"Representative apologizes to governor for 'Mexican' remark," Dec. 15

" If you don't understand the 'Spanish vs. Mexican thing,' then you should stop there and not assume the worst motives among those who self-identify as 'Spanish.'

"You also might try looking at it from another point of view. Most Northern New Mexicans are descended from people who came here more than 400 years ago, left briefly for a dozen years, and then returned. Although there are broad similarities between New Mexicans and Mexicans, the differences are far too numerous and significant to mention here. For some reason, people continue to single out Northern New Mexicans as a people who are faulted for self-identifying in the way they choose." S.G.

" A crude, ignorant, solipsistic woman. It speaks very badly of the Democratic Party that she holds one of its key leadership roles." G.S.

" OK, she lost it, she apologized, she's obviously contrite. These are stressful times. Tempers are short. It's rough out there. Time to move on." J.B.



"Tribal leaders want input on educational reform," Dec. 15

" So, if we have tribal leaders, Hispanic leaders, where are the black leaders, Anglo leaders, Chinese leaders, Japanese leaders, Russian leaders — you get the drift. There are entirely too many 'leaders.' This is why everyone screams discrimination and insists on having their own, separate groups, and then they accuse others of discrimination because they choose to be apart." K.L.

" That comment makes absolutely no sense. If these 'groups' have a direct interest in the furtherance of their culture, which language is at the core of, then so be it. Education can be used as a weapon to destroy a community's self-identity. No wonder these 'groups' are concerned!" A.S.

" If you really want your children to learn the language, carry on the culture and know the traditions, take them to your area nursing homes. The residents would love the visits and love to reminisce about the old days! Not everyone is lucky enough to have their extended family living together like in the old days!" C.M.



"Attorney general to seek maximum penalty for Block Jr.: Ex-PRC member faces 41/2 years for Drug Court failures," Dec. 14

" Drug abuse, whether legal or not, is an 'addiction!' Perhaps what Jerome Block needs is to be forced into a rehab clinic instead of jail time! Going to prison is only going to ruin the man and cause other serious problems!" I.D.

" He's had plenty of opportunities, and the means, to go to rehab." S.S.

" Glad to hear the attorney general has decided to do the job he was elected to do! He looked the other way during the election when Mr. Block was abusing public funding! Perhaps if Mr. Block had been held accountable for his abuses in the first place, he would not have had the means to continue abusing his position." C.A.M.



"Former Richardson official, fundraiser testify at grand jury probe," Dec. 13

" Atta boy, Bill. Make the money here and then go invest it in another state. You have never been a
New Mexico resident. Born in [Pasadena], raised in Mexico City; came here to become a U.S. representative." J.G.

" Federal court ain't what it used to be. These days, they summarily dismiss police brutality cases and lawsuits against the corporations. It's pretty empty. So local big-wigs wandering around an empty building are pretty noticeable." C.H.

" Strange that The Santa Fe New Mexican has to depend on the Albuquerque Journal and New York Times, about 2,000 miles from Santa Fe, for details on such an important story since [this newspaper] immediately sends out its goon squad when Martinez, Duran or any Republican sneezes." Z.A.

"Testimony from Fierro sought in trial of passenger," Dec. 12

"I will forever be heartbroken for the Tenorio family. I don't believe that justice was served, even with Fierro getting a tiny sentence for his actions. In my opinion, Lovato used Fierro to keep himself out of jail that night, had they got caught drinking. Lovato should also be charged because he got in that vehicle knowing his driver was intoxicated and did nothing to stop it." M.M.

" What an injustice to William Tenorio and the entire Tenorio family! My thoughts and prayers to each of them. This must be such a difficult thing to still be going through.

"As for Fierro and Lovato! Both are just as guilty. They are cowards who thought only of themselves. That night, they had complete disregard for every single person who was on each street they drove on. Fierro aimlessly wandered after he hit and left someone on the street, because all he wanted was to get away from the scene and to get away with murder." G.A.