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!

Happy 90th, Mama

Today marks the 90th birthday of my mother.  This is my favorite picture of her, one that shows her healthy and happy. It is this picture that I keep in my mind's eye, even though today's reality is far different. My mother loves pretty flowers and so I've already sent a beautiful bouquet for her … Continue reading Happy 90th, Mama →

Opinion, please: virtual academy

The Virginian-Pilot has an article discussing a "virtual academy:" K12 Inc., a private online education company that uses Carroll County as its public-school intermediary to provide virtual education through eighth grade for students across the state. More than 350 students are enrolled in K12's virtual academy through Carroll County, three times as many as last … Continue reading Opinion, please: virtual academy →

Take out the trash day: Norfolk police chief to retire

Aficionados of The West Wing will recognize that Friday is Take Out The Trash Day. The latest release came a bit ago, innocently entitled "City of Norfolk Announces Staffing Changes." Within the release was a relative bombshell: Police Chief Bruce Marquis will retire effective April 1. The chief has been under fire lately related to … Continue reading Take out the trash day: Norfolk police chief to retire →

Norfolk bails on Tivest deal

From a press release this morning: NORFOLK –The City of Norfolk administration received information this morning that the STOP Organization has reversed its decision to be a tenant in the Midtown Office Tower.  The City’s participation was contingent upon Tivest Holdings, LLC being able to confirm that the STOP Organization was committed to the project.  … Continue reading Norfolk bails on Tivest deal →

Friday fun: US Presidents

Monday is Presidents' Day, also known as the federal holiday to recognize the birthday of our first president, George Washington. (According to snopes, it's really not for any other president, and it seems the official name is still Washington's Birthday.) Regardless of which president you are celebrating, in honor of the holiday, here's a little … Continue reading Friday fun: US Presidents →

First female chief justice SCOVA

The first ever female chief justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia was sworn in Wednesday. My congratulations to Justice Cynthia Kinser. Whenever one of these "firsts" comes along, I'm reminded of a post of mine from from four years ago where I first (at least on this blog) discussed the whole dynamic of race … Continue reading First female chief justice SCOVA →

The Byrd machine’s continuing influence

My latest op ed, title above, appeared in Wednesday's The Virginian-Pilot. The shadow of Harry F. Byrd, Sr. is a long one, despite his death almost 45 years ago. It permeates so much of what we do in modern day Virginia. I found it ironic that Byrd's rise to prominence was based on his opposition … Continue reading The Byrd machine’s continuing influence →

Norfolk: Just say no

This morning's newspaper reported that the developer of the office building project paid delinquent real estate taxes on properties it owns in the city. The taxes, penalty and interest on more than a dozen properties were paid for properties the company owns in Broad Creek, a development in central Norfolk in which the city has … Continue reading Norfolk: Just say no →

Replacing Webb

The announcement that Senator Jim Webb will not seek reelection caught a lot of people by surprise. While thanking him for his service, speculation began almost immediately as to whom the Democrats would nominate to replace him. A meme quickly developed among the main stream media: the candidate would be former governor and current DNC … Continue reading Replacing Webb →

Journalists angry over … journalism

Glenn Greenwald nails it: Identifying lies told by powerful political leaders -- and describing them as such -- is what good journalists do, by definition.  It's the crux of adversarial journalism, of a "watchdog" press.  "Objectivity" does not require refraining from pointing out the falsity of government claims.  The opposite is true; objectivity requires that a … Continue reading Journalists angry over … journalism →