Opinion

Gessing: Time For New Mexico’s Democrats To Get Serious About Energy & Climate

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By PAUL J. GESSING
President
Rio Grande Foundation

There are many things that make New Mexico unique, but one of the most noteworthy political nuances is the State’s deep and unusual relationship with energy.

New Mexico’s Democratic politicians love the money and jobs generated by the traditional energy industry, but also wish to be seen as pushing back against it to placate their environmentalist base. 

Nonetheless, New Mexico, a state blessed with all sorts of energy resources (both traditional as well as wind and solar) has continued to embrace Democrat politicians despite the Party’s Read More

An Open Letter To The State Senators Of New Mexico

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Editor’s note: The letter below is being transmitted by Common Cause New Mexico on behalf of a group of eight organizations concerned about a toxic culture of sexual harassment, bullying and inappropriate behavior during New Mexico legislative sessions.

We write to follow up on our open letter to Senators Peter Wirth, Mimi Stewart, and Greg Baca on February 24, 2022. In that letter, we expressed our support for the brave public stand taken by Marianna Anaya, and urged the Senate leadership to initiate a formal investigation regarding Ms. Anaya’s allegations of sexual harassment against Senator Read More

Justice Thomson: New Mexico Supreme Court Expands Educational Program On The Rule Of Law

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By JUSTICE DAVID K. THOMSON
New Mexico Supreme Court

I am excited to announce the second year of a New Mexico Supreme Court civics education program about the judiciary’s role in our democracy and the development of the rule of law.

Last year’s program was a resounding success, reaching over 580 students in schools statewide. Students watched recordings of an oral argument before our Supreme Court and worked with learning materials about the case. I then visited classes virtually, accompanied by the prosecution and defense attorneys, to discuss the legal issues and judicial process.

As Justice Read More

Hains: Thank You Ken Nebel!

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Ken Nebel

By SUE ELLEN HAINS
Los Alamos

Fuller Lodge often is described as the “heart and soul” of Los Alamos. Many of us in the artistic community would describe Ken Nebel as being the “heart and soul” of Fuller Lodge Art Center during the past 12 years.

Ken recently resigned as assistant director from the art center and we will miss him. He kept the doors open during the pandemic. It was one of the few places that was open in town. He has kept the arts alive and accessible.

The art center is a wonderful space with painting, sculpture, and crafts beautifully displayed. Ken has helped keep artists in business Read More

On The Eve Of Earning My Eagle Scout

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By GRAYSON WEISNER
Los Alamos High School Student

I am writing this letter from Dungarvan, Ireland, where I’m studying for the year.

I am just now wrapping up the last of my requirements to earn my eagle scout, which I’ve been working on online while I’ve been abroad. It has been an interesting experience and seeing as writing this is one of those final requirements, this seems like a fitting thing to write about.

All the stupid online school and lockdowns have made it very easy and normal to work on things like this while not at home. There’s been surprisingly little friction when it comes to Read More

Honors Courses Are Being Phased Out

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By KAELLIN HANSON
Sophomore
Los Alamos High School

When I signed up for two Honors courses and one AP course this year, I thought that the Honors course would have the same Grade Point Average (GPA) boost as the AP course that I was taking. When I realized I wouldn’t receive a GPA boost for an Honors courses, I was shocked. In taking the Honors course the student takes on more homework and, a harder time with mental health, and a more difficult class than their on level counterparts, and they are able to put more emphasis on the topics they are interested in. 

Over time with a more advanced course Read More

Why Bike Lanes Should Be Implemented On NM 4

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By NIKOLAI NELSON
Sophomore
Los Alamos High School

One day, when I was riding my bike to White Rock to meet with a friend, I got yelled at by a car driver to “get off the road!” I couldn’t get off the road because I had literally 4 inches between me and the edge of the road.

The lack of room is like standing in front of a speeding truck, significantly impacting my safety and theirs. This has not only happened to me, but to others as well. For example, an article in the LA Daily Post states that Andy Nunn, a Los Alamos cyclist, and some of his friends were biking on NM 4 when a white truck hit Nunn and sped away, leaving Read More

Sierra Club On Biden’s Ban On Russian Oil Imports

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By MIYA KING-FLAHERTY 
Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter

Oil and gas supply and revenue are weapons used by Russian oligarchs and criminals, and our dependence on oil and gas is a threat to our national security.

It is long past time to take away these weapons, which are subsidizing the war and creating the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine, by accelerating our transition to clean energy. Wind and solar energy don’t fuel wars and violence. 

U.S. fossil-fuel corporations are shamelessly profiteering on the tragedy in Ukraine. If the climate catastrophe isn’t reason enough, Read More

Reopening The Reel Deal: The Value Of Movie Theaters

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By REBECCA LI 
Sophomore
Los Alamos High School

On June 9, 2020—after 16 years of service to the community—Jim O’Donnell, the owner of the Reel Deal Theater, gave a tearful farewell as he closed the doors to the one and only movie theater within thirty minutes of Los Alamos. Given an opportunity to purchase the building, the Los Alamos County Council turned down the offer despite the many benefits it would provide to the community. However, recently, an article came to my attention that discussed a potential county purchase of the theater but to become a tween center. Somewhat frustrated when reading Read More

Shankland And Calef: Civility–Why It Matters

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By BECKY SHANKLAND and BARBARA CALEF
Co-presidents, League of Women Voters

Civility—Why It Matters

In letters to the School Board and in several County Council meetings, observers have been noticing an increase in harsh, impolite, even abusive language from members of the public addressing our elected officials. 

What are the consequences?

  • Residents will be deterred from participating in our local government, fearful of being attacked or upset by disrespectful and hurtful comments.
  • People will hesitate to run for office, feeling that they may be targets of unhappy citizens.
  • Resolution
Read More