, and have come here in sheer desperation.
The agriculture provisions of NAFTA meant that many Mexican farmers had to compete with the more highly productive, highly mechanized, and highly subsidized farms of North America. Almost immediately, imports of Mexican staples like corn, beans, and barley flooded into the country at prices few Mexican farmers could compete with. Since NAFTA was implemented, the price of corn dropped nearly 50 percent while the price of tortillas-a staple of the daily Mexican diet- increased 50 percent. Another particularly illuminating statistic shows that 1.3 million farmers have abandoned their plots as a direct result of NAFTA -driven imports.
We, in effect, forced this migration by entering into unequal trade relations with poor countries. Under the successive Bush administration, these Free- Trade policies have been the centerpiece of economic policy. The rhetoric of leaders pushing the trade agreements always aims to convince constituents of affected countries and the American people that the treaties will be of benefit to all involved. Nothing could be further from the truth, although you won't hear that on CNN and certainly not Fox News. Keep in mind they are making big advertising dollars from the pillaging of the third world, and it would be bad for business to do something as silly as tell you all the truth. This pattern has been repeated in every corner of the globe, all with the same results.
Do they show you should show the huge jails run by private firms, subcontracted by the Department of Homeland Security? The people who get these huge contracts are politically connected to those in power. This should scare people more that a Mexican here to cut you grass or bus your table after a meal.
The corporate leaders would like you to believe they are here to invade your country and suck your wealth, because it divides and conquers. What we need to do is ask our government why we are not playing fair, you know, like we teach our kids on the playground. If we played fair from the start, the Trade Centers would still be standing. Can you read above and now understand why the Trade Center Towers were the primary target of a small group of disgruntled people? Do you think the more people we impoverish and victimize on the planet is making us safer as a nation?
If it answers any of these questions I’m all for seeing it. The problem with news these days is it always seems to leave out the why…
Cloud, CT
Jan 23, 2008 @ 10:20 AM
What kind of country are we leaving to our children?
Please join the fight to save it!!
NUMBERSUSA.COM
BETTERIMMIGRATION.COM
INFIDEL, las vegas
Jan 23, 2008 @ 10:21 AM
This film is powerful...and shows the ugly truth about what's going on right now, every day and every night at our Southern Border. Chertoff has stated in the press yesterday that violence on the part of illegal alien and drug cartel smugglers is getting even worse ....so why isn't the U.S. sending the military to secure our border until we can finish the fence and hire/train and deploy more Border Patrol agents? This is utter insanity, people! No country would tolerate this much violence and mayhem and allow armed foreign national criminals to wreak havoc at our border and beyond. Send the military, secure the border, build the fence....ya es hora!
legalatina, pennsylvania - sanctuary state
Jan 23, 2008 @ 11:55 AM
If we all paused and thought about it, the problem is.. Mexico's. OUR problem are the idiots who want to take care of the poor illegal aliens with taxpayer dollars. At this point, the taxpayers have forked over billions to the illegal aliens, and mostly against our will. The key to the sucessful stick up was the screams of racism when we refused. The key to the sucessful stick up was the Democratic Party telling us amnesty was the only way.
You know.. I don't think we are out of the woods at all either. There are a huge number of voting illegal aliens out there, and they do want their way.
Joel E. , Prescott, AZ
Jan 23, 2008 @ 11:59 AM
It's time to make Mexico take responsiblity for its people. Calderon is coming to the U.S. as part of Mexico's 100 million dollar public relations campaign to demand that the U.S. grant amnesty and a path to citizenship to all Mexican illegal aliens currently illegally residing in our country. THe Feb. trip is timed to coincide with the primaries. How nice....another Mexican President directly trying to influence and meddle in our political and governmental affairs. Calderon's visits to NYC, Boston, L.A. and Chicago,.....some of the largest illegal alien sanctuary cities in our nation. Calderon and the Mexican government should, instead, be spending that 100 million dollars on providing economic opportunities, jobs, education and health care for their underclass and offering that as an incentive to get the ilelgal aliens here to self-repatriate before they are deported. Now, that would be the most humane, compassionate thing to do! Si se puede!
legalatina, pennsylvania - sanctuary state
Jan 23, 2008 @ 12:04 PM
"Border" is an excellently done documentary film; I purchased my own copy upon viewing it. Bottom line is that the border is open and people are crossing it to come here. Where people are forced to congregate crime will happen. Just like in any herd behavior, the craftier people prey on the weak. What is stunning is the lack of resolve on the part of the US government to enforce the border. Border patrol agents just seem to be pawns and targets to be shot at by the wily coyotes. The Mexicans just keep coming, no matter how tall and solid the fences, no matter how hostile and deadly the terrain, no matter how many times they are caught and repatriated, the Mexicans just keep coming. The answer is not to be solved merely by fencing. The magnet that attracts these illegal aliens to go through great lengths to get here - meaning, paying jobs, free social programs, sanctuary from detection, entitlements, and politicians pandering to the illegal alien vote to name a few, must be stopped immediately. Severe penalties must also be dealt those who break the law by smuggling illegal aliens, hiring them, and/or supporting their existence in this country. Anything short of these solutions will not work.
