I also fully support the goals of "green" and "sustainable," but now my ears perk up when I hear those words, as they often reveal pure marketing hype.

As a professional home-energy rater, I see firsthand the crazy results of radical green enthusiasm facilitated by tax credits and rebates. We've got to stop building "energy hog" homes that make up for excessive energy use by adding solar panels. These homes are not "green" when they are guilty of architectural energy abuse. Tax credits should be broken into credits for each separate green concept. Because energy is No. 1 in my judgment, the largest New Mexico Sustainable Building Tax Credits should go to those whose structures require less energy in the first place.



Carlos Fierro, accused of a hit-and-run accident while intoxicated, is stalling for time. We regular citizens, who don't have influence in high places, would have it over and done with by now.

What about the victim's family? Do they want to see a trial date postponed? Can Mr. Fierro's lawyers amass a solid enough defense to get him off scot-free?

At least we still have a judge and a jury in our judicial system. Justice delayed is justice denied.



In response to Kathryn Smithson's July 27 letter, "Free Scott Owens," I must say I respectfully disagree. Although Avree Koffman had little driving experience, that does not make her responsible. Avree did not try to flee the scene, nor was she the one who was drinking or driving on the wrong side of the road. Avree did not cause that accident. In closing, I would have to say that there's no excuse for drinking and driving.



The City Council missed an opportunity to honor the memories of the students who were tragically killed in the recent DWI crash and to send the message to the community that city officials will not be enablers of future alcohol-related tragedies.

Those in New Mexico who have been working to reduce the carnage of DWI and other alcohol-abuse problems have recognized that the solutions start with community awareness and responsibility. The City Council had the opportunity to take responsibility for sending the message that drinking is not necessary for having fun, particularly at family-oriented community events. Tragically, the City Council failed all of us.



The middle class of America is falling through the cracks of our health care system. Premiums are becoming too expensive and insurance companies are dropping the sick from their roles. Half of personal bankruptcies are caused by medical bills. This is a national shame.

Health care is not a luxury, nor is a public-care option a form of socialism, any more than police departments and fire departments are. We need health care for everyone.



I just wanted to thank the kind, honest young lady who ran after me as I was walking out of the Albertsons on Zia Road to bring me the $5 in change that I had absent-mindedly left in the self-checkout machine. She made my day, and everyone needs to know there are young people like her out there!



Regarding "Museum, school put to rest issue of proposed use of 'GOK' (Aug. 11) about the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum's objections to the use of the initials GOK by Georgia O'Keeffe Elementary School in Albuquerque: Guess all the roads, schools, etc. named after JFK, MLK, CC and others will need a defense lawyer!