In need of a civic renaissance

The above is the title of my latest column, which appeared in Wednesday's Virginian-Pilot. As noted in the article, the transcripts of the House hearings can be found on the state's redistricting website. (Just so happens that when I attended the Norfolk hearing, I noticed that there was a court reporter there. I then asked … Continue reading In need of a civic renaissance →

Veterans Day 2010

From History of Veterans Day: In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the … Continue reading Veterans Day 2010 →

Transparency

Or not. Norfolk hired a new city manager just two weeks after the current manager announced her retirement and without any interviews of other candidates or input from the public. Portsmouth appointed a new council member just a week after the special election for mayor, also without interviews of other candidates or input from the … Continue reading Transparency →

Women’s legislative roundtable

WOMEN’S LEGISLATIVE ROUNDTABLE PRE-SESSION FORUM Moderated by the League of Women Voters of Virginia   Wednesday,  December 1, 2010                 9:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. House Room 1, underground section of the Capitol addition Entrance on Bank Street,   Richmond, Virginia Google: “Parking in Richmond Capitol Square” for options   Speakers will provide information on the upcoming … Continue reading Women’s legislative roundtable →

Brian Moran for DPVA chair

If I had a vote in the race for Chairman of the Democratic Party of Virginia, I'd cast it for Brian Moran.  I'm sure that is no surprise to many - after all, I supported Brian for governor in 2009. Those of you who know me, though, know that I don't let friendship or loyalty … Continue reading Brian Moran for DPVA chair →

Opinion, please: Olbermann suspension

Unless you've been under a rock, you know of the suspension of Keith Olbermann from MSNBC, the result of his making three contributions to Democratic candidates. NBC has a policy prohibiting such donations without prior approval, which Olbermann did not seek. Regardless of whether you like the man - and his politics - or not, … Continue reading Opinion, please: Olbermann suspension →

Opportunity lost

Over the past two years, Democrats had the opportunity to effect real change and they punted.  Paul Krugman says it better than I could: So, we’re already getting the expected punditry: Obama needs to end his leftist policies, which consist of … well, there weren’t any, but he should stop them anyway. What actually happened, … Continue reading Opportunity lost →

Bloggers panel at Civics Summit

The Virginia Civics Summit is being held in Richmond today, November 8, from 9am to 3:30pm. Kicking things off will be a blogger's panel comprised of Virginia bloggers and moderated by yours truly. (Yeah - it will be like herding cats 😉 ) You can watch the entire summit live, including the panel, at the … Continue reading Bloggers panel at Civics Summit →

One year ago today

I wrote a post about a potential challenger to Bobby Scott in the 3rd Congressional District. I said: So while I would never tell someone not to run,  I would encourage young Mr. Dillard to look hard at the reality of the district – once Tuesday’s euphoria wears off – and recognize what an uphill … Continue reading One year ago today →

Friday fun: what Wizard of Oz character are you?

I have to admit: The Wizard of Oz is one of my favorite movies. I can't count how many times I've seen it. You Are Dorothy   You are a little lost right now, but you are slowly finding your way home. You are a kind and loyal person. You are the truest friend anyone … Continue reading Friday fun: what Wizard of Oz character are you? →