Same meeting, different view

I do not know where a recent letter writer is getting his information that the Minuteman caused a problem at their meeting Feb. 20 at the Santa Maria Inn. 

No one in our group was outside. The protesters came into our meeting carrying the Mexican flag. The person with the flag was told “this was an American meeting and he could stay, but he had to take the Mexican flag outside.”

No one at the meeting was asked to leave. About 20 protesters stayed and some asked questions. The answer concerning Guadalupe Beach was that it is patrolled by the Air Force.

Why do people spread untrue allegations? Are they afraid of the truth? 

Another untruth is that the Minuteman came into the Santa Maria Valley and don't belong here. Well, I have lived here for 50 years, our chapter leader has been here 47 years, and another founding member has been here 80 years. I think we belong here.

Alice Patino and all the City Council received personal invitations to attend our meeting, along with the chief of police. Alice responded because she wanted to hear first-hand what our organization was about. Thank you, Alice.

Hilda Zacarias was outside with the protesters, but did not come to our meeting. I guess she wasn't interested in what we were about. You can see where her loyalty is. 

Hilda, illegal is illegal. You took an oath to serve all citizens. It isn't all about illegals. My concern is drugs. If you care about our children, check out snoops.com, and type in “raid on drug dealer's house in Mexico.” This is only one drug cartel.

Diane James

Santa Maria

March 28, 2008