The militant middle

When I wrote about how the Bell Curve could apply to the political spectrum, some of you poo-poohed the application of it. Interesting, then, this article on the militant middle. This quote from John Stewart, who is organizing the Rally to Restore Sanity on October 30, uses some similar numbers: We live in troubled times … Continue reading The militant middle →

Southeast High Speed Rail meeting October 5

The City of Norfolk is hosting a public information meeting this coming Tuesday, October 5, on high speed rail (click on picture for a larger view and live links). The event will be held at the Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center from 6pm to 7:30pm and will feature remarks from Mayor Paul Fraim, a … Continue reading Southeast High Speed Rail meeting October 5 →

Portsmouth updating charter

This is a pretty interesting story: ... the [Portsmouth] City Council has selected a panel to review the document and recommend noncontroversial edits. I think that's a bold move, even though they are not allowing the panel to recommend changes to certain areas. The panel members said they want to make Portsmouth's charter, which numbers … Continue reading Portsmouth updating charter →

The flow of money into Norfolk’s Ward 7 race

My latest op-ed appeared in The Virginian-Pilot Wednesday with the above title.  I do my writing on Sundays and I had something else in mind for this week's column until I opened Sunday's paper and ran across this article in the Compass. This part caught my eye: Mayor Paul Fraim hosted a luncheon for Ward … Continue reading The flow of money into Norfolk’s Ward 7 race →

Norfolk says no to open government

If you've ever attended a Norfolk City Council meeting, you will find no discussion of the issues that they are voting on. That's because all of the discussion - including presentations on the issues - takes place in the informal session that occurs earlier. There has been a move underfoot, championed by the two newest … Continue reading Norfolk says no to open government →

Rigell 45%, Nye 40%, Golden 7%

I've been bemoaning the lack of polling in the 2nd Congressional District for a while. There have been reports that both incumbent Glenn Nye and challenger Scott Rigell have had polls in the field but no information has been forthcoming. (Kenny Golden does not have the resources for polling.) I suspect this is for two … Continue reading Rigell 45%, Nye 40%, Golden 7% →

Opinion, please: time for a third party?

A recent Gallup poll indicates that 58% of Americans over the age of 18 want a third party. And it isn't just Tea Party folks. The desire for a third party is fairly similar across ideological groups, with 61% of liberals, 60% of moderates, and 54% of conservatives believing a third major party is needed. … Continue reading Opinion, please: time for a third party? →

Reminder: Harbor Party coming up 10/7

Just a quick reminder that the 18th Annual Kiwanis Harbor Party and Seafood Fest is coming up next week, October 7. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door.

Webb rally for Nye

Sen. Jim Webb came to Virginia Beach Saturday for a rally with Rep. Glenn Nye. Below the fold are interviews with Sen. Webb and Rep. Nye.