Working together on sanctuary status will protect N.M.
It is easy to understand the motives behind the effort to create a sanctuary state in New Mexico. A federal ban on foreign immigration to the U.S. and a campaign promise to deport millions of people from the United States generates legitimate concerns and fears. In Milan Simonich’s article (“Sanctuary state bill’s prospects dim,” Feb. 10), I was surprised to read that there seems to have been no contact with our congressional representatives in the House and the Senate. As a simple matter of strategic planning, our state reps should be reaching out to our representatives on the federal level. It is imperative that we have a thorough understanding of a risk/reward analysis that must include our elected officials in Washington. The retaliatory nature of the executive branch and its potential to cause serious disruption cannot be exaggerated. Let’s work together to protect our state. Michael Harkavy Santa Fe
Ban killing contests
I have no quarrel with those who hunt for food. But coyote-killing contests have nothing to do with legitimate hunting. To use live animals for target practice and engage in wanton slaughter for fun and prizes is the opposite of sportsmanship. This senseless killing has been proven to actually increase the overall population of coyotes, due to larger litters and increased breeding, and has been shown to do nothing to protect game or livestock. This is not management but killing for entertainment, reminiscent of the slaughter of bison a century ago. These contests take place on public land, at undisclosed locations, thus putting at risk anyone walking a dog or enjoying the beauty of New Mexico. Please call your state representatives and Gov. Susana Martinez and tell them to support the bipartisan bill that would outlaw coyote-killing contests (“Killing contests need to go,” Our View, Feb. 17). Katrin Smithback Santa Fe
Shirked responsibility
President Donald Trump and Republican leaders are unapologetically
focused on removing all regulations and laws that were established to safeguard the American people from industries that pollute our environment. Scott Pruitt’s selection to head the Environmental Protection Agency is proof of their intent. They call it business-friendly.
Have people forgotten the reasons why these regulations were put in place? Industry leaders are focused on profits. Historically they have shirked responsibility for burning rivers, smog, high cancer rates, lead and mercury poisoning, extreme weather events and extinctions. The 99 percent of Americans will pay with their health and tax dollars. Katherine Irish Placitas