Happy New Year!

Well, I'm taking off for a few days. Thanks for helping me finish 2004 with a bang. We've had 460 unique visitors to this blog in the first 16 days with 191 returning at least once. Not too shabby. I hope everyone has a safe New Year's Eve, and here's to a GREAT 2005!

Simple Solutions

Some folks want to create larger government run healthcare systems. They conveniently forget that they can't control the ones they have already created. Others simply roll up their sleeves and solve problems. Hats off to Dr. Andru Ziwasimon. He recognizes that trying to fix a broken system by creating an even bigger monster is not the answer.

Lessons in Humanity

At least 80,000 people have lost their lives in the aftermath of the Tsunamis that struck East Africa and South Asia, and the world has rallied to their aid. Not surprisingly, Americans are leading the effort, and I am not talking about the U.S. Government (although the U.S. Government is as usual at the forefront). I am talking about your neighbors and mine.

If you want to get a glimpse of their generosity, go check out the Red Cross support occurring at Amazon.com. At the time of this posting more than $3.4 million has been donated to aid the disaster victims. This has happened in a little more than 24 hours, and I have a prediction that when all is said and done the American people will be second only to the U.S. government in monetary contributions.

There is a lesson to be learned here. Human nature dictates that people reach out and help one another in a time of crisis. People respond directly in ways that make a difference. They look for means that are both efficient and accountable. This is the exact opposite of what we find in government programs. Think about what is happening on Amazon.com today the next time you hear a government official claim the need to increase taxes to deal with social issues.

The End of The Fairy Tale

Once upon a time, New Mexico had a Democratic Governor who loudly proclaimed in the most visible of places that cutting taxes was the key to economic growth. His name was Bill Richardson. Governor Bill was placed on a pedestal by the mainstream media (even The Fair and Balanced kind) as a shining example for others to follow.

But alas, all fairy tales must come to an end. Once a tax and spend politician, always a tax and spend politician. The self-appointed General of New Mexico's business friendly foot soldiers is no more. In his stead is a taxmonger eager to pillage an industry suffering falling prices.

Is it due to an impending budget crisis? No, the state is expecting a $300 million dollar surplus. Has the prevailing wage for Gubernatorial Chefs increased? No, that's not it either.

Maybe it would be best if you read the rationale in the Governor's own words from today's Albuquerque Journal (subscription required):

"I think the oil and gas industry, because they're doing so well ... need to do a little more than they're doing," the governor said in a recent interview. "Their revenues to the state, I think, need to increase modestly."

Ouch! So much for a business friendly state. I can envision the new tagline in the Economic Development brochure: "Come to New Mexico and Do More for State Government."

But, don't worry about the Governor. In his own mind he is still a tax cutter since this increase of "revenues to the state" is "just an equalization... so it's not a tax increase."

The Grand Conspiracy

Newsflash: In a surprising turn of events, New Mexico's leading Democrats conspired to keep a Republican President in power.

The Left Wing of the Blogosphere is abuzz here, here and here with tales of scandal and election manipulation by New Mexico's "ruling elite." Apparently, the Democratic control of the New Mexico Governor's office, the State Legislature, the Courts, the Secretary of State office and the Bernalillo County Clerk's office were all part of an elaborate ruse to once again enable the Republicans to steal the Presidential election.

Think about it, or better yet, Google: "Bill Richardson" on "Fox News." You'll get 27,500 links returned. A coincidence, I don't think so. Everyone knows that Fox News is nothing more than a right-wing propaganda machine, and Governor Richardson has admitted being on their payroll.

Yes, it is all part of the master plan devised by the man known as The Architect. Are you hesitant to believe? Well take a moment and ponder this. Governor Richardson proved ineffective in swinging the Hispanic vote in his home state, yet he is still being considered as the best hope (free registration required) for uniting Hispanics to ensure a Democratic win in 2008.

If this is not proof of a GOP conspiracy to retain the White House through 2012, I don't know what is. Help stop the madness, and make sure this is widely distributed to friends and neighbors.

A Russian Proverb

I often wondered why Governor Richardson was so enamored with the practice of appointing "Czars" to deal with New Mexico's most serious social ills. Since becoming Governor he has, with much fanfare, appointed a DWI Czar, and a Domestic Violence Czar (subscription required). Apparently this was not a new practice for him as he had appointed a Security Czar when he served as the U.S. Secretary of Energy.

Still, the use of the "Czar" title just never seemed to sit right with me. Creating Czars in a democracy comes across as counter-intuitive. Then, I came across the following Russian Proverb in the December 2004 issue of Harper's Magazine:

A country without its czar is like a village without an idiot.

