On this fifth anniversary of the U.S. invasion/occupation of Iraq, consider how much this adventure has cost.

Multiple supplemental appropriations annually take billions of our treasure from what could be spent on education, health or infrastructure. Instead, artillery, fuel, food and shelter for troops are expenses, not investments. More importantly, we have lost nearly 4,000 U.S. men and women who will not realize their potential. And the 29,000-plus wounded live with impaired bodies and minds requiring ongoing care.

We have other lasting consequences from this pre-emptive war. We have lost much credibility in the eyes of other nations.

We have instituted a new privatized element in the armed forces that is not accountable for fraud or misdeeds. We have sanctioned torture and enhanced techniques against our own laws, refusing to remedy this with new legislation. We have glorified violence in a new generation, which impacts families and communities.

Is it worth it?
Barbara Conroy

Santa Fe

Thornburg travails
The current state of Thornburg Mortgage and its financial woes is a tragedy and an emergency for Santa Fe and New Mexico. This homegrown company is in a classic situation of the "baby being thrown out with the bath water." They have done nothing wrong and are a victim of a lack of confidence in the credit markets overall.

I would urge Gov. Bill Richardson and our other elected officials to use any means available to help this struggling company over the current crisis. We might look at using some of the State Permanent Endowment Funds to invest in their paper and add needed short-term liquidity. This company is exactly the type of business we are always hoping to lure to New Mexico — with good-paying jobs, extraordinary community impact and clean industry. We must use all our available tools to help them now!

Marc Bertram
Santa Fe

Thornburg Mortgage represents everything that New Mexico would hope to have in a business. They provide high skilled, high-paying jobs, a track record of community services and support that is unmatched. For a state that is economically undeveloped, we should be doing everything possible to ensure its survival. Thornburg has always been generous without question to support the many social and art programs that make Santa Fe and New Mexico special.

Thornburg is a victim of circumstance and not mismanagement. They have long-term viability, but need support to weather a short-term crisis. We as a community must demand that Gov. Bill Richardson and the state Economic Development Board provide guarantees and or funding necessary to ensure the survival of Thornburg Mortgage.

Martin Stallings
Santa Fe


Regarding the March 11 letter, "Duty to public," by Pete Hodge: I've read Bob Quick's columns for years, and always appreciate them. I expect him to be, at the least, supportive of local businesses like Thornburg Companies. He was doing his job! Look at all the analysts who missed this — and that's all they do! We need Thornburg in Santa Fe, period. If The New Mexican could predict the future, it would cost lot more than 50 cents, Pete!

Michael Friestad
Santa Fe


For years I have heard it all about Thornburg, both good and, unfortunately, bad. Controversy over their new building was big news. I've heard people unfairly malign the company, accusing it of being some inhuman machine, akin to Wal-Mart. Why, I don't know — I think people vilify that which they don't understand.

Now I hear they've had to put guards downstairs due to threats.

I wish to put the record straight. In a city where people complain that there are only $7.50-per-hour jobs, Thornburg Mortgage employs hundreds of people well above that, plus full benefits. They produce little waste, pump much needed money into our local economy, practice good corporate governance and are good neighbors. They are good people, doing good work, and it is my belief that they will overcome.

Nicholas Maryol
Santa Fe


Hubris and stock value: Are they related? When looking north, I so enjoyed the genuine Northern New Mexican horizon. Since the new Thornburg building has gone up, I now see the astonishing signature of insensitivity, bad taste, cultural misfit, rudeness and yes, complete arrogance! Mysterious, that such a building in our City Different ever received a permit!

Bettina Milliken
Santa Fe