Politics

Influence-peddling ‘Karen’ gets MLG to quash popular community park: Report

14 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In northeast Albuquerque, a community’s aspiration for a playground faced unexpected hurdles this year, entangled in political maneuvers at the highest echelons of the state.

Netherwood Park, nestled between Indian School and I-40, became the focal point of a heated debate initiated by families in the area over the proposed addition of a playground. Galen Loughrey, a supportive neighbor, highlighted the potential benefits of such a facility, emphasizing its role in fostering social cohesion and providing opportunities for children to interact.

However, dissenting voices, led by Democrat failed gubernatorial candidate and ex-Lt. Gov. Diane Denish and other neighbors near the park challenged the idea of introducing a playground. 

Denish argued for preserving the park’s open space, asserting that children’s creativity thrives without structured play areas. Concerns were also raised about the potential for undesirable elements gathering at the park.

To gauge community sentiment, families conducted door-to-door surveys, revealing significant support for the playground. 

“To gauge support, some of the families went door-to-door. Residents against the playground sent emails to the city. KRQE asked how many they received: 61 for and 22 against. Two-thirds of families were eager for a playground at Netherwood Park,” reported KRQE 13. 

State Senator Gerald Ortiz y Pino sought $200,000 in capital outlay funding to materialize the project amid a slew of approved allocations for various initiatives across the state.

Unexpectedly, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham vetoed the funding for Netherwood Park, citing a lack of neighborhood consensus. It later emerged that Denish, a close confidante of the governor, had lobbied for the veto. Ortiz y Pino expressed disappointment, questioning the governor’s decision-making process and highlighting the lost opportunity for community development.

The outlet further reported, “Denish said she called the governor and asked her to veto any funding for Netherwood Park. Neighbors accuse Denish of treating the park as her backyard. ‘I don’t apologize for having a lifetime of public service where I’ve known these people. I’ve worked hard for New Mexico and being able to call them and having a conversation about something that’s important to me,’ said Denish.”

Moreover, neighbors raised concerns about unequal access to city and state officials, pointing out instances where Denish appeared to wield undue influence. Despite efforts to redirect the funds to other parks, the underlying issues of political influence and community representation remained unresolved.

“The loudest voice, or the voice who seems to have the most direct line of communication, is getting the response, and it’s not representative of the community as a whole,” said neighbor Nadya Loughrey.

In response to inquiries, Governor Lujan Grisham declined to provide further insight into her decision, leaving lingering questions about the fate of Netherwood Park’s playground and the broader implications for grassroots initiatives.

Influence-peddling ‘Karen’ gets MLG to quash popular community park: Report Read More »

MIT think tank claims NM’s elections are top-notch

17 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

According to the far-left Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s “MIT Election Lab,” New Mexico is ranked first on its “Elections Performance Index.” MIT is a predominantly leftist institution, according to a survey by the school.

The state got an 88 percent, with multiple factors determining the score. Interestingly, the state’s participation in the far-left George Soros-funded Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC).

According to Influence Watch, “ERIC was established by Pew Charitable Trusts, a left-of-center nonprofit advocacy and grantmaking organization, in 2012. 990 tax data shows that one year prior in 2011, grantmaking organization Foundation to Promote Open Society (FPOS), funded by philanthropist George Soros, provided two grants to Pew Charitable Trusts totaling $725,000, ‘to support the Pew Center on the States’ voter registration modernization initiative’ and ‘expand [its] scope and scale.’”

Because New Mexico joined ERIC, its score on the MIT index went up. New Mexico is ranked 40th in its voter registration rate, with 80.35 percent registered.

Other factors include data completeness, information lookup tool availability, absentee ballot problems, and the number of registrations rejected.

In terms of absentee ballot problems, which the Election Lab notes, “[m]easures the degree to which citizens are deterred from voting because of problems with registration or absentee ballots,” New Mexico ranked 14th, with 1.46 percent.

For registrations rejected, New Mexico ranked 15th at 0.9 percent. 

