Columns

We have become such a rancorous lot, we Americans.
Perhaps that’s why many New Mexicans had a moment’s pause when Jeff Bingaman recently let it be known that he is thinking about not seeking another term in the U.S. Senate come 2012.
Bingaman is that rare political figure who rarely blows his cool, an isle of balance and sanity in a sea of roiling political waters.

Isn’t it wonderful to have a brief season of good will that even extends into the political world this year? With a new administration headed into Santa Fe, a period of high hopes reigns at least for a few weeks.
Our major state newspaper feels hearts are so light that it can feature a front page article on our governor-elect’s pajamas. The inference is that readers have little reason to consider anything more important than Susana Martinez’s “sleepy pants” at this time of year.

Are New Mexicans about to get the same story: second verse? During Susana Martinez’s year-long quest for the governor’s office, no one talked publicly about the possibility of her being the GOP vice-presidential nominee two years hence.
Late in the primary campaign, it became very obvious that state and national GOP leaders had pegged her as their favorite.
Those of us not in the party structure were very surprised to see her crush four other candidates badly at the Republican pre-primary nominating convention in March.

Nothing like Christmas to test our fragile American psyches.
While times remain hard for millions of us, stores have amped up the gift-giving hype because, well, they’ve been hit by hard times, too. What better way to make up for a hard year than by sending us the message that if we really, really care for someone...kaching! Guilt makes the sales soar, si?