On Indigenous Peoples Day 2020 in broad daylight, a mob of vandals tore down the 154-year-old Soldier’s Monument in the center of Santa Fe Plaza because it was offensive to some Native Americans. Now veterans groups are demanding it be restored. The destruction followed months of controversy that was notable for its absence of historical […]
Columnists
Posted inColumnists, Commentary
The Hiring of Talking Heads
This spring, Ronna McDaniel of the RNC needed a job. As national chair since 2017, she needed to replace the $400,000/year income loss resulting from her forced resignation as Donald Trump clinched the GOP presidential nomination. There’s quite a bit to unpack in that lede, but there really isn’t column space for it. Let’s just […]
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The Opinions of Political Candidates
Possibly my favorite thing about writing this column is interacting with readers. That goes for the critical comments as well as the positive. I try to reply as my day job and bourbon consumption allow. (Here’s a tip: if you want to criticize me, please make it conversational. Screeds that just focus on calling me […]
Posted inColumnists, Commentary
Remembering Linda Davis, Best Cowboy on the Place
If ranchers had royalty, Linda Davis would have worn a crown. She grew up on legendary ranches in northeastern New Mexico, began riding a horse as a toddler, and operated the historic CS Ranch with husband Les. He said she was the best cowboy on the place. Linda died at home on her beloved land […]
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Nine Stealth City Elections
Nine municipal governments around New Mexico held local elections a couple of weeks ago. If you didn’t know anything about this, you’re in good company. For these municipalities, according to the Secretary of State, there were a total of 122,035 eligible voters. Of those, 9,785 voted. That is 8.02%. In the off-year consolidated local elections […]
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Trail Mix: Winter Escape to the Jemez
Winter is always a treat in New Mexico, especially with a highly prolific El Nino season. Powder was in abundance and the smell of pinon burning punctuated the night. But, the sweetness of spring is always on the horizon. With longer and warmer days it’s difficult not to daydream of escaping into the mountains for […]
Posted inColumnists, Commentary
The Opinions of Political Candidates
Possibly my favorite thing about writing this column is interacting with readers. That goes for the critical comments as well as the positive. I try to reply as my day job and bourbon consumption allow. (Here’s a tip: if you want to criticize me, please make it conversational. Screeds that just focus on calling me […]
Posted inColumnists, New Mexico, Opinion
It’s time for FEMA to let New Mexicans to take over fire recovery process
Commentary by Pat Davis, City Desk Pat Davis is a former Albuquerque City Councilor. He is the publisher of City Desk ABQ and owner/publisher of a group of newspapers in Central New Mexico. A few weeks from now, the penitentes will begin planning their pilgrimages to Chimayó, and family elders will start wiping off the […]
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Feds, State Fund Wildland Fire Management, Firefighters and Smokey Bear
Drought maps colored in cheerful red, orange and gold are anything but cheerful in their meaning. They confirm what ranchers already know, that it’s painfully dry here. Devastating wildfires in West Texas add an exclamation point. If there’s any good news it’s that Congress and the Legislature are more attuned to the reality of fire. […]
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Cheers For Title IX and Women’s Sports
For me, one of the most exciting sports events in New Mexico is about to get underway – the high school basketball tournament! Prep basketball has long been a community event across New Mexico, from Dulce to Eunice to Belen to Taos to neighborhoods in Albuquerque. I grew up in Hobbs, where boy’s basketball was […]