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Altrusa Holds Yearly All Civic Luncheon 

Michael Smith
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Altrusa Holds Yearly All Civic Luncheon 

From Staff Reports:

On Saturday, October 26, 2024, Altrusa Club of Artesia hosted the third ALL CIVIC LUNCHEON at the 1st Christian Church Fellowship Hall.  All Civic groups, of Artesia and Carlsbad were invited. 

     In attendance were The Desk and Derrick, Artesia Downtown Lions, Carlsbad Downtown Lions and Artesia Altrusa International.

Danny Parker was MC and Mayor Pro tem Jeff Youtesy, from District 3 was in attendance to represent the city and proclaim October 26, 2024, ALL CIVICS DAY in Artesia.  Lunch was catered by Ashley Mason and Alison Starrett.  Dave Shabaz, the new Editor & Publisher of the Artesia Daily Press, was the keynote speaker with a platform on Volunteerism/Giving. 

Altrusa plans this event to coincide with Make a Difference Day, which is celebrated every fourth Saturday of October, to recognize community service in some small or large way.  “This was a way we could give back to the community and recognize our fellow civic groups that make a difference everyday in our City of Champions and surrounding community”, stated Alison Starrett, this year’s 2024/25 Altrusa president.

Here are the recipients of this year’s ALL CIVIC VOLUNTEER awards, voted on by their peers in their specific Civic Organizations.

*Reginia Garner-The Desk and Derrick

*Connie Connor-Artesia Downtown Lions

*Bob Stockwell-Carlsbad Downtown Lions (2x winner)

*Sue Pemberton-Artesia Altrusa

If you see these individuals around town, please thank them for their continued service within our community and beyond.

Another community faces high costs of disaster recovery 

Michael Smith
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Another community faces high costs of disaster recovery 

By Sherry Robinson
All She Wrote

           

As news spread about a freak storm in Roswell that dumped nearly six inches of rain in as many hours, we worried about people and places. My husband was living in Roswell when I met him, and I’d visited many times.

Safe in a dry house, we were talking about this disaster when it occurred to us: We’re all vulnerable. Before, we could watch the news about fires and hurricanes, but if you don’t live in the mountains or on the coast, it’s a bit removed. The Roswell flood brings climate change to everyone’s front porch.

Roswell City Manager Chad Cole said recently that it would take years for his city to recover, reported the Roswell Daily Record. “We are looking at hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure and facilities. I mean it. I’m not sugar coating it.”

The Record, which is making its online edition available free as the city digs out, also reported that state and federal officials were on hand. The governor has declared an emergency, and that step released $1 million, which is something of a down payment for future projects. A disaster declaration from the president will release more money.

FEMA was going door to door, the city posted on Facebook. I’ve been among the agency’s critics in the past, but with new management in New Mexico it appears Roswell won’t suffer the bureaucratic neglect we saw in Mora and the northern mountains after the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon fires.

Even so, people may have to adjust their expectations. For years there’s been a belief that after a disaster the government will make you whole. Nope. They will help, but nobody is going to make you whole. And the help they provide will take longer than suffering residents might wish.

Disaster funding begins with local government, which is the first responder. Large-scale destruction and its higher costs will quickly involve the state, which works with local governments to pay for what it can, often immediate response as well as longer term recovery. When disasters outstrip the resources of local and state governments, the federal government steps in. But as costs have spiraled, feds have asked states to take more responsibility. A FEMA director said in 2019 that federal spending on natural disasters was unsustainable.

This is all according to a 2020 report by The Pew Charitable Trusts, which studied how states pay for disaster recovery. New Mexico and many other states have disaster accounts, as well as rainy day or reserve funds, said the report. States can also appropriate money or budget for disaster needs.

Notice they mention “rainy day” funds. We don’t like that term in New Mexico. We’re rightfully proud of our permanent funds, and policy makers don’t want us to think the permanent funds are easily accessible. Early childhood education advocates moved heaven and earth to tap some of that money. We may have to think about something similar if the federal government becomes hard-nosed about its disaster spending.

