Letters to the Editor (Sept. 14, 2023)

Goodbye, Gov. Richardson 

Editor: 

The Democratic Party of Valencia County joins our fellow New Mexico Democrats in mourning the loss of (former) Gov. Bill Richardson.  

Today, we remember a towering figure in New Mexico politics, a dedicated public servant who placed the interests of our state and its people above all else. 

Throughout his illustrious career as a congressman, ambassador, secretary of energy, diplomat and governor, Gov. Richardson wore many hats, but his unwavering commitment to public service and his love for New Mexico shone through in every role. He was always eager to lend a helping hand and make a positive impact on the lives of our citizens. 

In August 2023, Richardson was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for his extraordinary efforts to secure freedom for political hostages in foreign countries, a testament to his unwavering dedication to peace and diplomacy. 

As we reflect on his legacy, our thoughts are with Gov. Richardson’s family and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. His contributions to our state will be remembered, and his spirit of public service and commitment to global peace will continue to inspire us all. New Mexico has lost a true statesman, and he will be deeply missed. 

Summer Ludwig 

Belen 

---

Veterans health care  

Editor: 

As a combat veteran who served in the United States Marine Corps, I Corp, Vietnam (1968-1969), I write these words to support veterans who live in rural America, often forgotten, always underserved.   

Many veterans live in urban areas near hospital(s), where life-saving care can easily be found. This is not a possible for those living a rural environments like Magdalena, Mountainair, Willard or remote American Indian reservations scattered throughout New Mexico.  Veterans here are left to their own devices to try and save their lives; live a longer life they deserve.    

Proposed changes in a Veteran’s Administration rule (not a law passed by Congress) will adversely impact these second-class veterans who live far away from the centers of power and are easily dismissed.  

This is not reasonable on so many levels, most important is that we need to treat all veterans equally. Public servants in the Veteran’s Administration seem to have forgotten this ideal, a moral obligation to serve veteran’s humanely, as people and not numbers. They have somehow forgotten these men and women risked their lives equally, sacrificed equally for them, for us.   

Health care should not be arrived at through some business school formula thought up by men and women who leave work each day, and then go home to a safe and quiet life. I doubt they think they are turning away from veterans, thinking instead they have made a difference. That is not a reality, not a moral reality in our eyes.   

They may choose not to see anguish on a veteran’s face suffering in some remote place, or see the faces family and friends looking on helplessly, wondering why.  

These men and women have no recourse to the powers in Washington, and so they are left alone to suffer and try to understand why they have been abandoned by their country, a country they believed in, and gave so much.  

We need to continue funding for emergency medical services, particularly ambulances and air ambulances. This is the least we can do for those who have given up days in their youth to see us safe from harm, to have sacrificed their youth for all Americans, whether they live in urban areas and rural areas, without any reservation.  

John S. Padoven 

Belen 

Interested in submitting a letter to the editor?

The News-Bulletin welcomes and encourages original letters to the editor, especially on local topics and issues. Shorter letters, about 350 words, are preferred.

Letters must be signed and include the writer’s address and telephone number (street address and phone number won’t be published). No letter will be published without the writer’s name.

Letters may be edited for length, spelling, grammar and legal considerations, but in all cases the writer’s intent will be maintained.

Political candidate endorsements or attacks are considered paid political advertisements and will not appear on the opinion page.

Letters that might be deemed unsuitable for publication include those that are libelous, are essentially personal attacks, are pointless, are part of an organized letter-writing campaign or are part of a mass mailing.

Qualified individuals wishing to directly reply to a News-Bulletin editorial or column are invited to contact the editor to discuss writing an op-ed piece, guest editorial or guest column.

•Write to:
Letters, News-Bulletin
221 S. Main St., Ste. B
Belen, N.M., 87002

•Email your views to us at:
[email protected]

•Use our online form: