Evening of Contrasts

I stood in the shade of a large mesquite tree to watch the F-22 Raptor put on a dazzling display over the Tularosa Basin.

To the right of the mesquite I witnessed an impressive example of what human beings are capable of when they are competent, make good decisions and are prepared, something of which we can all be proud because we pay for it. After all, not all of us are aeronautical engineers, pilots, military personnel nor contractors but we know a job well done when we see it.

To the left of the mesquite I watched another drama unfold. What was visible was the smoke from the "controlled burn" executed by New Mexico Game and Fish under the leadership of Bruce Thompson. The whole story from the Las Cruces Sun was published Thursday. You can scroll down to read all of it but here is the pertinent part:

LAS CRUCES — If weather permits, the state plans to ignite 7,000 acres on the Organ Mountains Friday.

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish plans to conduct the burn on the west face of the Organ Mountains north of San Augustin Pass and the NASA test facility. The burn was slated earlier this week, but dry conditions and high winds have prevented it.

Smoke from the controlled fire is likely to be visible from the greater Las Cruces area.

Weather permitting, burning will begin Friday and continue until the target acreage has been treated.

Back to the shade of the mesquite tree where I started. On the right, high accomplishment and genius and on the left fire. What? FIRE! Yes, we were advised that smoke would be visible but what were flames running down the ridges doing on the east side of the San Andreas Mountains? The burn was to be on the west side but obviously was not under control. I watched until well after dark and observed as many as 19 separate fires at one time and all over the crest of the San Andreas spreading north and east.

Don't expect NM Game and Fish to tell us the truth about this arrogant and ignorant debacle. And right now I just don't feel like making any jokes about Bruce Thompson's Grilling Tips for Wild Game. How do these guys sleep at night? I know it was hard for me because I knew that wild animals, birds and plants were being destroyed for NO GOOD REASON.