As for absentee voting, the state ranked 28th for absentee ballots not returned at 10.96 percent, while a mere 0.1 percent of absentee ballots were rejected, ranking 11th in the nation. Only 0.2 percent of provisional ballots were rejected in New Mexico of the 0.8 percent cast. 

The state’s average voting wait time was 3.8 minutes, which is 21st among states. And at 46.65 percent, New Mexico scores worse than the national average for voter turnout.  

Following the news, far-left Democrat Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver said in a news release, “I’m proud to have helped modernize New Mexico’s elections by finding a critical balance between voter access and election security.”

“I’m so proud of this important distinction for our state. In New Mexico, we are committed to free and fair elections and protecting democracy. I urge all eligible New Mexicans to exercise their right to #vote this election year,” chimed in far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

MIT think tank claims NM’s elections are top-notch Read More »

National abortion up-to-birth group makes seven NM endorsements

11 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The fringe abortion-up-to-birth group EMILY’s List has revealed a round of endorsements in New Mexico for legislative races, propping up seven vulnerable pro-abortion Democrats running to stay in the Legislature.

Here are all the leftists who won the extremist group’s endorsement: [Click the “NEXT” button below]

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‘Catholic’ St. Michael’s High School lets males use girls’ locker rooms, bathrooms

76 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

According to a letter from Santa Fe’s St. Michael’s High School’s principal, Martin Sandoval, men and boys will continue to be allowed to use girls’ locker rooms and bathrooms.

The supposedly Catholic high school’s principal wrote, “The thorough review and consideration around the school’s approach to our LGBTQ+ students have led administrators to be at peace with practices currently in place.” 

“Current practices include, for students that identify as a gender different from their gender assigned at birth or otherwise listed on their birth certificate, to work with parents and school counselors to educate staff on their gender identity. The counselors, in turn, work to address any concerns or specific student needs. Once it is established which gender the student identifies with, they are allowed to use the corresponding restroom and locker facilities. This process addresses concerns about random misuse of restroom facilities. SMHS also offers a private, single use space for any student to use if they desire more,” he continued.

The revelation comes after a 12-year-old girl was reportedly raped by a transgender biological male in Rio Rancho, as heavily reported last year. 

“Parents are very concerned about this policy, yet the school is moving forward on implementing it anyway. This violates’ girls rights to privacy and security,” activist Sarah Smith wrote in a post regarding the policy:

The Rio Grande Foundation’s Paul Gessing added, “Very sad to see this happening at a purportedly Catholic school in our state.”

Pro-life activist Elisa Martinez wrote, ‘Figures. Anti-Catholic, abortion up to birth loving  “Catholic” [Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s] alma mater, St Mike’s high school allows boys & GROWN MEN violate girls’ privacy! As a practicing Catholic, this is appalling & 

[Saint Michael’s High School] must be held to account for violating Catholic teaching.”

St. Michael’s High School has been around since 1859 at the behest of renowned Archbishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy, the first archbishop of Santa Fe. Santa Fe Archbishop John C. Wester has yet to comment on St. Mike’s pro-transgender policy that is putting girls in harm’s way. 

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From this time last year, NM’s unemployment rate is up

7 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In recent developments, the unemployment rate in New Mexico has experienced an unsettling rise, now standing at 3.9% in February, marking an increase from the 3.6% recorded a year ago. This upward trend in unemployment contrasts with a slight decrease from January’s 4.0% rate, yet the year-over-year increase raises concerns. 

This shift underscores a troubling aspect of the broader economic landscape, which can be attributed to the ineffective economic strategies under the current administration led by Joe Biden and those of far-left Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

The overall employment scenario in New Mexico, particularly in nonagricultural sectors, saw a growth of 13,700 jobs, a 1.6% increase from February 2023 to February 2024. 

This growth was primarily observed in the private sector, which added 6,300 jobs, reflecting a 0.9% rise. The public sector saw a more significant increase, adding 7,400 jobs, which translates to a 4.0% growth rate. Coincidentally, the private sector is also where Democrats are hamstringing, passing an increase to the corporate tax rate during the 2024 Legislative Session.

