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Wednesday, May 31, 2006Pope: Lay movements must accept authorityToo many efforts from the laity seem to want to wander off the reservation. Pope Benedict XVI warns lay movements not to separate their activity from the Church herself: The Pope's cautionary message to the new lay movements came as he stressed their place in "the living structure of the Church." He pointed out that Catholics are obligated to follow the leadership not only of the Pontiff, "but also of bishops in the various local churches who, together with the Pope, are the custodians of truth and charity in unity."Most folks will never understand this ordering, that lay movements should somehow submit to authority. But it's not about authority -- it's about harmony. If you truly believe the Church to be the deposit of Truth and Faith, then separating yourself from her authority is turning your back on that deposit, a deposit left by Christ. Something to consider, both worldwide and at home as we all strive to do the will of God. Egos and BloggersBe forewarned. A group of bloggers in Ohio wanted, nay demanded seats at a fundraiser featuring Senator Obama. Now there are volunteers who cannot attend such events based on cost, and are denied entry. Yet the Ohio blogs made their anger felt, and as a result the Ohio Democrats relented. Now the arrogance and ego of the Ohio blogs is coming back to haunt them: Finally, Rothenberg is concerned that in arguing for the tickets, some bloggers likened their craft to that of a newspaper reporter. Newspaper reporters may attend such events, but they don't - or shouldn't - take even as little as a salted cashew from the bowl at the bar. Reporters surely are not entitled to take a seat reserved for a paying customer. The event is, after all, a fundraiser.Virginia blogs beware. Many of us are either too young or too beholden to decorous behavior (we are Virginians after all) to reduce ourselves to such nonsense. Unfortunately, there are a handful who are not. If you're offended, then I'm talking to you. At the last Sorenson conference, I argued vehemently for selfpolicing. Good speech should replace bad speech, and bloggers themselves will punish their own when they get out of line. Have I been heard? The recent spat between Steve Chapman and BVBL, the antagonism of the Democratic primary, and the lack of ethical conscience amongst some all point towards an emphatic "no". Heck, we can't even humble ourselves agree to come together at a single conference because a handful of people were not "consulted" before hand! Ladies and gentlemen, enjoy the climate today. Tomorrow, legislators and readers will punish all of us for the arrogance and egos of the few. Tuesday, May 30, 2006MolokaiI picked up this film when I was in Washington last week (at the National Shrine at Catholic University), some for private reasons, and some because it's a great story. Blessed Father Damien volunteered to minister to the leper colony on the Hawaiian island of Molokai (phonetically pronounced mo-lo'-kai-ee). During the late 19th century, Molokai was a death sentence. If one was even suspected of leprosy, they were placed on a boat and shipped away, often to die desperate and alone, without medical attention or even the consolation of medical assistance. Often the lepers preyed upon each other, the strong taking from the weak in a cycle of endless want and cruelty. Enter Father Damien. This is a great film, with an amazing cast. Most will instantly recognize the actor who plays Fr. Damien (David Wenham, or Faramir from LOTR), or the host of big names involved in the film such as Kris Kristofferson, Sam Neill, Peter O'Toole, Tom Wilkinson (Falcone from Batman Begins), Leo McKern (Cromwell from another Catholic film A Man For All Seasons, and ironically this was his final film), Derek Jacobi (the good senator from Gladiator), and yes Alice Krige (incurable Trekkies will instantly know the name). Check this film out when you get a chance. Not a suspenseful thriller, but the scenery is amazing and the story gripping. Fr. Damien was not without faults as a man; angry, impulsive, demanding, disobedient, and very human. Nonetheless, he was a holy man, and the film captured every bit of his life. David Wenham gave an excellent performance. You'll certainly walk away with an appreciation for many actors in this film, if not an appreciation for the poorest of the poor and what that truly means. Monday, May 29, 2006The Mason Conservative: Steel Cage MatchThe Mason Conservative concludes that Miller is not only the stronger Democratic candidate against Allen, but that he will win the primary as well. Heh heh heh...You gotta love vindication, especially when it comes from the Richmond Times-Dispatch. A few insights in the article, namely that (a) bloggers