MLG

NM Supreme Court orders governor’s response to GOP’s lawsuit

34 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Tuesday, the New Mexico Supreme Court, which is comprised of mostly appointees of Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, ordered the governor to respond to a lawsuit lodged against her by all Republican members of the state Legislature, the Republican Party of New Mexico, National Rifle Association, among others, relating to her emergency powers.

The lawsuit came following Lujan Grisham’s unconstitutional order saying that she was “suspending” all Bernalillo County residents’ constitutional rights by banning them from open or concealed carrying for 30 days under the guise of a “public health emergency.” During the announcement, the governor claimed that no rights are “absolute” and that her oath of office isn’t absolute either. 

The Court wrote in the order, “WHEREAS, this matter came on for consideration upon the Court’s own motion to request a response to the verified petition for extraordinary writ and request for stay, and the Court being sufficiently advised, Chief Justice C. Shannon Bacon, Justice Michael E. Vigil, Justice David K. Thomson, Justice Julie J. Vargas, and Justice Briana H. Zamora concurring … that a response shall be timely if filed on or before October 16, 2023.” 

Since the lawsuit challenges the governor’s executive authority, the response time appears to be a chance to give her as much time as possible to formulate a defense of flagrantly abusing her powers. 

“We are thankful for the resounding support we have received throughout New Mexico as we are standing up and defending our American freedoms,” said House Minority Leader Ryan Lane (R-Aztec), announcing the lawsuit earlier this month. 

“We are filing in the New Mexico Supreme Court to continue the fight to defend our constitutional rights. We cannot allow one political stunt to undermine a document that guarantees our rights and has been a beacon of hope for so many globally. We are confident that our State Supreme Court will expedite this request and make certain our fundamental freedoms still hold strong and are upheld.”

He added, “From day one, we have made it clear that action on crime should be taken up with the Legislature and not played out on national media under a stunt that was destined to fail. We will continue to push the practical and commonsense crime reforms that we know will work in New Mexico to help save lives. We look forward to robust debate on our legislation, instead of the silencing of these topics, as now the world is watching how we solve the crime problems plaguing our communities.”

Senate Minority Leader Greg Baca (R-Belen) wrote, “Our fight is not over,” adding, “We intend to ensure that the temporary restraining order becomes permanent injunctive relief. We will not let up the pressure until we ensure no New Mexican is subjected to the removal of their rights through executive order ever again.”

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MLG embarrassed liberal politicians and media across the nation

13 Comments / Opinion / By

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.  

A landscape with mountains and clouds

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.

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Horrific New Mexico abortion statistics released

30 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In just over three years, New Mexico has witnessed a horrific 220% increase in abortions, the highest surge of any state in the nation, according to a recent report from the Guttmacher Institute. 

The Guttmacher Institute, a far-left, pro-abortion research organization focused onaborting more babies, recently released data illustrating the shocking rise in abortion rates across states. However, New Mexico’s numbers are particularly distressing. From January 2020 to June 2023, our state recorded an astounding 6,480 more abortions than in previous years.

“Colorado, where abortion also remains legal, saw an 89% increase in abortion during the same period. New York [S]tate saw an increase of 18%. California experienced a 16% increase during that time,” the Albuquerque Journal noted.

This surge, which predates the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson decision and the Texas six-week gestation protection, indicates a deeply troubling trend in the state.

The Guttmacher Institute’s data scientist, Isaac Maddow-Zimet, notes that this increase is not solely due to recent legal changes but reflects a complex interplay of factors. The availability of telehealth, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the existence of abortion support networks in our state have all contributed to this disturbing rise, according to Maddow-Zimet.

Furthermore, the enactment of the Texas six-week protections for babies in the womb created a demand in New Mexico as an abortion tourism destination. 

The rise in abortion cases in New Mexico is not just a regional issue but a reflection of our state’s proximity to those where life in the womb has been protected.

The Guttmacher Institute’s report serves as another tragic reminder of New Mexico’s extreme abortion up-to-birth policies rammed through in 2021 by far-left Democrats that left mothers, babies, and medical professionals defenseless.

