Tip of the hat to a woman who knew her rights

The most gratifying moment Monday at the New Mexico Capitol had nothing to do with politicians.

A woman determined to protect her First Amendment rights trumped bossy security guard Joel Nava.

The woman, who declined to give me her name, arrived in the building wearing a red cap emblazoned with the words "Make America Great Again." Nava told her she had to remove the hat because it contained a political statement.

If the woman defied him, Nava said, he would instruct state police officers to eject her from the building.

She replied with hard truths. People for years have worn T-shirts to the Capitol announcing political stands on legislation regarding guns. No one hassled any of them.

That was then, Nava countered. A new policy prohibits political statements on visitors' apparel.

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