Women’s March unites spiritual and human comrades
Iam not a woman. I have no idea what it is like to be a woman. I do, however, know exactly what it is like to be assaulted, publicly humiliated and ridiculed. I know the degradation of divisive laws, the stain of politicized menace to my rights. I am a gay man, and I owe my greatest comforts and protections to women. To participate as a man, in the company of spiritual and human comrades in protest against the epitome of male grotesqueness, was and is a thrumming vein of necessity. The march isn’t over and might never be, but this voice is strong, and as they say, these boots are made for walkin’. Christopher Willett-Crane Santa Fe
One for all
I had already made up my mind to vote for Alan Webber for mayor. His experience and success as a manager, leader and entrepreneur are unmatched in this election (and many others). Plus, he is genuine, approachable and a good listener.
Then I read Alan’s op-ed in The New Mexican (“No more time to waste: women deserve respect,” My View, Jan. 14), which only reinforced my choice. Not only did he share his own painful experience, but he took a strong stand in support of respect, equity and fairness for women. This is what I want from my mayor — honesty, leadership, commitment and compassion. Alan is uniquely qualified to serve as Santa Fe’s first strong mayor. He will be a mayor for all of us in Santa Fe, no matter who we are, what we do or where we live. Please join me in supporting him. Karen Baker Santa Fe
All good
The Jan. 9 edition of The New Mexican was a fine example of why city newspapers still matter. On the front page, there was an interview with a hardworking young waitress on the Trump administration’s plans to eject 200,000 Salvadorans (“Order on Salvadorans spurs worry,” Jan. 9); a story on our state’s troubled mental health system through a tragic family shooting (“Mental hospital commitment creates dilemma,” Jan. 9); a feature on where state legislators lodge when they come to town for the legislative session (“Lawmakers able to find lodging by looking early,” Jan. 9); and most wonderfully, you showed us the city’s plans for a public pre-fab “restroom” downtown that’s supposed to bring some relief to the thousands of tourists (“City touts plan for Plaza area restroom,” Jan. 9) — and yes, maybe even locals, who find themselves needing to go. Particularly enlightening was the conceptual rendering of an elderly man going into what looks like a big parrot cage (estimated cost $130,000). When you turn the page for the rest of the story and see the photo of the actual bricks and mortar restroom tiny Taos grants its downtown guests; well — it’s all good. Michele Cook
Santa Fe
No denying
Donald Trump’s blanket denial and spin about making racist comments in a White House meeting on immigration means that special prosecutor Robert Mueller and his team must insist in his negotiations with Trump’s White House lawyers that Trump’s forthcoming interview must be under oath and recorded. Then, Trump cannot deny later that he said what he said. Kim Switzer
Rio Rancho
Where’s my country?
What kind of blind faith makes it possible to excuse, defend and support a president who offers obscene racist slurs to a seated company of legislators? He also said at a campaign rally in Iowa: “I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn’t lose voters.” Is that true? Shall we wait and see if he really does it before we decide to protest? Molly Hollenbach
Medanales
CHIP
The health and well-being of 9 million children is at risk. It’s been more than 100 days since the GOP leadership in Congress let the Children’s Health Insurance Program expire, and children and states can’t wait any longer. Any spending bill that Congress takes up must include long-term funding for CHIP.
This program plays a critical role in our nation’s health care by covering children who fall into a coverage gap — their families make too much to qualify for Medicaid, but they also cannot afford private health insurance.
CHIP has always had bipartisan support, and Congress shouldn’t gamble with our kids’ health by delaying funding or by continuing with patchwork funding while they play politics in Washington, D.C. Children and families need reliable coverage, and states need to know that funding will continue long-term. Congress must act now to extend CHIP, fully funded. Dot Greene Santa Fe
High-caliber candidate
I deeply appreciate Alan Webber’s recent op-ed about respecting and listening to women (“No more time to waste: Women deserve respect,” My View, Jan. 14). I was one of the women who met with Alan. The conversation included how to change the perceptions and stereotypes of men and women and really hear individuals. It is via the numerous forums and opportunities to speak with Alan that each is heard, and the best is encouraged from each of us. I was moved by Alan’s willingness to listen, respond and share. It’s clear from the description of his own experience that he has the mindfulness, compassion and sensitivity that we need in a mayor. It is not only his experience and intelligence, but this kind of courage and empathy, that is necessary in a leader. I am proud to have this caliber of person seeking this position for Santa Fe. I enthusiastically support Alan Webber for mayor on March 6. Pamela Pierce Santa Fe