Tiered approach needed
I’m writing to express my support for legislation that would expand the ability for licensed acupuncturists from other states to practice in New Mexico. This legislation would help to fill the gap in access to health care for New Mexicans all across the state by offering a path to licensure for many more qualified acupuncturists. New Mexico is in desperate need for equitable, affordable health care, and acupuncture can help to ameliorate that need.
I grew up in NM and left to pursue my acupuncture education in Oregon, with the intention of returning to practice in my home state of NM. I have been a licensed acupuncturist in Oregon for over a year now and have treated thousands of patients here. Yet, due to the current law that requires the study of herbal medicine to practice acupuncture, I would not be able to obtain a license in New Mexico.
Herbal medicine is not necessary to the practice of acupuncture, and I urge New Mexico to adopt a tiered licensing approach that allows acupuncturists who don’t practice herbal medicine to become licensed to practice their trade. This will only benefit our beautiful state, creating jobs, greater health equity, and access to much needed health care.
Claire Bartlett
Santa Fe
Read all about it
Dear Editor, If you would like to read more about Mayor Richard Lucero and his family history. Google The Secret Sanctuary, El Palacio Magazine.
Santa Cruz
More support for LeDoux
I recently heard that a former graduate of Pojoaque Valley High School would be running for a position on the Española City Council. Sam LeDoux has always shown an interest in politics and how they affect him and his community. Sam has consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment and dedication to his community. He was always rich in opinions and always had a suggestion for any problem, which he encountered.
As educators, we develop students to become “contributing members of society;” I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the outstanding work and positive impact Sam has made while contributing to the betterment of our community. He is a professor of Political Science, a member of many local organizations, and is always working with his contemporaries to bring pride back to the valley. His innovative and professional approach to addressing the needs of the most vulnerable has resulted in significant improvements in the quality of those he serves.
In my professional capacity, I have seen his commitment to excellence, his ability to work well with others, and his strong work ethic. It is without reservation that I offer my wholehearted endorsement and support for Sam LeDoux – District 4, Española City Council.
Edwina Roybal
Española
No pride in the Valley
Española can have all the car shows, Christmas parades, veterans memorials, fiestas and annual clean ups it wants. They don’t make up for the very apparent lack of civic and personal pride that shows in the trashed roadsides and vacant lots, weeds, dirty parking lots, disrespectful loud vehicles and trashed yards, dangerous sidewalks (and lack there of).
The lack of civic leadership and lack of prioritized voting among citizens to enforce whatever ordinances may exist reflects the low moral and lack of self respect of the citizens.
Poverty is no excuse for lack of self respect and personal responsibility. Poverty does not prevent people from picking up trash, especially their own. The homeless are not the problem. Homelessness is a reflection of a community’s lack of compassion and leadership. If homeless folks make trash they are simply imitating what they see “homed” people doing everyday.
Civic and personal pride come from families, schools, churches and local government. Young people follow their elders behavior.
Does Española want young families and small businesses to invest here? Do we want our children to feel respected and sage? Do we want to live down the bad reputation Española has for visitors? Do we want less despair and drug use among our youth?
Then clean up the place. Elect real leaders. Have kids learn to keep their own yards, parks and school yards clean. Quit allowing more fast food outlets. Open (and maintain) a few small parks (not athletic fields) for families to gather for picnics and res. Offer incentives to businesses to clean up the trash they create. Have churches and civic groups speak up. Teach self respect and anger management in schools.
I have lived here for fifty years and love life here. I’ve never been around more generous, loving people. I just keep waiting for these people to start showing love for our world-class beautiful valley.
Respectfully,
Mogi Hogle
Española