OP/ED

Op-Ed: Our Corrupt Corporatocracy

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By JOE D’ANNA
(The elder)
White Rock

The unholy alliance of the Republican Party (once branded The Party of Business), corporate interests, and rich conservatives permeates two branches of our government, many of the country’s institutions, and now it threatens our democracy.

The alliance indoctrinates us daily with information and misinformation from corporate lobbyists, corporate-funded free market/conservative think tanks, over 1,500 conservative radio stations, conservative newspaper chains, and chains of conservative TV stations – plus Fox “News”. At many universities Read More

Hanson: Los Alamos’ Climate Action Plan – What’s Missing, What’s Misleading And What We Must Do

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By DAVID E. HANSON
Los Alamos

On July 9, 2024, the County Sustainability manager and Cascadia Consulting presented the Los Alamos Climate Action Plan (CAP) to the County Council. They are requesting community feedback and plan to present the final version of the plan in Sept. or Oct. for Council approval.

There are a number of vital actions that are missing from the plan and the single thrust that is the overwhelming focus of the plan (reducing our CO2 emissions in Los Alamos County) is misleading in several ways. Except for Councilors (Randall) Ryti and (David) Reagor, who asked some critical Read More

Bartlett: More Access To Lower Bayo And Pueblo Canyons

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By MELISSA BARTLETT
Los Alamos

The current Los Alamos County Parks and Recreation policy for access to the lower part of Bayo and Pueblo canyons is too restrictive and discriminates against those of us who have limited abilities.

Currently, parking is allowed only in the small dirt lot near the gate on the road that leads to the waste water treatment plant. Private vehicles that park anywhere past the gate are subject to ticketing.

This means that to access the many lovely trails of lower Pueblo and Bayo Canyons, the only option is a hike on the paved road and risk the trucks or on a small hot dusty trail Read More

Blair: The Strength Of Our Center

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By DONALD BLAIR
Political Commentator

The 4th of July has an All-American reputation as a communal day of cookouts, parades and fireworks. We view the holiday with a touch of nostalgia for a time when we could all celebrate together with a sense of national unity and shared pride in our country. But its origins may have more in common with our modern fractured time than we think.

The Declaration of Independence was actually controversial within Colonial America. John Adams himself reckoned that only one-third of the population supported independence. Historian Thomas Slaughter from the University Read More

Powell: Let’s Honor Our Ranch School History

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By IRENE POWELL
Concerned Citizens for the Segler Painting
Los Alamos

Several concerned community members attended the Art in Public Places Advisory Board (APPAB) meeting Thursday night to support the County’s acquisition of The Boys of the Pajarito Plateau, a painting by renowned artist Jeff Segler depicting three young men on horseback during the Los Alamos Ranch School (LARSO) era.

Mr. Segler, formerly of Los Alamos, was also in attendance. Six of us spoke during public comment urging the APPAB to vote to advise the County Council to purchase the painting.

After a great deal of discussion, Read More

DeVolder: I Remember

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By Mark DeVolder
Los Alamos

I was saddened by the Presidential Debate.

Per Ken Burns’ Jazz series of videos, Duke Ellington was given a great deal of encouragement by his mother Daisy. Ellington was once asked how he felt about his treatment as a black American. Ellington responded, “I used the energy it takes to pout and wrote some blues.”

Therefore, I wrote some words:

After World War II, America was not war-torn like Europe and America was strong. However, America incurred a huge national debt for the war which was never repaid. America melted down aluminum aircraft, made aluminum pots and Read More

Op-Ed: School, Drugs, And The Long Shadow Of The Law … A Plea For Parental Protection

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By PERRY KLARE Esq.
Los Alamos High School, 1998

As a criminal defense attorney practicing in our community and State for many years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of drug use on our teenagers. The allure of experimentation, the desire to fit in, and the crushing weight of academic pressure can lead even the most promising young people down a dangerous path. However, I’ve also seen how a single misstep, fueled by youthful indiscretion and amplified by harsh legal consequences, can derail a life before it’s truly begun.

The war on drugs has not been kind to our children. While Read More

Op-Ed: Historic Signs In Our Historic District

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By GEORGIA STRICKFADEN
Los Alamos

Our summer tourist season is in full swing, yet ALL of our Historic Walking Tour signs have been missing for months, mostly due to construction of the new Urban Trail and pending refurbishment of the walking tour signs?

Old or bent signs are better than no markers. Even if visitors are using printed or online walking tour guides, it often is not entirely clear to them where they are and why.

I am especially disturbed that there is no sign of any kind of labeling for the statues of Oppenheimer and Groves. The damaged bronze sign was removed months ago with no temporary Read More

Op-Ed: Protect Freedom And Fight Anti-Semitism

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By MILES LESSEN
Los Alamos

There is a well-documented statistical increase in hate crimes against people who are Jewish, including vandalism, graffiti, assault, intimidation, and abuse, both within and outside the United States. However, my family has felt safe and secure in the oasis of Los Alamos, a community in which we believed diversity was celebrated and embraced. Since moving here, we have met people from at least 11 different countries spanning Europe, Africa, Asia, and other regions of the world, many states throughout the USA, and several Native American tribes. We regularly see Read More

Cull: Why Is Pride Important To Me?

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By THERESA CULL
Los Alamos

Pride is important to me because it reminds me that there was a time when LGBTQ+ people could be harassed, fired from a job, dishonorably discharged from the military, arrested, beaten, and even killed for acting a certain way or loving someone of the same sex.

Pride is important because, even though life has improved and almost become normalized for many LGBTQ+ people, many of those same threats still exist today. I’ll remind everyone that the Supreme Court’s decision on marriage equality isn’t even 10 years old. And we all know that the current Supreme Court is willing Read More