Our candidates didn’t want to talk about this as they campaigned, but we’re overdue for a frank discussion. Michael Coleman, a spokesman for the governor (who is not running for office) hinted at it when he told Source New Mexico that natural disasters stemming from climate change are increasing in number and intensity.

“The more of these events we experience as a state, and as a nation, the more our collective resources for responding will be stretched thin,” he said. “We must fortify our infrastructure and make it more resilient against damaging and sometimes catastrophic weather events.”

 At times like these, it may seem cold to talk about recovery costs, but some realistic planning will assure that governments can respond to disasters down the road.

Sherry Robinson is a longtime New Mexico reporter and editor. She has worked in Grants, Gallup, the Albuquerque Journal, New Mexico Business Weekly and Albuquerque Tribune. She is the author of four books. Her columns won first place in 2024 from New Mexico Press Women.

 

We welcome your stories 

Michael Smith
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By: Dave Shabaz, Publisher
 

Well, it’s been four months since I had the honor of becoming the Editor & Publisher of both The Carlsbad Current-Argus and The Artesia Daily Press.  I’ve learned so much about both communities, especially about the “rivalry” between the two cities, which I’ve worked very hard to respect.  Being a die-hard Chicago sports fan, no one understands rivalries like I do. Being a Cubs and Bears fan, I don’t even know if I could date a woman who was a Cardinals or Packers fan.  Of course, I say that in jest, but you get my point. Rivalries are real and they are serious to many people.

 

Both towns have the most amazing people I’ve met in my 35+ years in the newspaper industry. Last week, I had the privilege to speak at events in both cities.  First, I spoke at the Carlsbad Rotary Club. I have been a Rotarian for over 20 years, so it was a pleasure for me to not only speak there, but to become a member of the club.  I want to also make a visit to the Artesia Rotary Club very soon.  I also spoke at the 3rd Annual All Civic Luncheon, put on by the Altrusa International Club of Artesia. Both events were well attended, and I loved getting to meet many of our current, former and future subscribers.

 

I took questions at both events and there was one common question that I had in both cities, “can we still submit stories and photos to the paper?” I want to let everyone know that we not only accept photos and stories that are sent to us, but we encourage it.

 

Our main goal at both newspapers is to bring back “local journalism” to Carlsbad and Artesia. With the small staff that we currently have at both newspapers, community involvement is vital. Please let us know when you have an upcoming event and if you’ve already had an event, please send us photos and information about it, so we can share it with the community. Engagements, weddings, reunions, you name it. We would love to publish it in our papers.

 

Another common thread with both communities has been their love for their local newspaper. It warms my heart to hear people tell me how much they love reading the paper or how much they’ve missed it. 

 

In Artesia, I’ve started something new in conjunction with Artesia High School called, Voices of a New Generation.  We have some students from the high school writing news and feature stories about events around Artesia. It’s interesting to read about something from the perspective of a local youth writer. They may not see something the same as I would, with my 62-year old eyes. They have a unique perspective and it’s can be a wonderful read.

 

In Carlsbad, we were asked to take the newspapers to the school library, where the students have access to read the local paper. At a recent football game, I took a photo of a student and when I asked him his name and told him I was going to put him in the newspaper, he yelled out to his friends, “hey everybody, I’m gonna be in the newspaper!!”  As an old newspaper guy, that made me feel great.

 

Look, the Internet is great. I have social media pages of my own, but nothing is sweeter than getting your name or photo in the newspaper for something good. Parents and grandparents save those, frame those and keep them forever in scrapbooks.

