Coarse Cracked Corn

Things are looking fowl

2011-06-09T17:53:00.000-04:00

Somebody must have turned on the lights in the hen house. Cluck!

How about pay as we GO?

2011-01-15T09:02:00.002-05:00

So Governor Bob McDonnell wants to help pay for transportation in NOVA and Hampton Roads by taking General Fund monies from K-12, from public safety (state troopers are already understaffed; ditto for police/deputies in some localities), and from public health. I guess that reflects his priorities - get a transportation merit badge by any means. Beg, borrow, steal?

Transportation should be paid by the users thereof... including those out-of-staters rambling through the commonwealth on I-95 and I-81. Tolls? Maybe. Raising the gas tax? Seems like a user fee is a fair way to go. Raising license fees for those big trucks that put such demands on our road and bridges? Yeah, they should fully pay their way? And while we are at it, shouldn't electric cars have to pay for the roads, too? Maybe we need to rethink the gas tax and move to a taxation per mile plan- that would certainly face potholes in the political road!

Question is... why is the chicken paying for roads by being the fox in the hen house of K-12, of public safety, and of other core state services?

Conservative Constitution of the United States

2011-01-08T05:41:00.000-05:00

We, the Real Americans, in order to form a more God-Fearing Union, establish Justice as we see it, Defeat Health-Care Reform, and Preserve and Protect our Property, our Guns and our Right Not to Pay Taxes, do ordain and establish this Conservative Constitution for the United States of Real America.

Read the rest of the Conservative Constitution of the United States in David Cole's Washington Post column.

Pundits, Republicans, and other fools

2011-01-07T18:39:00.003-05:00

I am growing tired of stupid pundits on MSNBC and Fox. The Repubs and Fox nearly always piss me off. What am I talking about - all the absurd commentary on the new jobs numbers that came out today. A big part of our economy's problem is the Bush (and yes, Clinton) "go-go" economics that tossed regs out the window and allowed out of control "capitalism," spiked with greed, to totally f*ck us over. Pundits like Chris Matthews on Hardball think it will be five years before jobs return. And fools like the new House Majority Leader give zero credit to President Obama for the (rather anemic) job growth we've have since Bush policies tanked the economy. But, with his appointments today is the president kissing up to big business and forgetting the people who elected him?

Huge global structural changes have fundamentally changed the US economy. Chris, I doubt those jobs will "return" in five years or ever. Eric, instead of partisan BS like calling every Obama initiative "job-killing," how about some real thinking, some real ideas for moving America forward. I suppose that is far beyond your capabilities.

In the meantime, the most insightful commentator on jobs and the condition of working folks in the USA was, and is, Bruce Springsteen, who in My Hometown, told us "these jobs are going boys and they ain't coming back." Springsteen was absolutely right - the manufacturing jobs of the 50s, 60s, 70s are gone to China, India, Indonesia. If Chris Matthews thinks they'll come back in five years he's a yapping fool. But, if Eric Cantor thinks cutting spending and rolling back health care reform will fix things, he's clearly just another partisan fool on the hill.

Gasland: The Movie

2010-12-28T07:51:00.000-05:00

The largest domestic natural gas drilling boom in history has swept across the United States. The Halliburton-developed drilling technology of "fracking" or hydraulic fracturing has unlocked a "Saudia Arabia of natural gas" just beneath us. But is fracking safe? When filmmaker Josh Fox is asked to lease his land for drilling, he embarks on a cross-country odyssey uncovering a trail of secrets, lies and contamination. (From the producers of Gasland)

The Shenandoah Group of the Sierra Club, in cooperation with the JMU Earth Club, will present the film Gasland: The Movie in the auditorium in JMU's Memorial Hall at 7:00 PM on January 18, 2011. Following the movie a panel of local experts will discuss hydrofracking and answer questions about its implications for our area.

Memorial Hall is the former Harrisonburg High School located at 395 S. High Street, Harrisonburg. Directions. The event is free and open to the public. More info.

Random acts of vacuous behavior

2010-12-20T07:25:00.001-05:00

Okay, this post is vacuous behavior itself, but here goes...

The other day I was in Harrisonburg and spotted or heard on the radio, the following:

At the Lowe's there is a small bike rack. I suppose that is a nice touch, but wonder if it is often used? It is a cold day in Hell when I come out of Lowe's with such a small load that I could carry it on a bicycle! Then again, when in Beijing, we saw bikes with carts hauling everything from snow to small livestock... if gas prices keep rising we may see more "work bikes" here.
A Cash Advance store has a sign on the door saying "No Cash On Premises." Huh?
A radio ad for a funeral home wished everyone a "safe and healthy New Year." I like the sentiment, but it wouldn't be very good for business.

This one is more of a pet peeve. Like many folks at this time of year, we've made some charitable donations. Three were to local organizations helping people with genuine needs and whose work we admire because they touch lives and make us a better community. All well and good so far, but here's what irks me a bit... within two weeks all three had mailed additional solicitations to my home. Perhaps that is strategic marketing, but it seems almost rude and, to my way of thinking, a waste of resources. We'll donate to these organizations again in the future, but couldn't I get the thank you note first?

Governor to state employees... you'll have to pay for state's mismanagement

2010-12-16T14:27:00.002-05:00

According to a recent study commissioned by the General Assembly, the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) is underfunded by $18 billion. In his budget proposals, Governor Bob McDonnell will likely tell state employees to pick up some of the tab for restoring the system. With pay raises unlikely, that will be a pay cut for the Commonwealth's workforce.

One might ask why the VRS is ailing. Well, the simple and honest answer is because for several budget cycles the General Assembly and governor have cut the state's, local governments', and school boards' contributions below what was prudent to maintain a viable system able to meet its obligations. They've also borrowed from VRS to patch holes in the budget. They assured everyone that these actions would not endanger VRS' balance sheet. Due to policymakers' own actions the VRS is in some difficulty and those same policymakers want someone else to pick up the tab.

If that sounds unfair... it most definitely is. A quarter century ago the state (also most local governments and school boards) picked in the employees' 5% share of the contribution in lieu of a pay raise. In response to some skepticism, policymakers promised it would be permanent. Then last year legislation passed requiring new employees to pay that 5% themselves. At least newbies understood the deal when they took the job. Now the governor wants all employees to pick up (as yet undisclosed) some of the so-called "employees' share." If the state does so, it is probable that local governments and school boards will follow suit - like state employees, most teachers, police, and other local employees would effectively face a pay cut after several years without pay raises.

The governor's proposal is bad policy that breaks faith with the men and women who perform valuable services for the citizens. The General Assembly should reject this idea, restore rational contribution rates for VRS, begin paying back money borrowed from VRS, and delay funding new pet projects of the administration until current obligations to VRS are met.

Saving corn... cutting service to farmers and homeowners

2010-12-13T15:25:00.002-05:00

You may have used the services of the Virginia Cooperative Extension when having a problem in your home garden or with pests in your lawn. The farmer down the road probably uses a variety of Extension services in managing and improving his operation. Your kids may have been involved in 4-H programs. All that might be coming to an end, or be far less convenient, if proposed budget cuts materialize.

Virginia Tech has proposed restructuring the Virginia Cooperative Extension in a move that will save $5.5 million but make services much less available and convenient to those who use them. The plan, which is in a early draft stage, will consolidate the 106 local offices into a couple dozen regional hubs. Some staff positions, most likely administrative assistants, would be eliminated. Many folks who use extension services would have to travel farther and may find some programs cut or curtailed.

I haven't heard any speculation on specifically how restructuring would affect the central Shenandoah Valley Extension offices. Partly because the plan is just now being developed and partly because Extension employees have apparently been cautioned about speaking out on the issue, there are few public details. Rockingham and Augusta counties are two of the largest agricultural producers in the Commonwealth and they, along with other local governments and citizens, need to engage state legislators on this issue before the General Assembly convenes in January. In this case, the savings may not be worth the costs to our communities.

It is a good deal... let me find the credit card

2010-12-10T09:05:00.000-05:00

Governor Bob McDonnell wants to take advantage of low construction costs brought on by the slow economy to jump start road building in the Commonwealth. His transportation plan calls for spending about $4 billion over three years to ease congestion and, as a side benefit, to create much needed jobs. Laudable goals. Road construction has languished in the Commonwealth while congestion has gotten worse. Folks in road building could certainly use the work. With costs, both highway construction and interest rates, at near historic lows now could be the time to get more miles for the dollar.

But... there's always a "but" isn't there... make no mistake about it, the Commonwealth will have to go deeper into hock to pay for the roads. Unfortunately the governor's plan fails to address just how we'd pay back those loans. Delegate Ward Armstrong (D-Henry Co.), House minority leader and a potential gubernatorial candidate, issued a press release saying of the plan,

This is just the latest in a long line of irresponsible and half-baked ideas that fail to address our core problem of generating a long-term sustainable source of funding for our transportation needs...

So where would Governor McDonnell find the dollars? He says some of the money would come from saving and unspent funds of over $1 billion "discovered" in a recent VDOT audit. So, that really doesn't represent much new spending, but rather money that is already in the pipeline for maintenance and other projects. The governor's plan anticipates $700 million from as yet unrealized future surpluses and from privatization of state ABC stores. Perhaps this is his way of pressuring the General Assembly into moving ahead on his plan to sell the liquor business, but legislators are far from being sold on deal, especially in light of a recent report of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission questioning administration numbers. According to JLARC, the "profits" would be closer to $300 than the $500 million the governor projected. Plus, while it would be upfront money that could be used for current transportation, the sale would mean a loss of state revenue each and every year in the future.

Beyond that, the governor plans to borrow $2.9 billion in a mix of state-backed and federal-backed bonds. The $1.1 billion federal-backed bonds, it appears, are repaid from future federal transportation grants-in-aid to the Commonwealth. So, we'd have future loss of revenue from the sale of ABC stores, loss of some future federal transportation aid, and future interest payment to service the increased debt. And the Commonwealth already has obligations to repay money to VRS and for other bonds that helped balance previous budgets.

It is irresponsible to spend money without clear plans and a reliable revenue stream for repayment of the debt to be incurred. Future governors and legislators will be forced to choose between core services such as schools and public safety or raise taxes. As Delegate Armstrong noted,

When you don’t pay now, someone has to pay later. Unfortunately the Governor’s lack of leadership on transportation has resulted in a plan that amounts to a back door tax increase on our children.

Perhaps now is the time for the Commonwealth to revamp its gas tax. Start a process of small periodic increases in the current 17.5¢ per gallon state gas tax to raise it to a level consistent with inflation. That rate was set in 1985 and its buying power is closer to 8¢. But, the governor seems dead set against that - he'll just max out another credit card.

One of our better angels

2010-12-07T19:30:00.000-05:00

I would be wonderful if we were all represented by such a senator.

May this rupture a hemmorrhoid on the south end of a northbound VC...

Chesapeake Bay Cleanup - voluntary won't get the job done

2010-12-03T11:31:00.001-05:00

Always drink upstream from the herd.
~Will Rogers

Earlier this week, Governor Bob McDonnell's administration released its plans for the cleanup of the Chesapeake Bay. To a large extent the plan relies on voluntary actions to clean up the bay. It also provides for a system of buying and selling the right to pollute in certain watersheds - a plan that sounds much like cap and trade, a concept lambasted by many Republicans who care more about protecting business than protecting the environment.

Representative Bob Goodlatte (VA-06) joined Virginia farm organizations in calling for a more "flexible collaborative Bay cleanup effort." In other words the congressman and farmers want a largely voluntary plan with a few economic incentives but without deadlines or meaningful enforcement.

Voluntary always sounds good and sometimes results in meaningful positive steps, but in this case (and in many others) the problem is too big, the number and sources of the pollution to great, and the consequences of inaction too dire for this great natural resource to be restored simply by flexible and collaborative efforts. Action is needed and all (not just those with a conscience) need to be part of the solution.

How well does voluntary action work to end human behaviors that negatively impacts others? Suppose we had a voluntary program to end to drunk driving - think that would be effective? Even mandatory programs, where some find ways to get around the law, eventually find the problem rearing its nasty head after we thought it to be ancient history. For example, some parents figure that if all other kids get their childhood vaccinations, their darlings will be safe even without them. When enough think that way disease can make a quick comeback. Pertussis (whooping cough) cases are on the increase all across the country including cases recently in Orange County, Virginia.

Cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay will require action from all involved - not just farmers, but also households with leaky septic tanks and overzealous lawn fertilization, municipalities with out-of-date sewage treatment plants, and factories and processors who use our waterways to flush away their waste products. With all due respect to Will Rogers, in today's world, there is no place that is upstream from from herd (or bad septic tank).

Having been involved in stream monitoring for the past several years I have come to the conclusion that responsible farmers who are doing the right thing by building livestock buffers, planting vegetation, and restoring steam banks should be saluted but the reality is those efforts are only minimally affecting water quality. Water laden with e-coli and other pollutants may improve but will not magically become clean because it passes through a mile or so of properly managed stream. Bad water in = bad water out. Plus, in our karst limestone region bad surface water can find it way into groundwater affecting private wells and municipal water sources. In short, a few farms (or homes or old sewage plants) can muck up the whole creek.

One impediment to farmers taking the steps to manage streams crossing their fields is cost of fencing and providing water to their livestock. Cost is even more prohibitive and there are economic disincentives if the land is leased. Many landowners wouldn't go through the hassle of getting a grant or putting up the bucks to pay for the fence - it isn't their cows in the stream and the costs probably couldn't be recouped in the rent. The farmer running the livestock on the land may want to keep cows out of streams to reduce hoof problems and keep them grazing, but he'll unlikely to pay for fencing and watering on land he doesn't own.

Nope Rep. Goodlatte, this is one of those cases where voluntary won't get the job done. Too many incentives to not volunteer. And just a few farmers, homeowners, or factories not cooperating for the common good will have a dramatic impact on all of us. I'm all in favor of grants, expert advice, and other assistance to farmers. Those incentives should be designed to move cleanup of our streams, our rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay along faster. There might even be a bit of economic stimulus in doing just that. But at the end of the day, if we are really serious about restoring the Bay, we'll need deadlines, mandates, enforcement, and a common set of rules for all who use (and will potentially abuse) our precious water resources.

Why we'll have a hard time bringing down the debt

2010-11-24T18:12:00.002-05:00

Governor Bob McDonnell and virtually all of the Commonwealth's elected leaders of both parties have unwittingly demonstrated why getting a handle on the federal deficit and debt will be so difficult. The governor and Virginia's congressional delegation are lobbying the Pentagon and taking to the air waves to argue against plans to close/downscale military bases and cut military jobs in the state. Those same leaders, almost to a person, talk of the need to cut federal spending and to reduce the debt... but like political leaders everywhere, they don't want to take the hit.

The governor talked about protecting national security (hey, that's the Pentagon's job, not the governor's) and the impact on the Virginia economy. But, the real reason is likely their own job security and political futures.

The USA will never fix our budget imbalances until those who scream loudest for spending cuts are willing to take willing to take some cuts themselves. It can't always be tax the other guy and spend the money on me. Where are politicians who will look beyond their immediate needs to the bigger picture of our common good? Where are the American people willing to do so? Don't tell me it is tea partiers... the one I know best is already screaming "don't touch my Social Security or Medicare... don't raise my taxes...."

Promises Kept

2010-11-19T18:37:00.000-05:00

The Promise is kept (once again) by Bruce Springsteen.

Vast. Elegant. Tender. Mysterious. Fierce. Beautiful. Raspy. Fearless. Stimulating. Great. Boundless. Exciting. Jagged. Heavenly. Acrid. Amusing. Loving. Dramatic. Robust. Painful. Reflective. Complex. Exultant. Luxuriant. Witty. Expansive. Guttural. Encouraging. Combative. Heartbreaking. Gutsy. Victorious. Faithful. Ubiquitous. Knowing. Stormy. Nostalgic. Lonely. Spiritual. Wise. Outstanding. Lyrical. Tearful. Serious. Romantic. Ruthless. Punk. Sweet. Vigorous. Upbeat. Young. Old. Illuminating.

Turn it up. Absorb it. As "old" as 1977, as relevant as today... and tomorrow. Enjoy. The Promise: The Darkness On The Edge Of Town Story.

