John Block, Author at Piñon Post

Dem Party desperately wants us to stop talking about impeaching MLG—we won’t

The Democrat Party of New Mexico (DPNM) has characterized Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s illegal order banning guns and subverting her oath as a mere “policy dispute,” attacking myself and state Rep. Stefani Lord for upholding our oaths by holding her accountable.

DPNM told KOB 4, “New Mexico needs real solutions to take on the public safety issues impacting our communities. Calling for an impeachment over a policy dispute isn’t a real solution,” claiming impeachment was “disrespectful to the people of this state.” Did you hear that, fellow peasants? The New Mexico Democrat Party has spoken!

Oh, but wait… There’s more! Lujan Grisham’s office condescended, “It is unsurprising but disappointing that Republicans in the state are choosing to use this time to orchestrate a political stunt instead of coming up with solutions to protect all New Mexicans. With less than 120 days until the start of the session, now is the time to focus on drafting comprehensive legislation to stem the epidemic of gun violence in the state.”

First and foremost, let us acknowledge that public servants, regardless of their political affiliation, take an oath of office to uphold the Constitution and protect the rights of the citizens they serve.

The actions of Governor Lujan Grisham, particularly her executive order restricting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens to bear arms and her comments that her oath and our rights are not “absolute,” go way beyond the bounds of a policy dispute. It is a matter of profound concern when public officials abuse their oath and deny citizens their constitutional rights. Breaking one’s oath is an impeachable offense.

DPNM’s sad attempt to downplay these actions as a mere policy disagreement is both disingenuous and dismissive of the gravity of the situation. When a governor takes unilateral action to curtail fundamental rights, it is not a matter of partisan politics; it is an affront to the principles of liberty and democracy that should unite us all.

Governor Lujan Grisham and her allies have flagrantly gaslit the public by venomously spewing the lie that Republicans have no ideas to address the issue of violence in our state. This claim is not only false but serves to polarize our political discourse further, further proving the governor’s deceit and lack of fitness for high office. We, Republicans, have consistently put forward ideas and proposals to address crime and ensure our communities’ safety.

The GOP sponsored bills to keep violent criminals behind bars, increase sentences for felons who illegally get ahold of firearms and use them in crimes, enhance sentences for trafficking, and the list goes on and on. Each of these tangible and results-based solutions died immediately at the hands of the governor’s allies in the legislature.

Let us not forget that Governor Lujan Grisham has had five years to confront the crime issue in our state. To suggest that this is a sudden crisis that requires emergency measures, such as her recent illegal executive order, is disingenuous at best. It raises the question of why she has yet to prioritize this critical issue earlier in her tenure or at all.

Addressing crime and ensuring the safety of our citizens should always be a top priority for any leader. The people of New Mexico deserve nothing less. Rather than resorting to criminal executive orders, we should be engaging in a constructive dialogue, working collaboratively across party lines to find effective solutions that enhance public safety while respecting our constitutional rights.

The actions of Governor Lujan Grisham are not a matter of mere policy disagreement. They represent a serious breach of trust, an abuse of the oath of office, and a denial of the constitutional rights of our citizens. We must recognize the gravity of these actions and impeach the governor for knowingly violating our rights and her oath.

To take immediate action to help impeach Gov. Lujan Grisham, please visit ImpeachMLG.com.

John Block is the founder and editor of the Piñon Post and is the state representative for New Mexico’s 51st House District in Otero County. John has fought for years for New Mexicans’ constitutional rights and is the primary sponsor of New Mexico’s Constitutional Carry legislation.

Protecting our Constitution from tyranny on Constitution Day

20 Comments / Opinion / By John Block

As we celebrate Constitution Day, we are reminded of the enduring wisdom enshrined in this venerable document — a wisdom that has guided our nation through its most challenging moments. Our Constitution, born from the crucible of liberty, represents the embodiment of our Founding Fathers’ vision: a government of, by, and for the people, firmly grounded in the protection of individual rights.

Yet, on this Constitution Day, our Constitution finds itself under an unprecedented threat right here in New Mexico, where Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s wildly illegal executive order—even in its now-edited form — has stripped away the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. This egregious overreach is not only an affront to our Constitution but also to the oath Governor Lujan Grisham took to uphold it.

