Perhaps Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico would not have "lost $20 million in the last three years" if it had not paid its former CEO $15 million last year alone, all of it in bonus pay, according to filings with the Illinois Department of Insurance. I, for one, resent having to pay increased premiums and see it go into already well-lined pockets.

Weekly gathering

Six police officers on bicycles visited the weekly demonstration at St. Francis Drive and Cerrillos Road on Friday. I thought perhaps, like us, they were there to object to the illegal wars being waged by our government. They are law-enforcement officials, after all. But they had come to harass the demonstrators. When shown a memo posted at the corner outlining the agreement made with the city regarding protests at the intersection, one of the officers tore it down disdainfully.

I'm glad crime in the City Different is so infrequent that these officers had nothing better to do. But it's unfortunate they tarnished the reputation of the Santa Fe Police Department with their petty, arrogant behavior. Join us every Friday from noon to 1 p.m., where, for the last eight years, concerned residents have spoken out against U.S. wars of aggression. It is a right and a responsibility we all share.


Low-income advantage

The crusade for affordable housing is out of control.

When I read the Aug. 17 article "Affordable — and green," about the Homewise development Old Las Vegas Place, I knew it was time to sit my kids down and explain the errors I had made.

Errors like working two jobs and finishing my college degree after they were born so that I could earn and save enough money to buy a modest Bellamah home, currently valued at about $220,000, which I now rent out.

I needed to tell my kids not to worry about finishing their college degrees to move beyond $10-an-hour jobs, that all they need to do is sign up for a home valued at up to $300,000, which, if their income is low enough, they can buy for $106,000.

What about east-side property taxes? Oh, there's a subsidy for those as well.


Gas rates dropping?

According to a letter dated Aug. 20, The New Mexico Gas Company is offering "greater service and convenience" via an "automated reading system." I was not bothered at all by the old system, so I'm not feeling "greater service and convenience."

The letter goes on to say that "there is no charge for the installation of the new device." That's interesting. Someone from outside of our country, some noncitizen(s) are paying for this device and its installation? Very generous. Who is it, so I can thank them?

Finally, they are "excited to bring (us) this technology and hope (we) will enjoy its many benefits."

I cannot come up with "many benefits," but I can come up with one. Because many people will not be driving around to read meters, this will save the gas company employment costs, vehicle insurance, vehicle wear and tear, and gasoline and maintenance; costs will go down considerably. I will enjoy a rate reduction. Why didn't they just say that up front?