 

And the one thing I’ve been telling people for decades when I used to be out selling advertising and they would say to me, “hey, no one reads the newspaper anymore,” I’d say in a joking manner, “well, get arrested in a small town and then tell me no one reads the paper.”  They would laugh and then immediately buy an ad….:)    

 

And I would love to come and visit with your group or club and talk about the newspaper, myself, the City, you name it. Just let me know and I’ll be there! And start sending in those story ideas and photos of your events! 

 

Dave Shabaz can be reached at: dshabaz@elritomedia.com and on his cell at: (903) 470-0557.

Artesia MainStreet celebrates early Halloween

Michael Smith
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Artesia MainStreet celebrates early Halloween

Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press
msmith@currentargus.com

Halloween came early to downtown Artesia as costumed residents and business owners turned out Saturday (Oct. 26) for Trick or Treat MainStreet.

Dressed as “La Llorona” or the weeping woman in Spanish-speaking communities, Rene Molina held her grandson Malacki Molina while greeting trick or treaters near her business, Rene’s Bookkeeping at 324 W. Main St.

“My theme was ghosts,” she said with a slight laugh. “I thought it was a pretty cool part of that.”

Saturday’s event marked Rene’s fourth year participating in Trick or Treat on MainStreet.

“It means a lot, it is so beautiful that the community comes together like this and so many people participate. Artesia comes together all the time,” she said.

At the corner of Main and Fourth Street, Lucretia Lyles looked different than her regular role as a broker for Roja Real Estate. She and her children were handing out candy and greeting residents as characters from the “Transformers” science fiction movie franchise.

“Every year, we say ‘what are we going to be?’ and the 7-year-old, Matthew, decided that we were going to be Transformers,” she said.

“So he’s Optimus Prime and I’m Lucretia Prime. I’m not sure who I am,” she said jokingly. “I am just a Transformer and proud to be a part of Trick or Treat Artesia MainStreet.”

Lyles said it was important for all Artesia businesses to support downtown merchants.

Artesia MainStreet executive director Morgan Fox said Trick or Treat MainStreet is a way of connecting the community to create lasting memories.

“Every year, we can’t believe the number of people who come downtown, decked out in their Halloween finest, to hang out with thousands of their neighbors,” she said. “This event goes to show that people are willing to connect with one another, to take time out of their busy lives to participate in creating joy for others.”

Fox said the city of Artesia and the Artesia Police Department provided help and security for the downtown event.

“We are especially grateful to the businesses and individuals that donated money to help make this event a success. Artesia MainStreet hopes you all have a very Happy Halloween,” she said.

Costume Contest winners announced

Kid – Spooky Clown: Caidence Laman

Teen – Vector from Despicable Me: Renee Flores

Adult – Tammy from Tammy: Robin Williams

Dynamic Duo – Daft Punk: Hagan Crockett and Draven Fletcher

Group – Ode to Tim Burton: Kimmons Kids

Most Creative – Paleta Man: Ismael “Boogie” Chavarria

Upcoming Events

At 5:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at Catalyst Church, 13th and Hermosa, ninth annual Trunk or Treat.

At 6 p.m. Oct. 31 at First Methodist Church, 500 W. Grand Ave., Trunk or Treat.

Mike Smith may be reached at 575-308-8734 or msmith@currentargus.com.

Johnson Family Reunites in Honor of Century-Old Legacy

Michael Smith
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Johnson Family Reunites in Honor of Century-Old Legacy

By: Josiah Deason, Artesia High School

Spanning across the depths of the Pecos Valley lies the century-old legacy of the Johnson Farms, where its lush acreage thrives lastingly as each generation beholds it to the next.

The spark of this legacy began in Newton County, Mississippi when Isaac Peebles “Ike” Johnson and his family embarked a journey across the United States in 1924 in hopes for a drier climate and crisper opportunities, where it led the Johnson Family and three other Mississippi families to the Heart of the Pecos.

