Those Last Two Square Feet Are a Doozy

$4,000 for a home less than 2,400 square feet.

$15,000 for a home of more than 2,400 square feet.

Above are the purported costs to homebuilders of new Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority water conservation measures, according to Katherine Martinez (remember her city council election mavens?) of the New Mexico Home Builders Association.

Sponsor Michael Cadigan disagrees (although not with the fact that it should cost more to build a >2400 sq. ft. McMansion), while the Ron Paul of ABQ City Council (with all that denotation entails), Don Harris, says: "This is an unprincipled power grab."

Dammit, why can't these power grabs be more principled?

P.S.: Or is Don Harris more like the Mike Gravel of ABQ City Council?

Fresh Off The Campaign Trail, Governor Bill Breaks Out The "B" Word

In New Mexico we don't use the "B" word. "B" as in "billion". So when newly reinstalled Governor Bill Richardson says we're gonna spend $1 billion for "universal health care", it was hard to see which term scared off folks more: "universal health care" or "billion".

Because if we start throwing words like "billion" around, that means New Mexico is no longer some hick, podunk State where nothing governmental gets done right and we like it that way. You get what you pay for, and piddly state income tax or no, we're used to getting crappy service from our state government, laughing derisively whenever we have to deal with anything State o' New Mexico-related, and feeling satisfied that the State Government which governs worst governs best.

And saying the "B" word screws with that whole mindset.

Personally, I think the Governor would have been better off to say we're going to $999 million or so to achieve universal health care.

Needless to say, the term "universal health care" has it own connotation to many, one honed by years of psychological word association by doctors and health insurance lobbies. "Universal Health Care" = Socialism.

And, thanks to the Cold War, Socialism = 1984 = Trotsky = borscht = beets = having to eat nasty vegetables.

And dammit, we refuse to be forced to nasty vegetables.

We also tend to refuse acknowledgment that our health care system in this country is substandard, around 40th best in the world despite having more GDP than any country, and that our overall health is in decline (by any criteria) as medical decisions are made by insurance company drones sitting in cubicles far away from our doctor's offices and hospitals.

Better to just say "Michael Moore is a whack job", and leave things like welfare and other "socialistic" concepts to helping our corporations get tax incentives (not to mention revenue negative things like TIDDs, TIFs, etc.) than actually deal with the health crisis for the insured or uninsured.

I tend to give Bill Richardson grief for various reasons including the probable fact that he is short-timing New Mexico until he gets that juicy gig in the Hilbamawards Administration. Okay, more likely the Hilbama Administration.... But I'm with him on this one. The uninsured must be helped in this State, as must be the insured. Bringing the health crisis up and beginning to deal with it is important. Very important.

But, in closing, I'll ask this question: Governor Bill, are you willing to lose the Rail Runner to help pay for "universal health care"?

I'm guessing I won't be the only one asking that question this session.

Me And Too Few Others: A MLK Birthday March Report

Okay, where the Hell were you, yesterday?

That goes out to quite a few folks who voted with their butts and chose to sit around watching football or whatever instead of showing up to stroll with the 300 hundred or so MLK Birthday marchers Sunday.



Yeah, it was kinda chilly. Yes, we're not getting off work today. Yeah, when you're done walking over a mile you have to listen to Feudal Prince Marty Chavez say inane things like "diversity isn't a bad thing, it's a good thing". Yeah, when you flee speakers like Mayor Marty you start walking around downtown ABQ on a Sunday and realize just how moribund the city's core is on a weekend day.


But still. Turnout yesterday wasn't good. Fewer people than last year, and that shouldn't have been the case solely based on the number of politicians and/or campaign volunteers who did show up. Martin Heinrich was there. Heck, even crusty Republican Steve Pearce showed up.

Where were you?


As per normal, I fled the proceedings downtown when the speechifying started, just like Gene Grant who has a better writeup of the event in this morning's Journal. Just like Gene, I don't attend this shindig for the speechifying. To me, the real "feel" of the march is when we come out of that UNM parking lot at University and MLK Blvd., drums and mariachi bands playing and first stop the traffic on University. The feeling of crossing that street en masse and looking down the hill to see marchers ahead of you for hundreds of yards can soften the heart of anyone, cynics included.



But the en masse yesterday wasn't massive and the marchers didn't extend that many hundreds of yards ahead of me. I wonder why.

