I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
Roughly one quarter of University of New Mexico students are unimpressed with the state’s flagship public school, according to a survey that questioned college students about their higher education experiences.
State Rep. Antonio “Moe” Maestas sent in his own response to this week’s Independent Forum question,”Do college athletics pay off?” The answer, says this valuable member of the state House’s basketball team, is YES.
Here’s his response in full:
YES. The problem’s arise because New Mexico is competing in a national marketplace driven by corporate interest as opposed to athletics as an educational venue. The Bowl Championship Series format (and their corporate affiliates, namely ESPN) in college football leads to a two tiered system that is inherently unequal. (In 2009, the 6 BCS conferences shared $115 million, the 5 non-BCS conferences shared $24 million) To perpetuate this injustice, ESPN spews out propaganda on a daily basis perpetuating an east coast bias and convincing the country that non-BCS schools don’t “deserve” equal treatment. Because football is by far the top revenue generator, the current system affects all college athletics. For example, since the inception of the BCS college football format, no non-BCS conference school has even won the men’s basketball championship. But I digress …
Alford’s salary rubs people the wrong way because New Mexico is such a poor state but is actually below national market price for what he brings to UNM. Having a coach of his caliber leading the Lobos into March Madness consistently is a hire that pays for himself and them some.
The NCCA Tournament is the best opportunity our state has to compete (in any field) on the national stage. Being a part of the Aggies’ or Lobos’ success as they compete against the rest of the country is our chance as New Mexicans to shine and be “somebody.” Seeing that, every kid in New Mexico knows that they too, with hard work and perseverance, are capable of achieving the American dream. And that, my friends, is priceless. GO LOBOS!
