UNITED WAY OF SOUTHERN N.M. TO HOST LIVE KICK-OFF CELEBRATION

The United Way of Southern New Mexico will host the LIVE UNITED campaign kick-off BBQ from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at Young Park.

Attendees will help the organization celebrate the successes of 2008, and welcome the 2009 funded agencies thereby helping the United Way of SNM to build a stronger community.

Cost for the BBQ is $5 per person. Guests are asked to RSVP by Monday, Aug. 3, to 524-7561.

CITY OFFICIALS TO HOLD MEETING TO DISCUSS CITY'S LIGHTING ORDINANCE TODAY AT 5:00 P.M.

The following information was distributed to the membership of the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce:

"The Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted unanimously to support the existing City of Las Cruces Lighting Ordinance , Ord. No. 1813, which was adopted Aug. 7, 2000.

"The city will hold a meeting about the lighting ordinance from 5 to 7 p.m. at City Hall, 200 Water St. All Chamber members are encouraged to attend to show their support for the existing ordinance.

"According to (former Mayor) Bill Mattiace, Chamber vice president of governmental affairs, the board decided to support the existing ordinance because it has been adequately received from business owners, residential housing and astronomers for the past 10 years.

“We feel the current ordinance has generated good, steady business for Las Cruces,” Mattiace said.

"The decision of support comes after a recommendation by the Chamber’s Issues and Governmental Affairs Committee that took several months to study the issue.

“We’ve worked on this over several meetings, and we’ve met with Mark Eisler and Councillor Sharon Thomas as well as Oscar Andrade about the pros and cons,” Mattiace said. “In this current economic climate, this would be the worst regulatory thing we could do to business owners.”

"Mattiace added that beyond to additional costs to existing businesses, a more restrictive ordinance would make Las Cruces less desirable to new businesses considering the area. Former Las Cruces Police Chief Pete Hampton, who also serves on the committee, cited safety issues that many businesses might face without proper lighting for their staff and customers as another reason to support the existing ordinance.

"The current lighting ordinance can be found at the City of Las Cruces website at http://www.las-cruces.org/legal/city_clerk/codes/Development%20Code/CH039%20-%20Chapter%2039%20%20OUTDOOR%20LIGHTING.htm.

For more information on this call the Chamber, call 524-1968 or visit www.lascruces.org

CITY COUNCIL TO MEET TODAY AT 5:00 P.M

The Las Cruces City Council will meet today at 5:00 p.m. instead of the usual time of 1:00 p.m. The Council decided to conduct some meetings in the evening to allow for those individuals who work to be able to attend.

Today's Agenda will deal with "Land Use Issues" only.

The public is encouraged to attend and participate.

BRIEF STATUS / UPDATES ON CURRENT CITY PROJECTS LIST

1. Strategic Plan - (Meetings held with Elected Officials and executive staff. Draft report should be submitted by 6/22/09)

2. Sustainability Officer - (Recruitment is in process. Preliminary phases of selection process have been undertaken, interviews to be scheduled shortly.)

3. Las Cruces Center - (Status report provided monthly on second, Regular City Council Meeting)

4. Downtown - (The project design is ongoing with Bohann-Huston, Inc. Work session with City Council regarding Farmer's Market Representatives - Downtown Design Process was held on July 13, 2009.)

5. Impact Fees - (A change order to revise the draft impact fee capital improvements plan (IFCIP) document, to add additional consultant trips, and to add a time and expense budget to cover the cost for implementation assistance was approved by City Council on June 15, 2009. We anticipate that the new draft of the IFCIP will be submitted to the City the first week of August 2009.)

6. Aquatics Center - (Status report provided monthly on first, Regular City Council Meeting)

7. Vision 2040 - (The consultants have completed preliminary drafts of the CLC Comprehensive Plan and DAC Comprehensive Plan. Both preliminary drafts are being reviewed by city and county staff. The consultants are working to complete the preliminary draft of the Vision 2040 Regional Plan.)

