Author Archives: merilee

There’s a hidden lesson for New Mexicans in the federal government shutdown. It shouldn’t be hidden. Most of us are alarmed, frightened and furious about the shutdown and the paralysis of government decision-making process at its highest level. We understand … Continue reading →

Please, Mr. Redford, give us the alternative to slaughtering horses. Please, Governors current and past, don’t just tell us it’s bad, tell us what to do instead.  Show us a plan.  Show us a budget.  Show us the water to … Continue reading →

If you are confused about the behavioral health crisis, you’re not alone.  Whichever way you see it, it’s terrible. Medicaid funds are being withheld from 15 nonprofit behavioral health providers.  Except for a few confusing revelations, the public still has … Continue reading →

Evaporation.   It’s a word I think about a lot these days. Massive quantities of New Mexico’s precious water are silently disappearing into the sky from our lakes and rivers – especially from the Elephant Butte Reservoir. This is not a … Continue reading →

The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District held an election a few weeks ago.   Though I don’t live or vote in that district, the election reminded me of the inefficiency – dare I say lunacy? – of the way we hold … Continue reading →

New Mexico’s biggest free dental clinic is scheduled this year for Farmington, Sept. 12-15. It’s called the Mission of Mercy, run by the New Mexico Dental Foundation, the charitable affiliate of the New Mexico Dental Association. This will be the … Continue reading →

The little boy, age six, had two silver caps where his front teeth should have been.   Speculation was he must have been raised on sugary drinks instead of milk.  He had awful, stale-smelling breath, such as I had never before … Continue reading →