supportive of Webb are hurting his chances, (b) Miller is the stronger candidate, and (c) even Democrats are drawing the Howard Dean comparison to James Webb's campaign. It's on folks. Even Senator Chuck Schumer is asking for the negative attacks to end. Yikes! CatHouse Chat: Memorial Day, 2006Hope everyone is enjoying their Memorial Day weekend and thanking those who made it possible. My brother specifically charged his classes with "thanking a veteran" for their homework over the weekend after the vast majority of his students could not identify what Memorial Day was memorializing. Thank a military family too... they sacrifice every bit as much as the soldier in the field. In that spirit, go check out CatHouse Chat for a tour of Washington D.C. and our monuments to those who have fought for freedoms won. Sunday, May 28, 2006Too Conservative: 57-43 MillerVince over at Too Conservative is predicting a Harris Miller victory over James Webb, 57-43. I'm starting to hear rumors as well that Miller is doing much better than expected. Yes, I've been beating the drum that Miller is the one to watch, but not because I'm rooting for him. Miller can self-finance in a national climate that sees DNC money going to races they can win (Pennsylvania for instance, where Rick Santorum is in deep trouble). Webb cannot, and while he may make a great candidate and I expect to see him around again, he will not get the kind of money necessary to make him a viable candidate against Senator Allen. My prediction? 55-45 Miller, unless a "Republicans for Webb" effort gets off the ground as payback for open primaries to elect the weaker of the two (and to date, it doesn't exist). NLS: Weenie of the Week!The comment that started it all: There might be nothing more uncomfortable than a candidate whose analogies don't come from personal experience. Harris Miller is Jewish and doesn't go to church!The tailspin finally hits with a dramatic thud. Not only have the Webbsters over at Not Larry Sabato refused to apologize for this trite remark, they've seen fit to reward me with Weenie of the Week honors. I gladly accept. If there's one thing I abhor in politics, it's someone who will use race or faith to tar an opponent. I'm glad that others in the ODBA allowed me to be "on point" against what has to be the dirtiest trick of the Democratic primary. Pope Benedict XVI at BirkenauAN AMAZING PHOTOGRAPH!!! These are the small miracles, folks. FLS: Bacon's Rebellion has it rightWhat good online journalism creates and deserves: The rhetoric is already flying, as are the stats and studies. One problem with social-science research is that it's hard for the layperson to distinguish valid from invalid studies, so sorting out the truth is tough. For example, as Chris Braunlich points out on the Bacon's Rebellion Web site, one study cited by Mr. Kaine--a 'highly regarded Michigan study' that showed 'positive effects [of preschool] on adult crime, earnings, wealth, welfare dependence, and commitment to marriage'--looked at a grand total of 123 kids identified as likely candidates for 'retarded intellectual functioning and eventual school failure.' This is hardly a broad enough sample on which to base a statewide program for mainstream children.Kudos to Jim Bacon and the rest of the fellas at Bacon's Rebellion. Keep up the great work. Poland digs in against tide toward secularismPope Benedict XVI is wrapping up his visit to Poland this week. Many observers are remarking Poland's Catholic identity, and how it's playing not only in public life there but at the European Union as well: It was the late pope's fervent hope that the intense spirituality of his native Poland would spark a 'new evangelization' of Western Europe. During most of his papacy, there was scant sign of that happening. But more recently Poland has emerged at the fore of a fledgling movement to restore Christian values to Europe.It could be the realization there are two Europes. The first Europe is the Christian West -- the Europe that brought down communism, embraced Pope John Paul II, and is unafraid to assert Christian ethics and values as better. The second Europe is the Secular West -- the Europe of the Enlightenment, instigator of ideologies (and the wars that sometimes follow), and one that sees values as different but never preferable. Both visions are faced wtih the challenges of Islam while languishing in the grip of declining birth rates, abortion, unemployment, stagnant economies, and innovation-chocking socialism - products of modern socialism. In Poland we see an alternative based on Pope John Paul II's vision of a Christian Europe. One unafraid to assert it's values as better while allowing private religious beliefs to be discussed openly in the public square. Christian Europe is not a throwback to the confessional state, but rather a condition