tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21221102870311738922024-03-05T21:31:33.949-08:00The Virginia GentlemanThe Virginia Gentlemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624119013658673339noreply@blogger.comBlogger1128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122110287031173892.post-91081741518950279112023-07-08T21:53:00.003-07:002023-07-09T13:02:19.080-07:00Biden is Anti-British, God Save the Queen, Man.<p> "God save the Queen, man."</p><p>Joe Biden concluded a recent speech in Connecticut, where he was advocating for more gun control, with this bizarre and baffling<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/06/16/biden-god-save-the-queen-man-remark/70332100007/"> comment</a>. </p><p>He said it in a sarcastic tone of voice and delivered it with a goofy grin. Was he mocking the Monarchy? Was he mocking the British?</p><p>For the British the words, "God save the queen is a solemn prayer, (albeit without the word "man" at the end) recited for centuries. </p><p>Does he know they don't have a queen anymore? Oh, that's right Biden turned down the invitation to King Charles III <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/apr/03/joe-biden-king-charles-coronation-may">coronation.</a> No one is sure what Biden meant by his off the cuff remark and the media didn't pursue it perhaps because they simply saw it as a benign comment of a senile old man one who needs to go to bed, he meant no harm by the comment or just doesn't know what he was saying.</p><p>He may have simply forgotten that Elizabeth II had passed away, just like he thought the late Rep. Jackie Walorski, R-IN <a href="https://nypost.com/2022/09/28/biden-asks-dead-rep-jackie-walorski-to-identify-herself-in-crowd/">was still alive</a> at a White House event last September. Well, Joe, Britain now has a king, so the prayer is now "God save the king."</p><p>Britain crowned its new Monarch on May 6th, more than a month before Biden's gaffe. Tomorrow, July 10th, Biden will meet with King Charles the second on his way the <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/joe-biden/biden-heads-europe-king-war-agenda-rcna93286">NATO summit</a>, which takes place in Lithuania. Biden will then head to Helsinki before heading home.</p><p>Biden pointedly didn't go to the coronation, sure there were rumblings that skipping it was a snub, but the lame defense the administration and the compliant media offered was: "President Dwight Eisenhower didn't go to the last coronation in 1953"so if its ok for Ike to skip it then its ok for Joe not to go even thought that was 70 years ago.</p><p>Britan is one of our oldest friends and allies You know the thing, the special relationship and all that but Biden was a no show. There's no way to spin that: it was a slight to our friend, and despite the stiff upper lip thing the British surely took offense. </p><p>Had former Presidents Trump or Bush been in office they would have gone. I think President Clinton would have gone. Although, I doubt Obama would have gone. </p><p>Britain is our number one ally; Biden should have gone.</p><p>In May Democratic Unionist Party lawmaker Sammy Wilson characterized Biden as "anti-British." He said that after Biden's remarks came to light about a month after his visit to Northern Ireland. The president said he had gone there "to make sure the Brits didn't screw around" with peace in Northern Ireland, and "Didn't walk away from their commitments" to the 1998 Goof Friday peace accord on the occasion of its 25th anniversary.</p><p>"If you believe that there should be a special relationship between the U.S. and the U.K., then at least show us some respect," Wilson told London's Evening Standard newspaper."</p><p>So, is Biden anti-British? At the very least, it's apparent he doesn't believe that there is a special relationship between the U.S. and U.K. For Biden, the U.K. is just another NATO member, another nation on the UN roster, somewhere between Ukraine and Uruguay.</p><p>Wilson added, "It's unbelievable and frightening to think as well that he is the leader of the free world."</p><p>Hear hear, indeed it is.</p><p>Biden sent a clear message, when he walked into the oval office after his inauguration and removed the Churchill bust. </p><p>Compare the treatment the British have received under Biden to the treatment they received from the last two Republican presidents. Trump described the U.S. relationship with Britain as the "highest level of special." His first press conference with a foreign leader was with then-British Prime Minister Thresea May, on Jan. 27, 2017, a week after his inauguration. </p><p>It was no accident or coincidence that he met with May so early into his term, he intended it to show the great importance of our friendship with Britain.</p><p>In February of 2001 George W. Bush just weeks after being sworn in hosted then Prime Minister Tony Blair at Camp David, describing Britain as "our strongest friend and closest ally." Blair stayed at the President's retreat, clearly a purposeful gesture to show the high value Bush placed on our friendship with Britain. Fast forward to today. What is Biden doing vis a vis Britain?</p><p>He opposed U.K. Defense Secretary <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/22978196/joe-biden-uk-us-ben-wallace/">Ben Wallace</a> from becoming the next secretary general of NATO, in favor of Ursula von der Leyden of Germany, the current President of the European Commission. Was it driven by an anti-British animus, or maybe just Biden's identity politics driven desire to install the first female secretary general of NATO. Perhaps a little of both.</p><p>Biden is probably not anti-British based on reason, or policy differences or national interest. Instead, the bias likely derives from his tribalistic nature, not unlike an old politician from the Richard J. Daley Chicago Machine.</p><p>He is naturally anti-British, because he believes or at least self identifies as Irish, so he clings to the belief and view that the British are hostile and alien. They are a different tribe.</p><p>Biden first arrived in Washington as a member of the senate in 1973 - at the time, there still existed a fashionable hostility for the British from Irish Americans. It has mostly died out, but apparently, he kept that bias. Another example of that tribalism came when Biden was running for president in May of 2020. He said to a black radio interviewer, "If you have trouble figuring out whether you are for me or Trump, then <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/video/2020/may/22/joe-biden-charlamagne-you-aint-black-trump-video">you ain't black."</a> </p><p>Once people figure out their tribe, it is easier for them to figure out their politics. For Biden everyone belongs to a group, and they act accordingly, or at least predictably. Sure, there are areas of agreement, areas of mutual cooperation, and common interests, but everyone has a tribe to belong to. For Biden, he identifies as Irish. God save the queen man.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="color: #151515; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #151515; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #101010; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> .</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #101010; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>The Virginia Gentlemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624119013658673339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122110287031173892.post-70378247709045429822023-06-27T10:27:00.006-07:002023-07-09T13:10:41.488-07:00The Last Fairfax Moderate Loses<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://thebullelephant.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ChapPetersen.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="600" height="311" src="https://thebullelephant.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ChapPetersen.jpg" width="489" /></a></div><br /> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">Another Blue Dog Democrat bites the
dust<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">Longtime state senator in Northern
Virginia ousted by left-wing primary challenger</span></i><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">Virginia state Sen. John Chapman
“Chap” Petersen and I have a couple things in common. We both are the same
age, 55, and we both grew up in Fairfax County, Virginia. We both also remember
a time when there were lots of moderate Democrats holding elective offices in
Fairfax. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">Petersen’s defeat last week in the
Democratic primary to left-wing challenger Saddam Salim brings the Petersen era
to an end, and with it an era of centrist Democrats in Fairfax. Perhaps
not forever, but certainly for the foreseeable future.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">Due to redistricting, Senate
District 37 included some of Falls Church, which made up about 12 percent of
the electorate. That was new territory for Petersen, and very helpful to Salim,
who made an issue of the incumbent’s opposition to an assault weapons ban and
to extended masking in schools.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">Still, Petersen’s loss was a major
upset and an indicator of how far left the Democratic Party has moved. </span><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">Democratic primary voters also rejected a moderate
challenger to Fairfax Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano, a soft-on-crime
prosecutor backed by leftist billionaire George Soros.)</span><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">Even though I’m a conservative
Republican, I admit to be saddened by Petersen’s loss. To me, he was the
last sensible, elected Democrat in my home county.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">I first heard the name “Chap” Petersen
in 2001, when he challenged Republican state Delegate Jack Rust. Rust was
in line to become speaker of the House of Delegates, but the hardworking
Petersen snuck up behind him in a fairly major upset. Some
Republicans did see it coming. I recall GOP state Sen. Jane Woods telling
fellow Republicans: “Don’t underestimate Petersen.” Apparently, Rust did
just that and lost.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">That upset victory helped Petersen
acquire the moniker the “scrappy fighter.” Years later, I found myself in
his office and noticed that he had an editorial cartoon of him being depicted
as the “scrappy fighter” hanging on his wall. He was proud of that
sobriquet. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">When Petersen entered the House of
Delegates in 2002, I was working for a conservative group in Richmond, and my
job was to track various bills. My view of Petersen formed in that first
session. I watched and concluded that Petersen was generally a moderate
Democrat who would buck the Democratic then-governor, Mark Warner, from time to
time.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">He probably enjoyed the attention, and
no doubt took pride in having an independent streak. His House district
probably had a high percentage of centrist Democrats who appreciated Petersen’s
moderation. In 2002, the party still had a sizable number of moderates.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">In 2008, Petersen moved up to the
state Senate after making a quixotic 2005 run for lieutenant governor, in which
he came in third in the Democratic primary.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">Petersen’s victory in the state Senate
race in 2007 was also considered an upset. The “scrappy fighter” had struck
again. He ran against moderate Republican then-Congressman Tom Davis’
second wife, Jeannemarie Devolites Davis, and the Davis machine. Some
Fairfax Republicans were not at all disappointed by Devolites Davis’ loss.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">But the politics of Fairfax County have
changed greatly since Petersen was first elected to the state
Senate. Consider this: Just two years later, Republican Bob McDonnell was
elected governor in 2009, and he carried Fairfax County. That would be unlikely
to happen now.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">The earnest and hardworking Petersen
no doubt thought that he could remain a moderate, and through some combination
of constituent services and personality, along with fidelity to Democrats on a
few high-profile issues could remain in office. Petersen probably thought that
his Democratic base would grant him some leeway. After all, in his mind, he had
earned it, and they owed him. He had beaten Rust. He had beaten the Davis
machine. Surely, he would be afforded some independence, some votes of
conscience, some occasional wandering from orthodoxy—off the reservation, as it
were.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">But Petersen was too much of a
moderate, too much of a free thinker for a party that’s now more in sync with
far left Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., at least in Fairfax County. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">Petersen generally supported in the
Second Amendment. He realized some of the constitutional problems
with red flag laws. He also seemed uncomfortable with woke highway
name-change campaigns taking place in Fairfax County. He believed that
then-Gov. Ralph Northam, a fellow Democrat, was wrong to shuttered our state
and closed schools down for so long during the COVID-19 pandemic. Petersen
thought it was wrong to keep masks on kids in schools. Nor was he onboard
with the transgender ideology. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">In other words, Petersen was a
rational, reasonable person. Nowadays, such a person is not going to win
in a Democratic primary in Fairfax County.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">University of Virginia professor and
pundit Larry Sabato has opined that if Ronald Reagan were still alive today
that he couldn’t get the Republican nomination for office. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">Well, Sabato doesn’t have to speculate
about a historical figure. When it comes to examining the ideological
shift of a political party, all he has to do is look at what happened on June
20 in Virginia. The Democratic Party has moved so far left that Petersen
was denied his party’s renomination for a state Senate seat he has held since
2008.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">David Shephard is the author
of “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Elections-Have-Consequences-Cautionary-Tale-ebook/dp/B0B57PWQ1C"><span style="color: blue;">Elections Have Consequence: A Cautionary Tale</span>,</a>” a
roman-a-clef novel based loosely on actual Virginia politics, published last
summer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>The Virginia Gentlemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624119013658673339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122110287031173892.post-48068815710896966022023-06-23T21:50:00.008-07:002023-06-24T00:09:22.567-07:00Youngkin Should Run For President in 2024<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://peninsulachronicle.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/youngkin_glenn_governor_portrait-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="642" src="https://peninsulachronicle.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/youngkin_glenn_governor_portrait-2.jpg" width="540" /></a></div><p>I know you may think I am a homer for suggesting that Governor Glenn Youngkin should run for President. True I am a native Virginian, so you may think I am overdoing state pride a tad by pushing Youngkin for President, but I do objectively believe that he is the strongest general election candidate we Republicans have. I think it is also true that 2024 will be Youngkin's best shot at the White House. He might never get such a great opportunity again. </p><p>Campaigns are driven by the candidates themselves and a large part of the outcome depends on how they match up. That is how people compare the two candidates against each other. Not against ideal candidates but against the nominated candidates.</p><p>I have been involved in politics long enough to know that Youngkin possess the qualities that people are looking for in a President, and Youngkin has all the necessary qualities and attributes that none of the another announce candidates can match. And as luck would have it these are qualities that Biden lacks.</p><p>Youngkin has youth, Biden is old, Youngkin has energy, Biden needs a nap, Youngkin is articulate, Biden produces meandering word salads, Youngkin is affable, Biden can be mean, Youngkin is intelligent, Biden is senile. Youngkin is an optimist, he sees a bright future ahead, Biden says MAGA Republicans want to reimpose Jim Crow. Could you imagine Youngkin calling a reporter a "dumb son of a bitch" as Biden did? Of course not.</p><p>Now you may say some of our other candidates would match up well against Biden and I'd agree, but no other announced Republican candidate highlights these differences better than Youngkin. The differences are more vivid with Youngkin at the other end of the debate stage, at a townhall or at a rally.</p><p> In addition, Youngkin does not have the baggage that some of the other candidates do, for example he didn't recommend that Trump appoint Christopher Wray as FBI director- thanks Chris Christie. Youngkin has no connection to Washington, no responsibly for the dumpster fire that is our Federal government. has become.</p><p>Actually, I think there is one key quality that Youngkin possess, that makes him our strongest candidate, indeed head and shoulders above the rest. You see this quality comes out when he does interviews, town halls and speeches, and rallies. It is not something you can learn or can easily acquire. It's a quality you can't fake. Youngkin like Ronald Reagan is a genuine optimist, and in this era of division and doubt about our country Youngkin like optimism is desired by the electorate. Of all our announced candidates I can't think of any that have that same Youngkin/Reagan like optimism. </p><p>FDR, Ronald Reagan and now Glenn Youngkin. Optimists are hard to beat.</p><p>So imagine an hour and a half debate between Youngkin and Biden. It would be all but over after that. Biden would lose the election in a landslide; a Dukakis Mondale like landslide, Biden would lose every state but Hawaii, Maryland, New York and a couple other states. </p><p>Oh, by the way, now that I am looking at the electoral map, I would point out that without Virginia Biden can't get elected in 2024. Youngkin is popular in Virginia, with a 56 percent approval rating and Biden's approval rating in the state is at 42 percent.</p><p>Of the announced candidates in the race, I am backing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, I think he will make a great President, and can win, but I think Youngkin would be a stronger candidate in a general election. DeSantis doesn't have the skills at retail politics that Youngkin has, he doesn't have the same ease with voters and social graces that Youngkin has. He doesn't have Youngkin's ability to master interviews, he doesn't have Youngkin's optimism.</p><p>Also, the media would find it easier to demonize DeSantis. It will be harder to turn the affable. optimistic and smiling Youngkin into the devil. But I am sure the media will try. </p><p>I believe Youngkin is a sold conservative, perhaps there are others to his right, but Youngkin is no RINO. However, nominating Youngkin would represent a break with both the Washington GOP establishment and the Trump GOP. In a sense nominating him would be fairly revolutionary. Similar to a restaurant that advertises that they are under new management. </p><p>For moderate, independents and suburban voters his nomination would be significant, and I have no doubt that Youngkin would run well in the suburbs.</p><p>There are people who talk about the importance of Washington experience or foreign policy experience, but as I look back on past Presidential campaigns, I can't think of anyone winning on their resume, or on their years of experience. For example, Barack Obama had no executive experience and was only a senator for 2 years. I have always thought that if Washington experience gets you to the White House Howard Baker would have become President in 1980.</p><p>If Youngkin wants to be President, and I have no idea of his level of ambition, 2024 will probably be his best, maybe only realistic chance. If he sits this one out, his next opportunity will come in 2028 He may or may not be in public office then but safe to say he won't have anywhere near the buzz and speculation that surrounds him now. He will be a former Governor. Or maybe Senator, but those platforms are not as good as an incumbent Governor. As Shakespeare said, "we must take the current when it serves or lose our ventures." That is a more highbrow way of saying, "Strike while the iron is hot."</p><p>There are those who say that Youngkin should stay and finish his good work in Virginia. I say Virginia, needs a good President in the White House and Winsome Sears can do a fine job as Governor.</p><p>I love the job that Youngkin is doing for Virginia as Governor, but I might love him even more as President.</p><p>Youngkin for President? Why not, it seems to me the only thing we have to lose is Joe Biden.</p><p><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Elections-Have-Consequences-Cautionary-Tale/dp/B0B54WHVRP">David Shephard is the author of 'Elections Have Consequences; A Cautionary Tale."</a></i></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>The Virginia Gentlemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624119013658673339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122110287031173892.post-42901183083769036442023-06-19T21:27:00.003-07:002023-06-19T23:54:15.247-07:00Let's Not Give Biden and The Media A Chance to Kick Trump Around <p>I do believe that our 45<sup>th</sup> President Donald Trump
was on balance a good President. I say
on balance because I do take into consideration the few minuses, such as the
appointing of Christopher Wray to run the FBI, allowing the influence of Dr.