Just 7 miles north of the Heart of the Pecos is where in 1925, Ike Johnson founded the basis of the Johnson Farms, where the soil remains just as bountiful as it was then, now nearing a century of thorough care and development. As the endless march of time never fails to progress, so did the development of the Johnson Farms, and most importantly, the addition to the Family’s contribution and involvement within their surrounding community, resulting in all 14 children of Ike and Nora’s to pursue their primary education at Artesia High School.

Though these 14 children went on to fulfill separate paths in life, Bill Johnson, the youngest boy of the Ike and Nora’s, returned to lead the development of the Johnson Farms, where his coordination of the estate contributed a vast collection of neighboring acreage after decades of contribution to the conservation of the Johnson Legacy. This legacy not only thrives within the Pecos, but by family members who have moved out towards other regions of the nation.

What remains forever constant within the Family is the not only the efforts they exert towards the success of the farm, but also the values that they hold towards their contribution and fellowship in church, and most of all, their Faith in God.

Josiah Deason is a Junior at Artesia High School.

AGH and Mako celebrate anniversary

Michael Smith
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From Staff Reports:

Artesia General hospital (AGH) is celebrating a major milestone:  October marks 10 years of using the Mako robotic-arm assisted surgery system, which has revolutionized joint replacement procedures in the area and changed the lives of countless patients. Since being the first hospital in New Mexico to introduce it into its surgical suite a decade ago, the Mako system has become a vital tool for orthopedic surgeons performing total knee, partial knee, shoulder and hip replacement surgeries. The technology allows for an unprecedented level of precision in joint replacement, leading to faster recovery times, fewer complications, and improved patient outcomes. It also cuts down on travel for area patients.

Dr. Marshall Baca, an orthopedic surgeon at AGH’s Bone and Joint Destination Center, who is entering his 30th year practicing in the Artesia and Carlsbad Area, has been using the Mako robot since its implementation. “The Mako has completely transformed how we approach joint replacement surgery. Its precision allows me to tailor each procedure to the individual patient’s anatomy, resulting in faster recovery times, reduced pain, and improved outcomes. I’ve seen firsthand how this technology changes lives, and it’s an incredible tool in providing the highest level of care,” he said.

Baca said that the precision and reliability of the Mako led to the hiring of Dr Zhinian Wan, and the long-term success of the orthopedics department at AGH.  Wan was also involved in the actual development of the Mako unit and has coauthored many scientific publications during his work in joint replacement at UCLA.

Over the last 10 years, the use of the Mako robot has dramatically improved the quality of care for patients at AGH undergoing Total Knee Replacement, Total Hip Replacement and Uni Medial Partial Knee Replacement. Patients report less pain, and quicker returns to their normal activities.

Sandra Trujillo who works in the surgical services dept at AGH as a scheduler was the first patient in Southeast NM that the robot was used on. She underwent a Mako Uni Medial Partial Knee Replacement, a surgical procedure that uses a robotic arm to perform a partial knee replacement while preserving healthy bone and tissue.

“I had knee issues because of sports, tore my meniscus 3-4 times. It was definitely less painful; the precision of the surgery made all the difference. I was able to recover quickly, and within weeks.” said Trujillo. “I would highly recommend this surgical procedure to anyone that meets the criteria.” she added. 

 

Alongside Trujillo were Baca, Nurse Practitioner Darla Bannister, CRNA Nina Thai, RN Circulator Lorissa Campos, Scrub Tech Louis Calderon and Company Representative Stephen Hatch.

 Since adopting the Mako system, AGH has performed many Mako-assisted procedures, enhancing the lives of patients throughout the community. The facility has invested in training surgeons and staff in the use of the technology to ensure patients receive the most accurate and effective care possible. The Mako robot’s 3D modeling capabilities allow for highly personalized surgical plans, making the technology a game-changer for complex joint replacement surgeries. The technology’s precision minimizes trauma to surrounding tissues, reducing post-operative pain and swelling, and ultimately leading to quicker recovery times.

