The New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) is actively engaged in supporting and encouraging sectarian activities in the public schools of New Mexico. The latest exposed action by Secretary of NMPED Veronica Garcia, an appointee of Governor William Richardson, can be found at www.nmta.nesinc.com. You will see a popular style of the modified Zia Pueblo Sun symbol that is cropping up in more government offices as the 'banner' of the religious in those offices.
Note that this particular symbol has a halo, three fingers in each cardinal direction instead of the normal four fingers, and four little peaks between each of the three. There is also a 'TM' that normally means the symbol has been trademarked. In this case the NMPED Custodian of Records denied any knowledge of the 'TM' and my search of federal records revealed nothing. The NM Secretary of State reported that there is no record of this 'TM' symbol. At the bottom edge of the form you can read, "....the New Mexico Teacher Assessments logo are trademarks....of the State of New Mexico Public Education Department and Pearson, Inc...."
The interesting thing is the NMPED symbol on all the New Mexico Teacher Assessments forms have this symbol in one of two colors. This symbol came from a cleaver art works somewhere that assists government offices in New Mexico in hiding the religious message. Here the message represents the Gospel of John 3:16, which is about the begotten son and everlasting life.
The NMPED also put a huge Latin cross made from the Zia Sun symbol on the front cover of every New Mexico Standards Based Assessment test booklets that students used.
27 August 2008
16 August 2008
Public School Bible Class
Las Cruces (public) High School, Las Cruces, New Mexico, English teacher explaining New Testament bible reading curriculum to freshman English class: 'Tell your parents not to bother complaining as it won't do any good.' So, they do know it's illegal.
In the late 1970's NM State Legislators from Las Cruces, New Mexico, sponsored a 'moment of silence' in the public schools of the state. The NM State Legislature made it a law. A federal lawsuit was filed by a citizen of Las Cruces on behalf of his child for violations of the First Amendment. Federal Judge Burciaga (deceased) found the state law and practice illegal - unconstitutional! "The intent is obvious."
Judge Burciaga wrote that those supporters of the 'moment of silence' will continue to do everything possible to get around his ruling. To get votes, profit, and look good at church, state officials in faraway Santa Fe have traditionally turned a blind eye toward southern New Mexico.
Las Cruces, New Mexico, even has a public high school named after the revered and reviled Spaniard Onate. Reviled for murderous treatment of Native Americans during the reconquest of New Mexico for Spain; revered for bring Christianity to the territory and converting the Native Americans from their "heathen" ways.
In the late 1970's NM State Legislators from Las Cruces, New Mexico, sponsored a 'moment of silence' in the public schools of the state. The NM State Legislature made it a law. A federal lawsuit was filed by a citizen of Las Cruces on behalf of his child for violations of the First Amendment. Federal Judge Burciaga (deceased) found the state law and practice illegal - unconstitutional! "The intent is obvious."
Judge Burciaga wrote that those supporters of the 'moment of silence' will continue to do everything possible to get around his ruling. To get votes, profit, and look good at church, state officials in faraway Santa Fe have traditionally turned a blind eye toward southern New Mexico.
Las Cruces, New Mexico, even has a public high school named after the revered and reviled Spaniard Onate. Reviled for murderous treatment of Native Americans during the reconquest of New Mexico for Spain; revered for bring Christianity to the territory and converting the Native Americans from their "heathen" ways.
15 August 2008
Promoting Religion in the Public Schools of New Mexico
If a roll-call vote was taken today of the New Mexico government officials who actively support the promotion of religion in the New Mexico Public Schools it would go like this:
*Governor William Richardson. Guilty.
*New Mexico State Legislature. Guilty.
*Chairwoman of the Education Committee Ms. Cynthia Nava. Guilty.
(Senator Nava is also the Superintendent of the Gadsden ISD.)
*New Mexico Cultural Affairs Secretary Stuart Ashman. Guilty.
*New Mexico Public Education Department Secretary Ms. Veronica Garcia. Guilty.
*All 89 Public School Districts. Guilty.
