The tragedy of the commons describes a dilemma in which multiple individuals acting independently serve their own self-interest and ultimately destroy a shared limited resource, even when it is clear that it is not in anyone's long-term interest for this to happen.

Although its origins relate to overgrazing on communal lands, it applies to the big bowl of Halloween candy I left outside my front door while we were away from home for one hour on Halloween night. I left a sign to "take one," and when we returned an hour later all the candy was gone. I checked with my neighbors and they said they only had two small groups of trick-or-treaters (with parents) during that time. Like Ryan Flahive stated in his Nov. 3 letter, "Greedy tricksters," I was disheartened by this selfish act.



The Baca Street Studios Halloween was a magical fiery wonder! Sean Healen's paintings and music, Erika Wanenmacher's Ditch Witch Store, all the glass artists and fire dancers, shadow puppeteers and helpers of every kind made a very special night happen. This was just the kind of mix of every "strata" of Santa Fe coming together for art, craft, music and magic that we at Baca Street enjoy every day. This was truly a feast for all the senses, not to mention the soul. Many came and brought something wonderful to the table. Join us Dec. 4, 5, 6 for the Baca Street Art Tour!



I attended the domestic-violence meeting at the hospital. It didn't really touch on the main issue, victims of domestic violence. Seems the agencies that attended are more focused on budgets. Of course there weren't any victims there, except my daughter. So what good does it do?

I asked questions about the new program for court monitors. At the end of the gathering, a speaker merely walked by me as if I didn't exist. So why ask for volunteers? My dad had a saying: It's easy to write down ideas, the hard part is getting them to work. If these agencies really want to know if a program works, ask the victims. Oh yeah, some of them are already dead! Do us a favor and quit, or get off the pot.



I write in support of the T.E.A. Party movement. It may come as a surprise but our protest is about both major parties.

It's about Barack Obama and George W. Bush and many before them moving our country toward greater government control of our lives. It's about the ever-expanding size and scope and power of government at every level — local, state, federal. It's about government spending more than we can afford. It's about charging it to our children and grandchildren. It's about corporatism not capitalism, manipulated markets not free markets. It's about solutions like honoring states rights and auditing the Federal Reserve. It's about constitutional government and liberty, topics that attract people from across the political, economic, social and ethnic spectrum. It's about educating the public. It's about freedom!

If the press were doing its job, readers would know that.



My friend and I were recently in a minor one-vehicle accident that resulted in damage to his vehicle. Officer N. Butler responded to the call and was very professional and courteous. He even assisted us in securing a tow truck and stayed with us until it arrived. Officer Butler represents the Santa Fe Police Department in a positive manner, and we're lucky to have him in Santa Fe.



We should all be so fortunate as District 1 voters, who now have a clear choice in Paul White for Santa Fe County commissioner. Finally a win-win situation with an intelligent, altruistic candidate. If voters put him over the top, everyone benefits.



In Elizabeth Stirling's Oct. 31 letter, "Too much exposure," she "empathizes" with Katherin Chase, who recently was charged with a hit-and-run while driving drunk. Ms. Stirling states that The New Mexican should not have published Ms. Chase's picture.

How about empathizing with the victim of the hit-and-run and the citizens of Santa Fe Ms. Chase put at risk by her actions?

I suggest that The New Mexican publish photos of all convicted drunken drivers. Why are we protecting them? It's time we truly stigmatize their behavior. Maybe then everyone will think twice before getting behind the wheel after having a drink.