Whitehurst: Keep PBS funding

The Governor has proposed reducing the funding for public broadcasting in this current budget with an eye towards eliminating it. One would expect the CEO of our local PBS affiliate, WHRO, to be against the cuts - and he is, as you can see here. While some might think that self-serving, a letter which appeared … Continue reading Whitehurst: Keep PBS funding →

Tom Perriello: ‘We Walk Away With Our Heads Held High’

This interview, like his letter last week, shows why Tom Perriello is truly a public servant and not just a politician like those with whom we are most acquainted. Tom just gets it - and he says something I've always believed to be true: I think it helps to have politicians who don't mind losing … Continue reading Tom Perriello: ‘We Walk Away With Our Heads Held High’ →

Civic resolutions for the New Year

My latest op-ed appeared in this morning's Virginian-Pilot. It just seemed appropriate, with New Years just around the corner, to offer some civic resolutions. We all manage to find time to do those things that are important to us, but tend to leave the civic stuff to others. As much as I follow what goes … Continue reading Civic resolutions for the New Year →

Court rules in Pilot v. Norfolk School Board

Norfolk Circuit Court Judge Norman A. Thomas issued a ruling Tuesday afternoon in the case of Virginian-Pilot Media Cos., LLC d/b/a The Virginian-Pilot v. City of Norfolk School Board. The case involves a Freedom of Information Act request made by the newspaper for information regarding the investigation of testing irregularities at Lafayette-Winona Middle School, the … Continue reading Court rules in Pilot v. Norfolk School Board →

Christmas cards 2010

As usual, here are a few of the Christmas cards I received this year. In order, they are from the President, Sen. Jim Webb, State Sen. Louise Lucas, Del. Lionell Spruill, Sr. and Councilman Tommy Smigiel. One card I did not receive but which was scanned and forwarded to me is that from Del. Joe … Continue reading Christmas cards 2010 →

2012 race for Senate heats up

The Senate seat occupied by Sen. Jim Webb, who hasn't officially announced his re-election run for 2012 (although I have little doubt that he will), is drawing a number of Republican challengers. Leading the way is the former occupant, George Allen. Making noise about a run is Prince William Board of Supervisors chair Corey Stewart … Continue reading 2012 race for Senate heats up →

Opinion, please: teacher/student social networking

According to this article, the Virginia State Board of Education is considering guidelines restricting teachers interaction with students via social networks. For the first time, the state Board of Education is set to make recommendations for how teachers and students should interact over social-networking sites. Next month, the board is scheduled to vote on the … Continue reading Opinion, please: teacher/student social networking →

Monday morning quarterback: Redskins win

The Washington Redskins managed to post a 20-17 victory in overtime over the Jacksonville Jaguars, something I didn't think possible. They have become so adept at snatching defeat from the jaws of victory I really didn't think they would win this thing. Just shows you how bad Jacksonville (8-7) really is. The Skins improved to … Continue reading Monday morning quarterback: Redskins win →