Tipping the bottle water guy

2010-11-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

There's more on WVEC's Bottled Water Leaves Bad Taste in Taxpayers Mouth. Wonder if the taxpayers are paying for delivery of Keurig coffee, too? So much could be said about this one.... wasting tax dollars, plastic in landfills, it isn't what you know but who you know.... Gotta head to the kitchen tap to refill my glass. Cluck! Cluck!

Veterans Day

2010-11-07T17:04:00.002-05:00

I received the following info about local Veterans Day events, however, I have not confirmed the details so if you plan to attend please check in advance. Even if you are not a Vet, take time to honor the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, our nation.

(This one appears to be for all seniors) Staunton/Augusta County residents: Free Senior Health Fair on Wednesday, Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon@Augusta County Government Center. For more information, call 245-5727.
Thursday, Nov. 11, Applebees Restaurants will be honoring Active duty, Reservists, and Veterans with a free entree among 3 specific selections. Outback Restaurants will honor the same group of people on Nov. 11 with a free blooming onion and beverage.
Monday, Nov. 15, Golden Corral Restaurants will honor the same group with a free dinner buffet from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Please call ahead to confirm that your area restaurants are participating and the specific hours.)
Residents of Staunton/Augusta County: On Thursday, Nov. 11 Subway will give a Free 6" fresh value meal to the above mentioned group.
The Old SchoolHouse Restaurant in Stuarts Draft will honor Active Duty, Reservists and Veterans with a Free lunch buffet from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 14. Please remember to bring proper I.D. to show your status.

The morning after... or afternoon after... pill

2010-11-03T17:47:00.000-04:00

We took a lickin' but, just like the storied wristwatch, we Dems will keep on tickin'. While the news was bad, it wasn't as bad as many pundits predicted. We're here and we'll keep fighting for the principles that will move America forward. But, on this morning after, a chill pill. ;>)

Old Man Winter will eventually arrive

2010-11-01T08:32:00.002-04:00

It has been a mild, many would say warm, fall in the Shenandoah Valley. We've only used the wood stove a couple of times and the furnace remains silent. This morning was the first time the pet water bowls have sported a skiff of ice. But, even with the reality of global warming, the leaves are falling and we all know Old Man Winter will find his way to the Valley. Are you ready?

The Shenandoah Group of the Sierra Club's next program, Home Weatherization - Are You Ready for Winter? will feature Benjamin Meredith of Building Knowledge, an experienced professional building inspector and energy rater. Benjamin has conducted numerous energy audits on homes and is familiar with the common problems of weatherization and how to deal with them. He will explain how energy audits work, and will provide practical advice that you can put to use right away to better insulate your home. Learn how you and your family will be more comfortable, save money, and conserve our natural resources.

Date/time: Tuesday, November 9 at 7:00 PM
Place: Clementine Cafe (downstairs), 153 S. Main St., Harrisonburg, VA

I remember

2010-10-31T13:54:00.001-04:00

Because many American memories are short... a reminder.

No real choice in VA06? Rather than not voting, send a message by writing-in R.U. Kidding.

Happy Halloween??

2010-10-29T18:06:00.000-04:00

I'm ready. Lights off. Big dog (but friendly Golden Retriever) outside.

BOO!

to this stupid "holiday"

Constitutional Change - two outta three ain't bad

2010-10-26T07:44:00.001-04:00

In much of the 6th District there is little compelling reason to bring voters to the polls on November 2. In spite of some grousing by tea party types that Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R) is just another "power-hungry career politician," the incumbent will again break his five term "pledge" and coast to victory by defeating Libertarian Stuart Bain and independent Jefffey Vanke. Neither Bain nor Vanke has made even a anemic blip on voters' radar.

Yes, there are spirited contests in some localities. For example, Harrisonburg has six candidates (two Republican, two Democratic, and two independent) vying for two city council seats. There is also an election for a couple of school board seats. A drive through the "Friendly City" shows far more local candidate than congressional signs and we might expect turnout there to be higher than in surrounding areas.

Virginia voters will vote on three constitutional amendments. One will raise the cash cap on the so-called "rainy day fund" by 50% to rebuild it faster. This fund is essentially a saving account in which the General Assembly deposits funds during "good times" and make withdrawals during shortfalls caused by economic slowdowns. The General Assembly passed the proposal unanimously... most Republicans like the idea of shrinking government by taking some money out of current budgets while Democrats laud the safety net.

Voters will also consider two other amendments, one dealing with with property tax exemptions for senior citizens. Currently a locality must get permission from the General Assembly to give tax breaks to low income or disabled seniors. This amendment would allow local governing bodies to make their own decision.

The other amendment intends to help veterans (or their surviving spouse) who were totally disabled during their service by exempting them from local property taxes on their home. This break would apply to some 7,000 veterans across the Commonwealth.

You can read the actual text of the amendments at the State Board of Elections. Typically, voters go along with the General Assembly and approve amendments (simple majority vote does it) to the state constitution. Should they do so this time? My position - two outta three ain't bad:

Increasing the rainy day fund makes sense to me. Perhaps it is the teaching of my depression-era parents, but in my personal life I've operated on this principle. Seems like a good idea for the Commonwealth to sock away funds for the tough times, too. Vote YES on ballot question #3.
I also like the idea of giving local governments the ability to grant tax exemptions to certain senior citizens without having to ask permission of the General Assembly. This is a decision best left to local officials based on local circumstances. Vote YES on ballot question #1.
While I generally support the notion of a tax break for disabled veterans, I do not support the General Assembly doing so with local tax dollars. The previous amendment grants more autonomy to local governments, this one encroaches on it. For that reason alone, voters should vote NO ballot question #2.

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss

2010-10-21T07:50:00.001-04:00

Coarse Cracked Corn has reported on it before... the tea party is fueled by the money and organizations who are the very antithesis of all the good common folks, angry and frustrated by the Bush recession, who turn out for their rallies and pump money in their coffers. The unseen elites of the tea party are largely funded by billionaires far right wing David and Charles Koch who love flying well below the national media radar. They have radar for something beyond celebrity scandal?

Now a new report, Tea Party Nationalism, documents how opportunist racist, white nationalist, and militias groups are working to control the supply of tea. Guess they don't care for black tea? This isn't to say that all tea party types are racist, in fact, the more formalized parts of the movement have made specific statements repudiating the racist signs and comments that sometimes spew forth at rallies. Individuals with clear ties to racist and xenophobic organizations/websites have been booted out. But, it is accurate to say that some hate groups see the Tea Party as a vehicle for a larger audience and greater credibility.

Equally subversive since the local Chamber of Commerce is seen as non-partisan in most communities, is the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's behind-the-scenes role in the Tea Party and the barrage of conservative ads attacking progressive candidates, 99.9% Democrats. Now the U.S. Chamber is made up of big business, big banks, big drug companies... the very groups that most in this populist revolt disdain. As Dana Milbank states in a Tea Party of populist posers:

There is genuine populist anger out there. But the angry have been deceived and exploited by posers who belong to the same class of "elites" and "insiders" that the Tea Party movement supposedly deplores. Americans who want to stick it to the man are instead sending money to the man.

It is likely the Tea Party will enjoy electoral success this November. They won't have the numbers to run government, but they will probably run the Republican Party driving out the last few moderates as the GOP tilts farther right. Is that possible? When the reverse Robin Hood agenda of the Tea Party elites becomes clear, these good everyday populist folks will indeed have been fooled again. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.

Saving for a sunny day

2010-10-20T08:03:00.004-04:00

About a year ago we bought a rain barrel from The Rain Barrel Company. Although it only one porch roof is drained to the barrell, it has been filled, used, and quickly replenished even during a year when rainfall hasn't been as regular as farmers and homeowners would like. We used it to water flowers and shrubs - the plants certainly like it better than our well water. The savings are double if you have chlorinated city water - the plants love the chemical free water and you get a break on the water bill! Rain barrels are centuries old but are increasingly relevant because of the need to conserve this precious resource and rising water bills.

The company is making its last bulk delivery of 2010 to Virginia this week. Available in black, the 60-gallon barrels will sell for $65.00 (they are $94.00 and up in retail stores) and are ready to us with a brass spigot, mosquito/leaf screen, and overflow. Learn more.

The Rain Barrel Company is delivering to Virginia this week and you must pre-order your rain barrel.

Wednesday, October 20 from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at the Best Buy parking lot, 1560 West Kroger Center, Richmond.

Wednesday, October 20 from 5:00 to 6:00 PM at Toy's R Us parking lot, 590 Branchland's Blvd., Charlottesville.

Thursday, October 21 from 8:00 to 9:00 AM at Regal Cinema Seminole Square, 2306 India Dr., Charlottesville.

Thursday, October 21 from Noon to 1:00 PM at the Walmart parking lot, 1028 Richmond Rd., Staunton.

To reserve your rain barrel call 919.602.6316 or email Cindyn3@bellsouth.net. Include your name, daytime phone number, and how many rain barrels you are ordering.

The ABCs of privatizing Virginia's liquor stores

2010-10-17T18:04:00.001-04:00

Privatize ABC sales? On one hand I can relate to the idea - this seems like something private business could do more appropriately than government. But, since the Commonwealth has a monopoly on liquor sales, it also makes great profits that go to the public good. The governor wants to sell the ABC stores for ideological reasons but mostly to infuse big bucks into transportation. Does his proposal make sense and cents - there will societal costs and impacts on future state budgets! From all the rhetoric, it is hard to tell the best course of action. But one thing is clear - in spite of the governor's assurances, there are many more questions than answers.

The Rockingham County Democratic Committee will take up the issue 7:00 to 8:30 PM on October 21 at the Rockingham County Administration Building (Supervisors Meeting Room). The guest speaker/moderator will be Doug Smith, director of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy. Smith is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He was formerly on staff with the World Council of Churches in Geneva, Switzerland and previously served as Senior Web Strategist for FaithandValues.com. He is a graduate of James Madison University (B.S.), Lexington Theological Seminary (M.Div.). He was a 2005 Sorensen Fellow of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership program (UVA), and is a graduate of the Citizen's Planning Academy in Hanover County, Virginia.

Things are upbeat down on the farm

2010-10-14T16:03:00.000-04:00

For some reason The Progressive Farmer began showing up in my mailbox a few months ago. I'm not a farmer (but live in farming community) and I've never subscribed, but I find some articles interesting and helpful to a rural homeowner. Besides, it helps me better understand some of the issues facing my neighbors.

The October issue featured a story, "Confidence High Among Ag Business," that caught my eye. Perhaps because the MSM seems to like bad economic news better than good, this story resonated with my gut feeling that things really are getting better... just wish it would do so a bit quicker. Farmers' confidence can be inflated or deflated based on all sorts of things ranging from the weather (both at their farm and around the globe) to general economic conditions. While confidence varies by ag sector and by region, the upbeat feeling is a good harbinger for the U.S. economy over the next 12 months.

Among the findings of the Ag Confidence Index is that 26% of ag businesses expect sales to increase over the next year while 61% think sales will remain stable and only 13% expect a decline. Other questions focused on prospects for the coming year. Ninety-one percent thought things would stay the same (55%) or improve (36%). Only 9% forecast worsening prospects.

Other interesting articles in the October issue discussed no-till and minimum tillage conservation practices that are making great strides at cutting soil erosion caused by both water and wind. In the lower 48 states, it is estimated that cropland erosion dropped 43% between 1982 and 2007. That's good news not only for our fields but also for streams and rivers, our air quality, and for conservation of water resources.

Hypocrites at the Chamber

2010-10-12T07:14:00.000-04:00

On a recent road trip to the southwest, I caught lots of campaign ads along the route and occasionally saw some of the more vicious ads on TV. It is nasty out there. Everywhere! One constant thread is the nastiness and blatant hypocrisy of the Chamber of Commerce.

CCC has commented on growing hypocrisy and partisanship of the Chamber of Commerce in earlier posts. It is an organization with a reputation in many communities of being business-oriented and conservative but not openly partisan. The chamber could be fair, it could host local candidate forums in a nonpartisan manner, and its information (although conservative) was generally factual and could be trusted. But, as far as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is concerned, those days are apparently a thing of the past. Various groups and even the national media are finally picking up on and commenting on recent trends in the chamber's new status as an international trade association that pits nation against nation in an attempt to get its laissez-faire way.

The chamber's hidden sources of funds supporting their attack ads are the focus of much of that attention. Are they using foreign funds to influence American elections? We don't know because the chamber won't say, but the probable answer is yes... just as they use funds raised in the U.S. to influence politics in other nations.

But if we pay close attention, the chamber's hypocrisy is shoved right in voters' faces. Take the recent ad attacking Tom Perriello. The ad doesn't mention Perriello's opponent or even the election (but if you are running an ad in this season the intent is obvious) and is clearly designed to damage the Democrat. Regardless of its veracity (not much), the ad strikes this bird as blatantly hypocritical when it says: "Government run health care. Medicare cuts. Have you had enough? Tell Congressman Perriello, stop hurting Virginia families."

So the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is upset with health care reform and upset with cost savings in Medicare? The chamber defending Medicare? In all likelihood the chamber would dramatically gut or dismantle Medicare if it were not so popular. Hypocrisy!

Health care reform helps many small businesses which the chamber purports to represent at the local level. But, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, with its international business mindset, isn't really looking out for the little guys any more. Maybe it is time for those folks to wonder why they pay dues to a trade association that is increasingly removed from Main Street realities.

Frack U II

2010-09-12T11:31:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago the Daily News Record reported that Carrizo (Marcellus Shale) Oil and Gas company had stopped pursuing a permit to mine natural gas in the Bergton area of Rockingham County. But, Carrizo made it clear it will reapply: "[we]...will take that permitting process up at a later date," stated Brad Fisher, vice president and chief executive officer.

If you live in Rockingham County or in much of the Shenandoah Valley (as well as West Virginia and Pennsylvania among other states), drilling for natural gas and the use of controversial hydraulic fracking is still a very real possibility. Want to learn more? If so, plan to attend an informational forum where people from all walks of life and with diverse views will gather to discuss the future of our economy, environment and way of life.

Saturday October 2, 2010 starting at 9:30 am

(come when you can - morning or afternoon - flexible "conversations design")

Broadway High School Broadway, Virginia

All issues of your concern are welcomed to the dialogue. Some topics for discussion are: property rights; state regulations; the effect on ground water, residents' wells, and rivers; mineral royalties; energy independence; roads; and the bond requirements for a permit to drill.

RSVP: Bruce Lundeen at blundeen9@comcast.net (cell 540-383-4718)

Act Blue - put your money where your heart and mind is

2010-09-08T18:15:00.000-04:00

Okay... we're stuck with Bobble-Headed Bob in Congress for the next two years. Marching in lockstep with Tan Man Boehner and the other right wing "just say no" crowd. But good Democrats in Virginia's 6th District can help elect other progressives and keep Congress in the hands of people who look forward rather than backward. Representatives who will stand up for the middle class rather than bend over for the rich, the powerful, and the PACs. I've recently made a few donations and hope you will too. Suggestions:

Want more choices... want to spread your donations around to more Democrats? Visit Act Blue.

HindSight, ForeSight

2010-08-28T19:05:00.001-04:00

A family member is a member of VGEA, the Virginia Governmental Employees Association. In the past couple of months their newsletter, ForeSight, has been showing up in the mail... actually on time and with real news and commentary. In the past many saw VGEA as a weak step sister of similar organizations in the Commonwealth. Compared to the Virginia Education Association, for example, VGEA seemed impotent and largely ignored by legislators and the governor. On key issues of pay, of the Virginia Retirement System, and of working conditions it was hard to see how VGEA had much impact.

Things seem to be changing under the leadership of executive director R. Ronald Jordan and president William Dunlap. Communication with members is improving. Advocacy will hopefully be more forceful. If so, members will be more energized and engaged... which is the most vital way employee groups can exert influence. Kudos to those leaders and members who are moving VGEA towards greater influence - it is about time state employee voices were heard loud and clear.