8. Grants/ARRA Status - (Refer to Matrix.)

2 LOCAL PHYSICIANS PARTICIPATE IN "OPERATION LONE STAR"

Operation Lone Star 2009 begins today in Southern Texas in the Rio Grande Valley for under served rural communities. The two-week operation offers free medical and dental services to residents in under served areas along the U.S.-Mexico border will run from July 27 - July 31, 2009.

Two local physicians will be assisting in this project this week, they are Dave Padilla, M.D. who is the New Mexico Coordinator for the Medical Reserve Corp with the Dona Ana County / City of Las Cruces Office of Emergency Management and Kathleen Hales, M.D. practices at Memorial Medical Center Family Service. The doctors will be assisting at locations in the Brownsville, Texas area providing free medical service to residents who otherwise cannot afford health or dental care.

Dr. Padilla has promised me an exclusive report and photos of he and Dr. Hales humanitarian mission to South Texas.

OP-ED ON THE PRESIDENT'S HEALTH PLAN

Dems' Plan Is Hidden Tax
Thursday, July 23, 2009
By Jim Scarantino

This editorial was published in today's ABQ Journal.

"Tucked into the Democrats' health care reforms is a carbon tax on every man, woman and child in America . It's not labeled a carbon tax, but that's precisely what it is, for it weighs on anyone who emits carbon by the simple act of breathing. You can escape this tax by earning so little money the government isn't interested in your wallet. Or you can die.

"This tax on breathing comes in the form of mandatory purchase of health insurance, whether you want it or not, and regardless whether you will ever need the coverage you will be forced to buy. The surplus premiums the government wrings from you equal a tax that pays for other people's health care.

"Democrats will make it illegal to live without buying a health insurance plan approved by the politicians and bureaucrats who will oversee the federal takeover of the nation's health care industry. Americans will be required to certify on their income tax returns that they have complied. Failure to answer correctly will result in serious monetary fines. Democrats project collecting over $100 billion in penalties without any obligation to provide some service in return.

"A massive enforcement apparatus will hunt down Americans who have done nothing wrong but mind their own business. It is not inconceivable that the government could place liens on homes and garnishee paychecks because some citizens refuse to surrender their money for government-mandated insurance policies instead of funding higher priorities in their lives, like college tuition or starting a new business.

"I would have fallen into this category of villains when I was launching a solo law practice. I lacked enough money to purchase health insurance for myself and my wife, while also covering start-up and operating costs and a secretary's salary and benefits. To avoid going into debt, I elected to purchase only a catastrophic incident policy. It had a sky-high deductible but a tiny price I could afford. For anything except disaster, we were effectively uninsured. Many small businesspeople have made the same call and survived to tell the tale.

"That legitimate exercise of rational decision-making would be outlawed under the Democrats' plan. A party that bills itself as tolerant and pro-choice has declared it will not tolerate individuals choosing to meet their health care needs as they see fit. Government will now make that decision. Woe to those who resist. The IRS knows how to find you.

"So much for the mantra of “our bodies, ourselves.” Our sniffles, broken bones, sore joints and internal plumbing will become federal issues, though we never invited the government into our affairs by seeking its assistance. The quaint concept of personal autonomy will be relegated to the dim, brutish, pre-Obama past.

"This is the new “culture of coverage.” Instead of promoting personal responsibility and self-reliance, government will indoctrinate its citizens in the merits of hitching a free ride on other's backs.

"Organized calisthenics will involve extending an arm forward from the shoulder, turning one hand to the sky, and holding that pose until free stuff graces the palm. All citizens must participate. Them that's got, give it up. Everyone else, find your place in line.

"This culture of coverage ducks the hard questions our President says we must face. It does not address escalating health care costs, due in no small part, let's be frank, to reckless, ignorant and stupid behavior by rich and poor alike. It will not reduce Medicare fraud or deter defensive diagnoses and procedures. People who over-consume medical services because they don't feel the pinch of paying their own bills won't change. This isn't reform, but an unprecedented grab for money, expanded powers, and control over what should remain very personal aspects of our private lives."

[Reprinted with permission from Mr. Scarantion.]

