Author Archives: merilee

Flat taxes and bond issues

Senator Pete Domenici was speaking to a group of journalists. He was talking about simplifying the federal tax code by getting rid of special categories and deductions.  It was about 1993. During the question period, a young man stood up … Continue reading

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Steve Jobs and the free market

The death of Apple cofounder Steve Jobs, who was well and justly eulogized in the national media, offers perspective on the meaning of the free market.  Jobs became an icon of the free market by creating products that people bought … Continue reading

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An early look at Congressional candidate web sites

In 2010, when then-Congressman Harry Teague was running for re-election again Steve Pearce, I checked his campaign web site looking for a position statement  on a certain issue.  I couldn’t get past the front page.  To get into the site, … Continue reading

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Is our health care system a system?

What are we going to do about this health care system?  Or this polyglot of programs we have instead of a system? That’s one of America’s big questions, of course.  At the recent Domenici Institute conference in Las Cruces, Dr. … Continue reading

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Driving the rascals out

In 1992, a little organization sprang up in New Mexico called “Drive the Rascals Out,”  calling on voters to vote all incumbents out of the state legislature.  This organization appeared to have just one member –Marvin something – but it … Continue reading

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Remembering what government is for

The unvaccinated woman got on a plane in London.  She flew to Washington, DC, changed planes and flew to Denver, then on to Albuquerque, and from there drove home to Santa Fe.  She had measles. During the trip she had … Continue reading

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Pressures in Social Security Disability

The Social Security expert was among friends and in a mood to be candid. People who are disabled and unable to work — or who believe they are — can apply for Social Security disability benefits of lifetime income and … Continue reading

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Let’s fix the fireworks problem

UPDATE TO THIS ARTICLE:  Since this article was originally published in member newspapers in July, it was announced that the fireworks issue will be considered during the September 2011 special session.  Were you outraged,around July 4, that there was no … Continue reading

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Campaign pledges

Read my lips.  No new pledges.  How’s that for a campaign slogan? The recent debate over the federal debt limit showed millions of Americans just how dysfunctional our federal leadership has become — if they needed another demonstration. Since the … Continue reading

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The conflict for doctors about work comp

The old doctor is gruff and authoritative.   He is at a workers’ compensation seminar, addressing the young lawyer who is the speaker.  He asks, bluntly: When you are representing an injured worker, what result do you want?  Do you want … Continue reading

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