Category: Politics

Social Security especially important in rural areas

The Daily Yonder, a great place for facts and information, had an article recently about the increased dependence on Social Security payments by those in rural areas of the country. The article argues that a higher percentage of residents receive benefits, and that the average payment is also higher than the national averages or the … Continue reading Social Security especially important in rural areas →

No elected school board?

Gotta love it when the argument against an elected school board boils down to "we can't pick a decent council" so let them pick the school board for us. Seriously - there are many arguments against an elected school board, chief among them the lack of taxing authority. But I'm insulted by this: In Norfolk, … Continue reading No elected school board? →

On Norfolk’s superintendent mess

My latest op-ed appeared in Wednesday's Virginian-Pilot. Like so many things these days, no one seems to be taking the long-term view of what needs to be done to solve the problems in the school system. I was flabbergasted to read that the chair of the board is seeking short-term fixes when anyone who has … Continue reading On Norfolk’s superintendent mess →

“Uppity-ism”

It should come as no surprise that the overwhelming majority of black folk support the president. After all, it takes a pretty strong constitution to ignore the underlying racism that is attached to some of the attacks. Al Sharpton says we should ignore the latest from Rush Limbaugh. I rarely agree with anything Sharpton has … Continue reading “Uppity-ism” →

LWV-VA: Don’t play partisan politics with our right to vote

In a press release today, the League of Women Voters of Virginia takes exception to reports that Congressional redistricting may be delayed and that General Assembly redistricting may be reconsidered. From LWV-VA president Lynn Gordon: It would be nice if politicians would put voters first for a change, by giving them the chance to choose … Continue reading LWV-VA: Don’t play partisan politics with our right to vote →

Redistricting do-over? Senate Dems to sue

Virginia Senate Republicans are considering revisiting redistricting come January. In a story by Steve Vaughan* in The Virginia Gazette, Senator Tommy Norment expresses the desire to change the lines drawn by the legislature and approved by the U.S. Department of Justice. In particular, Norment wants Williamsburg back in his district. As if there's not enough … Continue reading Redistricting do-over? Senate Dems to sue →

House Dem Caucus selects leadership

House Democrats named Del. David Toscano as Minority Leader and Del. Mark Sickles as Caucus chair, although from what I'm hearing, it wasn't a smooth process. The full press release, including the other members of leadership selected, is below the fold. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 19, 2011 House Democratic Caucus Selects New Leadership Today, the … Continue reading House Dem Caucus selects leadership →

This week’s must read

From The New Republic: The IT revolution has upended established power structures in politics and industry, injecting new vitality into staid businesses and democratizing access to knowledge and influence. College students, especially the least well-off among them, will be better off when the same forces are realized in higher education. And it should be progressives … Continue reading This week’s must read →

When technology is used to disenfranchise some citizens

Localities in our area are trying to make interaction with city government easier for citizens. Williamsburg this week released an app  where citizens can request city services through their smart phone. Trash can is missing? Just request a new one using the app. No more long waits on the phone. With the capabilities of technology … Continue reading When technology is used to disenfranchise some citizens →