Puppet masters of the tea party

2010-08-28T08:18:00.000-04:00

Many of its organizers like to say the tea party is a "grassroots" organization. Maybe there is a bit of popular uprising involved, but there is plenty of Koch fertilizer feeding the roots... just like there is every time a Democrat is in the White House. These billionaire brothers are waging war against President Obama, Social Security, the environment, and anything (and anybody) they see as progressive. Read more about David and Charles Koch and how they pull the puppet strings of the tea party, of "think tanks" who don't really think but push an agenda, and of bought and paid for politicians and pundits in a fascinating exposé, Covert Operations, in The New Yorker.

On the (rail) road again?

2010-08-27T17:57:00.001-04:00

After more than a half century of policies favoring highways, cars, and big oil it is time for all governments, including the Commonwealth of Virginia to get on board the train! Intercity passenger rail service can help ease crowded roads while weaning us from foreign oil and cleaning our air. Meredith Richards, a former Charlottesville city councilor lays out a compelling case for rail in "Intercity Passenger Rail in Virginia: What's on Track for Virginia?" in The Virginia News Letter. Breaking from policies of the past will take leadership - is our governor and General Assembly up to it?

Keep him center stage

2010-08-26T10:08:00.001-04:00

In some ways I've been pleasantly surprised that Governor Bob McDonnell has been conservative, but relatively moderate, on some issues since taking office in January. He's a sharp politician and knows many Virginians are in the middle of the political spectrum and he has to work with a Virginia Senate controlled by the Democrats. But, CCC still believes McDonnell is a hard right conservative by ideology and he is being pulled towards stage right by the tea party whackos who are increasingly influential in the Virginia GOP and by "friends" like the extremist attorney general. Ken Cuccinelli is actually doing the governor a favor - as long as he's prowling the far right, McDonnell appears to be moderate by comparison.

So, in the hope that McDonnell will remain a somewhat pragmatic politician who knows the best political hay is in the middle of the field, I hopeful that his current town hall tour will fill his ears with more than right wing manure. Tonight (August 26) the governor will be at JMU Festival Conference and Student Center at 7:00 PM. In this format there will be time for only 12-15 speakers/questioners. If you plan on attending get there early and sign-up to speak - even so, it is likely his handlers will tilt the verbal questions to known conservative friends of the governor's policies.

If like me you cannot attend, or if you don't have the opportunity to speak, you can always leave comments at the governor's Reform Task Force website. Cluck, cluck... the site is slow loading today.

One issue the governor along with a local state senator will be pushing is privatization of the Commonwealth's liquor stores. I'm not opposed to the prospect of private liquor stores, but it is far from clear that this makes dollars and sense. There are two issues that I think are unresolved. The dollars don't seem to add up over time - it would be a real shame if a one-time cash infusion built a few roads and made the governor look like a hero only to have that funding stream dry up when he's out of office. Does it make sense to have more stores selling whiskey? Or would this lead to more DUIs or more hard liquor in underage bellies?

Earlier this year Governor McDonnell proposed closing five state parks and has sided with Ken Cuccinelli on the legal challenge to the EPA which questions global warming. Some right wingers want to privatize state parks. If we don't speak up, this administration may dismantle Virginia's parks and do nothing (or take steps backwards) on protecting our rivers, air, and the Chesapeake Bay. Here is what this bird is telling the task force:

Do not privatize our state parks. Do not close state parks. Instead, assure adequate state funding to keep our parks some of the best in the nation. My family and many of our friends have too many fond memories of camping, of picnics, and of exploring our great state parks to let you or anybody shut them down or diminish their splendor.
Get real about transportation by moving encouraging rail-freight solutions on I-81, smart investments in public transit including high speed rail, and encouraging local governments to have common sense regulations to end the sprawl that means more and more cars on the roads. VDOT must be fully accountable to all environmental regulations.
Make Virginia a green model for the nation. A recent report indicates that many of Virginia's streams and rivers are impaired. Impaired rivers mean an impaired Chesapeake Bay. We need tougher regulations to assure our water supplies are going to be cleaner in the future than they are today. The governor supports off-shore drilling - now let's see enthusiastic support for off-shore wind energy and other green businesses. That's hard to do when your attorney general, to appease the right wing, is conducting witch hunts in his crusade against global warming.

The governor has shown he can be nudged to center stage on some issues. But only if common sense Virginians are willing to speak up... indeed, stand up... to keep Virginia moving forward.

Something borrowed, something blue

2010-08-18T08:49:00.000-04:00

It is widely reported that the Commonwealth's 2010 budget "surplus" has nearly doubled to $404 million. While it is only a "surplus" in the sense that very cautious figures were used in drafting the original budget, the news is nevertheless welcomed. The question now is how to allocate the "found money."

Governor McDonnell had previously promised state employee a 3% year-end "bonus." He and the General Assembly should live up to that commitment... or better yet, make it a permanent pay raise. It has been four years (well before the recession began) since state employees received one and they've taken hits on some benefits. It will go a long way to helping to build morale.

Another priority should be repaying the Virginia Retirement System for money the General Assembly borrowed to help balance the budget. This year alone the state put off $137 million in contributions to VRS. Restoring those contributions will be a giant step toward assuring the stability and long term viability of the system.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

2010-08-16T18:19:00.002-04:00

The Good - President Barack Obama and Mayor Michael Bloomberg
The Bad - Senator Harry Reid and Senator John Cornyn
The Ugly - Newt Gingrich and Sarah Palin

So students in Political Leadership 101, let's summarize... there are good leaders who rise above issues to by calling on the better angels of our nature; there are bad leaders who aren't leaders at all but jump in any parade, even marching along with disgusting rabble, if they think it will benefit them; and there are the ugly fear mongers who prey on our angst even if it means ripping to shreds our most cherished constitutional and national values.

Twist and Shout

2010-08-15T07:37:00.002-04:00

Friday night we enjoyed a great evening of music and fun during Mary Chapin Carpenter's performance at the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival. The festival is a Valley gem in the beautiful village of Orkney Springs that features many fine artists bringing life to their slogan, We didn't invent summer - just the finest way to enjoy it.

Mary Chapin Carpenter and her fine band performed a number of songs off her new recording, The Age of Miracles, as well as old favorites such as Passionate Kisses and I Feel Lucky. Carpenter, who lives in Albemarle County, Virginia, connected with the audience by telling stories and explaining the origin of lyrics of songs such as Mrs. Hemingway, which she researched and wrote after rereading Ernest Hemingway's, A Moveable Feast. Along the way, she got in swipes at Verizon for the slow internet in her part of Virginia and at the right wing politics of Sarah Palin. Those brought a couple reactions - both cheers and jeers - from the audience. But hey, it was her stage and her mic... and her views were dead on.

Carpenter put in a big plug for Huss & Dalton of Staunton, Virginia. She owns three of what she proclaimed the "finest guitars in the world."

The opening act was Catie Curtis, a musician I'd heard of but wasn't very familiar with her work. The Boston area singer/songwriter put on an impressive performance that I wish had included more songs off her latest project, Hello Stranger.

For an encore, Carpenter and her band charged through a high energy performance of Down at the Twist and Shout, a song she played at Super Bowl XXXI. In the clip below, Carpenter sings the crowd favorite accompanied by the Cajun band BeauSoleil.

Old Coal Plants = Pollution

2010-08-13T06:24:00.002-04:00

Old coal-fired generating plants are among the dirtiest polluters in the nation. They cause smog and spew out huge amounts of greenhouse gases, toxic ash, and a variety of chemicals. "Why are they allowed to do it?" you might ask. Because in its wisdom, Congress grandfathered these plants under amendments to the Clean Air Act in a way that created very powerful economic incentives to stay dirty... and get dirtier as they age. After eight years of a purposely impotent EPA, under the Obama administration the agency seems to be moving to updating regulations under the Clean Air Act and other pollution laws. There's more about the dirty deals, the grandfathered polluters, and how the politics of profits have trumped rational antipollution steps at grist.

Since these old coal-fired plants are the problem, you may be thinking the best thing to do is build new plants like the proposed Cypress Creek Power Station in Surry County, Virginia. A new plant would have the latest in antipollution technology and be much cleaner... I didn't say clean... there is no such thing as clean coal. That argument is pretty hollow unless as a condition of opening the plant older coal-fired plants are closed and dismantled in an environmentally responsible manner. I've not heard of that being on the table.

Besides, any coal-fired plant brings a variety of environmental concerns and other issues not only to Mother Earth, but more directly to nearby communities, rivers, and bays. A new plant wouldn't address all the profound questions about disposal of coal ash, the rape of our mountaintops, and degrading of our communities.

It seems some on Wall Street are questioning the future of coal by cutting off the dollars for new mountaintop removal coal mines as too risky. If this cheap coal source dries up, the profitability of coal-fired plants will be threatened, and greener/cleaner alternatives more viable. It is way too early to declare King Coal dethroned, but it is increasingly becoming clear to many that this king has no clothes that will be fashionable in America's energy future.

Cock-a-doodle-do! Census under budget!

2010-08-10T21:34:00.000-04:00

As one who worked in four or five operations of the Census Bureau, it is both amazing and gratifying to know that the 2010 Census is coming in under budget. Not just by a little bit, but by some $1.6 billion or about 10% of the $14.7 billion budgeted.

Like anyone who worked for the 2010 Census, I saw duplication, many miles driven, reams of paper, and waste. I guess that is to be expected in any large governmental operation... you only need to check out the military, or National Park Service, or virtually any other agency in government (or big business as well). But, it is great to know that my efforts, and those of many other diligent and dedicated Census employees got the job done in a fairly efficient manner. Among the reasons cited for the savings are an aggressive multilingual advertising campaign, few technical difficulties, and a highly educated and qualified workforce (perhaps needing jobs in the economic downturn). Of course, most of the costs associated with the door-to-door operations are can be attributed to those American who - due to oversight, ignorance, or an anti-government tea party mentality - refused to mail in their completed questionnaires.

Anyhow, this hasn't exactly been front page news. Guess good news rarely is. But, when government works well and does so with efficiency, it should be shouted out loud. This bird is crowing. Cock-a-doodle-do!

Coal Ash - it is TOXIC

2010-08-09T17:57:00.003-04:00

Recently the three men who represent the Shenandoah Valley in Congress, Senator Mark Warner, Senator Jim Webb, and Representative Bob Goodlatte signed factually inaccurate letters pressuring EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to regulate toxic coal ash the same way as household trash, leaving communities at risk as arsenic, lead and mercury seep into our drinking water.

Coal and coal ash is dirty stuff and our "representatives" are siding with King Coal against our families' and communities' health. I sent the following email to each:

I am disappointed that you added your name to a factually inaccurate letter that puts coal company profits before the health of our families and our communities. Americans across the country are exposed to heavy metals such as arsenic, lead and mercury that seep into our drinking water, rivers and streams from coal ash disposal sites. There is an increased risk of cancer, learning disabilities, birth defects and other illnesses.

But the disposal of coal ash is less strictly controlled than household garbage. The letter that Senator Warner, Senator Webb, and Representative Goodlatte signed interferes with the EPA's ability to protect our health by pressuring the agency to reject plans for a strong, federally enforceable standard. The letter urges the agency to adopt guidelines that allow coal companies to continue putting our communities at risk.

The letter you signed makes false claims: that states have effectively regulated coal ash despite the fact that coal ash has contaminated surface water or groundwater in at least 23 states, that EPA documents calling for additional measures to protect public health say further regulation is unnecessary, and that strong regulation would stigmatize coal ash recycling when even the U.S. Green Building Council said there would be no stigma. The facts are that coal ash is a toxic material, and it's time for the EPA to treat it as such. Please support EPA's efforts to protect public health and water quality by removing your name from this letter.

For more information visit the Sierra Club. Please contact Senator Warner, Senator Webb, and Representative Goodlatte and tell them to reject the dirty dogs that run in the pack with King Coal.

Let 'em eat cake

2010-07-19T18:51:00.002-04:00

The Republicans have been blocking extension of unemployment compensation. While Virginia's rate of about 6.7% is well below the national unemployment rate of over 9%, the GOP's anti-people, anti-middle class stance is hurting folks here in the 6th District and across the Commonwealth. Their reason - we have to pay for it. I have a suggestion - how about pulling troops out of Iraq? Or, Afghanistan? Running a needless/based on a big lie war (Iraq) or one that can't be won (Afghanistan) have been draining the federal treasury since President Bush got us mired in them.

Time to take care of folks here, in our neighborhoods... people you and I know. Besides, their spending will have a stimulative effect on the economy.

Interesting listening to the Repub talking heads on talk shows over the weekend and today. They all call for cutting the budget but none of them - NOT ONE - will say specifically what they'd cut. Reminds me of Nixon's "secret plan" to end the war in Vietnam. A lie then. Lies now.

Sign the pledge... tell Bob to stand with the PEOPLE

2010-07-19T18:05:00.000-04:00

Tell Rep. Bob Goodlatte (VA-06) that it is time to put the people back in charge of government.

Tell Bob we need to pass legislation - including a constitutional amendment if necessary - to overturn the Supreme Court's wrongheaded decision in Citizens United v. FEC. The supremes effectively handed our democracy to the highest bidders.

Tell Bob we need public financing of federal candidates by passing the Fair Elections Now Act.

Tell Bob we need legislation to reduce the influence of lobbyists.

It is time for YOU to SIGN THE PLEDGE and TELL BOB to give OUR government back to the PEOPLE.

This Land Is Your Land

2010-07-14T07:41:00.000-04:00

Been on the road over the past couple of weeks. Recent posts were on the fly from a motel or a family's home in New Jersey. After 16 states, I'm back home, catching my breath and a nap or two, and getting back into summer home and garden projects. It was great being gone through an east coast heat wave... but looks like there's more to come this summer. Wonder what the guy who wrote the letter to the editor of The News Leader, "come shovel global warming off my driveway," is thinking now? Or even if he is thinking with his fried brain!

My son took a Ranger job (law enforcement) at Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. Since he needs a car, I rode with him and flew home after making time to see the park. Five nights (and about 5 1/2 days) on the road covering about 2,800 miles. His Honda Prelude did great, averaging about 28 mpg although weighted down and stuffed to the gills. Fathers and sons don't need to talk too much to have a great time together, but we covered some important topics and saw one route through this great country from almost sea to shining sea.

Yes, we are still in the Bush recession, but this is a nation on the move by planes, trains, automobiles, and trucks. We've always been a nation on the move... but closely following trails used by Oregon, California, and Mormon settlers (according to a historical marker their early expedition had about 140 men and just a few women... they've changed those odds!), I realize my tired butt was a minor inconvenience compare to their hardships. Not to mention the time required for the trip!

The U.S.A. is one fantastic country, built and being constantly rebuilt, by every day folks driving the trucks, working on the farms, serving up meals in the diners, making stuff in factories, and teaching the kids in public schools. While we are a nation of great natural and human diversity, there is much that is common all across this land - from the fast food restaurants and Home Depots found in even the small towns to the hopes and dreams of everyday folks.Yes, there is indeed an American Dream!

Old fashioned windmills still help to lift water for livestock in Nebraska. We passed several over-sized tractor-trailers carrying modern windmill blades and other parts and drove through large modern windfarms in western states.

Mormons passed this way heading for the Great Salt Lake.

The Bonneville Salt Flats is the site of land speed records. The 30,000 acres are administered by the Bureau of Land Management.

We spotted this long-lived dust devil near Denio Junction in northern Nevada. Most dust devils dissipate in a few minutes, but this one lasted at least 20 minutes and stayed fairly stationary.

Crater Lake is breathtaking and defies words.

In an age when special interests already hold tremendous influence over policy makers and just after the Supreme Court gave corporations the right to infuse more stifling cash and influence into our politics, it is all the more important to remember our democracy is for the people... even the little guys/gals who don't pay much attention to the daily goings on in Washington, D.C. or the state capitols while they make this country work each and every day.

Bruce Springsteen performs Woody Guthie's classic, This Land is Your Land, live at the Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA on September 30, 1985 during his Born In The U.S.A. tour). A poignant reminder that "this land was made for you and me."

GOP Hot Air... takes them far, but where are they?

2010-07-11T17:50:00.000-04:00

A woman in a hot air balloon realized she was lost. She lowered her altitude and spotted a man in a boat below. She shouted to him, "Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don't know where I am."

