New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson declared a state of emergency Friday in four counties along the Mexican border that he said have been “devastated” by crimes such as the smuggling of drugs and illegal immigrants.
The declaration says the region “has been devastated by the ravages and terror of human smuggling, drug smuggling, kidnapping, murder, destruction of property and the death of livestock.
This is a flip-flop that absolutely amazes New Mexicans. Sooner or later, everyone expects Richardson to announce his run to be the Democrat candidate for President. Up till today, he’s avoided the question of illegal migrants from Mexico as nothing more than a minor economic issue.
Richardson — a Democrat who served in President Clinton’s Cabinet — criticized the “total inaction and lack of resources from the federal government and Congress” in helping protect his state’s residents along the border.
“Recent developments have convinced me this action is necessary — including violence directed at law enforcement, damage to property and livestock, increased evidence of drug smuggling, and an increase in the number of undocumented immigrants,” Richardson said in the statement.
This split from Republican and Democrat policymakers shows that Richardson, a polished professional, must have decided this is an issue that will differentiate him from the cop-outs in both parties.
Hmm does anyone know if this guy himself is Hispanic or Indian? He looks like he could be either, but his name is Bill Richardson. Well in eithewr case, good for him. That sort of stand alone wouldn’t carry him to the White House, but It’s a good strateggy to get noticed.
Richardson’s mother is Mexican and he spent his childhood in Mexico City.
The 30,000 caught on New Mexico’s border pales in comparison to the 510,000 that were caught in Arizona during the same time frame (last October). Imagine how many WERE NOT caught. it boggles the mind.
I’m sure the next terrorist attackers will just cross through mexico and wreak havoc. Its the easiest way in, just come on over.
Both states have enormous problems and in Arizona they’d never say ‘Illegal Aliens’, here they call them nice names like “undocumented workers”, “displaced immigrants” and nothing in the local media ever says “illegal Alien”.
I disagree. I’m a moderate conservative and am excited about voting for Richardson for president in 08. But I’m the kind of person who hopes Pat Buchanan will save the Republican party. I sure hope he is native american though, they have more of a birthright to the presidency than even the Kennedy’s or Bush’s.
Should read: New Mexico govenor declares boredom emergency.
Has he bought a ranch, yet? That’ll help him appear folksy, just ask Dubya! 🙂
I can’t believe he had the guts to do this. The Republicans have failed the border miserably. Of course, the Dems would have done no better. But, I expected more from the Reps. At least on the border and the war. In both cases the Pres. Bush and the GOP have failed us.
Dear California, Arizona, Texas, et. al.
Wake Up!!!
Sincerely,
New Mexico
RIchardson is a very smart guy. Politically he’s just a bit left of center, but not enough to affect his thought processes. In short, he’s a pragmatist.
I met him once when he was still a Congressman, and was impressed by actual substance in the short (!) speech he made. His diplomacy work under Clinton reinforced this opinion.
Thank you Gov Richardson. I vote Republican, I am conservative, but I support whatever person(s) that make a difference in our lives. Thanks for having the guts to make a stand. We can only pray that your motives for security and safety are real, and that the other border states and the federal government will follw your lead! Yes we need to close our borders. I live in Idaho, and the illegal immagrants have devastated our economy also. The gangs are running rampant, reaking havock, and the welfare system(courts, health, etc..) are way over worked. They cannot begin to handle the problem. Maybe more people with guts like you will step foreward and get something done now! Thank you………………….
Perhaps he now regrets telling a busful of illegal immigrants headed to Washington that New Mexico welcomes them? Or maybe the in-state tuition rates for illegal immigrants?