Tag: Guest contributors
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Three Card Media
by William Moore Three Card Monte is a classic short con. The Dealer places three cards face down and the Shill, who is in on the con, attempts to pick the money card. They play boisterously, hoping to catch the attention of some poor sap, the Mark. Thinking himself quite good at following the money…
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Youngkin: Liberal Wolf or Reaganesque Happy Warrior?
Virginia Republicans embark today upon their bizarre, COVID-safe, convention-like proceedings to select candidates for statewide office. Bruce Majors, an active Republican, writes how he has experienced the run-up to this unorthodox event. — JAB by Bruce Majors Back in March, I listened to Virginia conservative talk radio from John Reid’s excellent morning show in Richmond…
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The Proper Role of Virginia’s Attorney General
by Jack White By now, Virginia voters have heard from many candidates running for Attorney General making sweeping promises about policy changes they will implement as AG or talking about being the chief prosecutor for Virginia. With due respect to the other candidates in the race, I feel compelled to reiterate what is and what…
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Alexandria Stands with Government Unions, Not Workers
by F. Vincent Vernuccio In mid-April, the City of Alexandria passed an ordinance allowing government unions to bargain with the city. Unfortunately, many of the ordinance’s provisions are lopsided: they grant special advantages for government unions to easily organize public employees and trap workers into paying dues. Alexandria’s lopsided ordinance. Alexandria’s ordinance makes it is easy for…
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About Those Face Masks for Kids…
Letter from Sen. Bill DeSteph, R-Virginia Beach, to Governor Ralph Northam, dated May 5, 2021: With the onset of warm weather and summer quickly approaching, we request clarification of your mask protocol for children participating in required school activities. I heard from multiple constituents regarding yesterday’s high temperature and the dangerous effect it had on…
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An Achievable Dream Is an Asset to Henrico County
by Aubrey L. Layne Jr. My first experience with An Achievable Dream Academy is one that I never will forget. I remember shaking hands with Newport News elementary school children and seeing the excitement in their eyes. Every encounter since further solidifies my belief in the value of this program for our community, and for…
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Virginia’s Math Path Could Erode Equity
by Andy Rotherham Years ago Fairfax County Public Schools superintendent Bud Spillane had a plan to collapse early grades K-2 into an ability group approach. He went around the county explaining the approach to parents. They generally liked it because it offered customization and a more individualized experience. Then, at some point parents starting asking, “but…
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Open Letter to the Sentara Community
by Dr. Robert H. Sease As a lifelong resident of Harrisonburg, a retired physician and a volunteer hospital chaplain, I feel compelled to write about the current and ongoing situation at our local hospital. My father, my two uncles, my brother and myself have a combined 180 years of medical service to this community, so…
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The Honor Code: A Reason to Be Proud of VMI
by Brady Biller Leadership is made, not born. I have almost completed my cadetship at The Virginia Military Institute. In 22 days, I will be graduating with a Civil Engineering degree. I’m currently on my last ever guard shift as the Night Officer of the Guard while typing this thought. Its 03:41 on a Saturday…
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Public Sector Collective Bargaining Could Impose Massive New Costs
by F. Vincent Vernuccio While local governments in Virginia debate whether to allow public sector collective bargaining, many are already pointing to the high cost of implementing the process. Fairfax County is forecasting a combined $1.6 million for administrative costs surrounding collective bargaining for both the county and the Fairfax school district, just as a start. Loudoun…
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How to Empower Low-Income Communities in Virginia
by Stephen Jordan There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to describing poverty in Virginia. Portsmouth, aka “Pistol City”, population 93,000, is six hours away from Galax, population 6,000. The housing projects of east and south Richmond are very different from the hollowed out small towns that dot Southside and coal country. Both urban and…
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Justice For All
by Michael D. Purzycki I commend Dick Hall-Sizemore for his column of April 10. I agree with his outrage at the behavior of police in Windsor. There is no reason for an officer to point a gun at a person, or pepper-spray them, for anything to do with a license plate. And I agree that…
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Keydets Too Busy to Be Racist
by Mark Reed My wife and I, Lexington residents since 2016, adopt” VMI “Rats” through a local church. We’ve had the pleasure of serving these fine young people in our home every Sunday during the school year, and we’ve been fortunate to continue our relationship with them and their families as they pursue their degrees…
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Richmond’s Rage of the Woke
by Catesby Leigh Beautifully landscaped with ample medians and harmoniously lined with gracious houses in various historic styles, Richmond, Virginia’s block-paved Monument Avenue and its several statuary tributes to Confederate leaders were once recognized as a triumph of American urban design. The residential frontages served admirably as a variegated frame for the monuments, creating a…
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Halt 5G in Virginia Now!
Virginians for Safe Technology has launched a petition to halt the deployment of 5G wireless technology. Bacon’s Rebellion does not endorse the petition but does believe that the issues it raises are worth discussing. Next-generation wireless is critical infrastructure. The sooner the concerns are addressed, the better. — JAB To our elected and appointed officials…