"Band-aids, bubble gum, and baling wire..."

However you want to describe the temporary fixes applied to restore solvency to state finances, it's just the beginning of what is likely to be a twisting and rock path leading to the 55th Legislature that convenes in January 2021." - ABQ Chamber of Commerce.

The preceding paragraph says everything. The Democrat progressives in the New Mexico Legislature and the Democrat Progressive Governor, Michelle Lujan-Grisham, need to stop disrespecting the working class, the working families of New Mexico with their pretense of fixing the budget. We are NOT stupid!

The Democrat progressives to do list...

• Stop procrastinating & open the state for business
• Stop pursuing a progressive agenda & address fixing the budget
• Stop spending billions of dollars that the state doesn't have & work within a viable balanced budget
• Stop tampering with the election process without any input from the taxpaying citizens

According to State Sen Mark Moores, during the 'closed to the people' special session, which was supposed to address a budget emergency, "behind closed doors, they increased state government spending by 1.5%. They also 'balanced' the budget with cloak & mirrors by counting $750 million in Federal COVID money that Federal law currently says cannot be used for state spending."

New Mexico doesn't need Federal dollars. We NEED a governor and a legislature that knows how to live within their means, just like any taxpayer.  The biggest problem that New Mexico is currently facing is progressive Democrats, who go through money faster than a drunken sailor with a hole in his pocket. I hate insulting sailors by comparing them to progressive Democrats. Sailors stand for something honorable; progressives, however,...

Milan Simonich nailed it in an Op-Ed in the Santa Fe New Mexican, "Nothing Special But The Chaos in This Session."  I'm thankful it adjourned last night before the progressives could do even more harm and they have done harm. One such harmful bill they passed  concerns law enforcement and lapel cameras.

Now then, requiring law enforcement to wear cameras isn't necessarily a horrible thing, but the passed bill is vindictive & punishing. It's an 1) unfunded mandate and 2) holds the officer liable if the equipment fails. If it fails or if an officer doesn't wear a camera, that officer is assumed guilty for pick a crime and is punished. Like NM Red Flag Law, it destroys the basic American concept of innocent until proven guilty. It destroys due process.  This is not only insanity, this is TYRANNY.

Folks, we really need to join forces and fight the power drunk progressives. They are drunk on power and they are abusing their power every chance they get. And, they can because they hold all the cards. It will be much, much worse if they continue to win & expand their power come November. In truth, there really is only one solution for the problems facing New Mexico and the tyranny being exercised by the progressives. That most obvious solution is for we the people to Vote Red 2020, to elect responsible people who respect New Mexico and the New Mexican citizens.

We MUST vote the power hungry & abusive progressive Democrats out of office!

New Mexico GOP - As I See It

I live in New Mexico and have for nearly three decades.

New Mexico became a state January 1912...  112 years. The last time Republicans controlled both State Houses was back in 1929-1930 - 91 years ago. Since then, the state legislature has been controlled by Democrats. And today, as we all know, today's Democrats are so far left, they make California appear to be the East Coast.

This past legislative session in February was a fine example of Leftist politics in action resulting in

• Increased taxes
• 2nd Amendment infringement
• Denial of due process for people accused of no crimes
• Destruction of both New Mexico & US Constitutions

It was disgusting to watch the destruction of our rights being cheered on by other Leftists. It was so bad that for the first time in my 60+ years, I thought about running for public office. That's saying something.

Instead, I decided to participate more in community meetings and other GOP oriented activities like the pre-primary election of delegates & the pre-primary convention. At first, I was very excited to be participating on such a level but as things progressed, I became more & more disgusted by what I was seeing, such as a disturbing lack of communication, a lack of support, a lack of encouragement, and a lack of easily available resources. It's as if the New Mexico Republican Party doesn't care.

