New Mexico liberalism (Albuquerque: taxation, centers, safe)

[PrescottAZ]

I did search and read some threads that were related but would like to hear more opinions on this subject.

I love the New Mexico landscape and the culture. The one thing that stops me from relocating (from Prescott, AZ) is the fear that New Mexico is slowly becoming sort of the New Jersey of the southwest. I think of myself as socially fairly "liberal" (pro-choice, ok with gays, not religious) but also politically conservative in some ways (strong supporter of the 2nd amendment as written-keep and bear, believe in small government, self reliance and so on). For instance, I would not want to move anywhere that might at some point pass very restrictive gun legislation, both on principal, and because gun ownership and shooting is one of my major hobbies. Say what you will about Arizona (it's getting crowded by my standards), gun rights are safe here (at least from the state governemnt) and will be for my lifetime at least. There is zero chance Arizona would pass restrictive gun laws.

I have read about some New Mexicans becoming "fed up" with the liberalism and "nanny state" inclinations of the population centers in Northern New Mexico but see that liberal politicians keep getting elected. I wonder about the evolution of that "state control" state wide over the next decade or two. Although it doesn't sound like the second amendment is under attack currently in New Mexico, can liberal politicians really help themselves from eventually trying to stomp on those rights? They certainly haven't avoided doing it in many of the very blue states, just a question of how fast they get around to it. My question isn't really about gun control specifically (it is just a kind of symbol), more about political "climate", for lack of better words.

Anyone have any thoughts?

[mike0421]

Originally Posted by PrescottAZ

I did search and read some threads that were related but would like to hear more opinions on this subject.

I love the New Mexico landscape and the culture. The one thing that stops me from relocating (from Prescott, AZ) is the fear that New Mexico is slowly becoming sort of the New Jersey of the southwest. I think of myself as socially fairly "liberal" (pro-choice, ok with gays, not religious) but also politically conservative in some ways (strong supporter of the 2nd amendment as written-keep and bear, believe in small government, self reliance and so on). For instance, I would not want to move anywhere that might at some point pass very restrictive gun legislation, both on principal, and because gun ownership and shooting is one of my major hobbies. Say what you will about Arizona (it's getting crowded by my standards), gun rights are safe here (at least from the state governemnt) and will be for my lifetime at least. There is zero chance Arizona would pass restrictive gun laws.

I have read about some New Mexicans becoming "fed up" with the liberalism and "nanny state" inclinations of the population centers in Northern New Mexico but see that liberal politicians keep getting elected. I wonder about the evolution of that "state control" state wide over the next decade or two. Although it doesn't sound like the second amendment is under attack currently in New Mexico, can liberal politicians really help themselves from eventually trying to stomp on those rights? They certainly haven't avoided doing it in many of the very blue states, just a question of how fast they get around to it. My question isn't really about gun control specifically (it is just a kind of symbol), more about political "climate", for lack of better words.

Anyone have any thoughts?

I surmise the following: New Mexico is pretty socially conservative, but when it comes to progressive taxation, the really important issues, to me, NM is a bastion of socialistic philosophy. "From each according to their ability, to each according to their need" could easily be the motto here. I am kind of the opposite: economically, I am what you would consider very conservative. I want to keep as much money that I make as possible, and believe in a trim welfare state. In contrast, I am socially moderate to liberal. Therefore, I feel I am completely out of step here politically.

You mentioned firearm laws. I think New Mexico has enough sportsmen active in the communities that the arm carrying laws will remain as is, which is very lenient, IMO. I don't own a gun, but certainly do not begrudge anyone who wants to. Just about everyone I've met here has some kind of firearm. I think this aspect of the culture is accepted here, and embraced. A politician who ran a campaign that favored tighter gun laws here I think would certainly face the possibility of defeat, unless that same politician promised to expand entitlement programs.

[Bear's Mom]

Hi:

We also are in AZ - PHX- and can't wait to get out . We already have property in NM. I have cringed frequently with the liberal commentary on this forum - but we are moving anyway . I am very much afraid that that we need to be wayyyyy more concerned about the Federal government usurping our God-given & constitutional rights rather than the state gov't. There are enough isolated - (much more so than Prescott ~ Flag ~ Payson) areas coupled with same border problems we have here.......that I doubt that at least control would be an issue .

NM is like AZ with wide difference geographically. The great thing is that land is much less expensive than in your area & the rest of the northern AZ.
Good Luck in your search!

Originally Posted by PrescottAZ

I did search and read some threads that were related but would like to hear more opinions on this subject.

I love the New Mexico landscape and the culture. The one thing that stops me from relocating (from Prescott, AZ) is the fear that New Mexico is slowly becoming sort of the New Jersey of the southwest. I think of myself as socially fairly "liberal" (pro-choice, ok with gays, not religious) but also politically conservative in some ways (strong supporter of the 2nd amendment as written-keep and bear, believe in small government, self reliance and so on). For instance, I would not want to move anywhere that might at some point pass very restrictive gun legislation, both on principal, and because gun ownership and shooting is one of my major hobbies. Say what you will about Arizona (it's getting crowded by my standards), gun rights are safe here (at least from the state governemnt) and will be for my lifetime at least. There is zero chance Arizona would pass restrictive gun laws.

