New Mexico Archives - Page 71 of 234

Santa Fe Kit Carson monument toppled in ‘cowardly act’

24 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By Piñon Post

In the heart of downtown Santa Fe, the sandstone obelisk that paid tribute to Kit Carson, a renowned 19th-century frontiersman and soldier, suffered partial destruction on Thursday night, marking the second such incident since 2020.

More pictures of the toppled obelisk pic.twitter.com/KAKjxSDQ7K
— Daniel Chacon (@danieljchacon) September 1, 2023

The initial incident took place almost three years ago during Columbus Day when protesters toppled the Soldiers’ Monument located at the Santa Fe Plaza.

Standing at a height of 20 feet, the Kit Carson monument, adorned with the words “He Led the Way,” had been shielded by a plywood enclosure since 2020, a precautionary measure adopted to prevent a fate similar to that of the Soldiers’ Monument. However, on Thursday night, it was reported that the top portion of the monument situated in front of the U.S. District Courthouse was dismantled, presumably by an individual driving an older white GMC pickup truck, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican.

Around 9:30 p.m., a New Mexican reporter witnessed the truck parked just inches away from the wooden barrier, with fragments of the monument strewn nearby and a cable linking the vehicle to the fallen obelisk.

Democrat Mayor Alan Webber released a statement, saying, “I’m outraged and I want those who did this to be caught and held accountable. Santa Fe Police are working with other law enforcement agencies to investigate this cowardly act. There is no place for this kind of criminal conduct in our community. We should all condemn it.” He previously advocated for the monument’s removal but hit roadblocks due to it being under federal jurisdiction.

The Santa Fe police received the initial call at 8:04 p.m., according to Sgt. Ryan Alire-Maez who noted that federal authorities would take charge of the case due to the courthouse’s federal jurisdiction.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the police continued their search for the suspect or suspects, who appeared to have fled on foot.

An anonymous individual disclosed that he stumbled upon the scene as the monument was being toppled and positioned his truck in front of the suspects’ vehicle, effectively trapping it.

By approximately 9:45 p.m., a small crowd of onlookers had gathered, and the police had cordoned off the streets near the fallen monument. Several law enforcement vehicles, primarily from the Santa Fe police force and one from the federal Department of Homeland Security, were on-site to manage the situation.

The Kit Carson monument had previously suffered acts of vandalism since the 2020 toppling of the Plaza obelisk, including graffiti painted on the sandstone structure and the protective enclosure. In the months leading up to the Indigenous Peoples Day protest, the monument was spray-painted with the words “Stolen Land in red letters near its base.

This latest act of vandalism coincided with the upcoming Fiesta de Santa Fe, an annual celebration of the peaceful Spanish reconquest of the city in 1692. Earlier in the week, the Santa Fe school board narrowly voted to allow the Fiesta Court to continue visiting public schools during school hours. Supporters regarded these visits as a celebration of heritage, while some extremist voices argued that such activities glorify colonialism.

Kit Carson died in Colorado in 1868 and was laid to rest in Taos. The monument dedicated to him was unveiled on Memorial Day in 1885, with approximately 5,000 attendees, including many who had served alongside Carson at the Battle of Valverde in Central New Mexico. On the day of dedication, the obelisk was revealed with a flourish, wrapped in an American flag, while an artillery battery from Fort Marcy fired a resounding salute, as noted by the esteemed New Mexico historian Marc Simmons.

Countless other instances of anti-Hispanic hate have plagued Santa Fe in recent years as extremist hate groups and their members have actively attacked monuments dedicated to Hispanics, such as one monument dedicated to Catholic priest Fray Angélico Chávez and the Cross of the Martyrs dedicated to those who lost their lives at the hands of blood-thirsty domestic terrorist Popé, who led the violent revolt, killing 400 Spaniards.

The cowardly domestic terrorists who toppled the Solders’ Monument were all let off scot-free by the local district attorney, being given a “restorative justice” slap on the wrist with no time in prison.

Public servants have a duty to protect significant cultural artifacts from evil forces

Santa Fe Kit Carson monument toppled in ‘cowardly act’ Read More »

Judge lets teen accused of killing newborn attend college in person

19 Comments / New Mexico, News / By Piñon Post

In a recent virtual court appearance, Alexee Trevizo, a New Mexico teenager accused of murdering her newborn baby in January 2023, discussed trial-related matters. Trevizo allegedly strangled her baby and disposed of the body in a hospital bathroom trashcan. Surprisingly, the story has a twist: despite facing these charges, she could soon be attending New Mexico State University (NMSU) — and in person.