*University of New Mexico Press. Guilty.
*New Mexico State University. Guilty.
*City of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Guilty.
*Third Judicial District Attorney Ms. Susana Martinez. Guilty.
*Las Cruces Public Schools District. Guilty.
This list does not include the various civic, business, and fraternal organizations that are active supporters.
Part 1: A children's storybook The Santero's Miracle, by the well-known NM author, Mr. Rudolfo Anaya, is a popular Catholic folk-tale from northern New Mexico about a Christmas miracle, statuary, saints, faith, angels, and prayer.
On 19 December 2007 in the 27 public elementary schools in Las Cruces, New Mexico, all third grade students were rounded up and forced to hear the reading of this religious story during the day before the annual Christmas break. The adult readers were the Superintendent, District Administrative staff, School Board members, and NM State Legislators. Each of the reported 27,000 public school third grade students in New Mexico were given a special edition of the book.
The book was selected by Governor Richardson who has his picture in the book with some happy children. The final book selection was orchestrated by Senator/Superintendent Cynthia Nava who refuses to provide public documents concerning the whole program. Senator Nava presented the program to the NM State Senate and it was approved. The appointed NM Secretary of Public Education Department Veronica Garcia gleefully endorsed her friend's project, then denied the proselytizing intent. The book was supposedly paid for by the eighteen corporate sponsors listed in the book. I wrote them all a letter and none have bothered to reply. Silence is guilt. The corporate sponsorship is a ruse to discharge any responsibility from government officials in their role of proselytizing.
Part 2: A search of the NM Public Education Department's web site will further expose the extent of proselytizing in that Department. A set of forms with a 'TM' for 'Trademarked' and titled "New Mexico Teacher Assessments" can be found. The top left corner shows a 'logo' with a 'TM' and at the bottom of the pages is this note: "The New Mexico Teacher Assessments logo are trademarks...of the State of New Mexico Public Education Department and Pearson Education, Inc."
The 'logo' is a modification of the religious Zia Sun symbol that was appropriated without permission from the Zia Pueblo. The modification shows three extensions of the four branches, instead of the usual four extensions on four branches. On the growing number of modified NM government logo symbols the three extensions are for the Trinity. For this one which also has a halo, the individual groups of three extensions on the four branches represents the Gospel of John Chapter 3. A closer look reveals four little peaks between the four branches. Add them together and you get a clever example of the governmental proselytizing: Gospel of John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
The NM Public Education Department Custodian of Records writes that they know nothing about the logo on the forms, its trademark, nor does "their contacts at Pearson, Education,Inc." The NM Secretary of State writes that there is no record of this logo being registered in NM. I spent several hours in the federal web site Trademark records and found no reference to a logo like this. If someone can find it I certainly would like to see who the owner is.
Until then the NM Public Education Department is illegally active in promoting Christianity in the public schools of New Mexico, which includes the university system.
*Governor William Richardson. Guilty.
*New Mexico State Legislature. Guilty.
*Chairwoman of the Education Committee Ms. Cynthia Nava. Guilty.
(Senator Nava is also the Superintendent of the Gadsden ISD.)
*New Mexico Cultural Affairs Secretary Stuart Ashman. Guilty.
*New Mexico Public Education Department Secretary Ms. Veronica Garcia. Guilty.
*All 89 Public School Districts. Guilty.
*University of New Mexico Press. Guilty.
*New Mexico State University. Guilty.
*City of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Guilty.
*Third Judicial District Attorney Ms. Susana Martinez. Guilty.
*Las Cruces Public Schools District. Guilty.
This list does not include the various civic, business, and fraternal organizations that are active supporters.
Part 1: A children's storybook The Santero's Miracle, by the well-known NM author, Mr. Rudolfo Anaya, is a popular Catholic folk-tale from northern New Mexico about a Christmas miracle, statuary, saints, faith, angels, and prayer.
