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Roswell attorney nominated for open NM House seat

1 Comment / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Chaves County’s legislative team recently welcomed a new member, with oil and gas lawyer Jared Hembree joining its ranks. In a unanimous decision, the county commissioners voted 5-0 to recommend Hembree to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for appointment to represent New Mexico House District 59.

Following the meeting, Hembree expressed his commitment, saying, “I have a lot of experience and dedication to this community and just hope that I can do a good job.” His recommendation comes ahead of the 30-day legislative session in Santa Fe, scheduled to begin in five days.

This nomination occurred in the wake of House Minority Whip Greg Nibert’s resignation after he was appointed to Senate District 27. Nibert’s seat became vacant when Stuart Ingle, a Republican from Portales, resigned in October.

Under New Mexico law, when a legislator resigns, the county commissioners within the legislative district are required to submit a candidate for the governor’s consideration to serve until the next election. As District 59 is entirely within Chaves County, Hembree’s nomination will be the sole recommendation to the governor.

A Roswell resident for 19 years, Hembree, 50, is not only an experienced oil and gas attorney but also holds the position of president at the Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico. His community involvement extends to serving as a member of the Eastern New Mexico State Fair Board of Directors and as an adjunct professor of oil and gas law at the University of Washington and Lee School of Law in Virginia.

Hembree voiced his concerns over the potential negative impacts of certain legislation and administrative rules under consideration in Santa Fe on industries such as fossil fuels and agriculture, as well as on small businesses. “We provide so much for this state. It is so important for this state and this part of the state and it is under attack,” he stated.

He specifically mentioned proposed changes to the state’s oil and gas act and paid sick leave legislation. Additionally, Hembree criticized Governor Lujan Grisham’s use of a public health emergency to address gun violence and substance abuse in Bernalillo County, affirming his support for gun rights.

Hembree aims to follow in Nibert’s footsteps, particularly in pursuing legislation to limit the governor’s emergency powers, and expressed his desire to join the House Judiciary and Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committees. “I think with my experience in the oil and gas industry, I am qualified to step into those shoes and fill those roles during the 30-day session,” he remarked.

Moreover, Hembree plans to run for a full term this year and is currently gathering signatures for the June Republican primary ballot. When questioned about the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department, he acknowledged his need to gain more knowledge but stressed the importance of consulting experts on child protection legislation. “I don’t think anyone can do this job as a representative alone. I think they have to know who to talk to about legislation on bills to protect our children,” he said.

The commission’s decision followed a nearly two-hour meeting where they reviewed the qualifications of seven other candidates. These included Chaves County Treasurer Charlotte Andrade Gurule; business owner Steve Dodson; child welfare executive Kevin Berry; Jennifer Cole from the Roswell Independent School District; former city council candidate Christopher Hensley; farmer and businessman J. Shay Wagner; and immigration attorney Eli Luna.

Each applicant was given five minutes to address the commission and respond to questions. The discussion highlighted the diverse backgrounds and motivations of the candidates, ranging from Gurule’s experience in program development and grant writing to Berry’s commitment to child welfare and Cole’s focus on improving education outcomes.

With the primary election approaching, several candidates, including Gurule, Hembree, Wagner, Cole, and Hensley, confirmed their intentions to run for the seat, while Dodson and Berry indicated they were considering it. Luna, however, was not questioned about his plans. The meeting foreshadows a competitive primary race for the seat in June.

NM’s anti-gun AG Torrez declares war on ammo

23 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In another extremist move, a coalition of Democrat attorneys general, including New Mexico’s Raúl Torrez, have issued a letter to the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, calling for an investigation into the sale of military-grade ammunition to civilians. 

The anti-ammo letter, signed by attorneys general from 20 states, including New York, California, and New Mexico, specifically addresses the manufacture and sale of “military-grade ammunition” at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant. They want to ban it from civilian use. The group, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, contends that the availability of such “high-powered” ammunition in civilian markets has contributed to the escalating severity of mass shootings across the country.

However, this initiative has faced staunch opposition from gun rights supporters, arguing that a focus on banning specific types of ammunition is a misguided approach that infringes upon the rights of law-abiding citizens. The Second Amendment clearly protects the right to bear arms, which implicitly includes access to various types of ammunition for such arms.

