The 30-day legislative session was a success on many fronts for liberty-minded New Mexicans, with proposals to enact a “Green Amendment,” mandatory paid family and medical leave, and bans on most firearms, among other far-left initiatives not making it across the finish line.
However, some bad legislation seeped through. Here are all the worst bills that got passed during the 2024 Legislative Session. Click the “NEXT” button below to see the list of items:
New Mexico’s recent climate and energy initiatives, including H.B. 9 and the “Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion” (JEDI) program, have drawn attention for their focus on clean energy and decarbonization. While these initiatives may have their merits, concerns have been raised regarding the exclusion of certain organizations and departments from the decision-making process. Additionally, the pressing issue of aging water infrastructure in New Mexico and the wider United States seems to have taken a backseat. This piece delves into these concerns and sheds light on the need for a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to address critical issues.
Exclusion of New Mexico Organizations and Departments:
During a committee meeting, it was revealed that many constituents felt excluded from the decision-making process of the JEDI program. This raised questions about the program’s adherence to its own Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. The dissatisfaction expressed by these constituents highlights the importance of involving all stakeholders and ensuring transparency in the development and implementation of such programs. To build trust and create an inclusive environment, it is crucial for the JEDI program to actively engage with a diverse range of organizations and departments.
Neglecting Aging Water Infrastructures:
While the focus on clean energy and decarbonization is top of mind for some legislators, it is equally important not to overlook the pressing issue of aging water infrastructure in New Mexico and across the United States. Failing water infrastructures pose significant risks to public health, environmental sustainability, and economic development. The transfer of energy should not overshadow the urgent need to address these infrastructure challenges. A comprehensive approach that considers both energy and water sectors is necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of New Mexico’s infrastructure.
Moving Toward a More Inclusive and Comprehensive Approach:
To address the concerns of exclusion and the oversight of critical issues, it is imperative for New Mexico’s climate initiatives to adopt a more inclusive and comprehensive approach. This involves actively involving all stakeholders, including organizations, departments, and community members, in the decision-making process. Transparency, open dialogue, and collaboration are essential to ensure that diverse perspectives are considered and that the initiatives align with the needs and priorities of the community.
Furthermore, it is crucial to prioritize the revitalization of aging water infrastructure alongside clean energy efforts. Investing in water infrastructure upgrades and modernization will not only address immediate challenges but also contribute to long-term sustainability and resilience.
New Mexico’s climate initiatives hold promise for a sustainable future, but they must address concerns of exclusion and the oversight of critical issues. By actively involving all stakeholders and prioritizing the revitalization of aging water infrastructures, the state can create a more inclusive, resilient, and equitable path toward a sustainable future. It is through collaboration and comprehensive planning that New Mexico can truly make a positive impact on both the environment and the well-being of its citizens.
For more information, please click this link and be sure to read the summary of the committee report. Video is provided so that you can review and see for yourself that the JEDI force is not following its own policy and procedures that it makes all other businesses and industries practice. Come stand with us against tyranny.
Paul Spencer is an entrepreneur and community leader from Grants, New Mexico. As the president of the local community public water system, Paul is dedicated to improving access to clean and affordable water for his community. He is the chairman of the Cibola County Republican Party, where he works to build back the political will of the people and promote prosperity in the region.
Opinions expressed by Piñon Post contributors do not necessarily represent the viewpoints of the publication or its editorial staff. Submit an op-ed to the Piñon Post at news@pinonpost.com.
Our family just enjoyed a weekend in Disneyland. We love the Happiest Place on Earth and the opportunity to be lighthearted, spend time together, and play with our granddaughters. On this particular trip, I found myself thinking about how fairy tale storytelling compares to real life.
Does art imitate life, or does life follow art?
One thing that kept coming to my mind is that the villain in every Disney story is seeking to, in some way, control others. The Evil Queen from Snow White wants to take the lives of those who simply want to enjoy the beauty of love, freedom, and happiness. The Wicked Sorcerer wants to enslave or kill those who are simply living their lives. Some of the villains are male, some are female, and others are dragons or even snakes.
Regardless of their form, the one thing they have in common is their desire to control and take something from someone, doing them no harm. I couldn’t help but reflect on how I’ve felt this way at times as a Responsibly Armed Citizen who simply wants to protect and defend what I love.
The people who want to chip away at our freedom to keep and bear arms seek what feels like a similar type of control over your life and mine. Oftentimes, it comes with a “pretty face” or dressed up in some fashion that makes it challenging to disagree. They call it “smart gun laws” or “common sense gun control” and tell you it is “for the children.”
