Out in America

June is national LGBT Pride month. Last week, I was one of those who screened the documentary, Out In America. OUT IN AMERICA is an uplifting collection of unique, transformative stories and inspiring personal narratives told through the lens of the country's most prominent LGBT figures and pioneers, as well as many average, yet extraordinary, citizens … Continue reading Out in America

ICYMI: A long battle for voting rights

My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in The Virginian-Pilot Thursday. It is impossible to talk about voting rights in the modern era without mentioning the efforts of the late Norfolk senator, Yvonne Miller. I spent some time looking back through legislation to discover when the Senator first proposed it. I was only able to go … Continue reading ICYMI: A long battle for voting rights

Herring 1st ad

Here is the first ad from Sen. Mark Herring, who is running for Attorney General. The primary election is June 11. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BeHOxEdP4U4  

“Virginia is a trial-by-ambush state”

So said Chesapeake assistant public defender Matthew Taylor, as quoted in an article today.  It seems Virginia, unlike other states, doesn't share with defense attorneys certain information, including police reports. Perhaps they need to do an episode of Law & Order using Virginia's discovery rules. But that may be changing. Over the objections of prosecutors, … Continue reading “Virginia is a trial-by-ambush state”

Northam 1st ad

Ralph Northam, Democratic candidate for LG, is airing his first ad of the campaign season beginning today. The ad is below. Northam, who was first elected to the Virginia Senate in 2007, received the endorsement of The Washington Post earlier this month. The primary election is June 11. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcMyaFcKTm0&feature=youtu.be

ICYMI: A candidate soaked in vinegar

My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in The Virginian-PIlot Thursday. I really tried not to write about the Republican candidate for LG, but when I opened my paper Wednesday morning and saw this political cartoon, I knew I had to. The national press has had a field day with Virginia since last weekend's RPV convention. … Continue reading ICYMI: A candidate soaked in vinegar

Latest on Portsmouth tolls

Folks outside of Hampton Roads may not be aware of the ongoing battle over tolls in our region. But everyone needs to pay a little attention, because if the ruling against the public-private partnership holds, all Virginians are going to be on the hook to reimburse the private part of that deal. The story so … Continue reading Latest on Portsmouth tolls

Hampton cemetery needs help

The Hampton National Cemetery is in need of help this Friday to plant flags on the 28,000 graves for Memorial Day. I grew up in Phoebus and walked by that cemetery often. It is located next to the church that I attended, and still consider my home church. I never knew how the flags got … Continue reading Hampton cemetery needs help

On the Virginia LG contest

Count me among those surprised that the Republicans nominated E. W. Jackson for lieutenant governor at their convention last weekend. Based on the last few weeks, I'd have bet money that Pete Snyder, who finished second, was going to pull it off. While I favor primaries, I also recognize that it is a different contest. … Continue reading On the Virginia LG contest

ICYMI: A big breakdown at the IRS

My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in The Virginian-Pilot last Thursday. One of the things that always got me when I worked for the IRS (1980 - 1985) was that any scandal caused every single employee to be painted with a broad brush, even if those employees had nothing to do with it. That hasn't … Continue reading ICYMI: A big breakdown at the IRS