Raúl Torrez, in particular, has come under fire from pro-gun groups in his home state of New Mexico. These groups argue that his support for the letter contradicts the values of many New Mexicans who cherish their gun rights. They contend that the move is not only an overreach of government authority but also an ineffective solution to the issue of gun violence.

In contrast, gun rights advocates maintain that the focus should be on addressing the root causes of gun violence, such as mental health issues and societal factors, rather than imposing further restrictions on law-abiding gun owners. They argue that such measures only serve to penalize responsible gun owners while doing little to prevent criminals from obtaining firearms and ammunition illegally.

The debate is also colored by concerns about the role of government in regulating firearms. Critics of the initiative view it as a slippery slope that could lead to more extensive gun control measures. They fear that conceding ground on ammunition could pave the way for more restrictive laws that erode the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment.

The issue is further complicated by the involvement of federal funds in the production of this ammunition. The letter from the attorneys general points out that taxpayer dollars are being used to subsidize the production of ammunition that is ultimately sold in civilian markets, raising questions about the appropriate use of public funds.

Woke diversity hire Haaland strikes again

20 Comments / National, New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The National Park Service, overseen by Joe Biden’s Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, a former member of Congress from New Mexico, and National Park Service Director Charles Sams III, has announced plans to remove the statue of William Penn from a park in Philadelphia. This park, established in 1982 to mark the 300th anniversary of Penn’s founding of Pennsylvania, stands on the site of his original home.

The park, near the Delaware River at Sansom and Second Streets, will undergo rehabilitation, including an expanded interpretation of Native American history in Philadelphia. This plan involves consultations with representatives from various indigenous nations.

The statue of Penn and a model of his original home are set to be removed as part of these changes. The Park Service indicates a future exhibit might mention Penn’s role in founding Pennsylvania and Philadelphia, but this is currently unfunded, per the Post Millennial.

The Strawbridge & Clothier “Seal of Confidence”, which flanks the entrance to the 1897 Renaissance Revival building designed by Addison Hutton on Market Street between N. 8th and 9th Streets in Center City, Philadelphia, just to the west of the 1931 Strawbridge & Clothier flagship building. The seal depicts William Penn and a Lenape Indian and their “never written, never broken” treaty, which enabled Penn to establish the colony of Pennsylvania and the city of Philadelphia on land which belonged to the tribe. The seal stood for Strawbridge & Clotier’s Quaker-based tradition of fairness and honesty, which included a money-back guarantee on all merchandise. The seal was in use from 1911 until the company folded. (Source: “Buildings Then and Now: ‘Think Strawbridge & Clothier first'”).

The Park Service manages significant historical sites in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood, including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and other important landmarks. The Biden administration has emphasized equity in its policies, a principle echoed in these changes.

The redesign of the park will be led by Venturi & Scott Brown Associates, the same firm that designed the original park. The park was initially named after Penn’s ship, Welcome, and celebrated his life and the establishment of Pennsylvania, known for its principles of religious and civil freedoms.

Penn, a Quaker and advocate for religious freedom, also played a role in the early abolitionist movement. However, his legacy has been scrutinized, particularly following the George Floyd protests, due to his history as a slave owner. This scrutiny aligns with a broader trend of re-evaluating historical figures’ legacies in public spaces.

In 2021, a bill proposed in the US House sought to remove statues of individuals who served the Confederate States of America from the Capitol, reflecting ongoing debates over how to represent historical figures in public spaces.

The public can provide feedback on this proposal through the National Park Service’s planning website found here: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/ 

Member of NM House GOP leadership tapped for open state Senate seat

3 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a recent development within New Mexico’s political landscape, Greg Nibert, a Republican and a member of the State House since 2017 and the House Minority Whip since 2023, has been appointed to the State Senate.

Sen. Greg Nibert’s official photograph.

This appointment, announced on January 5, comes from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and fills the vacancy in Senate District 27. This seat was left open following the retirement of Republican Senator Stuart Ingle in October.

Senate District 27, which Nibert will now represent, is situated around the Roswell area. This move to the Senate marks a significant shift in Nibert’s political career, offering him a broader platform and increased responsibilities within the state’s legislative framework.

