DFNM VIDEO, PHOTOS
Also see Flickr and YouTube
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Alamogordo Gun Rights-Tea Party Protester Hints Armed Violence to Come if Obama Doesn't Change
Video from report by Chris Dudley on NMI about protest
How many people showed up in Alamogordo, New Mexico yesterday to join an "open carry" gun display and protest against the Obama administration organized by the Otero Tea Party Patriots, the Alamogordo Second Amendment Task Force and the Sons of Liberty Riders? According to a news report on KOB-TV, there were about 200. The Alamogordo Daily News claimed 350, while a New Mexico Independent report says it was about 300.
Whatever the turnout, it's clear that many of those assembled are all about taking their country back from communists or socialists or fascists -- take your pick. They feel their Second Amendment gun rights are threatened -- although there's no evidence of any intent on the part of the Obama administration to do anything like that -- and they blame President Obama for a bad economy and the "socialist" plot represented by his proposed health care insurance reform and his actions to counteract the deep recession that began in earnest before he took office.
I can understand how right-wingers might be critical of President Obama and the Democrats in Congress. It's true that a Democratic agenda is being advanced, though many Democrats aren't pleased about the reluctance of Dems in Washington to push for deep change, instead of nibbling around the edges of the status quo. It's not surprising that Republicans, especially right-wing members of the GOP or those who support more libertarian policies, would be displeased with Democratic overtures. What IS surprising is how far out on the fringes some of the critics are about what's really going on in the federal government.
That Old Familiar Communist Threat
What year is it again? You'd swear we were back in the 1950's when Sen. Joe McCarthy was leading a witch hunt against alleged communists in the U.S. government, while the lunatic-infested John Birch Society was harping on the same issue and going so far as to claim that President Dwight Eisenhower was a "conscious, dedicated agent of the Communist Conspiracy."
Although we're now moving into the second decade of the 21st century, many right wingers apparently are convinced that communists are on the attack once again -- from within the White House and the halls of Congress. I guess they haven't noticed that the USSR is kaput, Red China really is no more and, if anything, unregulated capitalism has grown in power and impact everywhere. I have no idea how these protestors define communism -- but a Google image search on "communist Obama" turns up a wealth of imagery equating the President with Karl Marx. It would be funny if it wasn't so disturbing.
Protestors Explain
Clearly, some on the right believe that Obama is anti-American in some way and that another witch hunt or a possible armed insurrection might be necessary to preserver our constitution. Take this guy, quoted in the Alamogordo Daily News article:
Jim Kizer, of Alamogordo, carried his .444 Marlin rifle and .41 Smith and Wesson Magnum pistol to the event.
"I don't like what the Democrats are doing to our country," said Kizer. "I'm a Korean vet and I grew up in Alaska during World War II. I've fought Communists all my life, and now our government is being taken over by them. That's why I'm here."
In the video above, gun rally-Obama protest participant James of Tularosa explains why he's upset:
"I'm everything Obama hates. He's not too supportive of Israel, he's not too supportive of the Second Amendment. He's definitely not too supportive of the American flag ... A lot of the government now is intimidating people, that we're the criminals, we're the terrorists, not the terrorists."
A man from Las Cruces comments on his decision to openly carry a gun at the demonstration:
"It's a very open threat. If they try to take over the country completely as a socialist communist then they're going to have to answer. Political power comes from the barrel of a gun as their own people said.
... They're pushing us to our limits, that's why we're out here.
When asked what the limit would be that would trigger barrel of a gun type action, the same man replies,
"... I'm not saying what that is because the element of surprise is the main thing in any military victory, which we will do with the constitution if we have to. It's up to them to listen to us now to avoid that."
In other words, the federal government will have to obey the dictates of this guy and his pals or their guns will be used to strike back and get their way without the formality of an election or a ballot box.
An Unasked Question
If I had been there I would have asked the protestors if they would support a move to close down White Sands Missile Range, Holloman Air Force Base and other employers in Otero County that provide government jobs -- along with substantial spin-off money that goes directly into their communities. If they're so against what the government is and does, how do they justify so many in their communities living off the government dole, so to speak?
I wonder if they recognize that a very high percentage of the good-paying jobs in New Mexico are funded by the government with tax dollars paid by those who live outside the local tax base -- oftentimes on the East or West Coasts. According to the Otero County Chamber of Commerce, almost 30% of the jobs in the county are provided by the government. Well, there's socialism, and then there's socialism, right?
