Activism

Activism

Politics

I am a veteran of the US Navy, and I take my oath to the Constitution of the United States very seriously.

Therefore, I am a supporter of the American Civil Liberties Union.
I participate in the reader posts section of the progressive political website known as Talking Points Memo, TPM Cafe. My avatar is 'Father OKC'.

Religious Freedom

In keeping with my support of the Constitution, I emphatically believe in the separation of church and state. Last time we mixed politics and religion, people got burned at the stake.

I support Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
I am also a member of the First Unitarian Church here in Albuquerque, part of the Unitarian Universalist Association.

Alternative Energy

I firmly believe that we must develop new alternative energy sources as a matter of national security and in the interest of our planet's health. We must fully develop wind, solar, and geothermal resources to expand and decentralize electricty generating capacity. We must develop vehicles that can use electricity and biofuels such as biodiesel and alcohol. Our national leaders, our industries, and our people have neglected the warning signs for years - where are the flex-fueled plug-in hybrid vehicles?

A book by Robert Zubrin, Energy Victory, calls for creating a new vehicle fuels infrastructure based on methanol. If Congress would require that all gasoline-powered vehicles sold in the United States be flex-fuel capable (any blend of gasoline, ethanol, and methanol), we would force development of methanol fuel markets. By shifting to methanol we empower underdeveloped nations to provide new energy sources for vehicles without displacing food supplies. We also introduce competition into the vehicle fuels market where currently there is none.
To my knowledge, there are only four retail outlets for biofuels in New Mexico. That is preposterous. The state needs to pass legislation to remove obstacles to marketing biofuels.

The Love's Truck Stop at 6th and ??? sells B-5 biodiesel.
Everready Oil (Pacific Pride) at Mountain Road and 1st Street in Albuquerque sells B-20 biodiesel and E-85 ethanol.
A station on Cerrillos Road in Santa Fe sells B-20 and E-85.
A station in Cuyamungue sells B-20 and E-85.

The New Mexico Solar Energy Association is an advocacy group working to remove obstacles and educate everyone about the value of solar energy.

Motorcycle Safety

Motorcycling is the most fun you can have with your clothes on. Like aviation, though, it is unforgiving of mistakes.

I am a former Motorcycle Safety Instructor and RiderCoach certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
I taught for twelve years with the New Mexico Motorcycle Skills Training Program, primarily in Albuquerque, but also sometimes in Santa Fe, Taos, and Farmington.
I even taught a class at my old junior high school in Grants.

Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation

I am concerned with declining opportunities for riding on public lands. Here are some links to organizations working to preserve off-highway vehicle recreation:

I support, and I am the the Past President of, the New Mexico Off-Highway Vehicle Alliance.
Blue Ribbon Coalition
National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council
American Motorcyclist Association

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