The man consulted his portable GPS and replied, "You're in a hot air balloon, approximately 30 feet above ground elevation of 2,346 feet above sea level. You are at 31 degrees, 14.97 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees, 49.09 minutes west longitude.

"She rolled her eyes and said, "You must be an Obama Democrat." "I am," replied the man. "How did you know?"

"Well," answered the balloonist, "everything you told me is technically correct. But I have no idea what to do with your information, and I'm still lost. Frankly, you've not been much help to me."

The man smiled and responded, "You must be a Republican."

"I am," replied the balloonist. "How did you know?"

"Well," said the man, "you don't know where you are or where you are going. You've risen to where you are due to a large quantity of hot air. You made a promise you have no idea how to keep, and you expect me to solve your problem. You're in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but somehow, now it's my fault."

This joke has circulated by email, been posted on numerous blogs, and passed on verbally... so I guess it now resides in the public domain and I don't need to cite a source. Besides, it rings so, so true. Especially here at Republican Ground Zero in the Shenandoah Valley. ;>)

Valley Dems host event for Perriello

2010-07-11T07:27:00.000-04:00

Without a candidate of their own in the November congressional elections, Valley Democrats are hosting an event for Tom Perriello (VA-05). Apparently, some local Dems had suggested organizing a good ole bungie jumping opportunity for the incumbent congressman - of course, they said no strings would be attached. Anyhow, cooler minds prevailed and these Dems decided to help out Representative Perriello from the sprawling district located just across Afton Mountain. Unlike the local guy, Perriello's votes in Congress have help mitigate some of the damaging effects of the Bush recession and bring jobs not only to the 5th District but to all Virginians.

Although Tom won't be able to attend, these Valley Dems will have a cookout and cover dish to raise money for his campaign while talking politics and having a good time on a summer evening. Here are the details as provided by hosts, Marshall and Megan Pattie:

Come out and show your support for Tom Perriello! There will be live music, free food and drinks, roasting smores over a bonfire, and enjoy some conversation – don't forget to bring along your blankets, chairs, and favorite drinks! Also, feel free to bring potluck dishes! The distinguished senator Donald McEachin will be present to talk about Tom's accomplishments for Virginia. Take this opportunity to see how we can help Tom get re-elected. Volunteer to help canvass, make phone calls and donate to his campaign.

The fun, food, and politics will be Saturday, July 24 from 6:00 to 10:00 PM at their home, "Lazy Dog Mountain," at 3806 Shutterlee Mill Road, Staunton, VA. Map & directions. For more information and to RSVP, contact Marshall at 540.292.5243 or email him at marswp@yahoo.com. Can't attend? You can still help Tom Perriello by mailing your check payable to "Perriello for Congress" to the address above.

Summer reading

2010-06-24T06:59:00.001-04:00

Hot summer days make for excellent times to read in a Pawley's Island hammock in the deep shade of our maples. Or, when it gets too blasted hot and still outside, under a ceiling fan (closest thing we have to AC). Recently I've gotten into several nonfiction books:

With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa by E. B. Sledge. On Memorial Day I posted reactions to Sledge's compelling account of his service as a Marine in WWII. I was inspired to learn more about the war in the Pacific and to read With the Old Breed after watching HBO's excellent miniseries, The Pacific that was based, in part, on With the Old Breed and on Robert Leckie's A Helmet for My Pillow: From Parris Island to the Pacific. Leckie's book will be a future read for me.

Loaned to to me by my brother-in-law, I just finished reading a fish tale, Hooked: Pirates, Poaching, and the Perfect Fish, by G. Bruce Knecht. Ever heard of the Patagonian toothfish? Perhaps you know it better as an offering on your favorite restaurant's menu - Chilean Sea Bass. Much of the story takes place in the treacherous waters of the Southern Ocean as Australia's Southern Supporter tracked poachers suspected of illegal fishing near Heard Island. But Hooked is a global fish story of how a little known fish was rebranded and became a runaway hit at trendy American restaurants. It is the story of pirates who feel they've done nothing wrong, of rich importers who go to great and often illegal pains to deceive regulators, and of lawyers who use every courtroom trick to make sure the pirates are back at sea using hi-tech means to take in huge hauls of fish. Ultimately though, Hooked is the story of how man's greed and technology has lead to the commercial collapse of many of the world's great fisheries.

On the fiction side, I read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson.
While I found it a bit slow at the start, the pace of this thriller quickly picked up and it was tough to put down until all the twists and turns of this thriller were exposed. If you find a murder mystery, financial intrigue, an offbeat love story, and a dysfunctional family intertwined in a sprawling novel to be of interest, you will enjoy The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo a fun read.

During the heat of yesterday afternoon, I started Larsson's The Girl Who Played with Fire. I'm not that far into it, but like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, the author is taking some time setting the stage and introducing the characters. I'm still uncertain where this story is heading but am looking forward to getting back into the lives of Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist later today.

Frack U

2010-06-23T08:13:00.001-04:00

Gasland, a film by Josh Fox, is must-see-TV for folks in Rockingham County, Virginia. A drilling company is pushing to drill for natural gas in the Bergton area using a controversial technique that could adversely impact ground water resources. Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, involves the high pressure injection of millions of gallons of water along with sand and chemicals into a deep well to fracture the shale and to allow the gas to flow more freely.

Fracking is permitted because the Bush Administration successfully got natural gas drilling exempted from the Safe Drinking Water Act. Drilling companies are not required to disclose the proprietary chemicals that are injected into the gas wells, many of which are over 8,000 feet deep. This so-called "Haliburton Loophole" essentially means the EPA cannot regulate these wells. Fracking in an area of karst limestone and aquifers, such as found in much of the Shenandoah Valley, is especially risky since since a poorly cased gas well could contaminate many wells, even those located miles from the drilling site.

Gasland has won numerous awards and will be airing on HBO through 2012. Let's hope members of the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors and especially their chairman, Pablo Cuevas, who represents the Bergton area, take time to watch Gasland and thoroughly investigate fracking before making a decision. Recent events scream for caution - if drilling/fracking is permitted in the Bergton area, the company should proffer a emergency fund to be held in escrow to compensate anyone adversely impacted.

DNR played by hate merchants

2010-06-22T18:55:00.000-04:00

The Daily News Record was apparently scammed by the merchants of hate and intolerance at the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas. Well known for their absurd assertion that U.S. military deaths are God's punishment for homosexuality, the Westboro bigots told the DNR that they'd protest at the funeral of Army Spc. Brian "Bucky" Anderson in Broadway. The DNR obliged by giving the hate mongers prime space (log-in required) on the front page of the June 22 edition, thereby promoting hate while distracting from Anderson's funeral. Anderson was killed in Afghanistan on June 12.

Mr. Yates and Mr. Hunt... would it have been so hard to wait until after the funeral to then, and only then, report on any protests by the Westboro Baptist gang. Those guys played you like a fiddle, getting free front page publicity, not once but probably twice, for their venom of religious hatred. But, something tells me the DNR is proud of giving the assist!

Endorsement - Kai Degner for Delegate

2010-06-13T16:52:00.000-04:00

CCC is proud to endorse Kai Degner in the special election for 26th House of Delegates district. After hearing from the candidates in the abbreviated campaign, it is clear Degner is the best candidate to represent the good people of Rockingham County and the City of Harrisonburg.

Degner has run a principled campaign and has done his best to address current issues of interest in the district. As I listened to the candidates' answers to the questions posed to the candidates on TV3, it was abundantly clear Degner was the best informed, most articulate, and most in tune with residents. If that isn't enough, Degner's experience and accomplishments alone put him head and shoulders above his opponents. If you live in the 26th, Kai Degner deserves your vote.

Tony Wilt's campaign has done just that... wilted. Questions about potential conflicts of interest with his land ownership and concrete business and the proposed gas drilling in the Bergton area trouble many voters. And, from this bird's roost, his answers on TV3 were uninspired, inarticulate, and at best party talking points that he couldn't even repeat very well. As some recent letters in the DNR have indicated, putting someone in public office is all about trust and Mr. Wilt has failed that ultimate test.

Carolyn Frank's campaign is mostly nonexistent. The gadfly is a joke. Who knows how many votes she'll draw... we should all hope they don't come at Degner's expense.

Put principle and competence above party in this special election - Vote for Kai Degner for Delegate.

Cypress Creek - more questions than answers

2010-06-09T07:43:00.002-04:00

Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC), of which Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative is a member, has proposed to build a new coal-fired power plant known as Cypress Creek Power Station in the Town of Dendron (pop. 300) in Surry County, Virginia. At a cost up to $6 billion ($9,000+ per household served), Cypress Creek would be the most expensive coal power plant in the country and the largest coal-fired plant in the Commonwealth. ODEC has already spent thousands of dollars in the ongoing permitting process. ODEC defends the plant by stating that coal "is still the least expensive way for us to make sure we have the electricity we need at an affordable price."

Others aren't so sure that ODEC's dollars make much sense. Wise Energy for Virginia commissioned a study by Synapse Energy Economics Inc. The respected analysts concluded that an uncertain economic climate and costs of meeting regulations related to carbon dioxide could mean even higher electric rates for consumers.

Of course, there are costs that aren't always measured in dollars and cents. A Chesapeake Bay Foundation study found that the plant would discharge significant amounts of mercury and other toxins into the James, Pamunkey, Blackwater, Nottoway, and Roanoke rivers and into the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation says the plant violates provisions of the Clean Water Act. Physicians for Social Responsibility and others have pointed out that air and water discharges from a coal-fired power plant will create a variety of environmental and health problems for the region. Cypress Creek is located just upwind and upstream from one of Virginia's most populated areas - Hampton Roads - which is also one of the state's major tourist destinations.

So far, ODEC has been touting the benefits but has been less than forthcoming about the costs, financial and otherwise, of Cypress Creek. SVEC members should be asking questions and demanding answers. A few of those questions:

How much will Cypress Creek cost? What will SVEC contribute? How with this be passed on to customers?
With many banks wary of the risks of financing coal-powered plants, how will Cypress Creek be financed? What are the borrowing costs? How will those costs be passed on to SVEC customers?
What are the alternatives to a mega coal-fired plant? Have those alternatives been completely explored?
Currently there is excess power on the PJM grid and an uncertain economy and greater conservation make future demand uncertain. Do we really need this mega power plant?
Since the beginning of the year plans for at least eight coal-fired power plants have been abandoned or put on hold. Most recently it was Wolverine Power Cooperative's plans for a coal-fired plant in Michigan. An air quality permit was denied and the Michigan Public Service Commission concluded that the plant was not needed and "would result in an estimated rate increase of $76.95 per month for the average Wolverine residential customer." What lessons can we learn from that case study? Will Cypress Creek mean customer's rates could increase by 50-60% a month?
The ODEC board of directors has yet to vote on the Cypress Creek plant. Why is ODEC moving forward on the project without formal approval of the board?
Can ODEC and SVEC assure customers that rates won't go up to pay for Cypress Creek?

Many questions and, so far, few answers from ODEC, SVEC, and the other member cooperatives. As customers of an electric cooperative, we are the owners... it is our cooperative. We should demand answers before ODEC moves forward with Cypress Creek.

Don't elect whack jobs on SVEC

2010-06-08T19:00:00.001-04:00

Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative will be electing new directors at their annual meeting on June 10, 2010. One of the nominees in Augusta County is a right wing whack job by the name of Philip Lynch. While his bio that was sent out in the Notice of the Annual Meeting sounds perfectly reasonable, he is a crazed reactionary blogger going by the name of "Yankee Phil" and a local political flamethrower whose ideology is way out of bounds for SVEC members. We don't need those kind of views on the Board of Directors of Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative and we certainly don't need the distraction that his presence would bring to the co-op's governance. Paul Bugas, Joyce Craun, and Larry Howdysell are better choices!

Bob McDonnell's right wing exports

2010-06-08T06:54:00.000-04:00

Bob McDonnell talks about building business in the Old Dominion, but it appears he's spending time, money, and energy trying to export his right wing views to other states. According to the Green Mountain Daily, the Times Argus, and others the Virginia governor is helping raise funds for ultra conservative Vermont gubernatorial candidate Brian Dubie.

Taliban Bob has been blasted in Virginia as well as across the county and been reduced to fodder for comedians for his controversial, backwards, and downright stupid statements on issues such as sexual orientation, Confederate history month, and women's rights. Well out of the mainstream, many national politicians are distancing themselves from our governor. I guess Bob hopes to get Dubie elected so he'll have someone to sit with at meetings of the National Governors Association.

Governor McDonnell, now is not the time for you to spend any time or energy in the politics of another state. Virginia's budget remains in disarray with education (teacher layoffs), roads (still potholes here), and public safety (sheriffs' budgets cut, judgeships unfilled) demanding attention. While many of us would be glad to see you somewhere/anywhere else, the hard truth is you are the only governor we've got and we expect your focus - 100% of the time - on Virginia's problems. Besides, your controversial record doesn't exactly support Vermont's motto, "Freedom and Unity."

Scott Miller at the Historic Masonic Theater

2010-06-03T20:17:00.001-04:00

Scott Miller.... who the f#%&* is Scott Miller? Although Scott Miller grew up in the Swoope area of Augusta County and attended Buffalo Gap and Stuarts Draft high schools, my bet is that not too many in the area are familiar with the man and his great music. The reason is simple - he just hasn't played the area very much. If you check out his tours he's all over the place, but not here. Well, that's not quite true... Scott did play in Staunton back in January. But, I was in Beijing and missed what I heard was a great show.

I have been fortunate to hear Scott, sometimes along with The Commonwealth and sometimes solo, several times. Once in Roanoke and another time when his Amtrak Tour made a stop in Charlottesville. Oh yeah, in Ashland, VA. Then my wife won tickets to one of his shows at the Down Home in Johnson City, Tennessee. Road trip!! Great show and even greater to be part of his live album, Reconstruction. Scott plays some great rock and roll... just the kind you want to hear with a cold pitcher of beer, good friends, and a rowdy crowd. There's a little country mixed in. And traditional tunes from his love of history. Check out his other albums including Thus Always to Tyrants, Citation, and Upside Downside.

OK, here is the really good news. Scott Miller will be playing at a birthday party/fundraiser for The Historic Masonic Theater in Clifton Forge, VA on Friday, July 2 at 8:00 PM. Can you spell ROAD TRIP? I've ordered my tickets and if you are in the mood for a good time and good music you should too. Click the link to the theater or if that damn Microsoft mouse is quirky, click here. Get your tickets. Go! Explore Clifton Forge (won't take long) and learn about this highland treasure and enjoy some great music. Go Scott!

Drilling in the Valley?

2010-05-31T14:02:00.001-04:00

This week central Valley residents have an opportunity to learn more about the plans for and perils of drilling for gas in the Shenandoah Valley at a public forum, Caring for Eden: A Community Discussion on Drilling for Gas in the Valley. It will be held at Court Square Theater in Harrisonburg at 7:00 PM on Thursday, June 3. To RSVP or for more information follow this link.

Gas drilling involves a controversial technique called hydraulic fracturing which critics say poses a very real threat to groundwater. The clip below looks at gas drilling in Wyoming and discusses the issues that have arisen, including lax regulations under federal law. As local leaders make decisions on a well or wells near Bergton, citizens must be informed, demand full disclosure, and make sure government verifies compliance with relevant regulations.

Remembrance

2010-05-30T15:59:00.009-04:00

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day as a way to remember those who died in service to the United States of America. While there are various stories about the origins of Memorial Day, it appears that it was first officially observed on May 30, 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves at Arlington National Cemetery. Today, many Americans seem to have forgotten the original meaning of Memorial Day and see it more as the beginning of summer when swimming pools open, BBQ grills are flaring, and NASCAR is roaring.

While veterans groups and many cities and towns have parades and other events to honor our nation's war dead, in my opinion many of those events also glorify war itself. And while it is quite true that war can bring out the very best in individuals - bravery, courage, compassion, teamwork, loyalty - as Eugene Sledge writes in his incredible memoir, With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa -

War is brutish, inglorious, and a terrible waste. Combat leaves an indelible mark on those who are forced to endure it.

