Desert perspective: Wilson uses EMT training to aid immigrants along U.S./Mexico
February 10, 2012 at 6:00 pm in Worthington Daily Globe
WORTHINGTON Growing up in Worthington, Dan Wilson was acquainted with the controversial issues surrounding immigration.
“I was in school when they were dealing with the first waves of Hispanic immigrants,” said Wilson, son of Keith and Jean Wilson of Worthington. “This is a reality I knew. I knew people made a lot of sacrifices to do it, and I had also seen some of the reasons for the immigration. I was feeling connected to that last step of immigration, and it was intriguing to me.”
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Not one time in this article did I read the word “ILLEGAL”. Am I supposed to feel sorry for you and the ILLEGALS because the Border Patrol pointed an M-16 at you? This story paints the officers as the bad guys and the illegals as only wanting to see their families. 70 % turnover rate for Border Patrol agents? Really Mr. Wilson. A quick fact check shows the number is 30 % which is normal for any high stress job. Another fact that comes from the US Govt’s own stats is that 1 in 10 people crossing illegally is from places like Yemen, Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries. Are they here to just see their families too? I would commend you Mr. Wilson if you were going to the towns and villages to help people in Mexico. I have to disagree with helping people come into the US illegally, some who may really want to do us harm.
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pat e. — You need to read the article again. Nowhere does he say turnover rate for border control agents is 70%. He just says the rate is “high”.
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To call another person, “Illegal” is one of the most dehumanizing terms that exists in our society. What has been a petty misdemeanor charge for the past 80 years has now become a felony charge. Those who choose to cross the border illegally may be breaking a law, but are the consequences deserving? To commit a felony, and then to be deported away from your entire family and from a country that you have lived in for about 7 years is one of the grossest inequalities of punishment. Unfortunately this seems to be an issue where compassion and logic are replaced by fear. Not one person ever suspected of terrorism has ever come across the border illegally. To make the connection between this issue and our international or domestic terrorism is purely rhetoric and fear mongering. I am sorry, but there is literally zero evidence to support that connection.
Also, the logic that since someone has broken a law and that they somehow give up some of there human rights is internationally and legally wrong. Once in custody, those who have broken the law are still protected by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is only within the past 30 years that the United States has moved away from this attitude. When we classify people not as “human beings deserving of dignity” but instead of “illegals” marks the start of very dangerous train of logic that has been historically disastrous.
It should also be noted, that is our duty as Citizens to obey all international laws that the U.S. has signed. International Law says that is illegal to deny medical care to someone based on their political standing. If I broke the laws of our country, it was because I was aiming higher than them. Also, it should be remembered that if citizens of conscience never took the risk to break the law civil rights and women’s suffrage, would not exist.
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“Also, it should be remembered that if citizens of conscience never took the risk to break the law civil rights and women’s suffrage, would not exist.”———-Mr Wilson, you have to be joking right? To compare illegal immigration to the civil rights movement is a slap in the face to people who fought for those rights. Most high profile black leaders have said they don’t want illegal immigration compared to the civil rights fight. And in regards to your comment that there is “literally zero evidence that suspected terrorists have come across the border illegally”. I got my figures from our own govt. And by the way, no one is calling illegal immigrants “human beings not deserving of dignity”, those are your words. No one has done more for LEGAL immigration than the good old USA. It’s ILLEGAL immigration that’s bringing us to our knees. There’s only so much room in the lifeboat Mr. Wilson.
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Very well said.
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So the illegals are breaking the law and Dan is breaking the law! Our government is breaking the law! So why should I have to obey the laws I don’t like? How do you teach the kids which laws to follow? This kind of behavior leads to Chaos! I understand Dan’s reasoning but I’m not sure if he isn’t doing more harm than good.
He sure does make the point for getting that border shut down and under control. That in its self would put an end to all kinds of these undesirable situations\actions! Whatever your beliefs, what Dan and his origination does is illegal, and hence wrong! Just as wrong as illegal immigration it’s self! Probably should have been, and lucky he wasn’t arrested… So for all concerned, it would be better to secure that border!
Federal Immigration and Nationality Act
“Any person who . . . encourages or induces an alien to . . . reside . . . knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that such . . . residence is . . . in violation of law, shall be punished as provided . . . for each alien in respect to whom such a violation occurs . . . fined under title 18 . . . imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.”
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I’m sure many against the Underground Railroad used similiar logic and justification. Legality does not imply moral correctness.
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This is one of those local news acccounts that takes you to the personal level of an issue. An excellent description of the realities of migration through the desert. Mr. Wilson makes clear why people migrate–for work and, more and more, to re-unite with family members. As he says, the current U.S. visa system makes it virtually impossible to migrate legally to the U.S. for residency. The wait time is over a decade– a long time when you and your family are hungry. Temporary agriculture work (H2A) visas are limited in number, cumbersome to obtain and far fewer in number than the jobs available, which, as Georgia and Alabama have recently found out, U.S. citizens won’t take or–when they find out how back-breaking the work is–quite immediately.
