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BREAKING NEWS: Dissenting officials kicked out of Minuteman Civil Defense Corps

By Jonathan Clark
Herald/Review
Published/Last Modified on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 03:15:54 pm MST

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BISBEE — At least two state-level officers of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps have been expelled from the civilian border-watch group after raising questions about its executive leadership, particularly that of MCDC President Chris Simcox.

According to internal documents that surfaced on the Internet this week, 18 state MCDC leaders sent a memo on May 8 to Simcox, Vice President Carmen Mercer and Executive Director Al Garza asking them to attend a meeting in Phoenix to address perceived problems, including a lack of financial accountability and Simcox’s leadership style.

In a memo dated May 14, Simcox responded by denouncing the meeting as unauthorized and informing the 18 signers that their membership in the Minutemen organization would be terminated if they attended the meeting.

Simcox told the Herald/Review that he objected to the meeting not because of the issues it meant to address, but because of how it was organized.

“The way they about it was pretty underhanded,” he said. “The meeting was called the very day that I went on a three-week working vacation. It was basically set up so that it would be impossible for us to attend and so that it would create this kind of (conflictive) situation.”

An estimated 12 or 13 state leaders proceeded with their meeting last Saturday and issued a vote of no confidence against Simcox, one of the attendees told the Herald/Review under conditions of anonymity.

Simcox said that two of the leaders at the meeting — Greg Thompson, MCDC chapter head in Oklahoma, and Bob Wright, the group’s state director in New Mexico — had been dismissed, while two others were still under review.

Wright declined to comment, saying his dismissal was an internal matter that would be resolved within the MCDC.

The deposed leaders are now demanding to be reinstated and have given Simcox until Friday to schedule a meeting to resolve the crisis.

See Thursday’s Herald/Review for more details.

On the Net:

• LibertyPost.org is one of the places where the memos are posted: http://www.libertypost.org/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=188373

• The memos are also on the Yahoo! chat group MMP-chat, but you have to be a subscriber to read: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mmp-chat/

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Ginger wrote on May 29, 2007 10:32 PM:

" Dear Mr/Ms Cochise Border Resident: I believe we're winning because the American people are starting to GET IT. That's positive. American's always wait until the last fatal moment.I know a lot more then you think. Our country is in a hell of trouble. The media is a waste. Tabloids ALL.They're all the Enquirer. I know you have a sewer at your borders. I've been there. The mexicans are a scourage to America. They must be deported or civil war/revolution is the answer. WAKE UP AMERICANS OR IT'S GOODBYE!! GEEZ! "

Cochise Border Resident wrote on May 29, 2007 9:22 AM:

" I have to hand it to MCDC for raising public awareness, but in spite of Cheerleader Ginger's comments, none of us are winning the battle. I live right near the border, listen to my scanner, and I can tell you that the human traffic is cycling back to normal volume after a few months of merely being diverted elsewhere. If anything, the violence level from the gangs behind the traffic has increased dramatically. Meanwhile, you folks squabble among yourselves and look like total rubes to everyone. Nobody takes you seriously, most certainly not "the enemy". "

cowpoke wrote on May 28, 2007 8:25 PM:

" Anyone heard anything about the minuteman fence? "

David Ollis wrote on May 28, 2007 7:13 PM:

" We must hold our supporters together, I understand the questions, and agree that an accounting must tke place. I do not want to let the enemy win this fight, it is their plan to destroy us from within, and we cannot permit that. Consider this, they get our tax dollars funneled to their non profit agencies, and are never held accontable to where they are spent, adding up to millions of dollars a year. So lets be patiant in walking away from our mission. No matter what we must keep fighting, this is the worst possible time to be devided. "

Ginger wrote on May 28, 2007 4:16 PM:

" Good riddance to those 10 who were fired, Stacey O'Connell, Bill Irwin, Greg Thompson, Bob Wright and the rest of them. These guys should start their own group. Leave and don't let the door hit you on your way out. This will blow over and the rest of us will keep MCDC powerful! Come on MCDC membership, you're doing a great job fighting illegal aliens, we're winning! "

TR wrote on May 27, 2007 11:12 AM:

" I gonna sit at home and do nothing but complain. Screw securing the Border! It is a lost cause! "

midwest minuteman wrote on May 27, 2007 6:42 AM:

" " Why don't some of you simcox lover's ask him why he aligned himself with Declaration Alliance, (Alan Keyes), which has ties to Diener Associates, which has ties to Club for Growth...which is PRO AMNESTY, PRO BIG BUSINESS... Why don't some of you ask him why the minuteman pac only gives 5 cents on every dollar raised to any candidate??? NO ACCOUNTABILITY! The conning and fleecing of hard working American Patriots continues so long as he has anything to do with it! " "

bob wrote on May 26, 2007 9:01 PM:

