(Val) Kilmer comments rankle N.M. lawmaker (about needing to carry gun)

sacramento bee ^ | 10-6-03

[wheelgunguru]

PECOS, N.M. (AP) -- Actor Val Kilmer has been talking about New Mexico, and one state lawmaker didn't like what he heard.

Kilmer, who has a ranch in the mountains south of Pecos, was asked about living in rural New Mexico in an interview published in a recent edition of Rolling Stone.

Kilmer told the magazine he carries a gun in his car.

"I live in the homicide capital of the Southwest," Kilmer said. "Eighty percent of the people in my county are drunk. So driving home on the highway, especially with kids, it's (carrying a gun) just a precaution."

Kilmer was also asked how he spends his time. After talking about feeding the animals and going to the watering hole, he put on a hick accent and said: "We shoot the automatic weapons at the trespassers and people a different color than us."

State Sen. Phil Griego, whose district includes Kilmer's ranch and who lives nearby, said Friday that if the actor doesn't like San Miguel County he's welcome to leave.

"He's shooting from the hip and he's espousing stuff he really doesn't know anything about," Griego said.

The lawmaker said the actor lives behind a gate and doesn't know his community.

A call to Kilmer's agent requesting an explanation of the actor's remarks was not returned.

John Hendry of the state tourism department said Kilmer actually loves New Mexico and its people.

"I don't believe for a minute he meant any of it. I know him and I have a feeling that you had to be there" to understand Kilmer's perhaps sardonic intent, Hendry said.

[Cogadh na Sith]

the matter of just whose land it is still a matter of contention?

Particularly after dark....

Lots of the deeds, titles and grants are all screwed up in places here. The description in the story of 'El Tigre del Norte' of the lawyers, rich Texans and outsiders pretty much seizing land awarded to families by the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo is correct.

There are some legitimate and non-legitimate land claims here....

[Fledermaus]

We were referencing his lines as Doc Holliday in "Tombstone".

[Travis McGee]

Sounds like a simmering pot that could easily be helped to boil over.

[Cogadh na Sith]

Totally...

I'll Freep mail you in a couple of days some experiences I had with the NM Army Guard...

Even though they are fed gov funded, I assure you, we are on the side of freedom, liberty and would oppose any enemy of the Constitution foreign or domestic. I've been very impressed with the love of freedom and liberty of the people here. It's a good place, very bellicose...

[Travis McGee]

I can't really see the edges or make out the shape yet, but I have a strong feeling there's a really dynamic situation there.

[Tijeras_Slim]

This is gonna make you laugh...

Driving home yesterday I notice some "road repair ahead" signs near my place on South 14, and as usual just shrug and expect to see a couple guys leaning on shovels for a day or two. Well, at 2 in the AM I notice that it seems pretty bright outside (about 5x that full moon we get, so bright!) and its a bunch of big lights down at the Ponderosa.

First I think its a accident and they're lighting things up and using the jaws of life or something, but there's no flashers or radio noise. I also don't hear any machinery noise (like anyone would be doing roadwork at that hour here) so getting paranoid I pull on boots and a bathrobe, grab the Ruger and drive down that way. About halfway, there's a BCSD vehicle on the shoulder, so I pull up and in my best concerned citizen voice ask WTF?

Kim Basenger is filiming some scenes from a film called "Elvis has Left the Building" at the Ponderosa! The place is lit up like daylight, and the parking lot has a bunch of pink cars in it. I'm thinking "Hope the ABATE crowd or Banditos don't show up for a nitecap."

Too wierd. It's a shame though she broke up with Baldwin. I could have become famous by conducting a East Mountain Midnight FReep!

[bullseye1911]

He's shooting from the hip and he's espousing stuff he really doesn't know anything about," Griego said.

that's why he needs these:

: "We shoot the automatic weapons at the trespassers and people a different color than us."

[Tijeras_Slim]

If you want another example of how the folks in Northern NM circle the wagons for each other...

A woman (3 time DWI loser) who blew a 0.4 BAC after killing another driver, received 30 days in jail. The kicker is that a State Senator and State House Rep (both dims) both appealed to the judge for leniency!

[ampat]

Sounds more to me like the NM state troopers, country sheriff, and maybe some high state govt officials are in the mexican mafias pocket.

[Squantos]

OK ........now I have at least a 4 digit grid on yer casa !

That is funny. South 14 is "the" only place in the world I believe when a man in his bathrobe at 2AM with a ruger isn't an abnormal event !

I used to eat at the Ponderosa all the time. One other little place just back up the road on SW side I believe that was a Mom and Pop resturant and Choke & Puke Rob'n Stop Shop ??? Course I was working or living dangerously when I was around there . Actually IMO that is a pretty place to live.

Kim Bassinger eh ??..........was she nekid ?:o)

Stay Safe

[Tijeras_Slim]

I didn't get close enough to see Kim, nekkid or not.

There's that little grocery store sorta across from the fire station. But don't forget the Blarney Stone. That burned down a good while back, and was not missed by it's immediate neighbors.

[Squantos]

Don't remember the Blarny Stone ?......but it's been 10 years since I was there and gettin old so my bad. I remember as ya head south , the little place I spoke oif was on the right and then on down the way was The Ponderosa on the left. I think the little grocerie shop just had a few tables, made burgers and had a gas pump.

Oh well.........I'll have to stop in on my way to buy property in Chilieeeeee some day ........;o)

Stay Safe Slim !!

[Tijeras_Slim]

The Blarney Stone had pretty much gone to ruin by the mid-80's (my more ancient neighbors inform me) and the remains burned down about 12 years ago. The small grocery shop does have gas pumps, but no gas anymore (just as well, the only time I filled up my bike there, I got to learn all about cleaning carbs)

We're about half way between the two. And of course, if you're out this way, stop by.

[hopespringseternal]

Best one liner ever "I'll be your huckleberry." Gives me chills to this day.

I never got it. Can you clue me in?

[Squantos]

Will do Slim.....Stay Safe !

[Cinnamon Girl]

Because a lot of us are crazy about Kilmer, take a listen:

http://www.sccs.swarthmore.edu/users/98/dylan/tomb/sound.html

[dangus]

Cooter's accent=hick
Daisy's accent=not hick.
Yes, I'm sure his hick accent was a southern hick one, but don't presume the two are meant to be equivalent.
And Gee, don't get so sensivitive.. he obviously meant to ridicule the stereotype, not promote it.

[dangus]

Actually, I kinda admire that he came right and said it... "... for... political reasons."

Translation: You know what the right thing to do is. I know what the right thing to do is. But we ain't allowed to do it. Real direct call for upheaval, no?

[dennisw]

Val Kilmer was great in "Heat" and pretty good in "The Saint".

Also saw him Pollock (2000)as Willem DeKooning where he acquited himself well. His Doc Holliday role is the favorite at FR.

[dangus]

Is "Kilmer" related to "Killmore," and thus "Gilmaur," and thus, "Devoted to the BVM Mary"?