Gregory Hollister

After ‘democracy’ theatrics, Sen. Luján now raising cash for election denier

12 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a move that is raising eyebrows, New Mexico Sen. Ben Ray Luján’s campaign has issued a fundraising email supporting Pennsylvania Democrat Bob Casey, who continues to challenge his recent Senate election defeat.

The November 15, 2024, email, framed as a rallying call to ensure “every Pennsylvanian’s voice is heard,” urges supporters to split contributions between Casey and Luján to fund recount efforts in a tight Pennsylvania Senate race.

It reads, “Help us fund the fight in Pennsylvania’s critical Senate race. All eyes are on us, and we can’t back down from this fight. Split $5 between Bob Casey and Ben Ray Luján now to fuel our efforts.” Another November 12, 2024, email was sent to Luján’s list from Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), who had previously made a similar request.

“I’m not $#!ting you when I say this is the most important race in the country now. We cannot afford to lose another Senate seat. Bob Casey MUST be re-elected to stand up to Republicans and Donald Trump in the Senate,” yet another November 13, 2024, email read, signed by far-left Democrat strategist Bob Carville. 

The race was called for Republican McCormick on November 7, 2024, by the left-leaning Associated Press.

This has drawn criticism from some who allege Democrats are attempting to undermine the election’s legitimacy by pushing to count ballots deemed invalid under state law.

With the Associated Press already calling the race for Republican Sen.-elect Dave McCormick, Casey trails by 26,000 votes—a deficit that triggered an automatic recount under Pennsylvania law. However, ongoing disputes center on the validity of thousands of mail-in ballots lacking required signatures or dates, which the Pennsylvania Supreme Court previously ruled must be excluded. Democratic officials in counties like Philadelphia and Montgomery have pushed back, arguing that such exclusions disenfranchise voters over clerical errors.

Sen. Bob Casey (middle) with former PA Gov. Tom Wolf (right).

Bucks County Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia exemplifies this defiance, stating, “I think we all know that precedent by a court doesn’t matter anymore in this country,” as she supported counting ballots that state law disqualifies. Meanwhile, Republican officials, including McCormick’s team, accuse Democrats of flouting legal precedent to “steal” the seat, prompting a series of lawsuits to ensure disqualified ballots are not counted.

For Luján, whose own reelection campaign is on the horizon, his backing of Casey has drawn scrutiny. Critics argue that by aligning himself with efforts they deem to undermine valid election outcomes, Luján risks being labeled as supporting an “election denier.” Luján previously campaigned with the election loser in September. Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley called the situation “left-wing election interference that undermines voter confidence,” while Democrats defend their stance as protecting fundamental voting rights.

Previously, Luján attempted to corner Trump on claims that there were vast anomalies in the 2024 election, blasting President-elect Trump for “attack[ing] the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election,” claiming he “undermine[d] the democratic process.”

“Our democracy faces clear and present dangers posed by Republican-led state legislatures across the country,” Luján said in a 2022 floor speech, claiming that voter ID laws curtail “democracy.”

Interestingly, in the same speech, he also noted, “And only one archaic parliamentary measure prohibits all this progress: the filibuster. The filibuster does not increase deliberation in this chamber; it does not incentivize compromise. It stands in the way of progress. So, while some claim that amending the filibuster would further this country’s division: I disagree.”

This comes as Democrats are poised to attempt to use the filibuster to try and stop President-elect Trump’s Cabinet nominees, and it interestingly could be un-“archaic” in his eyes now that he is no longer in the majority party.

The financial appeal sent to Luján’s supporters portrays the recount as a critical battle, but it may also signal strategic risks for the senator. With his 2026 reelection approaching, his support for a contested recount could shape perceptions of his political priorities at a sensitive time. According to the most recent political indexes available, New Mexico’s U.S. Senate race leans three points toward Democrats, which is prime for the taking by Republicans.

