Editorials

It may have been his inaugural address, but President Obama essentially gave a civil rights speech on Monday. And why not? It was also an official federal holiday to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of the greatest civil rights leaders in American history, so why not seize the moment?

But it was more than the holiday that Obama decided to seize on Monday, it was the opportunity to lay down the gauntlet on a new term in office.

THUMBS UP! AND THEY’RE OFF. Consider this thumb the result of cautious optimism that the legislative session, which started this week, will be a productive one, with the governor keeping a tight grip on spending while lawmakers make good decisions that benefit New Mexicans. With Congress as an example of how not to govern, we’re hoping to see the betterment of the state trumping partisan politics —but that will be up to the players in Santa Fe.

Tuesday begins a 60-day session of the New Mexico Legislature, and it promises to be a rowdy one. There’s a contest for president pro tem, between Pete Campos of Las Vegas and Mary Kay Papen of Las Cruces on the Senate side, a power void left in the House with the absence of the late Ben Lujan, and a governor who is already putting on the gloves to fight for her proposed budget. It all promises to be great entertainment for political animals statewide.

The way in which Highlands University has embraced and invested in environmentally friendly, energy-efficient practices makes one wonder if maybe green should be added to the school colors.

At the very least, the university should be credited for thinking green — and saving some green too, over the long term.