Tagudinian, Florida
Jan 23, 2008 @ 12:09 PM
Border Movie
Jeff, Houston, TX
Jan 23, 2008 @ 12:53 PM
In a free society no one has a claim to a job because that would imply the business owner is not free. The idea that illegal immagrants "take" someone elses job is to not recognise civil rights, the freedom, of businessmen.
Bill, St. Petersburg FL
Jan 23, 2008 @ 01:05 PM
It doesn't matter whether Mccain wants amnesty. It's not going to happen, it's too late states have taken up the issue at the request of their citizens and no matter who gets in next time they would be able to follow through with their promises. The time for amnesty is gone. The time for states to start sueing their federal government for stepping up and doing their job, they will need reimbursement for state funds spent. Once we start taking money out of the pockets of politicians, they will wake up. Big thumbs up to Michigan. Follow through Nebraska, pass your laws that you citizens demand.
howard, cincinnati
Jan 23, 2008 @ 02:05 PM
Now that Tancredo and Hunter are out of the race, Paul is the only one left who were against illegal immigration from the beginning. The rest are just full of hot air.
I'll be sure to check this movie out. Thanks Ned.
John Bailey, Montgomery, AL
Jan 23, 2008 @ 02:11 PM
Illegal Aliens and Immigration is NOT the same thing. Immigrant is a legal status granted by a sovereign country. We have to many folks who do not know and are ignorant or outright deceivers, confusing illegal alien workers calling them illegal immigrants with immigrants. Criminals did NOT build America; Citizens and LEGAL immigrants built it. 80% of the American people want an end to anarchy! This is NOT a Democrat, Republican, Independent issue. It's an American Issue.
Illegal aliens are criminals, those who hire them are criminals and those who aid-and-abet them are criminals.
Illegal aliens in America have NO rights. We are required by law to arrest and prosecute, deport them. (Title 8 U.S. Code) To report illegal aliens call the DHS National Hotline 1 866 DHS 2ICE. (1-866-347-2523)
No, matter your political party affiliation, and setting aside your thoughts on issues. We all need to remember what it is to be an American Citizen. We need to make sure our elected representatives obey their Oath of Office and keep their Oath of Allegiance. See
http://tinyurl.com/2znnvl Know whom you are voting for.
Dr Coles, Los Angeles
Jan 23, 2008 @ 02:16 PM
Cloud writes: "The reason people are coming in droves ... is that the Mexican Economy collapsed after Clinton rammed NAFTA"
No wonder Ronald Reagan chose to offer amnesty to all the illegal immigrants...because of Clinton's NAFTA program! Oh, wait...that was 8 years before Clinton authorized NAFTA.
Here's a graph of historical Mexican GDP per capita. Maybe you can point out this "economic collapse" you talk about....
http://www.swivel.com/graphs/show/13346900
Tell the clowns at Union HQ that your spam ain't working.
Bill writes: "The idea that illegal immagrants "take" someone elses job is to not recognise civil rights, the freedom, of businessmen."
No, that's a straw man. The employers freely hire illegal immigrants when they would otherwise have to hire American citizens or legal immigrants. They exercise their "right" to hire whomever they want.
Permitting a large pool of cheap, but illegal, labor distorts the true market value of domestic labor in the affected industries.
This results in employees, who would otherwise take the jobs at true market wage, losing their jobs to illegals who work at less than the true market wage.
Effectively, they lose their jobs to illegals. That's the crux of the economic problem, in fact.
Carl Branstetter, Largo, FL
Jan 23, 2008 @ 02:19 PM
A few years ago the people of the state of CA voted and passed a law saying they would no longer pay for the social services of people who are here illegally.
However, since we are no longer governed by our governer and elected state representatives of our respective states, a federal judge simply struck down the law in question.
Evidently, the powers of DC have decided they are not going to secure the borders of the US and they are going to ENSLAVE the citizens of the US to illegal aliens.
Most of us work. We are just going to have to work a little more to support our new dependents.
TxConfederate, TX
Jan 23, 2008 @ 03:01 PM
Adam Bennett, Jacksonville, FL-
I have no idea why or how you could possible mis-read Betty's comments as being pro-amnesty or condone illegal immigration!
Please re-reread and think again.
BettyBB should be commended for all the work she has done to bring this important issue to light. If you google her username I'm sure you will no doubt see her stand on the issue.
DinTN, Tennessee
Jan 23, 2008 @ 03:09 PM