Democracy for New Mexico

Video: 19 Miles from Baghdad

From Bring 'Da Noise:
I was listening to Democracy Now recently and heard one of the most inspiring songs I've ever heard. Amy Goodman said that it was sent in by other viewers and that it was by Lizzie West & The White Buffalo, so I visited their website at www.lizziewestlife.com, and contacted the band via e-mail. I expressed to them that I wanted to create a video for it, and they were nice enough to send me the whole song! Check out the video at www.bringdanoise.com.

Baba Buffalo, from the band, informed me that they wrote the song when they were with Warner Bros. and the record label refused it because, according to them, "It didn't belong in American culture." You be the judge. Its a great song and I know everyone who watches the video will instantly become a Lizzie West & The White Buffalo fan. Have a Great New Year! --Thomas

Free Showing and Discussion: The Great Warming

UPCOMING EVENT/GLOBAL WARMING CONVERSATION
The Great Warming: A Free Showing and Discussion
Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2007, 6:30 PM
Lobo Theatre (3013 Central Ave, East of UNM, Albuquerque)

Stonehaven Productions, Montreal and Swiss Re, the world’s largest reinsurer, collaborate using scientist Lydia Dotto’s book "Storm Warning—Gambling with the Climate of our Planet" as a basis. Shot on location around the world from the high Canadian Arctic to the Altiplano of Peru to Inner Mongolia to Bangladesh, to downtown New York City, the film explores realistic solutions, technologies and actions to reduce the impact of climate change. The Great Warming also showcases initiatives aimed at reversing the trend toward permanent damage to our planet, as well as scenes documenting the emerging voice of America’s faith community urging action on climate change.

Narrated by Alanis Morissette and Keanu Reeves. Producers hope the film moves people to action. Click for the film's official website with reviews, additional information, photos, videos, suggestions on how you can get involved.

A short discussion and specific suggestions for action in New Mexico will follow the one and one-half hour film screening. All are welcome. Questions? Call 266-6966

Co-hosted by: Partnership for Earth Spirituality, The City on a Hill, Albuquerque Mennonite, Unitarian Universalists of Santa Fe, NM Interfaith Power and Light. The Great Warming has been endorsed by the National Council of Churches, Evangelical Environmental Network and the Coalition on Environment and Jewish Life.

Gov. Richardson Gets Commitment for 60-Day Cease-Fire in Darfur Region of Sudan

Excellent news. Read all about it.
Save Darfur is very pleased. They sent him on the mission.
There's a diary and Richardson statement at Daily Kos.

Dems on Iraq Escalation: Real Action or Empty Symbolism? TAKE ACTION NOW

The Democrats we elected to Congress have a clear-cut choice in how they represent us in response to Bush's misbegotten plan to escalate the Iraq War by adding more than 20,000 troops to the bloody mix. Given their unfortunate recent history of spineless equivocating and empty gestures on Iraq, we shouldn't be surprised that most of them seem to be partial to passing a nonbinding resolution offered by Sen. Joe Biden urging Bush not to increase troops in Iraq -- meaningless symbolism at its most cowardly.

Many Dems are claiming that passing anything that actually would preclude Bush from acting or legally shape how he proceeds would be unconstitutional or beyond their powers. This would include Sen. Ted Kennedy's proposal (video above) to require that "no additional troops can be sent and no additional dollars can be spent on such an escalation unless and until Congress approves the president's plan." Also read Sen. Kennedy's Daily Kos diary about his bill.

Golly gee, I guess we should give the Dems a break because Rove et al. would label them "cut and run" or "weak on defense" if they took any genuine action against Bush's latest Iraq wet dream. Why take that risk when you can sit back and let the troops caught in a chaotic civil war take all the risks? Mere life and limb are at stake for the troops. Certainly we can't blame the hapless Dems for ignoring that and thinking only of themselves and political spin. Do we really have the nerve to stop them from refusing to take any responsibility in the real world for what goes on over there?

What Bingaman and Udall Have to Say
Our own Sen. Jeff Bingaman and Rep. Udall are apparently in the better to refuse to act than do the right thing camp, as reported in an article in this morning's Albuquerque Journal:

Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., said members of Congress who oppose a U.S. troop surge, including himself, should make the case to Bush as clearly as possible, but he doubted the Kennedy bill would work.

