Disclaimer: The opinions and comments below are those of the speaker and not
official positions of Taos United, a non-partisan, non-profit community information and education group.
THE ART OF NONVIOLENCE
Mary McPhail Gray, Board Chair of Nonviolence Works, announced a TCA exhibition opening on February 8th, 4-6pm, called ART OF NONVIOLENCE. Taos Charter Academy, Taos Middle School and Questa High School students have created 30 pieces of art on the subject of ‘what violence has done to me’. This exhibition is one of the many ways Nonviolence Works supports our community.
Interfaithintercultural Alliance will show the film DOCTRINE OF DISCOVERY on January 31st, 6pm at St. James Episcopal Church. The film describes a century old Decree that describes Native Americans as savages. For film, dinner (specify meat or veg burrito), and childcare please rsvp: mcphailconsulting@gmail.com.
GUEST SPEAKER ELLEN WOOD
Jim Schultz of TENT (Taos Elders and Neighbors Together) announced Ellen Wood will speak Tuesday, January 23, 3pm at Valverde Common House, 405 Valverde Commons Drive in Taos. Her topic: Sometimes you just need a Good Laugh. Wood is the author of Joy, Joy, Joy and Think And Grow Young.
TENT is a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting elders to resources needed to maintain comfortable, dignified and vibrant lives at home and in their community by providing services, activities and programs. TaosElders@gmail.com
ACTION IS THE ANTIDOTE
Suzanne Pinkham of TAOS UNITED ACTION ALERT SUPPORT TEAM announced they seek 2 – 3 additional volunteers to help assemble local, state and national actions. This is a commitment of 3-4 hours per month.
If you have an action that you want publicized to the membership, please send to aast52017@gmail.com
OVERTURN CITIZENS UNITED
Hamilton Brown, passionate advocate for overthrowing Citizens United, suggested we create a chain email to unchain Democracy! He wants to organize a group of people to contact our Representatives and blitz them “like a swarm of mosquitos that will not desist!” He requested attendees sign a petition for Ben Ray Lujan and Michelle Lujan Grisham to overturn Citizens United. He recommends the book DEMOCRACY IN CHAINS by Nancy MacLean. Please contact Ham at greeneggs540@gmail.com
MAYORAL & TOWN COUNCIL CANDIDATE FORUM
Danielle Freeman of TAOS UNITED CANDIDATE FORUM COMMITTEE announced there will be a town council and mayoral candidate forum on Tuesday February 6th from 6 until 8pm, at Bataan Hall on Civic Plaza Drive. Doors open at 5:30 to meet the candidates. Volunteers needed. Audience questions must be submitted in advance! Please contact Danielle: danfree24@gmail.com
DECRIMINALIZE ABORTION IN NEW MEXICO
Dan Pritchard announced that amazingly there is an old rule on the books in the State of New Mexico that criminalizes abortion. He asked attendees to sign a petition to remove it. This action is supported by ACLU, Planned Parenthood, WomenRise, and Coalition for Reproductive Rights.
Dan brought in an additional petition to get Garrett VeneKlasen on the ballot for NM Commissioner of Public Lands. Only registered Democrats may sign the petition.
BLOCK BAILOUT FOR COAL FIRED PLANTS
Karen Monson of New Energy Economy (newenergyeconomy.org) asked members to share & sign a letter to legislative leadership to block SB 47, “PNM’s Energy Redevelopment Bond Act”. It is a corporate bailout for San Juan Generating Station (scheduled to close in 2022) that is the antithesis to a just transition. It would allow PNM to recover $353 million from a surcharge on energy bills. The surcharge will protect PNM’s shareholders at the expense of their customers. For more information, check newenergyeconomy.org Click ‘campaigns’, then ‘securitization.’
HOW DO YOU TALK TO WHITE PEOPLE ABOUT RACISM?
Al Kelly recommends the book WHITE LIKE ME by Tim Wise. It explores race and racism in America through the lens of white privilege which shapes attitudes as well as our electoral politics. When Al’s bank was bought by another bank, he investigated and discovered it was directed by an all-white Board. He closed his account and wrote them a letter suggesting they diversify. Until they did so, he would take his money elsewhere. Further, Al said that what makes Taos great is Taos Pueblo.
UnderstandingPrejudice.org: Implicit Association Test
White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack – National SEED …
https://nationalseedproject.org/white-privilege-unpacking-the-invisible-knapsack
ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM CRISTY
Cristy Holden reported there is a great progressive candidate in southern NM Congressional District 2: Xochitl Torres Small. She is a water rights lawyer. Support Small to take over Pearce’s seat!