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Thanks, John, for being the voice of reason here. Rational thoughts, clearly stated.
Now if we could just get those darn Catholic church organizations to STOP showing compassion to the less fortunate! Wouldn’t the world be a better place!? (That’s sarcasm, for those who can’t recognize it.)
Has anybody made any citizens’ arrests of those scofflaws from St. Mary’s who went down to the border a few months back? They can add this young man’s name to the warrant, apparently.
Some people just need to lighten up. All this griping, with no actions to back it up, is silly. Now gather up your torches and pitchforks! Maybe the Border Control can use your help on the front lines.
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We might need a work program. One where they come to work and then go home. They don’t bring the whole extended family and put them on welfare! Once the first group’s time is up, another group comes, and in that way spreads the wealth, as per obama! But we need to get it all under control first!!
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Dan Wilson is a good man with a big heart. He will be blessed.
Exodus 22:21 Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.
Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
1 John 4:8 God is love.
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eastender, you’re right, I was wrong on the 70% number. Maybe if we had the military on the border, the actual agents could spend more time finding drugs coming in the US through the ports of entry.
Naughtydog, my post is not questioning Mr Wilson’s heart, I’m sure he means well. The problem is that he aiding lawbreakers. Also I’m sure there are plenty of Bible verses that state one should not break the law as well. I’m afraid it’s going to take a terrorist sneaking across the border illegally and setting off a dirty bomb or the like to wake people up on this issue.
Thanks Deano for pointing out that there is actually a law against this type of behavior.
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Hate is not a christian value.
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NO, this is not a Christian \ religious issue. Legal , political, civil, OK! Not religious. There is also no Hate involved, you don’t understand…
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If you trespass on my land for any reason, I can want you off my land without being a Hater, a Bigot or a racist, it’s that simple.
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If you read the article, you’d see there are many clues that Dan Wilson does this through a christian organisation.
You use the word trespassing which reminds me of The Lords Prayer.
The Lords prayer which many of us are familiar are, contains this part
“And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those that trespass against us”
The word “trespasses” is usually translated into “sin.”
Forgive us our trespasses (sin) as we forgive those that trespass (sin) against us.
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“There is one truth given to us from the desert. We are killing our neighbors. We are killing ourselves.” …More than 50,000 Americans have been killed by illegal aliens since 9/11.
Think about that.
More than 6,000 U.S. troops have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan since that same date. But nearly ten times that number have been killed right here at home as a consequence of the Federal government’s failure to secure our borders and protect its citizens, in direct violation of the Constitution’s Article IV Section 4:…. Who is killing who here? I’m sure there are hundreds of thousands 0f U.S. citizens families that would strongly disagree with Dan’s support of, and his unconscionable view of, this issue. Actually they are killing themselves and us!! The only thing WE ARE GUILTY OF HERE IS FAILURE TO SECURE OUR BORDERS..!!
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Deano – these is a pointless “cut and paste” from the Arizona Tea Party immigration zealots. These figures, which can’t be easily verified but widely tossed about, just serve to inflame tensions. Since you’re a fan of statistics, here are some more to digest.
How many people have been killed by GUNS since 2001? 281,757.
And here’s the breakdown from 2002-2007 of gun deaths by cause:
• Suicides: 102,002 between 2002 and 2007
• Homicides: 73,148 between 2002 and 2007
• Accidental: 4,185 between 2002 and 2007
• Legal shootings: 1,999 between 2002 and 2007
• Undetermined: 1,427 between 2002 and 2007
– Total: 182,761 between 2002 and 2007
The point is, even if the 50,000 figure were correct (doubtful), there’s a WHOLE LOT of killing going on in the US which is not caused by illegal immigrants. And these are only gun-related deaths.
Secure the borders… everyone agrees that’s a good idea. Until that happens (and neither Repubs nor Democrats seem to be able to agree on how to do it), let’s show a compassion for our fellow human beings. Bigotry has no place in civilized society.
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So again the supporters have no argument for their side, so they resort to name-calling! Hate, Bigotry, next comes racist!
Come on, none of that has anything to do with this and I think you know that, or by now should! A lot of people think
this country would be better off if our laws were, and should be, enforced! You support illegal immigration, say so, and make your point if have one. Other then that some people should keep your truly hateful name calling to yourselves, few are buying that anymore!
“The point is, even if the 50,000 figure were correct (doubtful), there’s a WHOLE LOT of killing going on in the US which is not caused by illegal immigrants. And these are only gun-related deaths.” That’s right, but if there were no illegals there would be no “0” deaths buy illegals, right? I guess if that is the best you can do I can see why you used the Bigotry call… sad!
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Just think how many of these 280,000 people would still be alive if the general public wasn’t allowed to have guns. Are you ready to have THAT debate, Deano? Anybody else?
All talk and no action gets us nowhere.. whether you’re a politician or the man on the street. Not happy with the immigration problem? Push your elected officials. Get up and do something about it.