After ‘democracy’ theatrics, Sen. Luján now raising cash for election denier Read More »

Dem NM legislator tries to defend ‘gender-affirming care’ on kids

25 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a recent Albuquerque Journal op-ed, Democrat New Mexico State Rep. Dayan Hochman-Vigil of Albuquerque defended the radical House Bill 7 (HB 7), asserting that it safeguards access to “reproductive and gender-affirming health care.”

The Democrat writes, “I have been blessed to know and raise two kids who happen to be transgender. They are adults now, but like all parents, I love and support my kids and want to protect them from harm, so I am deeply disturbed to see Republicans try to play political games with their health care and the health care of all children.”

She contends that the bill does not permit minors to undergo transgender surgeries without parental involvement and emphasizes the purported benefits of gender-affirming care, including the use of puberty blockers, which she describes as “safe” and “reversible.”

However, a critical examination of these claims reveals significant concerns:

Parental Consent and HB 7

Contrary to Rep. Hochman-Vigil’s assertion that HB 7 does not allow minors to receive transgender surgeries without parental involvement, the bill’s language raises questions about parental rights. The legislation prohibits public bodies from denying, restricting, or interfering with an individual’s access to reproductive or gender-affirming health care. 

The bill does not address parental consent for minors seeking such treatments. This omission shows that these public bodies must allow minors to access certain medical interventions without parental approval. Critics of the radical legislation argue that this undermines parental authority and involvement in crucial health decisions affecting their children.

Reversibility and Safety of Puberty Blockers

Hochman-Vigil describes puberty blockers as “safe” and “reversible.” While a few vague and biased studies suggest that the effects of puberty blockers can be reversed upon discontinuation, the long-term consequences remain uncertain. A 2020 review by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) concluded that the evidence for the effectiveness and safety of puberty blockers is of very low certainty. 

Additionally, concerns have been raised about potential impacts on bone density and future fertility, indicating that the characterization of these treatments as entirely safe and reversible may be overly simplistic.

Mental Health Outcomes and Regret Rates

The op-ed cites studies indicating that gender-affirming care reduces depression and suicide risk among transgender individuals. While some research supports these findings, other studies highlight complexities. For instance, a 2021 systematic review published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery acknowledged limitations, including the lack of long-term follow-up data on regret for said surgeries and treatments. Furthermore, a 2023 study published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy questioned the robustness of evidence supporting the Dutch protocol, a widely adopted approach to treating gender dysphoria in adolescents, suggesting that more rigorous research is needed to fully understand the outcomes of such interventions.

Medical Authority and Ethical Concerns

The Cass Review in the UK, an independent review of gender identity services for children and young people, highlighted the need for more comprehensive data and called for caution in the medicalization of gender dysphoria in minors. The review emphasized the importance of thorough psychological assessment and the consideration of less invasive interventions before proceeding with medical treatments.

Conclusion

While Rep. Hochman-Vigil’s op-ed aims to defend HB 7 and the provision of gender-affirming care, it is essential to critically assess the claims presented. The complexities surrounding parental consent, the safety and reversibility of puberty blockers, mental health outcomes, and the ethical responsibilities of medical providers necessitate extreme skepticism, especially since many of her claims are flat-out false. 

Dem NM legislator tries to defend ‘gender-affirming care’ on kids Read More »

It’s Election Day! Which races could redefine NM politics in 2024?

3 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

As New Mexicans head to the polls Tuesday, voters are preparing to cast ballots in critical races that will influence the future direction of both the state and the nation, with Republicans setting their sights on flipping many legislative seats. From a fierce congressional contest to pivotal state legislature seats, this election offers conservative voters the best chance in decades to flip the state. Here’s what New Mexico voters need to know as they make their final decisions.

Spotlight on the Key Races

With the U.S. Presidency up for grabs, 45th President Donald J. Trump is within the margin of error in New Mexico against Democrat Kamala Harris, according to polling, with the best shot at flipping the state in 20 years.