During the virtual hearing, Trevizo’s attorney revealed that she had been attending NMSU online, and they requested permission for her to attend the university in person. Interestingly, a domestic violence prohibition against Trevizo was considered, particularly given that the baby’s father also attends NMSU. The possibility of encountering him prompted discussions between prosecutors and the defense.

The judge strangely ruled in favor of the defense, stating that the domestic violence prohibition would not apply in this situation, and Trevizo would be allowed to attend NMSU in person. This decision has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the implications of her attending university while facing horrific allegations of slaughtering her newborn child in the hospital restroom.

It’s important to note that New Mexico has no restrictions on abortion, and this case has reignited conversations about the state’s stance on abortion and its potential connection to cases involving newborn deaths. This lack of abortion restrictions has led to concerns about the encouragement of infanticide and the consequences that might arise from such a legal framework.

Trevizo’s trial is scheduled for October 2, 2023. As the case unfolds, it raises broader questions about the intersection of legal decisions, societal values, and the ongoing discussions surrounding abortion policies in New Mexico.

Woman who birthed, killed newborn in hospital bathroom charged with murder

Judge lets teen accused of killing newborn attend college in person Read More »

Woke Bud Light partners with UNM for new Lobo beer packaging

22 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By Piñon Post

As college football season kicks off, woke Bud Light, which lost billions amid its partnership with radical transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney, is gearing up to celebrate with its highly anticipated limited edition college football team packaging on cans.

Among the array of team-themed designs, the University of New Mexico Lobos will be featured in the Bud Light release, among a few other schools.

Each can within this limited edition collection will have a QR code, allowing fans to scan and participate in an enticing giveaway. Winners can snag exclusive team merchandise and get a flyover in a private jet at a game of their choosing.

The brand is also about to launch the “Bud Light Backyard Tour: College Edition.” This tour is scheduled to make town stops on the Thursday or Friday nights preceding some of the most exhilarating rivalry gamedays. As part of the event, it will also feature “top DJs.”

The brand is partnering with other universities, including the University of Texas, the University of Kentucky, the University of Maryland, and the University of Wyoming, among a few others. This is apparently a new marketing strategy to try and claw back some former customers after they were alienated from the woke Dylan Mulvaney partnership, among other flubs.

UNM itself has gone increasingly woke, with its president, Garnett Stokes, backing the extremist Black Lives Matter cause, while it is offering a “Critical Whiteness Studies” course this fall. Stokes also fumed over the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision banning racist affirmative action policies for college admissions.

Woke Bud Light partners with UNM for new Lobo beer packaging Read More »

New leftist poll shows Trump polling within within single digits of Biden in NM

17 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By Piñon Post

A new poll commissioned by the leftist NM Political Report sheds light on the competitive 2024 landscape in New Mexico, indicating that 45th President Donald Trump is just a single digit away from securing victory against Joe Biden. The poll, conducted by Public Policy Polling, engaged 767 New Mexico voters between August 23 and 24.

Despite New Mexico’s recent history of favoring Democrat candidates, this poll presents a compelling case for a potential shift in the political tide. Joe Biden holds a modest lead with 49 percent of the polled voters against both Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. In a hypothetical rematch against Trump, the 45th President garners 41 percent of the vote, with 10 percent of voters remaining undecided.

The electoral history of New Mexico, which has leaned Democratic in recent years, cannot be denied. In the 2020 presidential election, Biden was reported to have won over Trump by a margin of 10.79 percent, garnering 54.29 percent of the vote to Trump’s 43.5 percent. Notably, the last Republican to win New Mexico was George W. Bush in 2004, marking a potential turning point for the state’s political landscape.

Breaking down the respondents, 52 percent indicated their support for Biden, while 41 percent cast their vote for Trump; 7 percent either voted for another candidate or refrained from voting altogether.

However, Biden manages to maintain his lead despite holding a higher disapproval rating than approval among New Mexico voters. The poll reveals that 45 percent of respondents approve of Biden’s presidential performance, while 48 percent express disapproval.