" who really cares "

Decanto wrote on May 26, 2007 3:30 PM:

" I suspect one major problem with a few state chapters....the reimbursement of funds from the national level to pay for expenses incurred for volunteers that drove to AZ to participate in a muster! I was one that spent at least a $1,000 of my own money and I am not looking for a reimbursement...but my state chapter wants to collect on behalf of my name, and I haven't even attended a state chapter meeting!! Fire them all!! "

Mrs.MM wrote on May 26, 2007 11:19 AM:

" On second thought, I am sick and tired of this, and am going back to MCDC. This has been overblown too long now. "

Fighting Patriot wrote on May 26, 2007 11:19 AM:

" Stacey O'Connell trained my husband & I in AZ in Sept '05. He's already prooved himself to us as a sound, respectable person. Chris Simcox helped launch the biggest American awareness of the mess our country is in, now he needs to learn management skills. Our borders are a landfill MESS, and the illegal aliens are enjoying Welfare, WIC, SSI, you name it! That's why we HAVE to take this fight/WAR to our politicians. THEY HAVE COMMITTED TREASON,FOLKS. To all the fired MCDC PATRIOT leaders, stay strong. "

Mrs. MM wrote on May 26, 2007 9:17 AM:

" AZTeacher wrote: "" This was all just a big joke, lets all just hug and make up. " Baloney. I didn't write that. This comment section should have a name verification and/or registration so as not to be misrepresented by schmucks like the one who wrote that. What a maroon. "

AZTeacher wrote on May 25, 2007 11:35 PM:

" This was all just a big joke, lets all just hug and make up. "

MM Truth wrote on May 25, 2007 8:56 PM:

" I have never seen a more paranoid, disrepectful and sorrier bunch of malcontents. Why would anyone in thier right mind put you in charge of anything let alone a national effort to stop illegals and amnesty. Wake up and smell the coffee -- you miss the fact that Chris and MCDC and the team that support it have made this the #1 issue in the US. Chris answer to you, never? Secure the border for you not worth. I do it for my children and grand children. "

Fighting Patriot wrote on May 25, 2007 6:32 PM:

" I am glad to see so much fire in all who post here. We have what it takes to win this battle between the American People and our grossly corrupt government. "..It is our right, it is our duty to throw off our government and to provide new guards for our future security.." Chris, quit being a wuss, pull your tail out from between your legs, and meet with your loyal members. Without bylaws which you're unwilling to share with anyone you have to learn to be a leader and not hide from everyone. "

AZTeacher wrote on May 25, 2007 5:57 PM:

" I don't think that Stacey for one minute regrets his stint with the MCDC or even his association with Simcox. When we discover that someone in whom we passionately believed is a fallible human, our disappointment takes many forms. For Stacey to somehow remove his past with the MCDC wouldn't be right. As this group of brave souls has said from the beginning: This wasn't about overthrow or removal of Simcox. It was always about repairing broken parts of the organization. These people's goals are being grossly misrepresented by people who really don't have a clue. "

Former State Director wrote on May 25, 2007 5:42 PM:

" Lets all just drink some good ole New York Brew... "

DJC wrote on May 25, 2007 4:41 PM:

" Check out this web page http://oconnellccd1.com/oconnell23_005.htm very interesting??? "

Former State Director wrote on May 25, 2007 3:04 PM:

" And now I learn that the top admin people have resigned over Simcoxs handling of the situation. That makes 4 national directors, 9 state directors plus their members, the top forum personnel and now the top admin personnel. But this was all a take over attempt. What a paranoid as^$%#@! The forum is run by Diener, MCDC is run by Diener. Minutemen only see .30 cents of every dollar donated to us. THAT IS WRONG!!!! "

DJC wrote on May 25, 2007 1:57 PM:

" This is too funny, Stacey O'Connell is one of the ones spearheading this whole thing against Simcox. But if you look on O'Connell's campaign website, he still has a picture of him and Simcox shaking hands. So what is it O'Connell? Are you for him or against him? Or is this all just about votes? "

Concerned Patriot wrote on May 25, 2007 12:54 PM:

" WHY? wouldn't Chris cherish the input from these men volunteering so much of their time to this cause and his organization without any personal remunerations. WHY? is not following the phantom 'By Laws' the crux of Chris's rage, when not even the National Leaders had ever seen the 'By Laws' to have followed even though they had asked to see them? WHY? is Chris fixated on the finances. Me thinks he does protest to much... for a very valid reason... he has much to hid! "

Concerned Patriot wrote on May 25, 2007 12:49 PM:

