Politics

Leftists whine after law-breaking NMSU protesters arrested

38 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Thirteen individuals were detained at New Mexico State University’s Las Cruces campus on Thursday following a two-hour sit-in protest. The demonstration, organized by anti-Israel parties, took place in the Hadley administration building, a hub for the university’s top administrative offices.

The protest started with a group of about 12 to 16 people positioning themselves in the central hallway, engaging in chants and songs. Outside, additional supporters joined, some playing musical instruments on the building’s doors, echoing the sentiments inside, as campus police restricted entry.

The sit-in was part of a broader movement that included a week-long encampment on campus, during which protesters issued demands to the university’s board of regents. These demands included adopting a cease-fire resolution and transparency about the university’s investments, specifically concerning any financial ties to entities benefiting from military actions in Gaza or associated with the Israeli government.

The protesters also strangely demanded that NMSU remove Pistol Pete as the university’s mascot.

Despite the protesters’ demands, the university’s regents did not address the cease-fire resolution. Interim President Mónica Torres communicated through a letter that the university had found no investments matching the criteria specified by the protesters and requested the disbandment of the camp due to policy and safety concerns. This camp was dismantled shortly after, on May 6.

As the sit-in commenced around 4:30 p.m., just before the end of the academic year, the atmosphere outside Hadley Hall was contrastingly serene, with students engaging in typical campus activities. However, inside, the mood was different as protesters, closely encircled by campus police, continued their demonstration. 

By 5:30 p.m., the building was fully occupied by protesters and police. NMSU Police Deputy Chief Justin Dunivan mentioned efforts to de-escalate the situation and acknowledged the ongoing dialogue with the protesters.

As tensions escalated, supporters outside intensified their efforts, banging on the windows and shouting support slogans, with one protester marking the pavement with messages calling for a cease-fire. The administration noted a window was broken during the protest, attributing it to the intensity of the demonstration.

The situation reached a climax at around 6 p.m. when the university’s spokesperson, Justin Bannister, stated, “That building closes for business at 5 p.m.,” indicating that the protesters had been repeatedly asked to vacate the premises before being warned of impending arrests. This led to the arrest of 13 people, with charges ranging from misdemeanors like criminal trespass to felonies such as battery on a peace officer.

The following day, Interim President Torres released a statement, acknowledging the presence of both students and others in the protest and reiterating the university’s commitment to enabling peaceful protests while maintaining campus operations and safety.

After the news of the arrests, the far-left fringe group “ProgressNow New Mexico” bemoaned on X, “​​Last night peacefully gathered protesters at NMSU were violently removed during a sit-in. One was so brutally assaulted they required hospitalization. 

We expressly condemn the use of force by police against students exercising their right to assemble and speech (sic). Again.” 

On the other side of the argument, former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell wrote, “Kudos to NMSU for handling this the right way. Clear communication from the administration about the consequences for breaking the law, then rapid follow-through from law enforcement when those warnings were ignored. Lawbreakers were promptly removed, arrested, and charged – problem solved. Other universities should take note!” 

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Judge sides with Egolfs on how to handle high-stakes fraud battle

4 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A legal battle involving Democrat former New Mexico House Speaker Brian Egolf, his wife, Kelly Egolf, and a group of prominent investors will be settled through arbitration rather than in court. District Judge Francis Mathew made this decision on Thursday, siding with the Egolfs, who had argued that an agreement between Kelly Egolf and her former business partners at New Mexico Fresh Foods required dispute resolution through arbitration.

“We have been clear from the beginning this case never should have been filed in court, and we are glad Judge Mathew confirmed that today,” stated Brian Egolf’s attorney, Mark Baker, after the ruling, per the Santa Fe New Mexican.

Meanwhile, Clifford Atkinson, representing the plaintiffs, said they are considering options for an appeal but did not provide further comments. The plaintiffs include Bob and Ellen Vladem (the namesake of the Vladem Contemporary Museum), real estate mogul Ed Berman, attorney Dan Perry, philanthropist Gail “Peaches” Gilbert, restaurateur Charles Dale, Jessie Groothuis, and Steven Lustig.

