Democracy for New Mexico

Obama Administration Awards $12+ Million for New Mexico's State Energy Program

Press releases about stimulus funds are arriving in bunches right now as more and more of the money gets released. I like to put up some of them so you can get an idea of what's going on with some of the recovery money.

U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced $12.7 million in Recovery Act funding to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in New Mexico. Under DOE’s State Energy Program, New Mexico proposed a statewide plan that prioritizes energy savings, creates or retains jobs, increases the use of renewable energy, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. This program is part of the Obama Administration’s national strategy to support job growth, while making a historic down payment on clean energy and conservation.

Secretary Chu announced a total of more than $141 million for State Energy Programs in six states and territories states including: Hawaii, Maine, Nebraska, New Mexico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Texas. Each grantee is receiving 40 percent of its total State Energy Program (SEP) funding authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“This funding will provide an important boost for state economies, help to put Americans back to work, and move us toward energy independence," said Secretary Chu in a press release. "It reflects our commitment to support innovative state and local strategies to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy while insisting that taxpayer dollars be spent responsibly."

New Mexico will use its Recovery Act funding to implement several energy efficiency and renewable energy programs in buildings and the transportation sector. The state aims to reduce petroleum consumption through various financial incentives to encourage the purchase of new fuel-efficient vehicles, the use of alternative fuels and biofuels, and investments in alternative fuel and biofuel infrastructure.

The state will also direct Recovery Act funding to increase building efficiency. The program includes initiatives to expand residential weatherization assistance to families above the low-income eligibility threshold for the Weatherization Assistance Program, public building energy efficiency retrofits, commercial building audits and renovations, combined heat and power projects in the industrial sector, and the adoption of energy codes. Both the buildings and transportation programs include provisions to educate citizens about energy issues and provide statewide training for professionals in order to reduce energy consumption across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

Continue reading "Obama Administration Awards $12+ Million for New Mexico's State Energy Program"

Last Chance to Express Your Views at Online Health Care Debate

Today is Day 4 and the last day of the debate on health care reform at the ABQ City Seeker page at the online Albuquerque Journal. I got a little pointed in my summary of the arguments of some of the other participants, and they're responding in good debate form. Join the fray, but keep it civil. Click to access today's thread. Click for Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 of the debate. If you read all the posts and comments I think you'll agree that the threads are thought-provoking and educational. Thanks to all who participated and those who'll add their thoughts today.

Dem Women of Sandoval County to Meet 7/15

From the Democratic Women of Sandoval County: Our group will meet on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 7:00 PM in the Town Council Chambers at the Bernalillo Town Hall, 829 Camino del Pueblo, Bernalillo. Meet and greet at 6:30 PM. Our invited speakers will inform us about the new transition town movement.

Refreshments will be served. The public is encouraged to attend. Guests are welcome. For info call Director and Program Chair Janice Saxton at 867-1139 or email jnjsaxton@msn.com.

$10.47 Million in Stimulus Funding Released for NM Transit Grants

U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation is releasing a total of $10.47 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for New Mexico transit projects.

“People throughout New Mexico depend on public transportation to get to and from work. I am pleased that the stimulus funds released today will help provide New Mexico residents with a safe and reliable means of transportation,” Bingaman said in a press release.

“As gas prices increase, the demand for modern, efficient and low-cost public transportation continues to grow,” said Udall. “Improving our transportation facilities around New Mexico will help ensure that our state can develop an up-to-date public transportation system to provide New Mexicans with the travel options they need.”

Funds will be distributed as follows:

Continue reading "$10.47 Million in Stimulus Funding Released for NM Transit Grants"

Weigh in on Day 3 of the Health Care Reform Debate

We're on Day 3 of the 4-day health care reform debate happening on the ABQ City Seeker page at the online Albuquerque Journal. Today's assignment was a tough one, as moderator Charlie Eisenhood came up with special questions for each of us to answer based on what we had argued on previous days. You can find today's posts here. Once again, we need your input in the comments section to spark the kind of back and forth that makes debates compelling.

