Albuquerque's Old Town Sees More Than 20 Businesses Shut Down in the Last Year

The other day I read an article on a DC-based progressive news blog which laughably contended that the economic recovery is really starting to gain steam--presumably to advocate for the reelection of our great and glorious "leader," President Hopey-Changey. Politcal reporters who spew such nonsense need to start spending more time out in the real word, say, downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico. Here is a local New Mexico television station with the story:

Albuquerque's Old Town looks more like a ghost town as more than 20 businesses have either closed or have moved out in the past year.

Business owners say the economy is hitting them hard, most report discouraging sales last year and say it's been extremely tough to stay afloat.

La Hacienda is closing its doors; the famous New Mexican restaurant has been open for more than 60 years and The Memories in Old Town Gallery is also going out of business.

And yet, hope still springs eternal, even when it doesn't make any sense at all:

"Old town is the heart of Albuquerque," said Karen Aceves, the owner of the Old Town Basket Store. "We may be beating a little slow right now but Old Town's heart will never stop beating."

She and her husband have owned their business for nearly 40 years. Aceves admits the situation looks bad right now, but she hopes the closures will breathe new life into the area.

That really is the most pathetic quote I think I've read yet from someone who believes that the economy just HAS to get better, because it always has in the past. They say it's darkest right before the dawn. But it's also darkest just before the last flickering light fades out forever.


Bonus: "Well they say...that Sante Fe...is less than 90 miles away"