The Impeachment Trial - 21 Jan 2020

| January 21, 2020

Pictured above: Where do you stand? And why is this a partisan issue?

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ABQ Weather or Not

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This Week in The Capitol

The 54th State of NM Legislative Session begins today at noon and continues for 30 days. Here's what to expect....READ MORE

From Lance Chilton:

New Mexico may not be at the top of all lists, but it is very near the top in its excellent legislative website, nmlegis.gov. Here’s a little of what you’ll find there, and at the bottom of this list, you’ll find a link to more complete guidance as to how to use our great site.

On the home page, you’ll have a choice of Legislators, Legislation, Committees, Publications, What’s Happening, Webcast, Quick Links, Highlights and Contact Us.
Click on Legislators. If you don’t know who he/she is, search by your address for both senator and representative. Once you do know, you can search by his/her name to find out which committees they serve on, what legislation they have sponsored, and their home and Santa Fe phone numbers and addresses. Call them up! Invite them for coffee and to hear your views!

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This Week in Washington

I saw a sign at the Women's March on Sunday that read: "Elect Clowns, Expect a Circus." Today is the first full day of only the third impeachment trial in our history. And as was widely expected, it has begun with bickering and bitter debate over the rules. Republicans allege they are staying as close as they can to the rules of the Clinton trial, Dems accuse McConnell of trying to rush things and being in cahoots with the Administration. The big question remains, will John Bolton, Mick Mulvaney and Mike Pompeo be called as witnesses?

Where we are:

Over the weekend, McConnell sent over his proposal for the trial which spells out that each side will have 24 hours split between two days to present their case -- that’s 12 hours each day. This isn't so great, because it would stretch late into the night and many people would not see it.

McConnell also won’t guarantee any new witness testimony or any evidence already established by the House -- instead there must be a vote to have it included in the trial. Many worry that the GOP Senators are planning to hold a trial without witnesses or evidence and Democrats are crying "Foul!"

Today McConnell said they would spread the 24 hrs for each side over 3 days. However, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer blasted McConnell for still delaying votes on witnesses and said he planned to offer several amendments to allow witnesses before opening arguments.

Stayed tuned....and if you want to follow the trial (you should, it's part of our history and hopefully, it will be a fair and legitimate trial, not a "sham" as many are convinced) there are a host of live streams, as well as C-SPAN: CLICK HERE

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This Week in Albuquerque

The Winter Fire Colors Flower Show will run from today through February 29 at the Botanic Garden Mediterranean Conservatory.

"This show offers visitors a chance to warm up with beautiful flowers in hot colors," said Maria Thomas, ABQ BioPark curator of plants. "These fiery hues provide welcome relief from winter's chill."

This year's show will include red splash, kangaroo paw, campanula, hibiscus, kalanchoe, oriental lily, primula, strawberry firetail and bromeliads.

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SOUPER BOWL 2020 (Tickets here)

One of the great events of the year - and supporting a terrific cause. Drink soup and eat dessert so that our hungry can too.

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Advance Planning

Tight lines!

New Mexico Trout will hold its 36th Annual Conclave and fundraising event on Saturday, February 8th from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM at the UNM Continuing Education Bldg, 1634 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque NM.

Fly tying demonstrations will be going on throughout the day.

This year the presenters are Brian O’Keefe and Geri Meyer. They are accomplished fly-fishing instructors, guides, photographers, columnists, and conservationists. Each will give a series of informational and educational talks throughout the day.

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iWatch

@ The Movies:

See the 92nd Academy Awards ballot below. If you haven't already seen it, don't miss Almodovar's PAIN and GLORY

The Boyz: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Ford and Ferrari

PBS: Masterpiece Theater

Howard's End (click here to learn more)

"Often considered E.M. Forster’s masterpiece, Howards End is the story of two independent and unconventional sisters and the men in their lives seeking love and meaning as they navigate an ever-changing world." (PBS)

Sanditon (click here to learn more) -

"Jane Austen was chronically ill with a mysterious disease in early 1817, when she turned her thoughts to a happier subject. She started work on a witty and delightful novel set in a seaside town. She never finished it. Now, noted screenwriter Andrew Davies (Pride and Prejudice, Les Misérables, Primetime Emmy® winner for Little Dorrit) picks up Austen’s plot and takes it in a glorious and satisfying direction, on Sanditon." (PBS)

Netflix:

The Two Popes (click here to learn more)

"At a key turning point for the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI forms a surprising friendship with the future Pope Francis. Inspired by true events." (Netflix)

WikipediaA on THE TWO POPES