a compiliation of posts at The Richardson Solution
writer's note: The Richardson Solution is an advocacy-oriented and policy-cataloging blog that promotes the presidential candidacy of Bill Richardson, former U.S. Congressperson, Ambassador to the UN, Secretary of Energy and current Governor of the great state of New Mexico.
Man, I hear a lot of talk amongst the candidates about who would be the best to move the country forward.
When do they have time to actually do it? They are too busy campaigning all over the country. While Richardson is campaigning (he is running) he also has a day job being accountable for the promotion of positive policy here in New Mexico. He's got a lot done this week.
Take a look below the fold.
First, he signs the cockfighting ban:
Gov. Bill Richardson signed a bill Monday to outlaw cockfighting, and warned participants of the sport that the ban will be enforced.
"I have a message for all those who want to do this illegally — don't do it," Richardson said. "Because, now we have a law and we're going to enforce it."
With the signing of the bill, New Mexico becomes the 49th state in the nation to outlaw the bloodsport. Louisiana now stands alone as the only state in the nation to permit cockfighting.
Then he mandates the HPV vaccine for all 6th grade girls:
New Mexico is on the verge of becoming the latest state to require girls entering sixth grade to be vaccinated against a sexually transmitting virus that can cause cervical cancer, a spokesman for the governor said Monday.
The state House approved the bill Sunday, and Gov. Bill Richardson will sign it once he receives the legislation, spokesman Gilbert Gallegos said.
"This is an important anti-cancer vaccine, and the governor believes it's imperative for all girls to be protected against cervical cancer," Gallegos said.
Next he signs an indoor smoking ban for New Mexico:
Governor Bill Richardson has signed a sweeping ban on smoking that includes bars, restaurants, stores and workplaces.
The Dee Johnson Indoor Air Act had previously passed the House unanimously and the Senate by a margin of 27-9.
The bill is meant to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and is named after former First Lady Dee Johnson who successfully pushed to ban smoking in state government buildings.
"Dramatically reducing exposure to second-hand smoke far outweigh[s] any potential administrative problems," Richardson said in a statement announcing he had signed the bill.
I'm tired of going out to my favorite Gallup drinking hole and feeling like I just got out of a smokehouse with a side of cancer. Problem solved.
Oh, I can't forget - the bolo is now the official tie of New Mexico:
New Mexico got an official state neckwear Tuesday. Not one of those pretty little silk numbers, but a real Western icon: the bolo tie.
It's "our bipartisan fashion statement," said Gov. Bill Richardson, who wore a large, Indian-made bolo inset with turquoise and other stones as he signed the legislation.
For those Senators who stand out there talking about all the things they would do to change the world, America or our society - how about doing it first? I'm not saying they have no record - but what has your direct policy iniatives done to increase the health and well-being of ordinary Americans or the world?
That's a question that you should be able to answer pretty quickly. Bill Richardson could. In fact, that's why he is running for president.
Bill Richardson for President.