Now, it all makes sense.

Shhh, Don't Tell The Santa Fe City Council

Imagine the new regulations the Sante Fe City Council would pass if they found out about this. Yup, I bet one or two folks would be kicking themselves for flushing all of that money down the drain on low-flow toilets.

A Growing Movement to Stack the Deck

Google "electoral college reform" and you'll see that there is a growing movement to change the election system that has served this country well for so long. Since 2000, phrases like "outdated and ineffective" are bandied about on over 5,000 websites. A picture is painted of a failing Democracy.

Don't be fooled!

There are many broken governmental systems in America. Some are being tackled. Others are being ignored. But, anyway you look at it, there is no reason to change the electoral college. In fact, with a little more digging, it becomes painfully obvious that this movement has nothing to do with "reforming" a process gone wrong. It has everything to do with designing a more favorable process for a political party that by all accounts lacks any sense of direction.

The doubtful among you might point to the tumultuous 2000 Presidential Election as the reason for the call to action to dump the electoral college. However, don't overlook the significance of the 2000 Census. Within its pages one can find the proverbial "writing on the wall." And the story is not a pretty one for the political party not in power.

A Growing Reality

We are now tenth fastest growing state in the country, and there is no sign of that letting up anytime soon. What does that mean for the anti-growth crowd that controls the Albuquerque City Council? It means that if they try to slow down growth through increased taxes (assessments and fees are just taxes by another name) Albuquerque will become the poverty stricken inner-city of Rio Rancho and the Valencia County communities.

Don't believe it? Well, go back and watch the evolution of the West. Now, fast forward to today and notice that we are listed on the top of all the wrong lists, and the bottom of all the right ones.

Update: It is already happening. Homes lead to businesses. Businesses lead to jobs. Jobs lead to better economy. Better economies lead to improve quality of life. Simple logic.

The Ultimate Spin

Googlezon...Spooky! Thanks to Greg Payne for this.

Mayor Chavez Says, "Me First, Me First"

This is just too much. You've got to love the "all about me" attitude this particuliar public servant (and I use that term loosely) exudes on a regular basis. Although, I guess I shouldn't be surprised. According to the Albuquerque Tribune:

In the past 69 days, Chavez has had 57 news conferences or photo opportunities, sometimes as many as three a day. He presided over three on Tuesday, unveiling a dragon sculpture at a shopping center, dedicating a Pearl Harbor memorial monument and declaring Tuesday as former Mayor Harry Kinney Day.

I wonder how many other taxpayers the Mayor left standing out in the cold? What will be really amusing is if all of the major media outlets ignore the real story, and instead do a fluff piece of the smiling Mayor riding on HIS new bus.

If You Build It They Will Come

Rio Rancho gets it, Albuquerque doesn't. Guess who gets the high-paying jobs?

A New Job

I think it's great that the former Albuquerque first lady has landed a new job. After all, I would imagine that it is no simple feat to land a $58,000 per year classified position, complete with important "job protections under the State Personnel Act," all the while maintaining a real estate business. Now don't get me wrong. I have no doubt that she is immensely qualified to be a community service manager. But ever since I read that Albuquerque Journal article on Friday, there was one little thing nagging at me that I just couldn't place. I think it is in this paragraph:

[Department spokesman Matt] Dillman said CYFD recently created seven community service manager positions across the state, including two in Albuquerque. Three of the positions have been filled across New Mexico, Dillman said.

Oh, now I know what it is. It isn't one little thing. It is seven little things. Somehow adding these positions doesn't quite jive with my recollections from one of the Governor's statements almost exactly a year ago. Now what was that he said... Yes, here it is:

Richardson said in a written statement. "We will continue to cut the fat from state government, enabling us to pay for our top priorities, such as recruiting and retaining the best teachers and providing health care to the most vulnerable citizens."

Hey Governor, I've got news for you. For the same amount you just spent to add seven more spin doctors, you could have retained 14 of the best teachers.

Don't Miss the Point

I appreciated the comments posted by The_Knave to my previous post. A great deal of thought went into them, and I am going to address those thoughts. However, I would be remiss if I did not point out that The_Knave seemed to miss the fundamental point. Namely, if Governor Richardson wants to do something about DWI's in our state, then he should really DO SOMETHING. Grabbing headlines by appointing "Czars" (registration required) and creating "Task Forces" while at the same time kowtowing to legislators, who don't want to make life too difficult for our drunken drivers, is a monumental waste of taxpayers dollars.