In political gossip news: no Hillary Clinton presence at the march. One Kucinich woman fitting the stereotype of what you'd expect a Kucinich volunteer to look like (no offense intended...I like Kucinich). About 30 or so Obama people definitely enjoying the chance to show out. One "Dogs for Obama" dog (not pictured here). Pearce was the only Republican I saw/recognized...no Heather Wilson. Which reminds me, when the last time anybody saw Heather Wilson? Only a few wacky petition types around. To be honest, the political turnout was as disappointing as the overall attendance yesterday.

And of course Mayor Marty asserts during his silly remarks that attendance was better than the last few years. Being a Westside kinda guy, maybe he thought that because of all the automobiles participating in the parade, taking up space and belching exhaust into marcher's faces. Just like the Westside, everyday. Then again, as John Fleck at the Journal has pointed out, Mayor Marty is all about making up the numbers.

Gotta lose the cars, even the cool old-timey Model T looking thing festooned with a Gary King placard and an "Impeach Coolidge" window sticker.

Love the drum corps. Love the mariachis. Love the dogs. A tiny bit of mixed feelings about the "Buffalo Soldiers". Gotta lose the cars.



And I especially love that feeling of community and political expression that comes in walking down that hill together, blocking traffic and feeling something real about our democracy and the chance we have to transcend the stupid racial/ethnic/gender, etc. divides that continue to cripple our development as a species.

Too bad you weren't there to experience that.


P.S.: Proving the point I made some days back about my lack of photo-journalistic prowess, I've sprinkled a few pictures. I'd like to blame the camera, but...

Faux New Mexican Richardson's Faux Campaign Folds: Let's March For Something Real

But should the cash-starved, underperforming Richardson campaign come to a halt, it will be the farthest any New Mexican has traveled on the presidential trail.--Bruce Daniels, Albuquerque Journal, 1.10.08

And, to admittedly belabor the point, how exactly in this "farthest any New Mexican" factoid important? I'm from Texas. George W. Bush is supposedly from Texas. He made it all the way to the Presidency. How's that working out for ya?

As a former Texas am I supposed to be all proud and stuff about George Freakin' W. "Shrub" Bush? Just because he's supposedly from Texas? If Shrub was from just over the border in Ardmore, Oklahoma, should I be significantly less proud? What if he was from Texarkana, but lived on the Arkansas side of the street that divides the states? Is he any more of a schlub in that scenario that has been for the last 7+ mind-bendingly awful years?

Not to get all mountain-mole hill about this, but hasn't this Richardson/New Mexico connection fascination been a pretty good example of tribalistic "us/them" crap that has bogged down us Planet Earth Humanoids since Day One?

I'm not saying that we should all necessarily join the United Nations, get in a world-wide circle holding hands and pretend there aren't differences between us. Although that might be a good idea. But this vote for somebody simply because they are like us in some way (gender, race, geographic location) tribalism has eventually just gotta stop. It's just gotta.

And that goes for white men voting for white guys because they are white guys. Or white women in New Hampshire voting for Clinton because she's a woman. Or white Republicans in Michigan voting for Mitt Romney because he was born there and his dad was governor. And so on, and so on, and so on.

And it certainly goes for New Mexicans going gaga over Bill Richardson just because he moved to New Mexico after growing up in Mexico City, went to Massachusetts for school and then deliberately plotted a move to New Mexico for political reasons.

Bill Richardson. Whatever.

Conversely, I'm very much looking forward to this Sunday's Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Parade March (2:00 starting at MLK Blvd. and University). It's a great cause, a nice walk downtown that appeals to my "destroy all cars and make all roads pedestrian concourses" mentality, and this year should be the site of some hard-core political signage and activism.

The first couple of years I walked along in the march it bothered me to see so many candidate signs, candidacy petitions and the like, but I've gotten over it. Reverend King was all about the political versus the violent, so I look at the political party convention atmosphere as okay, especially in these presidential election years.

I'm very much looking forward to seeing how the remaining Democratic presidential campaigns operate during the march, how in force the federal race candidates are (e.g., Martin Heinrich... you better be there), and what wacky unknown candidates will bother us to sign their petitions to get on the ballot.

Oh, and I hope it's a relatively warm day and that you all show up, too. Even if it conflicts with that most popular symbolic expression of war-like tribalism: NFL football. Forget the "playoffs" and take a walk.