The poll encompassed 767 New Mexico voters, utilizing both landline and text message outreach on August 23 and 24. The survey employed a split of 35 percent landline and 65 percent text message contacts. The margin of error for topline questions stands at 3.5 percent, with subpopulations likely to have a slightly larger margin of error. This poll serves as a noteworthy indication that the political landscape in New Mexico may be on the cusp of change, opening the door for increased conservative support in future elections.

New leftist poll shows Trump polling within within single digits of Biden in NM Read More »

Santa Fe school board floats banishing Fiesta Council from visiting schools

22 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By Renato Costa

Parents and local residents in Santa Fe expressed their frustrations on Thursday regarding a proposed resolution by the Santa Fe Public School (SFPS) that seeks to banish the Santa Fe Fiesta Council from participating in various local school activities.

According to KOAT 7, During the meeting, one participant voiced their concerns by asking, “Why are you taking so much time and attention to divide our history and culture?”

Lynette King, a parent who attended the meeting, expressed her frustration over the situation, stating, “It is heartbreaking to see our community like this.” King argued that the Fiesta Court has played a valuable role in educating youth about the history of Santa Fe and the significance of the 300-year Fiesta celebration.

Over the years, members of the Fiesta Court have visited schools, offering performances that recount the history of how the Spanish peacefully reclaimed the city from domestic terrorist and brutal murderer Popé, who his own people denounced and banished.

Many attendees of the meeting on Thursday expressed disagreement with the proposed ban, contending that the representation and activities of the Fiesta Court have contributed positively to the community.

However, the proposed resolution has garnered support from a group that chose not to provide on-camera commentary. This group contends that the story presented by the Fiesta Court does not adequately address the struggles faced by Native Americans during that historical period. They argue that the narrative inadvertently glorifies colonization and the subjugation of indigenous peoples.

Despite the differing viewpoints, parents like Lynette King maintain that the involvement of the Fiesta Court in local school activities has been beneficial for children’s education. She highlighted the positive impact on kids: “It’s just, it’s a beautiful thing. It shows kids that they can do this too… They can be a part of the community.”

The SFPS board has scheduled another meeting on Monday at 5:30 p.m. to continue deliberating on the resolution and ultimately cast their votes on the matter. The ongoing discussions reflect the complex interplay of historical narrative, cultural representation, and community engagement as stakeholders weigh the potential effects of the proposed ban on the Fiesta Court’s involvement in local schools.

The Santa Fe schools have continued revisionist history in the past, such as stripping the name of peaceful conquistador Don Diego de Vargas from formerly De Vargas Middle School. The junior high school is now called Milagro.

Santa Fe school board floats banishing Fiesta Council from visiting schools Read More »

NM is one of the states struggling the most with hiring

13 Comments / New Mexico, News / By Piñon Post

The Land of Enchantment has struggled to return to normal following the pandemic lockdowns, especially regarding workforce participation rates.

Nationally, the workforce participation rate is a dismal 62.6 percent, “one of the lowest rates in decades,” as WalletHub notes.

New Mexico ranked 10th in the WalletHub survey for states struggling the most with hiring, following only Montana, North Carolina, Mississippi, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, West Virginia, and Alaska, which took the top spot.

New Mexico’s most recent job openings rate was 6.8 percent, while over the last twelve months, it was at 7.15 percent.

The state of New York was struggling the least, with a recent job openings rate of 4.50 percent and a rate of 4.73 percent over the past year.

“WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia based on two metrics, the rate of job openings for the latest month and for the last 12 months. These metrics are listed below with their corresponding weights. WalletHub then used these metrics to rank-order the states and the District from those that struggle the most with hiring to those that struggle the least,” wrote the outlet.

New study shows how NM ranks against all other states

NM is one of the states struggling the most with hiring Read More »

State Supreme Court orders extension on gerrymandering lawsuit

3 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By Piñon Post

The legal battle surrounding the contentious congressional district map approved by a heavily Democratic New Mexico Legislature in 2021 has taken a new turn, as the state Supreme Court granted an extension of five days to a state district judge to settle a lawsuit brought forward by the Republican Party. Initially, the Supreme Court had set a deadline of October 1 for the District Court to resolve the redistricting case. However, in a recent amendment to the order, the Supreme Court has extended the timeline, stipulating that the court must take all necessary steps to resolve the matter by October 6, 2023, including the entry of a final, appealable order.

