When:
September 16, 2019 all-day
2019-09-16T00:00:00-06:00
2019-09-17T00:00:00-06:00

I am writing this email to you this evening in lieu of our normal monthly newsletter. Please read this to the end as it will contain a couple announcements about events in the month of October.

Trump is coming to Sandoval County (Sept.16). While we all wish we could put him in a box and send him away-preferably in the cheapest box and delivery method possible-we will not be able to do that. There any number of reasons why we oppose Trump’s presence here in New Mexico:

  • We have our own positive vision of what a community looks like. That is hard, hard work and we have been doing that here in Sandoval County and New Mexico more generally for years. The progress has not always been linear. What does that community look like? It’s a community that welcomes everyone into the American family, no matter your race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, political persuasion, etc. It’s a community that values sustainable and equitable growth. It’s a community that believes in civility and mutual respect. Trump has shown, through words and deeds, that he stands in opposition to this vision.
  • Our county and State is one of the most diverse in the nation. Our population consists of many individuals and entire communities that have recent experience with hateful speech and actions. I feel this viscerally as an openly gay man. Many of these people feel threatened by Trump’s actions and deeds. Whether the Conservative Movement/Republican Party is aware of this highly debatable. But until they understand that we will continue to make clear that we oppose Trump’s presence and his policies.
  • While our State is flush with resources at the State level, we have a lot of catching up to do from the Great Recession. We need investments in education, infrastructure and diversifying this economy. Trump’s visit, with the resources that one day visit will consume, in a state that is extremely unlikely to go in Trump’s electoral column, is a waste of precious resources. Both monetarily and emotionally.

There are going to be options on Monday (as well as over the weekend) to respond to this. I understand the passions behind it and the debate that rages over the best way to approach this visit. In having this debate, we cannot be our own worst enemy and imitate Trump’s slashing style amongst ourselves. A phrase often heard at rallies goes “Tell me what Democracy looks like! This is what Democracy looks like!” Democracy means many things. One of those things is mutual respect. While I will be listing all options, known to me, below my own fervent belief is that you must not stay home that night. On that night you must engage with the community around you and show that we are not a divided community, state or nation, whatever Trump tries to do to tear that down. With that said, I strongly urge you to take one of these steps. I will be sending updates on plans as I receive them on our Facebook page.

Direct action:

  • Alexis Jimenez (alexisjimenez2016@gmail.com) is organizing a group of local Democrats to have a peacefulprotest presence as near as they can get to the intersection of Broadmoor and Paseo Del Volcan (PDV) (where you turn in to get to the hospital). Those who can make it are meeting at 3:30 at Lowe’s on Northern. Meet and park in the westernmost parking area. If you can’t make it at that time, please swing by the parking lot just to see if there are others who are late but still would like to carpool in. Parking will be terrible though there are a few little dirt sideroads on Broadmoor as you approach PDV. Take a drive around the area this week if you can. Bring your signs (no vulgar language per Alexis’s instructions), baby Trump balloons, chairs, shade, water and snacks. They’re going to be there a while. They plan on leaving shortly after 7 before it gets dark and the Trump rally disperses. Linda Allison is hosting a sign making party at her home on Sunday at 10am. Bring your favorite sign-making items and ideas. If you need Linda’s address please get in touch with Alexis.
  • There is another group, Indivisible Nob Hill, along with some other organizations that will be meeting at the intersection of Unser and PDV. They plan to meet at 6. There is a small neighborhood very close by and you might be able to wiggle through the neighborhood and onto the dirt road at that intersection. Their plan, at the moment, is to gather and then walk from that intersection to as close as they can get to the Star Center. It’s possible they will meld with Alexis’s group. It’s also possible other groups have planned other meeting places, or that others will just show up looking for a group to stand with. For Corrales Indivisible please get in touch with Rayellen Smith ( rsmith017@gmail.com)

I spoke with someone in the Rio Rancho Public Affairs Office and she advised that there might be a dedicated area near the Star Center for protestors but that this will be OPTIONAL (you will not have to stay in that area in other words). She also advised there are few public services in the area so please make sure to bring water, food and adequate covering for the sun. Please check https://rrnm.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx for updates, including a map of the area that I was told would be coming out in the very near future. Please check Rio Rancho’s Twitter page and follow #NMRESIST for updates the day of the event. I attempted to get in touch with the Sandoval County Sherriff’s office but received no response.

Indirect action:

  • At 5:00 pm at Tiguex Park in Albuquerque, the Democratic Party of New Mexico, U.S. Representative Ben Ray Luján, U.S. Representative Deb Haaland, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and community groups will be holding a “New Mexico for All” event celebrating unity and diversity. This will be a family-friendly event. They will be expressing our opposition to the hateful and divisive policies of the Trump administration and promoting respect for all New Mexicans. For this event, the Democratic Party of New Mexico and elected officials are partnering with Albuquerque Center for Peace & Justice, Center for Civic Policy, Democratic Party of Bernalillo County, El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos, Equality NM, NM Dream Team, NM Native Vote, NM Women’s March, Planned Parenthood Votes NM, ProgressNow NM, and Strong Families NM. The event will feature community performances and speeches from elected officials. Lineup and other details TBA. For further information please Miranda van Dijk at miranda@nmdemocrats.org or 505-257-0661.
  • Leah Baczkiewcz, County Commission candidate for seat 2, will be organizing a canvassing operation on Sunday from 2:00 to 4:30pm after the Sandoval Democrats fundraiser in Corrales. If you want to join her please meet her at 2:00pm at 106 Kjersti Court in Corrales. Alex Piland, County Commission candidate for seat 4, will be organizing a canvassing operation from 5:00pm to 7:30pm on Monday, September 16 during Trump’s visit. Please meet her at 2221 Green Lake Rd NE in Rio Rancho if you want to joint her.
  • A group who has access to open personal property are arriving early to lay out signs able to be seen from the air — then stay out of possible conflict. Alan Carson (adcarson@hotmail.com), who is NOT in this group can put you in touch with these people.
  • Billie Helean is hosting a fundraiser on Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00pm at the home of Jess Roth (4313 Marquette Avenue NE in Albuquerque). She said that anyone who wants to come and be in a positive group of Democratic folks, with all the negativity that Trump is bringing, is welcome to join her at this event, even if they cannot afford to give.
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