We are all too aware of New Mexico’s dependence on the oil and gas industry. I’m not the only one noting that our economy is not diversified enough or that our state budget is scarily dependent on it. We talk of the cliff we are driving toward. That cliff is alarmingly close. West Texas Intermediate […]

Guest Commentary
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The best of the billionaires
Recently, Warren Buffett surprised his shareholders by announcing he was stepping aside as the CEO of Berkshire Hathway Warren Buffett is not like other billionaires who show off their wealth with rocket ships or spend it buying political favor. He’s the best of the billionaires. Financial journalist Andrew Sorokin termed him the “conscience of capitalism.” […]
The elements of a major trade deal
Thursday, an announcement was made from the Oval Office, featuring British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on speakerphone, lauding the first “very large” trade deal reached since tariffs were enacted last month. As I write this 24 hours later, the key building blocks of a White House trade deal have been revealed. From the document posted […]
Workers’ comp task force was a model for future legislation
In 1990, Raymond Sanchez took on the trial lawyers and won. Yes, that Raymond Sanchez. At the time he was Speaker of the House. Supporting that effort was none other than Marty Chavez. Yes, that Marty Chavez. Chavez was then a state senator. The challenge was workers’ compensation. Workers’ comp insurance in New Mexico had […]
Helwig, N.M.: An East Mountain ghost town
By Rick Holben, East Mountain Historical Society Helweg, shown on some New Mexico maps in the 1930s as a town in the Sandia Mountains, might qualify as a ghost town since nothing remains of it today. However, Helweg was really nothing more than a family homestead with a store and post office. It was located […]
A little help for small business
You probably have never heard of the New Mexico Small Business Regulatory Advisory Commission. That’s okay. Nobody else has heard of it either. In 20 years, this commission hasn’t done much – maybe nothing. The statute says its job is to identify regulations proposed by state agencies that might be harmful to small business and […]
Reel Gems – Overlooked films currently streaming: Enduring Love (2004)
By Douglas Wood Rated R Currently streaming on Prime, Apple TV+ and YouTube Starring a pre-James Bond Daniel Craig, Enduring Love is a unique genre-blending film that’s both an intellectual drama investigating the nature of love and a suspenseful stalker flick. Craig plays Joe Rose, a bespectacled Humanities professor who would surely eschew a shaken, […]
A spiritual approach to dealing with the stress of living in crazy times
Submitted by Brian C. Taylor “These are crazy times,” many say, “so polarized, conflicted and disturbing. How do I not sink into fury, frustration, or despair?” There is plenty of practical advice to be had: limit your exposure to social media and political news; learn how to dialogue respectfully with someone with whom you disagree; […]
Letter to the Editor: Thank you Rep. Stansbury for your determination
April 17, 2025 will go down in local New Mexico history in fame. The Town Hall meeting in Moriarty was attended by 150 rationals. When the speaker, U.S.Rep. Melanie Stansbury, entered, 95% of the audience stood up, applauded powerfully and roared with respect/praise as if a hero returned from a victorious battle for law and […]
Keller is protecting ABQ’s public lands
By Tom Solomon This commentary piece was submitted to City Desk ABQ.You can submit your own letter to the editor: editor@citydesk.org I want to thank Mayor Tim Keller for responding to President Donald Trump’s threats to abandon public lands to mining and drilling and to cut off funding for environmental protections. At Albuquerque’s Earth Day celebration […]