I dare say Thomas Jefferson himself would be openly proud to live in (as he was Christian France). Saturday, May 27, 2006Are bloggers journalists?According to the California Appeals Court, yes: The emergence of technology that allowed personal publishing on the Internet also triggered a tiring debate over who should be considered a journalist. Thanks to Apple Computer, there's finally a clear legal answer.So there you have it. Bloggers now not only enjoy the same protection under the law as any other publisher, but in the eyes of the State of California are every bit as legitimate as journalists. Whether journalists feel the same way (or should feel the same way) is an entirely different matter altogether. Friday, May 26, 2006Kevorkian Has Second ThoughtsDr Death feels regret, not over his position of assisted suicide, but rather his methods in promoting his beliefs. In an ironic twist, Kevorkian is dying of Hepatitis C and has less than a year to live himself, and is up for parole. I won't ask the question as to whether or not he should (or would) take a dose of his own medicine. I do wonder whether or not his remorse -- and his potential release -- would lead him to some degree of repentance for what he did? Kevorkian conducted over 100 suicides during the 1990's. He was jailed for taping one of his assisted suicides for 60 Minutes in 1998, and is currently serving a 15 to 20 year sentence for his participation. Virginia Virtucon: SHOTS FIRED AT CAPITOLVirginia Virtucon has the news. Go there... $510,678Your share of the national debt? Pfft. That's how much politicians have promised you are going to pay for the social retirement benefits of baby boomers: Taxpayers owe more than a half-million dollars per household for financial promises made by government, mostly to cover the cost of retirement benefits for baby boomers, a USA TODAY analysis shows.That's socialism for you. Everyone gets a pair of shoes, but they're all the wrong size.... Counterterrorism Blog: Iran and its neighbors are preparing for warNot a good sign: Military activity in the Gulf has been increasing tremendously in the past few months. According to British sources, the stock of weapons, missiles and combat planes in the six neighboring countries to Iran is now three times what it was at the onset of the Iraq war in 2003.War in the Persian Gulf on that scale would be disasterous not only to the people living in the Gulf, but to the world economy. Saddam Hussein's antics in 1991 and 2003 may have lulled us into a false sense of how Middle Eastern countries fight. Both wars were poorly planned and poorly run by the opposing forces. How will Iran fight? Spark It Up!!!: New Survey USA PollKilo takes a hard look at the new ew Survey USA poll: I am sure the Raising Kainer's and JC Wilmores will spin this positive but lets look at facts. The last Survey USA poll had Jim Webb at 55% Unfamiliar. Now he is at 36%. The great news is his favorable rating did not increase! His unfavorable increased by 7%. In plain talk this says the more people that learn about Jim Webb the more they don't like him. Both Webb and Miller have gotten the message out. 64% of people have heard of them. The good news is people don't like what they are saying. Heh.Precisely the analysis I took from the poll. Neither Webb nor Miller are doing well. So much for the Democratic momentum in Virginia. Thursday, May 25, 2006NLS: You. Me. Playground. After school.Consider this the week that Not Larry Sabato finally jumps the shark: So does anyone want to say anything bad about this blog to my face?Oh my... Apart from the namecalling, voter suppression, threats, and otherwise sophmoric behavior and commentary, I think we can safely say Not Larry Sabato is done, and the door open for a responsible alternative. Indicting America's Education SystemThis article says everything I would ever want to say about education in America: The deadliest business hazard of our time is the result of a sea change in the American approach to education that occurred early in the 1970s. Across the United States, conventional educational standards were tossed out the window, replaced with feel-good theories like 'whole-language learning' that emphasized personal fulfillment over the accumulation of hard knowledge. As a result, we now have two generations of men and women who expect gold stars not for succeeding, but simply for trying.This is the best article on the American education system I have read in years, and indeed an indictment of American culture to date. I marvel at the education of others, some for their utter lack thereof and others for their pure genius. Schooling seems more a case of survival rather than education -- the smart ones survive regardless, while the unintelligent ones are subsidized so long as they regurgitate information. Education used