Governor Lujan Grisham’s claim that no Constitutional right is “absolute” should send shivers down the spines of all Americans who value their liberties. It is a dangerous assertion that reveals a concerning disregard for the fundamental principles on which our nation was built. Our Founders understood the importance of protecting these rights as bedrock principles, not mere privileges subject to the whims of government officials. Our rights cannot be signed away by the stroke of a pen.

The Second Amendment, like all constitutional rights, is not a suggestion; it is a right expressly guaranteed to the people. It is the safeguard against tyranny and the assurance of our ability to protect ourselves and our loved ones. The lawless governor’s actions undermine the very essence of our Constitution, and it is our duty to defend it.

State Rep. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park) and I are tirelessly working to impeach Gov. Lujan Grisham for her unconstitutional actions. Our efforts should be a beacon of hope for anyone who cherishes the Constitution and the rights it protects. We stand at the threshold of a critical moment where the fate of our Constitution hangs in the balance. Only We The People can protect it.

Now is the time for all lovers of liberty, regardless of party affiliation, to rally behind us and our pursuit of justice. The Constitution is not a partisan document; it is the foundation of our nation, and its preservation is our shared responsibility.

On this Constitution Day, let us recommit ourselves to the timeless principles enshrined in our Constitution. Let us remember that our rights are not subject to the whims of any politician. And let us stand united in support of impeachment efforts against Gov. Lujan Grisham, for the defense of our Constitution is a cause that transcends politics—it is the very essence of our American identity.

To help Rep. Lord and me in this fight, please help our efforts by supporting me here and Rep. Lord here. More information on our impeachment efforts will be released this next week.

Former state rep. challenging Leger Fernandez for congressional seat

7 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By John Block

Former state Rep. Sharon Clahchischilliage, a lifelong public servant, veteran, teacher, and former State Representative, has officially announced her candidacy for the Republican nomination in New Mexico’s Third Congressional District. Clahchischilliage’s extensive background in serving her community positions her as a candidate ready to deliver for the hardworking people of New Mexico.

Clahchischilliage is challenging the incumbent far-left Democrat Teresa Leger Fernandez, whom she criticizes for prioritizing a radical agenda over the needs of New Mexico’s citizens. She asserts that it is time for Congress to hear a voice like hers, one grounded in service to the country, education, farming, and opposition to radical policies in Santa Fe.

“We are tired of hearing one thing from our elected officials in New Mexico and watching them do another in Washington. Teresa Leger Fernandez has promised a lot and delivered on none of it, probably because she’s too busy playing politics and pushing President Biden’s failed agenda on us,” said Clahchischilliage. “It’s time for Congress to hear a voice like mine, someone who has served our country, taught in the classroom, raised on the family farm, and fought against the radicals in Santa Fe.”

*Courtesey photo via former state Rep. Sharon Clahchischilliage.*

Clahchischilliage’s candidacy centers on restoring commonsense values to Washington and delivering results for the hardworking families of New Mexico. She emphasizes the need to address pressing issues such as high costs, escalating crime rates, struggling public education, and border security, which she believes have been ignored by Teresa Leger Fernandez and President Joe Biden.

“Costs are too high, crime is out-of-control, public education is leaving students behind and pushing parents out, and the border remains open to drugs and dangerous cartels. We can do better, but we need someone in Congress who will tackle these challenges, not ignore them like Teresa Leger Fernandez and Joe Biden,” stated Sharon Clahchischilliage.

Sharon Clahchischilliage’s background as a public servant, rooted in family values and a deep connection to New Mexico’s unique issues, positions her as a candidate who understands the concerns of her constituents. With experience in teaching, public health service, and advocacy for the Navajo Nation, she brings a diverse skill set to the table.

As a former State Representative, Clahchischilliage sponsored legislation aimed at building roads, strengthening the economy, and supporting rural New Mexicans. Currently, she serves on the Public Education Commission and the Board of Directors for Be Well NM, where she continues her dedication to improving the lives of New Mexicans.

Sharon Clahchischilliage’s candidacy represents a commitment to public service, strong family values, and a deep understanding of New Mexico’s unique challenges. Her run for the Republican nomination in New Mexico’s Third Congressional District aims to provide a voice for the hardworking people of the state and address pressing issues in Washington.

UNM offering ‘Critical Whiteness Studies’ course

28 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By John Block

According to the University of New Mexico’s (UNM) Fall class offerings, the course “Critical Whiteness Studies” is being offered, where students will learn about how the professor believes white people are evil.

