New Mexico, Arizona differences worthy of studying further

When there is a discussion of twins separated at birth, it focuses on nature versus nurture. We can’t do the same when talking about states separated at birth, but to compare and contrast where they are more than 100 years later is fascinating.

An article in Sunday’s Journal comparing the growth of New Mexico and Arizona captured our attention — and has held it throughout the week — as we contemplate the data and information provided in the story. Author Winthrop Quigley discussed the findings of a Duquesne University study evaluating the two states. It was a provocative and insightful article.

The article focused on how, since the 1960s, Arizona’s population and economy has outpaced New Mexico’s. Matt E. Ryan, associate professor at Duquesne and author of the study, explained that, in 1963, Arizona and New Mexico’s economies ranked 33rd and 36th, respectively, with many similarities. By 2008, Arizona’s economy was the 20th largest and New Mexico’s was 37th. So, obviously there were major differences in growth in the past 50 years.

Much of the difference is attributed to New Mexico focusing on public sector growth and Arizona focusing on growth in the private sector. This leads to multiple topics to discuss, many of which have been discussed for years. It also leads to political and philosophical differences that must be discussed.

Our concern is the collateral damage that results from the lack of money in New Mexico. It can’t help our poverty rate — or the number of children who don’t have enough food. It can’t help our education system or our work to improve graduation rates. The resulting hopelessness could contribute to drinking problems.

We did some minimal research on those “lists” where New Mexico is too often near the bottom. Arizona isn’t at the top of the lists, but it does rank above New Mexico in most of them. Could that be the result of having more money? Could it really be that free enterprise truly breeds success?

We must talk about the ramifications of these findings. The article was a great starting point.

On another topic, Monday is the summer solstice, a day we find fascinating. It produces both the first day of summer and the longest day of the year. That’s in contrast to the winter solstice that heralds the beginning of winter with the shortest day of the year.

The summer solstice is always a reminder to us that we belong to the part of the population that prefers summer to winter. It’s exciting to know that summer has officially begun, but it’s also somewhat sad to realize the days are getting shorter. Understanding the reason and knowing what is going on is fine, but we find the beginning of summer and shorter days almost contradictory.

And, don’t forget, tomorrow is Father’s Day. Father’s Day is an important day to let our fathers and grandfathers know how important they are to us and to tell them that we appreciate all the knowledge, wisdom, love and discipline they have given us over the years. It is also a good day to reflect on the importance of fathers in all our children’s lives and the valuable role men play in a child’s development.

Happy Father’s Day to all fathers, grandfathers and father-figures who are guiding tomorrow’s future leaders.