January 3, 2010 at 03:00 PM in Civil Liberties, Guns, Healthcare, Obama Administration | Permalink | Comments (12)
Friday, January 01, 2010
USDA Stimulus Money Almost Triples Funding For Rural New Mexico Projects in FY- 2009
State Director Terry Brunner programs a computer that gave commands to initiate the treatment of wastewater at the new sewer plant in Acoma Pueblo. Rural Development’s community loan and grant program provided $6.4 million to build the project.
USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner announced yesterday that USDA Rural Development (RD) investments almost tripled from Fiscal Year 2008 to Fiscal Year 2009. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding combined with regular program funding boosted USDA RD’s FY 09 spending to $354 million in loans and grants throughout rural New Mexico -- a boost from $154 million in FY 08. The funds paid for the construction of water and wastewater systems, community facilities, business development, homeownership, electric and telecommunications projects.
In making the announcement, Brunner said, “USDA Rural Development made a significant difference in rural New Mexico in 2009.” Brunner added, “The Obama Administration has worked hard in rural America to build a foundation for economic strength and future prosperity. Creating quality jobs, providing housing opportunities and ensuring that rural communities have safe, clean water is just some of what we did last year.” Brunner added, “We’ve also funded the upgrade and expansion of electric and telecommunication transmission across the State—vital infrastructure improvements for our rural communities. Rural New Mexico made great strides in 2009 and we expect to continue that pace in 2010.”
Ribbon cutting event for grand opening for Hampton Inn Hotel in Deming, New Mexico. Rural Development’s Business and Industry (B&I) Guaranteed loan program provided a $5 million guaranteed loan for hotel construction.
In FY ‘08 RD made more than $84-million in loans and grants in the programs administered in New Mexico and another $50-million was obligated for electric and telecommunications loans administered in Washington, D. C.
In FY-09, USDA Rural Development funded a total of $155,524,007 in business, community facility, housing, and water and wastewater projects. Electric and telecommunications projects across the state received $199,475,648 in funding for a grand total of $354,999,655 in USDA Rural Development loans and grants in New Mexico.
The loans and grants were distributed to rural New Mexicans in the following areas:
January 1, 2010 at 02:03 PM in Agriculture, Business, Energy, Healthcare, Obama Administration, Rural Issues, Telecommunications, Water Issues | Permalink | Comments (1)
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Welcome to the New Year and the Second Decade of the 21st Century
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven
A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven
A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven
A time of love, a time of hate
A time of war, a time of peace
A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven
A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time for love, a time for hate
A time for peace, I swear it's not too late
Happy New Year
to you and yours.
Let's hope it will be a time of
justice,
renewal,
peace,
courage,
creativity,
love,
friendship
and compassion!
December 31, 2009 at 03:50 PM in Holidays | Permalink | Comments (0)
Congressman Harry Teague Kicks Off “Solutions for Southern New Mexico” Tour
Congressman Harry Teague will kick off his “Solutions for Southern New Mexico” tour this Saturday, January 2nd, according to an announcement released by his office. During the weeklong tour Teague will visit all 18 counties in the 2nd Congressional District. Throughout the week, he will meet with constituents, community leaders and attend various events across the district.
The “Solutions for Southern New Mexico” tour features “Harry in Your Hometown” events in every county. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and meet with Congressman Teague one on one to share their thoughts and questions with him and to learn more about how his office can help them solve problems with federal agencies. The “Harry in Your Hometown” schedule for the tour is below and additional event advisories will follow throughout the tour.
Since taking office in January, Congressman Teague has hosted more than 70 “Harry in Your Hometown” events across southern New Mexico and opened six Congressional Field Offices. The “Harry in Your Hometown” program is a community outreach initiative developed by Congressman Teague to help him stay in touch with constituents throughout New Mexico’s Second Congressional District.
“Harry in Your Hometown” Schedule:
Continue reading "Congressman Harry Teague Kicks Off “Solutions for Southern New Mexico” Tour"
December 31, 2009 at 12:16 PM in Events, Rep. Harry Teague (NM-02) | Permalink | Comments (1)
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Rep. Lujan to Meet with Constituents in Farmington & Gallup, Highlight Recovery Act Funded Projects
Next week, Rep. Ben Ray Lujan will travel New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District to meet with constituents and highlight important projects. Rep. Lujan will join the Farmington Police Department to discuss how funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will help their community. In Farmington, he will also tour a local medical center. After visiting Farmington, Rep. Lujan will travel to Gallup where he will hold open office hours. Following his open office hours, Rep. Lujan will visit the Community Pantry in Gallup.
