Dear editor, Changes to Medicaid may soon affect many Cibola County residents, but there is possible relief: The Presbyterian Medical Service (PMS) here in Grants (with a clinic in Thoreau) has a sliding scale policy that anyone in need can apply for, and also does not turn away indigent people. Details about this can be found by calling the Grants office: (505) 287-2958 or online at: https://www.pmsnm.org/locations/ grants-family-health- center/ Don’t wait until you or your family need medical attention: register now for low or no cost routine health care so when you have an illness or accident you can be seen by the clinic's medical staff without delay.
It is not a good plan to ignore your health until “trouble” comes and then go the the hospital’s ER; first of all, you will be in the hands of strangers, and second, the expense involved is huge. ER doctors must contend with little or no information about you, and must rely on expensive tests to find out what’s wrong by guesswork. By contrast, PMS will have background knowledge that you have given them through regular checkups and treatments. We are fortunate to have their services here in Grants.
Thank You, Joan Sheski
Birthright Citizenship
Dear Editor, The first rule of legal interpretation is to examine the context surrounding the creation of the law in question – specifically the 14th Amendment.
The United States Supreme Court’s “Dred Scott v. Sandford” ruling of 1857, declared that black slaves were the personal property of the slave owner. Thus, the black slaves were under the “jurisdiction” of the slaveholder, not the government.
The “Emancipation Proclamation” only freed some slaves, but not all, because its scope was not geographically universal. In addition, the citizenship issue of “Dred Scott” was not addressed.
The intent of the 14th Amendment was to address certain issues raised by “Dred Scott”, namely, “personhood” and under who’s authority (jurisdiction) the former slave would be subject to.
As the former slaves were essentially stateless (without any national ties) the 14th Amendment addressed that issue by declaring the former slaves, and those born of them, to be under the jurisdiction of the United States, i.e. citizens. The jurisdiction clause is clearly illustrated by a country’s issuance of passports. One’s “passport” identifies the holder to be under the “jurisdiction” of the issuing country and demands the host country extend certain rights and privileges to its citizens. Whether or not a passport has been issued, the principle is the same!
Simply stated, one’s citizenship is based more upon the citizenship of the parents than upon the location of one’s birth. My granddaughter was born in Grenada, but her U.S. citizenship is based upon her parents’ being under the jurisdiction (citizenship) of the United States. Likewise, her passport (citizenship) is proof she is under the jurisdiction of the United States.
Universal birthright citizenship (as being promoted by some) is based neither upon law nor logic.
Raymond C. Jenkins