It would not be too great a stretch to assert that the American public favors fair elections not predetermined by rigged devices such as gerrymandering. After all, fairness is a virtually genetic value pursued, if not perfectly practiced, in most… Read More ›
elections
E Pluribus Unum Religion
In 1939, George Orwell coined the term Judeo-Christian in a book review describing a scheme of ethics or morals based upon communal principles of the two religions. The concept has no precedent in colonial America before its popular introduction in… Read More ›
Not So Distant Comparisons
The verb “juxtapose,” meaning to place closely together for comparison, can prompt intriguing questions and thoughts about the matters in juxtaposition. The front page of a recent edition of The New York Times carried two items that, thousands of miles… Read More ›
Government by Edict
Editors’ Note: Excerpted, with permission, from Bacon’s Rebellion, March 14, 2022, https://www.baconsrebellion.com/wp/ By Dick Hall-Sizemore Although the issue of school mask mandates is now behind us, it is instructive to examine the legal arguments advanced by Attorney General Jason Miyares… Read More ›
Around the Novahood
THE EAGLES HAVE LANDED Not quite the 1976 film plot but an exciting event nonetheless . . . in the Dulles Greenway wetlands in Leesburg. Mom Rosa and Dad Martin, who have resided in the Greenway’s wetlands since 2005,… Read More ›
General Assembly Session Scorecard
The Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP) produces visuals that helpfully portray the parameters of political and cultural activity in the Commonwealth. Its latest graph provides a political scorecard of the results of the two political parties with respect to legislation…. Read More ›
Dualism Defines Politicians
Do not pity the masses. Rather, exercise some sympathy for them as they attempt to sort through their daily lives while politicians – elected and campaigning – issue barrages of promises, criticisms, and nonanswers to questions. With just a smattering… Read More ›
Campaign Finance Backwater
Editors’ Note: Reposted from the Virginia Mercury, March 7, 2022. https://www.virginiamercury.com/2022/03/07/by-allowing-political-cash-for-personal-use-virginia-remains-a-campaign-finance-backwater/. By Bob Lewis Virginia’s General Assembly has always set a low bar for campaign finance accountability. And every winter, our legislators fail to clear even that. The way the… Read More ›
Decency, Decorum Die
1 Decency and decorum are essentially interchangeable, or at least essential companions. That character or quality within society will thrive in the absence of conflicts or poverty, which otherwise tend to excite human behavior. Since the end of the Korean… Read More ›