VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local

9500 Liberty film screening in Norfolk Tuesday

Monday, December 14, 2009 – 1:42 pm

9500 Liberty will have a screening Tuesday evening at the Naro in Norfolk.

Prince William County, Virginia becomes ground zero in America’s explosive battle over immigration policy when elected officials adopt a law requiring police officers to question anyone they have “probable cause” to suspect is an undocumented immigrant.

9500 Liberty reveals the startling vulnerability of a local government, targeted by national anti-immigration networks using the Internet to frighten and intimidate lawmakers and citizens. Alarmed by a climate of fear and racial division, residents form a resistance using YouTube videos and virtual townhalls, setting up a real-life showdown in the seat of county government.

The devastating social and economic impact of the “Immigration Resolution” is felt in the lives of real people in homes and in local businesses. But the ferocious fight to adopt and then reverse this policy unfolds inside government chambers, on the streets, and on the Internet. 9500 Liberty provides a front row seat to all three battlegrounds.

Check out the trailer. There are some familiar faces in it.

The film will begin at 7:15pm. Hope to see you there!

By vjp | Posted in Fun stuff, Local, National, Norfolk, Politics | Leave a Comment

Warner roundtable on women on combat

Monday, December 14, 2009 – 1:12 pm

Senator Mark Warner held a roundtable in the Norfolk Main Library this morning to hear from military women and representatives of various veteran support groups on the issue of combat stress. Last month, Warner sponsored legislation directing the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to spend the next year studying whether it is adequately addressing the issue of combat stress in military women.

As if almost on cue, there was a story this morning on the very same topic.

More than 230,000 American women have fought in those recent wars and at least 120 have died doing so, yet the public still doesn’t completely understand their contributions on the modern battlefield.

Warner got an earful from the women in attendance, whose experience ranged from a few years to 30 years of active duty military service. Some of the women quoted in the AP story were in attendance at the roundtable.

I tweeted the meeting as it occurred.

Afterwards, Warner spoke with the media.

I’m glad to see Senator Warner taking on this issue. Taking care of our veterans – both male and female – should be a priority.

W o r d P r e s s .c o m P o l i t i c a l B l o g g e r A l l i a n c e

By vjp | Posted in Local, National, Norfolk, Politics, Virginia | Tags: Wordpress Political Blogs | Leave a Comment

A Redskins win

Monday, December 14, 2009 – 8:17 am

The Washington Redskins managed to grab a lead and hold onto it yesterday in 34-13 win over the Oakland Raiders. It’s been a long time between wins for this 4-9 team. It would have been nice to see: I missed most of the game because I had visitors. I caught a play here and there.

Next up: the New York Giants, losers to the Philadelphia Eagles in last night’s game. The Giants (7-6) are two games out of first place in the NFC East and as of right now, out of the playoffs. A win by the Redskins will help keep them out.

By vjp | Posted in Fun stuff, Sports | Comments (3)

Congratulations Annise – and Houston

Sunday, December 13, 2009 – 12:14 am

Annise Parker was the first openly gay person elected mayor of a large US city Saturday. Houston is the fourth largest city in the country. Congratulations to Ms. Parker – and to the voters of Houston.

By vjp | Posted in National, Politics | Comments (8)

Most loved, hated in Congress

Friday, December 11, 2009 – 3:27 pm

Congress, it’s been said, is like high school for old people.

Seems about right The December issue of Newsmax Magazine includes a list of the Congress members most loved or or most hated by their colleagues. A couple of Virginians made the list. Among the most loved: Senator Mark Warner.

Democrats consider Warner a folk hero of sorts, crediting him with reviving the party’s appeal to rural and Southern voters. He reinvented his state’s Democratic Party, paving the way for Obama to become the first Democrat to carry Virginia since 1964. Warner has taken his recipe for success to Capitol Hill, where he’s considered one of the few Democrats interested in working across the aisle.

And among the most hated, which the author points out is not the same as being ineffective: Rep. Jim Moran.

If Wisconsin Democrat David Obey is the reigning champion of House floor tussles, Moran, 64, the son of a professional boxer who’s well known for his hot Irish temper, is a close runner-up. Most notably, during the 1995 debate over sending U.S. troops to Bosnia, Moran started a shoving match with then-Rep. Randy Cunningham, R-Calif., at the rear of the House chamber. The scuffle spilled into the hall, where Capitol Hill police officers were forced to break up what became known as the “brawl in the hall.” His GOP challengers frequently aim their attacks at his character.

Check out the article and the rest of the list here.

By vjp | Posted in National, Politics, Virginia | Comments (6)

Friday fun: what book are you?

Friday, December 11, 2009 – 8:15 am

There’s a new book quiz out. But before I tell you what book I am, there’s an interesting disclaimer on the website:

Just for the record, I really hope no one gets offended by any of this. At times, I try to add some humor into the world of books, and if I’m not amusing to you, just know I wasn’t trying to offend anyone. I just think books and their authors are funny sometimes, and the jokes are meant in good taste.

Um, ok. On with the my quiz results

By vjp | Posted in Fun stuff | Comments (6)

Smigiel: A new choice. A new voice.

Thursday, December 10, 2009 – 9:10 am

The first candidate to announce for the upcoming Norfolk council elections in May was Tommy Smigiel, who is taking on incumbent Randy Wright in Ward 5.

Smigiel, a former Virginia Teacher of the Year, has hit the ground running. He’s got his website up and has been knocking doors and attending meetings throughout the ward. Despite the fact that Wright only won by 479 votes in the last election over an underfunded challenger, this race, if Wright runs, will be a tough one.

I say “if” because there is talk that Wright is seeking a position within the administration of Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell. Wright supported Terry McAuliffe in the primary and was said to have been promised a position – some say Secretary of Transportation – by him. After the McAuliffe primary loss, Wright shifted his support to McDonnell. McDonnell is scheduled to make an announcement of additional appointments today, although it is unknown what positions will be filled.

Regardless of whether Wright runs, Smigiel is in the race and plans to win. But he needs our help. Contact him to volunteer on the campaign. And, of course, send money. I always say that even if you don’t live in a district, you can vote with your pocketbook

By vjp | Posted in Local, Norfolk, Politics | Comments (4)

Support expansion of state health care benefits

Wednesday, December 9, 2009 – 2:14 pm

The articles last week on the proposal by outgoing Governor Tim Kaine to expand health care benefits of state employees didn’t tell the whole story. Now that we have the proposed language for the changes, hopefully some of the commentors will rethink their positions. Let’s start at the beginning.