[Jim Scarantino spent 25 years practicing law, including time as a prosecutor in Philadelphia and New Mexico . He concluded his legal career as the ACLU-New Mexico's lawyer of the year in 2006. Scarantino also served as executive director of the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance and Republicans for Environmental Protection. He currently writes a monthly report for the Rio Grande Foundation. E-mail: jimscarantino@gmail.com ]

LOCAL CONTRACTORS EXPRESS BIDDING CONCERNS

In a Special Work Session held yesterday at City Council Chambers,the City Council met with local construction companies, subcontractors and suppliers involved in the bidding process for major government construction contracts in the City. There has been dissatisfaction from local contractors that there are some serious deficiencies in the bidding process.

Bob Telles, Purchasing Manager for the City presented several recommendations Wednesday to try to correct the problems in the process.

This brings to the forefront the inequities in the bidding process by Las Cruces business leaders who brought their concerns to city council several weeks ago which prompted a yesterdays work session.

City Council will consider the recommendations presented at the August 3rd City Council meeting at 1:00 p.m.

SPACEPORT AMERICA FACES SIMILAR CHALLENGES

Also,there have been similar complaints regarding the bidding process by local/state contractors for the building of "Spaceport America." The current bid process only allows for the hiring of 5% in state contractors the remaining 95% can be out-of-state.

STEVE PEARCE WILL CHALLENGE HARRY TEAGUE FOR CONGRESSIONAL SEAT

Steve Pearce with his wife, Cynthia at his side announced yesterday afternoon that he would seek the GOP nomination for the 2nd Congressional District House seat currently held by Harry Teague. The Hobbs business man addressed about 100supporters who gathered at Rawson Builders to hear comments from Pearce who held the congressional seat prior to his run for the U.S. Senate last year and losing to Tom Udall.

The "old guard" of the local GOP were present and his old campaign and congressional staff from Dona Ana County were among the group. There were a number of young and enthusiastic supporters also, with a strong presence from the GOP 'conservative right wing evangelicals' present.

In his introductory speech, former State Senator Lee Rawson defined Pearce's full name. Steve he said means "the crowned one;" Edward (Pearce's Middle Name) is "appointed protector;" and Pearce means "rock." Rawson went on to say that Pearce was a "patriot, leader, former Veteran, and will stand up to protect the rights of New Mexicans." Using the acronym BET which Rawson explained was "B for balance;" "E for experience;" and finally "T for Trust."

Pearce opened by saying that the "GOP has not communicated well with the American people and has failed to get out their message." He noted that he has known Harry Teague for a number of years and their offices were across the street from one another in Hobbs, NM where both men are in the oil business. However, Pearce said that Teague has failed New Mexico and that it was time for a change.

He said as he looked at Teagues conformist votes and views during his first term in Congress this convinced him that he needed to run again. Pearce said that he was extremely disappointed in Teague's vote for the "Cap and Trade" bill that will "kill jobs in New Mexico."

Pearce admitted that this would be a "tough fight" and that he could not count on Washington for support. His opponent's supporters will use "stimulus money" to "buy favor" from local communities and leaders to help him maintain his seat.

"Tax and Spend" is what has hurt American and the "out of control Congress adding more bureaucracies: doesn't help Pearce went on to say.

Pearce said that he was committed to "fight for jobs for New Mexico, cut spending and taxes, fight corruption in New Mexico at all levels, the revitalization of the U.S. economy, and protect the people and the environment" were among his litany of political challenges.

"I need your help, it will take money, time and volunteers to help me win" as Pearce challenged his supporters to get involved.

CITY COUNCIL AND COUNTY COMMISSION TO MEET IN JOINT SESSION TODAY

The Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners will convene a Joint Work Session with the City Council of Las Cruces to be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. in the Doña Ana County Commission Chambers, 1st Floor, Doña Ana County Government Center, 845 North Motel Boulevard, Las Cruces, NM.

The following items are on the Agenda for consideration:

1. Formation of Solar and Renewable Energy Districts

2. Reflections Regarding Extra Territorial Authority/Zone Participation and Current Joint Powers Agreement Requirements

3. Air Quality and Emission Standards in the City of Las Cruces and Doña Ana County

4. Public Input

The public is invited to attend and participate.