The lawsuit, filed in January 2022 by the Republican Party of New Mexico and six individuals, including Democrat Roswell Mayor Timothy Jennings, contends that the changes made to the congressional district map resulted from illegal gerrymandering orchestrated by the Democratic-majority Legislature. The case was later assigned to 9th Judicial District Judge Fred T. Van Soelen following the recusal or unavailability of all judges in the 5th Judicial District who were initially considered for the case.

At the heart of the legal dispute is the allegation that the redrawing of congressional district boundaries was aimed at diluting the influence of Republican voters in Southern New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District. The Republican Party’s argument centers on strategically shifting certain communities with substantial Republican populations into the two northern districts, where Democrats have historically held strong advantages. Simultaneously, Democrat communities were moved into the Second Congressional District in a power-grab by the far-left Legislature.

The Democrats’ gerrymandering turned the District from leaning Republican by 14 points to now favoring Democrats by four points — an 18-point swing.

This claim suggests that the redistricting strategy, rather than adhering to the principles of fair representation, was crafted to manipulate electoral outcomes for partisan gains. Gerrymandering, a political practice that manipulates the boundaries of electoral districts to favor one political party, has been a contentious issue across the United States. Critics argue that gerrymandering undermines the principles of democracy and citizen representation.

The legal battle highlights a broader debate on the fairness and ethics of redistricting processes, particularly when they appear to prioritize partisan interests over the interests of the constituents.

Legislative Democrats have obstructed the lawsuit by refusing to sit down for depositions with the plaintiffs’ attorneys, while Democrats have sought to remove Democrat Mayor Jennings from the proceedings.

As the lawsuit proceeds, the implications of the outcome could have far-reaching effects on New Mexico’s political landscape. Examining allegations of gerrymandering underscores the significance of transparent and unbiased redistricting processes, which are essential for upholding the principles of democratic representation and ensuring that voters’ voices are accurately reflected in the corridors of power.

Dems obstruct gerrymandering case with new court filing

State Supreme Court orders extension on gerrymandering lawsuit Read More »

Thanks to oil and gas, NM will again have a massive budget surplus

11 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By Piñon Post

The Legislative Finance Committee anticipates a significant fiscal boost in the coming years, with projections indicating a staggering $3.5 billion influx into the state’s coffers for the upcoming budget year thanks to the oil and gas industry, which New Mexico Democrats ravenously want to kneecap with anti-energy policies. While some of this windfall will be directed toward bolstering “rainy day” funds, policymakers are already formulating strategies to allocate the remaining funds, ranging from tax reform to healthcare initiatives, during the forthcoming legislative session.

Amid this financial abundance, the legislature’s focus extends to throwing billions more into the “Early Childhood Trust Fund,” which uses taxpayer cash to bankroll “free” daycare. State Sen. Pat Woods (R-Curry, Quay, and Union Counties) contends that certain programs have reached a point of overfunding. He aims to redirect these surplus resources towards future-oriented endeavors, asserting, “We have so much money in the program right now that we are not able to, we are about to the maximum, of what we can employ for state government… we can’t produce much more programs.”

Meanwhile, the topic of tax reform emerges as a priority for New Mexico House Republican Minority Leader Ryan Lane. He highlights the discrepancy between the state’s high personal income taxes and the existing surplus, emphasizing the need for comprehensive tax legislation that could ease the financial burden on working-class taxpayers. Lane’s perspective underscores the opportunity to enhance the financial well-being of New Mexico’s residents.

For state Democrats, higher education looms as a pivotal focus. This financial windfall is regarded as an unprecedented chance to strengthen educational initiatives while also safeguarding resources for leaner budgetary years.

State Sen. George K. Muñoz (D-Cibola, McKinley, and San Juan), the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, praised the prospect of maintaining consistent education funding and extending opportunities like the opportunity scholarships for accessible and free education. Muñoz underscores the fiscal potential that enables these progressive steps.

State Rep. Nathan Small (D-Doña Ana County), chairman of the House Appropriations and Finance Committee, aligns with the extravagant education-centric approach of his colleagues. He advocates for more money to be thrown into education. Small’s vision encompasses broader improvements in the state’s overall healthcare framework, particularly emphasizing the need to enhance behavioral healthcare services.

Small notes, “Substance use treatment, investments in health care, investments to expand reimbursement, so that there are more health care professionals who can see and serve New Mexicans.”