For instance, I left a voice mail message for Anissa Tinnin, the GOP's Executive Director in the state, back in February or March. I asked, "How can I run for public office? Where do I begin? Please call me." I have yet to hear back from her. That is just one example of the uncaring attitude and the inexcusable lack of communication. Another example occurred when I called the GOP office to find out when registration for the Primary Convention was being held. I found out on that call that I missed registering by one day. When I suggested that perhaps if they don't get a registration form from a delegate, they should call them, I was told, "We're too busy to call."

Ya know what? If you're too busy to call, maybe I'm too busy to support the NM GOP. It's no wonder the NM GOP loses so often. They are too busy to bother with the little folks, you know, voters, those who matter.

In the time since the primary convention, I've spoken to many people as to what they see as problems in the NM Republican party. Many of their observations concur with my own: lack of communication, lack of available resources, and a lack of support.

Communication 

Before the primary, I offered to help a candidate. I was told to watch for an email from "John" with instructions. Well, as with Anissa, I'm still waiting to hear from "John". I'm still waiting for him to provide me with a call list so I can call voters.

A call went out on Facebook for data entry volunteers. I offered my services with the stipulation that due to prior commitments, I could only work on weekends. No problem...  Waiting for a call from the powers that be... nothing forthcoming. Call the party office several times and am finally told, "Sorry... we're closed on weekends."

Hello? How about a return phone call telling me that weekends are out. Or, here's a novel concept, how about making allowances for volunteers to help on weekends. This lack of attention discourages people from volunteering and from what I can tell, volunteers are desperately NEEDED.

Online Resources

Right now, New Mexico is having a Special Legislative Session. It was said that the voters, who are banned from participation in the Round House, would be able to participate online. There is NOTHING on the GOP website or any of the various social media platforms - Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, to direct a voter or concerned citizen to online access for the session. I cannot find anything on those platforms other than statements. To me, that is unconscionable in this day and age of technology. It's bad enough that the leftist Democrats have disenfranchised a large portion of the state's voters, especially those with little to no internet access, but the GOP appears to be complicit in that disenfranchisement with their distinct lack of direction.

As bad as it is for voters, I'm guessing it is worse for the candidates. With such horrendous communication & apparent disorganization, I wonder if the Party offers any training to candidates? If they have any best practices? Are there any up-to-date call lists for them to use? Do they even offer an email address for the candidates such as Joanie4NM@NMGOP.net? Do they help the candidates at all in any way, shape or form? Rumor has it, they do not offer any assistance to candidates or potential candidates. That is one rumor I believe.

Infighting

One thing I have noticed is a of fighting between members of the party, current and past, as well as fighting between voters. There is no cohesiveness. There is no clear party infrastructure. There is little in the way of 'team spirit'. There are many negative attitudes and much political division within the party such as Pearce vs Martinez.

The 'establishment' seems to pick candidates they favor & there appears to be an obvious bias towards them as those candidates have preferred campaign managers, marketing teams, and beaucoup dollars. I suggest that the Party establishment stop playing favorites and let the voters decide who they want running against the Leftists. This infighting and favoritism has done nothing but weaken the Party and weaken our candidates chances of winning.

 Summation & Suggestions

The Party MUST make a concerted effort to get EVERYONE on board behind the candidates which won the primaries, EVEN IF ONE PERSONALLY DISAGREES WITH / DISLIKES SAID CANDIDATE.

In truth, I honestly don't know how the GOP survives in New Mexico and not because of the heavy Democrat makeup of the state. There are many people here who would vote for the Republican candidates, but their message MUST be clear and it MUST outline New Mexican values, which include, but are not limited to: family, community, fairness, opportunity, and respect.

The Republicans need to find a way to connect more deeply with New Mexicans and to better communicate the GOP agenda and vision for the state, the families, and the community. They need to speak in a way that resonates and persuades the people to join forces against the unreasonable, unfair, and disrespectful ways of the Leftists. The leadership needs to remember when people are panicking because they perceive a boat to be sinking, they aren't looking for a rational, logical argument to stay with what they believe is a sinking ship. Gloomy predictions go in one ear and out the other when things are going well. That's the nature of humans. However, the Party needs to find the issues that resonate with the voters and address them.