Fauci, the elevation in Federal spending and failure to complete the southern
border wall.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 2020 he was the incumbent, and as such I, the loyal
Republican naturally supported his renomination for President.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a very different calculus today, Trump is
not the incumbent, sadly the man that defeated him, Joe Biden is the current
occupant of the White House, and the guy we must defeat in 2024 to save the
country.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For Trump and his primary backers, the 800-pound gorilla in
the room is the devastating fact of his defeat, and let’s face it losing to Joe
Biden is devastating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To counter this
inconvenient truth they promote the dubious claim that the 2020 election was stolen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The evidence doesn’t back up such a
claim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, the Democrats took
advantage of the pandemic to push for mail in voting and states such as
Pennsylvania liberalized the voting rules, without going to the legislature as
the constitution requires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition,
the pandemic made it easier for Joe Biden to hide in the basement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Making it tougher for voters and the media to
question him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I doubt the
mainstream media ever had any desire to ask Biden tough, probing or nuanced
questions. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Even adding up all the irregularities, and yes, I believe
that some fraud took place, it is impossible to say the election was
stolen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As heartbreaking as it is, the
American people picked Biden over Trump. They did it then and if forced to make
the same choice in 2024 they will probably answer the same way.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Ironically, If Trump had acknowledged that he probably or
might have legitimately lost, or at least refrained from the stop the steal
rhetoric, he’d been in good shape today, I daresay he’d be almost a shoo in. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it stands, he is neck and neck with Biden
in the polls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is not good
considering Biden is senile, in his 80’s and has a 40 percent approval rating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trump’s negative rating is higher than Biden’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That tells me that while most Americans don’t
want either Biden or Trump, I think more American voters will hold their nose
to vote for Biden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trump like many
Presidents before him got hit with events beyond his control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hoover got a stock market crash, Buchanan got
a country moving into a civil war, and Trump got the virus from Wuhan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those are the breaks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But what has changed from 2020?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why is Trump going to be stronger in
2024?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What Biden state will he win this
time?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t see any.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Georgia?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well, Georgia elected Trump’s Nemesis Republican Governor Brian Kemp
handily, while Trump backed, indeed produced a challenger David Purdue in a
primary who lost big.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trump also endorsed
Herschel Walker who went on to lose a winnable senate race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps Pennsylvania?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, Trump backed Doctor Oz who ended up losing
to a guy Jon Fetterman, who makes Biden look compos mentis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe Trump can pick up Arizona?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, his acolyte Kari Lake lost her race for
Governor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps she was seen as too
much like Trump. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Trump ran the table in 2016, he drew a weak opponent, perhaps
the most hated woman in American politics, and eked out a win.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been downhill ever since.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the midterms in 2018 we Republicans, with
Trump as the head of our party lost 40 seats in the House.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2020 we lost the White House and the
Senate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2022 Trump endorsed a number
of high-profile senate candidates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needless
to say, we didn’t retake the senate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While
it was quite possible and there were a number of scenarios to retake the senate
several Trump backed candidates lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It seemed bad enough on January 6<sup>th</sup> 2021, after
that day I thought if Trump ever wanted to be President again or even invited
back to the White House as a guest, he would never make it. But it got worse
for Trump’s comeback goal. He has now been indicted over the handling of classified
documents. And there may be more indictments to come. While I do believe the prosecutorial
cases against Trump are for the most part politically motivated, I don’t
believe he is completely innocent either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had to have known that the left was out to get him, and act more
carefully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Indeed, every prosecutor in every
blue state throughout our beautiful land want to make a name for themselves by
prosecuting him. Some even explicitly run on that promise. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At worst he broke the
law regarding classified documents, at best he acted recklessly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either way, that is not good. Its not good
for us Republicans that feel compelled to keep defending him. And he wants to
be our nominee for President.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His poor
behavior puts our quest to retake the White House at risk.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If we nominate Trump the election in 2024 will become more
about him and his alleged scandals and less about Biden’s poor record. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need the election to be a referendum on
Biden not about Trump. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We Republicans have every reason to be very optimistic about
2024. So much so that already measuring the drapes and curtains in the White
House would be intellectually defensible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And the Senate map favors us, heck basically guarantees we take over
that chamber. Imagine a President Ron DeSantis with the house and 55 senate
seats.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We have a number of good candidates who are more conservative
than Trump, more electable than Trump and no doubt have the potential to be
more effective in the white house than Trump.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If we get off the Trump train, nominate anyone of our great
candidates and we win in 2024.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s that
simple.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Let’s not give Biden and the media Trump to kick around
anymore.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">David Shephard is the author of <i>“Elections Have Consequences;
A Cautionary Tale.”<o:p></o:p></i></p>The Virginia Gentlemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624119013658673339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122110287031173892.post-36277358634020979692023-05-12T20:10:00.003-07:002023-05-12T20:15:13.394-07:00A Series of Unfortunate Zones<p><i>The following post is by Frederick County activist Martha Sparkman:</i></p><p><b style="color: #333333; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Our Story So Far</b></p><p><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px;">Some things are just too odd for words. A man buys a property with a barn, livestock fencing, and the neighbors (and the realtor) tell him the place was a mini-farm, the local ‘Farm-ette’ that the previous owner kept horses on. He starts right in, repairing multiple structural problems from pipes to insulation, and buys a couple of cows and goats for milk teaching his kids about taking care of livestock. Still working at his job and property, he makes slow and steady progress in making things more homey for his growing family. But then, after two year..</span></p><p><b style="color: #333333; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Enter the Karen</b></p><p><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px;">New neighbors move in, and shortly after, there’s a knock at the door. A local Zoning commission fellow asks questions, takes pictures, and tells him something no one else had. Seems that the zoning is for ‘Rural’ instead of ‘Agricultural’, and his critters are taboo. He appeals to the court, but his list of reasons for having the animals was shortened to a single sentence (out of abt 50)…by the same Zoning Guy. Why would anyone want to leave off most of a list like that? Inquiring minds want to know!) The judge looked things over and told our hero/homeowner that he had to ditch the critters.</span></p><p class="yiv4160662079paragraph-spacing-none" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline: none;"><b>And The Plot Thickens</b></p><p class="yiv4160662079paragraph-spacing-none" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline: none;">Fast-forward to the next hearing. The homeowner presents his defense after the very same Zoning Guy testifies. The fact that horses were there before was not enough for the judge to rule in his favor. Apparently, ‘elite’ critters (horses) are more equal than others (lowly food producers). Whereas there was no official distinction between horses and ‘farm/agricultural animals’ under the law, that didn’t stop the judge from ditching the appeal. Oh, and he’s not allowed to know who filed the complaint in the first place! It sounded like they put this kind of reporting in the same basket/under the same heading as reports of child abuse. I never liked the idea of going down rabbit holes (with apologies to Alice), but this smells of Denmark.</p><p class="yiv4160662079paragraph-spacing-none" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline: none;">Another appeal is coming. </p><p class="yiv4160662079paragraph-spacing-none" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline: none;"><br /></p><p class="yiv4160662079paragraph-spacing-none" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline: none;">Question: when did we grant government the right to tell us we can't raise our own food? Yes, special interest groups are always trying try to pass laws and regulations to increase their profitability. Who looks after the little guy with a field or a barn, trying to stay away from commercially-raised and chemically enhanced food? </p><p class="yiv4160662079paragraph-spacing-none" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline: none;"><br /></p><p class="yiv4160662079paragraph-spacing-none" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline: none;"><b>You Ever Tasted Real Milk</b></p><p class="yiv4160662079paragraph-spacing-none" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline: none;">Did you see that micro-ingredients to improve color and shelf life do not need to be listed on the labels of many commercial foods? The company adding them is responsible for certification that it is "safe". And do you know that Pharmaceutical companies are now working on GMO milk? Virginia passed a "Right to Farm" bill several years ago, but we seem to be losing ground, and people are willing to let our liberties slide and let profit come before honesty.</p>The Virginia Gentlemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624119013658673339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122110287031173892.post-34996723341241674732023-05-08T22:08:00.001-07:002023-05-08T22:08:32.008-07:00Lift Where You Stand: Government Should Serve US!<p><i>The Following Post is by David Sparkman of Frederick County: </i></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.0pt;">There are strategies to winning elections that politicians
consistently use to derail your vote. Those watching the alternate media saw
ballot counting shut down in Georgia, and then on security cameras, democrat
election workers pulling out hidden ballots - when everyone else had gone home
- and scanning thousands of ballots not brought in under proper chain of
authority multiple times. Surprise, the Democrat won! We saw massive
ballot-stuffing in the 2020 election, documented by the same methods used by police
departments to solve crimes, but this crime was passed over in multiple states.</span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><strong style="outline: none !important;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></strong></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><strong style="outline: none !important;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.0pt;">The Two Forces of Cheating and
Discouragement</span></strong></p>
<p class="yiv4630747903paragraph-spacing-none" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; outline: none !important; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.0pt;">Makes you wonder: why bother
voting? And that is the second technique politicians use – discouragement. Why
vote, when the outcome is rigged? In the recent Arizona election, all equipment
was properly working the night before election day. But then, something went
wrong, and major problems occurred just when statistically most Republicans
voted. Discouraged by the hours of waiting and long lines, many went home
without voting. And magically, the Democrats won by a thin margin! Could that
have been deliberate? Well, they were all accessible through an internet
connection. There was no serious investigation by the person in charge of the
election. She was the one who won the election. Just to be 'sure', the ballots
were sent out to a private company to recount. Strangely, the number of ballots
counted were significantly greater than the number of ballots sent! But not a
problem, the winner of the election was also the one hired this company.</span></p><p class="yiv4630747903paragraph-spacing-none" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; outline: none !important; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong style="outline: none !important;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></strong></p><p class="yiv4630747903paragraph-spacing-none" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; outline: none !important; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong style="outline: none !important;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.0pt;">It is a Problem!</span></strong></p>
<p class="yiv4630747903paragraph-spacing-none" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; outline: none !important; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.0pt;">Democrats are equally smart
as Republicans, but they believe in winning any way they can, and the
prosecutors and courts are scared to death to do anything about it. In truth, you
individually can’t do a thing to stop it.</span></p><p class="yiv4630747903paragraph-spacing-none" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; outline: none !important; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong style="outline: none !important;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></strong></p><p class="yiv4630747903paragraph-spacing-none" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; outline: none !important; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong style="outline: none !important;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.0pt;">A Story from Dieter Uchtdorf</span></strong></p>
<p class="yiv4630747903paragraph-spacing-none" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; outline: none !important; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.0pt;">So here is a story that might
give you an idea. A Church was going to have a musical performance and needed
to move a grand piano from the Chapel to the Cultural Hall. It was big. It was
heavy. The men of the church tried their best to figure out where to put the
strongest men and how to carefully move it. Nothing seemed to work, until the
Minister solved the problem. <em style="outline: none !important;"><b>"Brethren,
everyone stand closely together around the piano, and lift where you
stand."</b></em> The piano almost magically rose in the air and
almost floated to its new destination.</span></p><p class="yiv4630747903paragraph-spacing-none" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; outline: none !important; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="yiv4630747903paragraph-spacing-none" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; outline: none !important; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.0pt;"> I</span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">f we would
stand close together, united to reach a common objective and lift together, we
can change our community for the better. We can discuss and decide on our
course of action, and then acting together to make it happen.</span></p><p class="yiv4630747903paragraph-spacing-none" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; outline: none !important; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong style="outline: none !important;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></strong></p><p class="yiv4630747903paragraph-spacing-none" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; outline: none !important; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong style="outline: none !important;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.0pt;">The Opposition</span></strong></p>
<p class="yiv4630747903paragraph-spacing-none" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; outline: none !important; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.0pt;">The Democrats do this, united
by generous donations by Billionaires buying political election and
politicians. We hope to be able to do the same, but out of moral conviction.
