Category: Politics

Welfare for farmers

The Washington Post is carrying a series on the farm welfare system. Fellow blogger Doug Mataconis wrote yesterday and again today about it. Just in case you somehow thought welfare was limited to the proverbial single mother with five kids, here's a chance to see another federal giveaway of our tax dollars. There’s alot more … Continue reading Welfare for farmers →

Update: Bay Oaks Park appeal

The latest step in the saga of the Bay Oaks Park petition was mentioned in Wednesday's Pilot. As promised, an appeal has been filed with the Virginia Supreme Court, which is not expected to decide on whether to hear the case until late summer or early fall. I found this part interesting: He [attorney for … Continue reading Update: Bay Oaks Park appeal →

Daily Press: US policy has become too theocratic

Below is a guest column written for the Daily Press and appearing in today's paper. The author is Rev. Norman Tippens, pastor of Wallace Memorial United Methodist Church in Hampton. Too little oil. Too much debt. Too many preachers. That's how Kevin Phillips describes the state of our United States in his recently published book, … Continue reading Daily Press: US policy has become too theocratic →

This and that from around the web

City attorney sues website owner On a website set up for women to talk about the men who wronged them - Don't Date Him Girl - a city attorney from Pittsburgh was dissed by two women and several anonymous posters. Doing what attorneys are prone to do, he sued the owner of the website for … Continue reading This and that from around the web →

Kaine budget vetoes

Apparently, Governor Tim Kaine has signed off on the budget, which takes effect at midnight tonight. He vetoed just four items. From the press release: The Governor also announced four line-item vetoes of technical language included in the re-enrolled appropriation bill. “My four vetoes are technical, but they are substantive in that they maintain the … Continue reading Kaine budget vetoes →

Norfolk mayor: more power?

With Paul Fraim set to be sworn in today as the city's first elected mayor since 1916, conversations are already being held about increasing the mayor's power. Right now, the mayor is simply an eighth voice on council, representing the city at large, with no additional powers. We have a city-manager form of government, with … Continue reading Norfolk mayor: more power? →

New laws aimed at underage drinking

Come Saturday, Virginia will join nearly 20 other states in making it illegal for adults to serve alcohol to youths in their homes. Violators face a misdemeanor charge and a fine. "This would require more personal responsibility from parents," said Del. Brian J. Moran (D-Alexandria), the bill's chief sponsor. "If an officer sees a bunch … Continue reading New laws aimed at underage drinking →

Jaded JD: Leaving Virginia

Blogger Jaded JD has written an incredible post on why he is leaving left Virginia. The title, "It is well, it is well with my soul" is a reference to an old hymn that I associate mostly with funerals, as it was a staple in the church in which I grew up. The hymn was … Continue reading Jaded JD: Leaving Virginia →

Should have vetoed the estate tax repeal

Governor Tim Kaine managed to find nearly $29 million in unspent balances, savings and higher-than-expected lottery yields. So he proceeded to propose spending the money on a number of projects, including $1.4 million for Norfolk State University's library. In all, the governor proposed 36 amendments to the $72 billion budget presented to him on June … Continue reading Should have vetoed the estate tax repeal →