Letters to the editor: On public land management
These letters published in the May 23, 2021 print edition of the Las Cruces Sun-News.
Complete resource management plans
Senator Hamblen’s recent opinion piece (May 16, 2021) is a continuation of previous statements she’s made regarding the supposed need and urgency to protect the public lands “before it’s too late.” She is referring to Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, and her opinion piece also suggests that all of NM’s public lands must be designated as a national monument under the Antiquities Act.
What she intentionally ignores is that all public lands are managed under long standing planning policies, that for BLM is based in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA). Land use plans are developed by the agency with extensive public involvement and input from any local, state, tribal, or other federal entity who may have a stake or interest in the land. Sen. Hamblen indicates her preference for a presidential proclamation under the Antiquities Act rather than locally developed public land management.
The Senator would certainly gain my support if she would focus her attention on encouraging the BLM to move forward with completion of both the Organ-Mountain Desert Peaks National Monument Resource Management Plan (RMP) and the TriCounty RMP. Both plans would engage the public and any interested parties in crafting appropriate management of our public land.
The monument was designated through presidential proclamation in 2014 and seven years later the BLM has not formally initiated the land use plan. The TriCounty RMP covers the remainder of BLM land in Doña Ana County as well as BLM land in Sierra and Otero Counties. It has been in an ongoing flux of planning for over 16 years with no signs of completion any time soon.
Rather than urging the designation of more national monuments, the Senator should use her stage to push the agencies to do their work under existing FLPMA planning guidance.
Tom Phillips, Las Cruces
Forghedaboudit!
Mr. Bob Yacone, owner of Forghedaboudit Southwest Italian Cuisine, has consistently over the years seems to seek out conflicts with anyone he can blame for his own interpersonal failures. Anyone who dares to express an opinion that Mr. Yacone views as not fawning is met with a petty vindictiveness that is not suitable for an adult.
I have never hired a "bad" employee in any position of responsibility. Yet, Mr. Yacone brags about firing 265 employees since 2013. I paid my employees more than others, was respectful, listened to them, and promoted an atmosphere of hard work and hard play. Hence, my reputation as a boss was enhanced in the community.
Having lived and worked for over 12 years in China teaching over 3,500 Chinese students, I can attest that Chinese expressed less ethnocentrism, more respect, and more interest in me. Why? Because I was a guest in their nation and respected the people in it. I was curious about everything, and the Chinese people treated me well in return.
The tragedy is Mr. Yacone makes great food. But great food does not give him a pass in deplorable family, employee, and community relationships.
Gerald Miller, Las Cruces
Y'all have better options
Thankfully we are becoming more aware and accepting of the diverse orientation and identity possible in human sexual expression. Which is why it is so surprising to me to be so often referred to collectively as “guys.” Even if all the persons in the group are female or at least present publicly that way. I have become more sensitive to this erroneous expression after noting its use 10 to 15 times in a day out in public venues.
Those using this term are of all ages but more prevalent in younger speakers. It is usually obvious that people are using the term unconsciously, habitually and without malice but think about it: Are we all “guys”? Do we have to perpetuate exclusionary language?
I know that in the past I have, but I try to do better when I know better.
The American Heritage Dictionary definition of guy:
- N. a rope, cord, or cable used to steady, guide, or secure something.
- N. Informal A man; a fellow.
- guys N. Informal Persons of either sex.
The next two definitions refer to British usage.
While still very common, it should now be seen as exclusive rather than inclusive. Language is dynamic and rightly so to reflect a new perspective in usage and social acceptance. Much the same way slang words have always morphed in meaning. Calling them by their name if you know it, is always effective but sometimes not recommended if the person you are speaking to is seeking anonymity.
Let's become accustomed to the many alternatives to a word that excludes half the population. I can offer folks, you all, you two, three, or four. All y’all, ladies and gents, kind people, my friends, loyal customers and, yes, even “guys and gals” if it is appropriate.
Ann Muriel, Las Cruces
In favor of bag ban
In rebuttal to the Paul Gessing letter on the bag ban, I am 100% in favor of the ban. Try driving from here to White Sands (or pretty much anywhere) without seeing bags plastered on fences! As for heavier bags, my wife and I have been using either cloth or plastic bags for the last 20 years. Some we purchased and some were free from the store that was offering them. They don't tear under heavy groceries and we even have a "cold" bag for perishables. Best part is that you can pack more per bag so it's easier to carry in. Whatever the council decides, we will continue using what we have found to be a better solution!
Roger Elkins, Las Cruces
Oppose bag ban
The Las Cruces City Council is considering a ban on plastic bags. As if we weren't dealing with enough problems from COVID-19 and the governor's restrictive mandates, the mayor and council want to impose more burdens on businesses and customers.
I emailed the mayor and my district council member Kasandra Gandara and asked them if they would also ban disposable face masks which are littering up the city. So far I have not gotten a yes or no response. Besides littering Las Cruces, these masks are finding their way into the oceans.
From NY post article: "More than 1.5 billion disposable face masks will wind up in the world’s oceans this year — polluting the water with tons of plastic and endangering marine wildlife," says a Hong Kong-based environmental group, OceanAsia.
“Single-use face masks are made from a variety of meltblown plastics and are difficult to recycle due to both composition and risk of contamination and infection,” the report says.
The report cites several examples of marine animals killed by masks.
I oppose banning plastic bags. But I ask the mayor and all the city councilors, would you also ban disposable masks? Or are you selective in your plastic litter?
Jill Montes, Las Cruces
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