News Expose

Have you ever noticed that nearly all of the media expose stories that appear on the telly and in publications are centered around alleged misdeeds in government organizations, or by the people who work in the public sector?

Corruption at (insert public agency here)!  See the story tonight!

How come misdeed stories are very seldom, if ever, centered around wrongdoing at stores and services from the private sector?  I'll bet there are more mistakes, and people in the private sector get away with more shenanigans, than all the public institutions. 

Just look at the car commercials - who has the time (or ability) to read the fine print or understand the disclaimers.  And, just try to get those deals we see on TV when it is negotiating time at the dealership.

Oh wait, the TV stations make thousands (if not millions) in advertising from the dealers - and the government agencies don't spend like that.

Well, now, there's that!

And, another thing -

"We'll show you tonight how your tax dollars are being spent!"

Don't the reporters pay any taxes?  Are they different that the rest of us?

Shouldn't the reporters in those promos say,

"We'll show you tonight how our tax dollars are being spent!"

Antelope Wells - Border Crossing in Isolation

Having traveled much of New Mexico in my many years on this planet, there remained the mystery of the boot heel.

That’s the little square part of New Mexico that borders the Republic of Mexico and the State of Arizona.

Antelope Wells – a notorious place these days because of border crossings, deaths and border wall discussions.

I need not say much about Antelope Wells – there’s not much there.  A US/Mexico border crossing that’s open from 10 to 4 – and not much else.

My friends, you need not believe my words, but do believe a picture.

What I have here is a picture I took of New Mexico 81, the 45 mile long road between Hachita and Antelope Wells. And this is pretty much the view for that entire stretch of road.

There are no gas stations, no water stops, no Circle K, nothing but open spaces and a ribbon of highway.

Occasionally there is someone riding a bike or on a hike.  

Antelope Wells is considered a southern terminus of the 3,100 mile long Continental Divide Trail that starts in Canada.

And, now, it is notorious for being a border crossing.

Who've ever thunk that?

Bowl On

So, the big bowl game wasn't very exciting - unless you're a NE Patriot's fan.

I was wearing yellow, and hoped the LA Rams would do better...but you know, in the grand scheme of things, what the heck.

Political followers (like me) are a bit more wrapped up in what is happening to our country, flailing about waiting to see what lie gets told next by the orange face.

Now, don't get me wrong - I absolutely respect the office of the President of The United States.  I was fortunate enough to visit there during the time Jimmy Carter served.  It was a meeting held in the cabinet room.  I remember it well, even this many years later. 

It was an honor to be there and spend time with the POTUS.

It would still be an honor to visit The White House - as an institution.  There is so much history there.  It is a shame the present occupant doesn't understand what it's all about.  And, it's not all about money - which seems to be the biggest thing in his life.

SAD!

That said, we must forge ahead as a country, and as a state - look for the openings that come with each new day - and hope the new days bring brighter lights.

During the telecast of the game, there was a commercial that I hope you had a chance to see.  It was paid for by Albuquerque's own Jeff Bezos (he of Amazon fame, and owner of The Washington Post).

Here is the ad that promotes healthy journalism>

There are certainly times when the darkness of non-responsive government officials needs the light of day.

But, I firmly believe, not every document, every phone call, every text message should be subject to an inspection, just for the heck of it.   A number of government institutions are overburdened by the requests.  We as taxpayers are having to pay the salaries of folks who are going through boxes and messages to find memos, notes, records of events that might have happened years ago.  There needs to be responsibility that rides with the requests for information.

Responsibility!

Doesn't the President of the United States have a responsibility to tell the truth?

Apparently not this one!