Editorial: Fundamental Freedom To Choose To Marry
Virginia is historically slow in extending rights.
In 1967, Virginia was one of 16 states that banned interracial marriage and had criminal penalties for violators. Mildred Jeter, an African-American woman, and Richard Loving a white man, married in 1958, were convicted and banished from living in Virginia for 25 years to avoid serving a one-year prison sentence. On June 12, 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Loving v. Virginia, overturned the convictions of Mildred and Richard Loving, declaring the ban on interracial marriage unconstitutional.
Until Further Notice
Not to state the obvious (which I readily admit I do), but to be given a terminal diagnosis: stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer, along with a rather disappointing prognosis: "13 months to two years" is a challenging set of extremely unexpected (given my immediate family’s medical history) circumstances. I don’t want to say that I live under a dark cloud – because I don’t like the negative implication or reaction it conjures, but I definitely feel as if I have a metaphorical sword of Damocles hanging over my head; which I only refer to as an-out-of-context Three Stooges reference wherein a non-Stooge was innocently standing under a pie which Moe had thrown to the ceiling and there it stuck, hanging precariously over the character’s head. Now I still don’t know the proper historical context of the sword of Damocles, I only know the Three Stooges version, but there was some imminent danger involved (not death, mind you), but rather a falling pie which ultimately landed flush on the character’s face as she looked up to make further inquiries. Nevertheless, pie issues/references notwithstanding, having seen my oncologist today while being infused and receiving a big smile/ "you’re going great"/thumbs-up set of gestures/reactions while reclining in my Barcalounger with a chemotherapy I.V. dripping medicine into my right arm, is the kind of super-positive feedback with which I can live. Along with my every-three-week pre-chemotherapy lab work and my every-three-month CT Scan followed by my every-three-month face-to-face appointment with my oncologist, this is how I roll. Worrying about upcoming tests, waiting anxiously for results, trying not to anticipate good, bad or indifferent; living day to day and trying to appreciate my good fortune and the unexpected above-average quality of life with which I’ve been blessed – for a terminal cancer patient, that is.
Letter to the Editor: Poetry
Spring is near; Style, fashion, form, Quality and its purpose — A new day; As yesterday was — Knowledge of tomorrow
Letter to the Editor: Standards for Bike Lanes?
To the Editor: During a recent discussion, a member of City Council raised the question as to why the city doesn't have standards for installation of bike lanes, for example, recommendations by width of street, volume of traffic, etc. This is an excellent question.
Commentary:Budget Debate Begins
This week in Richmond brought some surprises, good news and some frustration. First the good news. On Sunday, the House and Senate announced their budgets signaling the beginning of budget negotiations. Senator Puller was able to secure language to prioritize funding for preliminary engineering and environmental studies necessary to continue the U.S. 1 Multimodal Transit Analysis Study. I am hopeful we can keep that in the final budget once the negotiations begin. Second, the Senate budget amendments also proposed some Senate Republicans’ alternative way to provide insurance coverage to low income Virginians using a “revenue recovery fund” instead of an outright Medicaid expansion. There is some bipartisan support for expanding coverage, but it is not clear if there are enough votes to get legislation through the House of Delegates.
Commentary: Funding Successes in Senate
On Sunday, Jan. 16 the Senate Finance Committee presented its biennial budget for 2014-2015. In a year of fiscal constraints, projected revenue shortfalls and deep partisan divides in the legislature, I have to commend my fellow senators for coming up with a budget that balances policy initiatives, pre-existing responsibilities and financial reality. I was proud to be appointed to three subcommittees of the Finance Committee: General Government & Technology, Health and Human Resources, and Transportation.
Editorial: Fundamental Freedom To Choose To Marry
Virginia is historically slow in extending rights.
In 1967, Virginia was one of 16 states that banned interracial marriage and had criminal penalties for violators. Mildred Jeter, an African-American woman, and Richard Loving a white man, married in 1958, were convicted and banished from living in Virginia for 25 years to avoid serving a one-year prison sentence
Letter: Correcting Error on Mental Health Services
Fairfax County serving more people now.
A Feb. 11 editorial by Mary Kimm, referencing reporting by Michael Pope, makes an incorrect assertion that our services to people with mental illness in Fairfax County have been “dramatically cut back.”
Covert Matters: A Killer on the Loose
No one wants to consider that a serial killer is running loose in Alexandria, particularly in the genteel and vibrant area known as Del Ray.
History: George Washington -- Whiskey Distiller
One of the little realized facts about George Washington was that in many ways he was a renaissance man. From our history books we know him as the Father of our Country, for his military leadership in the war for independence and as our first President.
History: George Washington Started a World War
Few individuals in history can be said to have caused a world war; however, George Washington could lay claim to being one of them. In 1753 the French alliance with Indian tribes in the Ohio region had become a serious threat to the British colonies, especially Virginia.
History: Founding Father for St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Cemetery
After securing American independence, many of General Washington’s staff from the Continental Army moved to Alexandria to be near their old commander. One of Washington’s closest friends was his Aide de Camp, Col. John Fitzgerald, who served with him throughout the Revolutionary War.
History: George Washington -- Master of Guile and Deceit
The oft told legend is that George Washington could not tell a lie. The reality is that General Washington proved to be a master of guile and deceit. These qualities are among the principle reasons America won the War of Independence.
History: Washington’s Military Credentials
In 1755, amid the French and Indian War, Major General Edward Braddock came to Alexandria as commander in chief of the British forces in North America. His immediate objective was capturing the French stronghold at Ft. Duquesne (now Pittsburgh). He left Alexandria with about 2,000 British regulars, 700 colonial militiamen, and a long train of supplies.
Richmond Report: Ethics Reform Falls Short
An ethics reform package passed the Virginia Senate on Monday. Unfortunately, the bill lacks teeth and is only a small step toward restoring public confidence in state government.