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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 »

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.

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

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. 

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

Vulnerable Vasquez calls in far-left Gov. MLG for last-ditch 2023 fundraising plea

10 Comments / New Mexico, News, Opinion, Politics / By

On Saturday, far-left U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, who faces tough reelection odds next November, called in far-left Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to help him rake in last-minute cash ahead of the New Year by appealing to the fringe progressive base.

“Right-wing extremism and petty politics are on the rise, yet Gabe is committed to working across the aisle to vote for common-sense legislation that moves our state/country forward,” wrote Lujan Grisham in a fundraising email, despite Vasquez siding with the far-left on basically everything, including instituting a new land grab in Deming and refusing to vote to help reduce inflation under the Joe Biden regime.

She continued, “Fighting for this amazing state means fighting for progress,” adding, “While his far-right opponent is reliant on extremists like Donald Trump, Mike Johnson, and Kevin McCarthy, we know your support will take him past the finish line and into another term of building progress for New Mexico and America.”

It is unclear why the governor is name-dropping McCarthy, who just quit Congress, but it appears to be a way to fluff up the fringe progressive base in the attempt to drum up cash ahead of 2024. Former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell is running again with the support of all the U.S. House GOP leadership.

Lujan Grisham is woefully unpopular, topping the rankings as one of the least popular governors in America. Those numbers surely worsened when she unilaterally attempted to snatch Bernalillo County and Albuquerque residents’ gun rights via executive order, which a Democrat-appointed judge slapped down.

Now, Vasquez heavily relying on the far-left governor to help him rake in some last-ditch donations appears to be a move toward the unconstitutional governor and her extreme positions on anything from abortion to energy policy.

Lujan Grisham again ranked one of America’s least popular governors

Vulnerable Vasquez calls in far-left Gov. MLG for last-ditch 2023 fundraising plea Read More »

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! 

The most read Piñon Post stories of 2023 Read More »

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

9 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

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

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

Lujan Grisham-appointed judge resigns

7 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A Doña Ana County judge, appointed by far-left Democrat New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in February, has tendered his resignation. 

Judge Mark D. Standridge, serving as a Third Judicial District Court Judge for Division IV, officially resigned from his position, with his last day being December 15th.

Mark D. Standridge, a University of Arizona and UNM School of Law graduate, entered the legal profession by being admitted to the New Mexico Bar in 2006. 

Before his appointment as a judge, Standridge held diverse roles, including serving as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico. In that capacity, he focused on investigating and prosecuting various felony criminal cases, emphasizing civil rights and gun-related offenses.

Prior to his federal service, Standridge contributed to the legal landscape in Las Cruces, working as a Deputy City Attorney for the City of Las Cruces. He also handled cases in private practices, showcasing a comprehensive legal background.

The circumstances surrounding Judge Standridge’s resignation were not detailed in the available information. His departure marks the conclusion of his tenure as a judge in the Third Judicial District Court in New Mexico.

Not so honorable: New Mexico Supreme Court censures Democrat judge

Lujan Grisham-appointed judge resigns Read More »

New Mexico’s $49 billion investment portfolio just got a new manager

11 Comments / New Mexico, News / By

The State Investment Council’s quest for a new state investment officer in New Mexico concluded without the need for an out-of-state search, as Jon Clark, an Albuquerque native and Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s current deputy secretary of the New Mexico Economic Development Department, emerged as the chosen candidate. He will oversee $49 billion in savings and trust accounts for the state.

Clark, who has been serving as the acting secretary following the departure of Alicia J. Keyes earlier this year, has been offered the prestigious position with an annual salary of $285,000, per the Santa Fe New Mexican. This marks a decrease of approximately $34,000 compared to the previous state investment officer, Steve Moise, who retired in October after a remarkable 13-year tenure.

Jon Clark via Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office: https://web.archive.org/web/20231228010405/https://www.governor.state.nm.us/our-leadership/economic-development-department/

While there were discussions about the possibility of increasing the salary to attract a qualified replacement, the State Investment Council, chaired by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, did not delve into this issue during a special meeting held on Wednesday.

The council, in a unanimous 8-0 vote, Jon Clark was approved as the next state investment officer, contingent upon the finalization of all administrative processes associated with the hiring requirements for the state of New Mexico.

Following an executive session, council members provided limited comments, indicating that their decision had been predetermined. Catherine Allen, chair of the council’s governance committee, expressed excitement about the appointment, stating, “We’re very excited about the new state investment officer and the process that we used to get them.”

Acknowledging the efforts of Hudepohl and Associates, an Ohio-based executive search firm, Allen extended gratitude for finding “such great candidates” for the position. Clark, among 86 applicants, stood out as one of the 25 individuals meeting the minimum qualifications. After interviewing six candidates, the council narrowed the list down to two finalists, ultimately selecting Clark for the role.

In his cover letter, Clark emphasized his unique qualifications, noting his finance degree and experience in leading venture capital investments. He highlighted his role as Chief Economist for the Legislative Finance Committee, asserting that the position doesn’t demand a traditional investment background but rather requires someone skilled in managerial decision-making with sufficient understanding of the investment landscape.

The next steps include clarifying who will assume leadership at the Economic Development Department if Clark accepts the offered position.

New Mexico’s $49 billion investment portfolio just got a new manager Read More »

See all the candidates appearing on NM’s 2024 presidential primary ballots

7 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The political landscape in New Mexico is gearing up for the upcoming primary on June 4, 2024, and five candidates have been officially certified by the state’s major political parties for the presidency. The list of Democrats, Libertarians, and Republicans might just surprise you. Here are all the White House contenders who will appear on New Mexico primary ballots next year (click the NEXT PAGE button below):

See all the candidates appearing on NM’s 2024 presidential primary ballots Read More »

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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 »

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