Opinion: Speak Up!

New Mexico has safe and SECURE ELECTIONS. We are No. 1 on the Election Performance Index. Anyone can review security measures at the secretary of state's website. President Trump's claims of voting fraud are false and Amy Barela (NM Republican Party chairwoman) should be ashamed to repeat his lies to score political points. EH

It was totally reckless for the Republican Party of New Mexico to agree with President Trump’s lies that NM ELECTIONS are corrupt. But I’m not surprised since having people lose faith in our institutions is the current GOP strategy. JH

Are NM ELECTIONS corrupt? This is the only state I've lived in where the poll workers don't ask for ID. They say they aren't allowed to check IDs. When asked how they know I am who I say I am they are dumbfounded. Where's the common sense? BAS

Responding to President Trump saying ELECTIONS IN NM are a disaster. SOS Maggie Toulouse Oliver has won awards for increasing voter access; running efficient, secure and fair elections; and bringing more transparency to government. Worse, state GOP leaders endorsed Trump's comments. I will never vote GOP again if leaders rubber-stamp Trump's ill-informed comments. RS

New Mexico Republicans responded to President Trump’s ridiculous claim that our STATE'S ELECTIONS are “corrupt” by saying his comments are “totally valid." If Republicans win an election, it’s a landslide. If they lose, the election was rigged. Show proof of New Mexico election fraud, or shut up. Stop perpetuating Trump’s lies. ML

Not only did the chair of the NM GOP inaccurately characterize NM elections as corrupt (Jan. 17 Journal), she showed disrespect for REPUBLICAN POLL WORKERS. When I was a poll worker I was impressed by the work we all did to ensure fair voting, even though we differed in party affiliation. JP

So APS understands some students “felt compelled” to walk out and demonstrate. OK. But does APS also teach the students that every choice made has consequences and that those choosing to WALK OUT will be marked absent? BG

Regarding "How the Trump administration erased centuries of JUSTICE DEPARTMENT experience" (Jan. 17 Journal): Thanks for the analysis detailing the DOJ's campaign of political retribution on career attorneys who follow the rule of law thereby becoming thorns in the side of the current administration. It noted they are often replaced by unqualified political ideologues. Dare I hope that this damage can be contained? SJ

TRUMP and his cabinet are showing everyone when you have serious people in charge that want a better future for its citizens, it can be done. We need more “outsiders” within all government agencies to root out the corruption. Imagine the waste in our $11 billion state budget. SS

Donald Trump must not have taken many geography classes at the Wharton Business School. He is mad at Norway for snubbing him for the Nobel Peace Prize. To retaliate, he is going after GREENLAND, which belongs to Denmark, not Norway. Close enough I guess. EJG

Trump wants GREENLAND for defense against Russia and China. However, NATO and our allies help defend against Russia and China. In addition, our treaty with Denmark allows us to put thousands of troops in Greenland if we want. This isn't about defense. It is about avarice, arrogance and ego. AF

PRESIDENT TRUMP continues to say he has personally ended eight wars. Can anyone name those eight wars? ECH

It is good that the GOVERNOR is not taking a victory lap. Her eight years has produced nothing significant related to the statistics that should matter most. Our kids are not better educated, per capita income has not risen and crime is out of control. So much for success. GH

Regarding "Punitive damages emerge as flashpoint in latest malpractice reform push" (Jan. 20 Journal):  The Jan. 20 malpractice article by Ted Alcorn states two members of the Senate Judiciary Committee are malpractice attorneys. A blatant conflict of interest. This is exactly why NM needs a full-time, paid Legislature. Lawyers and doctors in the Roundhouse should recuse themselves from any MALPRACTICE-RELATED BILLS. WL

Doctors should fear MALPRACTICE LAWSUITS. But good doctors also know they will not face penalties. Patients who suffer real gross negligence by a doctor should be able to receive full compensation including punitive damages. RJB

To improve HEALTH CARE in NM our legislators need to (1) authorize participation in medical compacts, (2) cap punitive damages to $200,000 max, and (3) increase funding for our state's medical regulators, the New Mexico Medical Board and New Mexico Health Care Authority's Division of Health Improvement. RDB

Deb Haaland wants to add DOCTORS AND DENTISTS to schools but 65% of doctors are considering relocating out of state and, according to the Cicero Institute report, New Mexico will be short 2,118 doctors by 2030. She offers no plan to implement these goals. TMP

Regarding "OPINION: Fiber optic installation can be a frustration" (Jan. 18 Journal): Thanks to Ms. Jay Newton-Small for bringing to light (SLE)EZEE FIBER and its presence in ABQ. In our neighborhoods, like Pigpen in the "Peanuts" cartoon, the company leaves a total mess. That after the idle promise to restore yards to their original shape. MP