‘Republicans Destroy Faith in Elections’
Dear, Editor: I too, would like to respond to the opinion piece by Victor Davis Hanson “if you really wanted to destroy the U.S. then…“ published in the December 8, 2022 Rio Grande Sun.
#1. Reducing the gas and oil leases on federal lands right now makes very little difference in the immediate future since there are thousands, probably hundreds of thousands, of gas and oil leases that have already been issued that are now unused.
Seems like the oil/gas industry is crying that the sky is falling.
Drawing down the strategic petroleum reserve was a no-win politically. If it wasn’t drawn down, Biden’s opponents would’ve howled loudly about that too.
#2. Wall Street loves low interest rates, so investors can borrow cheaply for speculation. Again, a no-win situation.
Seems to be OK to cut taxes to the wealthy, giving them an easy hand out while “spreading the wealth by sending money to those who already have enough“ is a bad idea? At that time did the middle class have enough? Trickle down has never worked. Trickle up kept a lot of wealthy, business owner’s bottom line looking good. This was a win-win.
#3. You are ignoring t he migrant agricultural worker shortage. Do you like expensive restaurant meals? Listen to what language is spoken in the kitchen and start handing out green cards. Americans won’t do this work for the wages paid. If you dislike that fact then recruit your friends and family to do that work at prevailing wages. You may have a change of heart.
#4. Republicans and Q-Anon conspiracy people destroyed faith in elections. For example, why is there no faith in Arizona elections when they are run by Republicans?
Leftist billionaires infusing their power? A right-wing supreme court created this mess when Citizens United was ruled on. The left-wing is just playing catch-up. Mentioning weaponizing the FBI, CIA, etc. is laughable, what the heck was James Comey doing in 2016?
#5. I can’t even grasp what is meant by your statement. Please explain it further. Is this a blue collar versus white collar reference?
#6. As a changing and growing population, some are realizing that “melting pot“ meant boil away your cultural traditions that don’t fit the Ozzie and Harriet mold. If we look at those who hold real power in this country, (large, corporate boards, large, political, action, committees, Congress) then it becomes clear that white men make a lot of decisions that affect this country.
I do not condone statue toppling, nor erasing the past. Some celebrated figures cast in bronze should never have been memorialized. The term “cancel culture” is meant to further divide and infuriate the voting base.
#7. Abandoning and bailing out of Afghanistan was a mistake, prompted by the newly elected president sticking to his predecessors’ negotiated timeline.
#8. The first amendment has not been neutered. Private companies can regulate the content posted on their platforms. It’s capitalism, those blocked have somewhere else to go. Of course, they may end up preaching to the choir.
#9. Do you have issues with half the country being labeled “Libtards”? Most of us understand that basically 30% of the Republican voting base were the vocal supporters of the “stop the steal” insurrectionist moment. As for the label “potential terrorists”, start with Timothy McVeighs’ ideology, and follow the dots from there.
Pack the court? How can you even say that after the Mitch McConnell stunt during the last year of the Obama administration and his complete about face during the “possibly” last year of the Trump administration?
#10. The president in 2020 could’ve named what he thought were the origins of COVID-19. In fact, he did, but in this country, proof is required to back up an accusation that huge.
You feel we ignored the bill of rights to mandate vaccines, I feel lots of folks ignored common sense while avoiding the vaccine.
Harvey Morgan II
Santa Fe, NM
‘Political Games Not Needed’
Dear, Editor: My candidacy to represent House District 70 was successful for a second term. I continue to work on legislation to lift up our communities. In 2022, I directed $4.71 million to road projects and recommended funds be allocated to a water projects and quality-of-life facilities. My focus now will be on wildfire relief and economic development.I appreciate the support of District 70’s constituents. However, this achievement did not come without its challenges. Opposition came from New Mexico Families Forward. In spring 2022, mailers were sent, paid for by NMFF, targeting me.
The mailers insinuate I am not the correct type of Democrat. The funding for these mailers had not been reported to the Secretary of State as required by law. My campaign filed an ethics complaint with the State Ethics Commission. The SEC proceeded through the appropriate process ensuring the public’s awareness of the targeted pieces’ cost. NMFF moved the issue to the NM District Court and challenged the SEC’s jurisdiction.
I hope the SEC prevails on their appeal and such groups recognize that their political games are not needed. The campaign laws and ethics rules that shape NM’s campaigns should be upheld. The laws are in place to protect us. Shadowy groups continue to funnel funds into campaigns with no transparency. I am proud to represent HD 70. I pledge to continue to work hard with integrity and transparency.
I encourage you to reach out to me with questions. Thank you for the honor of representing you.
Ambrose Castellano,
Serafina