Now let's address your comments:

RESPONSE to Part 1:
The car of a DWI driver should be impounded. When the driver comes to get their car out of the impound lot, it would come complete with installed interlock. They would have to pay the impound fee and all related interlock fees at that time.

I would also advocate having a code put on their driver's license that indicates they are required to have an interlock in any vehicle they are driving. They would have ten days from the time of the DWI to get this, or their license would be suspended.

Finally, no problem with removal fees since they would have to drive with an interlock for life. They would pay the transfer fees when they buy a new car, or sell their current car.

RESPONSE to Part 2:
Yes, I am proposing an after the fact solution. It would be great if we could prevent all crimes (DWI, murder, child abuse, etc.) before they happened, but I do not believe that is possible without the restriction of some fundamental freedoms that, personally, I truly value.

One of those freedoms is the free enterprise system that is a cornerstone of our democracy. Will entrepreneurial types get rich from the mandatory installation of interlocks? I would imagine they will. Just as they have from other facets of human nature (i.e. fast food, mail order/online shopping, cable television, etc.)

As far as dealing with those repeat offenders who have not yet been convicted, the installation of an interlock before a car is released from the impound ought to help. If they are found innocent, the interlock will be removed at municipal expense, and they will be reimbursed for previous charges.

RESPONSE to Part 3:
If someone who is required to drive a car with an interlock chooses to drive someone else's car, they should be sent to jail.

RESPONSE to Part 4:
If you do "not like the idea of having something installed in [your] car, especially when it would require money out of [your] pocket." I suggest that you don't drink and drive. No matter how developed your rationalization skills.

Moreover, let's not look at technology as a solution to personal responsibility. It's time to take ownership for our actions.

Governor Push Harder - Much Harder

Just finished reading this anti-DWI article in the Albuquerque Journal (subscription required), it had a somewhat promising beginning:

The governor is pushing for a law that would mandate the use of interlocks for a year after a first drunken-driving conviction. Under current state law, interlocks are required after a first aggravated conviction.

I'm with you, Governor. This makes a heck of lot more sense than the goofball legislation proposed last year to require everyone who doesn't drink and drive to install an interlock. My only complaint up to this point in my reading is that you're only going to make NM's driving drunks keep the interlock for a year. Let's put some meat in this legislation.

Oh no, so much for promise. Read the next paragraph:

Under the governor's plan, after a second conviction, a DWI offender would be sentenced to use the device for two years, and a third conviction would mean three years of using the device. A fourth-time offender would be sentenced to use the device for life, with judicial review after five years.

Four times. HELLO, what are you thinking? The logic of this proposal is flawed in so many different ways, I don't know where to begin... Alright, let's go over this point by point.

#1 If they're getting a second DWI after having an interlock for a year, it probably shouldn't be called an Anti-DWI Device.

#2 If they're working on a third DWI, they shouldn't be driving. Heck, I'm not convinced they should be on the street. I feel pretty comfortable in saying that we are talking about a menace to society who should be behind bars.

#3 Why in the world would you need a judicial review to decide whether or not to keep an interlock on the car of a four-time drunk driving offender. What Judge in their right mind would say this person should be driving? Let alone driving without an interlock. (Oh wait, I forgot about the Appellate Court).

Governor, if you want to move up on The List, you're going to have to do better than this. Show them you've still got what it takes to go all the way to Pennsylvania Ave. Become the Governor who is tough on crime:

First DWI, Get a Lock.
Next DWI, Behind the Lock!

Now that would be something .

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

Canine Genocide

After sweeping Continental Europe, the movement to rid the world of pit bulls has arrived in the Land of Enchantment. These dogs first drawn to New Mexico by the wide-open spaces and the promises of a liberal, nature-loving populace may soon fall prey to ethnic cleansing legislation.

It is rumored that members of the Dangerous Dozen (Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Bulldog, Boxer, Canary dog or Presa Canario, Chow, Doberman, German Shepherd, Great Dane, Rottweiler, Siberian Husky and Wolf Hybrid) are closely monitoring the proposed bill. As it currently stands, they, unlike their pit bull brethren, are still free to reproduce and wander the streets without muzzles. Vicious mixed-breeds statewide are rejoicing as it seems that the breed specific legislation will in no way hamper their reign of terror.

In related news, negligent dog owners breathed a sigh of relief that no one is expressing interest in putting forth a comprehensive "strict liability" law. Irresponsible breeders were equally pleased to discover that with a change in stock, they would be able to continue business as usual.