The course, taught by Bethany “Beth” Davila, Ph.D., “will explore the interdisciplinary field of whiteness studies. We will learn about whiteness as an ideology of supremacy and domination that functions, in part, by labeling what white people do, think, and value as superior and normative.”

“With the understanding of whiteness as an ideology—as opposed to a racial identity, experience, or skin color—whiteness studies is relevant for people of all backgrounds in order to examine how whiteness shapes society, beliefs, and practices,” the course description notes.

Davila’s bio on the UNM website reads, “My primary areas of interest are in race, whiteness, standardness, and perceptions of student identities. I use my scholarship, teaching, and administration to explore opportunities for valuing linguistic diversity in writing classrooms in order to challenge ‘standard’ English.”

The course notes that the “goal” of “Critical Whiteness Studies” is “to learn how to identify and challenge whiteness as part of an antiracist practice. In this course we will largely focus on whiteness in relation to colonialism, educational contexts, and language practices. Class work will include regular readings, informal homework and reflections, and a final research project.”

Similar courses are being offered at the University of Colorado, Denver, titled “Problematizing Whiteness: Educating for Racial Justice.”

Last year, the University of Puget Sound hosted a “Critical Whiteness Studies” course that “engages with ‘whiteness’ as a category of identification in order to develop a theoretically informed understanding of the history, function, and effects of racial encoding within literature.”

The University of Wisconsin Madison offered a now-deleted course titled “The Problem of Whiteness,” according to a report from the Daily Wire.

It is unclear what the blatantly racist course will teach in regards to supposed “whiteness” shaping society, especially from Davila, who is white.

UNM’s Black Lives Matter-supporting President Garnett Stokes recently fumed after the U.S. Supreme Court outlawed racist affirmative action college admissions.

UNM president fumes after SCOTUS outlaws racist college affirmative action

Services for fallen Alamogordo Police Officer Anthony Ferguson announced

8 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By John Block

The City of Alamogordo announced services for fallen Alamogordo Police Officer Anthony Ferguson, who was fatally shot Saturday by a suspect who had previously brandished a gun at law enforcement.

On Wednesday, the community will gather for a candlelight vigil at 6:30 at Alamogordo High School’s gym, known as the Tiger Pit.

Then, on Thursday at 2:00 p.m., funeral services for Officer Ferguson will be held at the Tays Events Center at New Mexico State University-Alamogoro, located at 2400 N Scenic Drive.

“Please be advised that there will be limited parking available at the Tays Special Events Center parking lot for the tribute service for Officer Ferguson. Overflow parking can be used at the NMSU-A campus across from the Tays Special Events Center,” wrote the City.

Officer Ferguson via the Alamogordo Police Department.

“For those unable to attend the service in person, the funeral will be live streamed by the KRQE news station. This will allow you to participate and join us in honoring Officer Ferguson remotely. We are grateful for the support and unity of our community, near and far.”

Condolences flooded in from across the state, with local leaders, pastors, lawmakers, and others showing unity with Alamogordo as it mourns the tragic killing of Officer Ferguson.

Report shows how New Mexico’s GDP changed

13 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By John Block

A new Axios report compared each state’s gross domestic product (GDP) numbers, showing where they stand from 2012 to 2022.

The report revealed that the “Northeast and Midwest regions saw widespread decreases in their states’ shares of national GDP while Southeastern and Western states saw marked increases.”

According to Bloomberg, “Some 2.2 million people moved to the Southeast in just over two years. That’s roughly the population of Houston.”

The Rio Grande Foundation wrote of the study, “It is hardly a surprise that GDP is moving south and west because PEOPLE are moving south and west.”

“North Dakota’s tremendous growth in its oil and gas sector over the last decade drove dramatic population growth, but that doesn’t seem to be happening in New Mexico (at least so far) with our shrinking share of the national economic pie.”

New Mexico’s GDP decreased approximately ten percent while all of its neighboring states, excluding Oklahoma, increased — Texas increasing around ten percent.