I've been involved with health care policy wonk stuff in the past, so I've long known that the issues surrounding health care's many intersecting aspects make for complicated and and multi-layered analyses. This experience, however, has certainly underlined that view. It's easy to get into the weeds with complex details and ever-widening arguments. There's really no way to deal adequately with even some of the important issues in a mere four posts -- but I think we've all made good on trying. I hope you'll take the time to read what everyone has to say, even if you can't manage that right now.

Thanks to all of you who have participated so far. Visit again and keep the discussion going. If you haven't been over there yet, come on down. Click for Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 of the debate. Tomorrow we'll be posting our summaries.

Ask Reps. Luján and Heinrich to Take the Pledge to Vote Against Any Health Reform Bill Without a Real Public Option

No co-ops. No triggers. No localized or regional public option. No BS. Firedoglake is leading the effort to get progressive members of the House to COMMIT -- to PLEDGE -- that they will not vote for any health care reform bill that doesn't have a public plan which is:

• available nationwide
• on day one
• and accountable to Congress and the voters

You can read more about this effort here and track progress reports here. Also check out the most recent reports from Jane Hamsher about what's happening in Washington on this.

It's really, really important at this moment in time to call progressive members of Congress and ask them to Take the Pledge Now. Progressive members of Congress need to draw a line in the sand and demand a public health insurance option -- something 76% of Americans want. Get them to pledge -- or refuse to pledge -- and report your results at the FDL action page.

According to yesterday's whip count, Rep. Ben Ray Luján -- a member of both the Progressive and Hispanic Caucuses -- is leaning yes on the pledge to vote no on any bill without a genuine public option. I think it's wonderful that Rep. Luján is a co-sponsor of Rep. Conyer's single-payer bill, H.R. 676, even if it has little chance of passage. Mary Ellen and I had a chance to meet with him when he was in New Mexico during the 4th of July recess, and we were very impressed with his strong support for the right kind of public option. Now we want to know if he'll take the next step and pledge to vote No on any reform bill without one.

Rep. Martin Heinrich isn't included on Hamsher's whip list because he's NOT a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, believe it or not. But I think he needs to be pinned down on his views on the public option, regardless. Rep. Heinrich ran as a progressive Democrat and I think he could use some contact from constituents to make sure he votes like one on health care reform. The position statement on his website is entirely generic.

Continue reading "Ask Reps. Luján and Heinrich to Take the Pledge to Vote Against Any Health Reform Bill Without a Real Public Option "

Richardson, Udall: NM to Partner with CO, TX to Pursue Funding for Study on El Paso to Denver High Speed Rail

Governor Bill Richardson and Senator Tom Udall today announced in a press release that New Mexico is partnering with Colorado and Texas to take the initial steps in developing a high-speed rail corridor between El Paso and Denver running through New Mexico.

Congress has authorized up to eleven high-speed corridors across the U.S. Currently only 10 corridors have been designated. The three-state partnership is seeking the 11th designation and will be applying for federal funds to conduct a viability study.

New Mexico, Colorado and Texas could receive up to $5 million from the Federal Railroad Administration under the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 to study the viability of the El Paso to Denver High-Speed Rail Corridor. The three states will submit the joint pre-application for funds tomorrow, Friday July 10th.

"The Southwest should not be left out as President Obama seeks to build high speed rail networks across the nation," said Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. "Today, you cannot get from Albuquerque to Denver by rail without changing trains in Los Angeles or Chicago and our regional railways run from East to West, with no North-South connections. This study will lay the groundwork to make a major improvement to public transportation in the Southwest and bring new opportunities for tourism and business growth in New Mexico."

“The overwhelming success of the New Mexico RailRunner is proof of the demand for more modern, efficient and environmentally friendly transportation options,” Governor Bill Richardson said. “High-speed rail is the future of our country and is going to be a major boost to the economic vitality of the cities and states along its routes. With this designation, New Mexico will be in better position to meet the evolving economic, workforce, and transportation demands of the 21st Century.”

