Southern NM is dreaming big
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Southern New Mexico’s people are having a moment of innovation that could be transformative. Continue Reading
Following tragedy, let’s focus on solving core problems
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In the wake of the Aurora massacre we can, and perhaps should, debate the role of guns in our society. But as long as we focus on that at the expense of working to solve our core problems, we’re seeking a Band Aid instead of true societal healing. Continue Reading
Once a college dropout, Balderas found success
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Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Hector Balderas was a college dropout working on an assembly line at 21. Continue Reading
Both sides in education debate have same goal
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Both sides of the debate seem to wish for more highly qualified teachers to be placed in the most difficult teaching positions. Continue Reading
Use county health rankings to link data to action
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When the barriers to family health and well-being are identified, community members can work together to find solutions that will improve quality of life for everyone. Continue Reading
Benefits are not constitutionally protected
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Legislation requiring people to pass a drug test before receiving unemployment or TANF benefits is facially constitutional. Continue Reading
Drug testing the poor is unconstitutional and un-American
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At a time when unemployment is high and families are struggling, U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce picks a callous moment to create unnecessary hurdles for Americans to obtain needed public benefits. Continue Reading
Many low-income New Mexicans can’t find rental housing
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While millions of middle-class Americans have experienced a housing crisis through foreclosure, there is a parallel but hidden crisis among low-income working families. Continue Reading
The merits of the Heart Gallery are not at issue
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The governor is free to maintain a permanent exhibit of photographs of children up for adoption in the Governor’s Gallery. However, permanent or long-term exhibits of agencies or organizations throughout the State Capitol are not permitted, no matter how meritorious. Continue Reading
Kids’ photos should hang in Roundhouse hallways
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Hanging photos of foster children who are up for adoption in the halls of the Roundhouse would be a powerful statement about the priorities of state government. I hope the legislative branch changes its mind and grants the governor’s request to do it. Continue Reading
These nonprofits need your help
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I’ve been meaning for awhile to urge you all to donate to a cause you deem worthy during this holiday season, if you can afford it. Here are a few of my favorite New Mexico charities and nonprofits. Continue Reading
The unlevel playing field
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Despite what one Albuquerque Journal letter writer thinks, if the playing field was indeed fair and even, then – statistically – equal rates of people from every socioeconomic level would end up as financial failures. And that’s simply not the case. Continue Reading
Faith leaders gather to hear about families’ struggles
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On Nov. 3 over 400 people, 12 congregations and eight religious denominations will gather to hear from one another about the struggles to stabilize their families as they experience unemployment and home foreclosure, and to hear from students who want more opportunities to higher education. Continue Reading
A poor way to look at the rich
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Every time you hear the “tax the rich” dialog, you can label that person a huckster who takes from one American to give to another American for their vote. In America we are left in the debate about the rich with this question: What do we do when we have taken all of the wealth from the rich? Who is next? Continue Reading
The reality of our political compassion
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Each malady of poverty is tied to government actions that all too often are for the purpose of political need. When will we as a society take an honest look at political human suffering? Continue Reading