Engage in the debate

Contrary to Neal Turnquist’s claims (“Anti-trans event at La Fonda is wrong for S.F.,” My View,

Sept. 7), the transgender detransitioner panel scheduled Thursday at La Fonda is supported by science and appropriate for Santa Fe. Tickets are available online to the public. It is scientific fact there are only two sexes, male and female, and the concept of gender identity has no biological or neurological basis.

The panel will give Santa Feans the opportunity to hear from victims of transgender ideology who detransitioned from their inauthentic gender role back into their authentic selves. Turnquist’s piece is a call to prevent those he disagrees with from exercising their freedom of speech and right to peaceable assembly. No surprise he is co-chairman of the local chapter of Democratic Socialists of America. The DSA is what is wrong for Santa Fe.

Ray Rodriguez

Santa Fe

Better angels

Donald Trump has made a political career of bringing out the worst in people — fanatic anger in his MAGA cult, the anger of others toward his daily, endless outrages against common decency and the soulless surrender of congressional Republicans to the threat of his vituperations. This serves his purpose, which is to attain the ultimate self-aggrandizement — the presidency.

This has nothing to do with leadership or governance or service to anyone but himself. His motive of self-aggrandizement is exclusive—any action by him that seems otherwise motivated is essentially transactional toward this only motive. To modify a line from Kamala Harris, his only client has been, is and will be, himself. He must be denied this goal. Given Project 2025, all other issues pale in comparison. Please vote to ensure his defeat. Many of us would prefer leaders who might encourage the better angels of our nature. This possibility is not yet dead.

Hans von Briesen

Santa Fe

The right focus

While not always agreeing, I enjoy reading Milan Simonich’s column, though not today (“Appeal of Baldwin dismissal is another injustice,” Ringside Seat, Sept. 6). The shooting incident and subsequent accountability is not about acting. As a veteran of the film industry, I learned early on to respect a film’s producer — the adult in the room — who hires the crew, covers finances, deals with endless logistics and challenges of making a movie, and resolves problems and issues during production.

It’s beyond curious that the press and prosecutors in the Rust case focused just on Alec Baldwin’s role as an actor, not the bigger picture of his producer’s share of liability for whatever happened that terrible day. The armorer and all others on the set were his hires and performance responsibility; the many stories of Rust crew woes pale compared to the basic lack of set safety concerns and the appropriate adult ever taking charge.

Howard Stein

Eldorado

Vibrant legacy

Thank you, New Mexican, for letting us know that María Benítez died after living a life of grace (“Pioneering dancer built flamenco scene,” Sept. 5). When my family moved Northern New Mexico in 1990, we soon discovered her flamenco performances. She often moved me to tears and wonder. Part of her legacy is the vibrant Santa Fe flamenco community, and we are very grateful to be able to be part of the audience.

The passion of the guitar, the impossible fire and grace of the dance, the soul stirring depth of the song, the rhythms — these are woven into the fabric of my life, thanks to Benítez. When she would first enter the stage, sometimes seeming to suddenly appear from the darkness into the light, the audience would give a collective sigh of her name, “María,” like a soft rustle of bird wings, a bevy of doves. She would pause. Then she would dance.

Bette Korber

Santa Fe