CITY COUNCIL BRIEFS

The Las Cruces City Council met yesterday to discuss proposed changes to the City Ordinances which included the following:

1. City council has approved changes to a City ordinance that will allow animal adoptions at the Las Cruces Farmers and Crafts Market.

2. The Council also approved two agreements with Service Employment Redevelopment (SER) for summer and year-round employment programs for at-risk teens between the ages of 16 to 19.

3. Agreements were reached with with seven non-profit agencies: Casa de Peregrinos, Community Action Agency, Families and Youth Inc., Jardin de los Ni-os, La Casa Inc., Mesilla Valley CASA, Inc., and Mesilla Valley Community of Hope that will provide a combined $160,000 in services to low-income families in the City.

STEVE PEARCE TO ANNOUNCE HIS RUN FOR CONGRESS TODAY IN LAS CRUCES

Steve Pearce will be in Las Cruces today as he formally announces his campaign for Congressional District 2, currently held by Harry Teague.

"Bring Back Pearce Campaign Kick-off" as his supports are calling this event will begin at 5:00 p.m. at the Rawson Builders at 2355 Nevada Avenue owned by former State Senator Lee Rawson.

For more information or questions please call Jessica Perez at 575-805-2106

CITY COUNCIL MEETING TODAY

The Las Cruces City Council will meet today in Regular Session,at 1:00 p.m. The Work Session is to be held in the City Council Chambers, 200 N. Church Street, Las Cruces, NM.

There is a full Agenda today.

Let me encourage you to please attend City Council meetings. There are important issues that are being presented and ordinances being passed with little input from the citizens. The lack of community involvement certainly will lead to passing frivolis and loss of rights due to non-participation.

SUSANA MARTINEZ MAKES IT OFFICIAL

Dona Ana County District Attorney Susana Martinez was introduced this afternoon by Trevor Wax, the brother of Ashly Wax who was slain four years ago but her boyfriend in her front yard. His words of introduction lead to loud cheers from the assembled supporters and Democrat on-lookers or perhaps supports were there to listen to the words from the newly declared candidate for Governor of the State of New Mexico in 2010.

Surrounded by family and friends, Martinez began by thanking Robert Estrada, owner of Roberto's Restaurant where the event was held and his long standing dedication to the community by assisting others in their times of need. She than announced that she would be seeking the Republican nomination for Governor of the State of New Mexico in 2010.

Martinez is in her 4th-term as the District Attorney for Dona Ana County and eluded to her tenure of "crime and corruption" fighting as the D.A.

There were elected officials from both the City and County in attendance at the event which included: County Commissioner Oscar Vasquez-Butler, City Councilor Dolores Connor, Sheriff Todd Garrison, Magistrate Judge Olivia Nevarez-Gracia,and others spotted were the the Mayor's personal advisor, Lt. Gov. Diane Denish local campaign leader, and former Mayor, Bill Mattiace to name a few. There was a wide cross section of community, business and political representatives in attendance.

Martinez stated that she is a "team builder" and will continue to fight "against crime and corruption in the State level." She went on to say that..."New Mexico deserves better than to be at the bottom 48/49 in national ratings when it comes to education."

Her concerns about business licensing and the long wait times for obtaining any business licenses in New Mexico is unacceptable and she will take a serious look as to how New Mexico deals with the business community.

However,in her remarks to the more than 80 attendees, she said that her number 1 concern is for "public safety." She will remove any more schemes like "pay for play" being any part of New Mexico government.

She stated in her position as the District Attorney, she makes many decisions on a daily, even hourly bases that "affect peoples lives." She intends to treat all citizens of New Mexico "with respect and irregardless of economic or social status."

"People should take more personal responsibility in their lives in making their communities a safer place to live" she continued.

She said that "Is is not what is said, but what is done."

Martinez will now try to move forward with her fundraising efforts and traveling around the State to build a "teamwork" effort in her bid for Governor.

Martinez will be facing several Republican challenges in the future which include Allen Weh, Janice Arnold-Jones, and others. The GOP is still waiting for a possible challenge from former Congresswoman, Heather Wilson who in the past has hinted at a possible race for Governor.