Continue reading "Richardson, Udall: NM to Partner with CO, TX to Pursue Funding for Study on El Paso to Denver High Speed Rail"

T. Boone Pickens: Congressman Harry Teague is an Energy Independence Crusader

Pickens front center; Teague near back. Cick image for larger.

Legendary energy expert T. Boone Pickens today commended Congressman Harry Teague (NM-02) for his commitment to helping America break its dangerous dependence on foreign oil, according to a statement released by Teague's office. Appearing at the U.S. Capitol (photo above) to mark the anniversary of the launch of the Pickens Plan and Energy Independence Day, the oil executive turned alternative energy advocate lauded Congressman Teague for his efforts to make domestic natural gas a more accessible alternative to imported oil as a co-sponsor of H.R. 1835, the NAT GAS Act.

“As a supporter of the NAT GAS Act, Congressman Harry Teague is a true energy independence crusader, proving his commitment to enabling his constituents in southern New Mexico to choose a legitimately American fuel at the pump,” said Pickens. “Natural gas is the only available domestic resource that can replace foreign oil as a transportation fuel. It’s cleaner, it’s cheaper, it’s abundant, and it’s ours.”

Continue reading "T. Boone Pickens: Congressman Harry Teague is an Energy Independence Crusader"

Two Former Journal Reporters Launch ABQ Journal Watch

Now this is exciting. Tracy Dingman and Denise Tessier have just launched a new blog called ABQ Journal Watch that will keep tabs on the content of the Albuquerque Journal -- you know, the one that calls itself New Mexico's "paper of record." You really should visit and read the introductory pieces posted by the two former Journal reporters to get the scoop on what they'll be watching for and why. And how you can help them with your tips.

Complaints about the Journal's editorial bias leaking into its news coverage, article placement and headlines have long been widespread, but increasingly so after the Albuquerque Tribune ceased publication last year. Now there's a new twist to the bias claims with a possible pay-to-play situation developing at the Journal thanks to its new joint advertising/editorial venture with the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce.

For another compelling take on the rapidly evolving journalism and new media environment in New Mexico, be sure to read today's piece by V.B. Price at the New Mexico Independent. And not just because he mentions this blog.

NM Native American Communities to Receive Almost $5 Million for Water Improvements

U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall today announced in a joint press release that six Native American communities in New Mexico will share nearly $5 million for water improvements. Funding comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the Environmental Protection Agency and the Indian Health Service.

“This nearly $5 million investment of stimulus funding will be used to improve water infrastructure in six communities in New Mexico. It will create good jobs in the short term, and provide long-lasting quality of life improvements in communities where they are badly needed,” Bingaman said.

“Investing in the essential water infrastructure systems for these tribes will improve public health and help keep these communities clean,” said Udall, a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee. “In addition, we will succeed in creating new construction jobs to complete these needed projects.”

Funds will be distributed as follows:

Continue reading "NM Native American Communities to Receive Almost $5 Million for Water Improvements"

Photo of the Day: Climate Change Activism

Click image for larger version

Powerful way to make a point. Today three Greenpeace climbers hung a banner on the face of Mount Rushmore to issue a challenge to President Obama. "America honors leaders, not politicians: Stop Global Warming.” At least 11 arrests have been made in order to stop global warming. The action is part of a global day of action staged by Greenpeace to urge world leaders, who are currently attending a G8 meeting in L’Aquila, Italy, to take the actions necessary to avert runaway climate change. Visit the Greenpeace website for more info, photos and a video.

Join In: Day Two of Health Care Reform Debate

As I posted yesterday, the Albuquerque Journal's online ABQ City Seeker page is featuring a discussion on health care reform that will appear thru this Friday. A variety of folks were invited to post their views, including yours truly, Brian Colón, Todd Sandman, Dr. Vicki L. Perrigo and Paul Gessing. Today, conservative blogger Mario Burgos joined the mix. Unfortunately, the Republican Party of New Mexico declined an invitation to participate in the online debate.