In New Mexico’s Second Congressional District, incumbent Democrat Gabe Vasquez faces a strong challenge from Republican former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell. The race is expected to be close, with Vasquez and Herrell presenting sharply different views on topics such as immigration reform, energy policies, and economic growth, with Vasquez’s lengthy rap sheet and far-left voting record a sticking point of the campaign.

The U.S. Senate race currently held by far-left Sen. Martin Heinrich is one of the closest in recent history. According to recent polling, Republican Nella Domenici is just a single point away from clinching the seat. 

New Boundaries in State Senate Races

This year’s Senate election will be the first conducted under newly redrawn district lines implemented after recent redistricting. This shift has left several seats in a tighter balance between Democrats and Republicans, even though some districts remain solidly partisan. While Democrats have fielded candidates in 33 of the state’s Senate districts, Republicans compete in 24.

Several notable races with slim performance margins include:

  • Senate District 9: With no incumbent, far-left Democrat and “DACA” recipient Cindy Nava and Republican Audrey Trujillo are vying for the seat, which has a slight Democratic tilt based on voting patterns. This district spans Sandoval County and parts of Albuquerque’s Paradise Hills neighborhood, making it a closely watched race.
  • Senate District 12: Following significant redistricting changes, this district leans Republican, providing Sandoval County Commissioner Jay Block with a potential advantage over Democrat Phillip Ramirez. The district, once in Albuquerque’s downtown, now covers parts of Rio Rancho, shifting the voter demographic.
  • Senate District 18: Democrat state Rep. Natalie Figueroa and Republican Kurstin Johnson compete for an open seat that retains a modest Democratic lean in Albuquerque. However, the recent boundary shifts may influence its competitiveness.
  • Senate District 20: Incumbent Democrat state Sen. Martin Hickey is fighting to hold onto his seat in a district that is closely divided between parties. Hickey’s strong Republican opponent, Wayne Yevoli, aims to shift the balance in this Foothills region of Albuquerque.
  • Senate District 29: With a new layout spanning from Los Lunas to Socorro, this race has Republican Sen. Joshua Sanchez and Democrat Tina Garcia competing in what is now a slightly Republican-leaning district.

Key House Races to Watch

The New Mexico House of Representatives, already operating under redistricted lines from 2022, will also see its fair share of competitive seats. Democrats previously won 10 of the 12 House districts decided by narrow margins, but many key races are expected to be nail-biters, including the following:

  • House District 17: Democrat Cynthia Borrego and Republican Joshua Neal are competing for a district with moderate Democratic leanings.
  • House District 28: Incumbent Democrat Pamelya Herndon is defending her seat against Republican Marcie May.
  • House District 53: Far-left radical Sarah Silva (D) is running against Elizabeth Winterrowd (R) in a district that could swing.
  • House District 68: Democrat Charlotte Little and Republican Nathan Brooks are vying for a district with one of the slimmest partisan margins.

How to Vote: Locations, Options, and Deadlines

New Mexico voters can verify polling locations on the New Mexico Secretary of State’s website or by contacting their local county clerk’s office. Polls open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, November 5. 

If voters still have their absentee ballots but have not yet turned them in, they can hand-deliver them to a polling location or a drop box.

Voters are encouraged to check their sample ballots in advance to be familiar with all races and any ballot measures. If voting absentee, double-check that your ballot is signed and submitted correctly.

Resources and Reminders

For comprehensive election details, including sample ballots, polling place information, and voter ID requirements, visit the New Mexico Secretary of State’s website at NMVote.org.

New Mexico voters have a vital opportunity to shape the future of their communities and the state. Making an informed vote on November 5 ensures every vote counts.

It’s Election Day! Which races could redefine NM politics in 2024? Read More »

Lujan Grisham flips out after TX Gov. Abbott’s razor wire on NM border

26 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has expressed frustration in response to Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s ongoing efforts to fortify the Texas border with New Mexico, but Abbott’s actions reflect his firm commitment to securing his state from illegal immigration—something that Lujan Grisham has failed to address in the Land of Enchantment.