In the world of Disney and fairytales, the antagonists and adversaries often cast their spells using cleverly worded phrases and rhetoric to trick well-meaning people into mindlessly nodding their heads in agreement. In the same way, those who attempt to restrict gun ownership are like modern-day pied pipers. They siren call their way into the words that spew from the mouths of our favorite Hollywood actors and feisty young politicians. And those of us who haven’t fallen under the spell are oftentimes painted with the brush of being small-minded social outcasts who love our guns more than our children.
Nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact, over 2.5 million times each year, lives are saved by people who are responsibly armed. I own and carry firearms for the express purpose of protecting my life and the lives of those I love. In this battle of wits and wills, what are we, the keepers of the truth, to do so that we, too, don’t willingly tie on our own puppet strings and become one of the Rights Restrictors’ bobble-headed marionettes? How do we save our children and our children’s children from drinking the poison of distorted history and protect this generation and the next from climbing down the steep staircase to the dungeon of gun-control lies?
To break the spell, simply keep asking (and answering) one little word. “Why?” Why do we have a Constitution? Why did our Founding Fathers include a Bill of Rights? Why do the 27 Words of the Second Amendment include the clause “shall not be infringed”? Why did the very first gun control laws come about? And why are the loudest voices that are trying to restrict your rights to self-protection coming from the very people who have armed security protecting them and their children 24 hours a day? Why, if guns are bad, do these people rely on guns to protect them? Just keep asking why, and you will soon see the smoke and mirrors, half-truths, emotional manipulation, and outright lies begin to vaporize as the phantoms they really are.
You and I simply want to live the American hope of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We want to build our little cottage, snip off the puppet strings, and live out the promise of a future filled with freedom. It is important to keep our eyes on the North Star of truth so that we, too, do not fall prey to the spells of those who want us to fall into the deep sleep of apathy and who seek to enslave us under their heavy boot of tyranny. We must know the truth and constantly plant the seeds of truth. We must every day take up our shield of wisdom and teach the next generation how to use the sword of truth because the villains are many, the villains are loud, and because every villain wants the same thing: control.
Second Amendment activist Cheryl Todd is a visiting fellow emeritus at the Independent Women’s Forum. Read more about her here.
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.
There are numerous reasons to litigate. We’re confident that lawsuits will arise from this “kangaroo court” in which massive policy changes are initiated by a board acting without as much as a majority of its own membership.
Paul Gessing is the president of the leading free market economic policy think tank and taxpayer watchdog group, the Rio Grande Foundation. This article originally appeared in Errors of Enchantment.
New Mexicans woke up to “Governor announces statewide enforcement plan for violence, fentanyl reduction – Plan includes 30-day suspension of concealed, open carry in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County.”
Santa Fe Democrats didn’t believe suspending concealed and open-carry weapons would end violence in Albuquerque. As Bill Clinton’s buddy Rahm Emanuel once said, “You never let a serious crisis go to waste. And what I mean by that is an opportunity to do things you thought you could not do before.” Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s opportunity was to strip New Mexicans of their Second Amendment Rights while propelling her to the national stage.
What could go wrong? It worked with the COVID-19 epidemic. No one complained when she stripped us of our Rights while New Mexico became the worst state for infection rates. No one complained when Albuquerque Mayor Keller stripped us of our Second Amendment rights on our public lands while Albuquerque continued to set records for violent crimes. New Mexicans have had enough of being blamed for their failures.
MLG was propelled to the national stage, just not in the manner she had hoped for. Her blatant effort to exploit the suffering of Albuquerque residents for her political gains was apparent to even New Mexico’s Congressional Delegation (whose dreams of Presidency went poof). MLG’s future went poof.
MLG acknowledged that her actions were a boost to the NM GOP (also rehabilitated the NRA reputation) fundraising activities when she wrote on X,” I’m still waiting on a thank-you note from the New Mexico GOP,” MLG ended her post on X by “… using it as an opportunity for immediate action to save New Mexican lives.” The Republican Leaders in the NM Senate and House should accept MLG’s invitation to enact bipartisan legislation that will turn New Mexico into the safest state in the Nation.
My top five legislative actions to make New Mexico one of the safest states in the Nation.
1) Allow New Mexicans to vote on a new Bail Bond Referendum modeled after the Federal Bail Bond system.
2) Pass a “Darian Jarrott Three Strike & Your Out Law” that ends New Mexico’s enticement of felons from across the country.
