City tax >> Mr. Mayor and Mr. City manager, before you attempt push through a GR Tax increase, you need to address two things. First, challenge each department head to identify spending they could do without, and what real estate the city is not using and does not need and sell it. And do it now if you want the voter confidence.

City tax >> I heard on the TV that the city's talking about raising the sales tax. If they would go after all the illegal businesses that are operating in our neighborhoods and make them get licenses, they would have a lot more sales tax.

Koch brothers >> Martinez and top Senate and congregational Republicans met with the biggest campaign donors to Republican campaigns, the oil billionaires, the Koch Brothers in Albuquerque. It is no wonder Republicans deny global warming since they are the puppets of the oil industry.

Hooks column >> The jurors, who have spoken, say that Zimmerman was "guilty," but not beyond a reasonable doubt. Neal Hooks declares this "innocent beyond a shadow of a doubt." Of course, the last time Mr. Hooks had to add 3 inches to make Martin more threatening.

Krauthammer column >> Mr. Krauthammer wistfully recalls a more benevolent time when Congress would identify a problem, hold hearings, and pass laws to be signed by the president. I, too, recall the golden era of democracy, back before the loony fringe of the Republican Party sought to paralyze the nation.

NMSU football >> What a joke the ticket situation is for NMSU football. You cannot buy a one-game ticket in the good sections, G or GG. You have to either buy a season package or a four-game package. This team has won four games in three years and they are trying to force sales before they prove they are worthy of being watched.

WSMR furloughs >> Response to article "WSMR and Holloman Employees Almost Done With Furloughs." Apparently, there was little or no impact ... missions conducted and war fighters served. Maybe it is time to look at the system for improved efficiencies and reallocate funds to health care.

U.S. 70 >> Where are the cops on U.S. 70 since they have put up the barrier? They could write so many tickets for speeding, texting or being on a cell phone while driving. Plus, why do cops get to go 80 mph and get away with it on 70?

Steve Pearce >> I understand why Congressman Pearce and his banking friends would like to re-inflate the mortgage bubble, but as I recall it wasn't that much fun the last time it popped.

Voter fraud >> Criminal justice data shows that blacks and poor people are the most common victims of voter fraud and are the greatest beneficiaries of voter identification rules, according to a new study by the National Center for Public Policy Research.

Food stamps >> I am watching a show on Fox News about food stamp abuse and how the people think that the government makes it too easy for people to get it. How come you never see a show on Fox News about corporate welfare, about how corporations are cheating America out of the taxes that they owe, shipping jobs overseas.
