[Re: Opinion, “Carbon Tax Trumps Cap and Trade,” Dec. 24-30, 2009] The article "Carbon Tax Trumps Cap and Trade" was a very informative and interesting argument in support of a carbon tax on emissions instead of a cap and trade system which is currently under discussion in the upcoming Senate bill. I agree with Jerry Ortiz Y Pino that a straight carbon tax is the best way to create incentive for industries to really reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the effort to curb global warming and develop new, clean sources of energy to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. I hope Senators Bingaman and Udall will consider this argument when deciding how to vote on the climate change bill in 2010.
Letters: International Babes International Babes
I just wanted to tell the two want-to-be moms that if they are still considering the IVF route [Re: News, “Baby Blues,” Dec. 31, 2009-Jan. 6, 2010], then head out of the country. It’s far more affordable. I recently went through a similar experience. I went online and researched various clinics throughout the world. I bought my medications through a reputable online pharmacy in Canada and headed to Peru to do the IVF process. The clinic and physicians were top-notch and the total cost was less than $7,000 for all. And the best part was, it worked! I’m 13 weeks pregnant. So, don’t give up … it can still happen. Good luck!
Letters: Freedom In A Smaller World Freedom In A Smaller World
I agree wholeheartedly with Jeremy Barnes and Raven Chacon: freedom in a smaller world [Re: Music, “The Next Decade of Sound,” Dec. 31, 2009-Jan. 6, 2010]. The emergence of such diverse spaces as The Factory’s Kosmos (Church of Beethoven and more possibilities), the Wonderbread project, Off-Center Arts, UNM ARTS Lab, etc., has inspired me to jump back into the fray. I’ve been sensing a new surge of possibilities in the Albuquerque creative music scene, and it all comes down to grass-roots and open collaboration. The role of the musician has always been to serve the physical local tribe … and the natives are hungry.
Letters: Acting! Acting!
The venues that provide a showcase for musicians, slam poets and filmmakers comply with fire codes [Re: Arts, “The Code Talkers,” Dec. 24-30, 2009]. Those venues are subject to code enforcement inspections at any time, especially when they are open. It comes with the territory. Local theaters are no different. The Albuquerque Theatre Guild (ATG) owes an apology to the theatre-going public for compromising our safety. Their "surprise" and indignance are barely plausible. The pitch for donations is a nice flourish, though. To quote Jon Lovitz as the Master Thespian, "Acting!"I commend Lt. Navarrette and his team for their vigilance in protecting the public, day and night. They deserve credit for crafting a set of realistic local rules. I urge the Fire Department to keep up their strict enforcement.Licensed contractors are the translators that Lou Clark is calling for. Were they consulted before doing work on the spaces that the Fire Department cited? Running any enterprise requires management savvy. You need to know how to work on safety issues and to budget accordingly before opening your doors. That is essential.The ATG Board also promoted cooperation at their March 1, 2008 meeting. According to the minutes, the board discussed a meeting of their Artistic Directors’ Group "to exchange information about, and coordinate planning for, the activities of the organizations." One purpose was that "competition for audiences … can be minimized."ATG might be making progress, but they are still working in a vacuum. From my perspective, they have always projected a sense of entitlement to exemptions that are not given to other artists and businesses. Did you know that the chairwoman of ATG’s publicity committee is also the host of KUNM’s Radio Theatre? It seems like there are some more rules that "The Man" and ATG need to take a second look at.
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