Yes, we will still need some funds for literature and signs, but with a local
group lifting with their friends and neighbors in every part of the county, we
can defend our community from those who would corrupt it to benefit themselves.</span></p><p class="yiv4630747903paragraph-spacing-none" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; outline: none !important; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong style="outline: none !important;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></strong></p><p class="yiv4630747903paragraph-spacing-none" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; outline: none !important; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong style="outline: none !important;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.0pt;">Neighborhood Groups</span></strong></p>
<p class="yiv4630747903paragraph-spacing-none" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; outline: none !important; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.0pt;">If you will join with your
fellows and decide to help elect good people, it can happen. The democrats, as
mentioned before, pay people to do contacting in your neighborhood. The liberal
Teachers' Association tries to make sure that their kind of liberal gets
elected to the school board. But like the parable of the true shepherd, we are
not hirelings. We are believers in this Republic. And as Ben Franklin said, the
Republic depends on informed voters. Those who believe the propaganda and lies spun
to protect corruption and bad government have to be challenged. If we stand
close and lift together, we can do it.</span></p><p class="yiv4630747903paragraph-spacing-none" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; outline: none !important; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong style="outline: none !important;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></strong></p><p class="yiv4630747903paragraph-spacing-none" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; outline: none !important; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong style="outline: none !important;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.0pt;">Neighborhood Groups</span></strong></p>
<p class="yiv4630747903paragraph-spacing-none" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; outline: none !important; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.0pt;">We are holding town halls in
Redbud, Back Creek, and Opequon to start coming together. Gainesboro and
Stonewall are in planning stages. This year will be practice. We have to finish
cleaning up the School Board and filling it with people who actually represent
our community. Next year, we have a chance to make a real difference. We need a
better President and a better US Senator. Will you help us lift?<o:p></o:p></span></p>The Virginia Gentlemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624119013658673339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122110287031173892.post-15064305274785380922023-05-05T18:12:00.005-07:002023-05-05T18:15:27.725-07:00The Four Divisions in Frederick County<p><i> </i><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">The following is a post from Frederick County Republican activist David Sparkman:</i></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;">There are
now four political parties in Frederick County: The Democrat party, the
Republican Committee, the Frederick First Party of independents, and the
Frederick County Conservative Club. Each has its own members and own
goals. They were here before, but as factions, not as organized groups.</span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;">The Democrats are the out of
power group that lives off of donations from outside the county. They have
loyal clubs in the richer retirement communities, as well as a lot of
immigrants from northeastern Virginia. As a minority, they are pretty much in
lock-step, and represent from 25 to 30% of our community. They preach Deep
Equity, Critical Race Theory, the “Green” agenda (anti-human) and 'win at any
cost' election strategies (cheating). Their main supporters are the Winchester
Star (Winchester Democrat), the liberal Teacher’s Association, and various
individuals who may or may not know they are Democrats.</span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;">The second well-known party is
the local Republican Party whose power base is in the rather disorganized
Frederick County Republican Committee. It is a mixture of establishment
Republicans and the newer activist type Republicans. The establishment
Republicans liked the way the things used to be, with just the elite running
things and growing rich by passing out favors. They worked out peaceful
compromises with the liberal Teachers' association, where the establishment
types would not be seriously challenged, and the School System would not be
examined too closely. So, the establishment Republicans ran the government and
the Liberals ran the school system, with little to no oversight.</span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;">T</span><span style="color: #333333;">hen, republican activists (TEA
Party types) came on the scene and started rocking the boat. Since then, there
has been a power struggle, with the establishment barely hanging on. When the
activists got any power, they fought among themselves and we didn’t make much
progress. Then Trump came on the scene, and people became more demanding of
their government. Most didn’t go as far as The Donald did, but there was a
different shift in awareness of the malfeasance in government that was
awakening. But you cannot govern in anger. You need firmness and a certain
coolness to govern the people. For some, that is too slow. For the
establishment, it is too fast.</span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;">Now we have a resurrection of the
establishment in the Frederick Freedom Party. This group is made up of several
familiar names, who come from the existing republicans, who know how to make
things work smoothly to their benefit. They are the elite that govern in the
old ways and are in opposition to the new republicans. They know how to make
things happen. All we need to do is to “trust” them. Personally, I don’t trust
if I cannot verify, and that can take a lot of work if the establishment keeps
blocking transparency - as they have with the school finances these past years.
While it is true that we don’t really know this new crop of candidates in the
FF party, we do know that some of the old ones consistently voted against
Transparency. We will have to see how these new ones do.</span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;">And finally, we have the
Frederick County Conservative Club or FCCC as the 4th political party. This
party was formed in the home of Supervisor Josh Ludwig between December of 2021
and May of 2022, when it was formally incorporated with 4 officers: Rani
Ludwig, Molly Brannon (past Treasurer), Christina Scarborough, and Gayle
Ferriera.</span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;">We know that they have a secret
charter that Molly said in a letter that she did not reveal. We know that Rani
has stepped down from being Chairman. Gayle is activities Chairman for the Republican
Woman’s club (WFCRW) and Christina Scarborough goes by the names Christina
Michaels and Tyrant Hunter, as she posts attacks on Republicans using rather
foul, gutter language.</span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;">They incorporated as a private
corporation with the help of the law firm of Doug McCarthy. This group is very
ambitious, backing not only Mrs. Brannon, but also supporting Brandon Monk and
Heather Lockridge. Those supporting this group in letters to this editor
include Clay Perry and Shawn Graber.</span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;">They originally withdrew from the
local Republican Party, but starting with Molly Brannon and Josh Ludwig, are
slowly re-joining so that they can run under the Republican banner. But are
they really supporting fellow Republicans when their media specialist keeps
obscenely attacking these people? Secret meetings, secret constitution, hidden
membership? We don’t know what their agenda is. Once again transparency is not
apparent.</span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;">While I think the official
Republican leadership has fallen down on the job, at least we do have a
tradition to work toward of individual rights, justice, and liberty. I will
stick with that, and try to work toward a better Republican party. Mixing
Liberal Republicans with Independents may not be the best way to go. But
neither is the angry attack mode from the FCCC group the way forward. Let’s
give the Republican party more backbone and a mission to make our county a
better place based on sound principles, not anger, and not go along to get
along.</span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;">We have a chance for a better
educational program in our County, for wiser spending of our tax monies, for
building strong Republican groups in every part of the county. Let’s build
discussion groups to find the best ideas and fix our problems and heal the
wounds of divisive politics. If your motives are wrong then your election would
also be wrong. Give up the idea of personal power through political power. Give
up the idea of getting rich by calling in political favors. And see how you can
serve and help others.</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in; orphans: 2; outline: none; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333;">Matt 23:11 </span><em style="color: #333333; outline: none;">But he that is greatest among you shall be
your servant. </em><a href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=144712809&msgid=1198806&act=PTXI&c=627439&pid=31850748&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DRAP4JuQXNQI&cf=22419&v=6500be2067d562a3c888a549ba3eb18076b18b01c2c2615b521d5178319ad694" style="outline: none;" target="_blank"><em style="outline: none;"><b><span style="color: #0750f5; text-decoration-line: none; text-underline: none;">Lift where you
stand</span></b></em></a></p>The Virginia Gentlemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624119013658673339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122110287031173892.post-57531035266803230872022-12-02T23:52:00.004-08:002023-05-05T22:42:41.532-07:00My Book is Now on Sale!<p> Friends, my book is now on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Elections-Have-Consequences-Cautionary-Tale/dp/B0B54WHVRP/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1XBH4RD690X85&keywords=elections+have+consequences+book&qid=1670053914&sprefix=elections+have%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1">sale</a>. Check it out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjObUgnfTrqogSRaHOHDc6k6T74sjb7TfqpRJ900WH0YV5or6Os5piquY1lUhJnwxPcxCllC2HzqsOWAggRzZczQfWqMwOPoGh00Xi5H_vvFDaYtjvEfFJeOyx7pTpnPTiA-wvyCcbx6nD36UGa9Ly9m9RN_nEndQDGqrC6n2tPpl6DJqyG_ueNkeF/s499/cover%20shot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjObUgnfTrqogSRaHOHDc6k6T74sjb7TfqpRJ900WH0YV5or6Os5piquY1lUhJnwxPcxCllC2HzqsOWAggRzZczQfWqMwOPoGh00Xi5H_vvFDaYtjvEfFJeOyx7pTpnPTiA-wvyCcbx6nD36UGa9Ly9m9RN_nEndQDGqrC6n2tPpl6DJqyG_ueNkeF/s320/cover%20shot.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>The Virginia Gentlemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624119013658673339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122110287031173892.post-26825932779969868962022-11-30T20:54:00.002-08:002022-11-30T20:58:37.006-08:00Former Delegate Hamilton Speaks Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/200/300/Phil_Hamilton.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" height="300" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/200/300/Phil_Hamilton.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p class="standard"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i> The following is a statement by former Delegate Phil Hamilton and then my interview with him</i>: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">"In July 2009, I was
contacted by a Virginian Pilot reporter concerning my part-time employment with
Old Dominion University. During that telephone interview, I acknowledged my
part-time employment with the ODU Center for Educational Leadership and Teacher
Quality.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">One month later, in late
August, and two months before the state elections were to take place, I was
contacted by the FBI who requested to meet with me. During that meeting, I was
informed they were investigating my employment with ODU based on the Virginian
Pilot article published earlier that month. Based on the interview with the
FBI, it was obvious to me that there was no complaint filed but only a
newspaper article from a Norfolk-based newspaper.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Over two years later in
January 2011, I was indicted by a Richmond-area Grand Jury for one count of
bribery and one count of extortion under color of official right. I
self-surrendered to the FBI in Newport News where I was handcuffed, transported
to the Norfolk federal courthouse where I was shackled, and placed in a cell to
wait over three hours for an appearance before a federal magistrate who
informed me of the charges.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">One week later, I
appeared for my arraignment in federal court in Richmond on the charges in my
indictment. I pleaded not guilty, waived the speedy trial requirement, and
requested a trial by jury. The US attorney and my defense attorney estimated
the trial would take approximately three weeks. Even so, the judge, because of
his calendar, limited the trial to two weeks beginning on May 2, 2011.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">In the government's
opening statement, the US attorney acknowledged that the case was mostly a
circumstantial evidence case. Circumstantial evidence relies on an inference,
whether accurate or not, to connect it to the wanted conclusion as
opposed to direct evidence which supports the truth of an assertion.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The government's
circumstantial evidence centered on several personal emails where I indicated
that an ODU official believed the university would be offering me a job during the
summer of 2006. This same ODU official, with government immunity,
testified that he had been pursuing me for an ODU job since 2004, and that I
never asked for any job with ODU. He also testified that he had provided
differing versions of testimony to multiple Grand Juries and even to the Court
under direct testimony during the trial.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The government's case
also referenced a budget amendment that I submitted to the Virginia budget
during the 2007 legislative session to create a Center for Educational Leadership
and Teacher Quality. That amendment was to create an educational center at a
public school or school division in the Commonwealth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">In 2004 and 2006, I
unsuccessfully submitted similar budget amendments to create such an
educational center at the Newport News Public Schools' An Achievable Dream
Academy. This school had a proven record of academic achievement with at-risk
students, and the school's founder was interested in hosting such a training
center for school administrators and teachers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Because the House
Appropriations Committee's, Elementary & Secondary Education
subcommittee chairman was opposed to any funding for An Achievable Dream
Academy, my 2007 budget amendment was not public school specific for hosting
such a center. As a result, the amendment passed the subcommittee and full
committee and was included as a House budget amendment with the General Fund
(state tax generated revenue) funding designated for public, not higher
education, funding.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">During budget conference
negotiations, the Senate Finance Committee chairman indicated that the
House-approved amendment would not be included in the Budget Conference
Committee's final budget amendments. This same senator testified during the
trial that he had never heard of such an amendment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">From court testimony
from two Senate Finance Committee staffers,.I learned that an ODU-specific
amendment for such a center was submitted but not included in the
Senate-approved budgret amendments. These government witnesses also testified
that they, without my knowledge, had rewritten my House-approved amendment to
be an ODU amendment which moved it from the Elementary & Secondary
Education section to the Higher Education section of the state budget.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Knowing that my
amendment was not in the Budget Conference Report and being unaware of the
Senate staffers' change to my amendment which changed the appropriation of
funding from public education to the higher education section of the budget
document, I voted for the Budget Conference Report which included multiple
budget amendments.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Even though it is my
perspective that none of these and other government witnesses ever presented
any testimony or direct evidence to substantiate the charges against me, the
jury deliberated and found me guilty of the two counts in the indictment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">In August 2011, I was
sentenced by the federal judge to 114 months in federal prison. I reported to
prison in September 2011, and after serving 85% of my sentence and 15 months of
federal probation, I was no longer under federal supervision as of April 2020.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">While incarcerated, I
filed numerous appeals primarily focusing on the ineffective assistance of
counsel and due process of law pursuant to the 5<sup>th</sup>, 6<sup>th</sup>,
and 14<sup>th</sup> amendments to the US Constitution. While my final
appeal to the US Supreme Court was pending, the Court was also considering an
appeal from former Governor Robert McDonnell. The Court even requested
additional information from me about my appeal.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">In the US Supreme Court
opinion that ultimately overturned Governor Robert McDonnell's 11 convictions,
they stated that an official act needed to specifically address the alleged
action. My vote on the Budget Conference Report was not a single, specific vote
on an amendment to create an educational center at ODU. Unfortunately, my pro
se (written and filed by me and not an attorney) appeal to the US Supreme Court
was filed prior to the McDonnell ruling and several weeks past the 90-day limit
for my appeal to be filed and thereby was denied.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">In spite of the
injustice, I believe was imposed upon me, I bear no bitterness towards anyone.
For me, there are four equal components to freedom – physical, spiritual,
emotional, and mental. Throughout my experience, the government only controlled
my physical freedom. I controlled my spiritual, emotional, and mental freedom.
While I witnessed many others who surrendered all or a portion of the three
freedoms they controlled, I refused to do so. As a result, I kept 75% of my
freedom, while the government maintained its 25%.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Even so, and while the
American “justice” system may be the fairest and most just judicial system in
the world, below are some, not all, reforms that I believe should be
considered:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">• Since lawyer's
opening. statements are not evidence; they should not be permitted as they
provide an opportunity to poison the mind of a juror towards a defendant before
any evidence has been presented.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">• Guilt should be
determined by DIRECT, not circumstantial, evidence. Evidence should be
considered by jurors as truth not inference.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">• Initial appeals
should not be filed with the presiding trial judge. Often times that appeal
might be based on rulings or actions by the presiding trial judge and a open
mind should review the appeal.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
• No witness should
be granted immunity to testify. If a crime has been intentionally committed,
all involved individuals should be<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">judged accordingly and
held accountable.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">• Regardless of an
immunity agreement, any immunized witness who testifies to making contradictory
statements while under oath should be immediately dismissed as a witness and
charged with felony perjury.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">• The government
should not be permitted to initiate plea bargain agreements. I believe
government-initiated plea agreements are used to intimidate or coerce
defendants in to pleading guilty. Approximately 97% of federal convictions are
the result of plea bargains. All defendants should exercise their
constitutional right to a trial by jury.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">• Sentencing
enhancements should not be permitted after a trial has concluded. Defendants
should only be sentenced for crimes specifically presented during the trial."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Part Two. My
Interview with former Delegate Hamilton:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Virginia
Gentleman:</i> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thanks for taking the time to do an
interview with me. There are those that say your sentence of 114
months in jail for 2 felonies was excessive, especially compared with former
Governor McDonnell’s sentence of 2 years for basically 11 counts. Do you think
it was excessive?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hamilton:
My sentence was within the discretionary US sentencing guidelines. Many have
questioned me about the length of my sentence. My response was that given the
facts, not circumstances, of the case, the sentence was extreme. It is hard to
intellectually understand the sentencing discrepancy between my case and that
of Gov. McDonnell. McDonnell had 5 times the convictions, and I received 5
times the sentence. I will leave it to others to explain the justice in that.
In my pre-sentencing report done by the US Probation Dept, it was stated that
my case had ZERO victims, but that didn't matter much to the judge in my case.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Virginia Gentleman:</i></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i> </i>Some have argued that the Feds, under former President
Obama, wanted to go after Virginia politicians. Do you think there
might be some truth to that and that you were targeted?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hamilton: As
far as being targeted, I believe that to be true. I did not hide the fact that
I was employed by ODU. My employer, NN Public Schools, knew. I listed my ODU employment
every applicable year on my Statement of Economic Interests which many media
outlets FOIAed every year. I included my ODU W-2 forms on all applicable tax
years when filing my federal and state taxes. As a member of the Virginia House
of Delegates, I am sure I made plenty of political opponents over the years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i> Virginia
Gentleman</i>: </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Was anyone else convicted with
you? It seems that more than one person would have been involved in
what the Feds alleged.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hamilton:
No one else was convicted with me. Two ODU officials were given immunity to
testify against me. From my perspective, neither ODU witness ever claimed I had
bribed or extorted anyone. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Virginia Gentleman:</i> You
claimed you had no criminal or corrupt intent. What did you mean by
that: </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hamilton:
Because I contend that I committed no crimes, the question of criminal
intent never entered my mind in introducing any legislation that I ever
submitted. As a public school educator who worked in professional development
for Newport News Public Schools, I had created a successful Leadership Academy
for Aspiring School Principals that focused on the ISLLC standards which are
now known as the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders. At the request
of the now deceased former State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Dr.
William Bosher, I successfully introduced legislation to create an Educational
Leadership Reform Commission that recommended numerous possible state
initiatives to improve educational leadership in the public schools of Virginia.
I also successfully introduced legislation related to standards for educational
leaders. My efforts to create an educational center at An Achievable Dream
Academy or any other public school or school division that met certain criteria
was an extension of my service as chairman of the Educational Leadership Reform
Commission. In spiute of my criminal conviction, I stand by my professional and
legislative careers as direct evidence that none of my actions were ever done
with any criminal intent.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Virginia Gentleman:</i> What
did you think of the job the media did on reporting your case?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hamilton:
Other than several pre-indictment and pre-trial news articles that claimed I
had lobbied other legislators for an amendment that created the Center for
Educational Leadership and Teacher Quality at ODU, I was pleased with the media
coverage my trial received. During the trial, the government never produced
evidence or a witness that indicated I had done anything to promote an
amendment for ODU. Even the state senator that put in the ODU amendment that
failed to be included in the Senate's budget proposal testified that he never
spoke to me about his amendment and had no knowledge of the amendment I
submitted.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Virginia Gentleman:</i> Do
you think prison changed you?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hamilton:
The only changes that I have experienced from my prison experiences have been a
disillusionment with the American federal judicial system and the reality of
prison. From my perspective the federal judicial system is less concerned with
justice (truth) and more concerned with convictions. The Federal Rules of
Criminal Procedure are developed and?or amended by the US Supreme Court. Having
lifetime appointed justices decide on the “rules” to be followed in federal
criminal cases seems like “the hen watching the hen house.” Given my
experience, I find it difficult to see this as anything but one set of
non-accountable government officials making rules for other non-accountable
government officials. While no system of justice can be 100% accurate, I
previously mentioned some reforms that I believe could make the current system
more just and fairer. I have a much better understanding and appreciation for
those who have raised concerns about the American criminal justice system.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Virginia Gentleman:</i> What
is your view of the federal prison system?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hamilton:
As for the federal prison system, my experience was with the prison camp level
rather than levels of low, medium, and maximum security. The camp level is
intended for individuals convicted of non-violent federal crimes and inmates
transitioning from higher security levels prior to ultimate release back into
society. From my perspective, every camp environment should provide
opportunities for individuals to prepare themselves to become productive
members of society..This would require that trade school-like
programs be available. As an incentive for participating in and
achieving a federal Dept of Labor apprenticeship, technical certification, or
trade license as a HVAC technician, electrician, plumber, carpenter, food
services, landscaping, horticulture, or other similar trades, an inmate
achieving such should be granted an additional “good time” credit of 20%. Any
inmate who successfully completes </span><p></p><br />the GED educational program should also be
eligible for this “good time” credit. Such incentives would still require
inmates to serve a minimum of 65% of their sentence and, quite possibly, reduce
the current recidivism rates among those released from prison, While
incarcerated at the Fort Dix Camp facility, I earned a Landscaping Technician
certificate from the Department of Labor. Throughout my incarceration, I stayed
active by working in horticulture and landscaping jobs. Prison should be an
opportunity for real rehabilitation rather than just the useless warehousing of
individuals.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i> Virginia
Gentleman</i>: What are you doing now?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hamilton:
Currently, I am enjoying life as a fixed income retiree. I play plenty of golf,
spend time with friends and family, read, tend to my spiritual, emotional,
physical, and mental health, and follow the politics of the day. I have been
honored to share my insights with a few community and political groups.
All-in-all, I am blessed.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></p>The Virginia Gentlemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624119013658673339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122110287031173892.post-50788357869299887732022-02-06T22:39:00.005-08:002022-02-08T17:38:40.685-08:00Jeff Schapiro's Bad History Lesson<p><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Richmond Times Dispatch columnist Jeff Schapiro quotes (perhaps with
the intention as an homage) Karl Marx line history repeats itself first as tragedy then as
farce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He attempts to link Republican
victories in 2021 with Democrat victories, are you ready for this, Democrat
victories in 1885!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The first sentence in his <a href="https://richmond.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/schapiro-va-political-history-repeating-itself---as-farce/article_a3eb1e92-51fc-57f2-b1f5-d069ffa2d8b1.html">column</a>, “Virginia Republicans were
partying like it is 1885.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I understand that progressive like to re write history, but this is downright insulting.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Virginia Republicans had no real power in the 19<sup>th</sup>
century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Schapiro admits later into the
column that Fitzhugh Lee, elected in 1885 was, unlike Glenn Youngkin, a
Democrat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It reminds me of the time CNN
claimed Ralph Northam was a Republican.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> A brazen lie that can fool the masses. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Schapiro claims that while Lee was not a Republican, he was a “conservative
Democrat”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, in 1885 Republicans had
a candidate for Governor, John Sargeant Wise, he lost, but Schapiro suggests that Republicans were still happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Indeed they
“celebrated” the victory of Democrat Lee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is ahistorical nonsense.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Schapiro believes that conservative Democrats were the bad guys
back then (the Republicans of today).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is a reason he goes back to the late 19<sup>th</sup> century and not
the early 20<sup>th</sup> century. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
would be inconvenient for him to talk about what the progressive Democrats
did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will give you a hint, it was so
horrific that for the rest of the century Democrats stopped calling themselves
progressives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Schapiro writes: “What is new is old: 21<sup>st</sup> century
Republicans by deed and dogma are harkening back to the late 19<sup>th</sup>
century when Virginia, as they are doing now in partially restoring Republicans
to power angrily rejecting racial, social and cultural advances, as too much
too soon.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Well, that statement is false.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Virginia did not restore Republicans to power
in the 19<sup>th</sup> century based on racial grievances nor did they in November of
2021.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Secondly, I don’t know how opposing “cultural advances” gets
you back to 1885. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I doubt Republicans
will want to jettison electricity, which will be necessary if you really want
the 1885 experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As far as “harkening back to the 19<sup>th</sup> century”,
why is that necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2009
Republican Bob McDonnell was elected Governor, and Republicans kept the House
of Delegates, the same situation as today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Surely, Glenn Youngkin has more in common with fellow Republican Bob
McDonnell then he would with 19<sup>th</sup> century Democrat Fitzhugh Lee.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Schapiro continues to feebly link Democrat policies of poll
taxes and literacy tests to Youngkin’s resistance to 45 days of early voting,
and ballot drop boxes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The comparison with poll taxes and ballot drop boxes off Lee
highway is ridiculous.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I have been told that Jeff Schapiro was once a reporter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, he should dust of his press badge, go
to a Youngkin press conference and ask, “Governor Youngkin why are you so hell
bent on taking the state back to 1885?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sadly, with the state of our media and educational system,
that question wouldn’t cause a single eye to bat or roll.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would simply cause the other reporters to lament,
why didn't I think of such a great question.<o:p></o:p></p>The Virginia Gentlemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624119013658673339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122110287031173892.post-16927620021363297242021-12-25T23:15:00.005-08:002021-12-26T00:27:00.969-08:00Why Youngkin Won and McAuliffe LostConsidered to be an upset by most of the political pundits, Glenn Youngkin defeated Democrat Terry McAuliffe and will become the first Republican Governor Virginia has had in 12 years. After a long dry spell Virginia Republicans have come back, and back big time! Come January Republicans will control all three statewide constitutional offices. I proudly contributed, worked and voted to get Youngkin elected. <div><br /></div><div> So why the upset? How did Youngkin win? Well, here are my key resaons for Virginia, at least for election night 2021 turned red giving Youngkin a Republican House of Delegates; finishing with 52 seats. Here are my reasons for the Younkin victory: <div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Being a former Governor didn't help McAuliffe. </b></div><div><br /></div><div><b></b>Virginia has a long, and in my opinion, great tradition of one term Governors, in fact the tradition is enshrined in our state's constitution, a Virginia governor cannot succeed himself. However, the constitution does not prevent them from running in the future for the Governor's office, Terry McAuliffe was eligible to run in 2021, that is, he could run to succeed Ralph Northam. I think Virginians are happy, indeed I would say downright proud, of the tradition of one term Governors.