You are encouraged to read yesterday's posts, and check out the comment thread at the bottom of the page to see how the debate is developing. There's a new crop of posts up today, which you can access here. After you've read thru yesterday's and today's posts, please express your opinion on what's being discussed in the comment thread. We need your input to keep the conversation lively and interactive. Everybody seems to have an opinion on health care reform. Make sure your's is in the mix.

Dems for Change to Host Educational Forum on Health Care Reform in Bernalillo

From Democrats for Change: We're hosting an educational forum on health care reform to be held from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Wednesday, July 22, at the Bernalillo Town Hall Council Chamber at 829 Camino del Pueblo in the town of Bernalillo NM. Click for a flyer (doc) and pass it on.

The purpose of this community meeting is to present and discuss the options for health care reform presently before the Congress. We believe the public must be engaged in the debate over health care reform. Our panelists will be:

• Robert Greenberg, MD
• Margaret Montoya, JD
• Bruce Trigg, MD
• Carolyn Roberts, MSN, RN, Executive Director of NMNA
• Leonel Garza, AARP Executive Council Member and State Advocacy Leader

Please join us for a stimulating discussion of the issues on health care reform. For more information, please contact Theresa Trujeque at ttrujeque@comcast.net or Raymond G. Sandoval, Esq. at rgsandoval@rgslegal.us.

Register Now for Moveon's Thursday Health Care Rallies in ABQ, Santa Fe

MoveOn is organizing health care rallies at local Senate offices across the nation -- including Albuquerque and Santa Fe -- on Thursday, July 9.

On Thursday at Noon in Albuquerque, activists will be rallying at Sen. Tom Udall's district office at 201 3rd Street NW, Suite 710 (map). Click to RSVP.

In Thursday in Santa Fe, folks will be gathering at Noon at Sen. Jeff Bingaman's district office at 119 East Marcy, Suite 101 (map). Click to RSVP.

Visit this page to find events in other locations.

From MoveOn PAC: While most Americans took time off to relax this past holiday weekend, news broke that insurance companies and special interests have intensified their campaign to destroy health care reform. They're now spending more than $1.4 million dollars a day1 to water down reform and kill President Obama's public health insurance option.

The only way we can compete with their money and influence is to show so much public support that Republicans and conservative Democrats know they can't negotiate the public option away behind closed doors.

Continue reading "Register Now for Moveon's Thursday Health Care Rallies in ABQ, Santa Fe"

National Veterans' Organization Thanks Rep. Teague for Energy Bill Vote

VoteVets.org, the largest progressive group of veterans in America, is running ads like these across the country in order to "thank those who put American Security first, by voting for the American Clean Energy and Security Act." Despite his freshman status, Rep. Harry Teague (NM-02) has been a leading supporter of veterans' issues in the U.S. House. Now vets across the nation are also pleased with his vote to help America become energy independent. Congressman Teague serves on the House Veteran's Affairs Committee

In contrast Stevan Pearce, Teague's newly announced GOP challenger in the 2010 race, had a weak record on many veterans' issues while serving as Teague's predecessor. For instance, in a letter to the Alamogodo News last year, Paul L. Balaich said:

Over the past several years I have documented the lack of support Rep. Pearce has devoted to the veterans community. His record of support of legislation for military veterans is vividly shown in records of the Library of Congress, or at www.thomas.gov (legislative information on the Internet).

... Additionally, Pearce has only supported one of 17 veterans bills currently under consideration in the House of Representatives. One of the 17 bills Pearce has not signed on to is HHR 515, to amend Title 38 of the U. S. Code to provide for an adequate level of funding for veterans health care.

The letter goes on to relate that Pearce received a grade of C- from the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) on his votes regarding issues concerning U. S. troops, Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans and military families.

