Democracy for New Mexico

NM-01: White Campaign Pilfers and Doctors Photo of Heinrich for TV Ad

It's a given that many of the Republican campaigns this cycle have been dishonest, negative and downright sleazy, but now we have accusations by a local blogger of stealing on the part of the Darren White campaign. White is the Repub candidate for Congress in NM-01, and he's the Bernalillo County Sheriff to boot. You'd think the campaign of a law enforcement official would follow the letter and intent of the law but, in this case, you'd be wrong.

Turns out that allegations of copyright infringement are being made by Johnny Mango (Jon Knudsen), who blogs at Duke City Fix. Back in March, Johnny took a photo of Martin Heinrich, the Dem Congressional candidate in NM-01, and posted it on DCF. Mango says he spotted his photo -- doctored to make Heinrich look bad -- in the latest TV ad by White. You can read all about it here, in a post entitled "Sheriff Darren White Stole My Picture...Then Tortured It!!!" -- and see how Mango's photo compares to the one shown in the White commercial. Sure looks like the same pic to me.

So is the White campaign's unauthorized and unattributed use of the photo really copyright infringement -- or in other words, stealing? I think so, but there are some grey areas in the law. Whether or not it's illegal, though, I think it's a low-life thing to do. Especially for a candidate who paints himself as "law and order" all the way. I guess White believes we should do as he says, not as he does. No wonder he's down in the polling.

See this post by Gwyneth Doland at the NMI for another view on this.

Northern Navajo Agency Council Endorses Obama

Obama meeting with Native American leaders at Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque last Thursday

From the Obama Campaign for Change: On the heels of three major endorsements from the Native American community last week, the Northern Navajo Agency Council yesterday announced their support of Senator Obama’s candidacy for president.

“Our endorsement of Sen. Obama is very significant. People on the reservations are suffering the same economic and healthcare pains faced by the rest of the country, and they want change,” said Chairman Donald Benally.

The endorsement became official at a meeting held over the weekend where Chapter presidents and vice presidents along with 80 council delegates from the Shiprock Agency voted unanimously to endorse Senator Obama. The Shiprock agency is located in northwestern New Mexico, northeastern Arizona, and southeastern Utah and represents the following 20 chapters: Cudeii, Hogback, Littlewater, Mexican Water, Nenahnezad, Newcomb, Sanostee, Sheep Springs, Shiprock, Sweet Water, Teec Nos Pos, Two Grew Hills, Red Mesa, and Upper Fruitland.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center meeting

“Native America needs leadership that will regard tribal sovereignty as important and Barack Obama is that leadership. His record shows his commitment to education, health, and advancing the wage earning power of families who struggle,” said Navajo Nation Vice President Ben Shelly. “We need Barack Obama in the White House, to work with Congress, and make improvements that will put us closer to self-sufficiency while strengthening our tribal sovereignty.”

Obama takes questions

Last week, during his to Española and Albuquerque, Senator Obama met with more than 100 leaders of the Native American community at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and was endorsed by the All Indian Pueblo Council, the Mescalero Apache Tribe and Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley.

Photos from Obama campaign Flickr set.

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NM-Sen: Pearce Votes Against Law to Rein in Deceptive Credit Card Practices

Tom Udall's new TV ad on treating our vets right. .

Another unbelievable act by a Republican on a day that's been full of them. Get this: Today, Steve Pearce cast yet another vote that put the interests of the privileged few over those of the middle class, voting against a bill to crack down on deceptive, abusive, and unfair practices by credit card companies. Congressman Tom Udall and Congresswoman Heather Wilson both voted to pass the bill.

“I don’t see how anyone could oppose this bill,” Udall campaign spokeswoman Marissa Padilla said. “These are common-sense protections that should have been law a long time ago. Yet even in the midst of a financial and mortgage crisis that is squeezing the middle class to the breaking point, Steve Pearce still doesn’t get it. He has chosen to put the interests of big corporations ahead of those of ordinary Americans, just as he’s done throughout his career in Congress.”

Known as the “Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights,” H.R. 5244 will provide crucial protections against unfair and all too common practices by the credit card industry. Among many more protections, the bill:

--Requires card companies to give 45 days’ notice for all interest rate increases.

--Allows consumers to set their own fixed credit limits.

--Requires card companies to mail billing statements at least 25 days before the due date instead of the current 14 day requirement.

--Establishes standard definitions of terms like “fixed rate” and “prime rate” to crack down on deceptive advertising.

--Prohibits card companies from knowingly issuing cards to individuals under 18 years old.

Credit-card debt in the United States is at record highs. The average American household’s credit card debt is now $9,840, up from $2,966 in 1990. The credit card companies, meanwhile, collected $18.1 billion in penalty fees in 2007, while the industry as a whole raked in $40.7 billion in profits last year.

