Janet Napolitano Signed 'Stand Your Ground' Law for Arizona in 2006

From Breitbart.com - by AWR Hawkins- Amid Democrat attempts to use the Trayvon Martin shooting as a means to push for the repeal of Stand Your Ground laws, it’s been interesting to note how many Democrats have a past that includes support for them. For example, on April 2^nd, I had a post on Big Government that highlighted how former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, a Democrat, used her Current TV show to lambaste Stand Your Ground laws, and to blame Republicans for the existence of such laws in the first place. However, as I showed, the dirty little secret is that Granholm signed Michigan’s Stand Your Ground bill into law in 2006. Now it’s been discovered that an even more prominent Democrat, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, signed Arizona’s Stand Your Ground bill into law while governor of that state in 2006. The NRA heaped praise upon Napolitano for signing the bill as well. And they issued a special press release to explain that the bill Napolitano had signed was actually a combination of Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground legislation (making it especially deplorable to gun grabbers): [The] bill has two components: One is Castle Doctrine, which presumes you are justified in the use of force if you believe you are in danger of serious bodily harm or death within your home or occupied vehicle.  The second and most significant component is the return of the burden of proof in self-defense cases to the state, so law-abiding citizens who are forced to actually use their firearms or other means of protection for self-defense will not be wrongfully imprisoned or financially devastated by costs associated with their legal defense.  They will once again be presumed innocent – consistent with the American system of justice. Read more

Janet Napolitano Signed 'Stand Your Ground' Law for Arizona in 2006

White House Infestation, Part 2

Obama and Wright

Besides attending the now infamous Jeremiah “Goddamn America” Wright’s Trinity United Church for sixteen years and having frequent meetings with Hilary “Ann Romney has never worked a day in her life” Rosen, critics of my recent column, "The White House is Infested with Rosens and Wrights" wanted more than just two examples of remarkably despicable people President Obama has associated himself with over the years. Here are a few more:

Bill Ayers a close confidant and long time financial supporter of Obama was the leader of the notorious terrorist group the Weather Underground. There have been many charges and counter charges against Ayers and his behavior. His own words in an op-ed piece will suffice to make the case that he is despicable:

Bill Ayers

“The Weather Underground crossed lines of legality, of propriety and perhaps even of common sense. Our effectiveness can be — and still is being — debated. The Weather Underground went on to take responsibility for placing several small bombs in empty offices.... We did carry out symbolic acts of extreme vandalism...”
Ayers’ spouse Bernadine Dohrn also a long time Obama confidant makes Ayers seem like a Boy Scout. According to Charles Manson’s prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi, Dohrn said this regarding the murders of actress Sharon Tate and retail store owners Leno and Rosemary LaBianca in a 1969 speech during the "War Council" meeting organized by the Weathermen in Flint, Michigan.

Bernadine Dohrn

"First they killed those pigs, then they ate dinner in the same room with them, then they even shoved a fork into the pig Tate's stomach! Wild!"

While on the run from police, Dohrn married her fellow Weather Underground leader, the aforementioned Bill Ayers. During the last years of their life as fugitives, Dohrn and Ayers both resided in Chicago, where they used the aliases Christine Louise Douglas and Anthony J. Lee. Both of these violent radicals surrendered to police in 1980. Eventually Dohrn plead guilty to charges of aggravated battery and bail jumping. She was given probation. However, after she refused to testify against associate Susan Rosenberg in an armed robbery case, Dorhn served jail time. Later, Dohrn and Ayers became legal guardians of the son of former members of the Weather Underground, Kathy Boudin and David Gilbert. Why? Both of these individuals were convicted of murder charges for their roles in a 1981 armored car robbery. There's much more. Read rest of column here: News New Mexico

White House Infestation, Part 2

Who Will Be the PNM Super Energy Saver?

A new contest is challenging PNM residential customers to compete for energy savings, with the winner to be designated the PNM Super Energy Saver and awarded $300 toward future PNM electric service.

”This is a great opportunity for customers to spend a little time looking at how they use energy at home and taking common sense-steps to reduce their use and save money,” said Melissa Leymon, PNM senior program developer. “The bonus here is that one devoted customer will save more than the others and be recognized as a result.”

Here’s how it works:

• The contest challenges customers to compete to win by working to save energy in their homes for two months, beginning when they receive their May PNM electric bill.
• To participate, customers fill out a simple form on Facebook. Data submitted will be kept confidential and used only for contest purposes.
• During the contest, PNM will share low- and no-cost energy efficiency tips via Facebook and Twitter. Customers are encouraged to take whatever steps make sense for them.
•  After receiving their July PNM electric bill, contest participants will enter their electric consumption from those two months – and the same two months in 2011 – in a second form on Facebook (this form not available until late June).
• The customer who saves the most energy for the two-month period, compared to the same period last year, wins $300 toward future PNM electric service.
•  Energy efficiency prizes like remote-control power strips and LED lights will be given out along the way! The sooner a customer signs up, the greater his or her chance of winning!
• See a FAQ and official rules for more information.
  