To see our previous posts on Rep. Harry Teague, visit our archive.

(Updated) Help Me Out at Online Discussion on Health Care Reform

Update: The Republican Party of New Mexico was invited participate in the bi-partisan online health care reform discussion taking place this week hosted by the Albuquerque Journal. Upon learning of this, Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman Brian S. Colón -- who IS participating -- said, "The Republican Party continues to prove that they are the party of no ideas. As health care costs spiral out of control and more than 23% of New Mexicans are without insurance, the state GOP has no ideas on how to fix a broken health care system.

"Voters made the right decision in November sending an all Democratic delegation to Washington. Our Party is working to implement the change voters so desperately need while the Republican Party continues to be the party of no ideas. Despite having multiple candidates who have announced for Congress, the NM GOP apparently still can't find anyone with an idea of how to fix our ailing health care system." I second that emotion.
************
Charlie Eisenhood, an Albuquerque Journal reporter who produces the newspaper's online ABQ City Seeker page, invited me and four other Albuquerqueans to participate in a discussion on health care reform that started today and will continue through Friday. Joining me in the online conversation are Brian Colón, who chairs the Democratic Party of New Mexico; Todd Sandman, who serves as director of public and government relations for Presbyterian Healthcare Services; Dr. Vicki L. Perrigo, an Internist/Dermatologist; and Paul Gessing, President of the libertarian-leaning Rio Grande Foundation.

Today and every day thru Friday, each participant will be discussing what he or she believes is the best way to reform the health care system. Today each of us answered a series of questions posed by Eisenhood, but the remainder of the week's agenda will be determined by each other and by the commenters. That means you.

Our online exchange needs your participation to make it truly lively, diverse and though-provoking. Regardless of where you stand on the health care debate, visit the debate page at ABQ City Seeker, read what the main participants and the commenters have to say and add your views. Then check back often thru Friday as the interplay among the contributors and commenters picks up energy and expands -- but only if you do your part to liven up the debate.

(Updated) Rahm Pushes Public Option Trigger; Q Poll Shows 62% Support Public Option

Update: Be sure to read Americablog's post on the House progressive caucus sternly warning Obama against dropping the public option in health care reform after Rahm Emanuel undercut the reform effort to the Wall Street Journal. MoveOn jumped in too. Good to see House members standing tall against the perceived fade on the part of Rahm and Obama on this issue. We've only just begun to fight!
************
Rahm Emanuel is at it again, pushing the dreaded "trigger" as an incredibly inadequate "compromise" despite strong public support for a real public option. Two tidbits from today's Progressive Breakfast post the on Campaign for America's Future site. Compare and contrast:

WH Chief of Staff expresses openness to "trigger" compromise. WSJ: "'The goal is to have a means and a mechanism to keep the private insurers honest,' he said in an interview. 'The goal is non-negotiable; the path is' negotiable ... On Monday, Mr. Emanuel said the trigger mechanism would also accomplish the White House's goals. Under this scenario, a public plan would kick in under certain circumstances when competition was judged to be lacking. Exactly what circumstances would trigger the option would have to be worked out."

The Walker Report analyzes Quinnipiac poll finding 62% support public plan option and 28% would choose it: "That is roughly 62 million Americans who want to sign up for an unknown and unproven public option right now ... Could you imagine that statistic for any other product. You think 28% of Americans would prefer to drink a government made soda, eat at a government run restaurant, or buy a government build DVD player? I doubt it. This shows just how little respect a segment of America has for private health insurance companies."

Santa Fe County Dems Meeting to Feature AG Gary King

From the Santa Fe County Democratic Party: The public is welcome to attend and ask questions of New Mexico Attorney General Gary King at the next Santa Fe County Democratic Party meeting on Wednesday, July 15, at the NEA Building at 2007 Botulph Road in Santa Fe.