As Nibert transitions to the Senate for the 2024 legislative session, his departure from the House of Representatives triggers a need for a replacement. The process to fill his now-vacant House seat is set to commence, overseen by the Chaves County Commission alone, as his former House district only covers one county. 

The upcoming legislative session will likely be an important period for Nibert as he adjusts to his new role and tackles the challenges and opportunities that come with being a state senator. 

As the process of finding Nibert’s successor in the House begins, attention will also be paid to how this change affects the balance and dynamics within the New Mexico legislature. However, the Chaves County Commission must work fast to name Nibert’s successor, as the 2024 Legislative Session begins on January 16.

It is immediately unclear who the potential candidates are to replace Nibert in the minority whip position following his promotion to the Senate.

Richardson implicated in Epstein’s depraved sex assault court docs.

22 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Nearly 200 previously redacted names from court documents in the lawsuit against Ghislaine Maxwell, former accomplice of Jeffrey Epstein, have been disclosed by a federal judge in New York. U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska ordered the release in December, allowing two weeks for potential appeals by the Jane and John Does involved.

The revealed names, present in 40 unredacted documents, include notable figures like former President Bill Clinton, Clinton’s estranged aide Doug Band, Prince Andrew, late former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, and the deceased French modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, who awaited trial like Epstein. Epstein, with connections to high-profile individuals ranging from U.S. presidents to foreign leaders, Hollywood stars, academics, and figures in the modeling and fashion industries, had some names known through other means but were previously withheld from public view during the lawsuit. Richardson recently passed away.

Many of the disclosed names have not faced accusations of wrongdoing, such as Clinton, who opted not to request continued sealing of his name. Clinton’s spokesperson refuted claims in the documents suggesting a “close personal relationship” between Clinton and Epstein.

Roger H. Goun | Wiki Commons

Newly unsealed names also include billionaire Glenn Dubin and his former private chef Rinaldo Rizzo. Earlier documents disclosed Rizzo’s account of Epstein and Maxwell visiting Dubin’s residence with a disoriented 15-year-old girl. Other mentions involve Tony Figueroa, Limited Brands founder Les Wexner, and Epstein accusers Johanna Sjoberg and Annie Farmer.

A noteworthy addition to the list is David Copperfield, accused of sexually assaulting a teen model, described as a friend of Epstein in the documents. Sjoberg, in her deposition, alleged Epstein mentioned Trump and claimed he’d contact the businessman when his helicopter had rerouted to Atlantic City. Sjoberg clarified she never provided massages to Donald Trump, director George Lucas, or computer scientist Marvin Minsky.

Some names were withheld for reasons such as protecting Epstein’s underage victims or due to false identification. Dubin and his wife, Eva Andersson Dubin, previously dated Epstein but denied knowledge of his actions.

The unredacted names originated from documents in a lawsuit by Virginia Giuffre, an Epstein accuser who settled out of court in 2017. In a separate criminal case, Maxwell received a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking Epstein’s victims.

The release coincides with Congressional efforts to unveil names of Epstein’s clients and private jet passengers. Tennessee Republicans Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Rep. Tim Burchett accused Democrats of hindering document release. Giuffre praised their efforts, expressing anticipation over the unnamed associates facing scrutiny.

As the information becomes public, the fight for transparency and accountability continues, and individuals suspecting trafficking are encouraged to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888.

Trump adds NM to states on his ‘aggressive’ electoral map expansion

30 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

45th President Donald Trump expressed his intention to “aggressively” compete in states like New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Minnesota, and New Mexico, aiming to conduct rallies and speeches as part of his campaign strategy, according to a new report from Breitbart News.

“One of the other things I’m going to do — and I may be foolish in doing it — is I’m going to make a heavy play for New York, heavy play for New Jersey, heavy play for Virginia, heavy play for New Mexico, and a heavy play for a state that hasn’t been won in years, Minnesota,” Trump said in a lengthy interview with the outlet.

Trump referred to this approach as a “heavy play” for these states, acknowledging that he might not invest as much effort as in traditional battleground states. He mentioned the possibility of holding a rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City, highlighting its significance as the “belly of the beast” in a Democratic stronghold.

“The last time a Republican won any of those five states was in 2004 when incumbent GOP president George W. Bush won New Mexico in his reelection bid after having lost New Mexico back in 2000,” Breitbart noted of the states on Trump’s radar.

The Breitbart interview delved into Trump’s connections to New York, where he built his real estate empire, and New Jersey, where he spent summers post-presidency. Trump mentioned the migration crisis and other issues as factors that might make these states more competitive for the GOP.

Trump also criticized New York City’s current state, emphasizing the changes since he left eight years ago. He expressed concerns about issues such as migrants living on Madison Avenue, challenges accessing hospitals and schools, rising crime rates, and a housing crisis.

Despite recognizing the long odds, Trump committed to devoting resources and energy to winning states like New York, New Jersey, Minnesota, Virginia, and New Mexico. The article draws parallels to Trump’s successful strategy in the Rust Belt states during the 2016 election.

The analysis extends to the potential competitiveness of these states, citing polls and signs that indicate Trump might have a chance. Notably, a Siena College poll in late 2023 showed Trump within single digits behind Biden in New York. The article also touches on the possibility of third-party candidates influencing the election outcome.

In conclusion, the article provides insights into Trump’s ambitious plan to expand the battleground map, focusing on New Mexico and other traditionally Democratic states, and explores the potential challenges and opportunities in this strategic approach.

Governor hints at agenda items she intends to add for 2024 session

19 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico’s 2024 legislative session, running from Jan. 16 to Feb. 15, is poised to address critical issues, particularly gun violence. In a recent update on the Public Health Order, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham acknowledged the urgency of tackling the escalating problem of “gun violence.” 

She emphasized, “Gun violence is out of control. Public safety and crime are out of control.” The governor outlined plans for the upcoming 30-day session, focusing on public safety, police retention and recruitment, and potential enhancements to existing laws.

Governor Lujan Grisham expressed satisfaction with the effectiveness of the anti-gun forcible locking up of firearms law passed in 2023 but said there is a need for even more anti-gun laws, per KOAT 7. She emphasized a multifaceted approach, including educational initiatives for parents and families, expanding successful programs like the Violence Intervention Program at schools, and launching targeted campaigns to reach students directly. The governor affirmed her commitment to strengthening laws if needed, citing the “red flag” law as a potential area for improvement.

During a press conference in December, Governor Lujan Grisham also announced plans to include an “assault weapons” ban on the legislative agenda. NMSU’s Assistant Professor of Government, Dr. Cory Sukala, acknowledged the challenges of addressing gun-related legislation in a month-long session, especially with budgetary considerations taking precedence. Dr. Sukala highlighted the governor’s ability to influence legislative priorities but noted that they aren’t legally binding directives.

Given the limited time during regular sessions, Dr. Sukala suggested the possibility of a special session dedicated solely to addressing public safety and violence-related concerns. That would likely take place due to the lack of support in the current Legislature to ram through anti-gun bills, even from Democrats. That’s why the governor would have to force the issue in a special session if she is to see any such anti-gun “assault” bill pass. 

Sukala emphasized that such a move would underscore the governor’s obsession with snatching guns by any means necessary. As New Mexico gears up for its legislative session, the debate around gun control legislation and public safety measures is set to take center stage.

Democrat ex-NM House speaker mocks proposal to ban gruesome sex crime

14 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a strange turn of events, far-left former New Mexico House of Representatives Speaker Brian Egolf (D-Santa Fe) mocked an endeavor by state Rep. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park) to make necrophilia (rape of corpses) illegal in the state — New Mexico being one of only three states that don’t have legislation making the macabre practice illegal.

“Somebody in law enforcement brought up a case where someone was raped after they were murdered, and they could not charge [the suspect] with rape because it’s not illegal in New Mexico, and it honestly made me sick to my stomach,” Lord told the Santa Fe New Mexican announcing her initiative. 

The outlet further reported, “Lord said her bill would leave no question necrophilia is prohibited by law. It would create three new crimes: criminal sexual penetration of a dead human body, a second-degree felony; criminal sexual contact with a dead human body, a third-degree felony; and criminal desecration of a dead human body, a fourth-degree felony.”

But Egolf mocked the proposal, writing in jest, “My New Year’s wish is coming true early!! This is REALLY going to improve lives all over New Mexico; The @NewMexicoGOP continues to show us that they have their finger on the pulse of New Mexico.”

Lord responded to Egolf, “Do you realize that women have been murdered and then raped afterward in New Mexico?  But I guess you’re good with that.  I’m not really that surprised coming from you, Brian.”

State Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo), the founder and editor of the Piñon Post, chimed in, “Oh, look! Another apparent supporter of corpse rape. At least they’re self-identifying these days so we know who the sickos are.”

Another wrote, “Just proof that Dems like to f— their constituents even when they’re dead!” 

New Mexico has been behind the curve on many laws banning disgusting sexual offenses. Just this past session, the state made bestiality illegal in the state. 

The most read Piñon Post stories of 2023

Leave a Comment / New Mexico, News / By

2023 has been another eventful year in New Mexico, with lots of news we have been blessed to cover. Through it all, the Piñon Post staff has worked overtime to provide New Mexicans with top-notch independent news and conservative opinion for an informed New Mexico. 

This year, we have built an even larger audience, broken important stories, and done even more to represent New Mexicans in our media coverage. Here are the most-read stories of 2023 from the Piñon Post: 

New Mexico highway ranked the ‘most feared’ road trip
Libs flip out after someone writes ‘Jesus Saves’ in chalk on Santa Fe ‘Pride’ flag
Judge delivers bad news to Gov. Lujan Grisham over executive order
Lujan Grisham tries playing the victim after being labeled a ‘murderer’
NM Health Dept. school survey asks children disturbing sexual questions
Shocking video report shows cartel smugglers ravaging NM’s southern border
Tornado caught on video in eastern NM Friday, ‘extreme’ hail, flooding spotted
Haaland bursts into tears during tense congressional hearing
Vasquez has tantrum over TX border barrier, demands Gov. Abbott tear it down
The ACLU is ‘deeply disappointed’ with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
Albuquerque ranked on a national list — this time for something good
Two NM counties had more registered voters than qualified electors: Study
Maryland-dwelling Sen. Heinrich declares ‘momentous day’ in most elitist flex yet
America’s most deadly abortionist stops offering late-term abortions at ABQ location

Happy New Year from all of us at the Piñon Post! 

NM anti-gun group knew it broke federal regulations: public info request docs.

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According to documents obtained via a public records request posted by New Mexico state Rep. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park), the anti-gun group under scrutiny for appearing to break state laws, New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence (NMPGV), knew of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms regulations regarding the destruction of firearms the group obtained via a “buy-back.”

“A recently obtained letter from the @ATFHQ to @RawTools (to which @NMPGVNOW gave firearms) through the NM Inspection of Public Records Act clearly states that the firearms MUST be destroyed per ATF specifications in the owner’s presence,” wrote Lord.

The February 2020 letter from Michael S. Knapp, a firearms enforcement specialist at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Firearms and Explosives Industry Division Firearms Industry Programs Branch, read, “A ‘transfer’ includes any change in dominion or control of a firearm, whether temporary or permanent, commercial or noncommercial,” saying if the owner of the firearm remains with the gun while it’s destroyed, it is lawful, adding, “This analysis may change if an owner/possessor transfers a firearm and does not remain with the firearm during destruction.”

“The GCA makes it unlawful for any non-licensee to receive a firearm in their state of residence purchase or obtained outside of that state. 18 U.S.C. § 922)g73). Additionally, section 9227) generally requires a NICS background check prior to the transfer of a firearm from a Federal firearms licensee to a non-licensee,” he adds.

NMPGV, which has since blocked a great many critics, including Rep. Lord, claimed the organization obtaining firearms in exchange for cash-equivalent gift cards were not “transfers,” but the directive from Mr. Knapp of the ATF directly contradicts the group’s claim. ​​

Furthermore, the below are the only ATF-compliant ways to properly destroy a firearm:

•Use an oxy/acetylene torch (not band sawed)

•Must remove at least ¼ inch of metal per cut

•Must be made at angles and completely sever the receiver in at least 3 critical locations (specified by model)

The photographs and statements made by NMPGV show these specifications were not met in the transfers of firearms between parties surrendering their guns in the exchanges. It should be noted that NMPGV and Raw Tools do not have Federal Firearms Licenses (FFLs).

Lord added in the X post, “The rules must apply to all, no matter the intentions. There must be equal treatment for everyone, or the laws and guidelines must be abolished.”

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