The only Governor in modern Virginia history to make it back to the Governor's office was Mills Godwin, a truly great Governor. However, his second election to the office was quite close. He defeated Henry Howell 50.7% to 49.3% Officially Howell ran as an independent. At the time Howell was considered too far left for Virgina Democrats, so they didn't nominate him, in fact they didn't nominate a candidate, simply quietly voting for Howell. Howell was far left by the 1970's standard, but today he'd be a moderate Democrat. For example there is no evidence that he believed in anything like critical race theory, gender neutral bathrooms, or porn in the school libraries. Seems it was his support for organized labor that earned him the label of a liberal.
It struck me that despite Godwin's popularity and Howell's radicalism, it was still close. Godwin squeaked by, but the lesson is that it is tough for a former Governor to make it back, even a popular one like Godwin. The bottom line, unless the Governor is popular, or better yet known for some great achievement Virginians aren't going to bring them back. So when the media described McAuliffe as a "former Governor" it didn't help him. By default Virginians would probably want to give someone else a shot at the job.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>"Youngkin is Trump in a fleece vest."</b></div><div><br /></div><div>
McAuliffe seemed to have only one play, tie Youngkin to Trump. It makes some political sense, Trump lost Virginia big, so the desire to link fellow Republican Youngkin to Trump is understandable. The problem with the strategy is that it was not believable. <a href="https://www.bizpacreview.com/2021/11/03/exclusive-exit-poll-data-shows-why-youngkin-won-and-what-the-dems-are-in-for-now-1157570/">Exit polls</a> showed Virginians had a favorable view of Youngkin, unlike Trump. In addition to linking them both as Republicans, McAuliffe tried to make a link in two dishonest ways. He used a sound bite of Youngkin claiming that Trump inspired him to run, "Donald Trump is the reason I got into the race." Youngkin simply meant that he like Trump was a political novice, and business executive, and like Trump he could enter government and make change. McAuliffe tried to claim Youngkin was inspired by Trump's political views to run.
The second way the McAuliffe campaign tried to link the two is the claim that Trump "endorsed Youngkin". McAuliffe even sent out mailers making the claim. I received one of these mailers with the headline "Trump Endorsed." But I then noticed this came from the McAuliffe campaign. Trump didn't endorse a candidate in the nomination battle. Once Youngkin became the nominee Trump said nice things about him and in a sense endorsed him in the general election. But of course, Trump was going to back the Republican gubernatorial nominee. That is not the same as endorsing a candidate.
There is very little similarity between Trump and Youngkin, both in terms of substance and style. Glenn Youngkin is a traditional family man, I think married to the same woman, that is never divorced, he is known to be a man of faith, and his personality and demeanor can in no way be described as Trump like. Youngkin came across like a normal person, quite earnest and sincere. As they say he was comfortable in his own skin, or in his case a fleece vest jacket.
The bottom-line McAuliffe hurt himself by exaggerating a connection between Youngkin to Trump. It made some sense, after all Trump is unpopular in Virginia, but the comparison was such a stretch that it called in to question McAuliffe's sincerity. It also seemed McAuliffe had nothing else on which to attack Youngkin. From the minute Youngkin became the Republican nominee in May, McAuliffe tried to tie him to Trump. The amazing thing, that from that day to election day there was no evidence that I am aware of that shows the strategy was working. Yet McAuliffe kept on crying Trump. What's the definition of insanity, doing the same thing over again and expecting a different results. I don't think McAuliffe is insane, simply that he had nothing else to hit Youngkin with. </div><div><br /></div><div> <b>Governor Northam's Shutdown</b> </div><div><br /></div><div> In response to the covid pandemic Governor Ralph Northam issued orders in late March 2020 curtailing private business operations and shutting down schools, forcing the school districts to open virtual learning. This shutdown lasted to some extent into the summer. History will judge whether the long shutdown was a good idea, but there is no doubt that it crippled many small and mid-sized businesses in Virginia. From a political standpoint the shutdown left a bad taste in the mouths of many small business owners. And those people probably had second thoughts about voting for another Democrat candidate for governor.
The more significant fallout from the shutdown came from parents who got a good look at what their children were being taught in school. Since the school buildings were closed the parents were in charge of administering the school's curriculum to their children. This was a wakeup call! Most parents, like most adults, have accepted that they will be subjected to indoctrination at work, but they will not accept their kids being subjected to indoctrination.
Clinging to his base perhaps McAuliffe denied that the schools were indoctrinating kids in schools. Even denying the existence of critical race theory. As bad luck (for him) would have it, a <a href="https://thefederalist.com/2021/10/14/explosive-documents-prove-mcauliffes-administration-pushed-crt-in-virginia-schools/">memo </a>from his administration confirming the theory and its use in Virginia schools surfaced.</div><div><br /></div><div> <b>"Parents have no business telling schools what to teach."</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b></b>If there ever was a killer moment or gaffe in this race it came in the second and final debate. In a question on education McAuliffe opined angerly, "Parents have no business telling schools what to teach." Youngkin smartly seized on it, and within 24 hours his campaign ran ads using the quote. The reasons we have elected school boards is to give parents a voice in how schools are run, and yes what is in the curriculum.
In addition to being elitist McAuliffe's statement runs against the notion of schools being accountable. The remarkable thing is that McAuliffe doubled down on the comment. Perhaps he felt he needed to stick close to the teacher union, but it probably would have been better to walk back the statement. Offer a clarification and clearly state the importance of parental involvement. Instead, he stuck with the teacher union line that the parents are out of control.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Biden unpopularity was a factor.</b></div><div><br /></div><div> Virginia elected Joe Biden, and after one year they have had enough. An <a href="https://www.bizpacreview.com/2021/11/03/exclusive-exit-poll-data-shows-why-youngkin-won-and-what-the-dems-are-in-for-now-1157570/">exit poll</a> had Biden's approval rating at 46 percent. No doubt about it, Biden helped turn out Republicans and depressed voters that usually vote Democrat but are disappointed in the last Democrat they voted for.
Now McAuliffe is not responsible for Biden's unpopularity, but he is responsible for his embrace of Biden. He could have tried to distance himself, instead he invited him to come to Virginia and campaign. Ironically, McAuliffe needled Youngkin for not inviting Trump to Virginia to campaign with him. Youngkin was wise not to take the bait. Trump stayed out and that was to the benefit of Youngkin. However, McAuliffe should have followed Youngkin's example and not invited Biden to come to campaign.
Trump might be politically toxic in Virginia, but Biden is not held in much higher esteem in the Old Dominion.</div></div>The Virginia Gentlemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624119013658673339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122110287031173892.post-84117803397932229852020-06-06T22:15:00.000-07:002020-06-07T17:25:49.306-07:00Reverend Robert Wright Lee's 15 minutes Of FameAndy Warhol once remarked that everyone has 15 minutes of fame. Well, certainly we shouldn't begrudge anyone the spotlight for a mere 15 minutes. Well, enter a political activist with a famous last name. He is a liberal Episcopalian minister and Black Lives Matter advocate, Reverend Robert Wright Lee, IV.<br />
<br />
Lee has obviously discovered that with the cynical use of his last name he might be able to increase his 15 minutes. And maybe advance his utility as an activist. <br />
<br />
Lee has been one of the leaders of the movement to remove the Lee statue in Richmond. Yes, he says he loves his ancestor, but justice must be done. No doubt his last name has come in handy, it can be used to enhance credibility.<br />
<br />
On Thursday Governor Ralph Northam described Lee as the General's "great grandson" as he made his announcement of his order to remove the Lee statue. Rev. Lee quietly stood next to the Governor (Known as coonman in college).<br />
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The message was clear. A Lee descendent' is ok with removal of an historic Virginia landmark, so you should be to. How reassuring! <br />
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One possible snag. The honorable Reverend Robert Wright Lee, IV is not a descendent of Robert E. Lee. <br />
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He was described by Richmond news channel 6 as a great-great-great-great nephew. He may be related to a sibling of Lee's. Put it this way, nothing General Lee did in his time on earth made it possible for this guy to be born. He doesn't come from Lee's off spring. <br />
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Elizabeth Warren may be genetically closer to a full blooded Cherokee Indian than Reverend Lee is to General Lee. <br />
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While he is a member of the Lee family, to describe him as a 'Lee descendent' is misleading. None of the people he descends from is Robert E. Lee. <br />
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In checking his website I discovered Lee is an author. He has written a book on combating racism and dealing with his white liberal guilt. On his <a href="https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/lee-descendent-gives-blessing-to-remove-symbol-of-white-supremacy-and-racism">website</a> A blurb about the book offers this statement:<br />
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<blockquote>A descendent of Confederate General Robert E. Lee chronicles his story of growing up with the South’s most honored name, and the moments that forced him to confront the privilege, racism, and subversion of human dignity that came with it. </blockquote><br />
Clearly, he is using the family name to promote his own political views. I read this <a href="https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/lee-descendent-gives-blessing-to-remove-symbol-of-white-supremacy-and-racism">article</a>, "Lee descendent gives his blessing to remove symbol of white supremacy and racism." <br />
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Reverend Lee was given the name Robert, no doubt in honor of General Lee. <br />
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He gives his "blessing"? First, Why should Reverend Lee carry any weight on the subject? He speaks for no one but himself. He was blessed with a great last name and it is disgraceful to use it to advance a personal cause. It reminds me of the time Ron Reagan, Jr. (he is not really a Jr.) was given a show on MSNBC.<br />
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He had no talent, but he had a useful last name for MSNBC. I think Reagan's show last little more than 15 minutes.<br />
The Virginia Gentlemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624119013658673339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122110287031173892.post-32071102014437743702020-03-25T21:50:00.000-07:002020-03-25T21:50:15.621-07:00Never Trumper Asserts "Trump is Willing to Sacrifice Lives to Try And Save the Economy and His Chances For Re-Election"The latest talking point from the left is that President Trump is willing to "sacrifice" Americans lives to protect his re-election chances. The left's theory is that he has to reopen the country to prevent the economy from another depression, and hence any hope of being re elected.<br />
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So, like a virus, this nutty theory is running around, and like the sun rising in the east CNN's token Republican Matt Lewis advances it. In his column on the "Daily Beast", Lewis pushing this exact theory. It is amazing how the left daily sticks to the same page. <br />
<br />
In the first sentence of "The Party of Life Embraces Trump's Death Cult", Lewis, who voted for pro-choice Joe <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/this-virginia-conservative-republican-is-ridin-with-biden">Biden</a>, asserts, <blockquote>"Donald Trump is willing to sacrifice lives to try and save the economy and his chances for re-election."</blockquote><br />
The unsubstantiated charge says more about Lewis and the left. That even while millions of their fellow Americans are thrown out of work, they grow more concerned about losing an election and raise paranoid theories that Trump might benefit politically from the national emergency.<br />
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The gist of the story, Lewis sums it up:<br />
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<blockquote>"Unfortunately, we have skipped over that nuanced discussion and gone straight to Republicans rationalizing the idea that we can just wipe out a million or so people to fix the economy." </blockquote><br />
He claims that by reopening the economy, Trump will sacrifice "millions of lives." This is stupid for a number of reasons. First, once the economy is reopened, which the President is flexible on regarding the timing, no one has to leave the confines of their isolation. If someone feels vulnerable or sick they should stay home.<br />
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Social distancing and hand washing (and hand wringing) can continue. <br />
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Secondly, most people won't acquire the virus, after they go back to work. And the vast majority of people that do will live. Some even feeling nothing more than a minor, short flu.<br />
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The disease is serious, but it will diminish soon. It is rare in many parts of the country, and for millions of Americans if faced with a choice between a bad flu and a great depression would choose the flu. Trump represents those people. Hardworking, tough determined people.<br />
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Look at our history. When did a bad flu stop us? The settlement in Jamestown was wracked with disease; malaria, survey, dysentery, yellow fever... And the amazing thing, and as a Virginian I take great pride in the fact, people kept coming.<br />
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Lewis even implies that Trump likes the daily media coverage, which a national emergency brings, Lewis writes of Trump:<br />
<blockquote>"This is a man who responded to a pandemic by thinking, “How can I be on TV more?” It’s truly depraved." </blockquote><br />
I suspect that this is a statement by someone, suffering, not from the Chinese flu, but from an equally vile, and unwanted condition - Trump Derangement Syndrome. The Virginia Gentlemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624119013658673339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122110287031173892.post-66616149062666795432020-03-22T21:49:00.002-07:002020-03-22T22:12:06.157-07:00Lincoln's Advice to TrumpHillary Clinton once claimed that while she was living in the White House occasionally she would talk to Eleanor Roosevelt. Well, not talked to, rather communed with Eleanor, who like Hillary was a first lady who thought she had a mandate to make policy. And like Hillary she had a philandering husband, who would indulge her passion for policy making, while he passionately pursued another woman, Lucy Mercer.<br />
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Well, if former occupants of the white House can give advice from the afterlife, what would one of President Trump's Republican predecessors say to him? What advice would he receive in this national emergency?<br />
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So I wonder what advice would the first Republican President, Abraham Lincoln give to Trump? Lincoln and Trump have many similarities. Both tall with funny hair. Both hated by the elites, both faced national emergencies, both having to battle a deep state. Both received less that 50 percent of the popular vote. Both denounced as illegitimate.<br />
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In fact Lincoln was far more hated than Trump. Once elected several southern states went so far as to leave the union claiming "He is not my President!"<br />
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Lincoln had to be smuggled into Washington for fear of his life. And when Lincoln arrived he was told by an aid that most people in Washington (swamp dwellers) wanted to tar and feather him, and run him out of town. Lincoln humorously responded, "well if it weren't for the honor I'd much rather walk."<br />
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In my readings I found this bit of advice from Lincoln. I think this would be perfect, almost as if Lincoln envision a Trump presidency:<br />
<blockquote>"If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any other business. I do the very best I know how - the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end. If the end brings me out all right, what's said against me won't amount to anything. If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference."</blockquote><br />