Gov. Abbott’s latest move involved deploying the Texas National Guard to install additional razor wire and fencing along the Rio Grande, particularly in the El Paso area. This action comes as part of his broader initiative to curb illegal crossings into Texas, a significant issue. 

Abbott has emphasized that Texas cannot sit idly by while the federal government struggles to address the ongoing border crisis. “Texas is fighting back. We are tripling our razor wire border barriers to deny illegal entry into our state and our country,” Abbott tweeted, underscoring his proactive stance on border security.

While Governor Lujan Grisham criticized the move, suggesting Abbott is treating Texas as if it were its own country (which it actually used to be) and ignoring the interconnectedness between states, particularly in regions like the oil-rich Permian Basin, her stance contrasts starkly with Abbott’s. 

“Gov. Abbott seems to be pushing to make Texas its own country without regard for his neighbors or the fact that Texas is already part of a great nation—the United States,” she claimed.

She has remained the only border-state governor to reject federal assistance aimed at alleviating the migrant influx, positioning her as an outlier among her peers when it comes to border management. This has left New Mexico more exposed to the fallout from border security lapses, particularly in areas like Sunland Park, where smuggling activities have been rampant.

Abbott and his supporters see these actions as essential in the absence of meaningful federal reform. Texas has seen firsthand the consequences of a porous border, and Abbott’s efforts reflect a commitment to filling the security gaps that, in his view, the Biden administration has neglected.

Lujan Grisham’s refusal to take similar actions or cooperate with Texas on border security continues to raise questions, especially as Texas remains vigilant in protecting its residents. While Abbott is taking tangible steps to safeguard his state, Lujan Grisham’s criticism highlights the stark difference in leadership approaches between the two border governors.

Lujan Grisham flips out after TX Gov. Abbott’s razor wire on NM border Read More »

Starbucks under fire in Taos—literally! What’s sparking the outrage?

11 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

After two incidents of arson at a Starbucks construction site in Taos, New Mexico, a determined developer is making another attempt to establish the town’s first drive-through location for the coffee giant. The small community of 6,500, known for its history of resistance to outside influences, has given the would-be Starbucks the moniker “Charbucks.” In response to the attacks, a construction firm from Albuquerque has bolstered security with video surveillance and an on-site guard stationed in a camouflaged trailer.

The planned Starbucks, which the company aims to open by the spring of 2025, has sparked a range of reactions among locals. Just a short distance away, patrons at World Cup, one of Taos’ oldest independent coffee shops, remain guarded in their comments. One local, Todd Lazar, expressed his thoughts, saying, “We don’t know who did it, but we loved it,” reflecting the sentiment that national chains like Starbucks are unwelcome intrusions into the town’s unique culture.

Opposition to Starbucks in Taos mirrors the criticisms the chain has faced globally, with detractors arguing that it threatens local businesses and drains money from communities. Stickers opposing the Starbucks, featuring the company’s mermaid logo engulfed in flames with the face replaced by La Calavera Catrina—a figure associated with Mexico’s Day of the Dead—have appeared on local businesses.

The site of the intended Starbucks has been marred by two fires, the first in August 2023, followed by another in October. The initial attack left the words “NO” (preceded by an expletive) spray-painted on the partially burned structure. 

Sylvia Rodriguez, an emerita professor of anthropology at the University of New Mexico, described Taos as a “dynamic and volatile contact zone,” reflecting the town’s complex cultural landscape and historical resistance to outside influence. Despite these challenges, the Taos town council has supported the Starbucks project, viewing it as a source of jobs and tax revenue. However, local business owners like Andrea Meyer argue that jobs aren’t the issue, but rather the lack of affordable housing that forces many workers out of the area.

Following the second arson attack, two or three national chains reconsidered their plans to set up shop in Taos, according to Christopher Larsen, the town’s economic development director. He noted that the prevailing sentiment is that “Taos doesn’t want corporate America.”

Starbucks, a wake corporation, has emphasized the safety of its employees as a top priority. While no injuries are reported from the fires, the company plans to work closely with local law enforcement once the store opens. The town has offered a $30,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the fires, but so far, no arrests have been made, though authorities believe they have identified suspects.

Pablo Flores, owner of the Coffee Apothecary in Taos, expressed a mix of dismay at the growing presence of national chains and condemnation of the violent actions against them. Flores urged those unhappy with Taos’ changes to simply not support such businesses rather than resort to destruction, emphasizing, “Don’t burn it down, that’s not cool.”

Starbucks under fire in Taos—literally! What’s sparking the outrage? Read More »

Border Patrol arrests terrorist bomb maker in NM, second suspect on the run

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico has become a focal point for security concerns, as it serves as a crossing point for criminal and terrorist aliens attempting to enter the United States. 

Recently, law enforcement in New Mexico arrested a Palestinian man at the border who was previously convicted in Israel for making bombs. 

The man, who had served 20 months in an Israeli prison for his involvement in terrorism, was apprehended as he tried to cross into the U.S. through the southern border.

The arrest is raising alarms among law enforcement agencies, as it highlights the potential for terrorists to exploit vulnerabilities in the U.S. border security system. According to sources, the search continues for another suspect believed to have terrorist ties, sparking concerns about whether more such individuals could successfully enter the U.S. unnoticed.

One key issue raised by local law enforcement is the lack of communication between federal agencies and regional police forces. News reports have indicated that while Border Patrol agents were alerted to the potential threat posed by bomb makers attempting to cross the border, local authorities were not informed in advance. 

This has led to frustration among local officials who feel they are not receiving the critical intelligence needed to protect their communities effectively.

New Mexico, with its vast, difficult-to-monitor terrain, is increasingly being seen as a hub for illegal crossings by criminal elements, including those with terrorist connections. 

The arrest of the Palestinian bomb maker is a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges at the southern border and the need for better coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement to prevent further incidents. New Mexico’s Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has refused calls to send resources down to the border to apprehend criminal aliens, terrorist aliens, and the flow of deadly fentanyl.

The hunt for the second suspect continues as security concerns mount.

Border Patrol arrests terrorist bomb maker in NM, second suspect on the run Read More »

NM’s July voter registration stats look promising for GOP

3 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Registration statistics from New Mexico show that the number of Republicans is surging, at least in July, with a large number of new voters registered in the Land of Enchantment.

As Democrats continue infighting while lame-duck Biden stalls in the presidency and Kamala Harris attempts a shot at the White House, Democrats are slipping behind the GOP in new voter registrations.

1,233 new registered Republicans have appeared on the voter rolls, while Democrats only added 590 new voters in the same month.

Nationwide, it looks even more promising for Republicans, with a total of 252,794 new GOP voters added, while the Democrats lost 19,088 voters.

In California alone, Republicans added 94,667 voters while Democrats lost 43,733.

Democrats have reportedly lost 3.5 million voters since the contested 2020 election. Republicans have added a net 393,365 voters, while Democrats lost 3,584,321. New York and Pennsylvania have lost the most Democrats, with the Empire State Losing 410,386 and the Keystone State losing 329,289, respectively. 

New Mexico has lost 29,397 Democrats, while Republicans in the Land of Enchantment have lost only 3,963. 

With states like New Mexico in play for Republicans, momentum appears to be shifting toward the Grand Old Party.

In the state, the latest polls show Republican 45th President Donald Trump trailing Kamala Harris by a mere seven percent while Republican Nella Domenici is trailing U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich by only six points — showing the state is very much in play.

The latest voter registration data for New Mexico can be accessed here.