Who Will Be the PNM Super Energy Saver?

Pearce on Tax Day: Washington is Taking Too Much

Steve Pearce

Washington D.C. - Today, Congressman Steve Pearce released the following statement regarding Tax Day: “Tax Day is a day which brings frustration to many hard working Americans.  Amidst the most challenging economic times we have seen in decades, Americans want hope, but Washington gives them no light at the end of the tunnel. Once a year, citizens open up their wallets to Washington and contribute their hard-earned money to a government that continues to squander it.” “Washington is taking too much from businesses and individuals. Last month, we voted for tax code reform in the budget passed by the House of Representatives. This would lower corporate taxes and put more money back in the pockets of hard working Americans. By doing so, we can begin to combat our economic crisis with small business growth. I am committed to continuing the fight to put more money back in your pockets." “The money you pay in taxes is not simply a government figure to be altered at will, but your property, for which you have sacrificed hard work and valuable hours.  It is time for Washington to act accordingly with legislation that remembers the American worker—the American taxpayer. American families are tightening their belts, and Washington must do the same.” “On Tax Day, let us remember to hold our elected officials accountable to spend our money carefully and responsibly.  And, as businesses continue to struggle under oppressive taxes, let us remember those American families who are still without jobs today.” 

Pearce on Tax Day: Washington is Taking Too Much

Governor Martinez Announces the "New Mexico Reads to Lead" Education Initiative

Susana Martinez

Alongside 3^rd grade students at Mission Avenue Elementary in Albuquerque today, Governor Susana Martinez unveiled and kicked off the “New Mexico Reads to Lead’ education initiative, which will implement several early childhood reading interventions designed to assist teachers and parents in identifying where our students are struggling in their literacy learning so that they can receive immediate and effective help.    

The “New Mexico Reads to Lead” initiative is the result of an $8.5 million direct investment in early childhood reading reforms in the FY13 budget.  Focusing on roughly 100,000 students from kindergarten through the 3^rd grade, the initiative will provide teachers with assessment tools that produce immediate information about where their students need assistance.  It will also provide parents and teachers with resources and strategies on reading instruction – available in hard copy and on the Internet in both English and Spanish.  And, as part of the program, up to 52 reading coaches will be hired throughout the state to support teachers in their efforts to help those students who are struggling to read the most. 

“Learning to read is the key to success, and it can often determine whether a student grows up frustrated and discouraged or empowered and confident,” said Governor Martinez.  “80% of our 4^th graders do not currently read proficiently, and the ‘New Mexico Reads to Lead’ initiative is a direct investment in challenging this unacceptable status quo with proven reading reforms aimed at helping those kids who need it the most.” 

Governor Martinez Announces the "New Mexico Reads to Lead" Education Initiative

Gary Smith tossed from ballot



Janice Arnold-Jones

 Albuquerque - Janice Arnold-Jones will be the GOP's congressional nominee -  Former four-term State Representative and Republican candidate for Congress in CD1 Janice Arnold-Jones said today she was "pleased" with the 2^nd Judicial District Court's ruling that removes Gary Smith's name from the primary election ballot. "While I wish Gary Smith the best of luck in his future endeavors and encourage him to remain active in our Party I am pleased with the judge's decision today," Janice Arnold-Jones said. "Gary's departure from the race gives us the opportunity to focus on fundraising and allow the professional staff we're adding to work with our volunteers toward a November victory," Arnold-Jones stated. "And make no mistake with the foundation we have laid we have every intention of winning this race, no matter who the Democratic Party's nominee happens to be." 

Gary Smith tossed from ballot

Pegasus project could boost Las Cruces building/real estate industries

Las Cruces Sun-News - If a $1 billion research, development and test facility is indeed built west of Las Cruces, there has to be some major fallout for the business community here, right? So, whom or what will feel the first wave of positive energy — meaning contracts (and money) — from the proposed facility by Pegasus Global Holdings? "If Pegasus becomes as described, it could be very, very substantial," said Jim Peach, economist at New Mexico State University. "I could see a lot of contractors and struggling contractors doing quite well for a while." After all, Pegasus wrote on an application to obtain 15,000 acres of state trust for its research facility that it would need to "Develop, operate and maintain the systems and infrastructure representative of a mid-sized American community." Developing a mid-sized community sounds like a project that would need a lot of hands. Read More News New Mexico

Pegasus project could boost Las Cruces building/real estate industries

Governor demands more choices for judicial vacancy

Susana Martinez

Real Clear Politics - Republican Gov. Susana Martinez, like her Democratic predecessor, wants a choice of candidates when it comes to appointing judges and she's flexing her gubernatorial power to make her point Martinez has asked an independent judicial nominating commission to go back to work and send her more than one candidate for a judicial vacancy in southern New Mexico. Former Gov. Bill Richardson took a similar approach in 2007, and the dispute ended up before the state Supreme Court. Richardson, however, never got the extra judicial candidates he sought. In New Mexico, the governor appoints district judges from candidates recommended by a bipartisan nominating commission, which is made up of judges, lawyers and members of the public who are not lawyers. Unlike many boards and commissions, the governor names only a few members of a nominating commission.

