Kit Carson, Dr. Pond, Pavel and Fritz
The Kit Carson“naming” controversy has exposed deep fissures in the identity of Taosenos. Notions of history, duly misinterpreted to suit this or that personal bias, reveal suppressed psychic formations. Just below the surface of the dialogue one can hear the remnants of Marxism, feminism, pre-colonial fear of the other (so called “red, brown, white”), post-colonial reactions to power structures, deconstructed symbolism, existential identity crises, historic hatred for the white man, respect and fear of the noble red man, and political challenges to the Hispanic descendants of the “Conquest.”
As the new and old notions of history, whether informed or not, play out among our friends and neighbors, surely, the Kit Carson controversy is one of the most interesting and least harmful episodes of recent memory. Given the guns, drugs, and drink in the hands of gang-bangers, whether members of the NRA or BST, I don’t have much faith in the notion of reconciliation. One can try and heal 19th Century wounds with notions of 21st Century “justice circles” in lieu of the “justice system” but Taosenos do like to fight.
We should congratulate the Town of Taos for its reactionary compromise, reserving the Kit Carson Cemetery in memoriam of the dime-novel hero, while appointing a committee to rename the greater park. In view of Taos Pueblo’s predictable and wiser response to the controversy, we have all benefitted from the discussion.
Especially we have enjoyed the tried and true remarks of single-minded and neighborly fanatics, who never let facts get in the way of a particular point of view. And the editorial page editor of the Santa Fe New Mexican, one Inez Russell Gomez, who endorsed the name change concept twice in the last month, is remarkable for her lack of candor.
Inez did not mention in the pages of the capital’s newspaper that she is the daughter-in-law of Taos Pueblo leader David Gomez. As the former editor of The Taos News, she and her publisher censored the protests of RISE (Residents in Support of Education at Taos Pueblo) during the great “Kachina-Casino” controversy. The controversy went on from the spring of 1999 to the spring of 2000, before Russell and Robin McKinney at The Taos News finally acknowledged the results of the not-so-secret doings. Despite being shunned the members of RISE acted out of the best of motives as was exemplified by their sacrifice, courage, and ultimate victory over corrupt practices of Tribal Government and the BIA.
Anyway, the three cultures and their representative members of the press, politics, and the public have created much havoc with the Kit Carson cultural controversy. Though Taos continues to make headlines, does a spike in hits on the Internet translate into dollars? We’re only asking.
HCH Caveat
“In my professional and personal opinion if the hospital management continues along the decision making course they are presently taking, the hospital will be forced to close. Part of the change that needs to occur is a change in the culture of the hospital. The administration does not respect their staff and uses intimidation and fear to exercise control over the doctors and nurse support staff who work here. I also have grave concern about the dismantling of the hospitalist program. With the loss of our excellent long term practitioners , we are losing an invaluable community resource that cannot be measured in dollar and cents. These doctors have an intimate knowledge of our patient population and provide outstanding care to our community. The loss of these doctors is another example of the loss this hospital has suffered due to culture fostered by thi s administration . I was planning to retire at this general time, but also feel that I can no longer work under the conditions created by the present administration. The culture needs to change at Holy Cross Hospital , even if a new senior administrative team is needed. The Board needs to change and become more transparent.”
Respectfully,
(Initialed by Dr. Ashley Pond)
Doth he Whine?
Dear Mayor Barrone,
“In the absence of a return call from you I am writing to you instead. I am truly appalled about the protocol which was carried out at the last night’s Council meeting, by the Council and the Town Manager regarding my future on either Commission. A protocol which lacked even the basic decency and courtesies afforded to man who has devoted 12+ some years of time in the interest of Town of Taos. This public venue, discussing Pavel Lukes took place without my being ever notified, much less making me a part of this public debate. About me, but without me. I feel very abused by a politically motivated actions of some, including the Town Manager. It is only common sense that you do not decide my destiny as it relates to the town’s, business, WE decide. Let me also point out that my additional gift of time and expertise on the HPC was only due to the fact you could not get enough people, as my main interest had always resided with serving on the P&Z. Now, if it is even possible, let’s set politics aside and objectively examine what really is best for the Town of Taos. Does having someone with experience, someone with proven track record, someone who has authored new ordinances on the P&Z, or is it better to replace such person with a complete unknown and inexperienced individual, especially if such appointment is a political favor?
I hold hope that you can answer that question.
“In closing, I have no interest in serving on the HPC and now, I am not sure that I would want to continue serving on the P&Z and serve a government which is capable of shameful abuse or mistreatment of its citizen volunteers with years of dedicated service.”
Sincerely,
Pavel Lukes
(sic)
El Fanatico?
“But Councilor Fritz Hahn — the lone “no” vote — said Wednesday (July 9) his mind was not changed by the Pueblo’s objections.
“I respect [the tribal council’s decision], but I disagree with it,” Hahn said, noting not all tribal members were opposed to use of the name.
“Once I make up my mind, that’s it. It’s done. It’s over,” Hahn said.”–Taos News, July 10.