H1N1 and Leave for Mothers Down South

With three cases confirmed in New Mexico many schools and government offices in the southern part of our stare are closed. Parents are faced with keeping their children home and away from other children in an effort to reduce the number of cases in that part of the state. This can be very hard on the working parents of young children and especially single mothers. Business leaders in that part of the state can show their sense of family values by supporting their employees when it comes to giving them time off so that their children are in a safe and secure environment after all what is more important then our children in this state.

The southern part of this state is known for it conservative views when it comes to politics and family life. Now is the time for that part of the state to prove that this is not a male centered view of life but a more family centered view. What good is a business if the owners cannot see the value of protecting young children during such a time? Mothers of young children need to be encouraged by their employers to take this time off from work without fear that it would harm their status in the business world. The time is now to prove that family truly comes first.

As for sports in the schools it is only fair that none of the teams further north should be practicing while sports events should be halted in the southern part of this state after all we want a level playing field for all of our student athletes. I am sure that the State Department of Health will remove the band once they feel it is safe for all student athletes in the mean time parents should encourage their children to show their support for teams in the southern part of the state.

Most of all families in all parts of the state should remember the advice of the Governor, "Don't Panic."