Lincoln is right. In the end the fake media won't matter. History will never remember Chuck Todd or Jake Tapper. They are nobodies and they always will be.<br />
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If Trump get us through this pandemic, with limited loss of life and an economy that can bounce back, he will, like Lincoln, be thought of as great.<br />
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If he gets us through, Trump, like Lincoln will forever belong to the ages.The Virginia Gentlemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624119013658673339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122110287031173892.post-90747512320909662362019-12-02T00:06:00.001-08:002019-12-02T00:11:21.683-08:00Trump Hasn't Changed the Republican Party. But He Has Changed the Democrat Party.The fake Republicans, those that are allowed to appear on CNN, like to claim that President Trump has changed the Republican party beyond all recognition. They claim that they really are conservative, they just can't support President Trump.<br />
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No, most of the never Trumpers are liberal Republicans. The kind who believe that if Trump would just stop tweeting, and appoint Merrick Garland to the supreme court, the country would be more harmonious. The media would then like us. We wouldn't be deplorable. <br />
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Now over time (decades) parties can change. The Republican party came out of the Whig Party. At one point the Republican party was the party of the tariff and the eastern establishment. The Democrat party was formed by supporters of Andrew Jackson, who were convinced that a national bank would ruin the country. <br />
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In the second decade of the 21st century we can say that President Trump is committed to the Republican party's orthodoxy of tax cuts, deregulation, strong national defense, commitment to law and order, and the appointment of conservative Judges. Neither, of his SCOTUS picks appear to be Souter or O'Conner like. Both Gorsuch and Kavanaugh, excellent picks, seem more in the mold of Scalia and Thomas. <br />
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On trade Trump has been a free trader, but has pushed back on what he perceives as unfair trade practices. Reagan did the same thing.<br />
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The Republican party of 2019 would be easily recognizable to Ronald Reagan. The gipper would back Trump, despite what Ron Jr. and Patti Davis say. <br />
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While Trump has not changed the Republican party he has changed the Democrat party. See, Trump Derangement Syndrome has driven the Democrats to the far left. They have followed the advice of Queens New York Democrat George Costanza. They will do the opposite of everything that reeks of Trump.<br />
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Trump is for capitalism, so they will be for socialism. Trump is for stopping illegal immigration, so the Democrats will be for open borders. Trump is pro Israel, so Democrats will stand up for Hamas. Trump concludes that anthropogenic global warming is a very weak theory not backed by science. Democrats will double down on it. The electoral college seems to favor Trump, so Democrats will seek to abolish it.<br />
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Even Al Gore, who lost the election in 2000, said he still favored the electoral college, right after he conceded. My Democrats have switch sides. <br />
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This leftward drift would not have happen, at least so rapidly, had it not been for Donald Trump. He is in their heads. <br />
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The Virginia Gentlemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624119013658673339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122110287031173892.post-42135793954099193942019-11-02T23:09:00.000-07:002019-11-02T23:55:48.305-07:00Amanda Carpenter's Trump Derangement Syndrome.Trump Derangement Syndrome is real. It is displayed on cable network television, newspapers, colleges and universities. This syndrome takes a normal, well, relatively normal, intelligent person(relatively) and drives them to insanity. <br />
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A case in point, a pundit with, of course CNN, Amanda Carpenter. Her hatred of President Trump is so great that she imagines impossible and irrational theories.<br />
She wrote a column for Time magazine, <a href="https://time.com/5714064/trump-abuse-of-power-women/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=editorial&utm_term=ideas_&linkId=76201816">“Trump’s Treatment of Women is his Original Abuse of Power”</a><br />
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She prefaced the column with a post on twitter:<br />
<i>"Perhaps now, in light of the impending impeachment proceedings, is an apt moment to reflect upon the mindset of an abuser. What does it mean when a man who believes 'when you are a star they let you do it' becomes President?"</i><br />
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Well, I read the column. It's ridiculous. Carpenter tries, and fails, because it is impossible, to link 12 unsubstantiated assault allegations against President Trump with failure to protect the Kurds, and then with separation of families at the border. She even links a bomb being sent to CNN to Trump. <br />
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Her claim is that just as Trump uses power to abuse women (unsubstantiated), he is prone to abuse the Constitution (unsubstantiated), abuse the Kurds and abuse immigrants.<br />
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There is no rational connection to any of these points.<br />
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First, feminist theory dictates that a woman never lies, but commonsense tells us that men and woman are equally prone to lying. So, for Carpenter if 12 women come to the media and say that they were attack by Donald Trump 30 years ago they are automatically credible. <br />
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Actually, she includes a link to a story that claims the attack number is now at 53, but as we get closer to election it is likely to grow. I would not be surprised if there are 45,000 Democrat and some Republican woman that might realize that they too were once attacked by Donald Trump and come forward and tell a reporter at the Washington Post.<br />
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Would I believe them or find them credible? <br />
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My first question would be did they file a police report after the alleged attack? Carpenter didn’t mention whether any of them did. Somehow, I doubt they did.<br />
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For good measure she throws in Trump’s affair with a porn star and playmate. But those were consensual relationships. She also mentions a conversation, Trump thought it was private, with Billy Bush. A conversation that included lewd guy talk. In my McLean High school gym class I heard worse. <br />
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Other problems with her theory. She fails to point out that we have no treaty with Kurdistan, actually I don’t think there is any such county. She fails to mention that Turkey is a fellow NATO member and ally. She fails to mention that the Kurdish group the PKK is considered a terrorist group.<br />
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And she claims Trump’s abuse of women is kind of like his immigration policies (yes, that is absurd). In talking about the border, Carpenter doesn’t seem to realize that we separate adults when arrested. The President is not abusing power. He is enforcing our immigration laws. Laws which he has an obligation to enforce.<br />
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She complains that aliens are moved by the INS all over the country to different facilities (cages she calls them). As opposed to what, being allowed to roam the streets of America? Being allowed to sleep in a park of their choosing in San Francisco? <br />
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Trump didn’t force anyone to break our immigration laws. He didn’t force them to come here. But he does have an obligation to deport and detain people here illegally. This is not an abuse of power.<br />
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She includes a clip of President Trump saying that there were “fine people on both sides” in Charlottesville. She must not have watched the clip that she posted. If she did, she would find that it was obvious that both sides referred to the debate over statues, not to being a neo nazi.<br />
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The last poll on I saw on the statue issue here in Virginia was about evenly split. So of course there are fine people on both sides.<br />
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She also tries to link a synagogue shooter with Trump. Seems that they both used the word “invader” Well, millions of people use the same words. An invasion is an “unwanted intrusion.” And by law illegal immigration is an unwanted intrusion. Trump is accurately using the word. But now the word can’t be used? Perhaps it might set off another shooter? Nonsense.<br />
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Carpenter disgustingly tries to link Trump to a bomber who attempted to hit CNN. But the bomber Cesar Sayoc had mental issues; his lawyer described him as lacking the ability to comprehend reality. Trump had no control over him. Shame on Carpenter for trying to blame Trump.<br />
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She laments the alleged harassment that E. Jean Carroll is going through. Even claiming Carroll sleeps with a loaded gun under her bed. <br />
Carroll claimed Trump attacked her in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room decades ago. Co incidentally there was a “law and order” episode, in the 1990’s where a woman was attacked in a Bergdorf Goodman changing room.<br />
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Carpenter doesn’t mention that Carroll never went to the police. She still could today. In fact, the only reason that we know the name E. Jean Carroll is because she wrote a book outlining the charge against Trump. It sells on Amazon and other fine book stores.<br />
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She has made the rounds on talk shows talking about the charge. Seems she doesn’t feel that it is necessary to go to the police, but certainly she will tell Anderson Cooper all about it on his prime time, but low rated show. She even told him, "It is fun talking to you."<br />
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Of the other women who have alleged that they were attacked by Trump she says “his accusers have paid dearly in terms of their reputation and safety.”<br />
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Well, if they didn’t go to the media, we never would have heard of them. And if they had gone to the police they would have been protected, kept anonymous, would have saved evidence, and maybe gotten justice.<br />
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Why didn’t they go to the police, well one possible reason, filing a false police report is a crime. Lying to Anderson Cooper is not.<br />
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Normally when we are wronged we use the courts to get justice. Carpenter and some of the alleged victims want to use the ballot box. <br />
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Carpenter concludes the piece with a wistful lament, if only we had listened to the women “who came forward in 2016 (and) tried to warn us about the harm he was capable of.” <br />
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Listening to people who were attacked and decided not to call the police are probably not people we should take advice from. Including advice on whom to vote for. <br />
The Virginia Gentlemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624119013658673339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122110287031173892.post-35916093425835738252019-10-21T01:16:00.000-07:002019-10-21T01:34:34.452-07:00"How Can You Continue to Defend Trump?" Wife Asks.I was lying in bed with the wife the other night – don’t stop reading this story I promise it’s G rated – and she rolls over and says to me, “How can you continue to defend Trump?”<br />
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What started the discussion, and prompted the question, was the Doral G7 controversy. I was defending Trump. Needless to say, my view of the controversy was more benign than hers. In a nutshell Trump genuinely thought that the Doral would be a great place for the summit, and he was floating a trial balloon. <br />
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Well, my immediate response to her question, “How can you continue to defend Trump?” was, well, I admit fairly glib and blunt, but it was basically this:<br />
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<i>“He may be the biggest a**hole in the world, but if he cuts taxes, deregulates the economy, deports criminal illegal aliens, and appoints conservative judges I will vote for him.”</i><br />
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She didn’t seem to buy that argument and rolled back over. But as I laid there in the dark, watching the ceiling fan rotate, the thought crossed my mind. How can I defend Trump? How can I defend Trump? <br />
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Well, there are two aspects to consider. Trump the person and Trump the President. I realize that I will never meet him, work for, or with him, socialize with him, hang out with him. Go bowling with him. And that’s probably a good thing. So, I won’t really know if he is an a**hole or a really nice guy. Both are possible.<br />
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I am sure his wife thinks he is a great guy. His kids and grandkids think he is a great guy. <br />
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I remember my Father met Jerry Ford when Ford was in Congress. Dad liked him a lot, so I was shocked when I learned that Dad didn’t vote for him. I said Dad you said you liked him. Why didn’t you vote for him? My Fathers response: “Just because I like someone doesn’t mean that I will vote for them for President.”<br />
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Conversely, just because I personally dislike someone does not mean that I won’t vote for them. <br />
<i><br />
Our politics have been personalized. </i><br />
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It seems every election year our superficial media asks the question, which presidential candidate would you rather have a beer with? And when I hear the question, I ask myself, who cares? You will never have a beer the President. But most people in the fake media think this is an important question.<br />
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I remember the 1992 Presidential campaign. Bill Clinton would bite his lip, squint his eyes and say, “I feel your pain.” People were impressed! They thought, just what we need, a President that feels our pain. In fact, Clinton could, on command, shed a politically necessary tear when hearing a heartbreaking story from a voter. <br />
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The voter would tell him that they were about to be evicted, or would lose their health insurance etc. Clinton hugged them, shook his head - showed he really cared.<br />
He was likable. He created, with the liberal media’s assistance, the image that he cared, as if a caring is an important quality in a President. <br />
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Whether Trump is a “nice guy” or a raging “a**hole” is mostly a media image. Created both by the media and Trump. Trump could work on his public image if he wanted to, but he doesn’t seem to care. And in some ways that makes me like him more.<br />
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In the past when Presidents wanted to improve their image, they would bring in photographers, do glossy photo shoots with the family for Life Magazine. They would do an interview with Diane Sawyer or Barbara Walters. Take the dog for a walk on the White House lawn. <br />
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Remember President Kennedy. He had those nice photos taken of him, Jackie, John Jr. and Caroline in the White House. Beautiful pictures. Now, earlier that day he was probably having sex the intern, but you don’t need to know that. What a beautiful family! What a great guy!<br />
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Now, it is tougher for a Republican to get fluff coverage, but if he wanted to, Trump could improve his personal image. Take some pictures with Baron. Pictures of him taking a walk or reading to Baron. Holding Melania’s hand on the couch, with TV dinner trays in front of them as they are watching dancing with the stars. Show some pictures of himself in a casual shirt doing some yard work. Maybe, loading the dishwasher. Pictures of himself shooting pool with friends.<br />
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Could you imagine if he got a dog, say a black lab. He walks the dog on the White Lawn in front of the press. On cue the dog poops, Trump reaches into his pocket, pulls out an environmentally correct compostable bag. Picks up the poop. The video would go viral. I believe It would greatly soften his image. <br />
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But to everlasting great credit, Trump won’t do it. He’d tell his political advisors I not picking up a dog’s poop. Every politician in America would pick up a dogs poop for the camera. Trump won't.<br />