I have read about some New Mexicans becoming "fed up" with the liberalism and "nanny state" inclinations of the population centers in Northern New Mexico but see that liberal politicians keep getting elected. I wonder about the evolution of that "state control" state wide over the next decade or two. Although it doesn't sound like the second amendment is under attack currently in New Mexico, can liberal politicians really help themselves from eventually trying to stomp on those rights? They certainly haven't avoided doing it in many of the very blue states, just a question of how fast they get around to it. My question isn't really about gun control specifically (it is just a kind of symbol), more about political "climate", for lack of better words.

Anyone have any thoughts?

[domino]

Seems to me there are a fair amount of conservatives trying to regulate your personal life as well. The liberals don't have a corner on that market.

[funkymonkey]

I think the state legislature is more likely to restrict abortion than guns.

[highdesertmutz]

Originally Posted by PrescottAZ

I did search and read some threads that were related but would like to hear more opinions on this subject.

I love the New Mexico landscape and the culture. The one thing that stops me from relocating (from Prescott, AZ) is the fear that New Mexico is slowly becoming sort of the New Jersey of the southwest. I think of myself as socially fairly "liberal" (pro-choice, ok with gays, not religious) but also politically conservative in some ways (strong supporter of the 2nd amendment as written-keep and bear, believe in small government, self reliance and so on). For instance, I would not want to move anywhere that might at some point pass very restrictive gun legislation, both on principal, and because gun ownership and shooting is one of my major hobbies. Say what you will about Arizona (it's getting crowded by my standards), gun rights are safe here (at least from the state governemnt) and will be for my lifetime at least. There is zero chance Arizona would pass restrictive gun laws.

I have read about some New Mexicans becoming "fed up" with the liberalism and "nanny state" inclinations of the population centers in Northern New Mexico but see that liberal politicians keep getting elected. I wonder about the evolution of that "state control" state wide over the next decade or two. Although it doesn't sound like the second amendment is under attack currently in New Mexico, can liberal politicians really help themselves from eventually trying to stomp on those rights? They certainly haven't avoided doing it in many of the very blue states, just a question of how fast they get around to it. My question isn't really about gun control specifically (it is just a kind of symbol), more about political "climate", for lack of better words.

Anyone have any thoughts?

say what?

[highdesertmutz]

Originally Posted by Bear's Mom

Hi:

We also are in AZ - PHX- and can't wait to get out . We already have property in NM. I have cringed frequently with the liberal commentary on this forum - but we are moving anyway . I am very much afraid that that we need to be wayyyyy more concerned about the Federal government usurping our God-given & constitutional rights rather than the state gov't. There are enough isolated - (much more so than Prescott ~ Flag ~ Payson) areas coupled with same border problems we have here.......that I doubt that at least control would be an issue .

NM is like AZ with wide difference geographically. The great thing is that land is much less expensive than in your area & the rest of the northern AZ.
Good Luck in your search!

keep cringing

[WindowsEtc]

My father was a state rep. The political climate of New Mexico is very unusual to say the least.

[PrescottAZ]

Thank you to the few that contributed something useful.

[6 FOOT 3]

Originally Posted by PrescottAZ

I did search and read some threads that were related but would like to hear more opinions on this subject.

I love the New Mexico landscape and the culture. The one thing that stops me from relocating (from Prescott, AZ) is the fear that New Mexico is slowly becoming sort of the New Jersey of the southwest. I think of myself as socially fairly "liberal" (pro-choice, ok with gays, not religious) but also politically conservative in some ways (strong supporter of the 2nd amendment as written-keep and bear, believe in small government, self reliance and so on). For instance, I would not want to move anywhere that might at some point pass very restrictive gun legislation, both on principal, and because gun ownership and shooting is one of my major hobbies. Say what you will about Arizona (it's getting crowded by my standards), gun rights are safe here (at least from the state governemnt) and will be for my lifetime at least. There is zero chance Arizona would pass restrictive gun laws.

I have read about some New Mexicans becoming "fed up" with the liberalism and "nanny state" inclinations of the population centers in Northern New Mexico but see that liberal politicians keep getting elected. I wonder about the evolution of that "state control" state wide over the next decade or two. Although it doesn't sound like the second amendment is under attack currently in New Mexico, can liberal politicians really help themselves from eventually trying to stomp on those rights? They certainly haven't avoided doing it in many of the very blue states, just a question of how fast they get around to it. My question isn't really about gun control specifically (it is just a kind of symbol), more about political "climate", for lack of better words.

Anyone have any thoughts?

I thought Gov Richardson signed ''concealed and carry permit'' for New Mexicans to carry handguns on themselves?

You have to remember that New Mexico is a very rural state and not urbanized and secondly the entire eastern side of the state along with catron county on the western side is very conservative so i do not forsee weapons ever being banned in this state like the urbanized northeast USA. Also there are numerous farms and ranches where they need their weapons and the ranchers would file suit if the state took away their weapons along with ours as i'm not worried about losing our rights to guns in rural New Mexico.

Even though all the federal reps are democrat including the Gov to me this state is for the most part a ''purple'' state as you have the liberal north, conservative south and the mixed Albuquerque metro for the 3 districts in the state.