Do The Right Thing, Bill!
By Bob Steiner
The voters have spoken! Bill Richardson endorsed the presidential candidate for his party’s nomination, who ultimately won the national election. Congratulations are in order for  all parties concerned! Our Governor (it seems after much obvious “delay” by the President-elect) was rewarded for his support for Obama by being designated as a member of the President’s cabinet.  While he was beat out for the much desired Secretary of State position by the less-qualified “pants suit” competitor, he at least was finally rewarded with the offer for the Commerce Secretary job. In view of the potential impact this position can have on the present national economic crisis, this appointment should not be taken lightly. In this position he could do much (or little) to improve the present financial situation the country is experiencing.
We all are aware that George Bush is in control of the government until January 20th. In preparation for the change of administration on that date, other cabinet member appointees have already become involved with their respective “counterparts” on the Bush team. Their goal, of course, is to insure a smooth transition to the Obama contingent. The Commerce Department, being so important to our economy, especially in view of the present business crisis, would certainly warrant having the total focus of its appointee. This, however, as regards Bill Richardson, seems  not to be the case.
Our Governor, in his wisdom (or lack thereof) has decided not to resign his “state” job until sometime after January 20th,  when he will give the “state of the state” address to our legislature. He has said that he wants to wait until his cabinet appointment has been approved by the senate. I do seem to recall that this body is under the control of his own party? Isn’t their approval a sure thing? Does this in any way reflect, on his part, a “lack of faith”?
In any event, the Santa Fe bureaucrats, maintain that in our capitol a  transition from the “old” to the “new” is taking place. Still, this certainly seems unfair to the new incumbent. Instead of her crafting the new budget with a free hand, she will be faced with having to work for the next year with a financial plan that has Bill’s hand prints ( a “term” she has previously used?) all over it. This would seem to be especially  aggravating to Ms. Denish, in view of the fact that revenues for the coming year are projected to be some $450 million less than originally forecast. In years to come she will ultimately get the “credit” for the shortfalls that Bill’s budget portends.  I know that none of the “good old boys” have any “benefits”to expect from Bill in his document? The budget is certainly not the reason for Bill’s waiting so long? Certainly, his campaign fund deficit has nothing to do with this.
By the way, lest we forget. Prior to the Democratic party convention, Ms. Denish made a decision to endorse the “pants suit” candidate, instead of Obama. If in the future, if she ever has to ask the new President for anything on behalf of New Mexico, I know he will forgive her?
Whatever happens in the upcoming months, it is time for Bill Richardson to move on to Washington and get about the business of our troubled national economy. Let our new chief executive take over the reins in New Mexico. Be a gentleman and resign now! Do the right thing, Bill!
One Response “Do The Right Thing, Bill!”
Bill Richardson is a fast learner. He shouldn’t have any trouble learning how to hire private contractors (in private) with no-bid contracts to continue building infrastucture for a country we have delivered from a tyrant dictator and installed democracy; no trouble shipping manufacturing overseas; no trouble selling our national debt to the countries our manufacturing went to; no trouble selling our natural raw materials to the manufacturing companies overseas; no trouble letting big companies buy up small companies to eliminate competition; no trouble entertaining the idea of selling our ports to foriegn countries; or, no trouble denying a bailout to companies who employ union labor.
Maybe Bill Richardson has some ideas of his own how to run Commerce and doesn’t see any worth in being briefed by the current administration. Maybe he wants to return to the rule of law and what’s good for the country.