Democrat mayor applauds NM Supreme Court’s gerrymandering move

4 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By John Block

A recent ruling by the New Mexico Supreme Court has received praise from Roswell Mayor Timothy Jennings, who believes the decision to allow a challenge to the state’s congressional maps to proceed in a lower court was the right one. In an interview with the Roswell Daily Record, Jennings expressed his approval of the court’s ruling, stating, “They made the right decision.” The litigation, which was initially filed in the Fifth Judicial District Court, was supported by Jennings, a Democrat and former New Mexico Senate Pro Tempore, as well as other petitioners, including the Republican Party of New Mexico.

The court’s ruling was unanimous, with all five justices, comprised of all Democrats, agreeing that the lawsuit should move forward in the lower court. The defendants in the case, including Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Lt. Gov. Howie Morales, New Mexico Senate Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart, and former New Mexico Speaker of the House Brian Egolf, argued that the state’s Constitution does not permit courts to intervene in claims of political gerrymandering or establish clear standards for doing so. However, the justices determined that the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution does grant courts a role in resolving such disputes.

In their order, the justices instructed the District Court to take all necessary steps to ensure a resolution in the case by October 1, 2023. The order also provides standards for the district court judge to use in assessing whether the reconfigured districts violate the state’s Constitution.

Jennings expressed his lack of surprise at the court’s decision, noting that many people believed that the Democratic justices would rule against the petitioners. He stated, “They all thought that the Supreme Court would automatically go the other way against this group, and they didn’t.”

The lawsuit was initially filed after the Democratic-led Legislature approved a redistricting plan in 2021, which Gov. Lujan Grisham subsequently approved. Critics, including Jennings, argued that the redistricting plan unfairly favored Democrats by cracking conservative communities of interest and preventing them from having a fair chance at electing a Republican. Specifically, they pointed to the 2nd Congressional District, which had traditionally leaned heavily toward Republicans but shifted to a Democratic advantage, according to an analysis by FiveThirtyEight.

Jennings also expressed concerns about the impact of the new districts on the oil industry, which has a significant presence in southeast New Mexico. He believes the districts were designed to weaken the industry’s political influence. Regarding the division of Chaves County among the three districts, Jennings said, “When they put us in three districts in Chaves County, that was crazy.”

Jennings’ comments praising the high court’s move comes after multiple groups comprising Fair Districts New Mexico also supported the New Mexico Supreme Court’s order. The groups included the left-wing League of Women Voters.

The New Mexico Supreme Court’s order followed a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in Moore vs. Harper, where a suit claiming that state legislatures have extensive authority over state elections, including redistricting, was rejected. Quinn Yeargin, an assistant professor of law, stated that the outcome of the New Mexico case demonstrates that state court challenges related to political maps will continue after the Moore v. Harper decision. He also noted that while it is difficult to determine the justices’ stance on the constitutionality of the maps, their ruling establishes standards for assessing their constitutionality.

Yeargin anticipates that the Republican challengers will have an opportunity to present their case during the trial, and the challenge will likely return to the New Mexico Supreme Court.

Redistricting group praises NM Supreme Court’s ruling in gerrymandering case

Disturbing truth uncovered about Lujan Grisham’s abortion hotline: Report

24 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By John Block

According to an investigation by the pro-life group Abortion Free New Mexico (AFNM), Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s recently created “reproductive health” hotline through the New Mexico Department of Health appears to be doing as expected — pushing abortion and only abortion.

According to a recent KOB 4 report, “The governor’s spokesperson says the hotline is also meant to connect women with housing and transportation needs as well.”

AFNM noted, “The representative that answered the call confirmed that she was with the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) and when the investigative caller tells her that she is [eight] weeks pregnant and calling for resources, the NMDOH representative immediately assumes that the caller wants an abortion.”

“When the investigative caller says she’s not sure if she wants an abortion or to keep the baby and asks if there are pregnancy resources, the NMDOH representative gives her phone numbers for pro-abortion groups, ‘All Options’ and ‘ReproCare.’ The representative then circles back and gives the caller all of the Albuquerque abortion centers names, addresses and phone numbers.”

The report continued, “The investigative caller then asks about other resources like maternity homes and housing during the pregnancy,” as previously mentioned were offered by Lujan Grisham’s office. “The investigator is told to call the New Mexico Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (NMRCRC) for housing information. However, upon calling the NMRCRC a recording instructs women to visit their website and fill out their Abortion Fund Application.”

However, according to the NMRCRC website, the group is solely an organization aiding women in obtaining abortions and nothing else. “UNLESS YOU ARE SEEKING ASSISTANCE OBTAINING AN ABORTION, PLEASE DO NOT CALL OUR PATIENT HELPLINE,” the website reads in bold letters.

