"It's discrimination ! We demand an apology !"

[left-of-center2012]

Because we now have 3 cases of the coronavirus here in New Mexico, Governor Grisham has declared a ‘public health emergency’.

The Governor advised residents to not attend public gatherings such as community gatherings, church, neighborhood meetings, sporting events, etc. in order to minimize exposure. The state will be canceling large events through at least April; the ‘Gathering of Nations’ is postponed.
(The 'Gathering of Nations' is held on the state fairgrounds)

The ‘Gathering of Nations’ is north America’s largest Native American pow-wow and attracts over 70,000 people from all over the world to Albuquerque for two days each year. The leaders of the event spoke later in the day declaring the postponement of their event as discrimination and demanded an apology from the governor and everyone in her office. They claim they are being singled out because of who they are. "This is just history repeating itself (attacking the Native American community) said one ‘Gathering of Nations’ spokeswoman.

The leader of a local ‘mega church’ which has a weekly attendance of at least 2,000 says he will not cancel church services.
He serves 'the Lord', a higher power than the governor.

And, at the moment, the coronavirus journey is just beginning here in New Mexico.

[maxsolomon]

1. Trying to herd a nation of cats.

x Infinity

Its POSTPONED, whingers.

[beachbumbob]

2. mega church trump supporters, so let them meet. I feel the karma coming

[left-of-center2012]

3. "trump supporters"

I don't know about all of this congregation but,
the pastor is an extreme right winger.

[beachbumbob]

6. then most the congregstion will be too, thats what I have seen in Illinois

[comradebillyboy]

4. I live in NM and have been very happy with Michelle

Lujan-Grisham's leadership, especially her campaign to improve public education. If some folks want to vie for Darwin Awards I'll just try to avoid them.

[mr_lebowski]

5. On one hand I kinda think if the Native Americans want to hold it on their own reservation

And everyone stays on the premises, the state should arguably not have the right to force them to cancel. That whole 'sovereignty' thing.

OTOH from a practical standpoint, many of them will be going and getting on planes afterwards, so ...

Anyways, I'll be keen to see if Mr Holy Roller maintains his stance when only 200 people actually show up, and are told by State Troopers on bullhorns in the parking lot of the mega-church ... to take a freaking hike.

He'd have been smarter to keep shit on the D/L if he really wanted to hold his services.

[left-of-center2012]

7. It is held on the 'state fairgrounds' in Albuquerque

I guess that gave the governor the authority.

[mr_lebowski]

10. That makes perfect sense ... its only under the conditions I mentioned

that I think they'd 'maybe have a case' if you will.

[left-of-center2012]

11. i agree

And, there are other, smaller pow-wows held around the US.
Some I think are held on tribal land.

BTW- Denver also has a large annual pow-wow.

[icymist]

8. They should show the mega-church idiot preacher this

South Korea church leader apologizes for coronavirus spread
Lee Man-hee of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus faces possible murder charges after being accused of failing to cooperate in efforts to contain the virus. The sect leader got down on his hands and knees to apologize.

https://www.dw.com/en/south-korea-church-leader-apologizes-for-coronavirus-spread/a-52613891

Somehow I don't believe it would change their mind.

[Ferrets are Cool]

9. Follow the money. nt