I admire people who DO something to address the world’s problems. You can blast Mr. Wilson and others who are trying to make a difference in the world all you want, that’s your prerogative. But at least they’re DOING, not armchair quarterbacking. He’s a good man and doesn’t deserve your disdain.
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Nor I yours! Disdain , another word for hate! NO NO NO, I disagree with his actions, I do not hate him! I’m sure he is a good man, good men make mistakes! I disagree with illegal immigration and anyone or business or organization, whatever has contributed to it. I have that right and it is that simple!
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I imagine that what deano was saying in his previous post was more like: if you break the laws of the land he should be able to insist that the laws be enforced and others must follow them without being call a racist or bigot and so on. I agree.
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Dog, it was a metaphor, not a prayer! Very sad spin, Dog. What I get from you and Dan is that you think you and christian organizations are above the law! SUPER DUPER Bad spin! Naughtydog—Bad Dog—Bad Dog – out you go!
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Separation of church and state is in the Constitution, it’s called the First Amendment.
Universal Human Rights trumps your flawed logic on immigration.
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I have no flawed logic on immigration. I only have an opinion on ILEGAL IMMIGRATION. THERE IS A HUGE DIFFERENCE. There is no amendment that gives a church the right to break laws, try telling that to the judge!
Who let that dog in ??
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Human rights trump immigtation laws. Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
U.N.
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Google it up.. Although the UDHR is not legally binding it has created international human rights standards that are codified in various international treaties. Key Words Here: Not Legally Binding. You don’t want to take that crap to the judge either!
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Human rights trump immigtation laws but if you really don’t think so, then you better start building your case and take it to court. It will give you something to do besides being an anonymous armchair critic. Maybe Jan Brewer would give you a medal and a parade.
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I served in the US Army in a very elite unit. I have friends\ family that died defending our borders from foreign intrusion! I mail and email, I even send copies of some of these threads to our representatives. I’m thinking about sending money to Arizona to help in their defense from foreign intrusion. What have\do you do that benefits the country and its citizens?
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It’s a shame the US government brainwashed your already fragile mind while you were in the military.
Your mail and emailings didn’t work so good last election. It will fail again.
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That’s what you do for the country, belittle its service men! You are a bad dog. As for obama I think the young and foolish that got him elected last time are 4 years older and wiser this time. I think he will lose a lot of the black vote, he done nothing for them. a lot of the Hispanics that can vote aren’t happy with his smoke screen either! Acuatly he has deported more of them then anyone. Wait, maybe he is better then I thought, no. Also the huge white majority will be out in force this time because the country really needs a leader and obama has absolutely failed and we can not afford another four years of failler! It will probably be the last chance we have to get it right! so think carefully, I know it will be hard for me as I do not like the Repubs either. So as last time I’ll have to vote for the one I think is the most honorable. I’m sure that is not obama !!..
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The only thing I can think of that might sway a few votes for obama is passing out unemployment checks for years. I’m hoping that even those poor soles are wiser then that.
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Here is a link to donate to Arizona’s defense! … https://az.gov/app/keepazsafe/index.xhtml
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You can spend your hard-earned money any way you like. And you can rally like-minded locals to chip in. But, don’t forget, it’s not only AZ that has implemented these draconian immigration measures. AZ should not be out begging for $$$ to support their causes. It should be able to fund them on their own. Are you going to take up a collection for Alabama, too? Share the wealth!
I’d be sure to ask AZ what it’s going to use your $$$ for before I donated. Is it tax deductible? You might be surprised where it ends up… like in Joe Arpaio’s pocket.
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Arizona shouldn’t even have to have “draconian immigration measures” let alone fund them. The dam government should be doing its job. It’s going to have to sooner or later, you know that? In the mean time we do what we can. I’m looking for a site for Alabama donations, I’ll let everyone know, in the mean time I think I’ll just send Joe a few hundred even if he don’t need it…. he’s probably indirectly saved my life a few times, you know kept those alien drivers off the road and wearing pink unddies! Yes I do want myself and my country protected from illegal foreign intrusion of all kinds!!!
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Right, “deano”.
Your storybook life has been here before.
Could be you are the hazard on the highway? Just another Habit?
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No, really a couple years ago I was rear-ended at a stop sign by an illegal alien who had no driver lic, no insurance and didn’t even own the car. He got a fist full of tickets. I got severe whiplash a totaled vehicle. He left the area, it cost me a fortune my neck and back has never been the same! I was just trying to be a little funny but it is really not, hope it never happens to you!
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No insurance, huh?
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While it probably makes people feel good when they help people who are illegally entering the country it does nothing at all about the big problem which is the mess of Mexico’s government and society. We aren’t helping Mexico get straightened out we are simply importing Mexico’s problems into the US. If we were serious about it we would be trying to find ways to get Mexico’s own ecomomy working instead of allowing millions of their citizens to enter the United States illegally. That only encourages people to scoff at our laws. In this case I don’t think the Catholic church is part of the solution it’s part of the problem with their insane birth control policies that have encouraged the people of Mexico to overpopulate their country. The United States is a sovereign nation and so is Mexico. Both nation’s borders need to be respected.
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