Albuquerque Journal Rebukes Gov. Lujan Grisham's "Heavy-Handed" Tactics Against Papas Pawn

Nearly $2,900 has been raised (at this writing) at the Go Fund Me page for Diane Rowe of Papas Pawn & Gun in Grants, New Mexico in response to Gov. "Malevolent Michelle" Lujan Grisham's $60,000 fine for reopening.

There are views on both sides of the fence of this matter, but the Albuquerque Journal posted a rare editorial by the paper's editorial board rebuking the governor's heavy-handed (some say Gestapo) tactics against Rowe.

Here's some snippets (highlights mine):

The state’s action is obviously trying to make an example of Rowe. It’s also worth noting that it occurred within days of Rowe speaking to local news media. 

But this administration’s heavy-handed approach – and singling Rowe out – could have an opposite effect than intended. Republican legislators in the state House have warned of growing civil unrest and “social chaos.” Grants, where Mayor Martin Hicks unsuccessfully tried to reopen businesses last week, has become a hot spot in the brewing revolt. Hicks was also met by State Police and a citation. Grants is the county seat of Cibola County, where Sheriff Tony Mace says deputies won’t enforce the public health orders. 

The governor said during a news conference last week that “this notion that you don’t have to comply is wrong,” that the coronavirus is still spreading and dangerous, and areas near Grants have been hit hard. She’s not wrong. But how she is treating this scofflaw is. The state’s draconian response to Rowe couldn’t be clearer: “Defy us and we will crush you.” 

Some will say Rowe had it coming for defying public health orders and potentially placing customers at risk. Others will say she had a constitutional right as a gun shop owner to conduct business and never should have been forced to close. But few people will say, especially given her limiting customers and social contact, that six cops and a $60,000 fine is in order. 

That bullying technique is simply escalating a bitter divide between this administration and thousands of small-business owners who feel they are not being listened to and who deserve a seat at the table. 

By insisting on the $60,000 fine, the governor runs the risk of turning Rowe, and any who emulate her, into Western folk heroes, Calamity Janes of the coronavirus age who fight power brokers for the rights of the little people. In this case, that’s small-business owners who fail to see any fairness in the fact they cannot open responsibly – with safety standards that surpass those being practiced by large “essential” businesses that often sell the same items. 

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.

To read the full editorial, go here.