“One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.” This quote from Plato pretty well sums up what I'm thinking this morning after witnessing the shenanigans of our elected representatives over the past few weeks. The plan that they came up with in dealing … Continue reading Plato was right
I am told that the nightly news during the Vietnam War offered Americans the opportunity to see into the horrors of it. I am not old enough to remember myself; all of my "memories" of that war are basically those gained from exposure to the images later in life. And although we've been involved in … Continue reading Spotlight: “A chance in hell”
The General Assembly met today to fill some of the judgeships that had been left vacant. In a July 21, 2011 letter to the leadership of both chambers, Governor Bob McDonnell gently reminded them of their "failure to timely complete redistricting and adjourn sine die." In particular, the governor mention the difficulty of having substitute … Continue reading Here comes the judge(s)
The General Assembly is reconvening Friday to vote on some judicial openings. I'm told that the Virginia Beach Circuit Court vacancy will be filled by former Del. Glenn Crowshaw and the Eastern Shore vacancy will be filled by W. Revell Lewis III. 6th district Senator Ralph Northam helped to broker the deal.
In addition to forfeiture of the more than $87,000 he was paid during his tenure, prosecutors in the case of former Del. Phil Hamilton are seeking a sentence of more than 12 years.Sentencing is scheduled for August 12.
My latest op-ed appeared in Wednesday's Virginian-Pilot. It is sometimes frustrating to see the contributions from businesses who lobby the General Assembly appear to make the difference in races. But we - and the candidates - miss the fact that more contributions come from individuals than businesses.
A few items of interest from around the 'net but with all the bad news coming out of Washington, I figured some good news was in order. Colleges, Norfolk Southern paying lump sums for HRT rides. Free rides 🙂 As I'm officially a member of the ODU faculty as of this past Monday, I'm looking … Continue reading Quick links 07/27/11: good news edition
Congressman Robert Hurt (R), who represents my district, the 5th Congressional District, has been busy. You might think he would be concerned with jobs, unemployment and such, since the southern end of the district has some of the worst unemployment in the country. If you thought that, you would be wrong. Instead, he is heavily … Continue reading Robert Hurt plays games with the budget
My latest op-ed appeared in last Thursday's Virginian-Pilot. In Hampton Roads, I'm told some 45% of our economy is government-related. If the debt-ceiling situation isn't resolved, we're in for a world of hurt.
… call yourself a Democrat or a Republican? I asked that question in an earlier post last year. After reading Paradox13VA's recent post on his political philosophy, I thought it might be time to revisit it. His are some powerful words: They say that a Republican is a Democrat who has been robbed, and a … Continue reading Opinion, please: what makes you … (redux)
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 