Horrific New Mexico abortion statistics released Read More »

Dem Party desperately wants us to stop talking about impeaching MLG—we won’t

31 Comments / Opinion / By

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.

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New poll delivers devastating news for gun-grabbing Gov. Lujan Grisham

32 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A recent statewide survey commissioned by the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association (NMSSA) has shed light on the sentiments of New Mexico voters regarding public safety measures. The data overwhelmingly suggests that most voters in the state believe that the key to ensuring safety for their families is addressing crime and incarcerating criminals rather than implementing unconstitutional gun bans.

Ryan Munce, President of co/efficient, a national public opinion research firm, emphasized the findings of the survey, stating, “Our statewide survey affirms that most New Mexico voters believe their community is less safe due to Democrat Gov. Lujan Grisham’s ban on law-abiding citizens carrying firearms. There is broad agreement that violent criminals will still have guns and will still commit crimes.”

A striking 68 percent of New Mexico voters expressed their opposition to Gov. Lujan Grisham’s order that prohibits law-abiding citizens from openly and concealed carrying firearms in Albuquerque. Moreover, 89 percent of voters firmly believe that criminals will ignore this ban.

Munce highlighted the consensus among New Mexicans, noting, “To keep their families safe, New Mexicans agree that politicians and law enforcement should focus on putting violent criminals in prison instead of disarming law-abiding citizens in public.”

The survey also revealed that an overwhelming 83 percent of respondents consider a “crackdown on crime,” which includes “putting criminals behind bars,” to be the most effective approach to protecting families and loved ones from harm. This perspective underscores the belief that it is the actions of criminals, rather than inanimate objects, that are primarily responsible for crime. The governor has refused to call a special session to address crime, despite the crisis ravaging New Mexico streets.

Conducted between September 14 and September 18, 2023, the survey included 1,367 likely general election voters and employed a combination of mobile text responses and landline phone interviews. The survey’s demographic composition was designed to mirror the age, gender, education level, race, geography, and party affiliation of the true voting population, yielding a margin of error of 3.21 percent.

According to FiveThirtyEight’s pollster ratings system, co/efficient has a B+ rating, with its polls favoring Republicans by 2.3 percentage points. Regardless of this fact, that means 65.7 percent of respondents still massively oppose the governor’s anti-gun edict.

NM Reps. Block, Lord formally launch impeachment process against Gov. MLG

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Far-left U.S. Rep. Vasquez to support resolution condemning Gov. MLG

11 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Far-left U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico plans to break ranks with his party by supporting a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives condemning Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s illegal executive order banning guns in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, which a judge recently struck down. Vasquez, a responsible gun owner, expressed his commitment to “common-sense solutions that reduce gun violence.” 

He also mentioned his support for the extreme anti-gun “Bennie Hargrove Gun Safety Act.”

In his statement, Vasquez emphasized the importance of producing constitutional, legal, and enforceable solutions to protect families and children, despite being considered one of the most vulnerable House Democrats seeking reelection.

The resolution, sponsored by Republicans, condemns Governor Lujan Grisham for “blatantly violating the Second Amendment to the Constitution” and depriving New Mexico citizens of their right to bear arms. Last week, following public outcry and lawsuits, the governor amended her order, restricting the prohibition on openly carrying firearms or concealed weapons in Bernalillo County to parks and playgrounds.

While the Republican-sponsored resolution was initially scheduled for consideration on the House floor, it has been temporarily withdrawn. During a House Rules Committee meeting on Monday, Democrats accused Republicans of using the resolution as a political stunt, with some labeling it a “waste of time.”

U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York characterized the resolution as ineffectual, alleging that it was intended to divert attention from Republican failures in governance. U.S. Representative Jim McGovern of Massachusetts expressed incredulity at the extensive debate surrounding a nonbinding resolution when more pressing issues like gun violence and government shutdowns demanded attention.