Take the Test Commissioner

PRC Commissioner E. Shirley Baca claims she is the victim of a witch hunt. She says that the marijuana and glass pipe found in her luggage does not belong to her. That may all be true, but it doesn't change the fact that she has a public relations nightmare on her hands. You see, it hasn't even been a year since the Judge Brennan drug use scandal. (D) after a politicans name is starting to look like an abreviation for "Druggie."

It is essential that the Commissioner does some spin control as quickly as possible, and showing up at work smiling, relaxed with claims of a witch hunt is just not going to cut it. It might in fact fuel further speculation among those who research the warning signs of marijuana use.

Not to worry Commissioner Baca, it just so happens that I am a public relations professional. As a non-partisan, goodwill gesture, I am willing to present you with a simple solution to your current PR dilemma.

I recommend that you consider following the actions taken on June 17th of this year by eight Republican candidates. In what Democratic Party Chairman, John Wertheim, dismissed at the time as nothing more than a "disingenuous publicity stunt," these candidates volunteered to take a drug test. (Sidenote: John, you might want to rethink your position.)

Yes, Commissioner Baca, with this simple action you could put much of the speculation to rest. People might be inclined to believe that a grand TSA conspiracy was the result of your unfortunate situation at the Albuquerque Sunport. Who knows, you might even start a reversal of the current trend of people preferring the (R) label. Just think of the potential impact. Politicians everywhere will follow in your footsteps to get the "Baca (D)" after their name. It will certify them as "Drug-tested" and ready to serve.

School Shenanigans

The scores have been reported and as a country we could say our students, when compared to the rest of the world, are "emerging" in math and science. Emerging, it has a nice ring. It reminds me of springtime (i.e. the flowers in my garden are emerging). Yes, emerging is a very positive concept. Obviously, indicating plenty of room for growth. Nothing wrong with emerging, unless emerging means:

At the fourth-grade level, however, the numbers tell a different story. U.S. students showed no improvement over 1995's math score of 518 and a six-point drop from that year's science score of 542.

Apparently, emerging means failing. Now that doesn't sound so pretty. In fact as a parent, if I hear my child is "failing," I know that is bad. Pretty ironic that the same day we find out that our children are failing when compared to their international peers, Albuquerque Public Schools decides to do away with all that traditional grading nonsense. Now they plan on using words like emerging, nearing proficient, proficient and advanced.

Shakespeare wrote:

What ’s in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.

I do believe the same could be said for something that smells awful. Failing is failing. School Districts shouldn't try to make it "smell" any other way.

NM's Starving District Attorneys

I can understand the plea for competitive salaries. After all, hardly a day goes by without a government employee association lamenting their inadequate level of compensation. However, I think Mr. Valdez is somewhat lacking in his justification for asking legislators to approve a student loan forgiveness bill for new prosecutors:

"Many of my young attorneys have a hard time affording a lunch out on their salaries after they pay living expenses and student loans," said Henry Valdez, district attorney of the 1st Judicial District, which covers Santa Fe County.

Oh no, they can't afford to go out to lunch. Welcome to the post-college world the rest of us occupy. May I suggest that you introduce your young attorneys to the "brown bag" concept.

Governor to reclaim the Democratic Party

The Washington Times has Gov. Bill Coming to the Rescue

There is a political revolution occurring in America's Democratic Party, and the Democratic governors are leading the charge. These governors have determined that "their party is losing elections because it is too closely tied to Washington and said they intend to play a central role in rebuilding their political base at the state level in preparation for the 2008 elections."

Of course, our New Mexico Governor is at the helm of this new initiative. I doubt you could find a New Mexican who is surprised that our Governor, now the Chairman of the Democratic Governor's Association, has a primary goal of "[becoming] the center of gravity in [the Democratic] party."

In the world according to Bill Richardson, " 'For too long, local candidates have had to distance ourselves from the national Democratic Party,' Mr. Richardson said. 'The Democratic Party can't continue to be a Washington-based party.' "

Wait, I'm confused.

This is coming out of the mouth of the man who just finished serving as the Chairman of Democratic National Convention. Does he want to distance himself from himself? What does the Governor mean by a "Washington-based party?" After all, his impressive resume includes a 15 year stint as a Congressman, and two presidential appointments. How much more embedded within the Beltway can one man be?

Front Page Bill

Is it my imagination, or has our Governor taken over the front page of the Albuquerque Journal? Well, let's do this scientifically. Today, yes, his picture is on the front page. Yesterday, hmm... no picture, but wait... there is his name on the bottom of the front page. How about Wednesday? You betcha. Well, surely not on Tuesday. Think again, there he is.

There you have it. Irrefutable evidence exists that this newspaper would be better named the Bill Richardson Journal.