" Why aren't any of the issues listed by the State Leadership requesting a meetin on May 8, 2007, being discussed here? These are legitimate issues raised for the betterment of the organization. WHY? would mutineers be asking for the tools and resouces to enhance their chapters? WHY? would they be asking for better communication between MCDC HQs leadership down through the chapter levels. WHY? would this be necessary if a take-over was the plan. This was a logical step in trying to improve an organization in bad need of improvement. TO BE CONTINUED.... "

AZTeacher wrote on May 25, 2007 12:18 PM:

" The MCDC forums were taken over by Mr. Unger of Diener Associates after Tony, OldGuy, Joan and I resigned when this information came to the public eye. Tony and I also terminated our memberships with the MCDC at the same time. Mr. Unger had been taking a larger and larger role in the forums and after he told me, "This is all much ado about nothing" and "delete all posts about this issue", I decided that enough was enough. Tony MCDC and I quit on the spot. So technically, Unger did not "take over" the boards. We handed them over. "

sunshine wrote on May 25, 2007 11:45 AM:

" Yeah im kinda waiting on Mr Altherrs copy of the ByLaws and whats in the Tucson Chapter fund. Anytime now. "

Minuteman wrote on May 25, 2007 9:44 AM:

" There are By-Laws for the MCDC Inc. but MCDC is Incorporated in Delaware where everything can be kept secret. I wonder why MCDC would be incorporated in the state of Delaware when Arizona has perfectly good incorporation laws..............Oh I forgot, you need to incorporate in Delaware when you have something you want to hide. Now what could Chris have to hide from anyone when he's as pure as the driven snow. ???????? "

sunshine wrote on May 25, 2007 8:08 AM:

" Mr Altherr, since you are in leadership in Arizona, can you please produce a copy of the By Laws and also tell the group how much $ is in the Tucson Chapter? "

MM Truth wrote on May 25, 2007 5:49 AM:

" Southern Poverty Law Center - The Minutemen aren't a hate group. Let's continue the work MCDC is moving even SPLC can see the SOP works and must admint it "

Former State Director wrote on May 25, 2007 5:20 AM:

" And why cancel the op anyway if we are only a "small group of mutineers". It was only 2 state directors coming to the op. We stood post anyway on Fri and Sat nights because the mission comes first. Get ready for another bombshell to hit Simcox people, but this one has nothing to do with us. "

Former State Director wrote on May 25, 2007 5:17 AM:

" Why did Simcox lie to his SAR people by telling them the May 19th op was cancelled because of a pending lawsuit by the aclu? I talked with Mrs. King at 3pts when I and another SD drove in. She knew we were MM and she said we could stay on her property. Seems she would know if she was getting sued and an injunction had been placed on MM being on her property. Another example of Simcox lying to his people. I talked with those SAR guys this past Fri. That's why they trained on Cabiello Rd. "

jackel wrote on May 24, 2007 11:51 PM:

" can someone get the minutemen a copy of this suposid 'by-laws' that simcox keeps talking about? its not on thier website, not in any leaderships hands, wonder how fast he can produce a copy. not one member of mcdc has ever seen or heard of it. "

SV Resident wrote on May 24, 2007 11:30 PM:

" I have never seen so much discussion about an article. If you people would have this much input into all subjects this paper, and others, prints, including links to forms for the illegal’s, and not just comments concerning the politics of some organization, more people might be inclined to listen. Where are the letters to the editors, the public outcry, counter demonstrations to the illegal supporters, etc. All I see is posturing and headline grabbing. I've lived here all my life and it's very disappointing to see this mess our region is in. Quit fighting and do something noticeable. "

midwest minuteman wrote on May 24, 2007 10:23 PM:

" Why don't some of you simcox lover's ask him why he aligned himself with Declaration Alliance, (Alan Keyes), which has ties to Diener Associates, which has ties to Club for Growth...which is PRO AMNESTY, PRO BIG BUSINESS... Why don't some of you ask him why the minuteman pac only gives 5 cents on every dollar raised to any candidate??? NO ACCOUNTABILITY! The conning and fleecing of hard working American Patriots continues so long as he has anything to do with it! "

midwest minuteman wrote on May 24, 2007 10:18 PM:

" Jonathan Clark, the writer, is WRONG where he states: "Simcox founded the precursor to the MCDC, a border-watch outfit known as Civil Homeland Defense, in 2002 while living in Tombstone and publishing the Tombstone Tumbleweed newspaper." The people who made up "CHD" were around LONG before simcox moved to Tombstone! He conned and fleeced those people, and everone who sent him a dime! There has never been any ACCOUNTING for all of the money sent to "CHD" in care of the Tumbleweed! You simcox lover's, why don't you ask for an accounting!!! "

Scott wrote on May 24, 2007 9:59 PM:

" There is a correct way to discuss grievances - this must be done according to the bylaws of the organization. We can't have someone arbitrarily decide they will conduct official business, when the bylaws of the organization do not grant that. The appropriate way would have been to ask the board of directors to create a committee to discuss these issues. If the board says no, then they have that right. "