3) Pass a “Jackson Weller Felon in Possession of a Firearm Law” that keeps felons arrested for firearm possession behind bars until their trial.
4) Pass a “Peace Offer Recruitment Law” that compensates Peace Officers who move to New Mexico, restoring Peace Officers’ qualified immunity, and social workers are no longer counted as Peace Officers.
5) It is time we pass NM Representative Rehm’s “Unlawful Firearms while trafficking” Bill.
MLG and her Santa Fe Democrats have woken the New Mexican People. The Republican Party has an opportunity to demonstrate they care about the hard-working people of New Mexico, not just a fat bank account.
Too many days have passed since my last article was sent to you and you deserve an explanation.
This year, I aimed to finish Backpacking the last sixty miles of the John Muir Trail. The JMT earned its reputation as the nation’s most famous trail for its 8-13,000 elevation, 46,000 feet of ascent, 220 miles long, rough terrain, river crossing, and hazardous weather. That is why half the people who start the JMT finish. Because of where I stopped and restarted when I finished the JMT, I ascended 58,000 feet and hiked 238 miles. Not bad for a lovable old dog.
This year, deep snow kept the trail closed until the end of July. Then, I scrambled to obtain a permit, purchase supplies, repair damaged equipment (my backpack is 45 years old), and finally train (hiking to the top of the Sandia Tram) with a loaded pack. On my last trip up to the top of the Sandia, I was jogging to keep up with the young bucks (Marion reminded me I am a lovable Old Dog). I tripped, fell, and jammed my back, making continued training and typing my articles nearly impossible. I then concentrated on rehabilitation and keeping up with business.
I finally felt good enough to move forward to try. This past Friday, I left home for Mammoth, Calif., to finish the last leg of the JMT. The night before entering the JMT, I rechecked the weather. The long-term forecast changed; temperatures dropped by 10-15 degrees, wind chill is now a factor, and snow is possible. The window for finishing the JMT this year closed.
I will be back next year to finish the John Muir Trail
Host, “To the Point with Mick Rich.” 2018 Republican nominee for U.S. Senate (NM). Founder & CEO, Mick Rich Contractors. Husband, father, grandfather. Read more from Mick Rich at MickRich.substack.com.
Opinions expressed by Piñon Post contributors do not necessarily represent the viewpoints of the publication or its editorial staff. Submit an op-ed to the Piñon Post at news@pinonpost.com.
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.
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.
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.
Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson has died. While we at the Rio Grande Foundation often disagreed with the former governor, we also had our areas of agreement. Here are a few thoughts on him and his legacy.
Sadly, Richardson ALSO fell into the trap of big government boondoggles. His purchase of a supercomputer was one, but his Rail Runner and Spaceport have been very costly. The RailRunner continues to lose ridership while the Spaceport remains unproven even as Virgin Galactic FINALLY has started manned tourism launches. Subsidies for Eclipse Aviation and Schott Solar also failed to create long-term economic success. Richardson also laid the groundwork for New Mexico’s costly film subsidies, which have helped film while failing to develop New Mexico’s economy despite hundreds of millions in subsidies.
In broader terms, Richardson was a consensus-builder who genuinely tried to represent the entire state, whereas current Gov. Lujan Grisham often ignores rural New Mexico in favor of vote-rich urban areas.
Paul Gessing is the president of the leading free market economic policy think tank and taxpayer watchdog group, the Rio Grande Foundation. This article originally appeared in Errors of Enchantment.
Opinions expressed by Piñon Post contributors do not necessarily represent the viewpoints of the publication or its editorial staff. Submit an op-ed to the Piñon Post at news@pinonpost.com.
Santa Fe Democrats recently celebrated a new $1 billion (with $0.6 billion incentives) solar panel plant built in Albuquerque by Singapore’s Maxeon Solar. Meanwhile, Phoenix Republicans celebrated a $30 billion (no report of incentives) computer chip plant being built outside of Phoenix by American Intel/Brookfield. Why do the hardworking people of New Mexico have to pay companies to come to New Mexico?
New Mexico is ranked fiftieth in educating its youth. State Senate President Pro-Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Bernalillo), indicted Ex-New Mexico House Majority Floor Leader Sheryl William Stapleton (D-Bernalillo), and their fellow Santa Fe Democrats put and kept New Mexico at the bottom of all fifty states for education.