With the Old Breed provided much of the background for HBO's production of The Pacific, a miniseries that followed the stories of Sledge, Robert Leckie, John Basilone and other Marines from Guadalcanal, through the bitter fighting in the little remembered Battle of Peleliu, across the bloody sands of Iwo Jima, through Okinawa's horrors. As (some of) the men return home they find themselves in a strange place within America, within their families, and within themselves.

I was reminded of my childhood questions to my own father, a WWII Army veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was among the first U.S. troops to meet the Russian troops advancing from the east. Questions that disclosed my own childish glorification of war. Questions that he refused to answer then by deflecting them to lighter moments of the Army life. Questions that will remain forever unanswered.

This Memorial Day, let us honor those who understood, "if the country is good enough to live in, it's good enough to fight for." But, let's not use Memorial Day to glorify war itself. Rather we should keep in mind the words of Union General William Tecumseh Sherman who said, "War is Hell." History books may talk of winners and losers, but in war there are only varying degrees of losers. Memorial Day should, in the words of Herman Wouk, author of War and Remembrance, remind us all that -

The beginning of the end of war lies in remembrance.

Old Speckled Hen

2010-05-22T16:39:00.006-04:00

I received a couple bottles of Old Speckled Hen in a gift basket and figured this drizzly afternoon was a good time to sample a brew that I'd never experienced. Besides, a blog named Coarse Cracked Corn just had to give Old Speckled Hen a shot. Brewed by Morland Brewery, the label describes it as "English Fine Ale" and boasts the brewery was established in 1711. It also claims 5.2% alcohol. The uniquely shaped clear glass bottle showed a nice copper colored beer. When poured in a glass it created a nice, off-white head that lasted a short while leaving thin lace on the glass. Fairly light bodied but it still had fairly good mouth feel. Hoppy... yes, but I didn't care for the bitter taste as much as what I find in my favorite IPAs such as Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. As I drank Old Speckled Hen, hints of maltiness and other grains come through. So, a nice beer but not something this bird would cross the road to find. I'll give it a B, although that may be a bit generous.

I also had a pint bottle of St. Peters India Pale Ale, another English brewed ale. Again it was an interesting bottle design of drab olive that conceals the color of the contents. Poured in a glass, the ale was a cloudy dull copper color. Like with home brewing, there was sediment in the bottom that contributed to the cloudy appearance. St. Peters India Pale Ale kicked up an okay head with great texture and an appealing creamy mouth feel. I liked its balance of hops and malts better than the Old Speckled Hen. All-in-all, I like this beer but have no idea where I'd find it locally or at a reasonable price. I found this fairly close (perhaps a bit less hoppy) to the Brass Rabbit IPA I used to cook up at Queen City Brewing. Lets give it an A-!

Well, it is back to some domestics for me. And cheaper ones at that.... anybody for a Pabst Blue Ribbon? For the record, I give PBR a solid B... higher than many popularly priced domestics... and if you factor in price, an A+.

A step forward on voting rights

2010-05-21T06:17:00.005-04:00

Virginia is one of two states (Kentucky is the other) that permanently disenfranchises all felons by leaving the restoration process to the discretion of the governor. This week, Governor Bob McDonnell announced new, more streamlined steps for convicted felons to apply for restoration of their voting rights. Among the changes - the waiting period for nonviolent offenders has been reduced from three years to two and the processing time reduced to 60 days. While this announcement does not guarantee that the Commonwealth has eliminated the last vestiges of Jim Crow, it is clearly a step in a more enlightened direction.

CCC had been critical of then governor-elect McDonnell writing in December, "There ain't a snowball's chance in Hell the next governor will give a tinker's damn about this issue...." The governor, while still dancing on his right foot, has shown some flexibility on issues, especially when moderates and progressives get in his face and take issues to the people. Governor McDonnell is to be commended for opening a new discussion on voting rights.

That conversation now needs to move to the General Assembly. "It's a significant first step," Delegate Onzlee Ware (D-Roanoke) said. "It falls short, quite frankly, of the bill we want to see passed, but it's a step." Ware and others support amending the Virginia Constitution to make restoration of voting rights automatic following an administrative process.

With conservative Republicans in control of the House of Delegates, passage will have to navigate more potholes than I do on our gravel road. Perhaps Governor McDonnell is counting on that - he can look moderate and reasonable while relying on allies to axe the more significant reforms. It is up to we the people to keep up the pressure on legislators. Write your delegate and senator. Join with the ACLU of Virginia, The Sentencing Project, and The Virginia Interfaith Center to spread the word. Progress occurs when people stand up and speak out.

The True Cost of Coal

2010-05-18T20:28:00.005-04:00

On the verge of the clean energy revolution, the last thing Virginia needs is new demand for mountaintop removal-mined coal, and a 1500 megawatt plant next to the Chesapeake Bay. Join the Shenandoah Group of the Sierra Club on Tuesday, May 25 at Clementine Cafe in Harrisonburg to learn about the proposal to build Virginia's largest coal-fired power plant, and how you can take action to stop it. Here are the details:

WHO: Shenandoah Group of the Sierra Club, Climate Action Alliance of the Valley, friends, and neighbors
WHAT: The True Cost of Coal: Come learn about the campaign to keep coal out of the bay, and make sure you are not going to be asked to foot the bill for a $6 billion plant!
WHEN: 7pm, Tuesday, May 25th
WHERE: Clementine Cafe, 153 South Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801-3602.
RSVP: http://action.sierraclub.org/NoMoreVACoal or Kate Pollard, kate.pollard@sierraclub.org or (703) 865-6659

With Shenandoah Valley Electric Co-op sending out pro-coal propaganda to members in the magazine Cooperative Living, along with postage-paid post cards to our D.C. representatives, it is important to for Valley folks to hear the other side, the true side, of the story about the true cost of coal. Please plan to attend.

Glenn Beck Has "Nazi Tourettes"

2010-05-14T05:32:00.004-04:00

Lewis Black skewers the darling of several recent Daily News-Record letter writers - Glenn Beck - a man whose babbling mouth is connected to a twisted mind that wouldn't know a fact if it slapped him in the face. Some consider Beck a prophet, but he is really all about profit.

Lewis Black again demonstrates the best humor is firmly rooted in truth.

Campus safety

2010-05-11T19:06:00.006-04:00

Just a week after the horrific murder of Yeardley Love, University of Virginia President John T. Casteen III met with Governor Bob McDonnell to explore ways that changes in state law can make our campuses safer. Casteen believes that UVA would have been able to take preemptive steps to prevent Love's death if university officials had been aware of George Huguely's arrest in Lexington two years ago. Casteen said, such information "would have lit our system." He continued, "It becomes almost an obligation for the student to demonstrate that whatever behavior caused the [issue] has been in some way addressed. We regularly require students to leave the university to undergo psychological or other treatment and in some cases we don’t readmit them."

Perhaps President Casteen is correct in this instance, however it is hard to imagine that any safeguard would provide complete protection against the uncertainties of human behavior. But, perhaps a few changes in state law, with funding, can help universities better protect students. Knowledge is power and colleges and universities should know as much as possible (within reasonable privacy rights) about their students to best assure a safe learning environment.

Whatever approaches are being considered, we must be very careful to not place extra burdens on law enforcement and on our judicial system. Doing so may help one problem while creating many others. The main burden of securing this information should be placed squarely on those who will use it - the college or university.

It seems to me that one fairly simple and reasonably inexpensive change could be the way the Virginia Judicial System reports the status of cases online. Currently, if I want to check up on John Doe's case, his sentence, etc., I have to know which court has jurisdiction so I can conduct a search. Was John busted in Waynesboro or Augusta County? Or was it Albemarle? To conduct an effective search I must have some prior knowledge and be persistent in what may be a time consuming search. If I find the case, great! But, with the current system, I'm not alerted to John's other case(s) pending in Virginia Beach and Harrisonburg.

If the Virginia Judicial System had a truly global search of all district and circuit courts, college officials could more effectively and efficiently find out about students arrests, cases, and convictions. The information would be retrievable, but the burden of searching for it would be placed where it belongs - on college and university officials. Surely the technology exists to automate such searches. Both public and private schools would be empowered.

Would this fairly simple change "fix" the problem? No way! Juvenile convictions would not (and should not) be part of the public record. Likewise, we'd not be aware of John's arrest during spring break in Daytona Beach - with many out-of-state and foreign students, college and university officials will remain unaware of criminal issues beyond the commonwealth.

A simple, but partial, solution that is relatively inexpensive and might even be in place during the next academic year. A change that would not pile unnecessary and distracting work on police and courts. And, since all of these court records are already public, there are no significant privacy concerns.

Hey, Slick

2010-05-10T18:45:00.004-04:00

How big is the Gulf oil spill compared to the Shenandoah Valley? To Virginia Beach? To the pristine Eastern Shore of the Commonwealth? Google Maps helps you visualize the extent of the BP disaster. Plug-in may be required.

Drill now, spill later? Still think drilling off the Virginia coast makes sense? If so, you are a friggin' fool. We are led by fools. Cartoon from the News Leader.

It's a gas

2010-05-03T06:54:00.005-04:00

The EPA has spent some $15 million and a couple years studying the impact of cow "emissions" on climate change. As someone who has more cows than people for neighbors, I am more than a little interested in cow farts. Well, the numbers are in and the handy map below ranks states by bovine flatulence. California, always a national leader, has the highest emissions followed by Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota. Virginia ranks #18. More.

The numbers, of course, are certainly affected by the number of cows in a state and many other factors. For example, does the type of feed or even the type of pasture grass change the amount of gas? Intake affects output as Mel Brooks famously reminded movie goers in 1974s Blazing Saddles:

And how about the breed - who is the biggest farter - Jerseys, Holsteins, or Guernseys? There are definite differences between people so there must be differences in cattle too. How about other animals - pound for pound, how do cows compare to pigs, to goats, to humans? Do chickens fart?

Probably more environmentally damaging than gastric gasses are the solid wastes of livestock (and humans) that find their way into our precious water resources filling them with e-coli. As my nostrils were reminded following a manure hauler the other day, many farmers responsibly use animal wastes as fertilizer on their fields. I tilled some into my garden a few weeks back. But, when there too many cows and too much waste for the land to use beneficially, or waste flows directly into creeks and streams from cattle (or faulty septic systems), we risk impairment of our waterways and ground water. We all live downstream.

I guess this should remind us that there are environmental consequences to all human activity. We can't eliminate all of the negative impact, but we owe it to Mother Earth and our children's children to minimize our harmful footprints. The costs shouldn't be borne by just the farmers, but by all who enjoy milk, grilled chicken, or a cheeseburger in paradise.

A cautionary tale

2010-04-30T04:50:00.006-04:00

The disaster in Louisiana should send red flags up for all who want to "drill here, drill now" off the coast of Virginia and other east coast states. The well is blowing out 5 times more oil than originally reported - some 200,000 gallons a day. BP, which is already receiving assistance from the Coast Guard, now wants specialized help from the Defense Department. Hope Secretary Gates is keeping tab of all the costs and will send a bill for the full cost.

Attempts to put out the fire were futile.

The rig eventually collapsed into the Gulf, but the well keeps spewing crude.

The slick is big and keeps growing as the well is pumps out 200,000 gallons per day.

The Exxon Valdez held a limited amount of crude, but since this deep well keeps on pumping and has far more oil than a tanker, the environmental and economic consequences will likely surpass, by a wide a margin, that disaster. The folks along the Gulf coast will pay the highest price, but much will get passed on to all of us. Although the White House says BP will pay all the cleanup costs... yeah, right... you can expect to pay more for that shrimp cocktail or seafood dinner. The costs will ripple through the national economy.

"Drill here, drill now." Anybody that wants oil wells off the east coast should at least agree that those doing the drilling should proffer billions up front, to be held in trust as long as the rigs are there, to cover the cleanup costs if disaster strikes again.

Stupid question

2010-04-26T18:36:00.005-04:00

This evening (April 26) on WHSV/TV3, anchor Bob Corso interviewed retired Bridgewater College political science professor David McQuilkin on how the Louisiana oil rig explosion and pending environmental disaster might affect drilling off the Virginia coast. Boiled down to the essentials, McQuilkin said the current situation would would give environmentalists some talking points, but that over time it wouldn't have much effect on plans to drill 50 miles off Virginia Beach. While I opposed the drilling, I tend to agree with the analysis - it will be years before we are weaned from the ample tits of big oil.

The interview continued and Corso then showed his bias for crude when he commented that the last oil-related environmental disaster was Exxon Valdez in 1989 To his credit, McQuilken disputed that assertion, although without offering specifics. Corso then asked a completely moronic question (I'm paraphrasing somewhat)... Isn't off-shore drilling basically foolproof?

Huh? How completely stupid is Corso's question? We just had an oil rig explode and sink into the Gulf of Mexico. Eleven lives were lost. Over 1,800 square miles of the Gulf are covered with oil that crews are desperately trying to contain. Some 5,000 feet down, 42,000 gallons of crude oil continue spewing into the water each and every day as special submarines try to plug the leak. The vital Louisiana seafood and tourism industry is in peril. With all that, Bob Corso asks if off-shore oil drilling is foolproof. The word "fool" applies to this interview... just as the the word "foolish" applies to "drill here, drill now" of the Virginia coast. But, off-shore oil drilling, like all human ventures, is far from "foolproof."

The big sneeze

2010-04-26T06:19:00.006-04:00

We love spring and the warming days, greening trees, and bright flowers. But for many, spring brings misery in the form of a running or stuffy nose, watery eyes, and sneeze after sneeze after sneeze. The weatherman begins reporting daily pollen counts. That shiny just-washed car quickly turns a greenish off-yellow. Opening windows for fresh air brings that same coating to furniture and floors.

There are, of course, over-the-counter and prescription remedies to make you (and the pharmaceutical industry) feel better until the heightened pollen counts decline over the next few of months. Practical solutions like keeping windows closed and washing one's hair help some folks. But, for those with severe allergies nothing brings complete relief. Luckily, I suffer less than many and even then, only for a week or so, but I can see and hear the misery of others.

If you think spring allergy season is getting worse in recent years, you are probably right. No, people are not more susceptible to pollen, but because of climate change the impact of pollen is greater and being felt for a longer period of time. According to a new report by the National Wildlife Federation, Extreme Allergies and Global Warming, an earlier spring means a longer allergy season, allows some of the more allergenic tree varieties to thrive farther north, and as heat and drought stress trees many produce more pollen to help guarantee survival of the species.

In addition to short-term things you can do to relieve your symptoms, city dwellers can encourage planners to plant female trees which don't produce pollen or plant less allergenic varieties. In your garden feature bright flowers which are usually pollinated by insects. More ideas may be found at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. In the long run, cutting greenhouse gases and slowing/stopping global warming is the only way to deal with the growing length and severity of allergy season.

Chicken stimulus?

2010-04-25T07:00:00.004-04:00

"Before we all started having health care, in the olden days, our grandparents, they would bring a chicken to the doctor. They would say I'll paint your house." ~Sue Lowden, Nevada GOP candidate for Senate.

Now, just about everybody is pecking fun at Ms. Lowden because of her barter plan to solve the health financing crisis facing many American families. For her part, Ms. Lowden doesn't think it is a yoke and is standing by her alternative plan for health care reform. A plan that is both creative and old-timey.

Now as even a dumb cluck can figure out, this is great news for Shenandoah Valley poultry farmers... health care solved for them! They can visit the doctor every day! Those farmers who are entrepreneurs (and don't need all their extra birds) will raise chickens for city folks' bartering needs. There will be new markets for chicken coops, for cages for transporting chickens, and for pluckers. Which breed is worth more more... a White Leghorn, a Rhode Island Red, or a Delaware Blue Hen?

But wait, there are opportunities for suburbanites and apartment dwellers alike to raise chickens and, in effect, print their own money to pay for health care. Always light years ahead of national politics, the debate about backyard chickens hit Harrisonburg one year ago. I'm sure Sue Lowden can expect out-of-state donations from the big birds of both commercial poultry as well as those with backyard coops. Does she take barter instead of cash for campaign donations? I've got some cracked corn and extra poultry litter that makes great fertilizer.