Scott wrote on May 24, 2007 9:53 PM:

" What Bob Wright and other state chapter leaders attempted to do was nothing short of mutiny. Here's an analogy, imagine if the regional managers of Walmart Corporation called a meeting to discuss what they thought was bad management by the Walmart Board of Directors. What if they called this meeting without the authority granted them by the Board of Directors, and without representation by the board of directors. I'll tell you what would happen "fired, fired, fired ....." State Chapter Leaders hold similar positions to Regional Managers, they are appointed, they are there to support theboardofdirectors "

TR wrote on May 24, 2007 9:43 PM:

" Tucson Chapter Leader wrote on May 24, 2007 9:06 PM: " I Stand Behind Chris Simcox and MCDC! I can also speak for the AZ Chapter Leader, and he to is behind Simcox and MCDC. I can also assure you that whatever we have needed for our musters or chapters we have got it, no questions asked." The word "suckup" comes to mind. "

Tucson Chapter Leader wrote on May 24, 2007 9:15 PM:

" I can also let you know that not all chapter leaders were invited to the so called "Chapter leadership committee". Many of the chapter leaders I talked to never knew about this secret committee. This was a backroom deal, kind of like the US Senate's recent immigration compromise. Talk about no transperancy, hiding, and secrecy, this committee takes the prize. "

Tucson Chapter Leader wrote on May 24, 2007 9:06 PM:

" I Stand Behind Chris Simcox and MCDC! I can also speak for the AZ Chapter Leader, and he to is behind Simcox and MCDC. I can also assure you that whatever we have needed for our musters or chapters we have got it, no questions asked. We got a new comms office, new radios, new lights, a new video display system for the thermal cameras and much more in the last few months. Chris has let us run the musters as we see fit. MCDC will survive this, and come out better. Lance Altherr "

Scott wrote on May 24, 2007 8:42 PM:

" To those of you complaining about the firings of Wright and Thompson, sour grapes! Under organizational laws, Officers are appointed by the board of directors. They can be removed at any time by a vote of the board. Simcox cannot by himself remove officers from the organization, he must have had a majority of the board of directors vote with him. Majority rules. This is not the guv'mint where you can't be fired. "

Dave Bertrand MCDC wrote on May 24, 2007 8:29 PM:

" The seriousness of our country's situation requires a unified front. If all organizations on the same side of the issue cannot support each other morally and intellectually, without animosity.....then WE WILL LOSE this war. We all have a job to do, and believe me....it's gonna get worse. Stand together, and be ready. Our federal government needs to prove to us FIRST, that they are capable of securing the border, BEFORE the traitors in Washington can even think about internal enforcement and "compassion." I hope we ALL can see through this mess and eventually work together. "

Janet White wrote on May 24, 2007 8:16 PM:

" Congrats to those who have the courage to use their names. If not, where is the strength of your conviction? A little perspective: Grumblings have been going on since at least October 2005. Not of insurrection or takeover but why can't we get support, communications and answers. Knowing all organizations have problems I stuck with it because the cause is solid, right on. Maybe Simcox forsaw problems of his own making, probably financial, and took this opportunity to take the heat off himself and shine it on others? Hmmm... "

crackhead wrote on May 24, 2007 8:09 PM:

" uh, you have about 5200 minutemen on the database, and that includes terminations and 'others' "

Former State Director wrote on May 24, 2007 7:54 PM:

" And, as far as "trying to take over", EVERY person on that list has a full time job. How can anyone step in for Simcox when we all have jobs to be at? Why was the Minuteman forum taken over by John Unger? Wake up. The only thing keeping MCDC down is Simcox. Without him and Diener we would have 100k members, not 4k. Simcox says we have 9k, that's baloney. We have almost 8k on the rolls but half aren't even active anymore. NONE of us will stop working the border though!!!!!!!!!!!! "

Former State Director wrote on May 24, 2007 7:43 PM:

" When I hear people complaining around the country that they wish they had the money to come to the border but can't, it hurts me. When I fly down to the border and do not see any more new equipment, it hurts me. For over a year we have not bought any more thermal cameras or night vision. In April, there was hardly any water in camp. We seem to be taking a step back, not forward. Notice the email stating it would take 300k to finish the fence? Now it's up to 400k. Why!!!! "

Rew wrote on May 24, 2007 6:33 PM:

" Since the meeting was so exclusive, I'd like to take this opportunity to cast my sincere vote of confidence in Chris Simcox! "

Sweatpea wrote on May 24, 2007 6:02 PM:

" this bares repeating: simcox does not care about border musters, the minuteman or anyone in chd. hes out for himself. he ran like the dickens when approached by men that wanted to ask him about the money, then he turned around and fired them all. the only person responsible for this mess is simcox as he failed to do the right thing and that was meet his men and show his strength. the only thing he showed was his yellow belly. "

