Lawmaker proposes concealed handguns in schools
Posted by
Michael Swickard
on Thursday, February 10, 2011
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New Mexico News
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NewsNM (Swickard) The mantra of no guns in schools wants us to believe that keeping people with no evil intent who are trained in the use of a weapon from having access to a weapon while in a school will somehow keep people with evil intent from bringing and using guns to schools. Leaving schools with no protection plays into the hands of those of evil intent. What conceal carry provides is the doubt in the minds of those who would do wrong that someone, anyone, could shoot back. Gun free zones foster violence because people of evil intent count on no victim having a weapon.
From the Santa Fe New Mexican - Guns have long been taboo in schools, but a state legislator wants to change that in New Mexico. A proposal Rep. Zach Cook, a Ruidoso Republican, would allow people licensed to have a concealed handgun to take their weapons into schools and preschools, on college campuses, bars, state parks and buses. Cook said he offered the measure to address complaints from his southern New Mexico constituents. "There are a lot of people who have concealed carry permits that have to leave their gun in their cars to take their kids to school, which creates a burden on them," Cook said in a recent interview. "I would rather that gun be on the body of the responsible person who has met all the requirements for having a concealed carry permit than sitting in a car unattended." But the measure faces plenty of opposition. "Just the idea of having unlimited access to weapons on a school campus is alarming," said Tom Sullivan of the New Mexico Coalition of School Administrators. Republican Gov. Susana Martinez, who has a concealed handgun permit, opposes people carrying concealed weapons in schools and bars. Read more
From the Santa Fe New Mexican - Guns have long been taboo in schools, but a state legislator wants to change that in New Mexico. A proposal Rep. Zach Cook, a Ruidoso Republican, would allow people licensed to have a concealed handgun to take their weapons into schools and preschools, on college campuses, bars, state parks and buses. Cook said he offered the measure to address complaints from his southern New Mexico constituents. "There are a lot of people who have concealed carry permits that have to leave their gun in their cars to take their kids to school, which creates a burden on them," Cook said in a recent interview. "I would rather that gun be on the body of the responsible person who has met all the requirements for having a concealed carry permit than sitting in a car unattended." But the measure faces plenty of opposition. "Just the idea of having unlimited access to weapons on a school campus is alarming," said Tom Sullivan of the New Mexico Coalition of School Administrators. Republican Gov. Susana Martinez, who has a concealed handgun permit, opposes people carrying concealed weapons in schools and bars. Read more
Hundreds who lost gas demand answers
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Michael Swickard
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Energy,
New Mexico News
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From KOB-TV.com - It was supposed to be a forum on federal assistance for those who were left without natural gas for seven days. But a crowd who packed into the Mission Museum in Espanola on Thursday seemed more interested in hearing from the New Mexico Gas Company directly, and began shouting when they found out gas executives had not shown up. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Housing and Urban Development went through several grant and loan programs aimed at helping people who have lost live stock or had their houses damaged because of the cold. But many took turns venting their frustrations, one man yelling that they didn't want loans, they wanted results. An hour into the meeting one man demanded to know why New Mexico Gas officials were not in attendance to answer questions and was told company had been invited but did not show up. Taos Mayor Darren Cordova began to address the crowd, speaking out against the New Mexico Gas Company and vowing to "hold their feet to the fire," and "make them pay." Read more
Hundreds who lost gas demand answers
Bill prohibiting driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants tabled on party line vote
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Michael Swickard
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New Mexico News
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From Capitol Report New Mexico - House Bill 261, introduced by Rep. Bill Rehm (R-Albuquerque) was tabled on a 5-4 vote in the House Labor and Human Resources Committee, with all five Democrats voting to table the measure and all four Republicans voting against tabling, essentially killing the bill at its first legislative stop. The thrust of the bill would have rescinded the state’s practice of granting driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. New Mexico is one of just three states (Utah and Washington being the others) that allow undocumented aliens to legally drive. Read more
Bill prohibiting driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants tabled on party line vote
Swickard column: The Spender Generation will stop spending
Posted by
Michael Swickard
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Swickard Columns
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by Michael Swickard, Ph.D. - We are the Spender Generation and there is no amount of money we cannot spend. All that constrains us is how much we can borrow.So when future generations look back, I am sure that there are a few things those generations from now will know. They will know that we, The Spender Generation, were the most selfish and self-centered generation in all of history. Perhaps they will refer to us as the Spender Generation, or something worse.How we will get that moniker is that our generation has spent all of the money we ourselves had and then spent much of the money from the future generations. What did we spend it on? We spent it on ourselves. They will know that we did this. Read Column
Swickard column: The Spender Generation will stop spending
Unconstitutional? Make Them Hire Lawyers!