Where does all this chicken in every pot talk leave turkeys? Pigs? Goats? Can they cash in on the new health care for barter craze? Only time will tell. And that's no bull.

Q: Why did the chicken cross the road?

A: To take flight... doctor visits are the last time any bird will cross the road.

Beyond Party

2010-04-21T06:05:00.004-04:00

Political parties, once an essential link in elections and governing, find themselves struggling to maintain their role in our political process. True, parties at the local, state, and nation levels still control the nominating processes, recruit candidates, raise money, and (try to) energize voters. Increasingly candidates, while jumping through various party hoops, raise their own money and run their campaigns largely separate from party direction. Sure, a prudent candidate will nurture a relationship with party activists, but it is often the candidate, not the party, who determines the nature of that relationship. What will the future hold for political parties? Hard to read the crystal ball, but current national trends may foretell further disconnect from voters, more independent candidates, and perhaps the rise of a viable third party.

Like elsewhere, Shenandoah Valley political activists seem to be turning to extra-party groups and interest groups as the best way to impact government, policy, their community, and the parties. For example, the SWAC Conservative Roundtable Breakfast attracts right wingers that find much of the Republican Party establishment too liberal for their tastes. Some of the breakfast leaders were booted during intra-party battles over the past several years. Perhaps the breakfast is a first step mounting a coup of the local GOP or maybe they'll nurture potential conservative candidates to run as independents. Time will tell.

On the progressive side there are a couple of groups that get together on a regular basis to talk politics, issues, and books. Progress Augusta attracts folks from Augusta County, Staunton and Waynesboro. A local chapter of the national organization, Drinking Liberally, this informal progressive social group is passionate about politics, building friendships, and having fun in the political process. Most meetings attract 15 to 20 people who enjoy the fellowship and good food while tipping a glass. Progress Augusta meets the first Tuesday of each month from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Irish Alley Pub in Staunton. A related group, Reading Liberally - Staunton, is a progressive book group that held its first meeting on April 15. They meet next on May 27 at 6:30 PM at Darjeeling Cafe, for a discussion on Beyond Fundamentalism: Confronting Religious Extremism in the Age of Globalization.

It is premature to assess the exact impact these groups will have on campaigns, elections, and the parties themselves. Once thing seems sure... political parties will be shaped by these informal groups. How the parties react - pushing these groups out, welcoming them in, absorbing the group, or being taken over by it - will likely chart the future of the local Republican and Democratic committees themselves.

Lost Fortune

2010-04-17T18:40:00.004-04:00

Gotta say... I'm worn out on and throughly tired of Jimmy Fortune's ads on local TV. In place of a real career, he's been selling cars and (now) building supplies. I'm a rock and roller... but like a little country from time to time. When Jimmy's ads come on I hit either the "mute" or the "off" button (or head over to the satellite). Enough is enough. The Crazy Heart circuit would be a step up for Jimmy.

Weak Tea

2010-04-15T18:42:00.004-04:00

The tea party types... well, let's just say they must like it weak. Weak arguments + weak facts + weak reality = weak tea. For all their mindless rhetoric, Americans are actually paying less taxes this year. Cumulatively, some $173 billion less in federal taxes (state taxes went up by $28.6 billion). True, if the debt continues to increase we'll have to cut spending and/or raise taxes... probably some combination of the two. But, for these economic times the combination of tax cuts and spending in the stimulus was the right prescription... although more infrastructure spending putting people to work would have improved the dosage.

Tea party folks have only a weak grasp of reality - for example, they conveniently forget about the cost of Iraq and Afghanistan. To date the wars have cost $983,268,475,000 and counting as I type... up, up, and away. The teabaggers seemingly have no problem with that. That figure doesn't include the costs of keeping troops in Europe, or Japan, or Korea a half century after those conflicts ended. How long will we have troops in Iraq? Afghanistan? Beyond that, defense accounts for over 20% of the federal budget.

About 45% of the federal budget goes to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Now, a fair number of the teabaggers I saw on TV are probably collecting at least two of those three. Do they want to give up their benefits? Or have them reduced? Doubtful... after all, they paid in and expect what they were promised. We do have to make adjustments... for example raising the SS age and the amount of income on which the payroll tax is collected. Even so, their protests are hypocritical. Nothing more, nothing less. Like most Americans, they like government spending when it benefits them and hate it when it benefits you.

If the tea parties are nonpartisan, how come most speakers and many organizers are Republican (not to mention some being racist or threatening violence)? Me thinks they doth protest too much. If ya gotta keep saying you are nonpartisan or bipartisan... you probably aren't.

Well, I've been very busy in the yard and garden, with family things, and counting Americans. No time for tea parties. But, I do enjoy and must have my morning coffee.

Rites (Rights?) of Spring

2010-04-05T06:17:00.003-04:00

After a long winter, the recent unseasonable warmth is a welcomed opportunity to repair damage of the past months and to clean up the yard and garden. First on my list were fixing damaged gutters and a leaking porch roof. Both problems showed up during the second snow storm - ice dams and heavy accumulation caused real problems and a mess. Over the past couple weeks the gutters (which were fairly new) have been straightened and reinforced. Snow breaks (snow birds) installed on the upper roof will hopefully prevent a repeat. Yeah, I know, we probably won't have another winter like this for years, but it is fairly cheap insurance. Have a few more breaks to install on a couple porch roofs... then that job is done.

Also repaired and sealed flashing that the sliding ice had peeled up allowing seepage into one wall. Some stains on an exterior wall, but the big damage was inside... again in a recently remodeled half bath. A few water stains, a bit of bubbled plaster, and a couple floor tiles were damaged. These warm days with little chance of rain allowed me to put waterproofing rubber-coat on a flat porch roof that had leaked under the heavy snow causing damage to the tongue and groove ceiling below. After curing, I'll put on a second coat... the five gallons would probably allow even a third.

Saturday was a day of plowing, cleaning up the yard, and readying all the equipment (toys?) of modern yard maintenance. Tiller, mower, and tractor all got oil changes and a general cleaning and lube job. Then my daughter got home with a request to change the oil in her car... glad to oblige as I was already a grease monkey. In between there was the first breaking of the garden soil, some mulching, and mowing of those high, lush areas that always get a jump start on the rest of the yard. I burned small limbs and sticks in our campfire ring, but as always, please be careful whenever burning. Remember state law forbids burning of brush piles, etc. before 4:00 PM. All this yard work is good stuff and good for you!

In between all that, I fixed eastern Carolina-style pulled pork BBQ since the kids would be home for dinner. I have a fine vinegar-based recipe and I've got the process down pat. Smoked on a plank on the grill and finished off in the crock pot so it has that smoke flavor but stays very moist... and doesn't need too much attention in between. With slaw, more sauce, all the sides it was some good eatin'. Only downer were the gnats that attacked at the picnic table. The winds had dropped, plus there are predictions that the wet weather of the past couple months will mean an abundance of mosquitos and other bugs. The little devils were certainly robust on Saturday night.

Sunday was a top down sort of day, so we headed out for a cruise on back roads and a bit of geocaching. Absolutely beautiful... blossoms, first hints of leaves popping out, and folks in their yards working on projects or hanging with friends.

Okay, all those activities aren't so unique... something similar was probably repeated in many Shenandoah Valley homes with weather this nice. But, among the rights of spring is a rebirth of political activity in the area. Staunton and some other cities have May elections. So far not much news coverage, but that should change over the next couple of weeks. I guess separating local elections from state/national elections makes some sense, but at the cost of less attention and low turnout.

At JMU and other colleges, April 5-9 will witness an empty holster protest to highlight their opposition to policies that ban concealed weapons on campuses. That is a singularly bad idea - a combustible mixture of youth, guns, and alcohol in a setting where weapons could more easily fall in the wrong hands. I admire your peaceful protest, but college policies banning guns on campus should not be changed. To do so would endanger more people than it would protect. All this at the same time that budget cuts mean longer waits for the background check required to buy a firearm.

And a thoughtful counterweight to the Tea Parties has emerged and seems to be gaining strength - The Coffee Party USA. With a motto of "Wake Up and Stand Up" the organization is pushing civil conversation and consensus building to address community and national problems. Annabel Park, a founder of the movement, is visiting UVA to assist students who are starting a chapter. Quite a contrast to the yelling, screaming, and racism of many tea party types. We'll have to see if calm and reason can trump shouting and fear.

Drill here, drill now?

2010-03-31T05:58:00.006-04:00

For all the right wing rants about President Barack Obama being so far to the left, it is pretty clear (to all but them) that he occupies turf well in the mainstream. Healthcare reform, if you ignore the tainted tea baggers' distortions, brings only modest change that is still market-based (i.e. insurance companies still calling most of the shots). Despite the irrational fears hawked by the NRA and others, President Obama has done nothing that remotely diminishes gun rights.

And now, to the obvious delight of the "drill here, drill now" advocates including Governor Bob McDonnell, the president will open vast areas off the east coast to oil exploration and drilling. His announcement will come today at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland and could mean lease sales beginning in 2012. As shown in the New York Times map, the first lease could be in a triangular tract about 50 miles off the Virginia coast. Don't go counting Virginia's royalties and looking for lower gas prices just yet - any oil and gas reserves are largely unknown because the seismic data are three decades old. Some estimates say two to three years of oil and gas (at current consumption rates) may be recoverable.

That's generally the same area where wind resources could provide sustainable, clean energy for decades, not just a few years. Maybe some smart engineers and politicians (?) can figure a good way for the oil/gas infrastructure to have a second green life finding answers to our energy needs blowing in the wind.

Are Valley Republicans into leather?

2010-03-29T20:10:00.004-04:00

Local Republicans send lots of money to the Republican Party... both state and national. I wonder if any of those hard earned Valley dollars are going to some of the GOP's "family values" retreats? Seems Republicans recently paid "Voyeur West Hollywood, a lesbian-themed California nightclub that features topless dancers wearing horse-bits and other bondage gear" for meals (any other expenses?).

In addition, the Republican National Committee has recently spent more than $30K for private jets and limos, even more on luxury hotels, and the tab topped $43K for a midwinter meeting in Hawaii.

Gotta wonder if Shenandoah Valley Republicans know or care where their donations are going. Perhaps they are so blinded by the light they are oblivious to the misuse of their money. Kind of gives a new meaning to people in bondage - I wonder if they have whips and chains at tea parties?

Tea Party Terrorists

2010-03-27T19:43:00.004-04:00

The actual, real, documented acts of violence by the tea party folks are a long long ways from patriotism... they are acts of domestic terrorism. Eric Cantor, John McCain, John Bainor and other Repugs are tiptoeing around condemnation of vandalism/violence and encouragement of broken glass and cut gas lines... not quite telling the wingnuts to stop while saying words like "target" and "reload" are appropriate in this heated political environment.

I ran into a tea party type at a local grocery this week. She was in her 70s and her car sported a variety of flags like "Don't Tread on Me" and bumper stickers calling President Barack Obama a "socialist." She pulled in close so I asked her why she had all those flags and stickers. Her answer - "healthcare reform is socialism, a government takeover." I asked if she was on Medicare and happy with it. "Yeah," she said, "and they're trying to take it away." Huh?? She said "it was time to eliminate Obama and those damn Democrats who support him..." Now I don't know what she meant by "eliminate" but it sounds like PalinSpeak. Hunt 'em from helicopters??

Do you see the hypocrisy and misinformation in her comments? Can you hear idiots like Glen Beck echoing in her shallow brain? Or maybe the hate spread for months by local yokel politicians. It is time for Repugs to move beyond hate and into real policy. Into solving problems instead of creating divisions. I ain't holding my breath.

Visualizing the Census form return rates

2010-03-27T07:08:00.005-04:00

The U.S. Census Bureau and Google Earth announced a project to track the 2010 census participation of returns of forms by state, county, and census tracts. A couple weeks ago the Census Bureau mailed questionnaires to 120 million households... and they are coming in to data centers every day. Using the Google Earth layer will show the percentage of forms that have been received - data is not available by household nor are answers on questionnaires tabulated. Return rates for the 2000 census are also posted. The daily updates will continue through mid April.

As of Friday, March 26 the return rate for the State of Virginia was 39%. Most localities in the CCC area are slightly better: Augusta County- 43%, Rockingham County - 44%, Rockbridge County - 39%, Bath County - 31%, Highland County - 26%, Staunton - 46%, Waynesboro - 44%, and Harrisonburg - 36%.

If you want to save the U.S. Government some money, and yourself some hassle, return your census form promptly. Homes from which no form is received can expect a visit from a census enumerator, perhaps multiple visits, until the information is obtained. Answers are completely confidential and are required by law. For most households completing the questionnaire will only take 5-10 minutes. More.

Urge officials to protect the George Washington National Forest

2010-03-23T19:23:00.006-04:00

The Forest Service wants to know what you think about their management plan for the George Washington National Forest. More logging or less? Close roads or not? How much commercial use versus protecting pristine area? The Forest service wants your comments and ideas on roadless areas, protecting ecologically sensitive species, controlled burns, and much more. To get your views there will be a series of public hearings. All meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 9:00 p.m.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Valley Elementary School

98 Panther Drive

Hot Springs, VA

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

East Hardy High School

Baker, WV

Monday, April 19, 2010

Rockbridge County High School

143 Greenhouse Road

Lexington, VA 24450

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Woodstock National Guard Armory

541 Hoover Road

Woodstock, VA 22664

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Augusta County Government Center

19 Government Lane

Verona, VA 24482

You can get more information about mailing a letter or commenting online here. There is a good article in The Roanoke Times. When you comment, come down on the side of more environmental protection rather than less

Is he as good as his word? I doubt it.

2010-03-23T18:38:00.002-04:00

Rush Limbaugh said he'd leave the country if the healthcare bill passed. It did. Will he live up to his word? Doubtful... he's a blowhard who is only interested in sucking in money and dupes who believe his tripe.

If you are interested in seeing one less idiot in the U.S.A., how about making a contribution to the guys at A Ticket for Rush. They've raised almost $2K... isn't that enough for a one-way ticket to Costa Rica? Hey, what's wrong with Afghanistan??

And if the village idiot reneges... like we all know he will since there is little believable in any crap that comes out of this mouth... the donations will go the Planned Parenthood Action Center. Too back his mom didn't catch a ride...

Andrew Lewis bust joins other famous Virginians in Capitol

2010-03-23T06:20:00.004-04:00

Andrew Lewis (1720-1781), a Revolutionary War era hero whose family was among the first settlers in Augusta County, was remembered during a ceremony when his bust joined those of George Mason, Patrick Henry, and other famous Virginians in the old House of Delegates chamber in the Virginia Capitol.

Lewis's family came to America in the early 1730s eventually settling in Augusta County where Andrew learned the skills of surveying. He married and moved to Roanoke County near Salem where they established a home named Richfield. They would have seven children. Lewis is perhaps best known for service in the French and Indian War and Revolutionary War, but the battle that ensured his military legacy was at Point Pleasant when he defeated the Shawnee Chief Cornstalk. Lewis

Lewis has previously been memorialized in both Virginias. Lewisburg, West Virginia is named in his honor. A portion of I-81 is designated the Andrew Lewis Memorial Highway. Salem's Andrew Lewis Middle School is named for him. And there are streams, Boy Scout camps, and memorials found in communities in the Valley and West Virginia.

Del. Landes' word games

2010-03-21T18:05:00.007-04:00

Delegate Steve Landes (R-25) often likes to parse, split, and confuse with words as he does in his final newsletter of the 2010 session. Though there are numerous examples of loaded words in his recent email, Mr. Landes really outdid himself with partisan word play when he discussed the "bipartisan support in winning approval from the Democrat-controlled Senate by a vote of 34 to 6 and from the Republican-majority House by a vote of 73 to 23."

Excuse me, Mr. Landes... so it is "Democrat-controlled" (sounds like the ABC's hit show V where aliens and sleeper agents who seemingly come in peace but really want to take over the world). But, over in the House of Delegates it is a "Republican-majority" (don't ya love the all-American everybody agrees with us ring to it?).

PS to Steve and other Republicans - it is Democratic-controlled. After all, if you insist on changing the name of the Democratic Party, we'll have to start calling you the Repugs... perhaps the name fits...!