MM Truth wrote on May 24, 2007 5:52 PM:

" This bears repeating: If Bob were silent and did not talk or leak the story then we would not be discussing this today. Bob wrote a public letter sent it publicly over a public medium the internet and ment it to be public. Sorry, I was away making calls to my Senator, faxing writing emails and getting ready for the October Muster "

Minuteman of One wrote on May 24, 2007 3:38 PM:

" Glad you guys are finally coming over to my side. We need help. Stacey, we can put aside our differences of the past. I knew you would finally learn what I had been telling you for the past year or so. "

Ray Ybarra wrote on May 24, 2007 2:37 PM:

" Bob, thanks for all your hard work. The results are outstanding! The Check is in the mail. "

DJC wrote on May 24, 2007 2:35 PM:

" Bob Wright ... Go get back on your horse and ride off into the sunset. The deadline is moot now. The threat of taking this to the media has already been done. "

Bob Wright wrote on May 24, 2007 2:09 PM:

" No take over was planned or considered. I sent the letter to two people for distribution to state leaders. This is classic Clinton style work. Deny everything admit nothing and make counter accusations. The deadline is today. we have remained silent til then. Gollum Simcox should relax, no one wants his"precious" Corporation. This will be my last until the deadline passes "

Minuteman wrote on May 24, 2007 2:08 PM:

" MM Truth You might ask Chris why he didn't stay out of the operational parts of MCDC when he was asked and agreed to last June 06 at the meeting in Tombstone. He agreed to do only the speaking and political activities that he is so good at and leave operations to the state and national leaders. Both Gary and Stacey have been MCDC leaders and were there by invitation. They did not vote on any of the motions presented but they did participate in the discussions. The names of the 05/19 attendees are not a secret. "

Bob Wright wrote on May 24, 2007 2:02 PM:

" Unlike MMTruth I will tell you who I am. I am Bob Wright. I will not get to much in detail at this time as we have given a deadline and we will stand by it. I have talked to no one in the media. Period. I have told all the same thing you see in this article. It is an internal matter for now. I have not contacted SLPC in any form. Simcox made this public with the unjust fireing of the state leaders. "

DJC wrote on May 24, 2007 1:48 PM:

" This has O'Connell's fingerprints all over it! Sour Grapes. "

MM Truth wrote on May 24, 2007 1:34 PM:

" That is interesting if Bob kept notes who ran the meeting, Gary Cole mentioned today by Jerry Seper or was it Stacey O'Connell neither Gary or Stacey are in any leadership postion? If this was a leaders meeting why would they be there. I also noticed that all the attendee names are a secret. Why if they are doing the right thing. I have been accused of being a mole. How can that be if it was MCDC business and I am MDCD I cannot be mole unless it was not MCDC mtg. "

MM Truth wrote on May 24, 2007 1:26 PM:

" Minuteman: The meeting you speak about did not happen in a vacuum we need to get to work securing the border if you refuse to hear the truth you do not need to listen "

MM Truth wrote on May 24, 2007 1:22 PM:

" Concerned Patriot: If Bob were silent and did not talk or leak the story then we would not be discussing this today. Bob wrote a public letter sent it publicly over a public medium the internet and ment it to be public. He is also taking MCDC volunteer information and using it for his own motives which are to remove the board and replace it. Here is what Wright threats now from my email copy" The plan must include a Board of National Leaders which will oversight to MCDC. "

Minuteman wrote on May 24, 2007 1:18 PM:

" MM Truth why are so obsessed with Bob Wright ? All he did was keep order in the discussions and keep notes. There are twelve other outstanding MCDC leaders that are all asking the same questions and getting no answers. Anyone can get their hands on a mass E-Mail and the picture is most likely a file photo that any journalist can locate. The MCDC mail system was never used to contact members. You still haven't told us where you would get such detailed information. I know where my info comes from, I was there. "

MM Truth wrote on May 24, 2007 1:02 PM:

" Well it seem that the Southerm Poverty Law is lying when the say "Bob Wright wrote in a mass E-mail to MCDC members" lets looka that that. Leaders of MCDC sign a non disclosure stating they will only use MCDC data for official reasons. Using MCDC emails for an insurection is stealing. Also LPLC writes " According to Wright, none of the committee members faxed Simcox a letter, and all have since been fired." and I wonder who sent them his picture. Is Bob a member of SPLC? "

Minuteman wrote on May 24, 2007 1:01 PM:

" Sounds like Chris Simcox has come up with a Red Herring to throw out in an attempt to discredit the 13 state and national leaders that agreed unanimously to issue a vote of No Confidence and call for direct answers to direct questions.We were all deeply involved in the operations of MCDC and we all had questions about the way MCDC was being led. We wanted those questions answered and all we got was a stonewall and a cold shoulder. The thirteen state and national leaders involved can not all be lying cheating mutineers. "

