Gregory Hollister

NM AG says Meta is ‘single largest marketplace for pedophiles’

14 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The New Mexico Attorney General, Raúl Torrez, has initiated a lawsuit against the social media giant Meta, accusing it of facilitating child trafficking on its platforms. Torrez expressed his concern, stating, “Meta is the ‘largest marketplace for predators and pedophiles globally.’” 

This legal action coincides with congressional hearings where Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, along with other executives, is being questioned about their platforms’ role in online child sexual exploitation.

Dima Solomin, Unsplash.

Torrez’s investigation into Meta has revealed alarming findings, suggesting a significant problem with child sexual exploitation on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. He mentioned, “There was an explosion of sexual interest from users attracted to the undercover accounts,” highlighting the severity of the issue. Internal documents from Meta have estimated that around 100,000 children face sexual harassment on Facebook and Instagram daily.

The lawsuit aims to hold Meta accountable for its alleged failure to prevent the use of its platforms for harmful activities against children. Torrez emphasized the need for Meta to prioritize user safety, especially for children, stating, “Fundamentally, we’re trying to get Meta to change how it does business and prioritize the safety of its users.”

Meta has defended its practices, asserting that it employs sophisticated technology and experts to combat child exploitation, reporting harmful content to relevant authorities and disabling accounts that violate its child safety policies.

This legal battle, still in its early stages, seeks to bring about significant changes in how Meta operates, with a focus on enhancing the safety and protection of its youngest users.

NM AG says Meta is ‘single largest marketplace for pedophiles’ Read More »

Legislative update: Anti-gun, eco-left, union bills to be heard in committees

14 Comments / Action Alert, New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Starting Monday, radical leftist bills are being heard in legislative committees, including proposals to take Second Amendment rights away from law-abiding citizens, “diversity, equity, and inclusion” bills, and more.

On Saturday, the House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee voted 7-4 along party lines to pass a “clean fuels standard” (H.B. 41) that will raise gas prices by 50 cents or more per gallon. 

On Monday at 8:30 a.m., the House Health and Human Services Committee (HHHSC) will consider H.B. 35 from Rep. Pamelya Herndon (D-Albuquerque) to create an “office of diversity, equity, and inclusion” at the University of New Mexico, which would cost the taxpayers $1.2 million annually.

The Zoom details for the HCPAC meeting are below:

On Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee (HCPAC) will consider H.B. 27 by Rep. Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque) to expand the state’s “red flag” law, to further encroach on New Mexicans’ constitutional rights.

HCPAC will also hear Tuesday H.B. 114 by Rep. Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos) to target the firearm industry by opening manufacturers, FFLs, and even payment processors up to swaths of frivolous lawsuits to attempt to stop their commerce in the state. 

The Zoom details for the HCPAC meeting are below:

On Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., the House Labor, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee (LVMAC) will consider H.B. 119, a union bill by Rep. Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D-Albuquerque), that aims to inject the state between collective bargaining agreements and implement more mandates upon the rail industry. 

The Zoom details for the LVMAC meeting are below:

On Tuesday at 9:00 a.m., the Senate Conservation Committee will consider a bill, S.B. 2, from Sen. Bill Tallman (D-Albuquerque) to further harm the oil and gas industry by increasing the royalty rates for oil and gas tracts of land through the New Mexico State Land Office.

Legislative update: Anti-gun, eco-left, union bills to be heard in committees Read More »

Vasquez’s ties to pro-Palestinian extremists revealed

20 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a recent development that has sparked widespread debate, Democratic politician Gabe Vasquez has been linked to radical pro-Palestine groups, raising questions about his political alliances and beliefs. This connection surfaced following the discovery of Vasquez’s participation in a 2018 rally, where he was photographed speaking in front of a poster bearing the slogan, “From Palestine to Mexico, all walls gotta go.” This phrase has become a controversial rallying cry for various advocacy groups that are critical of immigration policies and Israel’s actions in Palestine. 

The slogan has a history of association with extreme advocacy groups and has been notably used in protests against U.S. immigration policies and in demonstrations against Israel. It made appearances in 2017 during airport protests, at UC Santa Barbara, and was prominently chanted at a 2016 protest outside the AIPAC Policy Conference. The recent resurgence of the slogan, especially in light of the latest Palestine-Israel conflict, has been evident at events such as the disruption of Anthony Blinken’s Capitol Hill hearing, a march in Washington DC, and a Baltimore Harbor Christmas Village event.

