Agenda 21 threat to homes, property of our middle-class

Agenda 21, adopted at the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit, calls for “sustainable development” and sustainable communities. While the concept sounds harmless in nature, if enacted it would have a highly adverse effect on New Mexicans — like all Americans — if implemented.

Essentially, Agenda 21 gives the government power to assess and deem an area, an item, or a type of production as unsustainable, thus putting it under increased government control.

This is a multi-faceted and dangerous program that could apply to all means of production — including land, water and animals, among other factors. Not only is this a direct violation of our freedoms as Americans, but it is an international overreach into our personal lives.

It is also the antithesis of what our forefathers fought for when they put their lives on the line to establish a free America.

Agenda 21 infringes on our personal liberties and will, no doubt, tie the hands of hardworking Americans. With increased government control, we head down a slippery slope and lose control of our homes, communities and our livelihoods.

While this is frightening and infuriating, it is additionally problematic with the role that redistribution of wealth will take.

According to the United Nations, one of the principles of Agenda 21 is “that eradicating poverty and reducing disparities in worldwide standards of living are ‘indispensable’ for sustainable development.” This is a direct call for redistribution of wealth — not only nationwide, but on an international scale.

There is no question that this is an attack on the middle class of America — which under Agenda 21′s principles would cease to exist. Property rights are not protected, and this could jeopardize our farms, our energy production and even our homes.

Frankly, this is unacceptable, and we as New Mexicans must stand up to say that enough is enough.

As a result, I have introduced House Bill 307, which prohibits the state of New Mexico from adopting or implementing policies that result from Agenda 21 — or the United Nations Rio Declaration of Environment and Development — without due process.

This legislation would protect hardworking New Mexicans from falling subject to an overzealous international government bureaucracy looking to grab more control.

We are not the only state with these concerns. Alabama, Virginia and Missouri’s state legislatures have passed similar legislation, and it has been introduced in several other states.

I will continue to stand firm in favor of property rights — and the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness — for all New Mexicans, and it is my sincere hope that my colleagues will do the same.

If we fail to pass this legislation, we are endangering the freedoms of the residents of our state and leaving the door open for a far too powerful government.