New NM polling: Trump, Domenici within single digits of beating Dems

NM’s July voter registration stats look promising for GOP Read More »

‘Shame on you’: Livid gov trashes ‘never serious,’ ‘failed’ Dems for resisting her

19 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Monday morning, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham visited a problematic area in downtown Albuquerque to highlight the need for the upcoming special legislative session aimed at addressing public safety and mental health issues.

Governor Lujan Grisham criticized some legislators for canceling critical meetings, lunches, and hearings ahead of the special session, stating, “Which tells me they were never serious about supporting any of these issues in the first place. My message for them on behalf of the business owners and the people living here is, ‘Shame on you.’”

Amid pushback from Democrat leaders, the governor declared, “Enough is enough.” She emphasized that legislative and city leaders, including Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, are committed to tackling these pressing issues. “I’ve got legislative policy markers, lawmakers who have a sense that the mayor and I, and others, aren’t really considering this issue from an affordability and a place of compassion,” Lujan Grisham said, aiming to prove her critics wrong.

During her visit to 1st Street and Prospect Avenue, an area plagued by homeless encampments, Mayor Keller noted, “We had 3,000 calls for service for encampments, and as I mentioned, we clean about 200 encampments a month.” Both the governor and mayor believe the proposed bills could bring much-needed relief. “You can’t walk on the sidewalk. You can’t enter these businesses. These business owners can barely keep their doors open. They spend more time on their own public safety and the environment around their business,” Lujan Grisham added.

One proposed bill would change how courts handle offenders found incompetent to stand trial. “If these individuals will not seek care and break the law and come right back to the streets, there is nothing we can do to interrupt this chaos,” the governor stated.

Local business owners, like William Johnson of ABQ’s Best Equipment Service, are frustrated with the situation. “We’re scared to be out there sometimes because they are throwing needles over the fence while we are back there working. Same thing, they are out there smoking whatever,” Johnson said.

Governor Lujan Grisham urged New Mexicans to support the special session, stating, “The climate is so harsh that you are not safe anywhere. I would say to those legislators, ‘I don’t believe New Mexicans think you can wait, and I don’t frankly understand why you think you can.’” She called on citizens to contact their lawmakers and hold them accountable for either addressing the issues or allowing the chaos to continue.

The special session, set to begin on Thursday, has sparked significant debate among lawmakers. Democrat leaders held a news conference on Monday, arguing that the session is a waste of time and taxpayer money. They claim there has been insufficient time to reach a consensus on the proposed bills.

“We appreciate the important issues that the governor has raised, calling this special session, particularly around the nexus of behavioral health care and public safety,” said House Speaker Javier Martinez. However, he emphasized the need for thorough legislative consideration, stating, “As state lawmakers, we also have a constitutional duty as a separate and coequal branch of government to fully consider the legislation that comes before us and the potential impact it may have on New Mexicans.”

Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth criticized the timing of the special session, stating, “Special sessions only work when the bills are cooked. We thought we had an agreement with the governor that she wouldn’t proceed unless there was consensus. The governor went ahead and called this session before we had even started working on these bills; that’s certainly her prerogative.” He added, “We have worked hard to try and find bipartisan consensus on the bills that were proposed. As the speaker said, we’re just not there.”

Senator Mimi Stewart expressed concern about rushing the process, stating, “We do not believe these concerns can be effectively remedied in a very condensed special legislative session. It’s simply too important to rush into this and risk harming that will take up more of our time down the road to unwind and repair.”

Republicans, meanwhile, are eager to address public safety issues. House Republican Leader Rod Montoya said, “Once again, progressive Democrats have failed to take the New Mexico crime problem seriously. House Republicans are prepared with a tough-on-crime package and are ready to work. New Mexicans are relying on their elected officials to ensure their safety. However, this chaos in the Roundhouse is disheartening and leaves New Mexicans feeling less secure than ever.”