In this day of COVID, many are anxious about finances & failing businesses - Address it!

Small, rural towns feel abandoned & neglected - Address it!

People of all races and colors feel discriminated against - Address it!

People are frustrated with the misappropriation of funds, the corruption, the failure of our schools, and more - Address it!

Present a cohesive and workable plan that anyone can understand to address the fears, the neglect, the discrimination, and the frustration. And then, most importantly, keep your promises!

So I say, nay...  I CHALLENGE the Republican candidates and Party leadership, take a page or two from the Democrat playbook and use it against them.

ALL is fair in love and war. We are in a war for the soul of the state and the country.

Yours in New Mexico...

PS - I must say that it appears the NM GOP website has been updated since I last looked at it a couple of months ago. Kudos on that! I can now find some voter resources.

Traitors All... New Mexico's Red Flag Law

It was a dark day in New Mexico history. On February 13, 2020, Progressive Democrats, Leftists all, violated their oaths of office to "protect and defend" the Constitutions of the United States and New Mexico.  That is the day on which they officially became traitors to their constituents, their state and the nation. That is the day on which they passed legislation that violates 60% of the Bill of Rights, the highest law of the land. That is the day they passed Senate Bill 5, Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Order (ERPO).

New Mexico Senate Bill 5, which has been signed by Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham, a Democrat Vice President hopeful, is a grossly unjust law. It strips people of their rights based on unsubstantiated accusations made in secret proceedings without any representation of the accused.

NM State Sen Bill O'Neill, who resembles The Grinch

Let's dig into which rights and how they are violated.

1st Amendment - Our right to free speech is violated because the ERPO is issued on the feeling of a threat. For instance, any social media comments made supporting the 2nd Amendment or being a member of a politically incorrect organization (NRA), you can be branded a terrorist. We will have to guard our speech to avoid being 'red flagged'.

2nd Amendment - Our right to keep & bear arms shall not be infringed. I'd think this one is obvious as they are targeting only gun owners.

4th Amendment - "No warrants shall issue except upon probable cause..." The New Mexico law does NOT require 'probable cause' for a warrant to issue.

5th Amendment - "Nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law, nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation." ERPOs deprive people of property without a trial, without a hearing. They deny people due process prior to any seizure of property.

6th Amendment - Your protections are bypassed since they are making ERPOs a civil matter. They are denying you a right to a speedy & public trial, by an impartial jury. You are disallowed representation. You cannot confront your accusers.

7th Amendment - "In suits of common law, where the value in controversy exceeds $20, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved." ERPOs where firearms of many hundreds and thousands of dollars are confiscated without any trial & without any jury. A sole judge holds your fate in his hands.

8th Amendment - "Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted." Some would say that having your property seized without a trial is cruel and unusual punishment. Is it not essentially an excessive fine to have to pay an attorney a minimum of $20,000 to get your property back, even though you have committed no crime?

14th Amendment - "No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive a person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protections of the law." Again, New Mexico's law destroys due process rights. Your accuser has no obligation to prove your guilt. In fact, you have to stand before your government and prove your innocence. How does one prove innocence of a crime which has never been committed?

ERPOs aka Red Flag Laws trample our Constitutional rights. This law turns the presumption of innocence, innocent until proven guilty, on its head. It allows unreasonable search and seizure. It voids due process. It denies trial by jury and punishes innocent people without any crime having been committed. The punishment happens without a criminal conviction or an adjudication of mental incompetence. It allows an ex parte hearing which only presents the accusers' side of the argument. There is no police investigation. There are no 'rules of evidence' mandated. AND, New Mexico's law holds the accuser blameless, even if the accusation is made out of spite.

The people who passed this law are traitors. They are traitors to New Mexico and to the United States. They must be removed from office.

NM House of Representatives (All Democrats)

Anthony Allison,  Dist 4 (San Juan County)

Doreen Johnson,  Rehoboth Dist 5 (McKinley & San Juan)
Eliseo Alcon,  Milan Dist 6 (Grants, Gallup, Cibola & McKinley Counties)

Patricia Lundstrom,  Gallup Dist 9 (McKinley & San Juan)

G. Andres Romero,  Albuquerque Dist 10

Javier Martinez,  Albuquerque Dist 11

Patricia Roybal-Caballero,  Albuquerque Dist 13

Miguel Garcia,  Albuquerque Dist 14

Dayan Hochman-Vigil,  Albuquerque Dist 15

Antonio "Moe" Maestas,  Albuquerque Dist 16
Deborah Armstrong,  Albuquerque Dist 17
Gail Chasey,  Albuquerque Dist 18

Sheryl Stapleton,  Albuquerque Dist 19
Debra Sarinana,  Albuquerque Dist 21

Daymon Ely,  Corrales Dist 23 (Bernalillo & Sandoval)

Elizabeth "Liz" Thomson,  Albuquerque Dist 24

Christine Trujillo,  Albuquerque Dist 25

Georgene Lewis,  Albuquerque Dist 26

Marian Matthews,  Albuquerque Dist 27

Melanie Stansbury,  Albuquerque Dist 28

Joy Garrett,  Albuquerque Dist 29

Natalie Figueroa,  Albuqnuerque Dist 30

Micaela Cadena,  Mesilla, Dona Ana Dist 33

Angelica Rubio,  Las Cruces Dist 35

Nathan Small,  Las Cruces Dist 36

Joanne Ferrary,  Las Cruces Dist 37

Susan Herrera,  Embudo Dist 41 (Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, Taos)
 Daniel Barrone,  Taos Dist 42

Christine Chandler,  Los Alamos Dist 43 (Rio Arriba, Sandoval, and Santa Fe Counties)

Jim Trujillo,  Santa Fe Dist 45

Andrea Romero,  Santa Fe Dist 46

Brian Egolf,  Santa Fe Dist 47

Linda Trujillo,  Santa Fe Dist 48

Matthew McQueen,  Santa Fe Dist 50 (Bernalillo, Santa Fe, Torrance & Valencia)

Doreen Gallegos,  Las Cruces Dist 52, , , , , 

Derrick Lente,  Sandia Pueblo Dist 65 (Rio Arriba, Sandoval & San Juan)
Karen Bash,  Albuquerque Dist 68
Tomas Salazar,  Las Vegas Dist 70 (San Miguel, Santa Fe & Torrance)

NM Senate (All Democrats)

Bill Soules,  Las Cruces, Dist 37
Joe Cervantes,  Las Cruces, Dist 31
George Munoz, Gallup, Dist 4 (Cibola, McKinley & San Juan)
Daniel Ivey-Soto,  Albuquerque, Dist 15
Peter Wirth,  Santa Fe, Dist 25
Pete Campos, Las Vegas, Dist 8 (Colfax, Guadalupe, Harding, Mora, Quay, San Miguel & Taos)
Jacob Candelaria,  Albuquerque, Dist 26
Roberto "Bobby" Gonzales,  Ranchos de Taos, Dist 6 (Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Santa Fe & Taos)
Linda Lopez,  Albuquerque, Dist 11
Bill O'Neill,  Albuquerque, Dist 13
Gerald Ortiz y Pino,  Albuquerque, Dist 12
Michael Padilla,  Albuquerque, Dist 14
Mary Kay Papen,  Las Cruces, Dist 38
Shannon Pinto,  Tohatchi, Dist 3 (McKinley & San Juan)
Nancy Rodriguez,  Santa Fe, Dist 24
John Sapien,  Corrales, Dist 9 (Bernalillo & Sandoval)
Antoinette Sedillo Lopez,  Albuquerque, Dist 16
Benny Shendo,  Jemez Pueblo, Dist 22 (Bernalillo, McKinley, Rio Arriba, San Juan & Sandoval)
Liz Stefanics,  Cerrillos, Dist 39 (Bernalillo, Lincoln, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Torrance & Valencia)
Jeff Steinborn,  Las Cruces, Dist 36
Mimi Stewart,  Albuquerque, Dist 17
Bill Tallman,  Albuquerque, Dist 18

And, of course, the biggest traitor to New Mexico - Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham


Yours in New Mexico...

