Author: Vivian J. Paige

A former candidate, I've learned a lot about politics, both good and bad. I'd prefer more of the former and a lot less of the latter and I'm trying to do my part!

Opinion, please: teaching slavery

The story of the fourth grade Norfolk teacher who used a mock slave auction in demonstrating the Civil War has  spread like wildfire. It seems nearly everyone is outraged about it. But a question remains: just how do you teach about slavery, the Civil War and race? In an editorial today, The Virginian-Pilot discusses the … Continue reading Opinion, please: teaching slavery →

Seeing foxes, raccoons during day? Not rabid

I can't tell you how many times I've heard that seeing a fox or a raccoon during the day meant that the animal was rabid. (And yes, I see a lot of those critters where I live.) According to this story, that's not necessarily the case: So it might be a little reassuring to know … Continue reading Seeing foxes, raccoons during day? Not rabid →

Friday fun: what color is your tax return?

This is just too funny! (By the way, the graphic there has the wrong information - the 2010 filing deadline is April 18, not April 15) h/t Norm Leahy

General Assembly assembles its re-election

Kind of a catchy title on my latest op-ed, which appeared in Wednesday's paper. Now you know where my Mississippi post came from 😉  I ran across it as I was researching which other states have elections this year. Outside of doing something about the legislators drawing the redistricting lines, I think we have to … Continue reading General Assembly assembles its re-election →

Sen. Howell calls McDonnell ‘zealot’ on social issues

So reports The Richmond Times-Dispatch: Howell spoke in response to a question about an amendment proposed by McDonnell that would prohibit Virginia's health insurance exchange from providing coverage for abortion services. [...] "I'm hearing a lot of regrets from people who voted for the governor because they believed he was a moderate," Howell told reporters … Continue reading Sen. Howell calls McDonnell ‘zealot’ on social issues →

Kaine running for Senate

First on Twitter, then in an email, former Governor Tim Kaine announced that he is running for Senate. His website is here, which is where you can view the announcement video. The graphic is from Kaine and the 2008 Democratic National Convention. I knew it would come in handy again someday 😉 UPDATE: Just confirmed … Continue reading Kaine running for Senate →

We’re not Mississippi – yet

Mississippi has elections in the fall, like Virginia. Mississippi has a split legislature, like Virginia. There, Republicans control the State Senate while the Democrats control the House. Unlike Virginia, Mississippi's legislature released its maps last month.  The House approved its maps on March 5 and the Senate its maps on March 10. But that's where … Continue reading We’re not Mississippi – yet →

Austim Awareness Month: reject McDonnell’s amendments

April is Autism Awareness Month. The General Assembly passed a bill that would require insurance coverage for children, ages 2-6. Interestingly enough, support for the bill comes from both sides of the aisle. First there was this blog post from conservative Lee Talley. He blasts those from the AFP, who call the coverage "Obama-care lite." … Continue reading Austim Awareness Month: reject McDonnell’s amendments →