The Mako robotic-arm assisted surgery system is designed to provide surgeons with enhanced precision and control during joint replacement procedures. By creating a 3D virtual model of the patient’s anatomy, the Mako system allows surgeons to plan each operation in detail before even stepping into the operating room. During surgery, the robot assists the surgeon in executing the plan with pinpoint accuracy, ensuring the proper alignment and placement of implants. This advanced technology is particularly useful for patients undergoing knee and hip replacements, where even small improvements in accuracy can lead to better outcomes.

As AGH celebrates 10 years with the Mako system, the hospital remains committed to offering cutting-edge, patient-centered care. The success of the Mako robotic system has led to fewer complications, longer-lasting joint replacements, and, most importantly, happier, healthier patients. “This technology has really set a new standard for joint replacement surgeries,” said Wan. “It’s exciting to see how far we’ve come in the last 10 years, and I’m confident that we’ll continue to advance the level of care we provide with this tool.”

With a decade of experience using the Mako robot, AGH continues to lead the way in innovative orthopedic care. The technology has not only changed the way joint replacement surgeries are performed but also transformed the lives of patients who can now walk, run, and enjoy life without pain. As the hospital looks to the future, it remains dedicated to enhancing patient outcomes using cutting-edge technology and compassionate care.

For more information about Mako robotic-arm assisted surgeries or to schedule a consultation, visit AGH’s Bone and Joint Destination Center at https://artesiageneral.com/bone-joint-center or call (575) 736-8106 for more information.

 

Halloween comes early to downtown Artesia

Michael Smith
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Halloween comes early to downtown Artesia

Mike Smith photo Artesia Daily Press

Scores of people gathered in downtown Artesia Saturday for Trick or Treat MainStreet. Merchants dressed in their favorite costumes and handed out candy to local citizens.

For more pictures and details pick up a copy of Thursday’s Artesia Daily Press.

Artesia football flies past Goddard

Michael Smith
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Artesia football flies past Goddard

Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press
msmith@currentargus.com

Izac Cazares, Frankie Galindo and Ethan Conn could be considered triplets of Artesia High School’s offense. All three had a big night as the Bulldogs defeated the Goddard Rockets 55-20 in Roswell Friday night.

The victory came one week after the Bulldogs were defeated by Roswell’s other high school, the Roswell High Coyotes, 44-40 at Bulldog Bowl in Artesia.

Artesia head coach Jeremy Maupin said the Bulldogs (6-3, 5-1) played well against the Rockets (2-7, 1-5)

“(We) made plays in all facets (of the game),” he said after the victory.

Artesia scored on a 60-yard drive to open the game as Conn scored on a 1-yard run in the opening two minutes of the first quarter.

Backup quarterback Derrick Warren completed a pass to junior wide receiver Trent Egeland for the 2-point conversion as the Bulldogs led 8-0.

Artesia scored again with 8:04 left in the opening quarter as Cazares, the starting quarterback, threw a 62-yard strike to junior running back Bryce Parra.

Corbyn Dominguez booted the extra point kick as Artesia extended the lead 15-0.

Nearly four minutes later, Conn, a senior split back, scored another touchdown on a 67-yard pass from Cazares. The 2-point conversion was no good as Artesia upped the score to 21-0.

The Rockets started to put up a fight against the Bulldogs in the closing stages of the first period as quarterback Izaiah Montoya completed an 11-yard to junior wide receiver Josiah Castillo.

Goddard could not convert the extra point attempt as Artesia’s lead was trimmed to 21-6.

With 20 seconds remaining before the end of the opening period, the Rockets recovered an onside kick and scored the second touchdown of the game early in the second quarter as Jose Porras scored on a 26-yard reception.

Kicker Nathan Reed made the extra point attempt as the Rockets were within striking distance as Artesia led 21-13 with 11:11 left before halftime.

Artesia’s offense went to work on its opening drive of the second quarter as Galindo, a senior running back, capped a 45-yard drive, with a 27-yard touchdown run.

