Remembering our fallen heroes this Memorial Day makes us reflect on loved ones and the many before them-perished in battle. They serve as a reminder that belief and loyalty to one’s convictions often means fighting for and even dying for them. It is therefore only right and befitting to raise a glass this weekend to our fallen brothers and sisters: may they rest in peace and inspire bold change in us. Our actions and convictions as Americans have lost their way-even here in New Mexico and Española. We have drifted from our passions and demands for freedom, prosperity and justice for all. The reward for those who have died fighting for freedom should be to live with freedom. But we seem to be doing less and less of that.
When the combatants we memorialize today fought for glory and freedom, they marched in unison for one Country under God. Today, we have to ask, what country are we fighting for?
Though there are many aspects that make us a great nation founded on and strengthened by freedom, the core element to the duration of our liberty now lies in our fight to establish and maintain economic prosperity for all. How we do that ought to inject our politics, our businesses and our thoughts.
The greatness of freedom demands the responsibility of self-actualization. Nothing was given to those who have fallen; we ought to give our fullest to ensure that freedom continues to reign. Let’s not mince words. In America and, in particular, northern New Mexico, we preach of things such as independence and a strong will. We like to think of ourselves as self-sufficient. We don’t need no stinking government. We got this all on our own.
Yet the economic reality tells a different story. New Mexico ranks in the highest categories that determine whether a state is a net taker of federal assistance relative to other states. New Mexico ranks number 1 in the nation in the number of food stamps per capita followed by Louisiana and West Virginia. In a state of two million citizens, that means 213,000 people on food stamps. We also receive the third most amount of federal funding per resident and rank among the highest in Medicaid transfer payments.
Add to all of this a whopping six percent of New Mexico residents work for the federal government followed only by Maryland and Virginia where employees have to keep Washington, D.C. running. Taken in totality, New Mexico sits in the top states that receive the most in federal jobs, welfare, Medicaid, and tax transfers by any metric. In addition, there have never been more state employees with budgets growing even larger every year. Nothing screams “I’ll get re-elected” more than hiring more people to work for the government and then giving them a raise.
Increased reliance on government subsidies hurts our chances for economic freedom. Progressive Democrats will continue to fight for more spending—because frankly who cares? We receive so much in federal money it subsidizes an ever-growing state government. When New Mexico chooses to grow from government tax dollars rather than businesses and consumers, it has two choices: continue to fool Washington to send more money our way because we’re so poor and somehow “deserve” it or go bankrupt. Red states don’t fare much better when it comes to those who receive federal funding either. So, it’s not as simple as Democrats versus Republicans. Growing state and federal employee budgets for the sake of manipulation, keeping people on welfare, food stamps and Medicaid serves a dual purpose: it keeps people poor, and it keeps politicians being re-elected. Rarely have I seen tax dollars fix any problem much less a politician willing to do the legwork required to ACTUALLY create jobs. Most talk in theory and policy and not in sweat equity.
When New Mexico ranks so low relative to other states, it tells you that there is something inherently wrong. It signals we’re not just poor and feeble but that there are structural policies and systems which keep us down. We don’t need more money or welfare. New Mexico is already ranked among the highest in state spending for education per child and gets the most in federal subsidies—neither have done us any good. We need real, structural change. But those changes and tough decisions don’t get people elected.
Try walking a day in the shoes of those soldiers who gave everything for their ideals or a day in the shoes of every hard working New Mexican. Millions of people flock to our borders every day in hopes of achieving greater prosperity—the very things we take for granted. This Memorial Day weekend, week, month and lifetime, don’t forget that freedom demands great responsibility. Live up to it for the sake of all who have perished. May they rest in peace knowing that political as well as economic freedom has been passed on to generations to come.
In Memoriam I offer this:
Power. Strength. Moxie. Only a few of the words to describe one of rhythm and blues and rock singers of all time. She was my mom’s favorite artist. The world lost a legend and inspiration this week. Wearing stilettos and rocking that glorious hair, Tina Turner changed the world for the better. Instead of resting in peace, may she and my mom rock their world together.
Javier Sánchez is the former mayor of the City of Española, NM, and the co-owner of La Cocina New Mexican Restaurant.