April 15, 2005
We Must Protect This House - Part IIFollowing up on the story of Patrick Haab, the Army Special-Ops officer who detained seven undocumented migrants illegal aliens, several new facts have become evident.
First, he says he acted in self-defense, drawing his weapon on the undocumented migrants illegal aliens because "his military training took over when he saw the men coming out of the bushes." Even Haab says his actions were based on the fact he thought they were going to attack him and not because he assumed they were illegals. In fact, Haab said he had no idea that the men were undocumented immigrants illegal aliens at the time he drew his pistol from a holster he often wears.
Patrick said the 911 dispatcher told him to use his best judgment. He said he gave a second gun, a Derringer that he kept in his car, to another motorist who was also stopped at the rest stop. Patrick said the other motorist knew Spanish and confirmed that the men had crossed the border illegally.
Bottom line. How can you fault Haab for thinking he was about to be attacked? He was near the U.S.-Mexico border, walking his black lab (similar to those used by Border Patrol agents), when seven undocumented immigrants illegal aliens come out of the bushes toward him?
Patrick said repeatedly that he did not threaten the immigrants."I never patted any subjects down," he said. "I never pulled the (gun's) hammer back."
With the knowledge you have now, go back and read the shoddy reporting job of the first article, which conveniently leaves out crucial information and details, in an attempt to keep with the theme that Patrick Haab is a renegade vigilante hell-bent on denying the rights of innocent folks. Is it the journalist's attempt at trashing the military? Or is he making a personal statement on illegal immigration? Maybe it's simply bad journalism?
One might think the first two are ridiculous assertions, until you read the headline of this latest article that appears to present a very different story than the original:
GI: I held migrants in self-defense - Accused vigilante says he feared 7 men were going to attack him
[my emphasis added]
How many other times would you hear someone who "feared 7 men" attacking them called a "vigilante" instead of victim?
News is no longer about "reporting the facts" so much as it is "projecting the journalist's commentary on the situation".
Patrick Haab a vigilante hero.
Posted by Jason Smith on April 15, 2005 12:57 PM
Comments
You know, the only problem with undocumented migrants illegal aliens is that the word CRIMINAL isn't substituted for ALIENS. :)
Posted by: William Smith ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.gopbloggers.org/nav-commenters.gif)
at April 15, 2005 03:09 PM
Actually I like "Undocumented Criminal" better.
Oh... can someone tell me what rights these individuals have? Why are Undocumented Criminals assumed to have any rights at all? Are they ambassadors from another country? People talk about Human rights.. are those written down somewhere? Did the United States sign on to this ratified treaty?
Posted by: Troll at April 15, 2005 03:20 PM
I was beginning to wonder when his military background from Iraq would be brought up. It seems reasonable to think that Patrick Haab acted within expectations of his military experiences. He has come back from Iraq, probably had to do some border patrols himself and acted in the way he would have had he been there. Besides which, when is it a crime to apprehend ILLEGAL aliens when those people themselves are clearly acting against OUR laws.
Posted by: Stephen at April 15, 2005 06:51 PM
Are you trying to convince us that a mainstream media outlet is (gasp!) actually trying to twist facts to create a false impression?
As long as we are using accurate words here, such as illegal alien instead of undoucmented immigrants, let's start with the sloppy use of the word "journalist". It's time we stopped using a word which used to have a somewhat noble or at least respectable connotation to describe newspaper writers who have nothing whatsoever in common with true journalism. Let's describe them as they really are. Propagandists is a good word, though a little long for most who buy into their factually challenged fantasies. But it's time we took the word "journalist" away from those who do not deserve it.
Tell us the paper where this article appeared. I wouldn't mind writing a letter to the editor commenting on the poor reporting skills of the writer. And let's get a dictionary over to the ACLU in Arizona, so they tell the differnence between a "migrant" and a "criminal".
Posted by: Almiranta at April 15, 2005 07:28 PM
Hey, i wanted to say thanks to all you guys who are supporting my brother.
the only way he and my family has a chance is it people give him moral support.
to hear his side go to: www.k9mc.com
thanks guys,
Ben Haab
Posted by: Ben Haab at April 17, 2005 02:53 AM
Dear Sargeant Haab,
I think you are a very brave and righteous man. You should have nothing to fear from our laws. There is still something called a citizens arrest in this country as far as I know, and I think you did it in an excellent fashion.
You and the fellow traveller who helped you should be commended and not castigated. I wish you both good luck and prosperity in the future.
This country has come a long way since attornies carried guns and kept brass knuckles in their desk drawers, as one I knew in Virginia over the jail did decades ago, but sometimes it is obviously still necessary to "take the bull by the horns." This you did to perfection!
Congratulations! Sincerely, S.T. Prager
pragst@bellsouth.net
Posted by: S.T. Prager at April 19, 2005 06:23 PM
Hi Patrick - I caught your story on the Sean Hannity show Tuesday night. I want you know that we support you here in Minnesota because we're being overrun here also. One of our former (now deceased) senators made it legal...Somalis and Mexicans. You showed amazing restraint considering they deserved to be shot! Hang in there! If you need help in any way, put it on your web site - we'll be reading. Dan and Dawn Hirsch
Posted by: Dan at April 19, 2005 09:21 PM
