Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my hometown newspaper, the Santa Fe New Mexican, on its 175th anniversary. The first issue of the paper was printed in 1849. The New Mexican has brought stories to life about gold strikes, floods, votes on prohibition, and debates on statehood and whether women should have the right to vote. It has shared stories of the struggles and strengths of the survivors of wildfires, informed voters about their local candidates, and anointed the best chili in the city. To keep democracy strong, it made sure voters understood the positions and perspectives of local, Senate, Federal, and national candidates for office. I myself like this one page from 1938 that juxtaposes the rise of fascism in Europe with Santa Fe's burning of old man gloom. My local newspaper was ahead of the curve. It took The New York Times 80 years before they reported on Zozobra. Santa Feans, as the New Mexican has shown, have been choosing joy over fascism for over 100 years. Stories matter, and who tells them matters just as much. That is why it is important that an independent paper with integrity, like the New Mexican, has been telling stories about our communities since it was founded. Papers like the New Mexican keep us well-informed and active citizens. In this time of democracy at risk, we need papers like the New Mexican, and I am so happy to be on this floor to celebrate its anniversary. ____________________”