Posted by
Rachel Pulaski
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Pulaski Column
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Rachel Pulaski |
Much controversy has been surrounding NewsNM the past few days concerning the actions of Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima at a City Council meeting held on February 7, 2011 . The topic of interest was the sale of guns at a Lion’s Club Gun Show within the city limits. A concerned citizen wanted to know what steps the City was taking to prevent criminals from buying guns at the Lions Club Gun Show and shipping them to Mexico . The video for the City Council Meeting can be seen here (Fast forward to ) NewsNM reported meeting minutes taken by contributor Jim Harbison (audio of the show can be listened to here and here ) which relayed the following information: “Police Chief Williams commented that these sales are regulated by Federal Law and the ATF and that the city has little authority over them.
Jim Harbison |
Mayor Miyagishima wants to pass a resolution to require background checks on all individuals who purchase guns. City Attorney Connolly stated it would be unconstitutional because the NM Constitutions says cities have no right to interfere with the Second Amendment right to bear arms. Mayor Miyagishima said "Of course we could always do it ourselves and let someone challenge us on it ."” Shortly after reporting this information the Mayor called the show in an effort to defend his actions. You can listen to that segment here. Today we had Jim Harbison as a guest to speak on the topic and defend the allegations made against him by the Major which can be heard here. In my personal opinion after watching the video several times, I would say that Mr. Harbison was truthful and accurate in his account of the meeting.
Ken Miyagishima |
I believe the underlying issues have been overlooked which is the blatant disregard for the rule of law and our constitutional rights by our elected officials who want to perform illegal acts under the guise of “knowing what is best for us." Not to mention the blatant arrogance on behalf of Major Miyagishima to disregard the state constitution and force the taxpayers to be burdened with the cost to fight for their constitutional rights in court. Mayor Miyagishima defended his actions by stating “It is my job to protect the citizens of this city” and that he wanted a level playing field for complying businesses like Wal-Mart and gun dealers at a gun show. The fact is, all licensed gun dealers MUST perform background checks AT GUN SHOWS. There is no "loophole" for guns shows. Private transactions between citizens who are not licensed gun dealers are not covered under the law at gun shows or anywhere else for that matter. There are many of us who do not wish to give up our freedoms for better security or to have our state constitution overlooked for the “greater good” This is one instance in many where the end does not justify the means. I invite you to watch the video and listen to the audio to judge for yourself.
Unconstitutional? Make Them Hire Lawyers!
AZ Countersuit Against Obama Administration
Posted by
Rachel Pulaski
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Border,
National News,
U.S. Politics
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Jan Brewer |
AZ Countersuit Against Obama Administration
Williams: F.D.A. - Killer Agency
Posted by
Jim Spence
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Commentary
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Walter Williams |
Williams: F.D.A. - Killer Agency
A Drop in the Bucket
Posted by
Jim Spence
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National News
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Washington Times - The chairman of the House Appropriations Committee on Thursday announced deeper budget cuts than earlier proposed - a move intended to stem criticisms that House Republicans would renege on a top campaign promise. Chairman Harold Rogers promised to cut $100 billion from President Obama‘s fiscal year 2011 request. The cuts - about $58 billion, compared with last year’s budget - would be included in a bill to keep the federal government running once the current funding authority expires March 4. “My committee has been working diligently to go line-by-line in every agency budget to find and cut unnecessary spending to reduce our deficit and help our economy thrive,” the Kentucky Republican said in a prepared statement. Mr. Rogers‘ announcement came a day after he said he would cut about $74 billion from the president’s budget plan, or $35 billion compared with last year’s budget. House Republicans campaigned in 2010 on a promise to cut $100 billion from Mr. Obama‘s request for domestic agencies - a pledge many conservative House Republicans pressed their party to stick to. Read full story here:
A Drop in the Bucket
Avoiding Liability is Job # 1
Posted by
Jim Spence
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New Mexico News
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SANTA FE – Governor Susana Martinez issued the following statement following Senator Harrison Schmitt’s decision to withdraw his nomination to serve as the State’s Secretary of Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources: “Senator Schmitt is a former NASA astronaut who underwent a complete background check by the Department of Public Safety as part of his nomination process. “Senator Schmitt was willing to allow a private investigator access to his personal information, but he was not willing to waive that investigator’s liability for any improper actions or use of that information.
While one can understand Senator Schmitt’s concerns, complying with the Legislature’s request is necessary to restore public confidence in state government. That’s why I am requiring all of my cabinet secretary designees to comply with that request and this has led to Senator Schmitt withdrawing his nomination. “I wish Senator Schmitt the best in his future endeavors and I will work swiftly to find a qualified replacement to lead New Mexico’s Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.”
