Militias Test The Civility Of An Arizona Border Town
Arivaca, Ariz., is a tiny village, population about 700, with an outsize problem.
It sits just 11 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border and has become a magnet for self-styled militia groups from out of state that say they want to patrol the border and stop migrants. Their presence has strained a town that has long prided itself on its live-and-let-live, cooperative spirit.
When the women of Arivaca gather for Monday afternoon gentle yoga, there are certain topics they know to avoid.
"We just don't talk politics," says Sue Soucy, a staunch supporter of President Trump. Then she adds: "Will I vote for Trump again? Absolutely!"
"And I would die before I would!" chimes in Marjorie Leon, to gales of laughter.
Avoiding politics helps keep the peace, says Mary Kasulaitis: "You have to choose not to rile up people."
"Or, you just look for the commonalities: How are we more alike than different?" adds Wendy Dresang, a retired elementary school teacher who raised her three children in Arivaca. "When I think of why I'm so proud to be an Arivacan," she says, "it's because of that community of people caring about each other, helping each things, rather than against things."
