I was very pleased to read that State Representative Debbie Rodella continues to pursue legislation fighting for traditional land rights.
The land grant issue in New Mexico is currently not dead. Following the United State’s invasion of Mexico in the 1840s, and subsequent uninvited occupation of our state, the traditional land grants and land rights were to remain intact. We all know however, this has not occurred.
Traditionally, the land grants provided a means for the community to live with relative little dependence on outside resources. Grazing, hunting, gathering wood and food are just a few examples of what was lost with the loss of the land grants. More tragically, many of us have grown up without a connection to the traditions and culture of our great-grandparents.
Many people try to discredit the land rights movement for Chicanos because they did not like the tactics of Reis Lopez Tijerina, or they feel we should simply accept things as they are. I would respectfully encourage those folks to re-consider their view point.
Our land, language and religion were to be honored and respected by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which was a document signifying the end of the so-called Mexican American War. It is not radical or inappropriate to fight for something meaningful that has been stolen. It is in fact, a just and righteous struggle.
Others may feel that the land grant issue, is simply a question of asking for a handout. If your car is stolen, and you demand it back, are you asking for a handout? I wonder if these same critics are just as adamantly opposed to the government handouts given to large corporations in the form of subsidies, tax breaks and of course, the great bailout.
Adan Baca
Fairview