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So, for me what matters are issues. Tangible results. My 401 K is doing great because of Trump policies. The tax cut and deregulation has led to the lowest unemployment level in 50 years. He has even outdone Ronald Reagan when it comes to deregulation.<br />
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Trump has appointed 2 supreme court judges, and 150 lower court judges. Good men and women who will strictly interpret the constitution and not legislate from the bench.<br />
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He has re-negotiated NAFTA, which now languishes in the House. Nancy is probably not going to bring it up for a vote. It could interfere with an impeachment- Democrats have their priorities.<br />
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He threatened tariffs on Mexico to pressure them to do more to stop caravans of illegals from getting into our country. It seems to be working. Mexico is helping.<br />
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He is pushing our allies to contribute more to our common defense. Pushing to re-negotiate trade deals to become more advantageous to our businesses and workers. In others words advancing Americas interest.<br />
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Would I personally like Trump? Would I like to have a beer with him? Probably not. But will I vote for him? Yes.<br />
The Virginia Gentlemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624119013658673339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122110287031173892.post-29936785249249440002019-09-30T01:12:00.001-07:002019-10-02T00:44:06.349-07:00Matt Lewis; My Favorite Never Trumper.I will admit up front that I like the never Trumper Matt Lewis. Yes, that Matt Lewis, the mainstream media’s house conservative, or at least one of the more articulate ones. He is sometimes on CNN and writes for the Daily Beast.<br />
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The MSM believes one of the best ways to attack Trump is through Republican surrogates. They can claim "Hey we are balanced, we bring on Republicans", but of course only self identified Republicans who hate Trump. And those never Trump Republicans don’t mind being used. And who knows, Jake Tapper might be a great guy to work with. I hear people that work with him describe him as “intellectually honest”, but perhaps a bit of a virtue signaler. <br />
<br />
Well, Lewis latest piece in the Daily Beast is so cynical, so deceitful, so banal, that I have to share it. The headline is priceless:<a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/im-a-conservative-and-nancy-pelosi-is-right-on-here-where-are-the-elected-republicans?ref=scroll"> “I am a conservative and Nancy Pelosi is right On Here.”</a> <br />
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First red flag, if you have to state in the first sentence that you are a conservative, you probably are not. In fairness to him I will assume his editors wrote the title.<br />
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He doesn’t disclose in his piece that he is a never Trumper. Perhaps someone reading the column will think wow a Republican thinks Trump should be impeached! Next thing you know Bill Weld, or Bill Kristol, both of whom claim to be Republicans, will follow the Lewis lead and also claim that Trump should be impeached.<br />
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He starts off with this: <i>“It feels awfully weird to be on the Democratic speaker’s side. But it feels weirder to be disappointed in people who have been my allies.”</i><br />
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What allies? He didn’t vote for Trump. Now he's disappointed that Republicans, allegedly "his once allies", don’t want to side with Nancy Pelosi and undo an election? Republicans don’t want to switch over to his CNN never Trump side? <br />
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He may feel disappointment, but no real conservative with any sense is going to join Nancy Pelosi in a coup against a conservative President. A tax cutting President. A de regulating President. A President that is appointing great conservative judges. A conservative President fighting to enforce our immigration laws.<br />
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Lewis claims that the administration “pressured” the Ukrainians into investigating Joe Biden. He also says such pressure constitutes an impeachable offense. He posts 3 links to back up the claim, but if you check those out, you’ll find that they don’t prove it at all.<br />
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As for the belief that pressuring a foreign government is an impeachable event, I would refer him to Article I, section 4 of the Constitution that says that a President can ONLY be removed for “Treason, Bribery, or other High Crimes and Misdemeanors.”<br />
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If a President wants to find out what the previous administration did in another country, say the Ukraine, how can that be illegal, let alone impeachable?<br />
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Joe Biden is not President Trumps opponent. And any such “dirt”, a word Trump never used, would go to the Attorney General, not a campaign manager. Doesn't a President have an obligation to investigate whether a previous administration abused its power? Maybe it is wise to ignore the past administration and move on, but such a question is not impeachable. <br />
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Lewis then describes Nancy Pelosi as being "patient and pragmatic", regarding her handling of the impeachment matter. He ignores the fact that she admitted that she hadn’t read the transcript of the President’s call. And despite not reading it she claimed that Trump asked the Ukrainians for help in the 2020 election.<br />
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I read the transcript. The President never mentioned the upcoming 2020 election. Nancy claimed today that Trump did in, “other words.” I guess in words no one but her, and perhaps Lewis, can hear.<br />
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Half way through his column he makes a claim that Democrat members, in districts that Trump carried, are showing great “courage and integrity” by coming out for impeachment.<br />
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No, they are not showing courage or integrity. They are caving to their party’s leaders and donors. They have Potomac fever. They are telling their voters we don’t care about how you voted in the election. Trump is not a fellow Democrat, you failed to vote for Hillary, well, screw you we are getting rid of the guy.<br />
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Lewis then claims Pelosi is standing up for American values, and that the Democrats who support impeachment know it will probably fail in the senate. And that the knowledge of ultimate failure is “all the more a testament to their sacrifice”. Like the boys of the Alamo perhaps?<br />
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Lewis, seems touched by Pelosi’s use of the Ben Franklin line “a Republic if you can keep it.” This line was probably told to Elizabeth Powell. Powell was a friend of Washington and Franklin, but I digress.<br />
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Lewis is wrong. It's not the Democrats who are fighting for the Constitution. For to remove a Democratically elected President for purely political reasons is not something Ben Franklin would have supported.<br />
The Virginia Gentlemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624119013658673339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122110287031173892.post-35679729685637106652019-09-09T00:07:00.002-07:002019-09-09T00:10:52.020-07:00Mike Thompson RIPI was saddened to learn of the death of Mike Thompson. Mike passed away last night after a lengthy battle with cancer. Mike was the President of the Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy, an invaluable resource for us Virginia conservatives.<br />
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I have known Mike for at least 20 years. All day I was thinking when did I first meet Mike. I don’t know exactly. It could have been at literally hundreds of campaign events, or campaign victory parties, or at a fundraiser. I guess sometimes in life you meet people that you just feel that have known forever. And that is how felt about Mike. <br />
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I do remember in the late 90’s I would go down to Wakefield for the Shad Planking, a mecca for anyone interested in Virginia politics. A bus would leave from the right to work building in Springfield and Mike would usually go with us. I do remember election night parties watching the returns with Mike. Asking what he thought about a race. I’d ask Mike something like with “65 percent of the vote in we are up by 5 points.” Have we got this?” But the answer was usual the same. “That depends has all of Fairfax county come in yet?”<br />
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Mike was a fixture in conservative politics in Virginia and at any event over the last 20 years you could almost expect, indeed, look forward to running into Mike. Over the years Mike did a few interviews on my blog. I posted a number of his columns. And I sought his advice on a number of projects I was working on. He was always very generous with his help and guidance. <br />
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Mike had a historian’s knowledge of the conservative movement. He was involved in the Reagan campaigns and knew, or so it seemed to me, every detail of both Reagan campaigns in 1976 and 1980. <br />
I have read numerous books on Reagan and always thought maybe one day I could stump Mike on a Reagan trivia question. A couple years ago I read Lou Cannon’s book on Reagans time as Governor of California. As Governor, Reagan appointed a young LA lawyer, Phil Battaglia to be his Chief of Staff. Well, to make a long story short, Battaglia was let go.<br />
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So, I thought well I bet I can stump Mike on this. No way he is going to remember who was Governor Reagan’s first chief of staff. I saw Mike and asked do you remember who Governor Reagan picked. Without missing a beat Mike said, “I met Phil Battaglia…”<br />
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Well, I didn’t stump him, and alas I never will. RIP Mike.<br />
The Virginia Gentlemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624119013658673339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122110287031173892.post-81883056782702302652019-04-03T20:42:00.000-07:002019-04-03T21:58:50.887-07:00The 22nd Amendment Was Not Anti-Roosevelt, It Was Pro-George WashingtonThere is a view, which I accept, that says conventional wisdom is usually wrong, if not overly simplistic. And as conventional wisdom is repeated and spread people tend to accept it uncritically as fact. It becomes as the left would say “settled science.” For example in the 20th century socialism was considered settled science. No need for any more debate.<br />
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In the world of political science there is the assertion that the 22nd amendment was ratified by angry Republicans as a rebuke to the memory of Franklin Roosevelt. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez took conventional wisdom one step further by claiming that it was ratified to prevent Franklin Roosevelt from being reelected. He died in 1945. The amendment wasn’t ratified until 1951. <br />
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The 22nd amendment limits the President to no more than two terms, or 10 years. There is a grandfather clause, so the amendment didn’t apply to the incumbent. Harry Truman was President therefore it didn’t apply to him. Conceivably he could have served 4 or more terms.<br />
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Rep. Cortez defenders admit that she may have got her facts wrong, excuse me misspoke, but they say essentially, she is correct. She was pointing out that Republicans were willing to change the Constitution for political gain, and that it was ratified as a “negative reaction to Roosevelt.” <br />
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In effect the 22nd amendment was perpetrated by mean Republicans motivated by hatred of Franklin Roosevelt. <br />
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Essentially that is the conventional wisdom that is taught in US history and government classes. I have heard this all my life. Is it true?<br />
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No.<br />
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Our first President George Washington set the standard. A standard that the American people wanted codified in the constitution.<br />
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After his second term Washington decided that was enough, and he retired to his farm in Alexandria. It was an historic move. He could have been king, or President for life, but he walked away from power. The American republic was established!<br />
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And for over 100 years no President ran for a 3rd term out of respect for the Washington standard. Well, a very ambitious man named Franklin Roosevelt tried to establish a new standard, perhaps just for himself, but in 1940 he ran for a third term.<br />
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There was nothing in the constitution that prevented a President from seeking a third term. Probably because no one thought such an amendment was needed. Washington set a standard that no one thought would be broken. Who would claim to need a single term more than Washington?<br />
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Now, maybe it was good that Roosevelt was President for 4 terms. My doubts aside the American people returned him to power for 4 terms.<br />
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On one hand the American people loved Roosevelt. They had great faith in him. But on the other hand, the evidence is clear. The American people like term limits, especially for their chief executives. For example, 38 states have some form of a term limit on their governor. So, the idea that they wanted a term limit on the President makes sense. A Governor and President both have executive power.<br />
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In Virginia our Governor can not serve consecutive terms. I assumed most Virginians opposed this limit. Well, to my surprise a few years ago I saw a poll that showed Virginians supported this limit and didn’t support repeal. By the way, Virginia ratified the amendment in 1948.<br />
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In 1947 the House and Senate approved the 22nd amendment, with some support from Democrat members of both Houses. They then sent it off to the states for ratification. <br />
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By 1951 41 states ratified the amendment. New York, Roosevelt’s home state, ratified the amendment in 1948.<br />
Despite what Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez may think amending the constitution is not an easy thing to do. It can’t be done on a straight party line vote.<br />
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As a presidential candidate Roosevelt never failed to carry New Jersey. Yet in 1947 the Garden state ratified the 22nd amendment. Were they making an anti-Roosevelt statement? <br />
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No.<br />
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The 22nd amendment was not anti-Roosevelt, as conventional wisdom suggests, and the left asserts, rather it was a return to the Washington standard of a two term maximum. Despite their affection and respect for the late President, they preferred a term limit on the nation’s chief executive.<br />
The Virginia Gentlemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624119013658673339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122110287031173892.post-22135701852114110842019-04-02T19:33:00.000-07:002019-04-02T21:52:49.366-07:00Not A Minor GaffeRecently I was talking politics with a political friend of mine, and the subject of perhaps the dumbest member of congress, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) came up. My friend optimistically claimed that she will be a font of laughs for years to come. Yes, an embarrassment perhaps, but he said “just for New York”.<br />
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He cited her post-election declaration that she couldn’t wait to be inaugurated so she could sign bills into law. She obviously has never read article I or II of the Constitution which gives the exclusive power to the President to sign bills into law.<br />
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Come to think of it he was referring to her claim that there are 3 chambers of government. You may say it was a simple mistake, she meant to say the 3 branches of government. No, I heard her explanation. She claimed that the 3 chambers of government consist of the House of Representatives, the Senate and the Executive branch. <br />
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Clearly, she could not pass a high school civics class. And one may conclude that Boston University, where she studied, is a bad university.<br />
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I do think she is will be great for laughs, but more importantly an excellent, living, breathing argument against “free" college. Imagine if you as a taxpayer had to pick up the tab for her college tuition.<br />
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But I think her ignorance of history and economics, and public policy is far more profound than people can imagine. Especially American history. An example from yesterday, she said: <br />