Concerned Patriot wrote on May 24, 2007 12:56 PM:

" Scott, did you read the article? Simcox is the one talking to the press, Bob said, "NO comment, this is an internal matter." All Simcox needed to do was meet and listen to his leader's concerns, as any 'GOOD' leader would do! He is the one that has turned this into a circus. We should not be supporting tyranny in any form, from any source. As far as the 'Audit', it is a watered down summary. It does not explain where the money went. Where is the real Audit - MCDC should come clean. "

TR wrote on May 24, 2007 12:45 PM:

" MM Truth wrote on May 24, 2007 6:09 AM: "This group of traitors needed to go and should never come back they will not be missed. " Baloney. I'll bet you sucked up to all these so-called "traitors" at musters. There is no "takeover" planned, and there never was. Dictatorships suck, that's all. These were reasonable questions to ask upper management, unless there was something to hide. "

Scott wrote on May 24, 2007 12:41 PM:

" Sounds like Bob Wright's ego was hurt a little, so he went to a liberal propaganda organization to disseminate information in hopes of destroying the reputation of the MCDC. Think about it, what could Bob Wright hope to gain by this article? Publicity. What did MCDC gain by this article? Nothing. MCDC will continue to be strong without these members. "

Minuteman wrote on May 24, 2007 12:27 PM:

" There was no call for replacing Chris and there has been no direct contact with SPLC. They have used the info that was sent to all of the state and national leaders this week. If you check you will find that there is no more info in the SPLC article then is contained in the E-Mail sent to leadership. I can prove what I say as I was there. What is your source of first hand information? "

MM Truth wrote on May 24, 2007 12:08 PM:

" AZteacher MCDC is a law and order oganization and is held to a higher standard thus the existance of the SOP. Now there is a clear choice. Work with MCDC as it follow good accouting practinces and files 990 with the IRS or listen to Bob Wright as he runs after the Southern Poverty Law Center an organization he reportedly hates. This is not charcacter and leadership this is destructive. http://www.splcenter.org/intel/news/item.jsp?site_area=1&aid=259 "

MM Truth wrote on May 24, 2007 12:01 PM:

" Official documents filed with the IRS and asked for by Bob Wright "

MM Truth wrote on May 24, 2007 11:59 AM:

" MCDC Forum Post ...after reports to national headquarters from state and chapter directors around the country it became clear that a very small group ...were in fact determined to attempt to defame and oust the MCDC Board of Directors and Al Garza, MCDC Executive Director. Local leader reports, intercepted emails and phone calls revealed plans to attempt to install their own Board and to take over the organization that Chris and Carmen founded and "

AZTeacher wrote on May 24, 2007 11:52 AM:

" http://forum.minutemanhq.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=11149&highlight= Official "explanation" or spin on the issue. "

MM Truth wrote on May 24, 2007 11:51 AM:

" To AZTeacher: All finacials were discussed in private the answers were ignored "

MM Truth wrote on May 24, 2007 11:49 AM:

" Financial accountability exists see http://www.minutemanhq.com/hq/article.php?sid=161 with and independent audit publicly displayed to the satisfaction of the IRS "

Scott wrote on May 24, 2007 10:13 AM:

" Organizations fire people all the time, especially if they have alterior motives or are not acting in the best interest of the organization. It is the directors' responsibility to remove people from leadership when they fail to follow orders or repeated attempts at corrective action. This is a normal part of running an organization. Chris Simcox deserves our support. "

Dave Connell wrote on May 24, 2007 10:05 AM:

" As a former Certified Professional manager I am distressed that the leaders of the various Minutemen Organizations have let egos and inept management practice wreck havoc on these important organizations. Every one in a leadership capacity should immediately get together and iron out these problems. "

LEA wrote on May 24, 2007 9:48 AM:

" I Stand by MCDC leadership. It is the cause that is more important. If we continue bickering, we will all be speaking espanol soon. "

Nancy wrote on May 24, 2007 9:46 AM:

" I read all the letters that were published on the internet. This is sad! MCDC is a great orginization. The letter to Simcox says that he has until May 25th, but it sounds like Bob Wright and Bill Irwin went ahead and released this info to the press before the deadline. Looks like both sides of this issue need to look into the mirror. "

DJC wrote on May 24, 2007 9:44 AM:

" Several of the state leaders names on the letter to Simcox, said they never gave their permission for their name to be on there. Sounds like a few bitter people trying to take the whole orginaziation down. "

David Ollis wrote on May 24, 2007 9:19 AM:

" I am, and have supported anti illegal alien groups of all kinds, I wish we could wake up, and put egos aside. I have watched the movement in Ca, suffer, and I do not want to see us lose site of the cause all of us love to support. We must have an accounting of all finances, and be above reproach.Any successful organization must accountable to those whom donate, and represent it. Many have given their time, money, and labor to this effort . The cause is far more important than you, me or any person on earth. "

ArizonaNative wrote on May 24, 2007 9:13 AM:

" Jeez The local brown shirts get fired cause they don't goose step along with their leader. Then they cry foul when one out of a hundred have an idea that leads to a question. Just the Keystone Kops in the Desert "

Sweetcakes wrote on May 24, 2007 8:58 AM:

" Jim...Get over yourself! The rest of us have spent more than you have, year after year. Do you hear us complaining? What do you want for your money, Jim? Every cent I have spent on this critical issue has been my personal privilege & honor! Look, this is really not a big deal, when you consider the big picture! We simply carry-on as we have been. If we can get to the border, great! But there's still rallying, faxing, e-mailing and phoning to do as concerned American MM citizens! Let's roll! "

California woman wrote on May 24, 2007 8:41 AM:

" This is an unfortunate situation. However, since the Minuteman movement is well-established, there should be no problem with a continuation of business as usual. Whereas there are advantages to massive, well-funded, well-received organizations, one of the beauties of groups like the MM movement is that there are established American patriots in every state who can perform the work of WE, the PEOPLE of the UNITED STATES of AMERICA, which our Federal Government refuses to do! Yes, formal leadership is preferable, especially during border ops, but honestly, the membership of the MM movement is made-up of LEADERS. "

Scott Meador wrote on May 24, 2007 8:25 AM:

" My minuteman Id # is mead77446..75, I have supported the MCDC cause and agree with the 13 state leaders that accountability and proper management is of utmost importance. My reading of the memos indicate that Mr.Simcox has forgotten his soldiers and volunteers in these matters and taken steps to undermine the patriotic underpinnings of his own organization. Intelligent men have raised intelligent questions.A working vacation should have been delayed given the gravity of these issues. I must remove my name from the roles of the MCDC until it is resolved. "

Jim wrote on May 24, 2007 8:23 AM:

" I got ripped off. I spent 1000 a year supporting all those anti immigration crooks. give my money back.. "

David wrote on May 24, 2007 7:29 AM:

" Many of us that have been around here forever tried to 'warn' folks a few years ago that Simcox (and Gilchrist) were opportunists and not to be trusted. Nobody wanted to listen then, they had to find out for themselves. Such is the way of things. Folks "want to believe". "

AZTeacher wrote on May 24, 2007 7:25 AM:

" Why ISN'T there financial accountability? I am confident in the fact that the so-called rebel faction asked for all of these things in private. This could have all been easily avoided had Mr. Simcox chosen to "come clean" with the financial records. The fact that he has not stinks to high heaven. I am a former forum administrator for the MCDC online boards and the wife of a dedicated MM. I believe that there is only one "fix" for this mess: Mr. Simcox and his consulting firm need to come clean with the requests of these outstanding individuals. "

Michael Gaddy wrote on May 24, 2007 7:21 AM:

" I was a leader for the MM in April of 2005. I left the project after a meeting with Chris in June of 06 in Tombstone because I saw where he was taking the movement and because he refused to account for the monies he was receiving. "

MM Truth wrote on May 24, 2007 6:09 AM:

" Hold on folks. The truth needs to told. I am an original MM. I was invited to all the planning conference calls leading up to this rebellion. This group of traitors were planning to remove Simcox and are still trying to take over. The ring leaders duped good innocent MM. I documented it, reported it and declined to participate in it and have been attacked internally by these poeple as a result. This group of traitors needed to go and should never come back they will not be missed. "

twirp wrote on May 24, 2007 6:05 AM:

" sounds like Simcox wants to run a dicatorship. any one that does not agree with him is fired. that type of leader can bring down a good organization that is about more than just his opinion about how it should be run. it will be sad if he is allowed to ruin a wonderful organization because of ego "

TR wrote on May 24, 2007 6:04 AM:

" Bob Metsker wrote on May 23, 2007 8:51 PM: " This all goes back to the Pineapple incident. Aparently he left and started all this mess. " Oh, really? How did ill-treatment of a dedicated MCDC scout and line leader start this mess? If you're trying to lay this at the feet of one of the most honorable people in the organization, you might want to look elsewhere. As far as I can tell, no "coup" is or was intended. Questions were asked, and all that was requested were that they be addressed. I don't think these people were unreasonable. "

Mike Jarbeck wrote on May 24, 2007 4:43 AM:

" This is exactly what Simcox did to me and my Florida Corps. He came out here and destroyed our organizational structure after firing me for no real reason. They trumped up phony charges aginst me. With friends like Simcox the illegals can't fail, this is to sad for words. Good luck to all who have been wrongly removed they are the the real heart of this group. "