In contrast, U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin defended the resolution, asserting that it recognized Second Amendment rights and condemned the governor’s “unconstitutional order.” He argued that the order did not contribute to public safety and only infringed on New Mexicans’ rights, citing New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez’s warning that only responsible gun owners would comply with the ban. Tiffany concluded that the ban was not only bad policy but also blatantly unconstitutional, emphasizing that the Second Amendment was not a mere suggestion.

“Gabe Vasquez is a defund the police extremist who is only speaking up to cover his own political hide. Voters see through this transparent calculation from an extreme politician,” said the National Republican Congressional Committee’s spokeswoman Delanie Bomar.

Herrell beating Vasquez in new CD-2 poll

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NM Reps. Block, Lord formally launch impeachment process against Gov. MLG

36 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Tuesday, State Representatives John Block (R-Alamogordo) and Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park) officially initiated the process to impeach Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. The lawmakers introduced a certificate form for their colleagues in the State House and Senate to sign, signaling their call for an extraordinary session aimed at impeaching and removing the governor from office.

The impetus for this move arose from a recent controversial action by Lujan Grisham. She issued an order prohibiting law-abiding citizens from openly or concealed carrying firearms in Bernalillo County while simultaneously asserting that constitutional rights and her oath of office were not “absolute.” A federal judge promptly intervened, issuing a temporary restraining order (TRO) to halt the governor’s edict. Her actions were decried far and wide by both Republicans and Democrats.

“The U.S. Constitution is absolute and designed to protect the rights of the people against tyrannical decisions like Governor Lujan attempted to do,” declared Rep. Lord, highlighting the fundamental principles underpinning the impeachment proceedings.

The effort spearheaded by Representatives Block and Lord involves disseminating the certification form, tailored for both the House and Senate, to all 112 members of the Legislature. Each legislator will return their signed forms to Legislative Council Service Director Raul E. Burciaga.

In conjunction with this formal process, the two lawmakers launched a web page, ImpeachMLG.com, to galvanize New Mexicans to call for the governor’s resignation. The website empowers citizens to send emails to all Democratic state lawmakers, urging them to endorse the certificate form for an extraordinary impeachment session of the legislature. Furthermore, ImpeachMLG.com will serve as a record-keeping tool, tracking the lawmakers who defend constitutional principles by supporting the call for an impeachment session.

Rep. Block emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “We are taking formal steps for Gov. Lujan Grisham’s impeachment because her despotic actions violated her oath and put every single New Mexican in danger. We must nip this governor’s lawlessness in the bud, which is why we have led the charge since day one to see the governor impeached. We mustn’t fail in this effort, or else every petty tyrant across the land will use Lujan Grisham’s illegal actions as precedent to seize more power by trampling on Americans’ rights.”

The move by Reps. Block and Lord signals a critical juncture in New Mexico’s political landscape as the state grapples with balancing executive authority and individual liberties.

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ABQ Journal scorches ‘self-absorbed’ Lujan Grisham in scathing editorial

54 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a scathing Albuquerque Journal editorial, the newspaper’s editorial board pulled no punches in its assessment of New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s recent decisions. The article begins with a nod to Kenny Rogers’ timeless advice about knowing when to fold, an allusion that sets the stage for a blistering critique of the governor’s approach to crime and her controversial gun ban.

The governor’s unilateral decision on September 8th to impose a wide-ranging gun ban across Bernalillo County initially sparked controversy, with New Mexicans rightly decrying it as a flagrant violation of Second Amendment rights. In response to the national backlash and a federal judge’s restraining order, Gov. Lujan Grisham revised her public health order to limit the gun ban’s scope to “public parks and playgrounds” in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County — still a violation of Second Amendment rights.

However, the Albuquerque Journal editorial board argues that this move was too little, too late. They point out that the governor’s decision to backtrack came only after widespread opposition and legal challenges, questioning her original intent and decision-making process.

