While poking around on the web I stumbled across a humorous quote about New Mexico that prompted me to look for other things that have been said about our state by both people who live/grew up here and those who visit or just pass through.
The one that caught my eye was made by Lew Wallace, territorial governor of New Mexico from 1878 to 1881 and author of “Ben Hur.” He said:
“Every calculation based on experience elsewhere fails in New Mexico.”
You may have heard some of these others before but I think they’re worth repeating and pondering.
“I know aliens from other worlds are required to arrive in New Mexico, but why stay there?” — the late film critic Roger Ebert.
“I think New Mexico was the greatest experience from the outside world that I have ever had.” — author D.H. Lawrence.
“This remote New Mexico town (Roswell) had hit the jackpot. It didn’t matter that there wasn’t a shred of credible evidence to support the claim that a flying saucer crashed here. It didn’t matter that there were no credible witnesses to alien bodies.” — the late news anchor Peter Jennings.
“If mob law is going to rule, better dismiss, judge, sheriff, etc., and let’s all take chances alike. I expect to be lynched in going to Lincoln [New Mexico.] Advise persons never to engage in killing.” — legendary outlaw Billy the Kid.
“When Brian (Urlacher, former NFL star from Lovington) told me he grew up in New Mexico, I told him I thought it is cool that people from other countries play football. He corrected me on my geography and agreed to sit down with me anyway.” — formerly NFL quarterback and TV commentator Terry Bradshaw.
“What most people don’t understand is that UFOs are on a cosmic tourist route. That’s why they’re always seen in Arizona, Scotland, and New Mexico. Another thing to consider is that all three of those destinations are good places to play golf. So there’s possibly some connection between aliens and golf.” — rock star Alice Cooper.
“I lived in New Mexico until I was 17, and honestly I’ve been homesick ever since I left.” — author Liza Campbell.
“Well, New Mexico ain’t bad. People there, they treat you kind” — a line from the song “White Freightliner Blues” by Lyle Lovett.
“Poor New Mexico. So close to Texas, so far from Heaven.” — author Manuel Armijo.
And the best one of all, from the man who probably has the most memorable quotes, Mark Twain:
“Until I came to New Mexico, I never realized how much beauty water adds to a river.”
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