Religious and spiritual communities bless Santa Fe
Iwould like to commend the Santa Fe New Mexican for the article about the two Santa Fe churches at the corner of Lucia Lane and Airport Road (“‘We live to serve our community,’ ” Oct. 7). Beyond the dirt road mentioned in the article lies another church, Fuente de Agua Vida. Further up Airport Road on Lopez Lane, you’ll find Fruit of the Spirit Ministries. The goodness reported is exemplary of the more than 100 churches that abound in Santa Fe. Over the past decade, the Barnabas Institute has chronicled Santa Fe’s churches and their activities. For example, on recent weekends, a tent revival took place on the steps of the Roundhouse with continuous music for three days, and the Fall Gathering of Churches took place on the Plaza. Santa Fe is blessed with a vibrant, viable church community. For information on church activities, visit the Barnabas Institute’s website at barnin.org and sign up for the newsletter. J.D. Vasquez
president Barnabas Institute/Center for Christian Community Santa Fe
Good enough
Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Pearce’s first TV attack against Democratic gubernatorial candidate Michelle Lujan Grisham really made me angry. There were many untruths, but the worst concerned “leading Democrats” who do not support Lujan Grisham. One of these “leading Democrats” is so “democratic” that he has never conceded to Lujan Grisham after his double-digit loss to her in the primary (that was Jeff Apodaca). Instead, he formed a PAC to analyze candidates “independently.” Another “leading Democrat,” former New Mexico Gov. Jerry Apodaca, repudiated his own son’s excellent education platform. He now endorses Pearce, who rejects using the permanent fund to improve education in New Mexico and who rejects expanding pre-K education. Pearce also voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Those of us who are merely good Democrats, and not “leading Democrats,” should vote early or on Election Day, Nov. 6, so that Michelle Lujan Grisham can improve all New Mexicans’ health, education and general welfare. Anne Albrink
Santa Fe
Jail time
Now that Brett Kavanaugh has been confirmed, what penalties will be imposed on women who falsely accuse him? We need jail time for people who make false accusations. Donald Trump in 2020. And after that, Mike Pence will take the White House. Vote Republican, the party of decency, integrity and better cocktail parties. Richard N. Johnson
Santa Fe
Welcoming Melania
First lady Melania Trump had to travel to Africa to meet children (“First lady puts on happier face in Africa,” Oct. 7). She should have come to our border states, including here in New Mexico, where migrant children are separated from their families and incarcerated indefinitely in private, for-profit facilities. These children often live in tents packed in like sardines, use outdoor latrines, and have no schooling or health care available. Let’s welcome Melania to New Mexico. Ann Lacy
Santa Fe
Changing straws
This is a shout-out to the owner, the George Gundry family, for the change to paper straws at Atrisco Cafe, Tomasita’s Santa Fe and Tomasita’s Albuquerque. Thanks for caring about the environment, George. Hopefully, more restaurateurs will follow your lead. Jeanne DiLoreto
Santa Fe
Say no way
New Mexicans should reject Republican U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce. Pearce has served almost 14 years in Congress. What did he accomplish during these years? He consistently has supported legislation against immigrants, public schools, government involvement in health care including mental health, gay and women’s rights, pay equity for women, public lands and national parks. He even stated in his memoir that women should “voluntarily submit” to their husbands. He has only one master besides Donald Trump, and that is the oil and gas industry, which has contributed million of dollars to his various campaigns. Now he wants to be our “Donald Trump” governor of New Mexico. New Mexicans should say — no way! Greg Lennes
Las Cruces