"War's Stresses Take Toll on Military's Chaplains"

The New York Times reports from Killeen, Texas that, "War's Stresses Take Toll on Military's Chaplains." We share this story as a reminder ... Monday was Memorial Day and a time to honor our nation's soldiers. As the story reports, there is much more to appreciate, to learn about and to change so that we truly honor our soldiers and those who take care of them as they return, including how we:

1. Manage health care services to our Veterans.
2. Make decisions about going to war and/or staying in war.
3. Understand the difference between war, occupation and "giving" people democracy.
4. Move forward to repair the damage done to our economy by borrowing money from China.

We can expect it to be a continuing challenge about how to take care of our veterans when they return. PTSD and unprecedented serious injuries will require both patience and resources. A related continuing challenge will be how to rebuild a new, strong economy that includes both good jobs and the resources necessary to take care of our soldiers and our nation's other needs, too. As we approach the November elections, it also becomes increasingly important to consider the trade-offs about how our nation spends our money, e.g.,

• OHIO's taxpayers paid $4.4 Billion for the Bush tax cuts benefiting the richest 10 percent in FY2009. For that kind of money, they could have paid for:
• One year's health care for 1,555,685 people.
  
• For more Ohio trade-offs, go here.
• NEW MEXICO's taxpayers paid $397.7 Million for the Bush tax cuts benefiting the richest 10 percent in FY 2009. They could have paid for:
• 92,839 scholarships for NM's kids to go to college.
• For more New Mexico trade-offs, go here.
• IOWA's taxpayers paid $841.2 Million for the Bush tax cutes benefiting the richest 10 percent of US citizens in FY 2009. They could have paid for:
• 946,483 homes to have renewable electricity for one year.
• For more Iowa trade-offs, go here.

Clearly, Memorial Day is only one day a year, but for those of us who want to honor our veterans, we must find a way to make the wise decisions necessary to honor our returning veterans and also their families with jobs, health care and more opportunities.

Today -- Governor Richardson Endorses Obama

Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico has endorsed Barack Obama for President.

Richardson's remarks in part are, "Today I am endorsing Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States because I believe he is the kind of once-in-a-lifetime leader that can bring our nation together and restore America’s moral leadership in the world. As a Presidential candidate, I know full well Senator Obama's unique ability to inspire the American people to confront our urgent challenges at home and abroad in a spirit of bipartisanship and reconciliation.”

Richardson is our nation's only Hispanic governor and served as both Secretary of the Department of Energy and Ambassador to the United Nations under President Bill Clinton. Richardson's extensive experience and record of accomplishment in foreign affairs has earned him five nominations for the Nobel Prize.

Major news reactions include the following stories:

Baltimore Sun: "Bill Richardson joins Obama for endorsement"

CNN: "Richardson Endorses Obama ... "He brings out the best in us".

New York Times: "Is Obama a Plan B for Richardson voters?".

Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reports that a key Clinton Campaign aide has dismissed the endorsement, calling it "insignificant."

Tax Credits for Doctors in New Mexico

The Raton Range reports that New Mexico’s doctors will soon be eligible to receive tax credits if they serve rural and under served areas of the state. New Mexico’s Lt. Governor Diane Denish and Health Secretary Dr. Alfredo Vigil recently announced the new tax credit of $3,000 or $5,000.

The New Mexico Department of Health will begin accepting applications for the Rural Health Care Practitioner Tax Credit Program Jan. 1.