Learning from our Readers

We seem to disagree on almost everything. But this is actually not the case; there is much on which we agree, and that agreement is key to electing representatives who actually serve  our  interests. We agree on the importance of preserving democracy, even as we disagree on the nature of the threats to democracy. We also agree on the essential elements of our democracy. Two of them are the rule of law and the separation of power. Our Congressional representative, Ben Cline, has shown his willingness to subvert both. Consider his Jan 5, 2020 statement objecting to Congressional acceptance of state certified election returns: “…rules and procedures established by the state Legislatures were deliberately changed by a number of individuals, including governors, secretaries of state, elections officials, judges, and private parties. These changes are in direct violation of Article II, Section 1, Clause 2 of the Constitution. That usurpation of the Legislatures' constitutional authority

At the October 15th Building Bridges forum, Staunton City School Board candidates were in broad agreement on every issue except one: whether Staunton City Schools should fully comply with Governor Youngkin’s order that schools notify parents when students request a formal change in their gender identity. Two candidates, Lisa Hatter and John T. Wilson, advocated full compliance; one candidate, Kristin Siegel, said that notification should be at the student’s discretion; one candidate, Fontella Brown-Bundy called for more discussion (perhaps around specific cases?). After considering this issue, one thing is clear to me:  A parent’s best chance of becoming aware of and supporting a student who wishes to change their gender identity is to ensure that the schools, and especially their counselors, enjoy that student’s trust. In the age of the internet and youth culture, does any parent believe that they can shield their child from exposure to changing gender norms? And does anyone believe t

To: The Honorable Glenn Youngkin, Governor of Virginia Dear Sir: Political violence increases in the US because of the “big lie” and conspiracy theories. It continues to spread and even promoted because elective’s officials have lack the courage to condemn this behavior in a serious way.  Yesterday, the free press reported THE LATEST SHOCK IN US HISTORY! A medical emergency was created after a violent political attack was committed on a private citizen in his home.   A 42 year old assailant with a hammer crushed  the skull of Paul Pelosi and left severe injuries to his right hand and arm.  Today, the traumatized family will have a clearer picture of recovery time and permanent outcome of sustained injuries. CNN reports that the “alleged attacker posted multiple conspiracy theories”. It has also been reported that the man was looking for Nancy using the Jan. 6 Capitol chant, “Where is Nancy”? I expected to witness a reasonable response of respect and empathy for the Congressional, leade

Dear Congressman Benjamin Cline, Quote from you “Voting is one of the most important things you can do in life…..” I agree. WHAT IS NOT WORKING FOR ME VOTING RIGHTS and DEMOCRACY are not protected when voter intimidation is active and permitted in the current election. Republicans did not support the latest Voter Protection Act and  “Instead 19 stated enacted 34 laws restricting access to voting”.  Quote from brennancenter.org STANDARDS OF CARE for women are not being met after overturned of Roe vs Wade and the  passage of “trigger laws” in Republican led states. There is real confusion about what care is legal and when that care is legal. When women are respected and equal, they have control of their own body instead of local politicians. A precedent right has been taken away from me. Do you support even more restrictions on women such as a National ban on abortions ? Mr Cline, the answer is simple…Yes or No! VIOLENCE INCREASES because of the “BIG LIE”, while you and other electi

One thing that has struck me during the ongoing 6th District Congressional campaign is how genuinely Jennifer Lewis cares for other people. She grew up on a dairy farm so she has experienced and knows the problems farmers and rural areas face. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with many people and has helped them both as a mental health care worker and as a volunteer in numerous capacities. She is running for Congress because it will enable her to help people even more – universal health coverage, assistance to small businesses and students, broadband in rural areas, among many other proposals. Unlike her opponent Ben Cline, Jennifer does not make her case with a list of statistics, party position papers, and expensive commercials. She walks door-to-door, talks with people, finds out what’s on their minds, hears what they need and want. She is not afraid to say that she in favor of increasing taxes on the huge profits of big corporations and the wealthy so as to help

It is with a mixture of emotions that I submit the following comments, given a lifelong reticence to write or speak on public policy, and particularly politics. As a career U.S. Army officer starting my training first at VMI, then at West Point, I was taught both consciously and by the example of my seniors through 32 years in uniform, to keep one’s political views to oneself. This made eminent sense given my career in Military Intelligence, and specifically in collecting, analyzing, producing, and disseminating highly sensitive Human Intelligence, HUMINT. Having lived over 25 years in Virginia, including most of the last 18 years within the 6th US Congressional District, it has become increasingly distressful to witness the behavior of Rep. Ben Cline. His defense of the indefensible in regards to former President Donald Trump’s, at best, disregard for the proper handling of classified and extremely sensitive HUMINT documents, and, at worst, criminal negligence in his treatment of the