The 2-point conversion was no good as the Bulldogs found some breathing room leading 27-13 with 9:16 left in the second period.

Artesia’s defense fizzled Goddard’s opening drive of the second period. Galindo scored nearly five minutes later on a 46-yard run, capping an eight-play, 76-yard drive.

Dominguez kicked the extra point attempt as the Bulldogs led 34-13.

Artesia got some extra space with 3:11 left before halftime as Goddard could not handle the kick off.

Cazares scored on a 30-yard touchdown run and Dominguez made the extra point kick as the Bulldogs remained on top 41-13.

With 48 seconds showing on the scoreboard, Conn scored another touchdown, as Artesia coasted for the rest of the game. Dominguez made the extra point and the Bulldogs led 48-13 at halftime.

“(Maupin was) proud to turn around and play well after a tough game last week,” he said.

The Bulldogs final touchdown of the night occurred with 6:14 left in the third quarter as junior wide receiver Jack Byers scored on a 2-yard pass from Warren as Maupin gave the reserves some playing time.

Dominguez booted the extra point as Artesia led 55-13.

Goddard’s final touchdown of the night occurred with 8:22 left in the game as Reed scored on a 2-yard touchdown run. He also kicked the extra point for the Rockets.

At 1 p.m. Nov. 2 in Las Cruces at the Field of Dreams, the Bulldogs end the regular season against Mayfield.

Scoring Summary
1st Quarter

Artesia-Ethan Conn 1-yard run, Derrick Warren to Trent Egeland for 2-point conversion, 9:58, 8-0.

Artesia-Bryce Parra 62-yard pass from Izac Cazares, Corbyn Dominguez kick, 8:04, 15-0.

Artesia-Cazares 67-yard pass to Conn, 2-point conversion no good, 3:57, 21-0.

Goddard-Izaiah Montoya 11-yard pass to Josiah Castillo, kick blocked, :23, 21-6.

2nd Quarter

Goddard-Jose Porras 26-yard touchdown reception, Nathan Reed kick, 11:11, 21-13.

Artesia-Frankie Galindo, 27-yard touchdown run, 2-point conversion no good, 9:16, 27-13.

Artesia-Galindo 46-yard touchdown run, Dominguez kick, 4:06, 34-13.

Artesia-Cazares 30-yard touchdown run, Dominguez kick, 3:11, 41-13.

Artesia-Conn 70-yard touchdown catch, Dominguez kick, :48, 48-13.

3rd Quarter

Artesia-Jack Byers 3-yard touchdown reception, Dominguez kick, 6:14, 55-13.

4th Quarter

Goddard-Reed 2-yard touchdown run, Reed kick, 8:23, 55-20.

Offensive Stars of the Game:

Passing: Cazares 10/13 327 yards, 4TDs

Receiving: Conn 5-catches, 174 yards 3TDs

Rushing: Galindo 6 carries 114 yards, 2TDs

Defensive Star of the Game:

Grant Johnson 4 ½ solo tackles

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-308-8734 or email at msmith@currentargus.com.

Eddy County nearing decision on Courthouse?

Michael Smith
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Eddy County nearing decision on Courthouse?

Mike Smith
El Rito Media
msmith@currentargus.com

Upgrading the current Eddy County Courthouse looks to be the favored option as the county moves toward a new administration complex and jail.

Since April, Eddy County has grappled with what to do with courthouse operations after approving a new administration building and jail south of Carlsbad on Corrales Road across from the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office. County officials had considered several possibilities, including construction of a new courthouse for $279 million and expansion of the current facility for $310 million.

But a proposal to spend $15 million for a courthouse makeover featuring new exterior stucco and windows plus improvements for heating, air conditioning and plumbing emerged during an Oct. 15 meeting of the Eddy County Board of County Commissioners.