Trickle down budget writing

2010-03-19T19:17:00.004-04:00

In its infinite wisdom (and as a great illustration of how all sh*t flows downhill), the General Assembly has passed a budget that allows local governments and school boards to require current employees to pay from 1% to 5% of the "employee retirement contribution." This provision in the budget does not affect state employees.

The General Assembly has dramatically underfunded local schools - for example, I just heard on the news that Augusta County Schools will have some $11 million less to operate on next year when compared to this year. To make up the difference, a local school board can start making employees contribute to the Virginia Retirement System. Some 20 years ago most local school boards picked up the so-called "employee share" of the contribution in lieu of a pay raise. It was supposed to be permanent... forever and ever, amen.

I'll break this down in simple terms that even Republican budget writers can understand - you underfund local school divisions, but you thoughtfully give them the power to find new money to help fill the gap you created from somewhere, from anywhere... why not scrape it out of employee wallets. Now, that's what I call trickle down budgeting... it really does all flow downhill.

Get it done

2010-03-18T18:11:00.004-04:00

Healthcare reform will take giant stride this weekend when the House of Representatives formally moves it forward. Hopefully Rep. Tom Perriello (VA-05) will show the courage of his convictions and support the bill. I expect he will, although he is certainly facing lots of hateful lies and distortions being spread like manure on the fields in spring.

Republicans will scream and holler that the bill isn't bipartisan. Well, no it isn't... mostly because Republicans won't support much of anything on President Obama's agenda. They long ago made the political decision to oppose him on every turn - not because it was good policy, but according to their calculations, it was good politics. Their calls to delay or restart the debate are transparent.

There is misleading rhetoric being fired from the left too. Some claim that if various leaders had been stronger advocates that the public option would still be in the bill. But, that is at best a pipe dream... too many moderate Democrats either weren't for it or were worried about their seats. Make no mistake, the public option is probably necessary for real reform and real cost savings to occur. Medicare for all. But, current political realities make the public option untenable and the speaker and president don't want to spend political capital of their Democratic allies on a poison pill. Sometimes change in America has to come one step at a time.

While many in the public don't know the details of the reform bill (blame the president and Democrats for not doing a better job of explaining things in simple terms) it is pretty clear most Americans are either for it or against it. Not many undecideds out there. But today's report from the Congressional Budget Office that healthcare reform will actually cut the federal debt should nudge some Americans and just enough congressmen to win the bill's passage. Didn't hear about the CBO report? How does a $138 billion reduction of the deficit over the next ten years sound?

Sure, healthcare reform may become a hot issue in the 2010 elections, but by then the deal will be done. Once off the front page, issues of jobs and the economy will take center stage and healthcare reform will be a bit of an afterthought. Even if the issue remains hot, Democrats should have great opportunities selling reform as deficit reduction package and as helping small businesses to create jobs. The GOP will also be talking jobs, but without much of a program to produce any.

The politics of healthcare reform is changing before our eyes - President Obama is winning the public opinion war, the nonpartisan CBO acknowledges the budgetary benefits, the GOP can't quite shed the "party of No" label, and the tea party wingdings are running short of steam. Healthcare reform will pass. As the programs go into effect there will be adjustments. Medicare for all will happen - but, maybe not before I'm on Medicare the old fashioned way.

Delegate Lohr gets gubernatorial appointment

2010-03-17T06:00:00.005-04:00

Delegate Matt Lohr (R-26) will be giving up his seat in the General Assembly to become Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Governor Bob McDonnell's office announced the appointment yesterday. Lohr is a three-term delegate. The 26th district includes Harrisonburg and northern parts of Rockingham County.

So, there will be an open seat and special election in the district. Surely, a part of the governor's calculations in the appointment is the fact the area leans Republican. However, Democrats have been gaining some ground, notably in Harrisonburg. The outcome could turn less on party and more on the strengths or weaknesses of the individual candidates and on their ability to bring out supporters in low-turnout contest. No word on anyone yet expressing interest, but the Democrats have several appealing possibilities. It will be interesting to see who steps up - in both parties. Game on!

Where's my refund?

2010-03-17T05:19:00.003-04:00

I e-filed my taxes a few weeks ago and used direct deposit, so I was curious... where's my refund? After all, my kids received their refunds in about 10 days. If you are in the same boat, there is a quick and easy way to get the answer. Just go to the IRS website and look for the "Where's My Refund" link on the right. All you need to enter is your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount. The site is secure and the info is usually available 72 hours after your e-file is confirmed (longer of course if you file on paper). The results indicate an exact date you can expect a direct deposit.

Speaking of taxes, a great free resource for senior citizens and for low/moderate income taxpayers of any age is the AARP Tax-Aide program found all across the country. Well-trained counselors will prepare your forms and e-file most federal and state returns. In the central valley they have locations in Harrisonburg, Waynesboro, and Verona. Locate a site and find the hours of operation and other info here. There's absolutely no sense in handing over a hefty chunk of your refund to a paid preparer when AARP will do it right and do it for free.

Schools, VRS, public safety take heavy hits

2010-03-14T18:47:00.004-04:00

The first reports about the Virginia General Assembly's budget actions are hitting the media and everything is a bit sketchy. The Senate gave in to the House on a majority of the fee increases so many of the cuts hit bone. Some emerging details:

K-12 education will see $646 million less over the next two years meaning teacher/staff layoffs, school closings, and larger classes. Apparently the Senate held tough and prevented the even more drastic cuts proposed by the House of Delegates.
As predicted in an earlier post, judges who retire or die will not be replaced. Full dockets. Backlogs. Irate citizens. Justice delayed. Justice denied.
Although some of the worst proposals for the Virginia Retirement system were averted, the system takes still another hit. In the past couple of years the state has underfunded the retirement system and now the General Assembly is borrowing $620 million from it. I don't trust them to repay it - do you? What recourse will members have - can we sue the bastards?
$1 billion was cut from health programs. Only 250 additional adults with mental disabilities will receive community-based services - the waiting list tops 6,000. A human and a public safety disaster.
Funding for sheriff's offices drops by 6%. Expect slower response times, a reduced presence of resource officers in schools, and fewer crime prevention programs.

But rejoice. The rest areas are reopening even as the potholes grow big enough to gobble up a Prius. Maybe the pedal will stick and it will fly over it!

Coal Country on Planet Green

2010-03-13T07:03:00.004-05:00

Coal Country is the best film on mountaintop removal to date. Unlike the other films, it shows the reality of being a coal miner working in the industry that demands the worst destruction of mountains in human history. The interviews with miners, one owner, and opponents are touching and revealing.

~Steve Fesenmaier, Appalachian filmographer and Charleston Gazette film reviewer

Coal Country airs on Planet Green on Saturday, March 13 at 10:00 PM. Invite a friend. Set your DVR. Catch it on rebroadcast. Whatever you do, watch Coal Country. Fight to stop mountaintop removal coal mining! Check out the Coal Country trailer~

House budget courts judicial disaster

2010-03-12T06:56:00.005-05:00

There are 19 vacant judgeships around the Commonwealth, including one at the Staunton General District Court and the Augusta County General District Court. The vacancy should have been filled during the 2009 session of the General Assembly, but political squabbles ended in a deadlock with no appointment. When a judgeship is vacant, the court has to rely on substitutes that can sometimes mean inconsistencies, delays, and other costs that can't simply be measured in dollars.

Now the budget crisis means that the vacancies will probably continue or even, as if by magic, disappear. Some of Virginia's busiest courts, including a big one in Fairfax and others in Hampton Roads, will take the hit. The House of Delegates proposes to eliminate the vacancies and the need to appoint new judges by simply eliminating the positions. Poof! No vacancy... no political fight... no cost (at least not in the budget). The House proposal goes even further by essentially eliminating any judgeships that become vacant over the next two years. The Senate budget keeps the positions funded.

If the House position prevails, the judicial system will have to shuffle the remaining judges around to provide judges for courts that have a vacancy... correction, lost the entire position. There will be travel expenses and other inefficiencies, and perhaps fewer court days meaning full dockets and justice delayed or even denied. There is simply no way that fewer judges will be able to handle the workload with the same care. The House proposal is a recipe for disaster, especially when you consider that many judges are eligible to retire and some may well do so rather than put up with a untenable workload. Of course, each retirement will leave another position unfunded and additional burdens for those who remain.

Hopefully prudence and common sense will prevail in the budget negotiations, although the more one sees of the House plans, the more one wonders if those are lost commodities around the State Capitol.

Save tax dollars... complete the census form

2010-03-12T06:11:00.005-05:00

You probably got a letter alerting you that U.S. Census forms will begin arriving in most mailboxes around March 15 (homeowners with PO boxes will often have them hand delivered). With 10 questions, the form should take 10 to 15 minutes to complete for a typical family... perhaps more if you have a large family.

Get 'er done early and mail it back by April 1, otherwise you can expect a visit from census enumerators. And that is where is starts getting expensive for the U.S. Census Bureau. Enumerators are paid and reimbursed for mileage, so the cost of getting the count at one home can escalate quickly, especially if enumerators have to make multiple visits.

The decennial census is required by the Constitution and participation is required by law. Your answers containing personally identifiable information are 100% confidential and cannot be given to other government agencies... in fact, the Attorney General ruled this week that Census confidentiality trumps the Patriot Act. Census enumerators will have an ID badge with a toll free number you can call to confirm their identity and they will not ask for Social Security, bank, or credit card numbers.

More info about the Census, how the count will be conducted at places like college dorms and nursing homes, and toll free helpline numbers can be found in this helpful article in The Roanoke Times.

The phone call

2010-03-11T06:05:00.004-05:00

Ring. Ring.

"Hello. Yes, I sent a letter to the editor or the Valley Teapot Tempest. Huh....?

Yes, I know you bill yourselves as a 'journal of Shenandoah Valley Patriots' and that you are part of the local tea party gang... but I thought you'd publish at least a few different opinions...

Okay, group not gang. And yeah, I know you want to execute all terrorists, but I believe that a hallmark of our system of justice is the right to counsel. Liz Cheney's vicious attack on the Justice Department and attorneys who represent accused terrorists crosses the line... many Republicans are criticizing her ill-considered comments for undermining the Constitution and our system of justice... even John Adams represented...

No, I don't agree that a lawyer who represents an accused terrorist is a terrorist himself. Just like a lawyer who represents a bank robber isn't a bank robber himself...."

Beep. Beep.

"Excuse me, I have an incoming call. I'll be back in a minute....

Okay, I'm back. Glad I took that call... was some nice fellow named Dick. He invited me to join him and some buddies on a quail hunt in Texas this weekend. Sounds like it could be fun...."

Is having IMPACT™ a good idea?

2010-03-09T06:51:00.004-05:00

Frustrated with budget cuts and impairment of a range of public services, Keith Drake of the Albemarle County Taxpayers Association has set up a group called IMPACT™ that calls itself a "resource for the terminally undertaxed." IMPACT™ acknowledges that some folks - those who have recently lost jobs, for example - can't afford a tax increase. But Drake and many others are worried that budget cuts are beginning to have an adverse impact on his area's quality of life. IMPACT™ provides an avenue for citizens to pay additional taxes to Charlottesville, Albemarle County, or the Commonwealth of Virginia. NBC29 has the story including the group's press release.

Many who are worried about teacher layoffs and bulging classes, school closings, non-prosecution of crimes, fewer police on the roads, and a range of other cutbacks want to help close some of the budget gap. IMPACT™ gives them a way to do so. Of course, taxpayers can always make voluntary donations to educational programs, to libraries, and virtually any other part of government if they desire.

But, there is a flip side that is amply illustrated by those who believe the lottery pays for K-12 education. Does lottery profits go to education - yes. Does it come close to paying the full costs of K-12 education in the Commonwealth - no. Yet, we've heard folks say things like "why raise taxes, doesn't the lottery pay for it." Therein lies the danger - tea party types who want to downsize government anyhow, will applaud the idea of "voluntary" taxes or paying taxes only for those services with which they agree. Government would exist in name only.

We are reminded of the famous Oliver Wendell Holmes quote, "taxes are the price we pay for civilization." Unfortunately some of the anti-tax wingnuts don't believe in civilization (or science or public education...).

Cuccinelli's inconsistency

2010-03-08T06:32:00.007-05:00

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli advised Senator Robert Hurt (R-Chatham) that he could continue campaign fundraising during the session of the General Assembly. Hurt is seeking the GOP nomination for to run for Congress in the 5th district. Virginia law prohibits campaign fundraising by members during sessions of the General Assembly, but in a January 25 opinion, the attorney general advised Hurt that the prohibition only applies to raising money for Virginia elections. Cuccinelli wrote, "federal law preempts Virginia's fundraising prohibition when a General Assembly member solicits or accepts contributions solely for a federal office."

Earlier this month, the attorney general wrote to presidents of state colleges and universities to advise that they should rescind their policies banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. It was an wrong-headed follow-up to Governor Bob McDonnell's decision to remove sexual orientation from an executive order banning discrimination. These decisions should surprise no one familiar with their history - neither man is exactly a champion of equality.

When compared to the advice given to Senator Hurt, the Cuccinelli letter to the colleges stands out as rank legal hypocrisy. If federal law preempts Virginia's law on fundraising, than federal law and the United States Constitution also preempt Virginia laws that discriminate. Our universities regularly receive federal grants, and nondiscrimination is a condition of all. More importantly, the United States Supreme Court and federal courts have repeatedly struck down laws that discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation.

Could Mr. Cuccinelli be giving out less than impartial legal advice to the agencies and officials of the Commonwealth? Does he think the U.S. Constitution only applies in Virginia when he says so?

Guns... here, there, everywhere

2010-03-07T07:48:00.004-05:00

With a number of legislators introducing bills to permit carrying of guns in restaurants and bars, courthouses, houses of worship, etc., why hasn't someone introduced legislation to allow carrying of concealed weapons in the galleries of the General Assembly?

In league with liars

2010-03-05T06:16:00.004-05:00

It isn't just Senate Republicans who are engaging in a systematic campaign of lies and fear mongering about healthcare... various front groups are right there spreading much of the same garbage in TV ads in local markets. One of those front groups, the League of American Voters (are they deliberately trying to confuse us by sounding like the very responsible League of Women Voters?), is running an ad attacking Rep. Tom Perriello (VA-05). With their nice name, it sounds like we are all members and Dick Morris, their main ad writer, is speaking for all of us. Nothing could be further from the truth. If the name is a lie, how can we believe anything else they say?

According to SourceWatch, the League of American Voters essentially consists of Morris and one other staff member. They share an address with another ultra conservative front group, Americans for Tax Reform, and have overlap with organizers of Tea Parties. In other words, the league does not represent you and me - it really represents Morris (who is trying to sell his book), big pharma, health insurance companies, and right wing crackpots.

FactCheck.org says the league's ads are filled with buzzwords like "rationing" and "tax surcharge" and include a number of misleading claims - incorrectly stating future costs and asserting there will be a tax increase without saying that very few people make enough to pay it. The ads are running nationwide against Democrats in targeted districts like VA-05, which is represented by a courageous freshman incumbent.

Educate yourself. Tell your friends about the lies in the ads. Tell NBC29 they are airing garbage. And even if you don't live in VA-05, make a donation to Tom Perriello's campaign.

The best humor - based in fact

2010-03-04T20:01:00.005-05:00

A Virginia Congressman was seated next to a little girl on the airplane leaving from Roanoke when he turned to her and said, "Let's talk. I've heard that flights go quicker if you strike up a conversation with your fellow passenger."

The little girl, who had just opened her book, closed it slowly and said to the total stranger, "What would you like to talk about?"

"Oh, I don't know," said the congressman. "How about the farce of global warming or joke called 'Obamacare'," and he smiles smugly.

"OK," she said. "Those could be interesting topics. But let me ask you a question first. A horse, a cow, and a deer all eat the same stuff - grass. Yet a deer excretes little pellets, while a cow turns out a flat patty, and a horse produces clumps of dried grass. Why do you suppose that is?"

The esteemed legislator, visibly surprised by how sharp the girl is, thinks about it and says, "Hmmm, I have no idea."