On 19 December 2007 in the 27 public elementary schools in Las Cruces, New Mexico, all third grade students were rounded up and forced to hear the reading of this religious story during the day before the annual Christmas break. The adult readers were the Superintendent, District Administrative staff, School Board members, and NM State Legislators. Each of the reported 27,000 public school third grade students in New Mexico were given a special edition of the book.
The book was selected by Governor Richardson who has his picture in the book with some happy children. The final book selection was orchestrated by Senator/Superintendent Cynthia Nava who refuses to provide public documents concerning the whole program. Senator Nava presented the program to the NM State Senate and it was approved. The appointed NM Secretary of Public Education Department Veronica Garcia gleefully endorsed her friend's project, then denied the proselytizing intent. The book was supposedly paid for by the eighteen corporate sponsors listed in the book. I wrote them all a letter and none have bothered to reply. Silence is guilt. The corporate sponsorship is a ruse to discharge any responsibility from government officials in their role of proselytizing.
Part 2: A search of the NM Public Education Department's web site will further expose the extent of proselytizing in that Department. A set of forms with a 'TM' for 'Trademarked' and titled "New Mexico Teacher Assessments" can be found. The top left corner shows a 'logo' with a 'TM' and at the bottom of the pages is this note: "The New Mexico Teacher Assessments logo are trademarks...of the State of New Mexico Public Education Department and Pearson Education, Inc."
The 'logo' is a modification of the religious Zia Sun symbol that was appropriated without permission from the Zia Pueblo. The modification shows three extensions of the four branches, instead of the usual four extensions on four branches. On the growing number of modified NM government logo symbols the three extensions are for the Trinity. For this one which also has a halo, the individual groups of three extensions on the four branches represents the Gospel of John Chapter 3. A closer look reveals four little peaks between the four branches. Add them together and you get a clever example of the governmental proselytizing: Gospel of John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
The NM Public Education Department Custodian of Records writes that they know nothing about the logo on the forms, its trademark, nor does "their contacts at Pearson, Education,Inc." The NM Secretary of State writes that there is no record of this logo being registered in NM. I spent several hours in the federal web site Trademark records and found no reference to a logo like this. If someone can find it I certainly would like to see who the owner is.
Until then the NM Public Education Department is illegally active in promoting Christianity in the public schools of New Mexico, which includes the university system.
09 August 2008
City Government Operations - I
The City recently mailed to, apparently, all addresses with a Las Cruces address, the quarterly bi-lingual 8-page newspaper. The number of pages reminds me of the little 8-page risque comic books we hid from our parents. The name of this newspaper is the Las Cruces Community Connection. Any literate 7th grade student would readily see that the title should be the Las Cruces Community Disconnection. "Why?", you may ask. It's simple. The City of Las Cruces is prejudiced, pure and simple, toward religious minorities and those of no religion. From its TV channel to all its publications and public appearances of the City Councilmen and Councilwomen, it's all there.
It is sad for a city government to be so obsessed with its fictitious stories that portray the Apache as the villains, while promoting the 'miracles' about the naming of the city that some believe.
When the new mayor, Kenneth Miyagishima, a local businessman, was elected there were some in the city relieved that he was elected. There was some belief that we would see some improvement in the 'outreach' from City Hall to the religious minorities that help make this a city. Alas, he is presenting himself as no better than the last mayor, William Mattiace, who excelled in his social ignorance and prejudice toward minorities. Mr. Mattiace has been elevated to a high position in the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce as his reward for protecting the status quo while in office.
The current mayor wears a lapel pin that exudes a sectarian exclusivity that many in Las Cruces are proud to promote, especially using public funds and public property. In the above referenced Connection a state employee received the 'first' Mayor's Distinguished Service Award for the NM Farm and Ranch Museum for "opening its doors [Not explained.] to the firefighters who battled the recent blaze in the Organ Mountains." The plaque has a larger edition of the pin the mayor wears on his lapel. That being a blue and white edition of the ubiquitous three stacked Latin crosses surrounded by a sunburst with 15 points that represents the Gospel of John 15.