Focusing on the private sector, service-providing industries witnessed a modest growth of 0.6%, adding 3,500 jobs, while goods-producing sectors saw a stronger 2.7% increase, adding 2,800 jobs. 

Within these sectors, construction, and mining led the way with a 3.1% increase, contributing 2,300 new jobs, largely buoyed by the construction industry, which alone accounted for 1,900 new positions, marking a 3.8% growth.

Despite these job gains, the increment in unemployment hints at underlying challenges. The rise from the previous year’s rate suggests that the job growth may not be keeping pace with the expanding workforce or addressing the state’s full scope of employment needs. 

This scenario has led to focus on the federal economic policies under Biden, with many noting that these policies are failing to foster a robust job market in New Mexico and potentially other states, leading to increased unemployment and economic uncertainty.

From this time last year, NM’s unemployment rate is up Read More »

Mexican president praises violent bandit Pancho Villa for murdering 18 New Mexicans

25 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a recent statement, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador commended the actions of Francisco “Pancho” Villa, a key figure in the Mexican Revolution, for his 1916 incursion into Columbus, New Mexico, which resulted in the deaths of 18 Americans. López Obrador described Villa’s raid as a “daring feat” and suggested that it should be acknowledged for preventing what Villa viewed as betrayals. 

The Mexican leader’s remarks have brought attention to a historical event that has often been overshadowed by Villa’s broader contributions to Mexico’s domestic revolution against Porfirio Diaz’s dictatorship.

López Obrador’s reference to the Columbus attack as a form of resistance against imperialism, quoting historian Pedro Salmerón, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative surrounding Villa’s legacy. This perspective aligns with López Obrador’s previous expressions of admiration for Salmerón despite controversies surrounding the historian’s proposed ambassadorship to Panama, which was ultimately rejected due to allegations against him.

The attack on Columbus, executed by Villa and his forces, involved looting and setting ablaze homes and businesses, leading to casualties among both the local populace and U.S. military personnel stationed there. This act of aggression prompted President Woodrow Wilson to launch a military expedition into Mexico to apprehend Villa, an endeavor that ultimately proved unsuccessful.

The motivations behind Villa’s attack on Columbus have been a subject of historical debate, with some attributing it to a sense of betrayal by the U.S. government. Villa, expecting support from President Wilson, felt sidelined when the U.S. recognized the leadership of Venustiano Carranza, another revolutionary figure. Additionally, grievances against an American arms dealer, who allegedly supplied Villa with faulty ammunition, have been cited as contributing factors to Villa’s decision to strike.

President López Obrador’s recent comments highlight the enduring complexities of historical figures like Villa, whose actions have been interpreted in various lights, from national heroes to controversial figures. The acknowledgment of Villa’s attack on U.S. soil by the Mexican president underscores the evolving narrative of Mexico’s revolutionary history and its leaders’ roles in shaping the nation’s identity.

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ACLU claims Texas is ‘dangerous,’ issues travel warning for New Mexicans

27 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The ACLU has issued a panicked travel advisory for New Mexicans traveling to Texas, painting the state’s new laws directed at stemming illegal immigration as a dire threat to civil and constitutional rights. 

This move by the ACLU chapters from New Mexico to Arizona and even San Diego and Imperial Counties in California, has been seen by some as an exaggerated attempt to stir up concern and spread fear over measures that are yet to take effect until 2024.

The advisory warns of “the threat of civil and constitutional rights violations” for those traveling in Texas, suggesting a landscape fraught with danger merely for crossing state lines. It claims that the laws signed by Governor Greg Abbott, part of Texas’ Operation Lone Star, are a continuation of what it calls “extremist anti-immigrant actions,” including the use of “dangerous concertina wire and a deadly buoy barrier” along the border to stop the flow of illegal border crossers.

The ACLU erroneously claims that a new texas law, S.B. 4, “authorizes untrained police officers to engage in immigration enforcement,” creating a so-called “unconstitutional process” where individuals might be detained for merely being suspected of unauthorized entry into Texas. 

