I found out through a professional contact that there are mayors who want to blame NW New Mexico & the Navajo Nation for the ongoing shutdown. The appropriate response is “what can we do to help.”

#covid #NewMexico

When we pull together as a community, we can overcome challenges & adversity faster and more effectively; however, that is not what is happening currently and I am dismayed, angry, and appalled at this response.

The following is my opinion, which may alienate some, but this is an important issue for me on principle. If you are offended by my opinion, please feel free to block New Mexico Nomad. I don’t mind, because less callousness on my feed would probably bring my blood pressure down.

1) Rural communities are more vulnerable. They don't have adequate public health resources for a pandemic. When you test positive, you're sent home to infect everyone in your household. If you're way out in the boonies & deteriorate, good luck getting to a hospital in time.

2) The native communities value extended family relationships. Multi-generational households are common. Folks get together regularly w/cousins, nephews, nieces…the whole gang. Feast days at the pueblos make Thanksgiving look like amateur hour.

Communities are tight, with extensive familial support networks. It’s wonderful. However, the tightness of family and community, and more people per household, means more spread when dealing with a highly contagious virus.

3) There are many areas on the Navajo Nation without access to running water. How are they supposed to wash their hands w/no water?
4)Due to public health disparities, food deserts & general social inequity, the prevalence of underlying conditions is higher.

Look at the average life expectancy on the rez vs. the U.S. in general. Look at the incidence of diabetes in food deserts. Look at the commute necessary for basic dental care, much less decent medical care. It’s bad.

5) My focus is primarily travel/tourism. Tourism is the #2 economic driver in the state. As a state, when it comes to tourism, we capitalize on the appeal of indigenous culture & history. It is embedded in the state’s marketing message, but we don’t invest in those communities.

Given the role that the indigenous communities play in attracting tourists, and generating revenue for the state of New Mexico, why aren’t we investing in those communities? That aside, in my opinion it is appalling to blame communities who are mourning the loss of loved ones.

I could go on endlessly, but the bottom line is the mayors who are blaming San Juan/McKinley counties, and/or the Navajo Nation, need to extract their craniums from their colons and try to find a remaining shred of human decency and compassion.

#IStandWithTheNavajo