New Mexico is ranked forty-fourth in keeping our youth and ourselves safe. Santa Fe Democrats misled New Mexicans to believe eliminating cash bonds would save our child. Instead, our youth are dying violently at the highest rates ever.
New Mexico is ranked forty-fourth economically. Santa Fe Democrats have created an environment that is only friendly to Big Labor and Addiction industries (legal and illegal drug trade, sex trafficking trade, gambling trade, liquor, and alcohol trade). All other sectors have to be subsidized to come to New Mexico or unable to leave (military bases and government laboratories) our state.
New Mexico is ranked forty-seventh for rural internet and road infrastructure. Santa Fe Democrats are stuck in the past with land-based rural internet. Rural New Mexicans could have internet within thirty days if they did not politically oppose Elon Musk’s Starlink network. Santa Fe Democrats would instead put NM tax dollars into Spaceport America, RailRunner, and Albuquerque’s ART than our highway network.
New Mexico is ranked forty-first for opportunity and equality. I understand why our state ranked low for the chance; Santa Fe Democrats’ policies have created tremendous job growth in the addiction industries (see definition above), historically low-paying jobs that fail to provide a path out of poverty. I don’t understand how our state can be a minority-majority state, run by Santa Fe Democrats for decades, and rank low for equality. How are Santa Fe Democrats perpetuating inequality?
Santa Fe Democrats’ failure to educate our youth to provide safe communities, a lack of economic opportunities, a crumbling highways network, and the continued struggles of our “minority-majority” is why Maxeon Solar did not initially consider New Mexico. Once Santa Fe Democrats offset those failures with 0.6 billion dollars in subsidies, Albuquerque was chosen. 0.6 billion dollars is the value one company places on the shortcomings of the Santa Fe Democrats.
Maxeon Solar may be as desperate as Santa Fe Democrats. The Motley Fool website listed three reasons Maxeon Solar stocks recently dropped precipitately,” … missed badly on revenue; management forecasts continued weak sales in Q3, and probably Q4. At the same time, Maxeon is building even more production capacity in a fragile demand environment.” With NM’s 0.6-billion-dollar contribution and Albuquerque’s Industrial Revenue Bonds (guaranteed by Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act), Maxeon has almost zero investment in New Mexico.
Maxeon will need tremendous luck to avoid the fate of other bankrupt American solar panel manufacturers. Albuquerque’s Schott Solar (our company was one of several companies that built the Schott Solar Albuquerque plant, which went up in flames this past week). Tucson’s Global Solar (I chose not to invest in purchasing the assets out of bankruptcy) ended in bankruptcy. Even Obama’s Solyndra ended in bankruptcy despite hundreds of millions in subsidies. The only winners in these endeavors were Chinese companies that purchased the equipment from the bankrupt companies.
A recent Foreign Policy magazine headline, “The state (Arizona) will remain a destination for foreign investment due to a skilled workforce, leadership in water conservation, and low tax burdens.” Three critical factors that entice businesses to move to Arizona. Assume that is why Virgin Galactic built their aerospace manufacturing facility in the Phoenix area and not the Albuquerque area.
The CEO of a well-respected architect firm shared with me that an Arizona developer flew into Albuquerque to meet at the site for their new forty-acre mixed-use development near I-40 and Unser Boulevard. A young man stumbled into the group as they listened to the developer’s vision for the site. He was clutching his stomach from a gunshot wound, asking for help. After the ambulance left with the wounded young man, the developer turned to the group and said he did not want to be associated with “this.” He ended with I am leaving, and I am done with New Mexico.
Maxeon is a Singapore-based company. Singapore is a city/state/country that does not tolerate crime—mandatory canning for vandalism. Sexual assault and prostitution sentences are up to five years in prison; additional years are added if a person under 16 is involved. Outrage of modesty crimes may result in prison sentences. Lastly, the mandatory death penalty for many narcotic crimes. What will happen when Singapore Business Leaders realize what Santa Fe Democrats sold them?
Once New Mexicans elect individuals committed to solving our state’s challenges and not protecting Santa Fe Democrats’ political contributors, we will not have to bribe companies to come to New Mexico.
Host, “To the Point with Mick Rich.” 2018 Republican nominee for U.S. Senate (NM). Founder & CEO, Mick Rich Contractors. Husband, father, grandfather. Read more from Mick Rich at MickRich.substack.com.
Opinions expressed by Piñon Post contributors do not necessarily represent the viewpoints of the publication or its editorial staff. Submit an op-ed to the Piñon Post at news@pinonpost.com.