[Just as a note...Gregg Zanetti, who was the only GOP declared candidate for Governor announced today that he is no longer seeking the GOP nomination for Governor in the June 2010 primary. He noted that family concerns were his primary reason for leaving the race.]

DA SUSANA MARTINEZ TO RUN FOR GOVERNOR

Doña Ana County District Attorney Susana Martinez, a Republican, will formally announce Friday that she is running for Governor in 2010 according to un-named sources.

Susana has foregone forming an exploratory committee and will make her announcement at a news conference to be held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, July 17th at Roberto's Restaurant.

Susana who celebrates her birthday today has not confirmed nor denied her decision to run according to sources close to here.

Susana Martinez is Hispanic woman who was raised in El Paso. She has a proven election record of winning against her Democrat opponents by the Democrat cross over vote. As the County's chief prosecutor, she has developed a reputation among lawyers and law enforcement as "tough on crimes." She has been an advocate for strong legislation to protect children and women from abuse. She is serving her third term as the D.A.

New Mexico Democrats are facing daily legal challenges with "pay to play" charges and other ethical violations, Susana will be a new fresh face with strong legal experience and will probably be the "Poster Child" for legal reform for the State of New Mexico.

Susana will face challenges herself with fundraising, voters in Albuquerque and the Eastern part of NM who primarily vote "white male."

Susana is married to Chuck Franco who currently serves as the "Under Sheriff" for Dona Ana County.

LEWIS HARRY EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT

I attended the Las Cruces Rio Grande Rotary Club today and part of their program included a young man by the name of Lewis Harry who is working on his "Eagle Scout" designation with the Boys Scouts of America.

Lewis' Eagle Project is to design and build a central gathering area for the "Hope First Housing Project." This area will consist of a 12x12 pavilion with concret and stone pathways leading from the housing project to the pavilion.

His plans to begin the project on August 29th.

Th projected budge is approximately $4,500.00 which he will need to raise. He is asking for donations from the community to help him complete this worthwhile project.

Lewis is a member of BSA Troop 64.

If you are able to help with a monetary donation or materials, you can send them to the Mesilla Valley Community of Hope/ADOBE Inc. P.O. Box 6875 Las Cruces, New Mexico 88006 or you may contact Lewis at (575) 523-7834.

As an Eagle Scout myself, I ask that you help Lewis complete his project and earn this important recognition.

OPTIMIST TO HOLD FUNDRAISING EVENT

The Las Cruces Noon Optimist Club is having its 4th Annual "Kids Count" Golf Fundraiser Tournament on Saturday, August 15, 2009 at Sonoma Ranch Golf Course. Registration starts at noon, tournament starts at 1:00. It's four person scramble. Each player tees off and all four play from the best shot until the ball is holed. People can sign up as at team ($500) or single ($125) or two-person team ($250) and be matched-up. Make checks payable to Noon Optimist Club of Las Cruces. To register or for questions, call Marcos Archuleta at Sonoma Ranch at 575-571-9975 or 575-521-1818. All proceeds go to benefit local youth and youth programs. For more information about the Optimists, see www.optimist.org. There is also an after-party event at The Game Sports Bar & Grill at 6:00 open to all golfers and significant others.

(If you would like to advertise (free) your non-profit event on my blog, please forward details to www.ron@roncamunez.com.)

DONA ANA COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

The Regular Meeting of the Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. in the Doña Ana County Commission Chambers, 1st Floor, Doña Ana County Government Center, 845 North Motel Boulevard, Las Cruces.

For their agenda go to www.co.dona-ana.nm.us.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA FOR MONDAY, JULY 12th

The Las Cruces City Council will hold a Work Session on Monday, July 13, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. The Work Session is to be held in the City Council Chambers, 200 N. Church Street, Las Cruces, NM.

AGENDA

1. Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance - Strategic Direction for Fiscal Year 2009/2010.

2. Farmer's & Craft Market Representatives - Downtown Main Street Design Process.

3. Update from the Broadband Advisory Committee.

4. *Ancillary Assistance to the Juvenile Citation Program.