"As a matter of constitutional law it's very hard to make the case that the president cannot add troops to the troops already there," Bingaman said in a weekly phone talk with radio reporters. "As commander-in-chief he has that authority."

... Rep. Tom Udall, D-N.M., said he "likes capping the number of troops" sent to Iraq, but wasn't sure if the House Democratic caucus would coalesce around such a proposal. He also pointed out that Bush could simply veto the Kennedy legislation if Congress passed it.

Yes, Rep. Udall, but that's beside the point. We at least would have The Decider on record bucking the duly passed legislation on this war right in front of a citizenry where only about 11% support his boosting the troop level. If nothing else, it would give those voting for stopping Bush in his tracks credibility and respect on the world stage and here at home.

Excuses Without Merit
Are the naysayers really too young to remember the Viet Nam War or even Reagan's fiasco in Lebanon? In both cases the Congress effectively passed limitations on troop funding and other aspects of the operations. What's different now? Only that the more courageous Dems of those eras have been replaced by the blow-dried blowhard variety so characteristic of today's irresponsible and still out of touch Congress.

Congress didn't even declare war in this instance, opting instead to grant Bush war powers constitutionally reserved for the Congress. However, as Kennedy and others are pointing out, the Iraq War resolution transferred these war powers on the basis of very narrow circumstances and goals: to get rid of Saddam because of the threat of his WMDs. The resolution in no way should be construed to mean that Bush should also have free rein in sending 20,000+ troops into a raging civil war despite Saddam's being hanged and the WMD never materializing.

Join the Fight
Many activist and grassroots groups are joining together to convince Dems and others to say no to Bush, including Democracy for America, CodePINK, NOW, Working Assets, MoveOn, TrueMajority , Sojourners and many others. Visit AmericaSaysNo.org, sign the petition and register for one of the protest events scheduled for locations all over the nation tomorrow.

Albuquerque's event will be held at the downtown office of Sen. Pete Domenici at 201 Third St. NW at Noon on Thursday, January 11. If you don't see an event for your area, you can also organize one of your own at the website.

To contact members of Congress directly, visit Congress.org.

Thursday: Panel Discussion on Gov. Richardson's Climate Change Proposals

From the Sierra Club:
Join members of the NM legislature and state officials in Albuquerque for a panel discussion of proposals the Governor's NM Climate Change Advisory Group (CCAG) may present to the upcoming session of the legislature.

The discussion will occur Thursday, Jan. 11, 2007, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at the University of New Mexico (UNM) School of Law, Room 2402, 1117 Stanford NE, Albuquerque. Click for flyer (doc).

In November, the CCAG began finalizing a package of proposed legislation and regulatory changes aimed at reducing New Mexico's total greenhouse gas emissions to 2000 levels by the year 2012, 10% below 2000 levels by 2020 and 75% by 2050. This will likely include incentives for carbon dioxide sequestration, funding and regulations for a greenhouse gas registry, innovative clean energy programs and automotive emissions standards.

The panelists will discuss the background of these proposals, how they will work and what they hope to achieve. They will provide an inside perspective on the likelihood of success and the challenges the proposed legislation and regulatory changes face. This is a great opportunity for citizens to talk with state decision-makers before the 2007 legislative session begins.

Speakers invited:

• Sue Wilson Beffort, NM State Senator
• Moe Maestas, NM State Representative
• Cisco McSorley, NM State Senator
• Ben Luce, CCAG member
• Craig O'Hare, NM Governor's Special Assistant for Renewable Energy

The Rio Grande Chapter's Central Group and the UNM School of Law Environmental Law Society are co-sponsoring the event. More information on the CCAG is at https://www.nmclimatechange.us/.

Sarah Lundstrum
Conservation Organizer, Sierra Club
110 2nd St. SW #615
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: 505-243-7767
Fax:  505-243-7771
www.sierraclub.org

Join ACORN at Minimum Wage Lobby Day

From NM ACORN:
Join us for the 2007 New Mexicans for Fair Wage Lobby Day, Thursday, January 18. We expect Minimum Wage legislation to move quickly this year, so we are storming the Roundhouse early to make sure we get a bill that's better than what Congress is considering.  We want:

• $7.50 by 2009
• Cost of Living Increases annually
• Local Control: no preemption of cities or counties that want to pass higher wage laws
• Universal coverage: A minimum wage for ALL workers without exemption or exception

Meet us at 10:30 AM on the 18th at the East entrance to the Roundhouse for a brief rally before breaking into delegations to talk to legislators. We will then rally with our Sponsor and Supporters at 12:00 Noon on the West Steps of the Roundhouse.

