Just the Facts ... and Then Some

JUST THE FACTS ... & THEN SOME

by Caren Cowan, Publisher New Mexico Stockman

If you haven’t registered to vote, you have until May 10, 2022 to do so. That is also the deadline to re-register in a different party if there are no contests you want to vote in your current party.

Every two years for the past 30 years, I have told you that this is the most important race you will ever vote in. All you have to do is look around our state and our nation to tell how close I am coming to telling the truth.

I had an opportunity to hear from all the primary contested gubernatorial candidates last month. Unfairly I was prepared to be unimpressed. I need to get over that. Each of the five candidates have something to offer the state of New Mexico.

One candidate mentioned that they had been asked how they were going to put together a Cabinet. The answer was simple… all the unsuccessful candidates would be asked to fill a Cabinet position.

Not only would this put to good use the talent that is readily available and clearly concerned about our state, but it would ensure the rapid seating of a Cabinet to get right to work on bringing New Mexico to its full potential. We cannot wait for months for a Cabinet to be in place as has happened in the past.

Unfortunately, with political campaigns comes the dreaded television advertising. One candidate has already cracked out with commercials insulting a good portion of the population. There is a vow to take out militias.

Perhaps that candidate and his endorsers should check out the definition of a militia. According to Dictionary.com, militia means: Ї A body of citizens enrolled for military service, and called out periodically for drill but serving full time only in emergencies. Ї A body of citizen soldiers as distinguished from professional soldiers. Ї All able-bodied males considered by law eligible for military service. Ї A body of citizens organized in a paramilitary group and typically

NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the New Mexico Livestock Board (NMLB) will hold an in-person and video/ telephonic rulemaking hearing on June 13, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at the Ruidoso Convention Center 111 Sierra Blanca Drive, Ruidoso, NM 88345 Meeting Room 4A. The hearing will be held via an in-person and virtual format. Instructions on how to join the virtual rulemaking hearing will be posted on the NMLB’s website, www.nmlbonline.com. The NMLB will consider proposed new Rules. The purpose of the proposed rules adoption is to provide NMLB regulatory authority over the In-State Meat and Poultry Inspection Program. See generally 21.33.2.1 through 21.33.2.8 NMAC to TITLE 21, AGRICULTURE AND RANCHING; CHAPTER 33, ABATTOIRS, MEAT DEALERS AND STORAGE PLANTS; PART 2 FOOD SAFETY, MEAT AND POULTRY INSPECTION. Full copies of text of the proposed new rules can be obtained from the agency’s website at www.nmlbonline.com. To request a copy of the proposed rule by mail, contact the NMLB at (505)8416161. Visit www.nmlbonline.com for instructions on how to attend the virtual public hearing. Interested persons may submit written comments on the proposed Rules 21.32.2.1 through 21.33.2.8 NMAC at www.nmlbonline.com or individuals may mail written comments to: NMLB/Rule Comments, 2105 Osuna Rd NE Building South, Albuquerque, NM 87113. Comments are due by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 10, 2022. The final proposed rules will be voted on by the Board during the public hearing on Monday, June 13, 2022. Interested persons may also provide data, views or arguments, orally or in writing, at the in-person and virtual public rule hearing to be held on June 13, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at the Ruidoso Convention Center 111 Sierra Blanca Drive, Ruidoso, NM 88345 Meeting Room 4A. All written comments will be posted on the agency’s website within three (3) days of receipt. Legal authority for this rulemaking can be found in the Livestock Code 77-2-7, et seq. NMSA 1978; Livestock Board’s power to establish rules and regulations 77-2-7, et seq. NMSA 1978. If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter, or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the hearing or meeting, please contact the agency at (505) 841-6161 at least one week prior to the meeting or as soon as possible. Public documents, including the agenda and minutes, can be provided in various accessible formats. Please contact the NMLB at (505) 841-6161 if a summary or other type of accessible format is needed. regarding themselves as defenders of individual rights against the presumed interference of the federal government.

It is clear that a militia is not an unruly crowd that gets out of hand. I am not sure how many militias there are in New Mexico, if any. The worldwide web doesn’t list any. Any way you cut it, this candidate and his supporters are out of touch.

Cancel Culture

This is another one of those terms that make little sense to me. As near as I can figure it out, it means a concerted effort to take down anyone that is successful.

In the livestock world, renowned horse trainer Bob Baffert is the perfect example. Baffert has been of the most successful trainers in the horse racing community for years. Are there mistakes made in his barns, of course. There are numerous employees involved with animal care. People make mistakes.

One of those mistakes has led to efforts to devastate Bob’s career. The Kentucky racing authorities have pulled the 2021 Kentucky Derby win of the now deceased Medina Spirit and banned Baffert from the state’s tracks for 90 days. That 90 days just happens to cover the 2022 Kentucky Derby. Because of reciprocity of racing states, that ban carries to every state, meaning that Baffert cannot compete in the Belmont or Preakness Stakes.

But that didn’t stop Baffert trained Country Grammer from winning 2022 Dubai World Cup. After the win owner Amr Zedan from declared Baffert” the best trainer in the world.” ▫

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE???

You have until May 10, 2022 Git ‘er Done!!!

You can register online at the Secretary of State’s website, contact the political party of your choice, or visit your county clerk’s office.

EARLY VOTING STARTS ON MAY 10! Primary is June 7, 2022. MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT.