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 ›
political discourse
The Poverty of Hate in Virginia
Whether or not one accepts or agrees with the designation of hate groups by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), the potential for the existence and proliferation of such organizations should be of concern to all. That concern, in turn,… 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 ›
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 ›
In the Garden (?) of Good and Evil
By Barbara B. Levine Watching the 1962 movie Cape Fear between visits to various news channels to keep abreast of the current Ukrainian tragedy raised troubling and difficult questions about the way a law-abiding society deals with pure evil. A… 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 ›
Beyond Our Border
TEXAS Nationally, Republicans have issued strong denials that state legislation regarding voter access is intended to benefit their party. In 2021, the Texas legislature adopted new restrictions upon voter ID that have resulted in thousands of rejections by Texas officials… Read More ›
Believe It or Not
1 Robert Ripley launched his franchise Believe It or Not in 1919, offering readers bizarre and little-known facts as entertainment and challenge to received knowledge or wisdom. He employed dogged researchers to uncover and publish the little or unknown bits… Read More ›
Outside the Novahood
DOG WHISTLES AT THE BEACH According to a Virginia Beach School Board member, educating “South Americans is not sustainable.” The comment was made on the member’s personal Facebook page in connection with discussion of the school budget and the number of… Read More ›