Talkofthetown: Woke training has caused 'crisis point' in high school officiating

Busy intersection needed signs, lights

I want to thank Ms. Dionna Arellano, senior constituent services representative, Office of the Mayor, along with Mayor Tim Keller for the installation of flashing pedestrian crossing yellow lights and signs at the Carlisle and Mackland intersection.

This has been a busy intersection for many years, with considerable pedestrian traffic related to UNM and K-12 schools.

Having almost lost my life at the intersection a few years ago, I very much appreciate the change. With a press of a button, most traffic comes to a stop and I politely wave thanks while walking across. However, others speed right on through, perhaps oblivious, indicating more safety changes to come.

Again, thank you.

DR. JOHN GEISSMAN

Albuquerque

Thanks, Rep. Bill Rehm, for years of service

Regarding, “Democrats have had no interest in solving our crime epidemic” (July 23 Journal letter), my sincere gratitude to Rep. Bill Rehm for his dedication to public safety throughout his many years of service in the N.M. Legislature.

His perspective as former law enforcement, his years of service to his district and his ability to offer legislation what would truly make a difference will be sadly missed after he retires.

I, for one, wish him the best and thank him for his efforts. I only have two wishes: that I don’t live in his district, so I could never vote for him, and that his replacement work just as hard as Bill on our crime problem.

TOM BESSON

Albuquerque

Woke training driving away sports officials

Re: “State of high school officiating at a ‘crisis point’” (July 28 Sunday Journal).

I was a soccer referee for 25 years and quit two years ago. While the fan and coach abuse was part of the reason, it was not the major one.

The primary reason was the insertion of woke training required to maintain licensure. We are required to take DEI training, which includes sexist, abuse, and other forms of social behavior we are very unlikely to see during the short time we officiate a game.

We have to be fingerprinted and background checked at our own expense and have to pay for our “training.” We used to have regular training where we got together and discussed on-field issues. Now it’s all online with generic, inapplicable examples.

No wonder no new officials want to endure such useless garbage.

Referees are there to enforce the laws of the game. They see the players for maybe 90 minutes, and then may not see the team for the rest of the season. They are not coaches, or parent surrogates, nor are they there to heal social ills.

I quit because it wasn’t fun anymore, and more of a hassle than a help.

LARRY SCHUSTER

Albuquerque

Good for Gadi covering the Olympics in Paris

I just wanted to thank the Journal for the wonderful front-page article on July 30 on Gadi Schwartz and his time at the Olympics.

I thoroughly enjoyed his reporting and personal charisma as a young reporter here in Albuquerque, and have seen him rise to national and, now, his international presence at the Summer Olympics.

From a “wet-behind-the-ears” young guy just starting out, to a mature, experienced TV reporter in southern California, he continues to be a breath of fresh air in a crowded field.

Wishing him and his family all the best as he continues to learn and grow. Wouldn’t be surprised to see in an anchor chair someday.

MARTHA WOLF

Albuquerque

Why are Dems shutting down county parties?

I have been a loyal, committed Democrat for over 50 years. I have served the Democratic Party in many capacities. I have run for office multiple times. I was appointed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to fill the seat of Otero County Commissioner Couy Griffin when he was not allowed to hold office.

The reason for this letter is I am very concerned about the state Democratic Party. We are now about 90 days until the 2024 presidential election.

About a year ago the executive director of the Democratic Party of New Mexico, Sean Ward, and others in leadership shut down several county parties, including San Juan in the heart of the Navajo Nation. Removed the county chair without his knowledge.

In Otero County, our party has been shut down or suspended for over a year, including closing our headquarters that we paid for.

My concern is why would the state Democratic Party suspend a half dozen counties before a presidential election? We need answers and not lip service.

STEPHANIE DUBOIS

Tularosa

Governor needs to stay in NM and do her job

I read the Aug. 2 Journal article that Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is taking a 10-day trip to India. Another international trip. She has already traveled to Dubai, Egypt, Taiwan, Australia and the Netherlands.

It seems ridiculous to me that the governor is out globetrotting around the world when New Mexico has so many problems that have not even been addressed. US News & World Report states New Mexico is 50th in education, 48th in crime and corrections and 45th in economy, just to name a few.

I don’t care if nonprofit groups are paying the tab or taxpayers for these international trips, the governor needs to stay in New Mexico and do her job. Supposedly, two-thirds of New Mexico exports go to Mexico, none to India.

All the other countries the governor has traveled to, there is no proof to the public that these trips have had any monetary return to New Mexico, much less even enough return to cover the costs.

The people, the legislators and our leaders in New Mexico need to tell the governor, stay home, deal with these major issues right here in New Mexico. New Mexico deserves much better.

DAVID NEALE

Albuquerque

Bad policies caused 20% inflation in US

I got to thinking about the economy and how it is affecting our family. I think there is a disconnect between what I am hearing politicians and the Feds say and the reality.

First of all, our government excludes food and energy when they calculate inflation. They say that is because food and energy are too volatile, but I can’t help thinking that to some extent doing so makes the numbers look better for those in power.

So, the most recent news boasts that annual inflation has “improved” from 3.27% down to 2.97%. Well, 3% doesn’t seem like such a scary number until you add the months together.

Economists focus on rate of change but they are just trying to make the best of bad government policy that causes inflation in the first place.

The Fed doesn’t cause inflation, government policy does. If you add the months together, food prices are up 25% from 2019 to 2023. Overall, inflation is up 20% in the same period.

But the real truth is that during this same period the productivity of suppliers didn’t slump causing prices to rise. In fact, my guess is that there were productivity gains during that period and if there had not been, prices would be higher than they are.

So, it isn’t the American worker or companies that are to blame. In my opinion, the real truth is that our money has been debased by our government. It means that 20% of all our collective wealth vanished into thin air in a four-year period. The buying power of a 2019 U.S. dollar is now 80 cents.

This especially hurts retired people who saved for their retirement and in just four years, one-fifth of the buying power of their savings are just gone. Government economic policy matters.

EDDIE BELL

Albuquerque

NM delegation was MIA on Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of Congress on July 24 for the first time since Oct. 7 attacks. Twelve-hundred Israelis lost their lives and Hamas even killed babies. You’d think we could all agree this is completely unacceptable.

As I watched the speech, it reminded me of the speech President George W. Bush gave after the 9/11 attacks. The joint session of Congress gave Netanyahu standing ovation after standing ovation. I haven’t seen Congress so engaged since 9/11.

Then I learn that all five of New Mexico’s congressional members did not attend. U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján, along with U.S. Reps. Melanie Stansbury, Gabe Vasquez and Teresa Leger Fernandez, have all confirmed they did not be attend the prime minister’s address.

The local news asked them for comments and they declined. Had they listened they would know that based on the size of their population, the attack was like 20 9/11s.

We elect these people to represent New Mexico. When they won’t even listen to our top ally in the world and can’t comment on why, it makes it look like the people of New Mexico are missing in action. Embarrassing.

Attend, listen and then report, but don’t make up your mind without being present.

Is this what Netanyahu meant when he talked about Iran’s “useful idiots?”

Many people may get the impression that New Mexico is antisemitic.

JIM BELL

Albuquerque