As policymakers prepare to convene for the upcoming legislative session, allocating these massive funds remains a critical discussion. The potential to address a spectrum of issues, from education and healthcare to tax reform, holds the promise of enhancing the well-being of New Mexico’s citizens and the state’s overall trajectory.

Thanks to oil and gas, NM will again have a massive budget surplus Read More »

National group to launch campaign hitting Vasquez over high gas prices

8 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By Piñon Post

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) is about to launch a campaign against far-left U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez of the Second Congressional District over his vote against lowering gas prices via American energy independence.

“The hybrid billboard and digital advertising campaign will appear in close proximity to gas stations in NM-02 and comes as the AAA average nears $4 a gallon,” wrote the group.

The billboard will look like this:

Vasquez and 20 other vulnerable House Dems will be in the line of fire for the vote that has kept gas prices high.

In June 2022, following Joe Biden’s cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline, exploitation of the United States’ strategic oil reserves, and reduction of land leases for drilling, among other policies, gas prices soared, hitting a high of $4.831 in New Mexico for regular unleaded gasoline while diesel jumped to $5.602.

“Rising gas prices are a fresh gut punch to millions of Americans already struggling under Bidenomics,” said NRCC Communications Director Jack Pandol. “Every trip to the pump is a reminder that extreme House Democrats put their radical war on American energy ahead of working families’ wallets.”

Vasquez faces a fierce race against GOP former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell, who has the support of Republican House leadership, including Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Speaker Kein McCarthy of California.

National group to launch campaign hitting Vasquez over high gas prices Read More »

Haaland smacked with ethics complaint over Chaco Canyon land grab

11 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By Piñon Post

Protect the Public’s Trust (PPT) has taken a significant step by filing an ethics complaint that calls upon the Department of the Interior (DOI) Inspector General to thoroughly investigate a potential ethics violation involving DOI Secretary Deb Haaland. The complaint arises from Secretary Haaland’s recent exercise of regulatory authority to implement a contentious moratorium on oil and gas leasing near Chaco Canyon National Historical Park. This move has raised concerns about pre-determined decision-making, prompting PPT to question whether the Secretary fulfilled her impartiality and ethics obligations.

Secretary Haaland’s involvement in the documentary film Our Story: The Indigenous Led Fight to Protect Greater Chaco, narrated by her child, Somah Haaland, has raised eyebrows regarding her impartiality in this matter. The film features footage of Secretary Haaland expressing opposition to oil and gas leasing at Chaco, including what seems to be a one-on-one interview near the site. PPT sought a comprehensive investigation into whether the Secretary adhered to her ethical responsibilities.

Somah Haaland, a media organizer and lobbyist with the Pueblo Action Alliance, an organization dedicated to challenging various systems of oppression, is associated with the film that features Secretary Haaland.

However, documentation obtained by PPT through a Freedom of Information Act request disclosed that Interior ethics officials contacted the Sierra Club and the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) – two organizations involved in promoting Our Story – requesting the removal of the Secretary’s official title and photo from promotional materials. Despite these actions, the Video Project website promoting the film continues to list Secretary Haaland with her official title.

Numerous stakeholders, including NGOs with both friendly and critical perspectives, lawmakers, media outlets, and the Navajo Nation, have expressed skepticism regarding Secretary Haaland’s capacity to render an impartial decision on the matter. Nonetheless, on June 2, 2023, Secretary Haaland issued an order that placed a 20-year moratorium on new oil and natural gas leasing within a 10-mile radius of Chaco Canyon.

Michael Chamberlain, Director of Protect the Public’s Trust, emphasized the importance of impartiality in governmental decision-making: “The American public deserves the assurance that official decisions at the Department of the Interior and other agencies are made in an impartial manner. Despite her unequivocal public statements as a federal official, her child’s leadership position at the loudest advocacy group calling for a moratorium, and even her ‘participation’ in a documentary arguing for such a policy, as Secretary, Deb Haaland pushed forward in the apparent misconception that people would believe she could be ‘impartial’ in the matter. Not only could people knowledgeable about the facts have reason to question her impartiality on this matter, many already have. Is it any wonder the public has so little trust in our government?”

As the ethics complaint against Secretary Haaland moves forward, it is poised to reignite discussions about ethical responsibilities, impartiality, and transparency within governmental decision-making processes.

Haaland smacked with ethics complaint over Chaco Canyon land grab Read More »

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