Dems fighting transparency?

As a matter of course, I try not to use the words Republican and Democrat to make points. My belief is that, at the end of the day, it is all about individual beliefs and policies, and not about party ideology.

But as an advocate for open government, I cannot help but notice support from the Republican side, and resistance from the Democrats.

I have been unsettled over the disconnect between my belief that corruption and incompetence know no party affiliation, and the fact the most of the resistance against web casting and other open government initiatives comes from Democrats.

I have concluded that it really doesn't have to do with ideology, but rather, entrenchment. The party in power, if they are in power long enough, becomes entrenched. They have hired on all of the political cronies they can, while overtly or covertly protecting them from the consequences of their corruption and incompetence; thereby feeding the downward spiral of entrenchment and corruption.

It is the entrenched politicians who don't want their boat to be rocked by sunlight shining on their shady dealings. In this state, right now, they happen to be Democrats; Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez and House Speaker Ben Lujan.













Had New Mexico been under the control of Republicans for generations, I have no doubt it would be they who would be fighting to maintain the status quo.

Self preservation is human nature, not a political philosophy.




photos Mark Bralley