One of the op-ed’s key points is the governor’s failure to address the pressing issue of rising crime rates in the state. The editorial board highlights that, during the 2023 legislative session, Democratic majorities in the state House and Senate rejected numerous crime-fighting proposals, many of which had bipartisan support. These proposals aimed to enhance public safety by addressing issues like pretrial detention, bail conditions, and sentencing for violent offenders.

The board criticizes the governor’s reluctance to call a special legislative session to address these urgent concerns, even as House Republicans called for action on the crime bills that had been shot down during the regular session. They argue that Gov. Lujan Grisham’s inaction raises questions about her commitment to combatting crime effectively and her ability to lead bipartisan efforts to address the issue.

The op-ed contends that the governor’s preference for going it alone, as seen in her handling of the gun ban and other matters, undermines her credibility and effectiveness. It suggests that Gov. Lujan Grisham is too partisan, self-absorbed, and politically ambitious to engage in the kind of bipartisan problem-solving that New Mexico needs.

“Lujan Grisham can’t be relied upon to lead a crime-fighting effort. She’s too partisan, too unpopular with state lawmakers, too self-absorbed, too interested in scoring political points, too discredited now on the national stage after her unconstitutional overreach, and too politically ambitious on a national level to shape solid bipartisan solutions that could really make a difference here in New Mexico,” wrote the board.

The editorial concludes with a call to action for lawmakers from both parties to convene an extraordinary session on crime, even if the governor is not on board. The editorial board questions whether legislators have the will to fulfill their responsibilities and override any potential veto by the governor in the next regular session.

The Journal piece also highlights the growing dissent from law enforcement officials, with several sheriffs and a district attorney publicly expressing their unwillingness to enforce or support the gun ban. This added layer of opposition, including skepticism from a CNN interview, underscores the widespread concerns surrounding the governor’s decisions.

In a state grappling with escalating crime rates and constitutional debates, the Albuquerque Journal’s editorial serves as a powerful critique of Gov. Lujan Grisham’s leadership and decision-making, challenging her to reconsider her approach and engage with lawmakers to address the pressing issue of crime in New Mexico.

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Protecting our Constitution from tyranny on Constitution Day

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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.

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Thief snatches beloved Virgin Mary statue from ABQ church

6 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In an act of pure evil that has left hundreds of parishioners heartbroken, a beloved decades-old statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary has vanished from St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The theft of this cherished five-foot statue, which had warmly greeted churchgoers for years, occurred back in August. It was reported when a church member witnessed a vehicle performing donuts in the church’s parking lot.

Now, all that remains in place of the statue is a simple wire outline, a poignant reminder of its absence. The church promptly filed a police report in the hope of recovering the stolen statue, but the initial response from law enforcement offered limited prospects for its return, according to KRQE News 13.

St. Anne’s Associate Pastor Benjamin Maes expressed the church’s frustration, saying, “The police came, and there was a report filed at that time; there was really nothing they could do, they said, but to ask around and to ask our community.” However, the incident did lead to an increased police presence in the area.

The statue of the Virgin Mary held great sentimental value for the congregation and was created by artist Felix Pedroncelli in 1999, fashioned from metal and fiber cement. It had graced the church’s front steps since its creation. Pedroncelli, who had earlier crafted a similar smaller statue for another part of the church, is deeply saddened by the theft but has pledged to create a new statue if the church requires one.

Pedroncelli shared his sentiments, saying, “Whatever I make, I donate them to people; It’s just my joy seeing somebody happy.” He hopes that the stolen statue can be returned, sparing him from having to create a new one. However, if it has been damaged or destroyed, he stands ready to repair and reinstall it for the church and its faithful congregation.

This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the challenges facing communities, including instances of theft and vandalism, and underscores the need for vigilance and community support. Albuquerque, in particular, has faced high crime rates under Democrat city and state leadership, with concerns about public safety remaining at the forefront of local discussions.

Recent unconstitutional actions by anti-gun Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to disarm Bernalillo County citizens were struck down this week by a Joe Biden-appointed federal judge, but the governor reinstated the order for parks and many public places in direct defiance of the temporary restraining order granted by the judge. 

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