Our shrinking manufacturing sector – Part II
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The two underlying causes of America’s fall from manufacturing grace are our tunnel vision about the dangers of too much off-shoring and devotion to the notion of free trade. Continue Reading
Guv’s reform plan leaves out school security issues
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Any statewide educational “reform” effort needs to address school security concerns head-on because they directly impact all others including student and employee performance. Continue Reading
Our shrinking manufacturing sector – Part I
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America has awakened to a brutal new reality. A one-time enemy turned trading partner, China, has now become our largest creditor, and one that is pulling the levers of our financial system through its investments in – and stranglehold on – the U.S. economy. Continue Reading
Tough decisions needed to spur NM economy
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Top priority should be given to eliminating the personal income tax and adopting right-to-work laws. Continue Reading
Let’s re-evaluate our budget priorities
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Kobe Bryant made $25 million this year but says the year was “wasted.” Perhaps if he understood what $25 million could bring to many New Mexican children who deal with developmental disabilities, Kobe wouldn’t be so flippant about what a “waste” of time the past year was for him. Continue Reading
Gov. Martinez, Rep. Ryan: Let values be your guide
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Our nation’s and state’s economic recovery, long-term sustainability and economic vitality can be in part secured through ensuring certain values are upheld. Start with two big dollops of accountability – both governmental and corporate. Then add in some fundamental fairness. Continue Reading
It’s time for a realistic Middle East policy
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During his meeting with President Obama last week at the White House, Prime Minister Netanyahu said that “a peace based on illusions will crash eventually on the rocks of Middle Eastern reality.” He’s right. Continue Reading
More tax breaks for the rich will not cut the national debt
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In the guise of “putting the nation’s fiscal house in order,” U.S. House Republicans are trying to sneak through a massive transfer of tax responsibility from the rich to the middle class. Continue Reading
What do mastadons have to do with education?
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To instruct and teach the young has been a part of the human social contract since long before our ancestors swung down from their trees on the African savanna. And isn’t it just amazing that we are, in 2011, arguing about what education is and how best to go about it? Continue Reading
Federalism is key to America’s future
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Restoring a truly “federal” government as the founders of our nation intended would resolve many of today’s thorniest problems. Continue Reading
Déjà vu all over again… and again…
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New Mexico has one of the best energy conservation codes in the country, but it’s under attack for the fourth time since it was passed a year ago. Continue Reading
Richardson didn’t exploit judicial selection process
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My firsthand experience is that Governor Bill Richardson took the job of appointing judges seriously and deliberated carefully about the merits of every candidate he considered. Continue Reading
Important ethics law updated
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New amendments to the Governmental Conduct Act ensure that all public servants statewide now have a common code of conduct instead of a patchwork of ethics laws. Continue Reading
A renewed passion for open government
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A recent trip to Washington to attend transparency camp made me realize I’m lucky to live in New Mexico, where we have open records and open meetings laws and people who fight to enforce them. But it also reminded me that there’s more to be done, and renewed my passion for open government. Continue Reading
Greenhouse gas rules are a necessary step
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On April 25, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar issued a report to Congress with some very disturbing news: Due to the effects of climate change, eight major river basins in the United States, including New Mexico’s Rio Grande, could suffer up to a 14 percent reduction in flows over the next four decades. Continue Reading