The U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights (USCPR), known for its strong criticism of Israel, has been credited with popularizing this rallying cry. The USCPR has made several controversial statements, labeling Israel as an apartheid state and accusing it of genocide and occupation.

Other radical and antisemitic groups have also used the slogan. Code Pink, a Left-wing international advocacy group, has utilized similar phrasing in their discussions of the Gaza security fence and the Mexico border wall. United We Dream, a youth-led organization, has echoed the sentiment on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter.

Amid these revelations, questions arise regarding Vasquez’s stance. Does he align with these radical groups and their advocacy against securing the southern border?

National Republican Congressional Committee Spokeswoman Delanie Bomar commented on the matter, saying, “Whether it’s supporting open borders, defunding law enforcement, or rallying behind antisemitic causes, there’s always a new radical low for Gabe Vasquez. His extremism is out of control, and he’s massively out of step with hardworking, commonsense New Mexicans.”

This controversy emerged just days after Vasquez downplayed the significance of border issues, prompting CNN anchor John Berman to challenge his perspective. In addition, Vasquez’s call for a ceasefire in the Palestine-Israel conflict aligns him with other groups labeled as extreme. His previous statements regarding the southern border crisis and efforts to secure the border have been contentious.

With a recent influx of 302,000 illegal immigrants crossing the southern border in December, which directly affects Vasquez’s district, these connections and his past remarks have become a focal point of concern and discussion.

Vasquez’s ties to pro-Palestinian extremists revealed Read More »

Trump’s amazing Iowa performance triggers Melanie Stansbury

18 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a striking display of political momentum, 45th President Donald Trump has decisively dominated the Iowa caucuses, outpacing his nearest GOP rival by over 30 points. This commanding lead has not only cemented the Republican primary landscape but has also sent shockwaves across the political spectrum for far-left Democrats, stirring reactions from various quarters, including New Mexico Democrat U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury of the First District.

Stansbury, known for her extreme progressive viewpoint, expressed significant concern following Trump’s overwhelming victory in Iowa. Her reaction mirrors the broader apprehension among progressives, who view Trump’s resurgence as a challenge to their policy goals and a potential shift in the national political dialogue.

“Donald Trump is the biggest threat to our democracy. We must beat him in November,” wrote Stansbury, proceeding to beg for campaign donations following the massive victory by the 45th President.

Trump’s triumph in Iowa is more than a mere numerical victory; it’s a potent symbol of his enduring influence within the Republican Party and his ability to mobilize a substantial voter base. His more than 30-point lead over competitors like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley is a testament to his continued appeal among GOP voters, despite the controversies and debates surrounding his presidency and subsequent political activities.

For progressives like Stansbury, Trump’s performance in Iowa is a call to action. It highlights the need for unity and strategic planning within the Democratic Party to counter the Trump-led Republican momentum. The far-left factions, in particular, see this as an imperative moment to reassess their positions and strategies in anticipation of a potential Trump candidacy in the 2024 presidential race.

Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, who claimed to be one of the two “America First” candidates in the race, called it quits shortly after Trump’s victory.

Trump’s amazing Iowa performance triggers Melanie Stansbury Read More »

Court proceedings begin in NM’s legal fight over governor’s emergency powers

6 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Monday, the New Mexico Supreme Court was the stage for a major legal showdown, as it heard oral arguments in a lawsuit filed by the Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM), joined by GOP state legislators, the National Rifle Association (NRA), former law enforcement officers, and private citizens. 

The lawsuit targets far-left anti-gun Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Secretary of the Department of Health Patrick M. Allen, accusing them of using public health orders to infringe upon New Mexicans’ Second Amendment rights via executive order.

Attorney Jessica Hernandez, representing the plaintiffs, challenged the governor’s emergency orders. She argued that these orders overstepped the bounds of emergency statutes, representing an invalid exercise of emergency power. Hernandez emphasized the concern of a single individual bypassing the legislature, having the authority to declare an emergency based on subjective and unspecified criteria, thereby making significant public policy and funding decisions.

Hernandez also pointed out that the public health order from the NM Health Secretary does not constitute an imminent threat. She argued that relying on data spanning over a decade does not establish an emergency but rather a chronic issue.

During the hearing, Justice Briana H. Zamora inquired about the limits of the governor’s power to declare public health emergencies. Holly Agajanian, the governor’s chief general counsel, admitted uncertainty, stating, “I don’t know.” This admission underscores the fear that such emergency powers could lead to future rights violations.

Chief Justice C. Shannon Bacon reflected on the plaintiffs’ viewpoint, suggesting the potential for almost anything to be labeled a public health emergency from the governor’s perspective, although she failed to let Hernandez answer questions without consistently interrupting.