Why did Pearce vote against this bill? I guess he approves keeping consumers in the dark. More bucks for the investor class!

Smackdown in D-Town! Watch the Prez Debate Outdoors

Another great idea from PAC 505. Yeah, you do remember all their black balloons around town when Bush came to Burque for a fundraiser for Heather Wilson way back in the days of yore (2006). Now they're organizing Smackdown in D-Town! and say -- Come watch the presidential debate this Friday evening at 7:00 PM at Mary Fox Park (13th Street and Roma, downtown). We will have lots of televisions and sound. If you have kids, you can set them loose on the playground. Please feel free to forward this info to anyone who you think might be interested. You do not have to sign up using the link posted above, but if you do, we will feel validated.

Bernalillo County GOP Gives C de Baca "Vote of Confidence" Despite Racially Insulting Statements

You have to wonder about the sanity of the members of the Bernalillo County Republican Party Executive Committee. Today they met behind closed doors to consider what should be done about what are, at the very least, incredibly insensitive words stated by County Chair Fernando C de Baca. Unbelievably, they decided he could stay in his party leadership post. Last Thursday at the New Mexico State Fair, C de Baca reportedly had this to say to a BBC blogger:

"The truth is that Hispanics came here as conquerors," he said. "African-Americans came here as slaves. Hispanics consider themselves above blacks. They won't vote for a black president."

KSFR Airs New Audio, Colón Reponds
It's now come to light that C de Baca also spoke with a BBC reporter who, unlike the blogger, recorded the interview. Santa Fe Public Radio KSFR did a segment today on that, with audio of more of C de Baca's comments about race, as well as a response from Democratic Party of New Mexico Chair, Brian Colón. Let's just say C de Baca's audio comments were worse in some ways than those originally reported on the BBC blog:

“I feel strongly that Hispanics will not support, in my generation and the generation around my age, are not going to support the Democratic candidate for president primarily because there is a strong feeling that African Americans during the civil rights movement took advantage, full advantage, of all the benefits and programs that the government offered, that were supposed to be offered to all minorities. But we were left behind, we were left sucking air, and we resented that ever since the 60s, and I don’t see how a black president is going to change that.”

In response Colón said, in part:

I think that the Chairman is out of touch with New Mexicans. I disagree wholeheartedly. I also disagree that this is part of the discord that needs to take place if we're going to talk about the future of America.

... I'm offended. I think his own party is offended. I think that at the end of the day New Mexicans are ready for change and that's what's gonna rule the day.

... I'm more disturbed now that I've heard the audio, and I think your listeners will be more disturbed as well.

GOP Exec Committee at Odds With Others in GOP
After listening to C de Baca's explanation today, the GOP County Exec Committee issued a unanimous "vote of confidence" for his continued leadership and refused to force him from office. They alone have the power to oust C de Baca.

The Exec Committee's take on what has become somewhat of a national -- even international -- story was directly in opposition to the strong criticisms and calls for C de Baca's resignation issued by other local Republicans. For instance, GOP State Party Chair Allen Weh, Sen. Pete Domenici and Darren White, the Repub candidate for Congress in NM-01, all criticized C de Baca's public conduct in no uncertain terms and suggested he shouldn't be allowed to hold a leadership position.

After the closed door meeting today, attorney Doug Antoon, a member of the Executive Committee explained in a phone conversation with Peter St. Cyr why the Committee decided to stand behind C de Baca. Among the claims is that the BBC is a "liberal" news outfit and thus didn't report the story accurately.

Both the BBC and the blogger who interviewed C de Baca stand behind the accuracy of the original story and the context in which the quotes were presented.

What's Really Going On?
There's reportedly been a rift between factions within the GOP in New Mexico for some time, and those for and agin keeping the Chairman in his job appear to be lining up along that fault line -- or is it several fault lines? The main division appears to be between the more "old line" Repubs, like Pete Domenici, Heather Wilson, Darren White and Allen Weh, and the newer breed of ultra-rightwingers like Steve Pearce, who have apparently captured some of the old bloc's thunder, at least in some places.

Bottom line: It doesn't really seem to matter to some Repubs whether Ferdinand C de Baca's comments were appallingly racist or not. What too many seem to care about is who gets to rule in the power positions within the GOP party structure. Priorities, priorities.

My Take
I have no personal knowledge of C de Baca's character or his intent in voicing what he did. What I do know is that anyone in a political leadership position in this day and age should understand that using such inflammatory language is a very bad idea, regardless. At the very least, I think it's clear that Ferdinand C de Baca used very poor judgment in saying what he did, and that he put GOP candidates in jeopardy by doing so. For that alone, you'd think he would have been forced to resign instead of being granted a vote of confidence.