Judges, legislative leaders and a statewide organization of lawyers select most members. A screening commission last month interviewed four applicants for a judgeship in the 6th Judicial District that covers Grant, Hidalgo and Luna counties but recommended only one person Deming lawyer Jennifer DeLaney, a Democrat. All of the applicants are running for the judgeship in this year's elections two Democrats and two Republicans. Scott Darnell, a spokesman for the governor, said Martinez's request for more nominees "has nothing to do with the particular applicant who was submitted. The governor simply wants to uphold the separate constitutional duties assigned to the judicial nominating commission and the governor, respectively. State law affords her the opportunity to fill the vacancy as opposed to the judicial nominating commission, in effect, making the appointment," Darnell said in a statement. The commission is to meet on May 1 to consider the governor's request, but there's no guarantee the panel will send the governor additional names. Read More News New Mexico

Governor demands more choices for judicial vacancy

Las Cruces named 7th 'Hardest-Working Town in America'

City of Las Cruces

KFOX - Las Cruces is named the seventh-hardest-working city in America, according to a list by Total cereal and "Parade" magazine.  The way Total and "Parade" generated the list was that "Parade's" editorial team reports it analyzed the total number of hours worked, unemployment rates, commute times, double-income families and the likelihood of people to give up personal time for work. "This, I am sure, does not come as a surprise, given that Las Cruces was formerly named one of the Best Small Metro Area for Business and Careers by Forbes/Milken Institute and one of Best-Performing Cities in the nation by Milken Institute," said Total's Carol Kerbaugh via a release. "In a city full of hard-working professors and students at New Mexico State University who excel in areas like engineering, agriculture and education, and employees of the nearby White Sands Missile Range, Las Cruces was a sure bet for the list," she continued. Read More News New Mexico

Las Cruces named 7th 'Hardest-Working Town in America'

Noon: America’s oil melting pot could shrink the trade deficit and boost the declining dollar—without new taxes



Marita Noon

With gas prices continuing to climb, there is an ever-increasing quest for ways to find a culprit that can carry the blame. More and more, the finger pointing is focused on the overseas sale of US petroleum product—with the belief being that selling American resources to the highest bidder increases the price of gasoline at the pump. This idea has made strange bedfellows of Fox News host Bill O’Reilly and Congressman Ed Markey (D-MA). Addressing gas prices, O’Reilly claims: “They are much higher because the oil companies are shipping their products overseas.” Representative Markey (of the Waxman-Markey cap and trade fame) has “introduced legislation that would end the exportation of oil extracted from taxpayer-owned lands, and the exportation of refined fuels like gasoline produced from America’s oil.” Markey’s bill is called the “Keep America’s Oil Here Act.”
The idea has gained traction. It sounds good. Letters to the editor have popped up echoing the sentiments—with one even proposing “a massive letter-writing campaign to Congress insisting it creates a law that prevents the export of our gasoline and fuel oil.” Read rest of column here: News New Mexico

Noon: America’s oil melting pot could shrink the trade deficit and boost the declining dollar—without new taxes

Wild hogs expected eventually in Dona Ana County

Photo by rmaum 

Alamogordo Daily News - Wild hogs are likely on their way to Dona Ana County as the animals continue to spread across parts of New Mexico, federal officials said. The Las Cruces Sun-News reports ( http://bit.ly/IqZwbP) that the animals have spread from two New Mexico counties seven years ago to 17 today and are present along the Rio Grande in neighboring Sierra County. They travel along the river because it's a source of water. Alan May, state director for U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services, said feral pigs have been spreading mostly in eastern New Mexico counties. But somehow, likely because humans transported them, they've reached the Rio Grande basin. They've got a presence in Sierra, Socorro and Valencia counties, too. The animals, a cross between domestic pigs and Eurasian hogs introduced by hunters into the U.S., can reach up to 250 or 300 pounds. They breed prolifically, travel in groups of about 10 to 15 and are difficult to eradicate. "These guys are really bad news in New Mexico," he said. "Feral hogs are absolutely an environmental and ecological disaster. There will be a lot of property damage and probably some disease issues." Feral pigs are likely to reach Dona Ana County first at the Garfield and Hatch area. That area's economic base is farming, and many farmers rely on buried, drip irrigation systems. Read More News New Mexico 

Wild hogs expected eventually in Dona Ana County