The group claims that the Egolfs devised a scheme to cut them out of New Mexico Fresh Foods by orchestrating a bank sale of its assets to Invictus, a company they allege was set up to defraud them of their $3 million investment.

However, the Egolfs’ legal team argued that the investors deliberately blocked Kelly Egolf’s attempt to secure additional funding when New Mexico Fresh Foods encountered financial trouble. In response, Brian Egolf created Invictus to prevent total financial collapse.

Aside from the investors’ contributions, New Mexico Fresh Foods secured about $700,000 in public funding and benefited from government tax breaks for equipment purchases. Additionally, the company received a $375,000 loan from the Santa Fe Community Foundation.

The Egolfs’ motions to enforce arbitration, filed by attorney Jennifer Noya on behalf of Kelly Egolf and by Baker representing both Brian Egolf and Invictus, also sought to either dismiss the lawsuit or pause the case while arbitration proceeds.

“This isn’t a dispute involving an arbitration agreement that’s buried in some sort of consumer contract or nursing home admission documents,” Noya explained. “Rather, this is a case filed by multiple sophisticated investor groups.”

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Billionaires fund anti-Israel protests as Dems like Vasquez accept their cash

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Several House Democrats in challenging re-election campaigns, including New Mexico Rep. Gabe Vasquez, have accepted contributions from the wealthy Pritzker family, who have been linked to groups involved in recent anti-Jewish protests. 

According to data from the Federal Election Commission (FEC), the Pritzker family, known for their ownership of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, donated substantial amounts to vulnerable Democrats as well as to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) and House Majority PAC. Both organizations aim to secure a Democratic majority in the House of Representatives.

Reports indicate that the Pritzker family founded the Libra Foundation, which funds smaller nonprofits. Some of these nonprofits, like the Climate Justice Alliance, have taken Hamas’ side as Israel continues to defend itself against radical Islamic terrorists launching attacks.

Another funded group, Black Organizing for Leadership and Dignity, has promoted anti-Israel demonstrations. 

The Immigrant Defense Project, also supported by the Libra Foundation, joined a protest in Washington, D.C., that led to several arrests.

Additionally, the Pritzkers and billionaire George Soros are reported to support the Tides Foundation, which funds “progressive” organizations such as the Adalah Justice Project. This project took part in a protest at Columbia University that was disrupted last week after multiple arrests.

Alongside Gabe Vasquez, other vulnerable Democrats receiving donations from the Pritzkers include Reps. Mary Peltola (D-Alaska), Mike Levin (D-Calif.), Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.), Sharice Davids (D-Kan.), Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), Susan Wild (D-Pa.), Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.), Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.). 

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Early voting for New Mexico’s June primary election begins Tuesday

3 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Early voting for the June 4th primary election in New Mexico starts tomorrow, May 7th, 2024. Registered voters can cast their ballots at the County Clerk’s office beginning on May 7th, with additional early voting locations opening up on May 18th. 

All early voting locations will close on June 1st, and Election Day polling stations will be open on June 4th from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

If you’re unsure of your registration status or need to register for the first time, you can check or update your voter registration online via New Mexico’s voter portal. 

Same-day registration will also be available at every polling location statewide on Election Day. 

For those who won’t be able to make it to the polls to vote, requesting an absentee ballot as early as possible and returning it promptly to avoid postal delays is advisable. You should hand-deliver your ballot to the County Clerk’s Office to ensure it gets in the proper hands. If there is no other option, it can also be mailed.

In-person voting locations for early and Election Day voting can be found through the New Mexico Secretary of State’s voter portal linked here, along with specific information on districts and sample ballots. 

Remember that New Mexico conducts closed partisan primaries, so voters registered with a political party can only vote in that party’s primary. 

Further details on primary election protocols, including mail-in ballots and FAQs, can be found on the New Mexico Secretary of State’s website and your county clerk’s office simply by putting “X County Clerk” in the search engine of your choice.

Voting in the primary is vital to ensure the strongest and most qualified candidates get elected to office across the board, and voting early is helpful, especially if you are unsure if you’ll be in-town or available on Election Day.

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Dueling op-eds debate NM’s Senate race: Career politician or outsider?