What message is communicated by the GOP County Party giving its support to C de Baca despite his misguided and divisive racial statements? Nothing good, I can tell you that. It's like a dog whistle going out to the haters if you ask me. All the more so considering the problematical positions on race taken by many in the GOP since the civil rights era. States rights my arse. Remember the kind of merchandise that was sold at the recent right-wing "Values" convention? There's no excuse.

For background on this story, see my previous post, which includes links to earlier posts on DFNM and other sites that deal with this issue.

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Tonight: Reception Fundraiser for Victor Raigoza (SD-10)

Commissioner Deanna Archuleta; Ana Canales, Bernalillo Co. Party Chair; Eleanor Chávez, Representative Elect District 13; Claire Dudley; Kathy Katz; Blair Kaufman; Senator Linda Lopez, District 11; Michelle Mares; Tom Montaño, Business Manager, UA Local Union 412; Ann Piper; Charlotte Roybal; Representative Mimi Stewart, District 21;
Albuquerque Teachers Federation
And
American Federation of Teachers New Mexico
Ask you to join them at a reception for
Victor Raigoza
Democratic State Senate Candidate in SD-10
Tuesday, September 23, 2008, 5:30-7:30 PM
One Up Restaurant & Lounge
301 Central Avenue NW
(Corner of 3rd & Central, Downtown Albuquerque)
Co-Host – Write or Raise $500
Guest – $65

For more information or to RSVP, please email Raigoza4Senate@gmail.com. We have an unprecedented opportunity this year to elect people like Victor Raigoza who will truly represent every New Mexican. Victor has earned endorsements from NARAL Pro-Choice NM, EQNM-PAC and multiple State and Local Unions. Please join us to show your support as his campaign enters the final weeks.

"Bailout" -- Express Yourself

Congress.org makes it easy to email the people who count on this. Or click here to find phone numbers and other contact info for New Mexico's Congressional delegation.
**********
I agree with what Bob Herbert at the NY Times says:

Does anyone think it’s just a little weird to be stampeded into a $700 billion solution to the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression by the very people who brought us the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression?

How about a second opinion?

We're supposed to take seriously a $700 billion "solution" proposed by the very forces that caused the debacle in the first place? And Congress is supposed to totally surrender its oversight duties to the Treasury Secretary (formerly of Goldman Sachs)? And nobody will ever get to challenge what's done with the money? This is absurd on its face. How did they even arrive at the $700 billion figure? Why not $100 billion or $650 billion or, better yet, how about increments of $10 billion where the T. Sec. has to come back for an OK from Congress every time? $700 billion seems like it was pulled out a hat. And it probably was, a nice round figure like that. Who will challenge it?

Granted, Senate Banking Committee Chair Chris Dodd is making noises about holding down executive compensation at the failed institutions, tossing some crumbs to those whose homes are being foreclosed and demanding some very minor oversight -- but he and other powerful Dems are essentially buying into the unprecedented buyout of toxic debt hook, line and sinker. They don't seen to care that not one strong argument has been offered as to why it would even work to solve the real problems we're up against.

Read Andrew Sorkin's A Bailout Above the Law for more on why the response of the Democrats so far is entirely inadequate. Quote:

Let put aside the bill’s most offensive aspect — the raw power it gives the Treasury Department, and the lack of oversight it provides — and take a closer look at the practicalities. First off, there is nothing in the bill that will prevent these problems from happening again. The bill doesn’t address adding greater transparency in investments in subprime loans and securities and credit derivatives, which led directly to the debacles atLehman and A.I.G. The bill does nothing to rein in the credit-default swap market, which has turned out to be the weapon of financial mass destruction that Warren Buffett always said it was.

Nor are the Democrats going to help matters with their own changes. It is all well and good that they hope to use the bill to restrain executive compensation, and add stipulations to help people in danger of losing their homes. But nothing the Democrats have suggested so far tackles the core issues of oversight, transparency or regulation.

Enough! -- As Obama said at his acceptance speech at Mile High. Clearly, the only chance we have to stop this thing, or at least improve it drastically, is to CONTACT OUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS et al. and let them know in no uncertain terms what we want from them.

Congress.org makes it easy to email them. Or click here to find phone numbers and other contact info for New Mexico's Congressional delegation.

