To the Editor

Voters in other parts of Virginia and the nation, as well as those Independents and Republicans in Alexandria, would no doubt be amused by Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille's trenchant political observation at a Democratic "victory" party on election night that his party maintains its stranglehold on local politics because Alexandrians, in contrast with other Americans, are "much brighter and more intelligent.…" Aren't we precious?

The more likely reason is Councilman Frank Fannon's observation that so many Alexandrians make their living from the federal government. i.e., from tax money. How else could the long embarrassment known as Congressman Jim Moran be explained? From his seat on the House Appropriations Committee, he does what he can to help Alexandria's "brighter and more intelligent" citizens keep getting rewarded for political loyalty and, as a result, he ensures that their votes, and those of their political wards, largely go to support one-party government.

His tenure certainly can't be attributed to Alexandria being a hub of enlightenment. The independent, non-partisan and non-profit political Web site govtrack.us (www.govtrack.us) analysis of bill sponsorship places Mr. Moran in the category of "Far Left Democrat," with only 29 Members of Congress (out of 535) farther to the left. To his credit, he is to the right (but just barely) of the strangely amusing Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Cleveland, Ohio. On the other side, Republican Rep. Michelle Bachmann, a frequent target of "progressive" vitriol, is ranked further to the left than Mr. Moran is ranked to the right. Even reflexively anti-government Rep. Ron Paul is closer to the center.

Maybe Alexandria is brighter and more intelligent but just not paying attention.

Jack Lichtenstein
Alexandria