The justices posed several hypothetical scenarios, including one where the governor might declare an emergency to suspend driving rights due to DUIs, drawing parallels to the initial emergency order that suspended open and concealed carry of firearms. Agajanian differentiated, noting that the amended order no longer bans concealed and open carry.

The current public health order prohibits firearms in parks and playgrounds. However, Justice Michael E. Vigil observed that the emergency declarations lacked statistical evidence of gun violence issues in these areas.

Justice Zamora noted that many programs within the public health order could have been implemented without an emergency declaration, but the declaration facilitated funding. She expressed concerns about potential overreach through emergency orders, questioning the implications of granting unilateral power over fund allocation.

The lawsuit and the court’s eventual decision are poised to have significant implications for the balance of power in New Mexico and the interpretation of emergency powers in relation to constitutional rights.

WATCH: 

Court proceedings begin in NM’s legal fight over governor’s emergency powers Read More »

NM’s conspiracy theorist Dems renew annual performative January 6 theater

29 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Saturday — the third anniversary of the January 6 incursion of the U.S. Capitol — New Mexico’s Democrat conspiracy theorists outdid themselves with manufactured outrage after the event, which resulted in the death of Ashli Babbitt, whom a Capitol Police Officer brutally murdered.

Democrat Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-CD-3) inaccurately claimed an “armed mob” stormed the Capitol, which was not true, as a vast majority of protesters that day were not armed whatsoever.

“On this day three years ago — just my fourth day in Congress — an armed mob of Donald Trump’s supporters desecrated our beloved Capitol Building in a deadly attack on Congress and American democracy itself,” Leger Fernandez wrote, adding, “Trump will undoubtedly try to attack our democracy again.”

Far-left Democrat Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-CD-2) wrote in an email, “John, today marks the 3-year anniversary of a dark day in American history. On January 6, 2021, extremists launched an egregious attack on Capitol Hill and our democracy.” 

Extreme far-leftist Melanie Stansbury, representative for New Mexico’s First District, wrote on X, “Three years ago we watched Trump spark an insurrection. We saw our capital attacked by extremists and we saw our very Democracy shaken. Today is a reminder that our voice and our vote matter and in 2024 we must defeat Trump.”

Socialist Sen. Martin Heinrich appeared to say January 6 was worse than horrific terrorist attacks, such as September 11, 2001, writing, “Three years ago, I witnessed the most foundationally shaking moment of my adult life. It is a sobering reminder that even our great democracy is vulnerable to those willing to hold on to power at all costs. That day, democracy prevailed. We must work to make sure it always does.” 

“Our Democracy isn’t given. We have to work to protect it. Three years ago this was proven. We all have the sacred responsibility of honoring the outcome of our elections. Those who do not must be held accountable,” wrote Sen. Ben Ray Luján.

The New Mexico Democrat Party added, “Even three years after the January 6th, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, NM Republicans are still beholden to insurrectionist MAGA ideology. Despite being largely rejected by the voters ever since the insurrection, New Mexico Republicans and their prominent figureheads refuse to respect our democracy.”

The Party continued, “New Mexican voters spoke loud and clear in the 2022 election and rejected Trump’s radical brand of extremism. But the New Mexico Republican Party continues to put Trump’s MAGA agenda ahead of the needs of everyday New Mexicans.” 

Unconstitutional Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham wrote, “As we celebrate the 112th anniversary of statehood, we are also reminded of the duty we all have in upholding democracy. The acts of insurrection on Jan. 6 have no place in the United States. As governor, I commit to safeguarding democracy today and for generations to come,” despite unilaterally taking away New Mexicans’ gun rights via executive order — the opposite of “democracy.” 

Note: Not a single individual has been convicted for the charge of “insurrection,” while Democrats attempt to pursue “insurrection” charges to forcibly thwart President Trump from the ballot in 2024. The U.S. Supreme Court will soon hear the case on the matter. 

NM’s conspiracy theorist Dems renew annual performative January 6 theater Read More »

The ACLU once again turns on Gov. Lujan Grisham

4 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a recent op-ed, Kristin Greer Love, the Senior Civil Liberties Attorney for the ACLU of New Mexico, criticizes Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for an executive order that adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s “working definition of antisemitism.” 

Love claims that this order, Executive Order 2022-118, poses a threat to constitutional rights, particularly free speech, as it could be used to suppress criticism of Israel’s policies and support for Palestinian rights. It is unclear, however, why the group is only speaking out about the 2022 order now.