To get on ACORN's buses from Albuquerque or Las Cruces, email Matthew Henderson at nmacorn@acorn.org.

Check Out Second Annual Silver City Peak Oil/Climate Change Conference

Understanding the Present, Planning for the Future
January 11-14, 2007
Silco Theater, 311 N. Bullard St., Silver City, NM
Free Admission (Speakers on large screen DVD)

Peak Oil is the point in time when world oil production begins to decline - FOREVER. Each session features a large-screen presentation of  the speaker, with the exception of local speakers.

CONFERENCE DETAILS: The conference begins on Thursday, January 11th, 2007 and runs through  Sunday, January 14th, 2007.

Each session features a large screen DVD presentation by well-known speakers on Peak Oil. All presentations are free and open to the public. All sessions will be held at the Silco Theater, 311 N. Bullard St., Silver  City, NM. Please use alternative transportation  when possible - car pool, bike, bus, or walk. Lunch is on your own. Water and tea  will be provided, but please bring your own cup. For further information call William Joseph at 505-538-5892.

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:

A special pre-conference presentation by Glenn Landers of the Southwest Environmental Center will be held on Thursday, January 11,  2007 from 7:00-9:00 PM at the Silco Theater. Glenn will present the award-winning  documentary, "A Land Out of Time." This film documents the attempts by gas industries to open up sensitive ecological areas to oil and gas drilling and the ensuing public  backlash. After the documentary, Glenn will give a  presentation on Otera Mesa, which is currently  under assault. Facilitated by John Fridinger, Gila Sustainability  Network

Friday, January 12, 2007
7:00-9:00 PM. David Orr, "Peak Oil, Climate Change and Our Future." David Orr, a pioneer in environmental literacy  and ecological design, author of Earth in Mind and Chair of Environmental Studies at Oberlin College will explore the twin challenges of Peak  Oil and climate change. Facilitated by William Joseph, Grant County Peace Coalition

Saturday, January 13, 2007
10:00-11:30 AM. Richard Heinberg, "Peak Oil, A Proactive Response." Richard Heinberg, a leading educator and international  speaker and author of The Oil Depletion Protocol and Powerdown will explain the immense challenge of global peak oil production and its  economic impacts. Facilitated by Tom Gibbons, Biodiesel Group

11:30 AM-1:00 PM Lunch On Your Own

1:00-2:30 PM. Julian Darley, "Relocalize Now." Julian Darley, author of High Noon for Natural Gas,  director of the Post Carbon Institute, and coauthor of the forthcoming Relocalize Now! will  address global relocalization and how communities can begin to prepare for Peak Oil. Facilitated by Allyson Siwik, GRIP 

3:00-4:30 PM. Mark & Rachel Bighley, "Energy Efficient Housing." This informative presentation by local home builders, Mark & Rachel Bighley of Mark Bighley Construction, will offer practical applications for implementing  energy efficiency in both new and existing homes.

Sunday, January 14, 2007
1:00-2:30 PM. Vicki Robins, "Voluntary Simplicity as a Way of Life." Vicki Robins, co-author of Your Money or Your Life and president of the New Road Map Foundation will introduce voluntary simplicity as a viable solution for Peak Oil and climate change as well as a way to lead a more healthy, fulfilling life. Facilitated by Susan Van Auken, Advocate for Simple Living

3:00-4:30 PM. Paul Hawken, "Sustainability as an Infinite Game." Paul Hawken, author of Natural Capitalism and an activist on sustainability and environmentalism, will  present a global vision on how we can incorporate sustainable actions in our lives. Facilitated by Shirley Pevarnik, MLA in Creation Spirituality

Following each presentation there will be an open forum. During these forums, participants will have an opportunity to discuss changes they can make and to create their own Personal Action Plan.

Attend this conference to hear the latest on Peak Oil and climate change. Understand why many proposed alternatives could do more harm than good. Learn about lifestyle solutions based on conservation, curtailment, and community that will lead to a more sustainable and equitable future.

Accountability Visit to Congresswoman Wilson’s Office Today

On Tuesday, January 9, grassroots organizations and individuals will ask Congresswoman Heather Wilson to stay true to the letter and spirit of her campaign promises by supporting four vital bills expected to move through the U.S. House of Representatives this week. Drop by and join in supporting this action.