It is sad for a city government to be so obsessed with its fictitious stories that portray the Apache as the villains, while promoting the 'miracles' about the naming of the city that some believe.
When the new mayor, Kenneth Miyagishima, a local businessman, was elected there were some in the city relieved that he was elected. There was some belief that we would see some improvement in the 'outreach' from City Hall to the religious minorities that help make this a city. Alas, he is presenting himself as no better than the last mayor, William Mattiace, who excelled in his social ignorance and prejudice toward minorities. Mr. Mattiace has been elevated to a high position in the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce as his reward for protecting the status quo while in office.
The current mayor wears a lapel pin that exudes a sectarian exclusivity that many in Las Cruces are proud to promote, especially using public funds and public property. In the above referenced Connection a state employee received the 'first' Mayor's Distinguished Service Award for the NM Farm and Ranch Museum for "opening its doors [Not explained.] to the firefighters who battled the recent blaze in the Organ Mountains." The plaque has a larger edition of the pin the mayor wears on his lapel. That being a blue and white edition of the ubiquitous three stacked Latin crosses surrounded by a sunburst with 15 points that represents the Gospel of John 15.
08 August 2008
Reception to Las Cruces
How was your reception to Las Cruces? Were you well treated at the different public offices as you went about your business to set up a residence? Did you wonder why there were crosses on everything? Or did you just fall for any of the stories you may have read about why the crosses are on everything? Or did you just go by what you heard? Did you think there was something pecular about the crosses situation, they being on all public property?
Have you lived here long enough to notice the country-wide Welcome Wagon has been replaced in Las Cruces with a for-profit company using three crosses for its logo as a warning to the dreaded newcomers (If they stay.) that if you are not a Christian you will only be tolerated. Have you noticed the prevelent inate fear of non-Christians and newcomers?
New Mexico promotes the question of "red or green" for tourists when they order their mealtime chile. In Las Cruces the question is "How long have you lived/been here?" and then "Where did you come from?" Believe it or not, your position in this world depends on how you answer these queststions?
There are some really good people in Las Cruces, but their goodness is overshadowed by those residents with hate in their hearts.
There is a contingent of people who make it their business to identify and know where everyone who is not like them is located. In the excellent book for the not so causal reader, Constantine's Sword, the former priest author describes this particular circumstance.
The property where I personally built my house needed power run to it. The El Paso Electric Company is the sole provider of electricity to Las Cruces. (That's another story.) There is a branch office here with work crews. I remember three office types came out and decided what it would take to get the power to my house. I was too busy constructing the house to pay much attention to what they were doing. They kept changing their stories about putting in the poles and lines.
When it was all over I was making payments to the bank where my construction loan was for the power installation. Every day I looked at the extra pole and the support wires; something didn't match up with the neighborhood nor did the total cost. In the meanwhile the El Paso Electric Company sent someone around and changed my meter four times. Of course, this messed up the accounting and the company gave me the runaround about the billing.
I went to a couple of different banks and asked about the procedure I had gone through along with my installation contract. Both banks denied ever hearing about anything like I described. Free poles were mentioned. Something really smelled. If you have ever been on the receiving end of religious prejudice or any kind of prejudice you can smell it. You can see it in the faces.
You can usually see the temperment of a dog by the look on its face.
I wrote the President of El Paso Electric in El Paso, Texas, a couple of letters. One of the Vice-Presidents called and set up a meeting with me and the lead promoter of the problem. The VP seemed like an honest person and saw right away what the problem was. I got a check for $1,600. I didn't get a chance to slap the promoter of the problem as that is what trash deserves.
Have you lived here long enough to notice the country-wide Welcome Wagon has been replaced in Las Cruces with a for-profit company using three crosses for its logo as a warning to the dreaded newcomers (If they stay.) that if you are not a Christian you will only be tolerated. Have you noticed the prevelent inate fear of non-Christians and newcomers?
New Mexico promotes the question of "red or green" for tourists when they order their mealtime chile. In Las Cruces the question is "How long have you lived/been here?" and then "Where did you come from?" Believe it or not, your position in this world depends on how you answer these queststions?