When the AFNM caller asked the NMDOH hotline about prenatal care and parenting classes, “and was told that all hospitals provide those instead of referring to life-affirming organizations like CareNet that provide free parenting classes outside of a hospital setting.”

Listen to the full audio via AFNM:

Abortion Free New Mexico’s Tara Shaver wrote in response to the revelations from the call, “It is misleading and downright dishonest for the Governor to state that the NM Reproductive Health Hotline is comprehensive. This couldn’t be further from the truth. During the investigation conducted by Abortion Free New Mexico, the New Mexico Department of Health representative had to research housing on the spot and only referred to domestic violence shelters and a radical group that ONLY helps women obtain abortions.”

Last year, there were 11,000 abortions committed in New Mexico, with most of those (6,000) being done on out-of-state women. Abortion up to birth with no restrictions or protections is legal in the state.

Lujan Grisham’s new abortion hotline cloaked in secrecy

New Mexico highway ranked the ‘most feared’ road trip

30 Comments / New Mexico / By John Block

According to a QuestionPro survey commissioned by Gunther Mitsubishi of 3,000 regular road-trippers, New Mexico’s U.S. Route 285, which spans from Denver, Colorado, down to Sanderson, Texas, was ranked the most feared road trip.

Z News Service reported, “The most feared route among American roadtrippers is along US Route 285 in New Mexico. This stretch of road traverses vast areas with limited access to services and amenities. Its remoteness means that breakdowns could leave travelers stranded for extended periods before help arrives.”

*Map of U.S. Route 285 going through New Mexico. Screenshot via Wikimedia Commons.*

“The route often passes through arid desert regions, where extreme temperatures can take a toll on both vehicles and individuals. Moreover, the highway stretches across long distances between towns and gas stations, increasing the risk of running out of fuel or encountering mechanical issues without immediate assistance.”

Gunther Mitsubishi added, “US Route 285 – The stretch between Vaughn and Roswell can be desolate, with long distances between towns and limited services available.”

Route 285 is followed by California’s Death Valley Road (S.R.-190), Texas’ U.S. Route 90, Hawaii’s Saddle Road (Hawaii Route 200), Nevada’s U.S. Route 50 (Loneliest Road in America), Kentucky’s Mountain Parkway (K.Y.-9002), and South Dakota’s U.S. Route 14A (Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway).

“Road trips are a cherished American tradition. The freedom of the open road, discovering new destinations, and sharing laughter with loved ones make road trips truly exhilarating experiences. However, amidst the excitement, it is crucial to recognize the importance of being prepared for any unforeseen circumstances,” said Gunther Mitsubishi’s Joseph Gunther IV.

He added, “While breakdowns may be rare, they can dampen the spirit of the journey if not properly anticipated. So, embrace the thrill of the road trip, but remember, the best adventures are built on a foundation of preparedness, enabling you to tackle any challenges and keep the joy of the journey alive.”

The survey was conducted in Junee 2023 with a sample of 3,000. See the full list of the 50 most feared road trips here.

Chevron, largest acreage owner in the Permian, selling its NM, TX land

16 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By John Block

According to a Reuters report, Chevron is selling its Texas and New Mexico properties in the Permian Basin up for sale as it attempts to divest from the region.

The outlet wrote, “This month, it launched an auction for a parcel covering 2,134 net acres in New Mexico and a second covering 29,901 acres in the New Mexico and Texas, according to listings on the EnergyNet online auction site.”

“The combined value is about $100 million, according to a source familiar with shale asset values. Both bids are due on July 27, according to marketing brochures.”

Reuters noted, “Production at the larger parcel on offer was estimated at about 770,000 barrels of oil and gas net and the smaller parcel was estimated to be about 1,818 barrels of oil and gas equivalent (boe) per day, according to the documents.”

Last month, Chevron agreed to buy PDC Energy Inc. in a stock and debt deal worth $7.6 billion. It also recently acquired Noble Energy to boost its international holdings and U.S. shale positions.

Zacks Investment Research, which currently has the Chevron stock (CVX) as a “hold,” adds, “The dealmaking is presumably a move to sell lower-valued assets in the area and choose high-performance assets. This strategy is perfectly in line with Chevron’s long-term goals.”

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