Letter: Learn How To Protect Children
To the Editor: Who could hurt a child? I don’t know, but many adults do hurt and exploit children for selfish reasons. Our children deserve our protection from predators and others who do not have their best interests at the forefront. Adults all share the common experience of childhood. Who among us has not felt vulnerable, alone, or betrayed as a child? Do you remember who hurt you as a child? Was it an adult or another child perhaps? How long did the pain linger in your heart and soul? I know that mine does to this day. Childhood hurts affect our adult behavior and may leave us under developed in body, mind and spirit. Childhood injury to body and mind can be minimized if adults use common sense and encourage children to take on the responsibility of personal safety. Children will grow into their own sense of personal safety with adults guiding and challenging them to think about situations, places, and people that are potentially harmful. Instead of not thinking about childhood personal safety, let’s empower them with courage and tools.
Letter: Working with Citizens
To the Editor: I appreciate the effort the Gazette has made to differentiate the four different slates that political action committees including Alexandrians for a Livable City support. You are doing the work that a local newspaper should do, educating the voters so that they may make informed decisions. I would appreciate your in-a-box list of how the candidates including incumbents stand on the disgraceful Beauregard Corridor Plan even more if you had put every incumbent in his correct box.
Letter: Mistaken Presumption?
To the Editor: As someone who has raised millions of charitable dollars, whose nonprofit management text The New York Times described as “one of the better,” I thank Rod Kuckro for his contribution to the Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club. He guessed wrong and payment is due.
Commentary: Making Progress: Transforming T.C. Williams High School
One thing that we all have agreed upon as a community, especially over the past few years, is that the success of T.C. Williams High School is a priority for our students and the City of Alexandria.
Commentary: A Day To Remember, Celebrate U.S. Heroes
When you walk down the ramp to enter Alexandria's American Legion Post 24 (at the base of the pole flying the American flag), a brass plaque to your left reads: “For God and Country. Erected to the memory of the Soldiers, Sailors and Marines from Alexandria, Virginia who gave their lives during the World War.” The names of the dead are listed.
Commentary: Continuing the Conversation
For the second year in a row, Alexandria is holding an unusual exhibit of art. Its purpose is both a celebration of creativity and the artist's own special vision, and an opening gambit to begin the conversation on what mental health is, what it means to have a mental illness and how those with intellectual and developmental disabilities see and deal with the world around them.
Commentary: Arlington’s Streetcar Vision for Crystal City
Growth always means more traffic and more headaches. Or does it?
Education in the USA, 2012
Common sense dictates the directions we should be taking.
It would seem that underpinning today’s education philosophy is the concept embraced by the Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal. From this it has been assumed to flow that since all children are equal, one size should fit all. And this being a high tech world, all children should be required to be proficient in math and science. And finally, since to get a decent job requires a college education, all preliminary years should be pointed to admission to college.
Column: General Assembly Goes Off a Cliff
The General Assembly adjourned sine die last week with a great sigh of relief from most everyone who participates in or follows its deliberations. Pre-session survey and hearing results suggested that the session would be about traffic congestion relief, expanding job opportunities, and strengthening the economy.
Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day
Time to honor, also time to ensure proper care of veterans.
In February, Brig. Gen. Terence J. Hildner, 49, of Fairfax, was the highest ranking military officer to die in the war on terror.
Letter: SHARE Acknowledges Community Support
Letter to the Editor
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Share Inc. of McLean, I would like to extend a huge thank you to all the members of the McLean and Great Falls communities who support their neighbors in need throughout the year.
Column: Living Longer, Sort of Prospering
Though my column has appeared in the newspaper as usual the last few weeks, I haven’t felt much like writing. Typically, I’m weeks ahead with my column inventory, having regularly found the time and inclination to put pen to paper and provide the prose you regular readers have come to expect.
Column: End of Session Report 2012
The Virginia House of Delegates adjourned the 2012 legislative session on March 10. We returned to Richmond briefly in late March and April to consider the state budget and more than 130 bills that the Governor sought to amend or veto. Nine bills that I authored on your behalf became law. Here are some highlights.
Letter: Come to the Cabaret
To the Editor: We would like to invite your readership to the Remembrance Cabaret for Reema to be held this year on Saturday, May 26 at Westfield High School, 4700 Stonecroft Boulevard in Chantilly. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for the Silent Auction and Bake Sale; the program will begin at 7 p.m. Although the event is free, donations are welcome and will benefit the Reema J. Samaha Memorial Scholarships and Angel Fund.
Letter: Verify Claim Of Organization
To the Editor: Finally, the big day is here. Tonight (May 17) beginning at 8:15 p.m., the Planning Commission is conducting a public hearing to determine whether the proposed interim use off-leash dog area (OLDA) at Westgrove Park complies with the comprehensive plan. Interested persons may testify in person at the County's Board of Supervisors' Boardroom or at a satellite location at the South County Center on Richmond Highway.