Bloggers Note: Ten years ago, the New Mexico Legislature was in a special session to do redistricting, as we are now. Here, for history's sake, is a letter that I wrote my constituents at that sad time to tell them how we reacted to 9/11 in Santa Fe.
Sept. 25, 2001
Dear Friends, Neighbors and Constituents,
I set out to write this letter to you two weeks ago to bring you up to date on the special redistricting session which started earlier this month. On that very day, September. 11, our session was shaken by the unbelievable events in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. Shortly after the first reports came in, a bomb threat forced evacuation of the Capitol. Precinct boundaries and district lines quickly fell by the wayside. As the State Police circled the building, many of the Senators and Representatives gathered outside, listening to car radios, wondering, like all Americans, what was next.
I got a rare telephone call from my teenage daughter. She wanted to know what was happening to our country. Throughout that terrible day, I remember how the New Mexico sky remained heartbreakingly blue, a reminder of just how far we were from the chaotic scene of death and destruction to the East.
Within the space of a few hours, the Governor and leaders of the House and Senate decided that while safety might dictate adjournment or recess, duty and honor demanded that we conduct business as usual, without bowing to intimidation. We quickly met in joint session, a small show of solidarity and courage in the face of the unknown.
The outpouring of food, financial aid, and blood donations from New Mexicans in the days that followed is now well known. In short order, clergy from the Santa Fe area organized a ceremony of prayer and remembrance in the Capitol rotunda on Friday Sept. 14, which drew Santa Feans of all stripes. There were Sikhs from Northern New Mexico, young Native American drummers, Catholic bishops, Jewish rabbis, plaza vendors, and many who simply walked in from the street. Secretaries and state office workers, many of them waving small flags, packed the balconies overlooking the rotunda. The tremendous display of unity amidst all of our differences—here at the Capitol and later in Yankee Stadium-- reaffirmed my deep belief that our diversity is our greatest strength.
We now stand in the difficult position of insisting on justice at the same time as demanding that the rule of law be maintained. I hope that we can transcend the urge to unleash the fury of our military power upon the world, and become the thing that we hate. Our country must set an example—of judicious wisdom, firm solidarity, and determination that we will not allow any rogue nation or group to determine our behavior. But we must also choose the way of humanity and peace. I am very proud of the rescue workers from Albuquerque who went to New York and the Pentagon last week, as well as the firefighters and emergency medical technicians who stand ready to do the unthinkable here in New Mexico. They are our local heroes
Please call, write or e-mail me to find out about the results of our redistricting session. In brief, the Senate plan we sent to the Governor created a new seat on the West Side of Albuquerque and in the Torrance County area, where population has grown. My own district grew to the North and East to approach the ideal population for a Senate District, approximately 43,000. However, because the plan did not create new Republican seats, it will likely be vetoed by the Governor. There is already court action, and I anticipate more.
Meanwhile, I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to those who lost loved ones on September 11 and especially to our children who will remember this day long after we adults are gone. We must all work very hard to make sure that hatred and bitterness do not have the last word.
With great pride and gratitude for being a part of this caring community, I send my warmest regards.
Sen. Dede Feldman
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