Snitches

NM Sen Bill Soules

In my day, it was NOT a badge of honor to be called a "snitch." Snitches were the lowest form of human life. They were lower than whale shit, and, if you think about it, that's pretty darn low. Mr Soules is of an age, post WW2, where he should know all about snitches & tattlers. Snitches were also called rats, stool pigeons, tattle tales, squealers, and finks. We had a saying, which was a warning, "Snitches get stitches."

Well, one of New Mexico's State Senators is a snitch - State Senator Bill Soules (Democrat, Dist 37, Las Cruces).  He's the worst kind of snitch of all. He's tattling on his own constituents, hoping to get them closed down, perhaps permanently. He's putting them out of work with his squealing like a little piggie.

The business that Sen Soules tattled on was a gun store, Millers Guns & Ammo. With Soules proven anti-gun stance, he voted for the violation of our constitutional rights when he voted YES on NM SB 5 - Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Order. Mr Soules voted for a bill that denies people, who have committed no crimes, their rights. He voted for a bill that convicts and strips law abiding citizens of their rights in secret proceedings in which they have no voice as their participation is not allowed. They are also not allowed legal representation as required by the 6th Amendment. They are not allowed to face their accuser, as required by the 6th Amendment's Confrontation Clause. The first time many find out there's a problem is when the police come knocking on the door, demanding they turn over their property, a violation of the 4th Amendment. It also violates the 14th Amendment - no due process.

Because of Soule's known anti-gun actions & his taking monies from Everytown For Gun Safety, this email of his to the New Mexico State Police, Department of Public Safety, and the COVID unit appears to be targeted harassment. And, worse, it's targeted harassment of a family owned, small business which is in his Senate district. He is harassing and snitching on a constituent who is just trying to make a living and support a family in these hard, dark times.

The other week, Soules ran uncontested in the primary. He will have an opponent in November, Dave Gallus, a retired law man. He understands the need for law and order. He also understands that Soules has failed our kids. You see, Soules is the Chair of the New Mexico Senate Education Committee. He has failed our kids & our schools. The state of New Mexico's educational system is dismal. Our schools are ranked 50th of 50th in the union.

One would think that Bill Soules would want to remain on friendly terms with his constituents, regardless of whether or not his likes them and/or their business. After all, he has to live with them unless he moves. Snitches are to be stigmatized. They are spies. Guess Soules doesn't care. Stigmatize him in November. Vote for the other guy, Dave Gallus. The only thing you have to lose is a snitch.

Yours in New Mexico

HRH Michelle Lujan-Grisham

I have to wonder what will Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham come up with today.

Well, that question has been answered. She is a tyrant.

After condoning mass protesters, rioters, looters and arsonists, today, she declared that she intends to keep the state locked down for at least another twelve to twenty-four months or until there is a vaccine. Has she even thought about the fact that not all viral diseases have vaccines?

 Her Health and Human Services Secretary, Dr Scrase, is not an epidemiologist. He is not a virologist or an infectious disease specialist. Dr Scrase is an internist and a geriatrician. Yet, Dr Scrase contradicts and discounts the words of Dr. Anthony Fauci, an immunologist who has served as the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Dr Fauci is also one of the lead members of the President's Corona task force. Dr Scrase also discounts the direction of the World Health Organization. I have to wonder about Dr Scrase as it is rumored he got the job because he was the physician for the governor's parents.

Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham has no credibility. What little she did have, is gone. Poof! It disappeared into thin air.

Her capricious rules are destroying this state. For instance, tap rooms, breweries, can open with restrictions, but not bars and wineries. That's just one example. She doesn't even follow her own rules. During this lockdown, she was on the Bob Clark Show. A listener called in and asked why was it her hair & makeup were always so perfectly coiffed for her television appearances. Her reply was like being hit with a cold, wet fish... "I have my stylist come in to do them. I have to look good on TV."

Then, there's the fact that she closed ALL 'non-essential' businesses: jewelers, clothing shops, thrift stores, etc. A gun store and pawn shop, Papas Pawn and Gun, in the town of Grants opened against her orders in April. The store owner enacted the same precautions that are used by Walmart and other big box stores, which were allowed to remain open. Papas was hit with a $60,000 fine! To quote the owner,

"On Monday, six or seven State police officers surrounded my small shop and it was really upsetting. That was a total show of force. They came to give me a court summons, treated me like I was a criminal, not a shop owner."

That same month, April, the Governor decided she wanted to purchase some jewelry. She called an employee of Lilly Barrack and purchased the jewelry over the phone. Now mind you, at that time, no one was allowed in the store, yet Governor Lujan-Grisham had the employee go to the store, get the jewelry, and place it outside the door, where a someone who knows the governor, rumored to be a staff member, picked it up and delivered it to her.

The governor's capricious and piecemeal approach regarding opening the state and its businesses is unjust and inequitable. She continues to show favoritism to big box stores, all while punishing mom & pop small businesses. There is no logic to her decisions.

Michelle Lujan-Grisham has failed. She has failed in her decisions; she has failed the state; and she has failed the good people of New Mexico. She has abused the New Mexico State Police and other law enforcement agencies in the state, using them as her own personal black shirts.

We will no longer comply with her unjust, unlawful mandates. We will no longer listen to her fear mongering. We will no longer tolerate her speaking down to us. We are not her children; we are her employers.

Yours in New Mexico...

You're Lucky We Let You Testify About Bills...

Those words were uttered by State Sen Joe Cervantes, if I remember correctly, during the 2020 Legislative session in Santa Fe. "Lucky"?  It is our duty as citizens to participate in our legislature. That being said, the Governor, Michelle Lujan-Grisham, has called for a Special Session. I've no idea what they are going to address, but they NEED to address the budget and the excessive spending that they approved earlier this year. The Governor and the Legislature have spent ALL of the $2 BILLION surplus that was left by the prior administration. They spent it in under 2 years! Totally irresponsible! 

So, I'm guessing during the Special Session, they're going to go after the Permanent Fund, to raid it. You may be asking, "What's the Permanent Fund?"

The Land Grant Permanent Fund is also known as the Permanent School Fund. It is one of the largest funds of its kind in the country, and every year provides more than a half-billion dollars in benefits to New Mexico's public schools, universities, and other beneficiaries ($784.2 million in FY20). The Fund gets its money from the state's natural resources: oil, gas, coal, and other finite resources. Those same resources which are under attack by the Governor with her mini "green new deal."

That's just info given to prime you for the real issue that's coming up with the Special Session - we are BANNED from attending & testifying for or against bills, bills that directly affect us and our pockets.

The Legislature has banned we the people, the citizens who elect & employ them, from attending and speaking at the session. They are denying us our right to participate in government. However, they are going to allow the media to attend.

In addition, lawmakers have mandated that all staff, who are working during the session, MUST be tested for COVID-19. However, the 'lawmakers' have EXEMPTED themselves from testing, saying that the lawmakers aren't required to be tested because we might have to bar any lawmaker that is COVID positive. If you ask me, they really seem to think they are better than everyone else, you know, we 'pee ons'. Nothing has been said as to whether the 'media' will have to be tested.

Democrat leaders are talking about allowing 'virtual' meetings. The New Mexico constitution, which they have a tendency to ignore, lawmakers are required to meet in person on budget matters. Last I knew, 'virtual' meetings aren't considered 'in person'.

Regardless of your political leanings, ALL citizens of New Mexico need to call their representatives and voice their displeasure & concerns over being eliminated from the legislative process. We are being denied our right to address our government and remember... 

"You're lucky we allow you to testify on bills at all."

Yours in the Socialist State of New Mexico...