Freedom New Mexico The freedom to influence and support political candidates by contributing money in election campaigns is under attack. Many, including the Freedom New Mexico, are bothered, and should be, by the disproportionate influence of big money in political campaigns. The problem spans the political spectrum. But the solution isn’t to infringe on constitutional […]
October brings cooler weather
By Jim Robinson Meteorological technician, 27th Special Operations Support Squadron October continues the transition from the warm season into the cold season, and continues to feature some of the most pleasant weather conditions of the year here. By mid October, the typical summertime pattern of relatively frequent late day thunderstorms has little influence due to […]
Congress holds strongest power of influence
Freedom New Mexico Congressional Democrats and their minions are applauding the financial oversight bill that was hammered out on Friday. President Obama and his leaders in Congress say the compromise bill should be ready for the president’s signature before the Independence Day break. There is plenty of cause for worry in the bill. It places […]
U.K. leadership could influence U.S. voters
Freedom New Mexico To get through its current crisis, the United Kingdom needs another Iron Lady. That’s the derogatory term bestowed by her opponents upon Margaret Thatcher, the Conservative Party’s prime minister from 1979-90. But the moniker later was adopted by supporters when they admired Thatcher’s getting the country through the major crises of the […]
Troops, families have new advocate
By Tom Philpott: Military update James Webb (D-Va.), a take-charge senator who in just his second year conceived and negotiated passage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, made clear Wednesday he will continue to influence issues that impact on the lives of service members, retirees, reservists and their families. Webb has more leverage now as new […]
Clovis basketball coach suspended

CNJ file photo J.D. Isler was in his ninth season coaching the Wildcats. By Kevin Wilson: CNJ staff writer Clovis High School boys basketball coach J.D. Isler has been suspended for the remainder of the school year by the New Mexico Activities Association. Clovis Schools Superintendent Rhonda Seidenwurm said her office has received a letter […]
Music in Our Schools: Music defines cultures
By Rebecca Dewbre, Yucca Middle School Music is a positive influence on me and something I enjoy and can turn to when I’m in a good or a not-so-good mood. Music is all around us from the sounds of nature to rhythms of
Families seek to end separation

CNJ staff photo: Tony Bullocks Roberto Valadez’ daughters, from left to right, Preciousa, 4, Samantha, 11, Esmeralda, 8, and Gulianni Mary, 5 months, are unable to see their mother at the Roosevelt County Detention Center because of the jail’s policy that forbids children’s By Sharna Johnson: CNJ Staff Writer While the state works to study […]
Domenici accused of attempting to influence investigaton
The Associated Press WASHINGTON — Retiring Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., created an appearance of impropriety when he called a federal prosecutor in New Mexico to inquire about the timing of corruption indictments, the Senate ethics committee said Thursday.
Zias’ first baseman steady influence

ENMU senior first baseman Anna Hershkowitz gets congratulations from coach Amber Daniel after a home run earlier this season. By Dave Wagner: CNJ sports writer PORTALES — After two seasons in junior college in her home town of Scottsdale, Ariz., Anna Hershkowitz didn’t know where she would go to continue playing softball. She just knew […]
Influence-peddling unkilely to change
By Walter Williams: Syndicated columnist Jack Abramoff, the Washington lobbyist who’s pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy, fraud and tax evasion, has showered millions of dollars on the campaign coffers of both Republican and Democrat congressmen. Like a kid caught with his hands in the cookie jar, many congressmen seek to distance themselves by purging […]
Western Union messenger learned morals from prisoners
By Don McAlavy Paul Crume was a columnist for The Dallas Morning News. He came from Farwell, yet wrote many columns saying he grew up at Lariat, a skip and a hop east of Farwell. Crume’s daily morning column, “Big D” received front-page space. He was born in 1912 and died in 1975. Here’s one […]
Mother’s influence lasts well beyond her lifetime
By Judy Brandon When I was a child, I always enjoyed summer vacations at my grandparents’ house. They lived in Central Arkansas about 65 miles from Little Rock. The highway that took us there meandered through rolling hills, thick brush, Burma Shave signs and small communities. My sister Susie and I found much to do […]
Russia’s election practices preclude name ‘democracy’
Freedom Newspapers White House officials viewed election results in Russia with mild alarm, murmuring without attribution of a “retreat from democracy.” What the election results demonstrated, however, was that democracy is not enough. Democracy is simply a way of choosing rulers. For people to have a fighting chance of living in a decent society, it […]