The op-ed highlights students in New Mexico expressing their support for Palestine through various actions, including protests and calls to end state subsidies for a leading weapons manufacturer supplying Israel. Love says these actions are protected under both the New Mexico and U.S. constitutions.

Executive Order 2022-118 has drawn criticism for adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition, which, according to Love’s interpretation, conflates criticisms of Israel’s government and support for Palestinian rights with antisemitism.

The ACLU of New Mexico has urged the governor to rescind the executive order. Love emphasizes the flawed nature of the definition, arguing that it inhibits legitimate criticism of Israel without being antisemitic, although attacks on the Jewish people of Israel is, indeed, inherently antisemitic.

The op-ed points to an incident in September where a pro-Israel group attempted to use the executive order to suppress speech at the University of New Mexico. The group claimed that hosting Palestinian poet Mohammed El-Kurd would violate the order, leading to concerns that the executive order could be used to chill speech in the state.

The ACLU of New Mexico advocates for the immediate rescission of Executive Order 2022-118, asserting that restrictions on peaceful speech, protest, and expression have no place in a democratic society. The op-ed urges Governor Lujan Grisham to reconsider the potential impact of the order on civil liberties, particularly on college campuses.

The ACLU has, however, been mum on antisemitic attacks on New Mexico students, including one incident in 2021 where a University of New Mexico student was violently attacked for speaking Hebrew.

Previously, the group attacked Lujan Grisham in September due to her unconstitutional anti-gun orders.

Report: Antisemites viciously attack UNM student after hearing him speak Hebrew
Two New Mexico U.S. reps. vote against stripping antisemitic colleges’ funding

The ACLU once again turns on Gov. Lujan Grisham Read More »

How spoiled are New Mexico’s dogs? A new survey has answers

7 Comments / Culture, New Mexico / By

A new survey conducted by Forbes Advisor delved into the pampering habits of dog owners across the United States. The survey, which included responses from 10,000 dog owners across the nation, aimed to determine which states boast the most indulgent pet parents, taking into account various aspects of canine care, from health prioritization to birthday celebrations.

Florida emerged as the leading state in terms of spoiling its dogs, with a remarkable 66.5% of respondents confessing to spending more on their dog’s health and grooming than on their personal well-being. In addition to this financial dedication, 43.5% of Floridian dog owners admitted to pushing their dogs in strollers, while a staggering 54% regularly organize birthday parties for their four-legged companions.

The following states rounding out the top five in the survey were Alaska, Washington, Colorado, and California, each showcasing a high level of devotion to their canine companions.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the survey highlighted the states where pet owners tend to spoil their dogs less. Oklahoma claimed the title for the least indulgent, followed by Indiana, Wisconsin, Idaho, and New Mexico. South Carolina also made the list of states where dogs receive relatively less pampering from their owners.

Jamie Street, Unsplash.

In New Mexico, which tied South Carolina at 45th out of all other states, 39.5% of dog owners brought their dog on vacation, 40.5% prepared homemade dog food or treats, and 11.0% pushed their dog in a stroller.

Forbes Advisor further identified the top five ways in which pet parents pamper their dogs. Topping the list was the practice of taking family photos with furry friends, with 58.7% of respondents nationwide admitting to this indulgence. Additionally, 53.7% expressed their love for pampering through the purchase of dog clothes.

Health care for dogs emerged as a significant aspect of canine indulgence, with 45.8% of respondents acknowledging that they allocate more funds to their pet’s health and grooming than to their own. Some dog owners even go above and beyond by preparing homemade meals for their dogs, with 45% engaging in this practice. Moreover, 43.2% have treated their dogs to restaurant-quality treats, underlining the extent to which some pet parents go to ensure their furry companions enjoy the finer things in life.

Read the full details of the survey here. 

How spoiled are New Mexico’s dogs? A new survey has answers Read More »

Anti-gun org that broadcast it breaking law blocks critics after taking heat

6 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a post made on X, formerly Twitter, the anti-gun group New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence (NMPGV), run by Democrats’ anti-gun darling Miranda Viscoli, announced in so many words that it was breaking the law — then kept on digging itself in a hole when challenged.

“Pictured are unwanted firearms from one household in Farmington, NM.  Our gun buyback was [canceled] by the City, but local residents asked us to show up anyway. So, we spent today dismantling guns house by house,” wrote the group, with a photo accompanying the post. The post immediately sparked a fierce response.

