In his June 6 My View, "LANL and nation need new research facility," Don Winchell states that, "we have seen dramatic steps toward the emergence of a national consensus on our nation's nuclear-security strategy and the investments needed to support it."

I see the opposite. I see a growing chorus of nations, military experts and people realizing that the Chemistry and Metallurgy Research Replacement project in Los Alamos — potentially the biggest investment in nuclear weapons worldwide — doesn't square with President Obama's vision of a nuclear-weapons-free world. Going forward with CMRR would damage U.S. foreign policy and the president's reputation. CMRR would not contribute to sustainable-employment development in New Mexico.

Like an agent of propaganda, Winchell is trying to set a tone here, as if CMRR is a done deal with all on board. It's The New Mexican's task as a regional newspaper to analyze and debunk such cheap shots, and unveil the truth about the CMRR, economically and militarily.


Security issue

The horrific Gulf oil spill makes it easy to think that switching to clean, renewable energy sources is all about the environment. Another group thinks it's all about national security. In its report, "National Security and the Threat of Climate Change," 11 retired admirals and generals found that "Climate change, national security, and energy dependence are a related set of global challenges, with climate change acting as a threat multiplier for instability in some of the most volatile regions in the world."

Every single day, young women and men in the armed forces risk their lives defending our oil interests. Operation Free, a coalition of veterans and national security organizations states: "It's our patriotic duty to do everything we can to keep our nation safe and secure: Clean energy is one of those efforts." Ask Sens. Tom Udall and Jeff Bingaman to support comprehensive clean, renewable energy.


Socialist leader

Tea partiers, most Republicans and right-wingers are ranting that our country is quickly becoming a socialist state.

As they sit in their pews on Sunday, they don't acknowledge that Jesus was the super star of socialism. Several biblical passages in Matthew (19:24), Mark (10:21) and Luke (18:22) instruct us mere mortals to sell off all we own and give the money to the poor if we want to get our just deserts in heaven. If this is so, then why are conservatives not expressing more compassion for those who have little or no options to affordable health care? Do they justify their heartless attitude with Proverbs 14:20, "The poor are hated even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends"?

Want more proof? Read Jesus Was a Liberal by Scotty McLennan, available at the Santa Fe library.


Finish the job

How long has it been since the new railroad tracks were laid through the Cerrillos Road and St. Francis Drive intersection, often called the busiest intersection in the state? And, why hasn't the road striping been redone?


Different ranking

First, congratulations to all the valedictorians who were honored in "Top student achievers look to the future" in Sunday's paper. I only want to add a clarification because a Monte del Sol senior is not mentioned. Though we do have many top scholars, Tony Gerlicz, founder of Monte del Sol, opted for an alternative celebration of scholarship: one that does not rank students. It would be great to see a similar profile on one of our impressive graduates next year.


Another view of attack

Recent letters to The New Mexican have condemned Israel for stopping a ship headed for Gaza with a resultant loss of lives. For a different perspective, I urge readers to watch the following short YouTube video, as presented to the United Nations: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c88HRYsvwCA