Spirit of 76 wrote on May 24, 2007 4:39 AM:

" I am a state-level MCDC volunteer. I make no claims to righteousness. Haven't even been to the border to stand guard. But my day-job is "financial management consultant" to Fortune 500 companies. Used to work for Price Waterhouse LLP. Financial transparency is the minimum standard. Furthermore, it is my observation -- based on experience -- that financial obscurity is often deliberate, hiding something more profound. Small businesses with inexperienced and unqualified leadership is even more susceptible to mishandling the money -- and trying to hide it ex post. A shame. "

Bob Metsker wrote on May 23, 2007 8:51 PM:

" This all goes back to the Pineapple incident. Aparently he left and started all this mess. "

midwest minuteman wrote on May 23, 2007 8:44 PM:

" Do we all remember "Civil Homeland Defense"? Donations to Civil Homeland Defense were sent in care of the Tombstone Tumbleweed, which was owned at the time by Chris Simcox. Those donations, just like the donations in question by the State Leaders, have NEVER been accounted for. Those donations included checks and cash. I have sent letters, made phone calls, emailed and faxed, as I'm sure many others have, and have yet to receive a reply. "

n/a wrote on May 23, 2007 8:05 PM:

" I believe he is a government sellout everyone has a price may be the met his "

Mark wrote on May 23, 2007 7:31 PM:

" MMCDC kicks everyone out who asks questions about the finaces or raises concerns. Local chapters run their groups like arrogant sociopaths. All they are is a fund raising organization of politically connected lunatics. MMCDC is not at all what they present themselves to be. "

defenderusa wrote on May 23, 2007 7:15 PM:

" Too bad the MM didn't read The Neutering of the Minutemen on borderguardians dot org. If they had, they would have known what Simcox is like. It's been up there since March, but ADD America doesn't possess sufficient attention span to read it. "

Jon H. wrote on May 23, 2007 7:05 PM:

" I was an MCDC member, I asked for more of an explanation, for SImcox's announcement on National news that donations went for food and gas for volunteers. As any MCDC member will tell you members pay their own way. I was accused of wanting to get money out of MCDC! Then I was attacked and told "You did your watch, now go away!!" Hey Simcox, you are a part of the problem, you got your eye's on the money and the soap box!! So much for the objective!!! Illusions of grandure!! "

Stillontheline wrote on May 23, 2007 6:47 PM:

" My name is on the list exhibited here. This is a pure power play by those who would be King. If you're smart, you'll hold your fire until the smoke clears. "

BorderRaven wrote on May 23, 2007 6:32 PM:

" Ok, so reschedule the meeting or wait until the next major appearance of Simcox, and demand answers. If I send my money to him, I'd expect an accounting. Too many greedy peopel are raking int he MM Bucks, but all the border watchers, are footing their own expenses. MM need to establish "armories" for the volunteers to operate from. Some states National Guard should be assisiting the MM and working along side, per the state and federal laws. We are a nation at war, let's accept it, and defend the US Cosntitution against the invasion, and all enemies. "

Minuteman wrote on May 23, 2007 6:16 PM:

" As one of the original Minutemen of April 2005 and also one of the 18 Committee members I can confirm what Detector is saying and add that we went to great pains to make sure that any meeting we requested would be convenient for Chris and other MCDC leaders. We had no questions on the agenda that any competent leader wouldn't be prepared to answer or were unreasonable. We were punished for asking questions ! "

Minuteman wrote on May 23, 2007 6:14 PM:

anonymous original MM wrote on May 23, 2007 5:46 PM:

" Simcox has a tendency to be secretive and eliteist in his dealings with "the troops." The leaders he has dismissed "out of hand" are good, dedicated minutemen, and their loyalties to the "cause" are above reproach. The meeting was scheduled for a time that Simcox would be in town. He needs to "come clean" with his own troops. "

Bobby wrote on May 23, 2007 4:39 PM:

" Typical power politics, in any orgaization. My only authentic thought is this,"Thank you", all you guys, no matter what side of the struggle you are now on. Each of you, have been more faithfull to this nation, than ten-thousand other typical "Americans." Long live the Minutemen/Women. "

detector wrote on May 23, 2007 4:34 PM:

" As one of the state directors involved, I can tell you we did not call for the meeting on a date when he was on vacation. It was called for May 19th, and he had already informed MCDC that he was to be in AZ that weekend for the May 19 to 21st border watch. We made every effort to accommodate Mr. Simcox because we know he has a tight schedule. Many of us flew in from out of state to accommodate him. This is about us asking questions and him telling us to shut up. "

Leo wrote on May 23, 2007 1:58 PM:

" This is almost too funny for words. "