Field Trip
After reading the article by Jerry Eagan in the
March 2006 issue of Desert
Exposure about Ft. Cummings ("Canyon
Conquerors"),
my husband and I decided to take the dogs and go explore. It was an
interesting venture into past history.
As we were driving along the last few miles of our journey, we met
two other vehicles on their way out. One was from New Mexico, but the
other was from Illinois. Both of us commented on how the Desert
Exposure must
really get around.
The directions were very clear on how to get to Ft. Cummings. We enjoyed
our visit, but felt sad for the lack of what remained of the fort. We
hope all others who may venture out there will continue to respect our
eroding history. Thanks for the adventure idea. My husband and I, and
the dogs, had a great day.
Judy and Jesse DouBrava
Silver City
Let the Sun Shine In
As I read responses to your article on what
are referred to as "sunshine
laws" in some states ("30-Day
Dud," March 2006 Editor's
Note), I was reminded of something I read years ago. As I recall, H.L.
Mencken once observed that the government is not run by people competent
to govern—they are never allowed near it. It is run by people who
gain power by promising groups of people something at each other's
expense. Sort of like people standing in a circle with their hands
in each other's pockets trying to get rich. Integrity is not allowed.
The passage of sunshine laws would not require repealing of indecency
laws. The sunshine meetings would be squeaky clean, because they would
be choreographed in closed meetings taking place elsewhere in the dark.
Democracy only works if you don't allow the winners or losers to take
office.
Charles Clements
Las Cruces
Surge of Gratitude
It is touching to know that Plaquemines Parish has not been forgotten
by the kind people of New Mexico. The people of our parish (county) have
come to know the people of New Mexico as family—people who care about
our tragedy and who will do anything possible to come to our aid.
Your article "Storm
Surge" in the
March 2006 issue confirmed what we already knew: New Mexico will be
at our side through the entire ordeal of rebuilding our parish. A special
thanks to Matt Shaw who has taken it upon himself to be our liaison
between the parish and your newspaper. We owe him a debt of gratitude.
In closing I would like to add a personal note. In the days that followed
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the parish of Plaquemines found an unprecedented
comfort in the hard work and dedication of the National Guard units from
your state. They will be in our hearts forever.
Please convey Parish President Benny Rousselle's thanks for all of the
people of Plaquemines Parish. New Mexico has been a great source of strength
for us all.
Janice P. Buras
Parish President's Executive Assistant
Belle Chasse, Louisiana
Grappling with Grief
I read Henry Lightcap's article on "Losing
Don" (April)
and it hit home. I have recently lost a friend here in Silver City
and also have a long-time friend back on Long Island, who is slowly
losing a battle with a variety of problems,
Actually, we males can probably handle our own grief reasonably well,
but generally do poorly in providing compassion for others who are in
grief. Our wives usually have to handle the situation for both of us.
Henry Lightcap did an excellent job of describing how most of us struggle
with the grief of others.
Bert de Pedro
Red Rock
Salmon Fishing
I have to agree with Larry Lightner about
New Mexico Game Commissioner Dutch Salmon (Ramblin'
Outdoors, April).
He's no "greenie."
He's also a typical speciesist game commissioner, with no realization
of the fact that hunting and trapping are obsolete wildlife management
traditions. It's a shame these people are afraid to debate in public.
Bob Young
Las Cruces
Let us hear from you! Write Desert Exposure Letters,
PO Box 191, Silver City, NM 88062, fax 534-4134 or email letters@desertexposure.com.
Letters are subject to editing for style and length.
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May
2006