Senate Republican Leader Greg Baca echoed this sentiment, stating, “Despite all of the voices of detractors on the prospect of improving our state, anything we can do to make our families safer is worth our time. We have many bills we are ready to introduce during this special session that we believe would make a measurable impact in the lives of the people of our state and we are ready to work with anyone to meaningfully address public safety.”

Governor Lujan Grisham’s spokesman released a statement criticizing Democrat legislative leaders for not engaging meaningfully with the governor’s proposals. “The governor’s proposals to improve public safety in New Mexico in a special session should have come as no surprise to any lawmaker who was paying attention. Legislators had competency legislation on their plate beginning in January, and they rejected it. Gov. Lujan Grisham then began signaling her intent to call a special session before the end of the regular session in February.”

The statement continued, “Democratic legislative leaders have failed to meaningfully engage with the governor and her team on the substance of her proposals to help keep New Mexicans safe. Over the past several months, they’ve resisted productive discussions of what would be possible to accomplish in a special session and refused to offer any viable legislative alternatives. If lawmakers adjourn without taking up the governor’s proposals to make our state safer this week, the decision will come at the expense of New Mexicans who are demanding public safety reforms. Just today, the governor met with two business owners in Albuquerque who have been assaulted and burglarized at their place of business. Crime is a serious problem in New Mexico. This can’t wait.”

‘Shame on you’: Livid gov trashes ‘never serious,’ ‘failed’ Dems for resisting her Read More »

Parents in seven NM school districts left in the dark about kids being ‘transitioned’

28 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Seven major New Mexico school districts, responsible for the education of thousands of children, have implemented policies that allow students to change their “gender identity” in school without notifying their parents, as revealed by the DailyMail.com.

The conservative group Parents Defending Education (PDE) uncovered these policies through public records requests. The documents show that teachers are instructed to help transgender students change their names, pronouns, clothing, and gender identity without parental knowledge.

Transgender advocates argue that these guidelines are essential for protecting students from unsupportive parents. However, many parents believe these policies are dangerous and deny them the opportunity to support their children through difficult times.

PDE’s outreach director, Erika Sanzi, criticized the schools for their “indefensible and likely illegal” policies, stating, “Any time a school participates in or facilitates a student’s transition, they are engaging in a psychosocial intervention that requires parental notification and consent. Federal law guarantees parents the right to view every record maintained by the district, and that includes gender support plans.”

The schools in question—Los Alamos Public Schools, Rio Rancho Public Schools, Las Cruces Public Schools, Gallup-McKinley County Schools, Moriarty-Edgewood School District, Santa Fe Public Schools, and Gadsden Independent School District—did not respond to inquiries from DailyMail.com. PDE plans to add these schools to its national database of institutions with secret transgender policies.

New Mexico is known for its progressive stance on transgender youth, offering protections from discrimination and bullying. Last year, Democratic Governor Michelle Grisham signed a law safeguarding sex-change procedures in the state.

Santa Fe Public Schools, comprising 28 institutions, has one of the most stringent confidentiality policies, instructing teachers to “MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY — THIS IS CRITICAL.” The internal guide states, “Do NOT share the student’s transgender status with anyone else. This is HIGHLY confidential information.” Parents are only informed if a student wishes to change their name or gender marker in the school’s database.

In the Moriarty-Edgewood School District, teachers are instructed to determine if students “feel safe” and whether their “parents know” about their gender transition. When parents are unaware, only a counselor is involved.

The documents also include educational materials like the “Gender Unicorn,” which promotes the concept of gender as a fluid spectrum, and the ‘Genderbread Person,’ which educates about intersex and ‘genderqueer’ identities. These materials aim to challenge traditional notions of biological sex.

Parents’ concerns extend beyond New Mexico. In Wisconsin, a group of parents recently protested a gender support policy in the Eau Claire Area School District, appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on the matter. The group, Parents Protecting Our Children, argues that the district’s policy violates their constitutional rights by excluding them from their children’s gender transitions.

