Virginia
Censorship — Policy Taking Away Teachers Rights
It seems that every day someone is writing a law or policy to take away our right to do something. The one that seems to keep coming up a lot lately is Freedom of Speech. At the national level the Protect IP Act (PIPA) in the Senate or the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) in … Continue reading
It’s all about politics
I’ve been thinking about how ambitious I was to put forth a legislative agenda for the 2008 General Assembly session. In addition to having more time in those days, I clung to a notion – long since dismissed – that those elected to represent us actually might do it. In fact, I’d say the chance … Continue reading
Weekend roundup
A quick look at some of the stories and other stuff from the past week. VA Republican primary: still Romney v Paul The week started off with a ruling by Judge John Gibney to delay the printing of the ballots for the March 6 primary. When he put the ruling in writing the next day, … Continue reading
Cumberland County Attorney asked to leave
County Attorney Howard Estes has been asked to leave, with an effective date of March 31, 2012. This information was obtained from a very reliable source inside the Cumberland County Government complex.
The legislative show begins
I followed my own advice yesterday. In my latest op-ed, which appeared in Wednesday’s Virginian-Pilot, I urged readers to log onto the General Assembly website to watch the proceedings of the legislature. Late yesterday afternoon, when I had a little bit of a break from work, I did just that. I tuned in just in … Continue reading
ICYMI: State of the Commonwealth, response
Governor Bob McDonnell made his third State of the Commonwealth speech tonight to the joint session of the General Assembly. Much of what the governor said has already come out as he made his budget presentation to the money committees. The text of the speech as prepared is here. I still find it ironic that … Continue reading
Let’s get ready to rumble!
Lots of eyes have turned northward as the New Hampshire primary is today. The fight appears to be over the number two spot, as Mitt Romney seems to be on track for the win. Will Jon Huntsman’s late surge be enough to catapult him into second place? I don’t know – seems to me he … Continue reading
Is there a Senate deal that helps both sides?
With the opening of the Virginia General Assembly upon us in two days and with chaos threatening to reign in the Senate, is there a quasi-power sharing agreement that would satisfy by both sides and avoid a lot of aggravation? There very well might be. Democrats are claiming that Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling can’t vote … Continue reading
Ballot access: careful what you wish for
My latest op-ed appeared in Thursday’s Virginian-Pilot. I was intrigued by a story (mentioned in the comments on this article but repeated in a number of different places) that claims that the changes to Virginia’s election laws that occurred in 1970 came about as the result of the 1965 candidacy of George Lincoln Rockwell, who … Continue reading
Loyalty oath going away
While Delegate Bob Marshall was first in calling for the RPV to remove the loyalty oath in the upcoming primary, he no longer stands alone. RPV chair Pat Mullins announced a special meeting of the State Central committee on his Facebook page last Saturday. Today, LG Bill Bolling and Gov. Bob McDonnell join the chorus.
Martinsville unemployment 15.6% while Robert Hurt votes on another abortion bill
At a time when some localities in the 5th Congressional District have high unemployment rates, our congressman, Robert Hurt (R-Chatham) has been doing exactly as he is told. His masters in Congress give him the instructions. This means voting against extended unemployment, voting against actual job plans brought to the House, and voting to restrict … Continue reading
Miller’s Pre-General Assembly Town Hall
Virginia Senator John Miller has announced Pre-General Assembly town hall meetings. As far as I can remember since I have lived on the Peninsula I usually hear of only post General Assembly town halls. I hope this is a trend that other state Senator and Delegates are considering. It is nice to voice your concerns … Continue reading
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LOOK WHO’S TALKING