Protestors swarm "Minutemen" book signing in Thousand Oaks

Protestors showed up in force last night at the Borders in Thousand Oaks, CA, to rally against authors Jim Gilchrist and Jerome R. Corsi signing copies of their new book, Minutemen: The Battle to Secure America's Borders. Chanting slogans like "No free speech for racists" and waving signs proclaiming that "No human is illegal," the protestors made a loud spectacle but failed to deter Borders from holding the event.

Jerome Corsi (seated left); Jim Gilchrist; Kate Schwab, Borders regional marketing manager; and me at a heavily protested book signing for the World Ahead book Minutemen in Thousand Oaks, CA.

The police were keeping a close eye on the assembled mob of several dozen screaming activists as my wife and I entered in through the front door. Inside the scene was tranquil and the authors were chatting with the many happy customers who came to pick up copies of their book. We had the pleasure of meeting John and Barbara March, the parents of Deputy David March, who showed unbelievable grace given the circumstances, even when one store patron called them "fascists." I proudly accepted a button with their son's picture from them, which I wore on my shirt as we later exited past the insult-hurling crowd outside.

All in all, Borders did a great job and showed a commitment to support free speech. I applaud them for organizing this event, and for pressing forward with events tonight in Mission Viejo and tomorrow in San Diego. Let's hope the protestors stay home and allow people interested in meeting the authors to attend in peace.