Nicholas Barry, a lawyer from America First Legal, asserted that the Supreme Court “should step in and protect parental rights,” emphasizing that parental exclusion from a child’s social transition is “simply disconnected from reality.”

Schools face pressure to support transgender students amidst a politically charged environment where gender identity has become a contentious issue. This debate includes whether “trans” teens should use restrooms and participate in sports that align with their gender identity. These matters often result in legal battles, with varying outcomes depending on the state.

Parents of transgender-identifying children express concerns about external influences, such as classmates, social media, and school staff. Some parents believe their children may not truly be transgender and advocate for delaying irreversible steps like puberty blockers or surgery, citing underlying mental health issues as a more significant factor.

The number of transgender children aged 13 to 17 has doubled, and insurance claims for puberty blockers and hormones have similarly increased. Supporters of “gender-affirming care” attribute this rise to greater awareness and acceptance, while concerned parents warn of a potential “social contagion.”

Parents in seven NM school districts left in the dark about kids being ‘transitioned’ Read More »

Vasquez posts bond, pleads no contest after TX authorities execute warrant

23 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In March, police in El Paso, Texas, executed an arrest warrant against New Mexico Democratic congressman Gabe Vasquez, according to court documents obtained by the Washington Free Beacon.

The documents reveal that Vasquez failed to appear in court over two decades ago, in 2002, following charges of driving without a license, driving without insurance, and disregarding an “official traffic control device.” Subsequently, he was cited for failure to appear in court in September 2007, leading to an arrest warrant being issued in April 2008.

An El Paso constable executed the warrant on March 19. Vasquez paid a cash bond of nearly $900, pleaded no contest, and waived his right to a jury trial. According to court filings, Vasquez faces a pre-trial hearing in September and risks a conviction and forfeiture of his bond if he does not appear. A spokesperson for Vasquez described the September hearing as an “administrative mistake” and promised to provide the necessary documentation.

Vasquez’s plea document identifies his employment as “United States Congress.”

Despite the legal issues, Vasquez continued his public duties. On March 19, as his representative paid the bond, Vasquez hosted a “tele-town hall.” The following day, he issued a statement criticizing a “dangerous Supreme Court ruling” that allowed Texas to enforce a law permitting local police to arrest migrants temporarily.

“These traffic fines from over two decades ago when the congressman was 18 years old were paid off and no further action has been requested,” stated Vasquez’s campaign manager, Dylan McArthur.

Born in El Paso, Vasquez now resides in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Before his congressional run in 2022, he spent years criticizing law enforcement. During the summer of 2020, he called for the deconstruction and rebuilding of systems he described as oppressive, including law enforcement and the economy. He stated, “As long as white folks dominate this nation’s wealth and preside over our nation’s governing bodies and judicial systems, the racism, killing, and injustice will continue.”

While serving on the Las Cruces City Council, Vasquez often advocated for cutting police budgets and reforming law enforcement practices. In emails to constituents in 2020, he highlighted his involvement in a “small police-council group” focused on de-escalation guidelines and expressed strong support for police reform and the Black Lives Matter movement. “I wholeheartedly and absolutely support police reform and the #blacklivesmatter movement, and will not be stopping short of transformational reform that brings justice to our city and to people of color in our community,” he wrote.

During his 2022 congressional campaign, Vasquez shifted his public stance, removing social media posts that rationalized rioting after George Floyd’s death. He positioned himself as a law enforcement supporter, telling CNN he did not believe defunding the police was a path to fair criminal justice. In one campaign ad, he featured a retired sheriff affirming Vasquez’s support for law enforcement.

Vasquez narrowly won his congressional seat in 2022, defeating Republican incumbent Yvette Herrell by less than one point. He has launched his reelection campaign and will face Herrell again in a rematch this November.

Vasquez posts bond, pleads no contest after TX authorities execute warrant Read More »

1 2 3 4

Stay Updated

Scroll to Top