Reports Of Her Death Were Greatly, Tearfully Exaggerated

As every cliché-flinging sports commentator will tell ya, that's why they play the game on the field and not on paper. Clinton goes from burnt toast to a perfectly respectable Eggs Benedict.

And Richardson goes from 2% to 5%. At this rate, he'll be at 65% by the 20th primary. Perhaps there's a flaw in that logic. Meanwhile, we all move on to Michigan (and the exotic allure of "stripped delegates"), Nevada, and South Carolina. Wait, Bill Richardson, you're not moving on.

P.S.: So much attention to so few voters. Less than 200,000 folks in some distant cranny of the nation decide Democratic momentum throughout a country of 300,000,000. Just like the BCS bowl "system" we all know there's something wrong with Iowa/New Hampshire being so powerful, but it still hasn't changed. And yes, I'd still think that if Obama, Edwards, Richardson or even Dennis Kucinich had won tonight.

"Night Court" + El Vado Motel = ABQ City Council Follies

One Albuquerque City Councilor referred to it as a "train wreck". Several Councilors objected to the fact that they were "negotiating on television". Nevertheless, last night the ABQ City Council train wreck proceeded to publicly negotiate for a hour or so of glorious attorney-filled comedy television, then voted to make the old, crappy-looking El Vado Motel a historical "landmark". This despite the fact every Councilor on the Council agreed they didn't know exactly what such a designation would mean. Then the Council took a break, most probably to shower themselves free of what must have been a rather thick layer of embarrassment.

Personally, I always thought the old show "Night Court" was unfunny. Its writers could have used the far better situation comedy premise of ABQ City Council "Night Court". Instead of characters like Judge Harry Stone, Baliff Bull Shannon and District Attorney Dan Fielding (pictured above), a far funnier mix would be:

• Nattily attired current El Vado owner Richard Gonzales and his feisty attorney John (yeah, I voted for him once too) Kelly;
• Some guy representing the City (whose exact name I could not catch) who has to pretend he doesn't want to kill John Kelly while Mr. Kelly pesters him unmercifully;
• A City Council that couldn't really figure out if it was some sort of twisted Supreme Court hearing the case, a plaintiff in the case, a defendant in the case or some combination of all of the above;
  
• Councilor Sally Mayer repeatedly asking pertinent questions that illustrate the basic cluelessness of Council about the issue of "landmarking";
• Council Michael Cadigan who flat out states the Council knows little to nothing about the situation due to the machinations of the Mayor's Office;
  
• Councilor Ike Benton who knows much about planning and building renovation but is reduced to looking at some vague photo-copy schematics of the El Vado property and trying to decide on live television what percentage of the property is worth "landmarking";
  
• The shadowy off-stage presence of Feudal Prince Marty Chavez, who like Charlie in "Charlie's Angels" evidently controls all City Administration employees via a $1.29 speakerphone;
  
• A cast of City Administration employees who listening to Mayor Marty via speakerphone deliver obtuse statements about things like "authorization for appropriate demolition";
  
• And lastly Councilor Don Harris, as the scene stealer (ala "Kramer" in "Seinfeld" or "Ralph Cifaretto" in "Sopranos"), raising points both valid and wacky, making and un-making motions with unfettered abandon (such as the idea the Council should just go eat dinner), and asking John Kelly point-blank "how much do you want for this property?" repeatedly, despite and possibly because of the fact that this only made John Kelly mad.
  

Funniest show I've seen in years. Seriously. That Don Harris character is a keeper for sure, and I'd like to thank new City Council President Brad Winter for his freewheeling directorial style that just let the funny happy. Second City, Mad TV, Saturday Night Live since Chris Farley died has got nothing on "ABQ City Council, 2008".

And the new season just started. Fortunately those that missed the live broadcast tonight can catch it on reruns on Channel 16 plenty of times in the next few days. Personally, I think "Nick at Night" or "TV Land" should pick this show up immediately. This is an instant classic we have on our hands here.

P.S.: Just because I said the El Vado is old and crappy-looking doesn't mean I'm not necessarily in favor of a "landmark" designation, IF someone could explain to me (or the City Council) what that means exactly. Right now I have to admit that when I drive by the property my heart doesn't go a-flutter. It's more of a "nice sign, crappy-looking old motor court" reaction. I could be persuaded, however.