to be much more cost effective, not to mention cheaper and dare I say of superior quality for the average American student. Today, what can we boast about? Education has become more of a boot camp than a meritocracy, where it's those who survive - and not the best and brightest - that do well. What's more, I worry about this: I can tell you when the Second World War was fought to the point of perspective (1939-1945, earlier for the Japanese and Chinese). I can name the current regent of Great Britain (Elizabeth II), name basic mathematical functions, do basic mechanical repair, farming, and carpentry. I'm fairly proficient in theology and philosophy. Does that make me intelligent? Or does that mean I have what is expected of an educated man? I suspect the latter. It's a shame America's education system has to be that way, if for no other reason than those in positions to change anything are caught up in the same hubris their students are propogating. The old idea that a high school diploma is worthless has expanded to the point of undergraduate and even masters degrees all becoming suspect. Are we creating educated thinkers, or mindless regurgitators? I fear for my generation... Weigel on Humanae Vitae and ProportionalismGeorge Weigel is quickly becoming my favorite commentator. This time, he challenges assumptions among hererodox Catholics with regards to the reasons for Archdiocese Humanae Vitae: Pope Paul VI was (supposedly) terrified that the Church, by "changing its mind," would undermine the authority of its magisterium? Please. Paul VI presided over a Church that "changed its mind" — better, developed its thought, practice, and doctrine — on many once hotly-disputed questions: the validity of concelebrated Masses; the use of the vernacular in the liturgy; the relationship of the Bible and the Church’s tradition as sources of divine revelation; the diaconate; religious freedom and the juridical, limited state. The Tablet’s take on the bottom-line rationale for Humanae Vitae is a myth. But it’s a myth of a piece with the journal’s longstanding misconception of the Church’s teachings on marital chastity and family planning: a misconception which holds that these teachings are "policies" or "positions" that can be changed, rather like governments can change the income tax rate or the speed limit.Proportionalism, for those of us who haven't heard the term, argues that while there are universal truths, one can never truly realize or know them. Wittgenstein, Hegel, and most modernists could be termed as proportionalists. Pope John Paul II in his 1993 encyclical Veritatis Splendor reaffirmed what Paul VI rejected in Humanae Vitae -- that proportionalism was not and could never be considered a moral position: (Proportionalism and consequentialism), while acknowledging that moral values are indicated by reason and by Revelation, maintain that it is never possible to formulate an absolute prohibition of particular kinds of behaviour which would be in conflict, in every circumstance and in every culture, with those values.So what's the prescription? John Paul II lays it out in para. 78: The morality of the human act depends primarily and fundamentally on the "object" rationally chosen by the deliberate will, as is borne out by the insightful analysis, still valid today, made by Saint Thomas. In order to be able to grasp the object of an act which specifies that act morally, it is therefore necessary to place oneself in the perspective of the acting person. The object of the act of willing is in fact a freely chosen kind of behaviour. To the extent that it is in conformity with the order of reason, it is the cause of the goodness of the will; it perfects us morally, and disposes us to recognize our ultimate end in the perfect good, primordial love. By the object of a given moral act, then, one cannot mean a process or an event of the merely physical order, to be assessed on the basis of its ability to bring about a given state of affairs in the outside world. Rather, that object is the proximate end of a deliberate decision which determines the act of willing on the part of the acting person.So what does all of that mean in English? Whenever you perform an act, there are two considerations: intent and the action itself. So you have four possible conditions: Good intent = Good action Good intent = Bad action Bad intent = Bad action Bad intent = Good action Here's where proportionalists go wrong. Proportionalists argue that one can have good or bad intent and acheive precisely those goals. Of course, good intent can produce a bad action at times (faulty judgement, improper reasoning, etc. -- that's the condition of man). Proportionalists argue that one can indeed will something evil and acheive some unforseen good. Catholics argue otherwise, that one can never have a bad intent