(Note: One hopes that the following is supposition and hearsay ...)

December 14, 2002

By J.J. Johnson

We interrupt the electronic lynching of an incoming Senate Majority Leader for a threat warning that will give media good reason to place some reporters in a potential war zone.

We're not talking about Baghdad -- we're talking about the U.S./Mexican Border.

Sources tell The Sierra Times that those patrolling the border may soon come under fire by foreign, hostile forces.

It already has all the motivation and makings of an ambush.

Chris Simcox, Publisher of the Tombstone Tumbleweed recently called upon citizens to form the "Citizens Border Patrol" (also known as the "Tombstone Militia") to help prevent the ingress of illegal immigrants across the U.S. Border.

He has joined others who are making the nation aware of the gravity of the situation in that area.

As many people know, public officials on both sides of the border have criticized this move, citing the evils of 'vigilantism' and the possibility of violence.

These officials may get their wish.

Forget the political statement that is being made by [the act of] illegals being prevented to cross a sovereign border by armed citizens on patrol.

The ongoing activities are subsequently effecting the bottom line of those who profit from such illegal crossings.

In short, armed Americans at the border are (angering) some people ... -- south of the border.

It's costing the 'coyotes' money.

In a possible attempt to reopen these 'human trafficking lanes', The Sierra Times has learned from sources within Mexico that a group or groups are being formed to deal with the problem directly.

>From Agua Prieta, intelligence sources say such groups are " ... now being formed to conduct armed attacks against the Tombstone Militia group. Their intent is to shoot at the militia members from across the border during one of the militia missions on private or public land ... "

Our sources also say Chris Simcox has [been] advised of this threat and "he is proceeding as planned."

The immediate strategic advantage goes to those on the south [side] of the border -- Mexico.

As Simcox has reported, the armed Citizens Border Patrol carries only sidearms -- not rifles, giving the Mexicans the advantage in distance.

Mexico also has the political upper hand in that any shots fired would not only be seen as an example of the continued lawlessness from the Mexican side, but a predicted increase in violence from the American side.

The 'increase in violence' is one of the 'concerns' of public officials on both sides of the border.

... To put it bluntly, a few dead militiamen wouldn't trouble U.S. state and federal officials, and in fact, would in part solve their problem.

It would justify actions taken against citizens on patrol at the border.

The long-term effect, however, puts the advantage in the Americans' camp.

Mexicans, under the impression that citizens patrolling the border only represents an 'extremist fringe,' do not realize the repercussions of using lethal force against Border Patrol agents, or citizens.

Attacks against U.S. Border Patrol Agents (who will undoubtedly increase their presence in the area due to this threat), will warrant federal attention and authorize Border Patrol agents to return fire.

Attacks against Citizen Border Patrol civilians would cause a backlash -- undoubtedly prompting (the bringing of) more Americans to the area for border patrol.

Citizens responding to such attacks against fellow civilians may arrive to the border with different 'rules of engagement.'

Any such attack would clearly place more public attention on the matter.

Hence, this warning is being written in an attempt to de-escalate the situation.

The Sierra Times is asking for print, Internet and video media, and appropriate law enforcement to begin an increased presence in the area to deter any possible hostile actions. We expect this public warning will not be taken seriously -- until something happens. As we hope this situation does not escalate into hostilities, we also caution the U.S. media to use professional judgment in their reporting if shots are fired.

TRANSLATION: It will be an Act or War, no matter how you try to spin it. There has been no (repeat - NO) indication from Americans citizens to take preemptive measures or open fire -- even under provocation.

However, Americans patrolling the American border should be cognizant of the fact that hostilities may come up upon them, and take the necessary precautions.

This has been a Sierra Times Southern Border Advisory. © 2002 SierraTimes.com (unless otherwise noted)

http://www.sierratimes.com/02/12/14/arjj121402.htm