The Joan Duffy Chapter of Veterans for Peace urges President Obama to rescind the ban on gays serving openly in the military. Throughout the course of our history, gays have served honorably, spilled blood and given their lives in defense of our nation. A majority of Americans oppose the ignoble "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Veterans of this chapter have served on active duty, side by side with gays. They are part of our band of brothers and sisters who deserve fairness and equality. They should not be forced out of the military for being openly gay. "Don't Ask Don't Tell" is counterintuitive and counterproductive to our nation's best interest and our national security.



Flamenco has always been a tradition in Santa Fe, and for years, that tradition meant María Benítez. After I became blind, I saw her perform at El Nido and fell in love with the dance. Through time, she made what is now "The Lodge" her home. Her performances always left me wanting more, so every summer, I made my pilgrimage to the "María Benítez Cabaret Theater."

Now she has passed the torch to Juan Siddi, and though María will always be missed, I feel fortunate to have been there on Juan's opening night. Juan and his very intense company touch all the senses. Sitting in the audience, you are transformed and can not leave untouched by the power of his dance. Plan to see their show this summer and welcome the "Siddi different" to the City Different; watch as a new Santa Fe legend is born.



I'm still feeling electrified from the opening performance of the Juan Siddi Flamenco Theatre Company. I've been a flamenco aficionado for about 45 years and have followed the María Benítez company for about 20 years, and saw her as she passed the torch to Juan Siddi last year. That torch is blazing! I've never witnessed such an incredibly electrified atmosphere in any room anywhere, and I've seen live flamenco in Spain, Morocco and major U.S. cities. It's so refreshing to see the new brilliant choreography and fresh and brave creations. I adored his new take on mixing the Arabic and Indian themes in with new music and costuming.

I am all for old traditions, but what a brave and brilliant treatment we've been exposed to with Siddi's show.



Thanks to Kokopelli Property Management on the work that it has done adopting and tending to the median on Old Pecos Trail. Kokopelli has spent considerable time and resources with respect to the plantings and the care and attention — certainly an example for other businesses to follow.



Sunday's My View, "System victimizes children, families," addressing the shortcomings of the First Judicial District's Children's Court and Judge Barbara Vigil, was long overdue.

Her habits of postponing hearings and excessive absences have caused distress to many, including legal staff. She has also indulged in personal animus toward certain lawyers, even changing procedures of contract renewal to their detriment.

Because of the importance of moral standards and timeliness, this conduct is unacceptable. For the sake of all, "Judge Barbara" should model her courtroom act after Judge Sonia Sotomayor.



As I listen to the debate over health care in America, there seem to be two main arguments. The first one is supported by
70 percent or so of Americans, which is some kind of universal health care that covers everyone, that makes sure that all our children are covered. The other argument seems to be that if we did something like give health care to ourselves it would interfere with corporate profits.

A conundrum; the health and well-being and indeed the very life of humans versus corporate profits. Which side will prevail in a capitalist society?