The county party’s monthly business meeting starts at 6:30 PM, and all Santa Fe County Democrats are encouraged to attend. At 7:00 PM, the party hosts a forum with King. All are welcome to attend and ask questions of the attorney general. Both the meeting and forum are free and open to the public. Click for contact info for county party officers.

DCCC Responds to Entry of Steve Pearce into NM-02 Race

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) responded quickly and with sharp criticism to Steve Pearce's announcement today that he'll run to recapture his previous seat in the U.S. House from New Mexico's Second Congressional District in 2010. The title of their reaction pieces says it all: "The Steve Pearce Legacy: Rising Debt and Limitless Hypocrisy."

According to the DCCC, Pearce’s announcement "smacks of the same kind of hypocrisy New Mexicans heard over and over again during his time in Congress during the Bush Administration."

“With his reckless fiscal leadership having helped create the problem, Steve Pearce’s rhetoric about fighting for New Mexico families just doesn’t match up with reality,” said Andy Stone, Western Regional Press Secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “Pearce’s record is dripping with the kind of hypocrisy that New Mexicans rejected in the last election.”

• Despite all of his rhetoric about the economy, Steve Pearce and George Bush’s reckless leadership created the economic crisis, growing the federal debt by $2.3 trillion from $3.5 trillion to $5.8 trillion;

• Pearce talked a good game about supporting our men and women in uniform but voted against funding for veterans’ programs 14 times, even opposing a bonus for U.S. troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan;

• Pearce voted against border security funding and agents at least seven times despite giving lip service to the need for border security;

Continue reading "DCCC Responds to Entry of Steve Pearce into NM-02 Race"

Steve Pearce to Run for Old House Seat in NM-02

If you can't go forward, go back. Having lost a run for U.S. Senate last year in a landslide victory by now Senator Tom Udall, loser Republican Steve Pearce has announced that he'll try to regain his U.S. House seat in New Mexico's Second District by running against current Congressman Harry Teague, a Democrat, in the 2010 election. The extremely right-wing Pearce, who beat the more moderate (well who isn't?) Heather Wilson in the GOP Senate primary last time, has apparently decided he doesn't have a chance at winning in a rumored gubernatorial run in 2010. Pearce apparently believes he has a chance to return to his old job, despite the fact that Teague beat the GOP challenger in 2009, Ed Tinsley, by about 10 points. Expect money to come pouring in on both sides of the ticket in this race. Expect to hear a lot of propaganda "proving" that global warming isn't being caused by greenhouse gases.

Land of Enchantment Guest Blog: A Spirit of Brash Optimism

We're pleased to have a guest blog by Land of Enchantment, a frequent diarist at Daily Kos who lives in Northern New Mexico.

Back in the 90s, Governor Gary Johnson (R-legalize marijuana) vetoed a legislative proclamation to make "Red or green?" (referring to chili peppers) the New Mexico state question. He often said "I wasn't elected to get along with the legislature," and it sometimes seemed he was trying to exercise more vetoes than bizarro then-Arizona Gov. Evan Meacham. Johnson was replaced in office, in due time, by Bill Richardson, and the State Question is now officially in place. And this week, in Taos, the answer to that State question was definitely "Green!"

Continue reading "Land of Enchantment Guest Blog: A Spirit of Brash Optimism"

Romero for ABQ Mayor Campaign Announces New Management

Today Albuquerque mayoral candidate Richard Romero announced a change in campaign leadership. According to a press release, the Romero campaign will now begins in earnest with 90 days to go until Election Day.

“I’m pleased to announce that the Romero mayoral campaign has new campaign leadership,” said Richard Romero in the press release. “Murray Fishel is a nationally known campaign consultant and has been a long time trusted advisor who will be serving as the campaign’s lead strategist. He will help guide our march to victory over the next 3 months and help us chart a new way forward forAlbuquerque.”