The ACLU goes as far as to say that individuals could face up to 20 years in prison under these new measures, a claim that has been criticized as fear mongering by those who view the laws as necessary steps toward securing the border and upholding the law.

Moreover, the advisory melodramatically states that “this law, when implemented, poses a risk to any person while in Texas,” implying that anyone, regardless of their reason for being in the state, could be ensnared by these laws. 

The advisory also touches on the issue of “human smuggling,” with the ACLU decrying the new laws for imposing “extreme mandatory minimums” that are “far out of proportion relative to the alleged crime involved.” It warns of a “risk for people while in Texas,” especially those traveling with illegal immigrants, further contributing to the portrayal of Texas as a state to be approached with extreme caution.

While the ACLU advises travelers on how to reduce their risk and assert their rights when stopped by law enforcement, the overarching tone of the advisory attempts to fan the flames of a false narrative to push for open borders in the United States. 

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Abortion tourism explodes in NM as out-of-staters drive huge increase: New study

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

According to numbers released by the pro-abortion Guttmacher Institute’s Monthly Abortion Provision Survey, New Mexico saw roughly 20,970 abortions in the state, an approximated 370 percent increase from 2019, which saw 4,470, and an increase of 257 percent from 2020, which saw around 5,880. 

Of those nearly 21,000 New Mexico abortions, 14,550 of them were from out-of-state (69 percent), meaning 6,420 (38 percent) abortions were performed on in-state residents. In comparison to the Institute’s 2020 numbers, there were only 2,260 abortion tourists that year, an increase of 544 percent in just three years.

The institute notes, “Estimates include data on procedural and medication abortions provided at brick-and-mortar health facilities (such as clinics or doctor’s offices), as well as medication abortions provided via telehealth and virtual providers.”

In just four years, the state has seen an approximate increase of 16,500 abortions annually. On average, New Mexico saw around 1,758 abortions performed each month, or around 59 per day, mostly from out-of-state.

New Mexico saw the second-highest percentage of increase in abortions, being beaten only by Wyoming, which had a 433 percent increase since 2020. In 2021, Democrats in the state Legislature passed a bill legalizing abortion up to birth for any reason, which pro-abortion Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham gleefully signed.

Nationwide, the Guttmacher Institute notes that 1,026,690 were performed in 2022, an increase of 11 percent since 2019, which saw 916,460 abortions.

California performed the most abortions, with around 178,420 last year; New York came in second with 131,440; Illinois ranked third with 90,790; Florida ranked fourth with 86340; and New Jersey ranked fifth with 58,420. New Mexico had the 16th-highest number of babies killed in abortion, per the report.

Another finding from the report was the amount of medication abortions committed across the country. “New Guttmacher Institute research from the Monthly Abortion Provision Study shows that there were approximately 642,700 medication abortions in the United States in 2023, accounting for 63% of all abortions in the formal health care system. This is an increase from 2020, when medication abortions accounted for 53% of all abortions,” wrote the leftist pro-abortion group. However, a state-by-state medication abortion breakdown was not available.

Pro-life assistant professor Dr. Michael J. New of the Catholic University of America notes, “I would encourage pro-lifers to consider these new data with some degree of skepticism. The data comes from the Guttmacher Institute’s Monthly Abortion Provision Survey. This is different from Guttmacher’s Abortion Provider Census, which is conducted every three years. By Guttmacher’s own admission, the calculations for the Monthly Abortion Provision Survey come from ‘a slimmer portfolio of data’ and are designed to produce faster calculations on the incidence of abortion. Given that, the 2023 abortion estimates may not be as reliable as Guttmacher’s previous annual abortion estimates.”

“Even though these new data indicate that the incidence of abortion has increased since the Dobbs decision, there is still very strong statistical evidence that newly enacted pro-life laws are preventing abortions and [saving] lives. Three separate analyses of Texas birth data have found that the Texas Heartbeat Act saved over 1,000 lives a month. Also, a study published by the Institute for Labor Economics saw increased birth rates in many states that enforced strong pro-life laws shortly after the Dobbs decision. Enacting strong legal protections for preborn children is still a worthwhile policy goal for pro-lifers,” continues New.

