Bill Fits the Bill: Richardson 2008

Don’t let the bollo tie distract you…Richardson’s the man.

Last week New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson announced a strong interest in running for the 2008 presidential election on the democratic ticket. Setting him against hard-hitting players like Sen. Hilary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama, Bill will have his work cut out for him if he’s looking to make any national headway. But he not only has experience on his side, he also has New Mexico.

Richardson has already put New Mexico on the map with his fierce involvement with immigration and role in the current border problems facing both the U.S. and Mexico. After declaring a state of emergency and requesting federal assistance in 2005 due to the immigration problems facing the state, Richardson stood in the national spotlight after taking such a drastic move toward securing both the border and the plights of immigrants.

“The region has been devastated by the ravages and terror of human smuggling, drug smuggling, kidnapping, murder, destruction of property and the death of livestock,” Richardson said when he declared the state of emergency. “[It] is in an extreme state of disrepair and is inadequately funded or safeguarded to protect the lives and property of New Mexican citizens."

This strong statement brought attention to the woes of the Southwest and its proximity to Mexico. With New Mexico sharing 180 miles with the country to the south, it is a key state in the border battle. And Richardson is right in the middle of this debate.

Well-rounded and seemingly everywhere, Richardson always has his nose in foreign policy and is a former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Also, after serving as the Secretary of Energy, you can often see Richardson on the news whenever there’s an energy crisis at hand.

In 2006, Richardson traveled to Darfur and helped exclusively to negotiate a ceasefire between the rebels and the Sudan government. And if that wasn’t enough, he’s also a favorite among the North Koreans, who specifically request speaking to Bill on several matters, such as their nuclear weapons program.

Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1995, 1997, 2000 and 2001, Richardson has successfully garnered the release of prisoners and hostages in Iraq, Cuba, the Sudan and North Korea.

But one of his greatest strengths—being active in foreign affairs— might be a potential downfall, as some New Mexicans feel as though Bill doesn’t spend enough time in his home state. There are also irritated rumblings about a private jet and frivolous spending, but what modern politician doesn’t fall under this category? And there’s always his alleged claim to fame that he was selected for baseball’s minor league draft.

But despite those claims, Richardson’s road to the White House might last longer than some anticipate. As the media latches onto the Obama and Clinton bandwagon, Richardson may slide by unnoticed until we find he’s the democratic name on the final November 2008 ballot.

Richardson has done right by New Mexico on many fronts and could do the same for the United States if given the opportunity. For one, Richardson has propelled the New Mexico film industry beyond our wildest dreams.

“We are producing an average of one film per month,” he said in a speech given in 2004. “Our film-related revenue grew 1,000 percent last year, and it's growing even faster this year.”

According to a press release from the Governor’s office, Richardson allotted $1 million for “the purchase of a ‘mobile’ film equipment package” to be used in film classes for students in New Mexico, which will put them ahead of the film game.

He also helped students at New Mexico State University understand government last year when he headed up a seminar course every other week for an entire semester. In what other state can undergrads take a class with the governor of their state?

Richardson has also looked far beyond the borderline, and even beyond this world, to space. He is a big supporter of the private aerospace industry. New Mexico has just become the number one spot for the future of space tourism and we can tip our caps to Bill for this accomplished feat.

Between his involvement and propinquity to the U.S./Mexico border, his evident political prowess, and progressive focus on the future, this Spanish-speaking Democrat might just be the man to beat.

And if not, he’ll at least have his position in the Guinness Book of World Records for shaking 13,392 hands in an eight-hour period while campaigning in Albuquerque, beating President Theodore Roosevelt's record. And of course, he'll always have his bollo tie.

For more information on Richardson, check out his biography.
Or his Web site.
Or the ever-reliable Wikipedia.




Thanks to www.unm.edu for the use of the photo.

New Mexico 101: Welcome to the Land of Enchantment

This state will capture your imagination. Though many don’t think it’s even part of the United States, it’s probably because New Mexico has a flavor all its own.

I stumbled upon New Mexico years ago when my parents decided they needed a vacation from the harsh winters of upstate New York. From snow-capped mountains in Taos ski-valley to the southern comfort of dry summers across the state, the “Land of Enchantment” is an undiscovered cove of culture. With a helping of traditional Mexico, a dash of Native American customs, and the zest of the American way of life, this state is unlike any other in the Southwest.

The first thing you need to know upon entering New Mexico is the answer to the most frequently asked question: red or green? Referring to chile, most restaurants offer this spicy addition to meals. Most locals have their favorite, but if you ask for the Christmas tree option you can get the best of both worlds.

Known primarily for aliens, hot-air balloons, and Billy the Kid, New Mexico lives up to the typecast and thrives off of these points. The 1947 crash outside of Roswell put eastern N.M. on the map. Albuquerque is home to the annual hot-air balloon fiesta in October. And Billy the Kid is venerated in the southern part of the state, where you can find most souvenirs with his name on it.

The capital of New Mexico is Santa Fe, the arty cultural center of NM. Based around a bustling plaza, there is an art gallery and cobblestone alley around every corner. With a rich history involving Spanish explorers and Mexican conquerors, Santa Fe was founded in 1610.

Albuquerque is home to the University of New Mexico Lobos and a thriving youth culture. A busy city with a plethora of job opportunities, Albuquerque is the largest city in the state. The 'burque is always a good destination for a road trip.

In Southern New Mexico one will find 350 days of sunshine and Las Cruces, a college-town with about 100,000 residents. New Mexico State University resides in the L.C. and so do miles of cotton, chile, and pecan orchards.

Beyond the pleasant aesthetics, New Mexico is also a hotbed of controversy and emerging political stories revolving around the border and immigration. In 2005 Governor Bill Richardson declared a state of emergency due to illegal immigration and the lack of aide from the federal government.

After going to high school in Las Cruces, I’ve learned the way of New Mexican life and keep track of the happenings in my home state. This blog will explore border issues going on in NM and the surrounding areas; from the asinine wall being built along Mexico to the teenage obsession with Juarez. Stay tuned, controversy is bound to explode.

For a map of New Mexico, check it out here.