Although I originally intended not to dignify Mr. Simcox's response with a response of my own, the further commentary from other people has compelled me to clarify, defend and elaborate on my piece entitled Wait Just a Minute

First of all, I would like to express my utter disgust that you, Mr. Simcox, would insult Georgetown University - calling it at an "institution of 'higher' learning" - after our Lecture Fund was gracious enough to host you. Failing to respect the places that allow you to speak will not quickly lose you your platform for speaking, no matter what you want to say. Although I did not actually protest your speech in anyway, before, during, or after, if your name is raised again as a potential speaker, I will protest vigorously and point to your response here as evidence of your unworthiness.

As to concealed weapons, although I question the necessity of concealed weapons in general, I do respect the Second Amendment and understand that, given certain regulations, concealed weapons are legal. You, however, did not follow the law and were arrested for carrying a concealed weapon. You say that your arrest was completely separate from MCDC activities but according to this article, you were in the middle of one of your patrols. Breaking the laws of the country you're trying to protect? Wasting the time of the people who you say aren't doing their job? Doesn't make much sense to me. Also, I have maintained my bladder control since reading your article, thank you.

Although those quotes may have been taken out of context, their rhetoric - calling immigrants "those people" - echoed the description of a telephone conversation with your office by one questioner during your speech, who said that the person that answered the phone asked her repeatedly whether she was one of "those people." Seemingly harmless, your office worker's racism is part of your organization, which reflects on you. The questioner's testimony makes your claim of misquotation weaker, although they still may have been taken out of context.

The source I took the quotes from is the Intelligence Report, a quarterly published by the Southern Poverty Law Center, which you called a "hate group" during your speech. In truth, the Intelligence Report used to be called Klanwatch and, before investigating your group, investigated the Klu Klux Clan during a particularly strong resurgence in the 1980's. Through its investigations, the Center has waged successful lawsuits against 46 individuals and 9 white supremacist groups. To call them a hate group is only aligns the Minuteman Civil Defense Corp with the hate groups they have prosecuted. Your opposition to them is evidence of racism in itself and makes the exact quotation less important.

Because I couldn't watch the movie where you allegedly say, "I think they [immigrants] should be shot on sight, personally" I won't include it.

I will not address your family as you and I know the flaws with that claim and, in order to maintain your privacy, I do not wish to discuss your personal life.

Lastly, although it has been pointed out, your statement "I know you learned something and realize you are terribly misguided and have lost the argument" makes it sound like we're playing a game of tag and you quit right after you tagged me. The purpose of the forum is debate, not lecturing.

In response to Elise, the article was not intended to be inflammatory but rather revelatory. I was not attempting to supply answers for the complex problem that is illegal immigration because I do not have any exact plan but rather ideas that are not currently refined enough to be written. Instead, I was only attempting to shed light on Mr. Simcox, his organization, and their history.

To all, thank you for taking the time to respond to my piece.