Let me encourage you to please attend City Council meetings. There are important issues that are being presented and ordinances being passed with little input from the citizens. The lack of community involvement certainly will lead to passing frivolis and loss of rights due to non-participation.

CONGRESSMAN HARRY TEAGUE IN LAS CRUCES TODAY

Congressman Harry Teague will be hold a "town hall meeting" today in Las Cruces. The event is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at the American Legion Hall located at 1185 E. Madrid (east of Apodaca Park Baseball Field).

In a press release the "Congressman is in Las Cruces to hear from his constituents..."

This will be an opportunity for voters in Las Cruces and Dona Ana County to question Congressman Teague of pending legislation, social security benefits, VA Benefits, and his past voting record.

LEPC CONFERENCE

I'm sure that you are wondering why I have not updated the site since Monday, July 5. I need to explain that I have been in Albuquerque attending the New Mexico Annual Conference of Local Emergency Planning Committee.

The conference will conclude this evening and I will be providing highlights to my readers.

For those who unaware, I am the Secretary for the Local Emergency Planning Committee for Dona Ana County / City of Las Cruces. We have seven LEPC members attending this conference as well.

If you are interested about the LEPC visist our website at www.donaanalepc.com.

STEVE PEARCE TO RUN AGAINST HARRY TEAGUE

In a press release issued by the Republican Party of New Mexico, former U.S. Congressman, Steve Pearce announced his candidacy for U.S. House of Representatives Congressional District 1 against Harry Teague, a seat he previously held. This election will be in 2010.

Pearce said: "For the past half year, I have stood by and hoped for the best for our state and country. I had hoped Harry Teague would look out for the hard working people of New Mexico."

"Sadly while I hoped for the best, Harry Teague embraced a reckless set of policies that directly jeopardize our economy and threatens future generations" Pearce continued.

In the release Pearce further states: "He [Harry Teague] went to Washington and quickly voted for massive amounts of wasteful spending, loading up on pork barrel projects and radically increasing the size of government."

"Now Harry Teague chose to vote for the job-killing cap and trade bill. If this bill becomes law, it will devastate jobs in New Mexico and further cripple the American economy."

"I can not let this happen to the people of New Mexico . So today, I am signing paperwork to run for the Second Congressional District. This district needs a Congressman who will fight for jobs for New Mexico families. Harry Teague won’t. I will."

It looks like we are in for another long "political campaign." Don't forget about the Governor's race, also in 2010.

LAS CRUCES CITY COUNCIL AGENDA - JULY 6, 2009

Here are some items that will come before City Council when they meet tomorrow at 1:00p.m. at City Hall in Council Chambers at 200 N. Church St.

The creation of a regional recycling program that would be administered by the South Central Solid Waste Authority.

Other AGENDA items will include:

1. Approval of a legislative capital outlay application to the New Mexico Aging and Long-term Services Department that, if approved, could provide the city's Senior Programs $5.96 million to be used to build a central kitchen for the "Meals on Wheels" program.

2. Approval of contractual amendments the City and the Las Cruces Police Officers Association

3. Council will begin initial consideration of amendments to a city ordinance that could allow the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley to conduct animal adoption events at the Las Cruces Farmers and Crafts Market.

If you are unable to attend in person, you may see live podcast at www.CLCTV.com or on Comcast Cable 20.

THE HAPPY 4TH OF JULY - SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

5 signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.

12 had their homes ransacked and burned.

2 lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.

9 of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.

They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

What kind of men were they? 24 were lawyers and jurists. 11 were merchants, 9 were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and Trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to Pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British That he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family Was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, And poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Huttledge, and Middleton. At the battle of Yorktown , Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that The British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson Home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, And Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill Were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.

So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.

Remember: FREEDOM IS NEVER FREE!

It's time we get the word out that patriotism Is NOT a sin, and the Fourth of July has more to it than beer, picnics, and baseball games.