That plan and two others were presented to commissioners and residents by Jason Burns, the county’s public works director, during a townhall meeting Wednesday (Oct. 23) at the Eddy County Fire Services office in Carlsbad.

Fifth Judicial District Judge Lisa Riley, who had stated opposition to moving the courthouse during an April 24 townhall meeting, said she liked the makeover option.

“It will maintain our beautiful, historic, iconic courthouse and it will maintain the seat of the courts as part of our local government … I think that’s what the community has voiced it wants and that’s what the judges want as well,” Riley said.

Riley was opposed to moving courthouse functions away from downtown Carlsbad to the southern part of the community, which is seeing a growth of industrial development.

“It’s not an appropriate place to have a courthouse,” she said. “Courthouses have traditionally been in the heart of the town. They are local government. They are where the local judges administer justice to our local citizens using local juries and they should not be relegated to an industrial section of town.”

Savannah Cabezuela, Eddy County spokesperson, said remodeling the courthouse gives county leaders a five-year window to see what the future holds for the county and the current structure. She said commissioners could make a final decision Nov. 5.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-308-8734 or email at msmith@currentargus.com

Foreign policy and the next president.

Michael Smith
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By: Tom Wright

Parts of the world are in turmoil – China and Taiwan, Israel and the Mideast, Ukraine and Russia. The axis of North Korea, Russia, China, Iran, ganging up against the US. Our next president will face these issues and experience will be needed. What are the stakes we face with a president weak on foreign policy?

Kamila Harris has little experience in the field and her mentor, Joe Biden has been all over the map on the subject. He has said unequivocally, we will back and defend Israel. In the next breath, Biden has said, he would withhold weapons if Israel mounts an offensive in Rapha. Harris agrees, promoting a peace settlement over victory for Israel. Hezbollah has refused to disarm and Israel will not settle on those terms.

We have just learned a top-secret memo was leaked from our intelligence community regarding Israel’s plan to attack Iran. That is an absolute Biden/Harris transgression, probably to short-circuit Israel’s plans and promote a “Biden Peace Accord,” all for his legacy and much sought, glory.

Donald Trump’s, “America First” theme gives the impression he is an isolationist. He has been against our deep involvement in Ukraine, but all in for helping Israel, applying extreme sanctions on Iran. Biden removed those sanctions.

Trump forced NATO to pony-up more defense funding against Russian aggression and cut our financial commitment to the treaty.  He personally engaged Russia, China and North Korea, ended our involvement in Iran’s nuclear deal, froze Iran’s foreign financial assets ordered the assassination of Qasem Soleimani, Iran’s top general. He also ordered a missile attack on Syrian forces, after they used chemical weapons on their own citizens.

In the far east, he has encouraged Japan and our Pacific allies to increase defense spending and they have. By strengthening our alliances, it has allowed us to become less engaged financially and militarily. That’s not isolationism.

The reality is, Trump oversaw the final defeat of ISIS, did not engage U.S. troops in further involvements and no countries started wars during his administration.

Trump’s foreign policy seems to be promising the olive branch for good behavior and the stick for bad behavior. With that threat, getting along is better than not.

Under a passive Biden/Harris Administration, we have seen China’s increased aggression against Taiwan, Russia invade Ukraine, a return to the nuclear deal with Iran and a release of sanctions and Hamas attack Israel.

In the past few days, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Hamas in Istanbul to discuss the situation and the possibility of a cease-fire, after the death of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar. Iran’s Araghchi, told reporters that, despite that loss, Hamas “is more alive than ever.”

President George W. Bush first used the expression “Axis of Evil” in his 2002 State of the Union Address as it referred to Iran, Ba’athist Iraq and North Korea. Since then, China and Russia have been added. Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela could be considered minor, but significant partners as they are in our hemisphere.

The economy and immigration may be real areas for voters to consider, but foreign policy will be the determining factor for our future. Which candidate will best serve us?

Tom Wright is a Santa Fe columnist and El Rito Media investor.

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