Advocates for workers, low-income citizens, seniors, students, and religious groups will meet in the lobby of First Plaza in Downtown Albuquerque for a press conference at 2:00 PM and then will visit Rep. Wilson’s offices to ask Rep. Wilson to support the following four pieces of legislation:

• Increase the minimum wage to at least $7.25, without using other issues as a red herring to avoid supporting a clean bill.
• Allow Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices for our seniors, just as every company, non-profit, and most all other government agencies in America are allowed to negotiate when making bulk purchases.
• Restore funding for student loans (which was cut by the last Congress) to enable more New Mexicans to attend institutions of higher education.
• Repeal big oil and gas company tax cuts from the last Congress. America needs fiscal responsibility, and it is absolutely irresponsible to stand in favor of these tax cuts when oil and gas profits are at all-time highs and George W. Bush and the Republican Congress have run up all-time high deficits.

Congresswoman Wilson ran as a moderate who favors an increase in the minimum wage, cares about prescription drug prices, supports more accessible higher education, and is independent of big oil and gas. She will have the chance to prove that her election promises and themes were more than rhetoric in the next week. The proof, as they say, is in the pudding.

For more information contact Carter Bundy at (505) 463-8499.

AG King Schedules Open Government Workshop

The Santa Fe New Mexican is reporting that Attorney General Gary King plans to make open government a top priority and will cosponsor a workshop on open government laws:

Attorney General Gary King's first news release since taking office Monday announced his office and the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government would hold a workshop on open-government laws for local government officials and the public.

Bob Johnson, executive director of the foundation, said King's election in November was good news for open-government advocates. "We're encouraged by the election of Gary King,'' Johnson said Thursday.

Johnson noted that King, who served in the state House of Representatives from 1987 to 1998, sponsored laws to strengthen the state Open Meetings Act and the Inspection of Public Records Act. "In at least two sessions, he worked hard on those laws,'' Johnson said.

... The Attorney General's Office and the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government have scheduled the open-government workshop from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, January 10, at the Leo Griego Auditorium of the State Personnel Building at 2600 Cerrillos Road. [emphasis mine]

Eric Griego Launches Radio Talk Show in Time for NM 2007 Legislative Session

From '':
A new radio talk show, ‘Insight New Mexico,’ produced by our frequent guest blogger Suzanne Prescott, premieres January 13 from 3:00 to 4:00 PM on Clear Channel’s 1350 AM Talk Radio. Host of the show, Weekly Alibi columnist and former Albuquerque City Councilman Eric Griego (photo right), says the show will help fill the need for in depth state and local New Mexico radio broadcast news coverage.

“Each week we’ll wrap up major activities in New Mexico’s Roundhouse with interviews from my guests who are on top of the issues,” Griego said.

The premiere show lineup for January 13th Includes:

• Dede Feldman, well known and widely respected State Senator, who will preview major issues coming up in the 2007 legislative session.
• Maggie Toulouse, newly appointed Bernalillo County Clerk, who will discuss her goals for upcoming elections.
• James Scarantino, Albuquerque journalist & radio personality, who will provide his own take on where the legislature is going and how common media outlets will cover the issues.
• A Surprise Special Guest: What show would be complete without a surprise? Eric has some excitement in store with a special guest you will want to hear.

The show will examine major themes moving through the legislature as well as some under the radar issues that may have escaped listeners’ attention. Some of the topics that will be reviewed include:

• The Ethics Reform package - It’s already generating controversy among law makers.  Will it survive?
• Raising the Minimum Wage - Will New Mexico beat Congress to the punch?
• Water, water and more water - Where will it come from and will it be safe?
• Criminal Justice - There will be more than laws against sex offenders or DWI.  Find out what legislation lawmakers are looking at.
• Improving Education for New Mexicans - Will APS take it in the teeth and who’s been left behind?
• Addressing the Crisis in Health Care - Are health care & health insurance out of the reach of too many New Mexicans? Can lawmakers pass meaningful legislation?

Join Eric and his guests when the show airs on Saturdays from 3:00 to 4:00 PM. For more information you can contact Eric directly at (505) 259-7600. For frequent updates on show developments, go to the show’s blog and website at Insightnm.net. Click for bios (doc) of the show's Executive Producer Suzanne Prescott (photo left) and the show's Host Eric Griego.