Memo To "Favorite Son": Time To Wake Up

Alright, alright...2008 promises to be so full of things political, devious and politically devious (redundant?) in our School District/City/State/Nation/Planet/Galaxy that Burque Babble cannot pass up the chance to blather about them. While you, dear reader, were off doing productive and interesting activities over the holidays, this pitiful excuse for a blog has been engaged in banal navel-gazing about blogs, blogging, what it all means, and other existential questions of virtual living.

In other words, you haven't missed a damn thing.

But now, like Nixon, we're tanned, rested and ready to face what looks to be the most interesting year for deviously political stuff in ages. Not to mention that whole "APS shops for a new Superintendent" thing, which admittedly is only exciting to about four people, but will certainly be good for a laugh or two.

Speaking of laughing, I know Bill Richardson is our "favorite son" (really?) and all, but exactly why is he still, allegedly, in the race, and why should anybody in New Mexico care one iota about him? I guess if you're good friends with the guy and you're thinking about sucking up for a Washington job after somebody other than Bill wins in November and hires Bill to be the Secretary of Something (or even more uselessly, Vice-President), it makes some sense to actually care at this point.

Anything other than that and you gotta wonder what's with all the attention to Mr. 2%, while Obama laps the quickly-shortening field. The Journal (and Bill) put it this way:

"The governor told the Journal on Friday that he will campaign in Nevada and hopes to make it to the Feb. 5 'Super Duper Tuesday' primaries that include New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona and 19 other states.
'The West is where I'm strongest,' Richardson said Friday."

Strongest? Like 4-5% strong, maybe?

I don't get it, but then again I've never had the ego necessary to think I could win a race for animal control board. Maybe one's mind just has to be wired differently to keep pressing on like this. Same thing with Richardson supporters and the whole "favorite son" N.M. press coverage angle. Differently wired.

Meanwhile, watching Senator Clinton give speeches today in preternaturally cold New Hampshire the distinct smell of burnt toast was in the air, the eyes of the supporters and the tangible desperation of the woman herself. She's gonna have to find some dirt on Obama involving either live boys or dead girls in the very, very near future. Like tomorrow.

And having really done a rather good job in recent months of paying no attention whatsoever to the Presidential race it was a little alarming to see how desperate Clinton and the audience looked. I mean, I know it's butt cold there, but these people looked positively frigid.

Or maybe it was just seeing cadavers from the other Clinton's Administration like Madeleine Albright on the podium next to Hillary. Hillary's talking "change" while these ancient codgers from the heyday of the early 90s are trying to stay alive long enough to even see Election Day 2008.

Hillary ≠ Change

Hillary = Baggage

I've never mentioned it here, but I've always liked John Edwards (rich lawyer with pricey haircut or no), and it might be interesting to see how any eroding Clinton support swings his way over the next few weeks. Otherwise, it's not going to be interesting for Bill Richardson or anybody else, and "Obama Fever" will sweep even the West (where Bill is strongest!).

Lastly, I hope Governor Richardson wakes up from his ego nap in time to actually be present for our upcoming Legislative session. It's only a 30-dayer this go-round, we're supposedly short on cash, and if the Guv isn't here to do that leadership thing who knows what "belt-tightening" perniciousness will be afoot.

In our newly tanned, rested and ready condition we're (and by we, of course I mean me) all about the perniciousness. Bring on some perniciousness, baby!

And yes, I'm talking about the APS School Board. Maybe APS = Pernicious...and with that thought on our minds, we/I head back to Teacher Land for another semester.

The Prince Keeps Pulling Me Back In

I swear I'm trying to wean myself from the Internet(s), but Marty "Hugo" Chávez keeps pulling me back in. The Feudal Prince is contemplating making Swedish the official language of Albuquerque an attempt to have ABQ's term limits for mayors ordinance thrown out so he can run for Mayor, again, in '09.

Guess those polls for the state races were REALLY, REALLY bad.

It is somewhat troubling that the Journal and reporter Dan McKay refer to the Mayor as "a moderate Democrat" (what does that make Joe Lieberman? a Monarchist?) instead of "Feudal Prince Marty", but it/he saves the day a bit with the acknowledgment that former "first lady" Margaret Aragon de Chávez might run in '09. This simply must happen.

Oh, and there's another story about changes in high school testing brought about by your New Mexico Legislature. Like a car crash or butt-ugly prize-winning float in a parade, it's hard to look away at the from the news and those questionable folks who make it, very hard. Not to mention Mike Huckabee.

Must....resist....temptation......alright, I can do it. Back to my laundry, reading a book, enjoying the gray skies. Mike Huckabee!?!