“The @NMStatePolice should investigate a private party going door to door and sawing people’s guns in half without doing a background check as required for a transfer in New Mexico.  The @FBI and @ATFHQ (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) should also look into this since a private group does NOT have the ability to check NCIC to see if they are now in possession of a stolen firearm. So many crimes committed by this anti-gun group” posted state Rep. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park).

In 2019, the state Legislature passed S.B. 8, which Viscoli advocated in support of on behalf of her group. The group holds ineffective gun “buybacks,” which pay people for willingly giving up to the group, which then turns the firearms into gardening tools.

New Mexico Shooting Sports Association (NMSSA) wrote to NMPVG, “Shoutout to @NMPGVnow for joining forces with the ‘rogue sheriffs’ and ‘bad-faith critics’ by refusing to comply with laws criminalizing private firearm transfers in NM,” referencing a social media post by Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham who lambasted many of the state’s sheriffs for refusing to enforce the anti-gun law.

San Juan County Sheriff Shane Ferrari has since initiated an investigation into the activities of the group, saying, “I have reached out to ‘New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence’ with questions. They have referred me to Attorney General Torrez. Both the San Juan County District Attorney’s Office and the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office are reviewing my assessment.”

On Tuesday, NMSSA and Rep. Lord announced that NMPVG had blocked them on X following their support for the group bucking anti-gun laws.

Lord wrote, “I guess drafting a bill today in @NMPGVnow ’s honor rescinding the Universal Background check struck a nerve. Either there is an investigation into your alleged violations of New Mexico guns laws, and federal violations, or the laws are worthless and should be removed. ‘All are equal before the law, and laws should be equally enforced.’ There can’t be ‘laws for thee, but not for me.’ That’s not how this works.”

“And they blocked us,” wrote the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association.

The group also blocked a plethora of other pro-gun accounts, as they posted on X:

On Wednesday, the anti-gun group blocked state Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo):

It is immediately unclear the status of the investigation into Viscoli and NMPGV, but as soon as more information comes in, we will bring you the latest in the saga of the anti-gun group breaking the law.

Anti-gun org that broadcast it breaking law blocks critics after taking heat Read More »

Which New Mexico city is the safest?

3 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexicans all know its largest city, Albuquerque, is the deadliest in the state, according to World Population Review, but which New Mexico city is the safest?

Small towns are often celebrated for their close-knit communities and a sense of charm and safety. A recent analysis by MoneyGeek, a personal finance site, delved into FBI crime data from the past year to identify small towns and cities with populations ranging from 30,000 to 100,000 that excel in safety. The analysis aimed to calculate the cost of crime in each area, considering impacts on victims and the justice system. Violent crimes were weighed more heavily due to their typically higher costs.

Christmas on the Pecos in Carlsbad, NM. Photo: NM Department of Tourism.

Surprisingly, many of the safest small communities were concentrated in the Northeast. Monroe Township in New Jersey claimed the top spot, boasting low property and violent crime rates. Hillsborough Township, also in New Jersey, secured the second position. Other Northeastern towns like Wallingford, Connecticut; Shrewsbury, Massachusetts; Westfield, New Jersey; Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania; and Princeton, New Jersey, all ranked in the top 10.

Beyond the Northeast, Zionsville, Indiana; Mason, Ohio; and Lone Peak, Utah, also received high safety scores. Notably, California, often associated with high crime rates in larger cities, had two cities – Rancho Santa Margarita and Danville – in the top 15.

MoneyGeek further broke down the data to identify the small towns or cities with the lowest crime costs in each state. Notable mentions included Rancho Santa Margarita in California, Windsor in Colorado, and Shrewsbury in Massachusetts.

Carlsbad, New Mexico, emerged with a cost of crime per capita of $1,410, securing its place in the analysis as the safest city in New Mexico. This demonstrates the town’s commitment to maintaining a safe environment for its residents.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park Jirka Matousek, Wiki Commons.

Clovis had a crime cost per capita of $1,593, Santa Fe’s was $2,361, Hobbs’ was $2,841, Farmington’s was $3,006, and Roswell’s was $3,851, according to the study.

The nationwide crime landscape in 2022 revealed a drop in overall violent crime by 1.7%, with a significant 6.1% decline in the murder rate. However, property crimes surged by 7.1%, attributed in part to a notable increase in motor vehicle theft.

While small towns are often perceived as havens of safety, the study also highlighted exceptions. Monroe, Louisiana, for instance, experienced a higher crime cost in 2022 than the majority of large cities. Despite the overall trends, it’s evident that some small towns, like Carlsbad, are successfully prioritizing safety and community well-being.

Which New Mexico city is the safest? Read More »

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