Several months ago, I ended up stopping in Las Vegas NM for gas. That’s a bit north on 25, from 40.
That little town in NM seemed inordinately rough for its size, to me. There was a heavy transient feel to it. Like you really didn’t want to break down around there. Didn’t feel safe.
I shrugged it off. But now remember, because it’s pretty close to where this attack seems to have occurred.
I'm one who thinks we're given those "feelings" for a reason, and that it's best not to shrug them off. Sounds like yours were right on target!
Yep, there are lots of small towns just like that nowadays, especially given the economic downturn, many of these smaller towns simply died an economic death.
It's always been rough. Back in the late 70's I was escorting a former lady friend from Tucson to Denver for a job. She was a tall, busty good looking redhead and when we stopped for gas she got out to use the ladies room. When she returned she was harassed by a group of low-life Hispanic males who called her a bunch of names in Spanish. These "macho" types were obviously looking for me to respond so they could up the ante and maybe take me out. She wisely said lets just get in the car and go.
Las Vegas was the town featured in the movie "Red Dawn" and is just as violent as the movie was. BTW, further north in Mora County, the poorest in NM, Anglos are not at all welcome.