New Mexico

Presidential Proclamation -- National Native American Heritage Month, 2011

November 25, 2011 by Democracy for N...

Today is the Third Native American Heritage Day. The day was started in 2008, introduced by Rep. Joe Baca of California. When Rep. Baca introduced the bill he stated the following:

"The day, Baca said in offering the bill, is intended to pay tribute to American Indians for their many contributions to the United States, and the legislation encourages Americans of all backgrounds to observe the day through appropriate ceremonies and activities. Further, it encourages public elementary and secondary schools to enhance student understanding of American Indians by providing classroom instructions focusing on their history, achievements, and contributions." Credit for quote and image given to Indian Country.com.

Barb's T-day Message

November 24, 2011 by Democracy for N...

 “The only dream worth having is to dream that you will live while you are alive, and die only when you are dead. To love, to be loved. To never forget your own insignificance. To never get used to the unspeakable violence and vulgar disparity of the life around you. To seek joy in the saddest places. To pursue beauty to its lair. To never simplify what is complicated or complicate what is simple. ...To respect strength, never power. Above all to watch. To try and understand. To never look away. And never, never to forget.”
― Arundhati Roy

I am thankful today for life, my loving partner, our sweet birdies and all our kind friends and supporters, as well as for any and all of the characteristics described above by Aarundhati!

Our Gay Thanksgiving 2011

November 24, 2011 by Democracy for N...

This thanksgiving day post is by Mary Ellen.

Imagine all the fixing going on in houses all over the country. Smells from the oven. A little bit of bickering. Kids all anxious. People driving. Phone calls to loved ones afar. All kinds of traditions being rehatched. Some new lovers just starting their traditions. Everyone being gay or not.

As for our gay house - It is Barb and I and I am thankful. And our wonderful gay birds. The other day I tried to write down where we were for each of our other 22 thanksgivings together. In 1989 we were in Provincetown, MA; in 1993 we were in Boulder CO; in 1996 we were in Albq., NM; in 2001 we were in Florida. In 1995 was the only thanksgiving I was in Massachusetts without Barb, and decided on that  day I would never be without Barb on a Thanksgiving. And I haven't.

Lujan Grisham Announces Range of Endorsements from New Mexico’s Leaders

November 23, 2011 by Democracy for N...

The following was released from the Michelle Lujan Grisham for Congress Campaign.

Michelle Lujan Grisham, Democratic primary candidate for the First NM Congressional District seat announced several key endorsements. Key leaders in the NM state legislature including Senate President Pro Tem Timothy Jennings, State Senator Linda Lovejoy, State Senator Howie Morales, State Senator John Arthur Smith, State Rep. Gail Chasey, State Rep. Dona Irwin, State Rep. Rhonda King, State Rep. Roger Magdalena, State Rep. Bill O’Neil, State Rep. Nick Salazar, State Rep. Jim Trujillo, as well as Albuquerque City Counselor Debbie O’Malley, have all endorsed the campaign. They recognize the need to send a leader to Washington, D.C. who will fight to create jobs while protecting Medicare and Social Security.

Marty Chavez Statement on the Super Committee and Fmr. NM AG Patricia Madrid Throws Her Support to Marty Chavez

November 23, 2011 by Democracy for N...

The following two statements were provided by the Marty Chavez for Congress campaign.

Statement on the Super Committee

Former Albuquerque Mayor Marty Chavez released the following statement on the failure of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, known as the "super committee,” to reach an agreement that cuts the federal deficit.

“I’m very disappointed in the Super Committee’s failure to find a fair and reasonable solution to reducing our nation’s deficit.  Washington needs leaders who know how to solve the problems we face and get results for our families and communities and that’s why I’m running.  The easiest way to reduce the deficit is to get people back to work and grow our economy again by building infrastructure here at home and bringing our troops back from overseas.

“If I were in Congress I would support a package that protects and preserves Social Security and Medicare while ending the Bush era tax cuts for the wealthy and closing the loopholes that allow mega corporations to escape paying taxes while shipping jobs overseas.   Everyone must pay their fair share as we come together to solve the problems our nation faces.”