CITY COUNCIL PROCLAMATION HONORS PEACEMAKING AND WHISTLEBLOWING

Information, News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Information: Julian Moya, 505-768-2511, julianmoya@cabq.gov

CITY COUNCIL PROCLAMATION HONORS PEACEMAKING AND WHISTLEBLOWING

Councilors Fiebelkorn, Benton, and Davis honor the work and sacrifices of Daniel Ellsberg.

Albuquerque, NM – City Councilors Tammy Fiebelkorn, District 7, Isaac Benton, District 2, and Pat Davis, District 6 are highlighting the bravery of whistleblowers by proclaiming the week of April 24th-30th 2023 as Daniel Ellsberg Week for the City of Albuquerque.

“Ellsberg was a true hero for the American people when he revealed the Pentagon Papers, risking life in prison, to enlighten the public about government corruption,” says Councilor Benton. “We should always remember whistleblowers and the courage it takes to stand for what is right.”

The proclamation highlight’s Ellsberg’s critical role in revealing the illegal activities the U.S. participated in relative to the Vietnam War, who copied the 7,000-page study, known as the Pentagon Papers, and distributed it to member of the Senate as well as the media, including the New York Times and the Washington Post. He was charged under the Espionage Act of 1917 along with theft and conspiracy, a total maximum sentence of 115 years, but charges were dismissed and the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the newspapers’ right to publish articles about the papers.

“The actions of Daniel Ellsberg helped end the war in Vietnam and encourages others to come forward if they witness nefarious actions within our own system of government. This proclamation serves as a reminder that whistleblowers are protected and commended for their fortitude,” stated Councilor Davis.

Ellsberg continued his work as a strong advocate for anti-war activism. He continues to support American whistleblowers and the end of nuclear weaponry.

“Daniel Ellsberg gave power back to the people. Honoring him is honoring our collective strength to combat corruption and ensure government accountability,” declared Councilor Fiebelkorn.

The proclamation will be presented to the Progressive Democrats of America- Central New Mexico at the opening of The Vegan Village, an event sponsored by Councilor Fiebelkorn, on Saturday, April 22 at 4:30pm.

WHAT: Daniel Ellsberg Week Proclamation Presentation

WHEN: Saturday, April 22, 4:30 PM

WHERE: Vegan Village at ABQ Collective, 1321 Eubank Blvd NE

How do the unseen, the unheard, and the invisible among us influence public policy?

Opinion

Do the unsheltered families living in their cars have a voice in our city’s housing policies? Does the unemployed young addict have any say in how the public transportation system works? Do the undocumented laborers have any influence in the issues that might directly impact their lives, such as healthcare and education?

The answer, we all know to be true, is that our federal, state and local governments govern with a rarefied slice of the public’s interest in mind. Those who are gainfully employed or successfully retired, usually with a college education, with a roof over their heads and a car (nowadays a Prius) in the driveway, are the voices that government officials and elected leaders hear from, along with the paid lobbyists and corporate shills. These are the people who show up to city council meetings and air quality control board hearings, while the great majority of our community is absent.

Progressives have a responsibility to recognize these empty seats at the table and make sure we do everything in our power to lift up their concerns at every opportunity. Monday, May 15th at 5:00 pm is such an opportunity at the Albuquerque City Council.

City leaders are grappling with the lack of affordable housing in our community with an estimated 1,300 people experiencing homelessness on any given night and half of Albuquerque renters pay more than 30% of their income on rent. In 2021, rents in our city increased 21%. The problem is complex but the city has a number of proposed reforms that might help. We know one culprit are the investors who gobble up the housing stock for AirBnB and short-term rentals. They drive up housing prices and remove many units from the market. The city wants to limit the number of short-term rentals and add other requirements to make sure we’re focused on the needs of our community and not an investment haven for Californians.

The renters and unsheltered persons in Albuquerque would benefit from this amendment (O-23-69) but the only people who stood up to speak about it at the first hearing were real estate folks and property owners, and they spoke against it. I plan to speak in favor of these changes on May 15 and hope others will join me.

—Lora Lucero

NM Owes an Apology

Opinion

Since New Mexico is the 2nd largest oil producing state in the country and the 5th largest gas producer, New Mexicans owe a big apology to the rest of the country for our failure to address climate change in the recent legislative session. 

This short interview (Apr.8) explains the seriousness of New Mexico’s contribution to the climate emergency.

Permian development fuels climate change

The continued oil boom in the Permian Basin is reflected in New Mexico’s budget. But it also affects the climate, local communities, and the landscape. Not only that, but many companies pollute even beyond what regulations allow, with few repercussions. Jerry Redfern, a reporter with Capital & Main, talks about the role his reporting played in fines levied against two Texas companies – and about New Mexico’s disproportionate contributions to the planet’s warming climate. 

Resources: 

Capital & Main Reporting Leads to Fines for Oil and Gas Polluters
https://capitalandmain.com/capital-main-contributors

Despite Rules, New Mexico Oil and Gas Producers Keep Polluting
https://capitalandmain.com/despite-rules-new-mexico-oil-and-gas-producers-keep-polluting

New Mexico Legislature Fails IPCC Test
https://capitalandmain.com/new-mexico-attorney-general-faces-fraud-corruption-allegations-amid-power-company-merger

AR6 Synthesis Report, Climate Change 2023
https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/syr/