Abortion tourism explodes in NM as out-of-staters drive huge increase: New study Read More »

NM braces for ‘most violent wave’ of illegal immigration after SCOTUS ruling

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

On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision allowing Texas to enforce its S.B. 4, which allows law enforcement to arrest suspected illegal border crossers

This decision represents a notable albeit provisional victory for Texas in its efforts to manage unauthorized immigration.

This development follows a temporary injunction against the law, sought by the Biden administration, which has been challenging the legality of the measure, referred to as Senate Bill 4, introduced by Governor Greg Abbott in December. The administration’s lawsuit contends that the law encroaches on the federal government’s exclusive domain over immigration matters, reminiscent of a previous legal challenge to an Arizona immigration law.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton celebrated the decision, viewing it as a triumph over the Biden Administration’s opposition and a defense of the state’s sovereignty. The Supreme Court’s decision focused on the procedural aspect of lifting a prior suspension by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals rather than the substantive legal questions at the heart of the case. Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Brett Kavanaugh, in a concurring opinion, emphasized the importance of allowing the appeals court to take the lead in such matters.

The legal saga is set to continue in the Fifth Circuit, which may revisit its decision, potentially leading to another round of Supreme Court deliberations. Governor Abbott sees this latest ruling as a positive step, albeit one within a broader legal and political battle over border security and immigration policy.

However, while the Supreme Court decision may be a victory for Texas, New Mexico will likely become the new epicenter for criminal trespass into the country through its over 50 miles of wide-open border that is not protected by any type of barrier.

State Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo) said after the decision via X, “Brace for the most violent wave of illegal immigration our state has ever seen after this Supreme Court ruling unless our state takes action. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham must immediately order a state of emergency due to the border crisis, direct the New Mexico National Guard to send personnel to assist agents at the border, and direct the New Mexico State Police to immediately begin arresting suspected illegal border crossers.”

This ongoing dispute is part of a series of confrontations between Texas and the federal government regarding border management strategies, including previous legal actions related to physical barriers on the Rio Grande and access restrictions to key crossing points. The issue of border security remains a pivotal topic in the political landscape, especially in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, with both President Biden and former President Trump articulating their stances during visits to Texas.

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NM high court shuts down utility’s $5M rate hike to comply with ETA

6 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The New Mexico Supreme Court has ruled on a contentious matter concerning Southwestern Public Service Co.’s proposal to impose an additional charge on its customers, aiming to garner over $5 million in a span of three years. 

This proposed charge, known as a rate rider, was intended to offset the costs associated with augmenting the utility’s renewable energy output as a shift from traditional fossil fuel sources, mandated by the state’s Green New Deal, also known as the Energy Transition Act (ETA).

In New Mexico, the fully Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham-appointed Public Regulation Commission (PRC) oversees electricity tariffs. In 2021, the Southwestern Public Service Co. approached the PRC with a request to introduce this rate rider, positioning it as a necessary step toward fulfilling the state’s mandate for increased renewable energy production. 

New Mexico’s legislative framework mandates a significant push toward so-called “renewable” energy, setting strict guidelines for utilities to follow.

However, the PRC turned down this request, citing a need for concrete evidence from Southwestern Public Service Co. regarding their specific plans to invest in or develop new renewable energy projects with the proceeds from the proposed rate hike.

The state’s highest court has now affirmed the PRC’s decision, providing clarity on the issue. The court’s judgment underscored that the legislation encouraging the shift toward renewable energy was designed to promote the actual development and acquisition of clean energy resources. 

The justices pointed out that the utility company’s proposal failed to demonstrate how it would contribute to expanding renewable energy infrastructure, thus falling short of the legislative intent behind financial incentives for a “clean” energy transition. 

With utilities unable to increase rates for costly new eco-leftist mandates, it is unclear what utilities will be forced to do if no rate hikes are granted due to the apparent steep requirements mandated by the Democrat-run state.

NM high court shuts down utility’s $5M rate hike to comply with ETA Read More »

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