Government of the government by the government for the government

© 2013 Michael Swickard, Ph.D.  Nearly a hundred years ago Walter Lippmann wrote about the sickness of an over-governed society. Good thing he is not alive today. He would find more than a sickness with today’s society. It is reasonable to ask: when is too much government really too much?             Early in the life of our country Thomas Jefferson wrote, “The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground.” Especially in the last one hundred years our government really gained ground on liberty. We certainly see the distorting influences of too much government in our lives.   Americans are heading toward a society of tyranny. Perhaps we not living in a completely totalitarian society, but it is easy to answer: are we Americans heading toward more liberty or more tyranny? 

            When government tells us how many ounces of soda we can purchase at any one time, this is tyranny. Further, people in business tell horror stories about government workers who operate with the force of a dictator.

     What should government be doing? Walter Lippmann wrote, “In a free society the state does not administer the affairs of men. It administers justice among men who conduct their own affairs.” The legitimate role of government in a free society is focused only on justice and the defense of our nation both externally and internally. Read column

Government of the government by the government for the government

Campaign contribution limits increase

New Mexico's campaign contribution limits have increased, allowing candidates to accept larger amounts from donors. 

State law requires adjusting the contribution caps for inflation after each general election. 

For the 2014 elections, the secretary of state's office says candidates for statewide office, such as governor, can accept contributions from individuals of $5,200 per election — a total of $10,400 for primary and general election campaigns. The previous limit was $5,000 per election. Individuals can contribute $2,400 per election — up from $2,300 — to candidates for the Legislature and other non-statewide offices. 

Political action committees can contribute $5,200 per election to a candidate, up from $5,000.

Campaign contribution limits increase

Venture capital in NM down

A shortage of money for investments in business startups is being felt in New Mexico. 

The New Mexico Venture Capital Association reports that venture capital investment in New Mexico companies dropped by a third in 2012 from 2011. 

According to the Albuquerque Journal, venture capital investments in New Mexico totaled just under $40 million in 2012. That was down from just over $60 million in 2011, and the 2012 investment total is the lowest level for New Mexico since the recession in 2009. 

Michael Schafer of New Mexico Community Capital says forcing startups to cope with less investment capital could slow their growth and potentially make them less viable.

Venture capital in NM down

Mayhill fire grows to 200 acres

A 200-acre wildfire burning 2 1/2 miles southwest of Mayhill, N.M., near Curtis Canyon has prompted evacuations. 

Fire officials asked residents in the immediate vicinity of the blaze to evacuate Wednesday night. Officials said 20 homes are in the path of the fire. 

The fire was moving in a south-southwesterly direction, away from the community of Mayhill.  Firefighters said they've been successful in keeping the fire from spreading south across Highway 130.  They are focusing their efforts on the northern flank. 

The fire was named the Curtis Fire. Officials said it sparked about 3:30 p.m.

Mayhill fire grows to 200 acres

Sandia Labs makes ricin decontaminate

New Mexico has a link to what could be keeping President Barack Obama safe from attacks. 

Sandia Labs developed a type of foam to decontaminate anthrax that federal buildings have been using for more than a decade. They said the foam used for anthrax can also decontaminate ricin.

 Sandia Labs said there is a chance the foam is being used now to clean up after a suspicious letter sent to Obama. That letter contained ricin, a poison found in castor oil plant seeds.

 Mark Tucker, the foam’s mastermind, said he developed the sudsy solution before the 2001 anthrax attacks. The decontamination foam cleaned up the federal buildings after the anthrax scare.

Sandia Labs makes ricin decontaminate