creating good acts. Once the will has embarked on a purpose, the intent and the act blur, creating what essentially is a singular moment of both intent and action; an act of the will. Returning to the meat of the conversation, here's a brief synapses of how St. Thomas Aquinas discusses the pitfalls of confusing the act of willing and the act of doing (intent and action): Lest his readers be confused on any points thus far, Thomas gives an account of an entire moral act, with all circumstances and intentions, hidden and visible, shown in their respective positions. Naturally his language is rather complicated, but by applying what has been dealt with previously regarding circumstances, one finds the explanation quite satisfactory. He begins by discussing how the "interior action of the will" (that is, the person's intent and consent to an action) and the "external action of the will" (that which is actually done visibly) are both determined in species by their ends. Now, when the will consents interiorly, the action becomes formal-even before the body is able to carry it out. Material cooperation occurs when the body carries out what the will has ordered. Thus, the consent of the will is the first action in any circumstance, so if a person already consents to something evil but does not have the chance to carry it out, he has already committed a sin.Interestingly enough, this is a common error that resurfaces time and time again. The last time it resurfaced, Leo XIII argued against such a distinction between the values of passive and active virtues. You can guess his answer: all virtues are active because they require the interior locution of the will. It was a stake in the heart of Americanism, and it's a false position that unfortunately still persists amongst American clergy and laity today. Wednesday, May 24, 2006$2.93/galThat's the price of gas in Fredericksburg, just three days before Memorial Day Weekend, and down about $0.25 from a few weeks earlier. What's the change? Supply seems to be up according to the Department of Energy. Average price of gasoline in the U.S.? $2.86/gal. Nuclear fusion ok, but regulation, better for energy problemInteresting solution: Instead, one of the better places to start reducing greenhouse gases lay in conservation. The electricity consumption of refrigerators was climbing in the 1970s until new regulations came in. Although industry experts expected costs to explode, the opposite has happened. Fridges cost less in real dollars, they have larger capacities on average, and only use as much energy as they did back in 1947 on average.Of course, this is the antithesis of the free market ideal I hold personally. Still, the idea that monolithic regulations can spur technology advances isn't a new one (fuel economy for instance). So while we wait for fusion, is efficiency the key? Or is necessity, rather than government, the mother of all invention? No answers here. Just something to ponder on a Wednesday afternoon. The Jaded JD: Yes, Virginia, there is a closed primaryJust in time for the 2007 primaries? Jaded JD thinks Sen. Ken Cuccinelli made the case: Apparently, the panel indicated that it was willing to adopt Senator Cuccinelli's argument that the party suffers constitutional harm from the open primary statute even as he spoke those words. The panel signalled its willingness to adopt that argument five minutes after Senator Cuccinelli (who went first) opened his mouth. Nevertheless, Mr. Stuchell never addressed the merits, even when asked by the panelists, and repeatedly impaled himself on the timeliness argument the court all but openly told him they did not care about. Indeed, the report says Judge Goodwin told Mr. Stuchell at one point that he "didn't care" about the filing deadlines to which Mr. Stuchell was clinging as if they were lead life preservers. Moreover, Judge Goodwin asked, roughly, "So you agree that they have a right to a closed primary, but that your statutory system just doesn't give them any real opportunity for judicial remedy?" And Mr. Stuchell replied, "The statutory system gives them the opportunity for judicial remedy if they sue after March 2007, just not now."Sorry to take so much of the text, but it's worth reading and reposting. If primaries close in Virginia, you can rest assured we will enter a new era in Virginia politics. 