New Mexico's Republican Thought Police

I'm from Albuquerque and most of this blog's readers, so far, hail from the same locale. None of us will be surprised then, to see that the newest Bush-Cheney anti-protest initiative took place outside of our fair city, in the town that relocated witnesses made and Intel took over -- Rio Rancho.

According to the Albuququerque Journal (July 31st) people who wanted to see Vice President Dick Cheney speak at the Rio Rancho Mid-High School had to sign loyalty oaths saying that they would endorse George Bush for Re-election. No big deal, say the New Mexico Republicans. Here's what they told the Journal:

"The argument that you're an American and you have a right to see the vice president— you can when he comes to New Mexico on an official visit," Shi said. "On this visit, he's Dick Cheney, a candidate for vice president and he happens to also be the vice president."
Shi said Republicans in Massachussetts were not given passes to the Democratic National Convention in Boston to hear John Kerry accept the Democratic presidential nomination, even though Kerry represents them in the U.S. Senate.
"It's just like the convention," Shi said.

I can accept that Cheney plays two roles at the moment -- he's Vice President and a candidate. But, there's no way that this is like the Democratic National Convention. See, the Democrats rented an arena for a private function. When the Republicans come to New York, they'll be renting Madison Square Garden for a private function. When you pay to rent the arena you get certain privileges like deciding on the guest list.

Dick decided to campaign in the auditorium of a public high school. If New Mexico tax payers have to subsidize a venue for Dick Cheney's use, then they certainly have the right to show up and jeer the old coot. If Dick wants to have a private party, he can rent the Albuquerque Convention Center. I actually can't think of a more Republican argument -- if you want to control access to something, then pay for it. Bush and Cheney have more than enough money.