On Vacation
“Come on vacation, Leave on probation” and “The land of mañana” were the first utterances from the locals upon our arrival to New Mexico. It took very little time to realize how true the catch phrases are. The New Mexico license plates proudly sport “The land of enchantment”, and rightfully so, once the definition of the term enchantment is known.The meaning of ENCHANT is to influence by or as if by charms and incantation or bewitch. Enchantment is a use of spells or verbal charms spoken or sung as a part of a ritual of magic, creating an illusion. On the surface there are very few places in New Mexico that are worth the risk to visit. Of the three places across the entire state, the Sangre de Cristo and Sandia ranges in the north central part of the state are stunning, as is the Gila range. We recommend avoiding all other areas including Taos, a commonly sought after pit-stop. It is certainly exactly that, a pit. No different than any other town in New Mexico.
COULDN’T HELP BUT NOTICE
Not only is the New Mexico culture extremely oppressive, we were extremely surprised to see excessive trash on the sides of every road and highway. Everything from complete trash bags filled to the brim, to trash discarded from a passing vehicle was on every road and every environment. New Mexico residents have zero respect for the environment. it is a disgusting place to visit. Abuse on many levels is the norm, and it was brought to our attention that violence, and physical, drug and alcohol abuse is a way of life for New Mexico residents.
Sadly, New Mexico, bragging to having the highest concentrated public health funds of all the states, is the second most impoverished state in the nation. New Mexico is also the third most crime riddled state in the nation, which also reflects the corruption that is rampant throughout the entire state. We stayed in New Mexico for several months hoping to find more favorable attractions. However, being quite aware of the social and political aspects enveloping every avenue in the culture, it was an easy decision to leave the state without hesitation or delay.
We didn’t have to seek evidence of this, as it was literally in our faces at practically every turn (should have taken a left at Albuquerque and left the state) from the capital in Sante Fe, to the most remote areas in Riudoso, everywhere from every direction there was plenty of evidence of a failed economy and social structure. Las Vegas in the northern area between Santa Fe and Raton (City of Rats) was probably the most notorious of places. When a city police department touts its chief as a former gang member, there is simply something wrong with that. There is no such thing as a “reformed” or “former” gang member. They are criminals, by-and-by, and now with a badge along side their gun. Look no farther than El Salvador, Honduras and Venezuela which can attest to gangs and corruption. New Mexico could benefit from following suit.
The land of enchantment soon became the irreverent “land of entrapment.” This is not only our perspective, others share our sentiments. Read for yourselves HERE and HERE. We will avoid all of New Mexico at any cost, never to return.
In hindsight we agreed that the New Mexico experience was necessary to put perspective on massive oppression and what to expect while traveling in excessively impoverished international communities. We were very surprised to experience this in the United States when there appears to be more than enough funding available to support international conflicts to which we have no business being involved nor engaged.
Statistics
Crime Rate – highest in the nation
Poverty – One of the worst in the nation
“According to [our] State of Safety survey, 56% of New Mexico respondents say they worry about their safety every day—the seventh-highest level of concern in the US. Just one in four New Mexicans feel safe calling New Mexico home, putting The Land of Enchantment in third place for where people feel least safe overall.”
good people
Although rare, we have met people from New Mexico who definitely break the mold. We have met herbalists, educators, massage therapists and festival hosts such as those at Tico Times near Durango, Colorado. It really says something when although Tico Times RV Resort is in New Mexico just north of Aztec, the owners maintain a Durango, Colorado, telephone number and always advertise as being just outside Durango, Colorado, not even in the slightest mentioning the camp grounds are in New Mexico. That spells it out for those who weren’t quite sure.
Then there is a fella, Doug Simons, who is a wealth of information. Doug has been involved with desert medicinal plants for an entire life time. Chanchka Remedies is his web site where you will learn more than we can tell you. We were able to meet with Doug where he discussed remedies for dental ailments up to and including liver and gallbladder care and treatment with an aside on rancid oils. Doug has a video Plant Friends and Desert Herbalist that you may find interesting.