20 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The upcoming U.S. Senate race in New Mexico has sparked intense debate, encapsulated by two dueling op-eds in the Albuquerque Journal from state representatives Gail Chasey and Jim Townsend. Both pieces reflect deep partisan divides and sharply different perceptions of the candidates, incumbent Democrat Sen. Martin Heinrich and Republican challenger Nella Domenici.

State Rep. Gail Chasey, a far-left Albuquerque Democrat, bends over backwards to prop up Sen. Heinrich’s record in a passionate piece. Chasey highlights Heinrich’s dedication to New Mexico, stating he “knows every nook and cranny of New Mexico” and has a track record of delivering “billions of dollars in federal investments,” despite Heinrich’s primary residence being in Maryland and every U.S. congressional representative and senator bringing money to the state. 

She praises his efforts in securing funding for infrastructure projects across the state, including water and sewer lines in Chama and a mental health clinic in Santa Teresa. Chasey asserts, “Heinrich’s ability to navigate the complexities of federal funding mechanisms and deliver concrete results demonstrates his effectiveness as a leader who puts the needs of New Mexicans first.”

Chasey contrasts Heinrich’s supposed extensive experience in Washington, D.C. with what she claims is Domenici’s lack thereof, arguing that Domenici, despite her impressive decades-long business background, “lacks a substantive record of public service, tangible accomplishments, or even a cursory knowledge of the state.” That could, very well, be the point of Domenici’s run — not being a career politician or Santa Fe/Washington, D.C. insider. 

On the flip side, State Rep. Jim Townsend, a Republican from Artesia, offers a starkly different view. He reminisces about Nella’s father, the late Sen. Pete Domenici, and criticizes Heinrich’s approach to governance by stating, “Martin Heinrich is no Pete Domenici.” Townsend accuses Heinrich of being “hands-off” in his responses to crises, notably in managing the aftermath of the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon wildfires, which he says led to “chaos, misery, and delay.”

Townsend praises Nella Domenici’s proactive approach, noting her quick action to meet with wildfire victims and her proposals for remediation. He commends her understanding of New Mexico’s energy needs, stating she, like her father, recognizes the importance of both traditional and renewable energy sources. Townsend criticizes Heinrich’s extreme focus on green energy as neglectful of the practical energy needs and economic realities of New Mexico.

Both op-eds vividly illustrate the high stakes and the sharp ideological contrasts at play in this Senate race. Chasey’s endorsement of Heinrich contrasts with Townsend’s portrayal of Domenici as a fresh, practical voice echoing her father’s legacy while bringing a new, amplified voice for New Mexico to the U.S. Senate.

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Lujan Grisham regime hands nearly half a million dollars to UPS

18 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In an era where politicians are quick to allocate public funds towards their own agendas, often without regard to efficacy, an interesting development has emerged in the realm of electric vehicle (EV) adoption by major delivery companies like FedEx and UPS. According to a recent Reuters report, as noted by Errors of Enchantment, these companies face significant hurdles in transitioning to green vehicles, primarily due to battery shortages and high EV prices, compounded by the financial struggles of startup electric van manufacturers.

Luke Wake, the vice president of fleet maintenance and engineering at UPS, expressed skepticism about the future landscape of these businesses, asking, “The question is how many of those (companies) will be here in five years, 10 years?”

Amid these uncertainties, an April 30 report from KRQE 13 highlights an initiative by far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s New Mexico Environment Department, which has allocated over $473,000 in grant money to UPS. This funding is intended for the replacement of 16 aging delivery vehicles with newer, presumably more “environmentally friendly” models.

“At UPS, we believe in contributing positively to the communities in which we live and work. With over 18,000 alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles in our fleet, we are proud to collaborate with the New Mexico Environment Department to increase our number of renewable natural gas vehicles and make a difference on the road,” Ryan Bankerd, UPS Corporate Affairs director of sustainability, wrote in a press release. 

While delivery vehicles are arguably more suitable for EV technology compared to personal cars due to their routine city routes and regular return to a home charging station, the current challenges of battery shortages and an unstable supply chain raise concerns. These issues highlight the risks associated with relying on EVs for consistent delivery services.

Moreover, the decision to grant a substantial sum to UPS, a highly profitable corporation, sparks further debate. Per UPS, in 2023, it had an “[o]perating profit of $9.1 billion; adjusted operating profit of $9.9 billion.”