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9/25-9/26/08: UNM Civil Rights Symposium

Faculty, staff, students, and community members are invited to attend the 2008 UNM Civil Rights Symposium. The theme for the Fall 2008 University of New Mexico Civil Rights Symposium is "Civic Literacy Across Communities: A Public Forum." Events are free and open to the public. The 2008 Civil Rights Symposium at the University of New Mexico is scheduled for:

Thursday, September 25: Student Union Lobo A&B at 12:30-5:30 PM. Friday, September 26: Student Union Ballroom C at 1:00-4:30 PM. The two-day event will include panels, roundtable discussion tables, open forum, poetry performances, and a new film about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. See the complete Agenda for details on the many diverse activities that will be featured during the Symposium. Click for poster (pdf).

This sounds especially intriguing: On Thursday, from 4:00-5:30 PM, "Creative Voices in Action,"€ a Creative Arts Performance in the SUB Faciltated by Heather Campbell, will feature poets Hakim Bellamy, Lisa Gill, Jack Trujillo, Margaret Randall. As does this, also on Thursday:

1:30-2:45 The Youth Vote and Racial Dynamics
Michael Rocca (Political Science)
Gabriel Sanchez (Political Science)
Obama Camp Representative -€“ John Blair
McCain Camp Representative €- Ivette Barajas
Moe Maestas (D) -€“ NM House of Representatives
Dan Foley (R) €- NM House of Represenatives

2008 UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO CIVIL RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM
CIVIC LITERACY ACROSS COMMUNITIES: A PUBLIC FORUM
Program Chair: Professor Michelle Hall Kells (Department of English)

Framing the Conversation:
Literacy is not only the principal practice of what we do in the every day work of the university; it is a deeply held core value of American citizenship and belonging, so integral to who we are—our national identity—civic literacy is the concept around which we fashion our system of governance. The opportunity to deliberate together from diverse communities represents an occasion to invigorate the university climate and to articulate our differences as well as our common visions.

The key note address "€œHate Acts, Public Rhetoric, and Civil Rights Activism: 40 years after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr."€ will be delivered by featured speaker, Professor Keith Gilyard (Distinguished Professor, Pennsylvania State University).

This event will serve as an occasion to address current issues in civil rights, to promote civic literacy across diverse communities, to practice the deliberative ethics of peaceful social engagement, and to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Participation, luncheon, and refreshments are free. No registration required. Arrive early to ensure available seating. For further information and schedule of events see the Agenda page or contact Dan Cryer, UNM WAC Events Coordinator at dcryer@unm.edu.

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You're Invited: Musicians and Artists to Support Obama at Orpheum Art Space

Now this sounds like a spectacular way to spend an evening, and at the same time support Obama's campaign. Also, if you're an artist or musician, there's still time to offer your work at this event. See below.

On Friday, October 3rd at 8 PM at the Orpheum Art Space - SE corner of 2nd and Coal in Albuquerque - regional artists and musicians will gather to offer their work in support of Barack Obama for President. Don't miss out on this fun opportunity to purchase some locally produced art work with all money raised going towards Barack Obama's Campaign for Change.

All kinds of cool, locally and regionally produced crafts will be available for purchase. Short films, photography, paintings, clothing, cartoons, . . . everything. Tractor Brewing Co. will be serving up their great beer and local musicians will be entertaining all night.

Any artist or musician that would like to offer their work in the sale can still contribute their pieces. It will be greatly appreciated if attendees could contribute $10 to the Campaign for Change and the event is open to everyone. Voter registrars will also be on hand to register new voters or update voters' registrations.

Simply put:

What: Art sale, social gathering, concert with Of God and Science, fundraiser for Obama, voter registration drive

When: Friday, October 3rd, 8 PM ~ 10:30 PM

Where: Orpheum Art Space - 500 2nd St. SW, Albuquerque - southeast corner of 2nd & Coal

How much: Suggested donation of $10. Art work and beer will also be available for purchase with the revenue going to Obama's Campaign for Change.

Contact:
Matt (Dinger) Hemmendinger, 505-507-7989, dingAaAr@gmail.com
Hannah Macpherson, 310-386-5112, HannahEMacpherson@hotmail.com
Rebekah Wiggins, 575-914-0024, epibutter2u@yahoo.com

NM-02: Teague Agrees to Special TV Debate on Economy

Teague at one of the community dinners he's been hosting

According to an AP story Democrat Harry Teague has agreed to debate NM-02 Congressional race rival Ed Tinsley on the economy and how it's affecting voters in southern New Mexico. The special economy debate will be taped October 23 at KOB-TV in Albuquerque and aired on October 25. The campaigns also are seeking to arrange a joint televised appearance in the El Paso TV market, which broadcasts in Las Cruces. The economy debate was added to a schedule that includes a forum October 8 on KRWG-TV in Las Cruces, a debate October 19 at KOAT-TV in Albuquerque and a forum October 21 in Hobbs.

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