May you and your families have a safe and wonderful 4th of July!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

Tomorrow across this great country millions of Americans will celebrate this nation's 233rd Birthday with picnics, parades, and fireworks in grateful appreciation for living in a country that has endured good times and bad times. From the Founding Fathers sacrificing property and life for a new and free country; from the devastation of a Civil War; the War of 1812; World Wars I & II; Korea, Vietnam, Man Walking on the Moon; the Gulf War, September 11; Afghanistan/Iraq; and financial disaster. Yet, through all of America's triumphs and disappointments, I believe we still have better days to come...if we are willing to become engaged in the process and continue to make our government accountable.

We should never forget the sacrifices the men and women of our military have made throughout this country's history as they paid the ultimate price of their lives in order to see that the homeland was secure from foreign enemies.

However, somewhere along the way, we have lost our way. Patriotism is considered a "old fashioned," our values, faith and respect for the flag have lost their meaning to many. Religion is considered a "threat" to this country, however it is the very fiber that is woven into the foundation upon which this country was formed.

Flag waving and patriotic display is frowned upon by the many who share in the great bounties and opportunities this land has afforded them.

I will not try to theorize as to why the reversal of Americanism/Patriotism, I think you can figure it out yourselves. I don't want to politicize this holiday either, but just make an observation of my 55-years on this hollowed ground and the erosion that has occurred.

I ask you and your families to stop and reflect why we celebrate INDEPENDENCE DAY and teach you children the great meaning of this day and the responsibilities we all have as CITIZENS of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Have you read the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence to your children or for yourself?

In a letter to his wife, Abigail, John Adams on July 4, 1776 following the passing of the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE he wrote: "Will be the most memorable in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as a Day of Deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, bells, bonfire and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore."

As our Founding Fathers said on that historic day in Philadelphia at Liberty Hall on July 4, 1776..."We hold these Truths to be self-evident that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness..."

Let us too remember the TRUE meaning of INDEPENDENCE and our DEPENDENCE on Divine Providence and remember the brave men and women who are serving around the world

May you all have a safe 4th and renewed dedication to celebrate this "Great Day of Deliverance" as intended by our Founding Fathers.

FREEDOM ISN'T FREE

For the next several day I will be focusing on the 233rd Anniversary of the birth of a new nation...The United States of America. Articles of interest and historical value will be posted to remind us of the event that took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 4, 1776. I hope that you will find them informative.

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE

I watched the flag pass by one day
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,and then he stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform, so young, so tall, so proud.
With hair cut square and eyes alert, he'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought how many men like him had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil? How many Mother's tears?
How many pilots planes shot down? How many foxholes were soldiers grave?
No, FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!

I heard the sound of tapes one night, when everything was still.
I listened to the bugler play and felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times that Taps had meant Amen.
When a flag had draped a coffin of a Brother or Friend.
I thought of all the children, of Mothers, Daughters and Wives. of Fathers
Sons and Husbands with interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard of unmarked graves in Arlington.

No, FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!

Written by Cadet Major Kelly Strong, Air Force Junior ROTC - 1988
Homeland Senior High School
Homestead, Florida

HOLIDAY CLOSINGS

In observance of the 4th of July Holiday the following schedule will be in effect:


CLOSED ON FRIDAY - JULY 3rd

•Most city, county, state and federal offices. Except for Emergency Services.

•Municipal, magistrate and state district courts.

•City museums, Senior Programs, Recreation Centers, Branigan Library.

•New Mexico State University, Las Cruces Public Schools offices.

•White Sands Missile Range and White Sands Test Facility.

•Municipal offices in Mesilla, Hatch and Sunland Park. Except for Emergency Services

•El Paso Electric Co.

•Some banks.


CLOSED SATURDAY - JULY 4th

In addition to the ones listed above will include the following...

•RoadRUNNER Transit and Dial-a-Ride.


OPENED ON FRIDAY - JULY 3rd

•Main Post Office open Friday.

•RoadRUNNER Transit and Dial-a-Ride will maintain normal route schedules.

•All city swimming pools will be open both days.

•Trash pickup service for residential customer normally scheduled on Friday

•City Recycling Center will be opened regular hours Friday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Please plan accordingly.


PLEASE MAKE IT A SAFE AND FUN 4th OF JULY!