The Legacy of New Mexico Democrats

My adopted state of New Mexico is a shining example of how the Democrat Party shapes any governmental unit they dominate.

Democrats have held the majority in almost every city, county, state or federal office. In November, 2010, we elected a Republican governor; broke the Democrats hold on our congressional delegation by electing a Republican to one of our three districts, and we gained some seats in our state legislature. But Democrats still hold majorities.

What is the result: Here is how the American Society of Civil Engineers graded New Mexico's infrastructure:

1. Aviation: D
2. Bridges: C
3. Dams: D
4. Drinking Water: D-
5. Energy: D+
6. Hazardous Waste: D
7. Inland Waterways: D-
8. Levees: D-
9. Public Parks and recreation: C-
10. Rail: C-
11. Roads: D-
12: Schools: D
13. Solid Waste: C+
14. Transit: D
15. Wastewater: D-

Meantime, New Mexico's Department of Higher Education reports that, for the fist time in history, New Mexico's older residents are better educated than its younger ones. A higher percentage of those 45 to 65 years old have an associate's degree or higher compared to those who are 25 to 44. In other words, our system of higher education is no longer working.

New Mexico has a variety of climates, from toasty warm deserts to cool mountains. It has an abundance of natural resources, including oil, natural gas and uranium. It has fishing, big and small game hunting; lakes, ski areas and other tourist attractions. And, New Mexico has spectacular scenery and breathtaking sunsets nearly every day.

New Mexico now has a commercial spaceport. (It costs a lot less to launch from 4,000 feet than at sea level, as in Florida.)

There is every reason why New Mexico should be a thriving, prosperous state. Sadly, its management - its government - has prevented that from becoming a reality.