There are some really good people in Las Cruces, but their goodness is overshadowed by those residents with hate in their hearts.
There is a contingent of people who make it their business to identify and know where everyone who is not like them is located. In the excellent book for the not so causal reader, Constantine's Sword, the former priest author describes this particular circumstance.
The property where I personally built my house needed power run to it. The El Paso Electric Company is the sole provider of electricity to Las Cruces. (That's another story.) There is a branch office here with work crews. I remember three office types came out and decided what it would take to get the power to my house. I was too busy constructing the house to pay much attention to what they were doing. They kept changing their stories about putting in the poles and lines.
When it was all over I was making payments to the bank where my construction loan was for the power installation. Every day I looked at the extra pole and the support wires; something didn't match up with the neighborhood nor did the total cost. In the meanwhile the El Paso Electric Company sent someone around and changed my meter four times. Of course, this messed up the accounting and the company gave me the runaround about the billing.
I went to a couple of different banks and asked about the procedure I had gone through along with my installation contract. Both banks denied ever hearing about anything like I described. Free poles were mentioned. Something really smelled. If you have ever been on the receiving end of religious prejudice or any kind of prejudice you can smell it. You can see it in the faces.
You can usually see the temperment of a dog by the look on its face.
I wrote the President of El Paso Electric in El Paso, Texas, a couple of letters. One of the Vice-Presidents called and set up a meeting with me and the lead promoter of the problem. The VP seemed like an honest person and saw right away what the problem was. I got a check for $1,600. I didn't get a chance to slap the promoter of the problem as that is what trash deserves.
05 August 2008
City of Las Cruces Happenings - Libraries
The second largest city in New Mexico wears a false face about its concerns for the citizens. A faction in the city government is more concerned with their profits and their hobnobbing than that of the welfare of the community as a whole. An example would be the public library. There is only ONE. The one and only bookmobile that serviced the whole of Dona Ana county was also used for sectarian purposes with its large golden Latin crosses emblem on the rear of the bookmobile. It has recently been retired and there is no report of a replacement.
The City recently redrew the Extra Territorial Zone (ETZ) using a school compass to extend the area to include thousands more property owners. Even though the state-wide ETZ law was approved by the New Mexico State Legislature in the 1980's, its real purpose is mysterious, but is a boon for developers and real estate companies. The City controls the ETZ which is actually a 'no-man's land' and the property owners have no rights; i.e.: cannot vote in City elections.
Getting back to the library situation. Why are there no more libraries in Las Cruces? Why was there only one bookmobile? The city is building a $25 million dollar city hall. Plans have been shown for a multi-million dollar swimming complex. The Black Hole of Las Cruces, the "Downtown Mall Revitalization," has sucked millions out of the taxpayers' accounts and into the pockets of the darlings of the community, to what end? Now there's $600,000 to miracle-ize a one block alley and turn it into an adorational walkway leading to the iron monument representing monetary greed and the disdain for local culture and enlightenment.
But still no plans for public libraries.
The City recently redrew the Extra Territorial Zone (ETZ) using a school compass to extend the area to include thousands more property owners. Even though the state-wide ETZ law was approved by the New Mexico State Legislature in the 1980's, its real purpose is mysterious, but is a boon for developers and real estate companies. The City controls the ETZ which is actually a 'no-man's land' and the property owners have no rights; i.e.: cannot vote in City elections.
Getting back to the library situation. Why are there no more libraries in Las Cruces? Why was there only one bookmobile? The city is building a $25 million dollar city hall. Plans have been shown for a multi-million dollar swimming complex. The Black Hole of Las Cruces, the "Downtown Mall Revitalization," has sucked millions out of the taxpayers' accounts and into the pockets of the darlings of the community, to what end? Now there's $600,000 to miracle-ize a one block alley and turn it into an adorational walkway leading to the iron monument representing monetary greed and the disdain for local culture and enlightenment.
But still no plans for public libraries.
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