Avoiding Liability is Job # 1
Senator Lopez: Opposes Man Who Walked on the Moon
Posted by
Jim Spence
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New Mexico News
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Linda Lopez |
Harrison Schmitt |
The forty or so individuals we confirm to these top positions are responsible for expenditures in the billions of dollars, investing the state's multi-billion dollar pension funds, and promulgating regulations that impact citizens across the entire state of New Mexico.The New Mexico Senate adopted background checks in 2007. They are part of a procedure that all high-level appointees must undergo as they put themselves forward into positions of public service and public trust. The review process is in place to protect the public and to provide the citizens of our state with an increased sense of confidence in their government. As such, there can be no exceptions to the background review process. At the Senate Rules Committee hearing on Monday, February 14, we will discuss Mr. Schmitt's refusal to adhere to the confirmation process. This will not be a hearing of Mr. Schmitt's qualifications for service, nor to receive public input related to his appointment. At this time, Mr. Schmitt's refusal to comply with the background check process has left me with no choice but to oppose his confirmation."
Senator Lopez: Opposes Man Who Walked on the Moon
Nowata We Gonna Do? Record Cold in Oklahoma
Posted by
Jim Spence
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Spence Columns
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Oklahoma was hit with the coldest readings ever measured this morning according to the Oklahoma Climatological Survey. In the town of Nowata the temperature was measured at -31 degrees Fahrenheit. That temperature is below the prior record of -27 set in Vinita, Oklahoma in February 1905 and Watts, Oklahoma in January 1930. Also on Thursday, the Bartlesville and Pryor’s Oklahoma Mesonet temperature gauges measured -28, which would have also been state records.
Nowata We Gonna Do? Record Cold in Oklahoma
NM Congressman Pearce Introduces "Healthy" Vet Bill
Posted by
Rachel Pulaski
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Healthcare,
National News,
U.S. Politics
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NM Congressman Steve Pearce |
NM Congressman Pearce Introduces "Healthy" Vet Bill
How Should We Interpret the Constitution?
Posted by
Rachel Pulaski
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Commentary
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From americanthinker.com -The Constitution is plainly written. It was intended to be easy to understand. The Constitution is also short. Why do we need a process for interpreting the Constitution? If we have such a process for divining the meaning of the Constitution, why should that process be secret deliberations of nine judges who are effectively unaccountable to the people? The issue, after ObamaCare, has become more than academic. Idaho has passed a resolution of nullification, which removes from the federal bench ultimate power to reject congressional actions as unconstitutional. The Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden advises that nullification is unconstitutional, but he has no power to prevent the Idaho Legislature from passing its resolution. What happens if a number of states pass similar resolutions? More here
How Should We Interpret the Constitution?
Record Low Temps Shattered in Wichita and Elsewhere
Posted by
Jim Spence
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Energy
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Energypublisher - The images and news reports from Chihuahua, New Mexico and Texas were gripping. Last week's sub-zero temperatures grew sheets of ice on the walls of unheated homes. Water lines froze and burst, wells clammed up, natural gas shortages left towns without heat and the normal functioning of schools, business and factory production was thrown into chaos. On both sides of the US-Mexico border, governors issued disaster declarations and troops were called out to assist with emergency relief. "We can call this historic", said Dave Novlan, meterologist for the National Weather Service in the border town of Santa Teresa, New Mexico. In neighboring Ciudad Juarez, a city already battered to the bone by extreme criminal violence and economic crisis, 90,000 families were reported without water the first weekend of February. Next door, in El Paso, Texas, the city water utility took the extreme step of ordering residents not to shower, wash cars and clothes and otherwise restrict water usage until further notice. In Aldama, Chihuahua, nearly three dozen animals-parrots, snakes, crocodiles and a monkey, froze to death at a private zoo, while the epic freeze was suspected in the death of a $30,000 giraffe at a zoo in Clovis, New Mexico. Read full story here:
Record Low Temps Shattered in Wichita and Elsewhere
Elder: Reagan 100 Year Old Racist?
Posted by
Jim Spence
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Commentary
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Larry Elder |
In late 1982, Reagan's second year in office, the unemployment rate for blacks was 20.4 percent. By 1989, his last year, the black unemployment rate had fallen to 11.4 percent -- a 9 percent drop. In late 1982, the unemployment rate for Hispanics was 15.3 percent. By 1989, it had fallen to 8 percent -- a drop of over 7 percentage points. White unemployment, by contrast, fell "only" 4 percentage points. What about black-owned businesses? In 1982, according to the Census Bureau, there were 308,000 black-owned businesses. By 1987, the number had increased to 424,000, up 38 percent. The number of all U.S. businesses was up "only" 14 percent. Receipts for black-owned businesses went from less than $10 billion to nearly $20 billion -- a 100 percent increase. Read full story here:
Elder: Reagan 100 Year Old Racist?