SpeakUp!: The outdated NM tradition of drunk driving and traffic chaos must end

DRUNK DRIVING — a New Mexico tradition. Light sentence or home confinement in exchange for another needless death? Well, they didn’t mean to, so too bad, we must uphold our traditions, right? DZ

I drive in the morning when it’s dark, and lately I’ve noticed a number of cars with only ONE HEADLIGHT. I’m guessing they are expensive to replace, but if one goes out, the other might soon follow. It’s safer to have two. JA

I witnessed a car running two stop signs, weaving in and out of traffic, no brake lights and NO LICENSE PLATE. The driver, obviously in a hurry, made a sudden left turn in front of oncoming traffic pulling into one of the many cannabis shops on Juan Tabo. MD

Nadine Milford’s war against drunk driving and the prison system’s recidivism rate are related in the sense that New Mexico is not tough enough on criminal behavior. The PUNISHMENT FOR DUI and other criminal acts is not hard enough to cause a change in that behavior. It’s a simple equation. GH

Is MONTANO ever going to be repaved? Seems like more than 20 years since lanes were added and the old lane markings sandblasted out. The gouges are still there since the road was never repaved. JS

First, we had the crazy idea to turn CORN INTO FUEL for vehicles. To our detriment, that false economy is going strong – using diesel farm equipment and electricity from somewhere. Now, we’re covering the cornfields with solar panels. What could possibly go wrong? JEH

The police continue to hover over the city in their helicopter. Surveillance of homes and businesses, with reasonable expectation of privacy, without a warrant is illegal. We have a RIGHT TO PRIVACY and freedom from unreasonable searches. Stop the illegal searches, disturbing the peace, and polluting the environment. RS

Regarding “Guest column: Mendenhall’s words of a year ago ring hollow” (Dec. 10, Journal): Greg Archuleta is selling us sour grapes. One year of MENDENHALL gave UNM football a gift: An attitude of “it can be done, and you can do it.” That’s worth everything, and UNM and ABQ should thank him. Amen. LM

When ABQ CITY COUNCIL meetings go to 1 or 2 a.m. in the morning, they lack accessibility and transparency for residents. Solutions: shorter agendas and more frequent meetings, but those meetings must end by 11 p.m. RJB

Regarding “Governor details plans to move State Fair” (Dec. 4, Journal): Plans to replace Expo New Mexico with low-cost housing are ill-conceived on many levels. If it must happen then the new location and facilities should be completed prior to the development of any housing or business developments. Our HISTORICAL FAIRGROUNDS fill an important niche. JW

Regarding “Governor details plans to move State Fair” (Dec. 4, Journal): Instead, I suggest we build a CENTRAL PARK. That would provide a spectacular community space accessible to many, trails, a lake, a concert venue, and more. This would bring some character and uniqueness to our high dessert home. PS

Regarding “Governor details plans to move State Fair” (Dec. 4, Journal): Instead, why don’t we move the state Capitol, the Roundhouse, along with GOV. MLG and all the politicians up to the spacious mountains in Santa Fe? Demolish the Roundhouse and build low-income housing for all the drug addicts, alcoholics and illegals there. Leave the State Fair be. MAP

Regarding “Governor details plans to move State Fair” (Dec. 4, Journal): Moving the STATE FAIRGROUNDS is a solution in search of a problem, leave it alone. How about working on getting another bridge crossing or two, a project that is really needed and that will impact many more New Mexicans every day? RGT

If you really want to improve the Albuquerque SUNPORT, rip out the luggage-wheel-wreaking tile floors and put in something smooth like every major airport. VGL

Wow, Bernalillo County commissioners get a 15% raise while those living on SOCIAL SECURITY get a whopping 2.5%. Something is out of balance here. JMW

In spite of the constant complaints about a variety of things in the state, I saw with interest that for the most part the same people were returned to office in the LAST ELECTION. Even when the governor’s call for a special session on crime failed miserably, there still was no change. CAM

It is reported that a lawyer for RFK Jr. has asked the FDA to revoke the approval for the POLIO VACCINE. This is ludicrous beyond RFK Jr. standards. Dr. Jonas Salk’s vaccine literally saved millions of lives. Anyone not old enough to remember should google “iron lung.” EJG

When President Joe Biden steps down he will be remembered as a fine statesman, gracious with a long history of serving this country despite PARDONING his son. Those who criticize him for this are the ones who admire President-elect Donald Trump who has lied to, and cheated, this country. BW

In NBC’s “Meet the Press” interview on Dec. 8, President-elect Donald Trump said that he can’t guarantee his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won’t RAISE PRICES for American consumers. Well, that’s because they surely will. Trump clearly doesn’t understand how tariffs really work. EJG

Bezos and Zuckerberg are donating millions to President-elect Donald TRUMP’S INAUGURATION. If I remember right, donated funds were mismanaged at Trump’s last inauguration. JP

American needs a betting pool that picks both how many hours after President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration and which senator first brings up repealing the 22nd AMENDMENT. JR

President-elect Donald Trump is appointing blindly loyal cabinet members and advisors. Most of whom are incompetent and inexperienced. He’s promising HUGE TARIFFS and tax cuts for the wealthy. What could possibly go wrong? KZ

When RUSSIA CONQUERED a slice of Ukraine, Washington, D.C., quickly condemned it as flagrant aggression. When Israel recently conquered a slice of Syria, that was just Israel defending itself. Interesting how a country of 9 million has more clout in Washington than a country of 144 million. RM