Response to terrorism should be bravery, not oppression
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Singling out a group based on nothing more than name, religion, or national origin is wrong. Even worse — when it happens, the terrorists win. Continue Reading
No government should stop people’s own end-of-life choices
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My dad’s directive stated clearly that no artificial means were to be used in keeping him alive; he wanted control over his dying process… just like he did with his life. I hope everyone in our state will soon have that right. Continue Reading
Don’t wait ’till the last minute on meaningful water policy
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California is showing us that acting only when a crisis looms isn’t good enough. Continue Reading
You can do something about standardized tests
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Are you concerned about constant testing of our students? If so, there are concrete things you can do. Continue Reading
A response to Donald Trump’s recent comments
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Sir, you really made me angry. The things that you said about Mexicans? Back in the 1800s there were lots of people saying the same things about the Irish. Continue Reading
Save lives, generate revenue: Regulate marijuana like alcohol
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If we want less crime, better schools, and a healthier state let’s stop our outdated prohibition laws and do this right. Continue Reading
Increase intelligent conversation, remove Sound Off
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Anonymous comments are sometimes blatantly rude and insulting. Instead, let’s foster a local environment that conveys intelligence, thoughtfulness and welcome. Continue Reading
Gay marriage should be legal
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if you are straight, when you consider this issue, you may feel like I do – an initial repulsion. But when that happens, I ask only one thing: Think. Understand that base reactions are not good enough to make or justify laws. If you do, I am confident you will come to the same conclusion I did. Continue Reading
Occupy movement should focus on tax and election reform
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The Occupy movement is right that the vast majority of Americans are finding it increasingly difficult to get a shot at a good life while a few at the top have amassed immense wealth. But if the movement is serious about solutions, it should focus on tax and election reform. Continue Reading
Drawing districts: Why constituents should care
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Unless voters have real, actual options to consider in an election, public officials become less accountable and our democracy is greatly weakened. For that reason, voters of all political stripes and across all parties should come together and demand that gerrymandering stop. Continue Reading
Why I will miss Bishop Ricardo Ramirez
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Our entire community has been strengthened by Bishop Ricardo Ramirez’s presence, and I can only hope that others will work to emulate his actions, message and disposition. Continue Reading
Could Tucson tragedy have been prevented?
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By all accounts Jared Loughner, the Tucson shooter, suffered from some type of mental illness. So the question must be asked: Was this shooting the kind of unavoidable tragedy that we have to just deal with, or was there more that could have been done to help Loughner and therefore avoid this type of heinous crime? Continue Reading
The need for regulations and good regulators
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Capitalism works, but regulating it is necessary. It’s important that we choose regulators who study the issues, ask tough questions and balance various needs. For the Public Regulation Commission, those regulators must also focus on ethics reform and increasing transparency. Continue Reading
We are better working together than apart
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Republicans, conservatives and Tea Party members aren’t my enemies. That’s why, despite our disagreements, I recently accepted an invitation to speak to the Tea Party group in Las Cruces. Continue Reading
What the Bataan Death March means to me
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The death march is one of those things that give life perspective. The lessons: Be thankful for and enjoy the life that I have. Remember the sacrifices of others and treat people with respect and dignity. Constantly try to be the best that I can be. Continue Reading