Gallup Sun

Dear Editor:

Forest Road 480 in the Zuni Mountains was closed in 2018 from a wash out, the USFS posted a notice on their web site. I happen[ed] to come across by accident while looking for some new road, and off road vehicle maps. The notice advised the road would be closed until further notice. I contacted Alvin Whitehair, Mount Taylor Forest Supervisor to ask if the road would be open in time for hunting season. I was told it would be a long term closure until the road was repaired per the recommendations of USFS employee or engineer. I asked where the washout was and [was] told it was just below the Ojo Redondo campground. I then asked why the entire road needed to be closed and off...

Paraskevidekatriaphobia! Say that three times fast… It’s fear of the number 13. Did you know scientists believe fear actually creates self-fulfilling prophecies and accidents? Madame G recommends taking fate into your own hands create your own luck. Happy Friday 13th!

Aries (March 21-April 19)

You’re soaring to new heights and accomplishing more than expected. The restless fire of the Aries soul only cools to simmer. Consider focusing your drive in a positive direction. Make your passions work for you (not against you). You’re not afraid of a little thing like superstition. Get out there and make it happen.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

You dance to the beat of your own drum. It...

Homeland Security rules could cost thousands of jobs

ALBUQUERQUE  - New Mexico could lose an estimated $146 million in federal funds if the Department of Homeland Security is able to implement rules it promulgated regarding government benefits, including nutrition and health care services. That lack of federal funds would translate to a loss to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) of as much as $285 million, as well as 1,937 jobs, and $17 million in state tax revenue. That’s according to a policy brief co-released Nov. 25 by the Fiscal Policy Institute of New York and New Mexico Voices for Children.

The new rules would add several safety-net programs to the current list of...

When there’s data we can use the data, when there are opinions, let’s use mine.  That seems to sum up the gun debate to date. Are the following suggested causes of gun violence and suggested solutions opinions or facts? It’s due to mental illness, ban assault rifles, arm law abiding citizens, arm school teachers, temporarily remove guns from violent domestic partners, ban large ammunition magazines, owners need to secure their weapons, go to “gun school,” etc.

The simple fact is we really don’t know exactly what combination of actions will work to prevent gun violence. While the mass killings get the headlines, most gun homicides occur when one, two or three people are...