This situation begs the question of whether such financial support from taxpayer money should be cause for concern, particularly among those on the political left who typically advocate for responsible and equitable government spending.

Furthermore, this raises an additional query about whether FedEx will also receive similar support from New Mexico for its “green” vehicle initiatives, or if this assistance will remain exclusive to UPS. Such decisions are pivotal, especially in light of the potential implications they carry for the sustainability and efficiency of large-scale corporate transitions to environmentally friendly technologies.
Read more about it at Errors of Enchantment.

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Anti-Israel protest at Kirtland forces closure of school, disrupts businesses

16 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Early Thursday morning, activists converged on the streets leading to Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, causing significant disruptions as they fruitlessly protested the U.S. Government’s support for Israel. The protest, which started around 6:30 a.m., blocked the main entrance at Louisiana and Gibson, leading to considerable traffic backups and compelling the Albuquerque Police Department to shut down traffic in the vicinity.

A protester at the scene shared their motivations with the media, stating, “I think it’s complicated to say that this is a frontline, but, for me, it’s… it’s impossible to sit by and to be inactive, and to live a comfortable life as if I don’t know what’s happening.” The extremists remained until approximately 1:30 p.m. before dispersing voluntarily.

The protest’s location is strategic, given Kirtland Air Force Base’s significance in military and federal operations. The base, one of the largest employers in Albuquerque, houses several defense and research facilities. Although the temporary closure of the Louisiana gate did not affect base operations, it highlighted the potential future impact such annoyances can have on national security.

The blockade’s effects extended beyond the base. Wherry Elementary School, located nearby, was forced to switch to online learning for the day. A teacher from the school expressed concerns to KRQE News 13, noting that the protest had not only disrupted educational activities but had also hindered food access for students and interrupted some testing processes.

Local businesses also felt the impact of the protest. An employee from Family Appliances, located in the vicinity, described the challenges faced due to the disruption. They told KRQE News 13, “It really slowed us down, it’s just due to the fact that our techs weren’t even able to come in, so they weren’t even to fix, like, to do like, repairs on our appliances, it was like, it was pretty bad.” The employee chose to remain anonymous for privacy reasons.

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Democrat state senator makes shock retirement announcement

4 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

State Sen. Siah Correa Hemphill of Silver City has decided not to pursue re-election, opening up a potential opportunity for a shift in party control of her legislative seat. 

Correa Hemphill, a far-left Democrat, announced her decision not to seek a second term in a news release, expressing a desire to explore new career opportunities.

Correa Hemphill noted her significant legislative contributions since her election in 2021, stating, “…after careful consideration and a lot of deliberation I have decided not to run in the general election so I can explore new career opportunities.” Although she will remain on the ballot for the upcoming Democrat primary on June 4, she plans to withdraw before the general election on November 5, where all seats in the statehouse will be contested.

State Sen. Siah Correah Hemphill (D-Silver City)

Reflecting on her time in office, she added, “I look forward to continuing our work together to support the needs of our community and state, [which] I love so dearly and has been home to my family for hundreds of years.”

Representing Senate District 28, which includes all of Hidalgo County and parts of Grant and Luna counties, Correa Hemphill initially won the seat in a surprising victory over then-incumbent Gabriel Ramos, who was a moderate Democrat at the time. 

Ramos lost in the Democratic primaries as part of a broader wave of defeats for less progressive incumbents in 2020, driven mostly by the radical far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and her so-called “progressive” ally organizations.

Ramos left the Democrat Party and is running again for the state Senate seat.

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New Mexico once again tops national rankings, this time for drugs

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

As National Prevention Week approaches, the personal finance website WalletHub has released a comprehensive report identifying the states with the most severe drug problems. This timely study aims to spotlight the regions most impacted by drug addiction, leveraging data from all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, analyzed across 20 critical metrics.

The metrics include a range of indicators from arrest and overdose rates to opioid prescriptions and the prevalence of employee drug testing laws. New Mexico emerged as a focal point in this study, ranking as the state with the largest drug-related challenges.

