Letters to the Editor (March 13, 2025)

Transfer of power

Editor:

In Jonathan Gardner’s letter, he wrote about the peaceful transfer of power over the last 30 years but he failed to mention the not so peaceful transfer of power four years ago when our sitting president incited a mob to attack our Capital in an attempt to overthrow our democracy.

People were killed on that day and more died in the following days directly because of this presidents actions. Donald Trump is a existential threat to our democracy. He is now calling himself a king on social media.

Trump supporters seem to have an acute case of memory loss when it comes to the undemocratic acts and crimes of this individual. He’s a convicted felon who’s been impeached twice.

For the last four years, Trump has been pushing “the big lie” about election fraud after he lost in 2020. To this day, he still denies he lost that election.

It’s been said that when a person keeps accusing their opposition of doing something wrong or illegal, look to them to be doing that exact wrong or illegal thing. In one of Trump’s post election speeches, he said “we won Pennsylvania, oh Elon, he knows those voting machines.”

Was this a slip of the tongue? How do we know Elon and his band of kid hackers did not manipulate the voting outcomes in Pennsylvania and other battleground states? We don’t.

And now we have Trump and Elon Musk destroying the lives of thousands of federal employees with their actions. We hear three words on repeat, “waste fraud and abuse.” It seems most of the waste, fraud and abuse they are finding conflicts with their interests or the agency has (had) them under investigation.

What does Musk do after firing thousands? He dances around on a stage swinging a chain saw laughing like a little kid let loose in a candy store. No empathy whatsoever for these thousands of now unemployed Americans. It’s disgusting.

God save the United States of America.

William Lumsden

Rio Communities

Power lines in bosque

Editor:

The New Mexico State Land Office had a required meeting in Los Lunas about right of way for a power transmission line.

The average persons and communities are at a server disadvantage in these encounters.

I am opposed to any more of these lines being run through the same paths in bosque. As of today, we have a monster electrical fence east to west across the irrigated farm land and flyway.

The road to hell is paved with good intensions. Wind and solar power are good things that can benefit all and so relocate any more posed and wires out of this area. Affluent urbanites and corporate insiders have dumped on sacrificial areas.

Using Albuquerque as an example, undesirable or toxic producing companies have ganged up on the Sawmill, Mountain View, etc., or pushed the interstate through the San Jose Campo Santo.

Follow the money. The power company will do well no matter where the lines go. Some people with an early warning system on where the lines were proposed to go seemed to do well.

When assets are concentrated, they are bait. Banks were robbed because that’s where the money is. Pearl Harbor was hit for ships and planes. The Russians are hitting Ukraine’s powers lines to cut civilian and industrial output. Why not relocate and diversify our power cords?

The land office raises money by leasing out public lands and that’s why they had this meeting. Public, that’s all of us, not just a for-profit company but the tilt is always to the money in the outcome.

In the bosque valley floor, each pole has had days long continuous concrete truck pours. In person hours, materials and machinery each completed pole has a quantifiable dollar input.

Let’s start with a low-ball cost estimate for each of the poles at $500,000. The county and state should tax each for as long as any of it is in the ground.

Finally, the power is going to Phoenix for air conditioning, chip manufacture and artificial intelligence, not New Mexico. Since they get the long-term benefits, lets diversify the damage to New Mexico and a local community.

Remember the average persons and communities are at a severe disadvantage in these encounters. We need real help from the State Land Office and elected officials.

Ken Wright

Bosque

Thanks for information

Editor:

I would just like to say thank you for the articles on the new Dennis Chavez Elementary School being built in Los Chavez.

My family and small community here in Los Chavez were lost on the build, and I believe you kept it alive with your interviewing of the school directors and made sure it was going to happen.

Please keep us posted on the continuing build and provide pictures of the new school and progress.

Jennifer Bradley

Los Lunas

Worst election ever

Editor:

In response to the letter from James Rickey in the Feb. 20 edition: When you consider that the voters already knew the negative information you listed (regarding Donald Trump) in your (letter) to the editor, what does that say about voters’ opinion of Kamala Harris?

This past election was the worst I have ever seen in terms of choosing the lesser of two evils; I am in my mid-70s, and I hope we never have such deplorable options again.

John W. Dugan

Rio Communities

Helpful Trump changes

Editor:

In response to Laura F. Chavez’s letter to the editor, “Harmful Trump Changes.”

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s more important than ever to remain vigilant against scams and misinformation. Thankfully, strong financial institutions, like our credit unions, are stepping up to protect consumers from fraud. This commitment to oversight and security is a testament to the pro-business, pro-consumer environment that President Donald Trump is fostering.

As for the broader economic landscape, President Trump’s policies are aimed at ensuring long-term prosperity for American workers and industries. His focus on immigration enforcement is part of a larger effort to create fair job opportunities for American citizens while encouraging businesses to adopt innovative solutions to workforce challenges. Rather than harming farmers, these changes will push for a more sustainable and lawful labor market, ensuring that agricultural jobs go to those who contribute legally to the economy.

On trade, Trump’s push for fairer deals is a necessary correction to decades of one-sided agreements that put American farmers and manufacturers at a disadvantage. While there may be short-term adjustments, his tariffs are designed to protect American industries, revitalize domestic production, and create a level playing field for our businesses. The administration has also worked to secure new trade agreements that will open up more markets for U.S. agricultural products.

In the energy sector, Trump’s policies are prioritizing practical investments over politically motivated initiatives. By reassessing funding for projects tied to ideological agendas, his administration ensures that taxpayer dollars are used effectively, supporting innovation that truly benefits American industries and energy independence.

Regarding foreign aid, the administration is taking a hard look at how our resources are spent, ensuring that America’s generosity is used wisely and in a way that supports our interests. Rather than wasting money on inefficient programs, Trump is focusing on making foreign assistance more effective, ensuring that aid actually reaches those in need while keeping America’s economic interests in mind.

Water management is another area where Trump is taking a proactive approach. His efforts to release water from reservoirs are aimed at preventing bureaucratic mismanagement and ensuring that resources are available for multiple uses, from agriculture to disaster response. His administration recognizes the importance of infrastructure and water conservation in supporting America’s farmers and communities.

And when it comes to grocery prices, Trump’s broader economic policies, such as tax cuts, deregulation, and efforts to lower energy costs, are all geared toward reducing the financial burden on American families. By creating a business-friendly environment, his administration is laying the groundwork for a stronger economy, increased productivity and ultimately lower costs for consumers.

Instead of seeing these policies as harmful, we should recognize the bigger picture. President Trump is working to protect American jobs, industries and taxpayers from the long-term consequences of reckless policies from past administrations. Change can be challenging, but Trump’s leadership is focused on making America stronger, more self-reliant and more prosperous for future generations.

Doug Rietz

Belen