See below for details:
Rep. Lujan to Highlight American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funding for Farmington Police Department
Monday, January 4, 2009, 9:00 - 10:00 AM (MT)
Farmington Police Department Bldg. and Administration
900 Municipal Drive, 2nd Floor, Farmington, NM
San Juan Regional Medical Center Tour
Monday, January 4, 2009, 11:45 - 12:45 AM (MT)
801 West Maple, Farmington, NM
Gallup Open Office Hours
Monday, January 4, 2009, 4:00 - 5:00 PM (MT)
Rep. Lujan's Gallup District Office
110 West Aztec Avenue, Gallup, NM
Rep. Lujan to Highlight American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funding for the Community Pantry in Gallup
Monday, January 4, 2009, 5:30 PM (MT)
Community Pantry, 1130 Hassler Valley Road, Gallup, NM
December 30, 2009 at 04:05 PM in Events, Obama Administration, Rep. Ben Ray Lujan | Permalink | Comments (0)
Environment New Mexico Issues Scorecard, Applauds New Mexico’s Congressional Champs
Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall and Representatives Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Congressional delegation voted for the environment 100% of the time in the past year and a half, according to the annual Congressional Scorecard Congressional Scorecard (pdf) on major environmental issues released today by Environment New Mexico.
Environment New Mexico is releasing its annual scorecard as part of its national campaign to pass legislation in Congress to repower our economy with clean energy and cut global warming pollution.
“Both of our senators, as well as two of our representatives, have consistently voted to put the environment ahead of special interests. In the past year and a half they successfully fought to invest an unprecedented $80 billion in clean energy and to protect more than two million acres of wilderness,” said Environment New Mexico Environment Associate Kim McMurray in a statement released today. “These scorecards are an important tool to educate the public about the voting records of their elected officials and to honor public officials like this that have a record of putting the environment first.”
Environment New Mexico scored 7 votes in the Senate ranging from an economic recovery bill that allocates $80 billion in clean energy investment to a bill to cap global warming pollution to protecting our coasts from offshore drilling. They scored 15 votes in the House ranging from a bill to repower America with clean energy and begin to reduce global warming pollution to protecting the Wild Sky Wilderness area in Washington state to investing $80 billion in clean energy to recover our economy to protecting the Great Lakes.
December 30, 2009 at 12:54 PM in Energy, Environment, NM Congressional Delegation, Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, Rep. Martin Heinrich (NM-01), Sen. Jeff Bingaman, Sen. Tom Udall | Permalink | Comments (4)
Tea Party Protesters Gunning for Attention in Alamogordo
Summer protest in NH
According to "Otero Tea Party Patriot" Ralph West, guns are the next big thing at right-wing protests. "I think this will be the start of something big," West said in an article in today's Alamogordo Daily News.
"This" is an "open carry" protest being co-hosted by the Otero Tea Party Patriots, the Alamogordo Second Amendment Task Force and the Sons of Liberty Riders on Saturday in Alamogordo. According to West, "We're basically protesting the entire Obama administration." Participants are "encouraged" to bring guns.
According to the article, pistol-packing protesters intend to highlight their weaponry to get more attention from the media -- and Sarah Palin:
“That’s what will be different (with Saturday’s protest). People will be wearing guns, which is legal in this state,” said Ralph West, a member of the Otero Tea Party Patriots. “We figured it would get some attention.”
West said he’s contacted several media outlets in New Mexico, as well as Fox News and former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.
Carrying an unconcealed firearm is legal in New Mexico by anyone over the age of 19. A person can openly carry in most places, except a federal or state building, school or restaurants and bars that serve alcohol.
The groups applied for a permit to conduct an "open carry event" with the City of Alamogordo. Because of the firearms request, the permit application was forwarded to the Alamogordo Department of Public Safety, which is expected to make a decision on it today.
As gun advocates point out, most gun owners can be expected to act responsibly when carrying a weapon at a public rally. Critics, however, argue that it only takes one out-of-control person to get fired up at a protest and fire his or her gun -- which just might set off an exchange of gunfire with other protesters or even law enforcement officers, putting the entire crowd at risk. In addition, some who want to attend a rally in opposition to the protest can easily be intimidated by armed participants in the crowd.
Toting guns in public is a hot topic in Alamogordo of late. Earlier this month, Otero County Commissioner Ronny Rardin proposed changing the county's personnel policy to allow county employees openly carry their guns to work.
Continue reading "Tea Party Protesters Gunning for Attention in Alamogordo"
December 30, 2009 at 11:17 AM in Events, Guns, Obama Administration | Permalink | Comments (15)
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Food for Thought: New Santa Fe-Based Sustainability Blog
There's a new, Santa Fe-based blog called Food for Thought that focuses on food sustainability and how to get there from here. As explained on the site, Food for Thought is:
A blog about transitioning in Santa Fe, New Mexico -- and environs. "Transitioning," in this context, means shifting from a non-sustainable, irresilient and unethical system to a sustainable, resilient and ethically sound one. This blog emphasizes food relocalization and local-regional food security as a means of facilitating and encouraging over-all transitioning in Santa Fe (and thereabouts). This blog is supportive of, yet not affiliated with, the Transition Network.
The blog is the project of James R. Martin, who "has been reading and thinking about "this sort of thing" since he stumbled upon a paperback copy of E. F. Schumacher's "Small Is Beautiful" as a youth," according to the site. Besides posts, the site includes links to many resources that deal with transitioning to a more sustainable way of living. Check it out.
December 29, 2009 at 12:58 PM in Environment, Food and Drink, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (1)
Today: Peace Groups Solidarity Vigil for Gaza Freedom March in Albuquerque
From the Middle East Peace and Justice Alliance:
A dozen New Mexico peace groups are holding a vigil today in Albuquerque in solidarity with the Global Gaza Freedom March taking place in Egypt/Gaza from December 27-31, 2009. The purpose of the vigil is to mourn the loss of life and destruction of civic infrastructure as a result of the 2008/9 Israeli invasion, which resulted in the deaths of 348 Palestinian children, destroyed over 14,000 buildings including schools and mosques, and left 71,675 people homeless.
The Gaza Luminaria Vigil will take place on Tuesday, December 29, 2009, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, in front of the federal court house on Lomas, between 3rd and 4th streets in downtown Albuquerque. Vigil sponsors include: Another Jewish Voice, Albuquerque; Another Jewish Voice, Santa Fe; Center for Action and Contemplation; the Coalition to Stop $30 Billion to Israel; CODE PINK; the Middle East Peace & Justice Alliance; Pax Christi; Stop the War Machine; United Nations Association; UNM Coalition for Peace & Justice in the Middle East; and Veterans for Peace.
The names of the children killed will be read at the vigil by Jewish and Palestinian American children.
Continue reading "Today: Peace Groups Solidarity Vigil for Gaza Freedom March in Albuquerque "
December 29, 2009 at 10:40 AM in Events, Middle East | Permalink | Comments (0)
Monday, December 28, 2009
Ceremony Tuesday to Celebrate New Hospital in Santa Rosa to be Built with ARRA Funds
USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner announced in a statement released today that Congressman Harry Teague and Lt. Governor Diane Denish will join him in a ceremony kicking off the construction of a new $10 million hospital in Guadalupe County.
In making the announcement Brunner said, “The new Guadalupe County hospital will replace the existing 56-year-old, 10-bed acute care hospital with a 10-bed, 21,410 square foot hospital and a 10,000 square foot medical clinic. Brunner added, “This will be the only full facility hospital on Interstate-40 between Albuquerque and Amarillo, Texas, and eastern New Mexico residents will see their access to modern medical services grow substantially.”
The funding for the new hospital is made possible by a $9,400,000 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) loan through USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities loan program. The program provides funds to build essential community facilities and provides fundamental equipment for these facilities in rural areas of population of 20,000 or less.
To celebrate the obligation of funds to build the new facility a closing ceremony will be held at the Guadalupe County Court House on December 29, 2009 at 11:00 AM. Following the signing of the legal documents, a ceremonial obligation of funds certificate will be presented to the Guadalupe County Commission and Hospital Board. The ceremony will be held at the Santa Rosa Mid-School located at 116 Camino De Vida Road at the intersection of Camino De Vida and U.S. Highway 54.
December 28, 2009 at 01:50 PM in Events, Healthcare, Obama Administration, Rural Issues | Permalink | Comments (1)
