Author Archives: merilee

            Forty people shuffle into the courtroom.  They take assigned seats, which correspond to their names on a diagram.  They look serious and a little intimidated. Voir dire begins – the question-and-answer process by which the biases and beliefs of … Continue reading →

Government leaders keep telling us the engine of economic growth is small business.  They can’t wait to do more to encourage small business.  Then they force  small businesses to jump through hoops with complicated rules and paperwork. Here is what … Continue reading →

An old saying reminds us that it’s generally a bad idea to preach sermons on attendance. Since you are reading this column, you are – obviously – a reader of your local newspaper, which means you stay informed about your … Continue reading →

On the same day as the New Mexico primary, Wisconsin voters voted not to recall their governor. Pundits have been busy analyzing the tea leaves about that election.  I’m considering the meaning for New Mexico.  I think simply:  thank goodness … Continue reading →

New Mexico’s primary election is among the last scheduled in the nation. On June 5, we will be joined by California, Montana, New Jersey and South Dakota in holding what is described as a “consolidated” presidential and state primary.  North … Continue reading →

The group of small business owners sat around a table talking earnestly about what helps and what hurts their efforts to stay in business and maintain the jobs they have previously created. During the current recession, said one gentleman, he … Continue reading →

It must be spring – spring in an election year.  The first candidate of the season has beat the hummingbirds to my front doorstep.  She is walking my neighborhood, petition and voter registration list in hand, asking for a signature. … Continue reading →

Some months ago, there seemed to be an increase in news stories about mistreated horses:  horses starving on drought-blighted open range or neglected in too-small private fields.   Horses are such noble animals, I had always thought.  How can anybody mistreat … Continue reading →