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“They had to amend the Constitution of the United States to make sure Roosevelt did not get re-elected.”</b><br />
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She doesn’t know that the President died in office in 1945, two years before the 22nd amendment was ratified? Does she think Wendell Wilkie was elected President in 1940, or Tom Dewey was elected in 1944?<br />
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Does she think Roosevelt retired to Warm Springs Georgia to write his memoirs? In his final years he became an elder statesman? <br />
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Maybe. Too bad there wasn’t a real journalist questioning her, I think she made the remarks on MSNBC. They could have asked her when she thought the 22nd amendment was ratified. Was it ratified before or after the attack on Pearl Harbor?<br />
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Her claim that Republicans “had to amend the Constitution of the United States to make sure Roosevelt did not get re-elected” is not a minor gaffe. <br />
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Is she so ignorant and cynical to believe that Republicans amended the Constitution to deny the commander and chief re-election in the middle of a two front war? That would be a major development in American history. We may not have won world war II. <br />
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Hitler may have concluded that if Roosevelt was term limited he could wait him out. Not declare war on the US and wait to deal with Dewey or Wilkie.<br />
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Imagine if Lincoln couldn’t run in 1864. The war would have had a different outcome. If Roosevelt couldn’t have run in 1940 or 1944 the world would look different today.<br />
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You see by the late 30’s Roosevelt knew we were headed for another world war. Through overt aid, lend lease, and covert aide, he was preparing the country for war. However, the public was not yet with him so he had to maintain the fiction that he “would not send our boys to fight in a foreign war.” All the while working within the law, and outside it, to aide Britain and Russia.<br />
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Of course, Franklin Roosevelt was not subject to a term limit. The world is a different place because of that fact. But Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez doesn’t know that. <br />
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If she claimed that President Rutherford B. Hayes was from Pennsylvania, when of course he was from Ohio, well that is a minor mistake, although she should know that. <br />
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However, to be under the impression that Franklin Roosevelt could not run for reelection because of the 22nd amendment is someone who is ignorant of basic American history. <br />
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And the other gaffe yesterday, she wondered why a croissant at the airport costs so much. Well, New York does have a 15-dollar minimum wage, but I doubt she would make the connection. After all she studied economics at Boston University.<br />
The Virginia Gentlemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624119013658673339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122110287031173892.post-66064308779798516782019-02-07T00:38:00.000-08:002019-02-07T02:15:59.556-08:00Virginia Democrat Party in Disarray. I Say Blame Todd GilbertI have been following Virginia politics for a few decades now and this week is without a doubt the most bizarre week I have ever seen. All three elected statewide officials are in trouble, and I mean they may have to resign trouble. All are members of the Democrat party.<br />
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And who is to blame for their current predicament? I for one blame/credit Republican Delegate Todd Gilbert. A Republican from Shenandoah county.<br />
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It started last week, the last week of January. Democrat Delegate Kathy Tran sponsored a bill, HB 2491, which would remove virtually all restrictions on third trimester abortions. Planned Parenthood’s dream bill. Gee, I wonder if Planned Parenthood ever gave her money? If they haven't they probably will now.<br />
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In a subcommittee Delegate Todd Gilbert asked her if her Bill would allow an abortion seconds before delivery. Tran hemmed and hawed, and mumbled something about a valuable witness not being able to testify. But Gilbert persisted with his questions, and Tran admitted that yes, the baby could be killed right before delivery.<br />
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The video of the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMFzZ5I30dg">hearing went viral</a>, so naturally it became the big story in Virginia and nationally.<br />
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Well, not to be out done, Governor Northam on Wednesday was asked about it on his radio show, which he must have known would come up. Oddly, Northam suggested that the bill was rather mild. And criticism of the bill was “blown out of proportion.”<br />
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Northam went one step further than Tran. He said that the baby could be aborted/killed after being born! One concession he did grant was that the baby should be made ‘comfortable’ as the adults in the room decide the fate. Thumbs up the baby is resuscitated, thumbs down it is death.<br />
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Well, rumor has it that one of Northam’s classmates from medical school was so outraged by Northam’s support for infanticide that he or she leaked to the press the school’s yearbook. In it, on Northam's page, is a racist photo of a man in a Klan hood and a man in blackface. Gee, I wonder how it got there.<br />
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By the end of the week Northam seemed to admit that yes he was in the photo. He wouldn’t say whether he was the guy in black face or the guy with the Klan hood on. <br />
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On Saturday Northam changed positions. He announced that after looking at the picture again, and discussing it with family and friends, and maybe some lawyers and political consultants, concluded that he was not in the photo.<br />
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However, he did acknowledge that he did once, while impersonating Michael Jackson, put shoe polish on his face. An act that is considered racially offensive. He added that he learned not to put too much shoe polish on his face because it is nearly impossible to get off. Experience is the best teacher. <br />
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That brings us to Justin Fairfax. He is the Lt. Governor of Virginia. Like Northam a Democrat, a rising star and someone that most Democrats would rather have as Governor. Fairfax, an African-American may even be politically to the left of Northam. So, Democrats called on Northam to resign. Makes good political sense. Get rid of the politically toxic Northam and get the rising star Fairfax.<br />
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No way said Northam. I don’t think you need to be a conspiracy theorist to believe that Northam dug up dirt on Fairfax. And guess what? A day later a story surfaced that Fairfax had attacked a woman in 2004. Fairfax denies the story.<br />
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That brings us to the third in line for the Governor’s mansion, Democrat Attorney General Mark Herring. Herring called for Northam to step down. Herring denounced Northam for appearing in a racist photo, an offensive that Herring believes(at least as of Monday) requires a resignation.<br />
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Well, what's that expression those that live in glass houses should not throw stones.<br />
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Yesterday, Herring admitted that like Northam he also engaged in a racist act. He too went in black face to imitate a rap artist. I wonder if Herring still believes that such an act requires a resignation from public office?<br />
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No doubt Northam’s allies spread the dirt on Herring. Maybe they even have pictures. I wonder if Northam had these pictures in the safe just in case they would be needed one day.<br />
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So, you see it all comes down to a series of questions posed by Todd Gilbert. The Titanic was brought down by an iceberg. At first it appeared to be just a scratch. But nearly two hours later the Titanic was underwater. For Virginia Democrats their iceberg has a shape, a form, it even has a name - Todd Gilbert.<br />
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The Virginia Gentlemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624119013658673339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122110287031173892.post-25259988357545389342018-10-31T00:24:00.001-07:002018-10-31T22:11:41.482-07:00Election EveIt is election eve, less than a week away, and with it comes to mind one of my favorite stories. On the eve of the 2000 Presidential election I happened to walk into a McDonald’s in McLean Virginia. Yes, I admit McDonald’s food is a habit I have, and probably never will, outgrow.<br />
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While there I noticed former Republican Congressman Phil Crane. Crane was a conservative from Illinois. He ran for President in 1980 on the belief that Ronald Reagan was not going to run. <br />
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Well, not being shy I walked up to him and introduced myself. I should say I re-introduced myself to him. I met him at a college Republican event. He didn’t seem to remember me, but he remembered the event.<br />
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And in the conversation, I asked him who he thought would win the election, Bush or Gore. I’ll never forget his answer, he said “Son, I don’t know who is going to win, but I do know this, this is the most important election in our lifetime.” Actually, he probably didn’t say “son” since I was well into my twenties but the rest of the quote is verbatim.<br />
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I do remember thinking he was right, this is the most important election. But it seems that every election since is the “most important.”<br />
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It is the most important because the parties are so competitive, the stakes so high, and the consequences are so great.<br />
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If we Republicans keep the senate we can keep nominating and confirming conservative judges. If not, we won’t get another conservative on the bench. If we keep the senate Trump can get rid of Sessions, Rosenstein, and maybe Mueller.<br />
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If Democrats take the House they will investigate the hell out of the Trump administration. Subpoena every member of the administration down to the clerks in the mailroom.<br />
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If Democrats win they will move to impeach the President. They will push to repeal the tax cuts that have given a great boost to our economy and a terrific bull market. (My IRA is up big!)<br />
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If Democrats get elected they will push to grant amnesty to illegal aliens, they will push to abolish ICE. If Democrats get elected they will push for insane programs such as Medicare for all, and “free” college. Just think you didn’t like paying for your college tuition how do you feel about paying for someone else’s.<br />
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So, every election eve I think about my chance meeting with Phil Crane. And his words still ring true today, “this is the most important election of our lifetime.<br />
The Virginia Gentlemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624119013658673339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122110287031173892.post-41308820461999660802018-09-30T23:53:00.000-07:002018-10-01T00:10:10.004-07:00CNN and The Politics of Personal DestructionIt is true that CNN is a purveyor of fake news, but that does not tell the whole story of what motivates and animates CNN. Their goal is to advance a political narrative. It is not just to spread lies (fake news), rather it is to advance a misleading narrative. It is a narrative in the direction of socialism. <br />
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As President Trump racks up wins and advances his make America great again agenda CNN gets more hyperbolic. Take the Kavanaugh nomination.<br />
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Two months ago they simply advanced the idea that Brett Kavanaugh, on the supreme court, would try to take away “a woman’s right to choose”, or deny people healthcare, or protect President Trump from justice.<br />
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Now their attacks have entered a new phase. The politics of personal destruction. The other night they had on a classmate who said Kavanaugh was a “heavy drinker” back in school. What a crock of you know what. <br />
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For every one person that they could dig up who would say that he was a heavy drinker I bet they could find ten that would swear that they never saw him take a drink. However, CNN is not interested in the truth. They want to spread a narrative. The narrative is that Kavanaugh was a drunkard. Didn’t he say under oath that he was a moderate drinker, wow that could be perjury? A drunkard and a liar.<br />
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They have even promoted discussion of whether as a young person he was a rapist. This based on an unsubstantiated charge, and it turns out that the person who made the <a href="https://www.oregonlive.com/silicon-forest/index.ssf/2018/09/julie_swetnick_one_of_kavanaug.html">charge is a liar</a>.<br />
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They even discussed a charge that he pulled his pants down and exposed himself at a college party. I thought that was a regular occurrence at college parties where alcohol is on tap.<br />
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I will tell you this if I am at a party and someone drops their pants I would leave. And I would not do an interview with <i>the New Yorker<i></i></i> describing it 30 years after the fact.<br />
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For CNN it is not enough to oppose him on philosophical grounds rather they have decided to destroy his character. <br />
Shame on CNN. What a disgrace.<br />
The Virginia Gentlemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624119013658673339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122110287031173892.post-6022611382422363642018-07-15T23:58:00.000-07:002018-07-16T01:30:21.459-07:00The Obsession With RoeH.L. Mencken once observed that the greatest glory of the Constitution was that it can be read and understood by anyone at a 10th grade reading level, and it could be done in 15 minutes. Now we have added a few amendments since Mencken, but I agree with his observation.<br />
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Now take that same 10th grader, give him a copy of the Constitution, and the task of finding any justification for the Roe vs. Wade decision. Even give him a hint, “Johnny look for a penumbra of rights.” Johnny wouldn’t be able to find it. Because Justices Blackman, Stewart, Douglas, Potter, Burger, Marshall, and Powell made it up.<br />
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One thing liberals don't understand is that we conservatives are not looking to the courts to stop abortion, rather we want the courts to rule on the law and the Constitution, and not legislate from the bench. Overturning Roe would not outlaw abortion, it will simply allow states to have their own abortion laws. If Roe were to be overturned would New Jersey outlaw abortion? Would Massachusetts or New York? I highly doubt it. <br />
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But to the left Roe v. Wade is sacred. It is precedent don’t cha know. It is settle law, like anthropogenic global warming is settle science. Off limits to all debate.<br />
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The Supreme Court’s job is to interpret the Constitution as it was written and amended. This statement may keep me from ever being nominated to the Supreme court, but I will say it. Precedent is not that important, actually it doesn’t matter. In other words, it deserves very little consideration.<br />
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In minutes after Kennedy announced his decision to retire the mainstream media started wringing their hands with worry about the legacy of Roe. The sky is falling, the barbarians are taking over. As if a country without Roe would be akin to the fall of Rome. <br />
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In the weeks before President Trump nominated Judge Kavanaugh and since I estimate that NBC leftist Chuck Todd has spent at least 60 percent of his time on air discussing abortion, which may or may not ever again be taken up by the Supreme Court. Jake Tapper and Wolf Blitzer may have spent even more time talking about it.<br />
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But as Bob Dylan once sang, “These times they are a changing.” One more conservative on the Supreme Court and we will have a conservative Judicial branch of government for at least a decade. Precedent be damned.<br />
The Virginia Gentlemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624119013658673339noreply@blogger.com0