To which the little girl replies, "Do you really feel qualified to discuss global warming or universal health care when you don't know sh*t?"

Senators Warner and Webb - don't listen to the hypocrites

2010-03-04T16:21:00.010-05:00

Senator Mark Warner and Senator Jim Webb - it is time to show political courage and join with other Democrats and vote for healthcare reform. Your colleagues from the other side of the aisle are surely leaning on you, but their shrill arguments are based in blatant falsehoods and hypocrisy. Senate Republicans will say anything, repeat any lie, make up any distortion, attack the very rules of the chamber that they've used in the past, while in the death throes of their opposition.

It is time to stand up for healthcare reform. It is time to vote.

Using reconciliation to pass healthcare reform is not only legitimate, it is the moral thing to do.

Blue Ridge Parkway nation's busiest

2010-03-02T06:00:00.005-05:00

The Blue Ridge Parkway, which winds through the mountains of Virginia and North Carolina, was the National Park Service's busiest unit with over 16 million visitors in 2009. Known as "America's Favorite Drive," the parkway begins on Afton Mountain and continues southward 469 miles (220 in Virginia) to the Great Smoky Mountains. Going north from Afton is 105 miles of the Shenandoah National Park. With multiple access points to both the Parkway and Skyline Drive, these treasurers are important parts of the Commonwealth's tourism industry. Both remain under deep snow which may threaten the spring opening and hence affect the gas stations, mom and pop stores, and restaurants in adjoining towns. The Park Service is working to clear roads in the most popular sections.

More than 285 million people visited America's National Parks in 2009, up about 10 million from the previous year. In spite of three weekends when entrance fees were waived, well publicized visits by the First Family to the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone, and the release of Ken Burn's PBS special, The National Parks: America's Best Idea, our parks failed to break the all-time record set in 1987. But, the parks did well, considering the economic downturn and last year's downward trends in the tourism industry.

Perhaps Governor Bob McDonnell can loan the Park Service some snow removal equipment so they can open as the leaves begin budding out. After all, these two jewels of the Blue Ridge are vital parts of Virginia's tourism, job creation, and economy - far more important than opening a few rest areas.

Feeling the sting

2010-03-01T06:22:00.008-05:00

With the budget deliberations not yet finished in Richmond, local school divisions are deep into crunching numbers and getting ready for fewer teachers and other staff, and for larger classes. With most school divisions' budgets heavily weighted towards personnel - typically 75 to 80% (or more) goes to salaries and benefits - the cuts this year will mean paring down the employee rolls. Most school divisions are trying to do that in as gentle a way as possible, but when the knife cuts to the bone, there is bound to be pain.

One way to pare costs is to encourage experienced teachers to retire and leave positions vacant or replace them with "cheaper" new hires. But, how to do that? Some teachers enjoy their work and involvement with children and are not ready for retirement. Others need the paycheck. The cost of health insurance is a huge concern for almost everyone. Retiring before 30 years of VRS service means taking a hit (which grows when multiplied by the number of years under 30) on the pension. So, school divisions are offering financial incentives to help ease some of those very real fears.

Augusta County has a retirement bonus of $200 per year of creditable VRS service up to $6,000 for staff age 50 and up who retire between March 1 and June 30. They already pay $2,500 towards retiree health insurance (subject to certain stipulations) which helps to ease that concern. Still, there is doubt that $6,000 is enough to attract very many who were not already pretty close to a retirement decision. For anyone under 30 years of service, the hit on VRS benefits likely weighs heavier on the calculations than that one-time payout.

The Staunton Public Schools, which is probably going to close one elementary school, has a more generous retirement incentive. Ditto for Waynesboro - $300 per year of service, up to $9,000. Shenandoah County is considering one. The story is pretty much the same everywhere - get rid of teachers and other staff to save money. Roanoke City and Roanoke County are offering larger buyouts - the city's maxes out at $20,000 and the county's at $12,500.

Statewide, the respected budget analysts at the Virginia Education Association, estimate that the Senate budget will cost almost 16,000 jobs; the House budget about 24,000. These wouldn't be just teachers, but include everyone from cafeteria workers and custodians to assistant superintendents. With the budget likely to fall somewhere in between, job losses of somewhere around 20,000 are likely. I'm sure with less money the fine folks in the General Assembly will relax some mandates, perhaps suspend SOL tests for a couple years, and help in other ways. Do you believe in fairy tales?

Nobody expects the retirement incentive programs to reduce staffing by anywhere close to those numbers so teachers who are not on continuing contract (three years of satisfactory service in the same school division) are holding their collective breath and wondering if they will receive a reduction in force notice. We can probably expect many to be issued, followed by an night of fear, anger, and tears. Hopefully, some will be rehired if the number of retirements is higher than expected or the budget improves. So, you DO believe in fairly tales?

There is some lip service to class size and maintaining the quality of instruction, but - so there is a Puff the Magic Dragon? - have no doubt, classes will be larger (some to the point of chaos), students with special needs will have less support, many of our best and most experienced teachers will be gone, new teachers will be asked to teach subjects for which they are not prepared, and our children will ultimately pay the price for the bad economy and failures of vision in Richmond. First lesson... life isn't fair.

Oxymoron

2010-02-28T19:53:00.004-05:00

America's greatest oxymoron: Clean Coal. They think Americans are morons and will buy that lie.

Kilgore's Dirty Bill

2010-02-28T16:20:00.004-05:00

Delegate Terry Kilgore (R-Gate City) has a dirty bill (HB1300) that will strip the Virginia Air Pollution Control Board critical authority to clean up our air. Under the current law, the Board can decide whether to require large polluters to make actual reductions in NOx and SO2 pollutants or allow trading of pollution credits outside the community where the pollution is being generated. This bill would deny the Air Board the authority to require actual pollution reductions.

HB1300 is currently in the Senate Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources Committee. Please contact committee members and urge them to vote No on this dirty bill. More information and an easy-to-use contact link is found at the Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club.

Bob Marshall - Resign Now!

2010-02-25T06:14:00.003-05:00

Sign the Bob Marshall - Resign Now petition. Then take one more step and contact him directly and let him know his comments were disgusting and, instead of blaming the media, he should apologize and resign from office. Bob Marshall is a embarrassment to not only his district, but the entire state. More details and contact information is here.

Where's George when we need him?

2010-02-24T16:50:00.006-05:00

There are times during our contemporary political disputes when it would be great to call on our Founding Fathers for wisdom and guidance. Such is now the case. Republicans have become the party of "No" and seek political gain by obstructing virtually every initiative of President Barack Obama. The "national interest" is no longer part of their vocabulary or agenda. President George Washington, in his Farewell Address, warned about the "mischiefs of party." His words should resonate with Republicans who are taking the "spirit of party" to obscene extremes... some Democrats should listen as well.

...the common & continual mischiefs of the spirit of Party are sufficient to make it the interest and the duty of a wise People to discourage and restrain it.

It serves always to distract the Public Councils and enfeeble the Public Administration. It agitates the Community with ill founded Jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot & insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence & corruption, which find a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passions.

China Trip #8

2010-02-23T05:44:00.005-05:00

Dateline Shanghai/Hong Kong: January 13, 2010

Today was a travel day from Shanghai to Hong Kong so we left early on the bus to head to the airport. Although Hong Kong is part of China, it is almost like traveling to another country - especially if you are Chinese. For example, when we flew from Beijing to Shanghai our guide could check us in at the airport as a tour group; when going from Shanghai to Hong Kong it was individual check-in only. U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Hong Kong, yet Chinese citizens do. Yes, I typed that correctly... Chinese citizens from the mainland must have a visa to visit Hong Kong and generally can only stay a limited time. Unless they purchase two different license plates, which are very expensive, Chinese citizens cannot drive their car from Hong Kong to the mainland. We saw one such vehicle while in Hong Kong. We were to learn more about the special relationship between China and Hong Kong over the next few days.

We flew on Cathay Pacific, the nicest plane of all our travels. Attendants were all Chinese, but judging by his accent, the pilot was Australian or British. Food was pretty good. The onboard entertainment system was individualized for each seat and we had many choices of movies or recent popular TV shows with choices appealing to adults and children. Or, you could watch an outside camera that was focused on the front landing gear - pretty boring during the flight, but pretty neat during the landing.

The airport was modern and efficient, but our first real sign that we were in a different place was the bus - the door was on the left side. The bus was a little smaller, and some of the students had bought luggage in Beijing or Shanghai shops, so we were overpacked. Not enough room in the cargo bins, so suitcases and bags were piled along the aisle. Another sign that we were indeed in a different place - the temperature was in the mid 60s and we quickly shed our warm coats and jackets.

Along the route to the hotel our new guide told us about Hong Kong, orienting us to the collection of islands, the New Territories, the Hong Kong dollar, and the public transportation we'd be using. Yes, Hong Kong uses a different currency than the mainland, they drive on the other side of the road, the internet is free and open, and its political, legal, and economic systems bear more similarity to their British heritage than to anything on the mainland. Hence, we often heard the reference to "one country, two systems" to explain the relationship of this "special administrative district" to the Beijing government.

From the bus we saw many distinguishing characteristics of Hong Kong - a skyline dominated by steep hills and mountains, water seemingly on all sides, high rise apartments and other buildings, and the natural harbor. Hong Kong is about 426 square miles with only about one-forth actually developed because of the steep terrain. Almost 40% is preserved as parks and natural area. Our guide pointed out Hong Kong and Lantau islands, telling us that most development is on the Kowloon peninsula on Hong Kong Island. Much of the more recent development, including the airport, is on reclaimed lands - i.e. mountain land dumped into the ocean and leveled.

Back to the high rise apartments - Hong Kong is sometimes called the world's most vertical city because nearly everyone lives in a tall building. There are more than 7,600 skyscrapers. More people live above the 14th floor than anywhere on the planet. Just like elsewhere, the most exclusive apartments are found high on hills or along the best stretches of waterfront. By U.S. standards (except perhaps places like New York and Chicago), apartments are small and expensive. Of course, there are the extremely upscale places that go for $3 million and more modest ones that maybe even I could afford. David, our guide, said many families live in apartments of 550 to 800 square feet, often with multiple generations, so their notions of personal space are far different from ours.

High rise office buildings and apartments are everywhere. Many, like those in the picture, appeared more modern and upscale than we typically saw in Beijing. There are many others where families of more modest means live.

The other thing that is apparent is that, while little is manufactured in Hong Kong, they've built a strong economy around shipping everyone else's goods. They are also a global hub of finance, entertainment, and all sorts of trade. East and west do indeed meet - culturally, economically, and in many other ways. Apparently they meet at the Hong Kong International Airport, one of the world's busiest.

The harbor is huge with large docks handling containerized cargo. Ships, tugs, and small craft are in constant motion.

We finally got to our hotel and there was some sort of SNAFU at the desk because it took us forever to get our rooms. I walked down the busy street to an ATM... might need those Hong Kong dollars for the next day's adventures. $100HK = just under $13US. So, when I tell you we took the trolley as far as we want for $2HK, that's about 25¢. More on the trollies and getting around the city in a future post. That night we (again) had a big group Chinese dinner, and once again we experienced some new dishes and tastes. Afterwards we walked down the street to a 7-11 - which are found on nearly every block. They are tiny, maybe 15' x 15' or so, but have beer, bottled water, packaged foods, and cigarettes. I bought a couple of Carlsberg beers, a very popular brand in Hong Kong that we also saw in other stores in Beijing and Shanghai. Plus, we got a half dozen $2HK coins that are used in the trollies.

Tell Bob Marshall to resign

2010-02-22T16:37:00.007-05:00

By the time I got this post up, the news is old, but the disgust only grows deeper and the stomach churns with bile. In case you are one of the few who hasn't heard, Delegate Bob Marshall, R-Manassas, stated at a press conference where he opposed funding for Planned Parenthood:

The number of children who are born subsequent to a first abortion with handicaps has increased dramatically. Why? Because when you abort the first born of any, nature takes its vengeance on the subsequent children... in the Old Testament, the first born of every being, animal and man, was dedicated to the Lord. There's a special punishment Christians would suggest.

An absurd and cruel statement that lays bare his dark heart, Delegate Marshall should immediately resign his office. As a truly classless individual, he won't do that without some encouragement. Perhaps we can provide some:

Marshall's legislative email address is: DelBMarshall@house.virginia.gov
His Richmond office phone is: 804-698-1013
His cell # is 703-853-4213
Take the elevator and find him in Room 809 of the General Assembly Bldg.
His district office address is PO Box 421, Manassas, VA 20108 and the phone/fax is 703-361-541
Contact page on his website: http://delegatebob.com/contact
Contact Pat Mullins, chair of the Virginia GOP at 804-780-0111, fax 804-343-1060, or visit the contact page of their website: http://www.rpv.org/about/page/contact-us-form
Contact Governor Bob McDonnell and let him know how disgusted you are with his friend and ally. The Governor's contact info is here: http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Contact.cfm

Bob Marshall has been one of the most out-of-touch and reactionary legislators in the General Assembly - an embarrassment to not only to his district, but the entire Commonwealth. It is past time for him to go.

Fat Tire

2010-02-21T19:37:00.005-05:00

While in Franklin, NC we picked up 12 bottles of Fat Tire Amber Ale, something I'd enjoyed in Fort Collins, CO while reading AP American government essays a few years ago. I'd hiked out to New Belgium Brewing, partly curious about the beer/hoping for a tour and partly to find some geocaches in the area. Missed the regular tours but an employee let me look around briefly. Yes, I found several geocaches nearby and later enjoyed a couple varieties of New Belgium brews at Fort Collins watering holes.

So, I was a bit surprised to find Fat Tire Amber Ale with a prominent place in the cooler at the grocery store in tiny Franklin... those western North Carolinians just went up in my estimation! It is probably available in the Shenandoah Valley, but I have to admit, I haven't run across it.

Okay, my disclaimer as a beer reviewer... I haven't met a beer I couldn't drink. Well, I take that back... there was some generic swill from a chain grocery in college that tasted bad and hit bottom very heavy. Ugh. Nasty. I'm not a big fan of wheat beers. And, although I'll take one if offered (I'm polite that way) light beers are not really beer... they are basically like sex in a canoe.... f*$#&!% close to water.

Back to the Fat Tire Amber Ale - it is a nice copper colored ale with a medium head that left attractive lace on the large juice glass I was forced to use in my son's tiny apartment. The first few washes over the taste buds brought back its unique taste - a bit fruity, some malt, a little hoppy and spicy at the end. A slightly creamy texture. I liked it better as I filled the glass with my second and even more with my third. I'm a bit more of a hop head and like a little less fruitiness, but Fat Tire Amber Ale is a nice brew - I'd give it a solid B, maybe a B+.

If these things matter to you as they do to me, New Belgium Brewing is a company worth supporting with your dollars while you enjoy their beers. They are employee-owned and express pride in being the first wind powered brewery in America. New Belgium is also one of 1228 companies who are part of 1% for the Planet who commit 1% of annual sales to various environmental organizations making a positive impact for Mother Earth. Bottoms up and tip a glass for our Mom!

Gems, geocaching, and ribs

2010-02-21T07:44:00.006-05:00

We're visiting Franklin, N.C. this weekend. Diagonal downtown parking says it all! Our son is living here in a tiny studio apartment for a few months while in a National Park Service class, so we have a good reason for the 400 mile (one-way) trip. Traffic wasn't bad... even on I-81. Guess we'll see what the late Sunday evening traffic is like. Nice to be away from the snow... only left on the higher elevations here. And yesterday's high reached 61°. Nice. Explored the area, found five geocaches, and enjoyed some great ribs and cold beer at Fat Buddies Ribs & BBQ.

Franklin, Macon County, and the Nantahala National Forest offer stunning scenery, waterfalls, hiking trails, and lots of opportunities for outdoor recreation. We'd noticed an abundance of gem shops in the area. We've learned that Franklin is known as the "Gem Capitol of the World" for its ruby, garnets, and sapphire that still attracts thousands of gem hunters.

Met Earl at breakfast this morning. He's from Michigan and visiting relatives in the area, too. Earl shared some pictures of his wildlife and rustic furniture woodwork at Carvings & More. Nice guy, talented craftsman.