Here are some notable findings from the report regarding New Mexico:

  • New Mexico ranks first in the percentage of teenagers who reported using illicit drugs in the past month.
  • It comes in third for the percentage of adults who admitted to using illicit drugs over the same period.
  • The state is ranked seventh in drug overdose deaths per capita.
  • New Mexico is second in terms of adults who were unable to access treatment for illicit drug use in the past year.
  • It holds the eighth position for the number of substance abuse treatment facilities per 100,000 people aged 12 and older who use illicit drugs.

“New Mexico has the biggest drug problem in the U.S., especially when it comes to teenagers. The state has the highest percentage of teens using illicit drugs, and the highest share of teenagers who report having tried marijuana before age 13,” said WalletHub Analyst Cassandra Happe. 

“New Mexico has the third-highest share of adults who use illicit drugs, as well. In addition, New Mexico has a large number of drug overdose deaths per capita, and that rate is growing faster than in most other states.”

As a border state, the border crisis and the massive flow of fentanyl have no doubt contributed to the exacerbated issue that is plaguing communities across all 33 counties.

The full report, which provides a deeper dive into these issues, is available on WalletHub’s website. 

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16 arrested after barricades, graffiti, and NMSP intervention at UNM protest

26 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Across the country, university campuses have become epicenters for anti-Israel demonstrations, with activists calling for institutions to sever all affiliations with companies and organizations that back the Israeli government amid its ongoing conflicts. These demonstrations have led to blockades and occupations of university buildings, prompting some schools to transition to online classes and even cancel graduation ceremonies.

On April 29, 2024, the University of New Mexico (UNM) experienced significant disruptions when over 100 anti-Israel activists gathered. They conducted workshops on protest tactics at the university’s Duck Pond and raised funds via social media to support their day-long occupation of the campus. The activists later occupied the Student Union Building (SUB), where they set up tents and chanted, clearly intending to stay for an extended period.

A poignant moment captured on social media depicted a student, surrounded by protesters in the SUB, desperately pleading for quiet to study, his words drowned out by the chants. This scene, amidst the chaos, resonates with the struggle of maintaining academic focus in such disruptive circumstances. Interestingly, the equipment used by the protesters was sourced from companies with pro-Israel affiliations, a stark irony given the protesters’ cause, as these companies are the primary manufacturers of such materials, with no comparable pro-Palestine firms found.

Following the occupation, UNM issued a LoboAlert advising the community to avoid the SUB area and announced its closure. As protesters built barricades inside the SUB, the UNM Regents requested assistance from the New Mexico State Police to clear the building. The confrontation concluded in the early hours of April 30, 2024, with state police arresting 16 people after a brief skirmish.

Cinnamon Blair, UNM’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, remarked on the university’s planned response, “We’ll follow our normal processes regarding violations of the student code of conduct, which are handled by the Dean of Students. This includes investigating allegations and any discipline.” The arrested protesters were charged with criminal trespass and wrongful use of public property, both misdemeanor offenses. A legal fund to assist the protesters has been established.

Those arrested include Emery Schmidt, 33, of Albuquerque; Stephanie Mendoza, 32, of Brush Prairie, Washington; Sophia Ellis-Young, 23, of Albuquerque; Alexander Schlesinger, 27, of Albuquerque; Hope Alvarado, 28, of Albuquerque; Naomi Meiseles, 22, a UNM undergraduate student; Athenx Lindlan, 39, of Albuquerque; Isabel Spafford, 25, of Albuquerque; Devin Ray, 22, of Albuquerque; Abbey Myrick, 36, a UNM graduate student from Placitas; Abigail Merhege, 19, a Regent’s Scholar at the UNM Honors College and UNMH Department of Pathology employee; Nicholas Martin, 21, a UNM undergraduate from Los Alamos; Anton Oliver Becker-Stumpf, 21, of Albuquerque; Samantha Hughes-Hobbs, 35, of Albuquerque; Cassidy Boe, 28, a graduate assistant at UNM, of Albuquerque; and Dakota Steele, 22, of Albuquerque.

No charges have been filed regarding the SUB’s vandalism, including graffiti and furniture damage, although assessments suggest that the damages may exceed felony levels. With the SUB closed indefinitely during a critical period like Finals Week, the impact on student activities is considerable.

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