Airport Foes Battle Potential Osprey Risk!

 Tonight at town hall on Civic Plaza Drive in historic Taos, foes of the “Osprey” will gather to question the wisdom of the Four Fathers and One Mother re: “airport expansion!” Defenders of expansion claim the very life-blood of the economy hinges on saying “yes” to technology and encouraging the arrival of the 21st Century Carriage Trade.
Meanwhile, opponents believe potential military use of the new facility threatens the bucolic climes of pastoral Taos. Critics further claim the expanded runway will serve safety less and the 1% more in their quest to dominate the 99%. Yet without the appealing to the “gentry” how will the people of the valley survive?

Prior to airport annexation, 1910-1920, George Beam, Denver Public Library

Taos itself has become a microcosmic battleground focused on national issues of militarization and inequality as well as a center of “reconciliation and justice” for 19th Century abuses by the promoters of Manifest Destiny and Manbyism.

Prior to the arrival of the Hispanic Conquistadores, the fabled Native Americans fought with each other. Prior to the arrival of Los Americanos, the descendants of the Spanish-speaking conquerors fought with the descendants of their Native American neighbors. Prior to the arrival of the Second Homers, the locals quarreled with the Hippies. Now the peaceniks fight with the economic survivalists. (A reader writes: “And when the Spanish arrived, they fought each other ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chimayo_Rebellion ) and when the Anglos arrived, they fought each other also (Civil War).”

Pueblo Man Bound For Market, circa 1880-1902, Rose and Hopkins, Denver Public Library

But this man, pictured, says, “Let’s get to work.”

P.S. Mr. Bellis, above  left the County Complex for the witness protection program at Town Hall. Apparently, the Jersey Boy, a Fargo refugee (remember William Macy?) has been told: “Get a haircut.” Or is that a mug shot? We’re only asking. Want some coffee Marge?