January 27th there will be a Green Party event at Somos on Civic Plaza Drive to provide background info and a call to action to clean up LANL’s nuclear waste dump.
January 31, 5-6:30pm, a 4 week Taos training will begin for a Poor People’s Campaign – a National Campaign for Social, Economic, Civil and Environmental Justice. This has good Millennial support! Dr. William J. Barber II announced plans for this new multi-issue, multiracial campaign designed to recapture the revolutionary spirit of 1968. At Somos on Civic Plaza Drive and then St. James.
February 5th is Progressives Second Annual People’s Rally: Telling Our Stories, Demanding Progress. At the Roundhouse in Santa Fe from 8:30 until 4:30.
Please sign up at Moveon.org for a Rapid Response Rally if Special Investigator Bob Mueller is fired. Date unknown.
Please check facebook Retake Our Democracy – legislative priorities.
February 25th – Cristy and Dan will hold a get together at their home for Jose Gonzales. This will be a thank you and educational fundraiser for Jose. More info to come.
RENEWABLE ENERGY TAX CREDITS
Tom Mavilia urged everyone to call their State Rep to support HB 87 and 36. These are solar market development tax credit bills, the purpose of which is to encourage installation of solar photovoltaic and solar thermal units for residential, agricultural and business use. If passed, a tax credit of up to 10% of the purchase price & installation costs will be given to taxpayer. For a residence the amount will not exceed $4,000. For a business, it will not exceed $9,000.
WE ARE ON THE BRINK
Joseph P. Bigley urged everyone to consider the dangers of nuclear power. Our water and air are being destroyed. Radioactivity from the Fukushima event has reached our Pacific Coast, and fish from that region are not safe for consumption. We must encourage the younger generation to become more involved in this important issue!
JUDI CANTU, TOWN COUNCIL
Judi is running again for Taos Town Council. Please come to a Meet & Greet on February 10th, from 1:00 until 3:00, at JR Clothing Store, 101A Camino de la Placitas. Judi is very concerned about dishonesty in politics. She feels Taos must develop an effective economic plan and diversify beyond skiing and tourism.
Judecan2@hotmail.com
2018 ELECTIONS
Terry Surguine, TU Elections Group, announced a meeting next Wednesday, January 24th at 3:30, Kit Carson Electric Board Room. Come join the effort! Let’s elect a Democratic governor, re-elect Heinrich, Ben Ray Lujan and replace Steve Pearce. We can make a difference!!
MILLENNIAL LEADERSHIP FORUM
Michael Santistevan, Public Relations Coordinator at Kit Carson Electric Cooperative, announced organization of a Millennial Leadership Forum to encourage community involvement of the younger generation.
Three point focus:
I financial literacy – mortgage and credit resources to assist first home buyers
II family support – childcare, resources & programs for children and parents
III economic development – affordable housing, minimum wage, changing policy,
economic development projects in the region
He is enthusiastic about the work being done by Taos United members and efforts to make a difference in our community.
COMMITMENT TO RENEWABLES
Andrew Gonzales, Public Information Officer at KCEC, thanked everyone for their work with Taos United, in particular our commitment to renewable energy. This is a vital support to KCEC’s mission to fulfill their goal of 100% renewable energy by 2022.
TAOS COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY EVENTS
Nat Troy announced there will be a dutch treat breakfast on Saturday, January 20th, 10 am at Antonio’s Restaurant to support Michelle Lujan Grisham for Governor. Grisham will not attend. Congressman Mark Pocan of the 2nd District in Minnesota, LGBTQ supporter and first openly gay member of Congress, will represent Grisham.
NM Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Forum will be held Tuesday January 23rd , 5:30-7:30 at Taos Mesa Brewing Mothership.
WOMENS’ MARCH – HEAR OUR VOTE!
Taos March, Saturday January 20th: Marjorie Luckey announced a nationwide march on the anniversary weekend of the Women’s March of 2017. Meet 12 noon at Taos Plaza and march to Kit Carson Park. Voter registration will be available. Make your own signs!
Santa Fe March, Sunday January 21st. Carpools available, departing at 9:30am. Meet 12noon at the Roundhouse, marching to the Plaza. Bring your pink hats!
CANDIDATE FOR MAYOR
Darien Fernandez, Taos Democratic Party Chair, announced his candidacy for Mayor in the election on March 6th. Presently a member of the Taos Town Council, he believes in a living wage and growing sustainably with resources available. He will participate in the Women’s March on January 20th and moderate the Gubernatorial Forum on Tuesday January 23rd.
Starting March 6, TU Forums will be held on the first Tuesday of the month at KCEC