“Neri Holguin is leaving our campaign and I’m sad to see her go. When she took this job last year, she told me that because of other commitments she could only serve until the end of April to help me launch my major petition efforts to qualify for public financing and to get on the ballot. We passed those tests with flying colors thanks to her leadership. I then convinced her to stay on a little longer, which she agreed to do. I want to thank her for all that she has done to get this campaign off to a great start.”

Today: Rep. Luján Holds Open Office Hours in Rio Rancho

Rep. Ben Ray Luján (NM-03) will hold open office hours in Rio Rancho today, Monday, July 6, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Rio Rancho Economic Development Offices located at 1201 Rio Rancho Drive SE, Suite C (map). Rep. Luján will meet with constituents, discuss important issues before Congress, and listen to their concerns.

Guest Blog by Matthew Padilla: Support Our Troops on Independence Day ... All of Them

This is a guest blog by Matthew Padilla, who is a law student at American University Washington College of Law, a former active duty Navy Lieutenant, and a native New Mexican from the South Valley/Valle de Atrisco. He is also a graduate of Rio Grande High School, and the University of Notre Dame. You can Friend him on Facebook or Follow him on Twitter (@matthewpadilla).

If you have not done so, I recommend walking around the New Mexico Veterans Memorial in Albuquerque, or any other similar memorial, on this 4th of July weekend. My wife and father visited the Albuquerque memorial for the first time about three weeks ago and we were all left in awe. I give credit to John Garcia’s vigilant work as Secretary of New Mexico’s Department of Veterans Services, and to all my fellow veterans for ensuring that New Mexico remains a place where this history can be preserved and recognized. The Veterans memorial offers a place for reflection, healing, and understanding of the ultimate sacrifices many Americans have made in the armed forces.

While the New Mexico Veterans Memorial in Albuquerque tells a tale about our service members’ life in combat, it does not delve much into their lives after the peace treaties were signed. In some wars our veterans were treated as heroes upon returning. In others, such as Vietnam, their recognition arrived late, and too many were subjected to ill treatment by their fellow Americans. Overall, the history of veterans who returned home was a mixture of both positive and negative reactions. In the present era, for most veterans, the treatment and reception upon returning home has been remarkably positive. However, for a smaller minority of veterans, that reaction has been muted by the loss of their ability to serve due to the policy of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.”

Through research and reflection the battles that occurred after military arms were laid down can be recalled. We should not forget that the post World War II generation of American Indians, Hispanics, African Americans, and other minority groups all faced considerable challenges even after returning as decorated heroes. These battles occurred at home, and the service members of these battles were an organized citizenry armed with their voice, their writing, and each other. The fronts were predominantly ideological and legal in nature, but dangerous because of the occasional breakdown into repressive violence brought upon them by those opposed to the Constitution’s equal protection guarantees. The fight for civil rights would shape the post World War II domestic agenda, as men and women fought for legal recognition of their inalienable rights. The same rights they had fought to preserve against tyrannical powers on the battlefield.

The progress of liberty, albeit sometimes slow, is a cause that continues today. Today the homosexual community is trying to extend the light of liberty into the shadows of their legal separation, so that they may become full members of the American promise. They continue to fight for our American ideals in our armed forces, only to return home to a society where they lack legal recognition of their equal protection rights. Oftentimes their service to our country is not even respected ... unless they keep who they are secret. The inherent problem of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” is that it is a form of segregation in our armed forces, and like other similar forms of segregation, offensive to the Constitution.

Much has been said recently about gay service members such as Air Force Lt. Colonel Victor Fehrenbach, Army Captain James Pietrangelo, and Army First Lieutenant Dan Choi. These three men are examples that being gay does not affect the performance of the soldier, sailor, marine, or airman. However, they are only the tip of the iceberg of homosexual service members who have honorably served their nation. Over 13,000 men and women have been discharged since the policy went into effect. They have been discharged not for cause or poor conduct, but for no other reason than the existence of an unjust law which prohibits their honorable contributions to our country.

Continue reading "Guest Blog by Matthew Padilla: Support Our Troops on Independence Day ... All of Them"