2007 should be very, very interesting. Virginia Virtucon: NLS violates Voting Rights Act?Jim Riley over at Virginia Virtucon take a look at the warning issued by Ben Tribbett over at NLS. I applaud Sen. Cuccinelli's efforts on this. Both Not Not Jay Hughes and I were members of the RPV State Cental Committee when the party plan was amended with the idea that this would trigger exactly this sort of litigation since the State Senate had failed to act on party registration legislation numerous times. (I believe it was Russ Moulton, Chairman of the First Congressional District Committee who spearheaded the effort and drafted much of the language.)Agreed. Bacon's Rebellion: The Senate Yields, Now What?It's been awhile since I've posted anything over at Bacon's Rebellion. I read everything they post, and it's definitely one of the best policy blogs in America. Other states should take note. Jim Bacon muses on what's wrong with the transportation budget after the Senate compromise: Instead of feeding the driving 'habit' -- the average Vehicle Miles Driven per licensed driver has increased 70 percent over the past 25 years -- by continuously adding to capacity, it is clearer than ever that the Commonwealth must devise policies that enable people to drive less. In other words, it's time to beginning managing transportation demand. And that means, above all else, changing the scattered, disconnected, low-density pattern of development that has prevailed in Virginia since the 1950s, and gotten increasingly worse with each passing decade.Great post. Read it all! novatownhall: Walter Williams Slams Kaine's Secretary of TransportationOuch. The other night while visiting my mother in Richmond, we were stopped at a checkpoint near I-64 (sobriety checkpoint I think). For one reason or another, the Virginia State Police and the locals are making their presence felt. Not sure how I feel about checkpoints. Reminds me of the checkpoints in between Israel and the PA territories... of course, when you have a .50 caliber machine gun staring you down in Israel versus some flashing lights back home, you realize quickly what the difference is between a checkpoint and a real checkpoint. One webWWW inventor Sir Tim Berners-Lee is going after attempts to create a two-tiered internet, saying it would go against everything what the web was meant to be. Interesting article, if web neutrality interests you. Tuesday, May 23, 2006VIRGINIA SENATE COMPROMISES!From the office of Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling: The following is Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling’s statement regarding today’s Senate passage of HB 5002.This is the budget compromise that we have heard rumbling over the past few weeks. Many bloggers were critical of Bolling during session. Kudos to Governor Bolling for engineering a commonsense compromise on the budget! Councilman Not Allowed to Pray in the 'Name of Jesus' at City MeetingsVia Jim Bowden over at Bacon's Rebellion, it seems as if even the local press hasn't picked up on this story: The vigil will be held on Tuesday, May 23, at 7:00 P.M., in front of the Fredericksburg, Virginia, City Hall building. The location is 715 Princess Anne Street.If I can make it, I'll be there tomorrow. Who's with me? Ben Tribbett: Unapologetic to the bitter endBen Tribbett over at NLS is refusing to apologize or explain his comments from earlier attacking Miller's faith: There might be nothing more uncomfortable than a candidate whose analogies don't come from personal experience. Harris Miller is Jewish and doesn't go to church!Here's what I find interesting. Ben is claiming offense for the fact that he too is Jewish, and yet... I've known Ben for years and I didn't know he was Jewish. I'm amazed!If that is the case.... There might be nothing more uncomfortable than a candidate whose analogies don't come from personal experience. Ben Tribbett is Jewish and doesn't go to church!There's a story about people in glass houses... but I would be remiss to remind others of that small fact. Bottom line: the attack on Miller's faith was base and disgusting, with no place in civlized discourse. Ben Tribbett attacked Harris Miller on his faith. No one else did this, Ben was the first. Naturally, the Webb supporters in the blogosphere rushed to his defense, but only in order to shore up the damage that has already been done to Ben Tribbett's reputation, and Webb's via association. Ben owes one simple explanation to resolve everything: Why did he mention Harris Miller's faith when attacking Miller's credentials? Base attacks and false outrage are sympomatic of all that is wrong with blogs, and Ben knows it. He made a calculated attack no MSM editor would have ever allowed, and in the end it backfired (and rightly so). That a predictable few rushed to his defense is understandable -- they're putting out fires for their candidate. But at no time in the course of decorous political debate does attacking a person on their faith have a place. That's what I have taken issue with, and Webb supporters have been keen to divert the issue or protect NLS from facing up to what he's done. They get to sleep on that one, but I would be remiss not to correct an egregious wrong that hurts anyone of faith -- Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, etc. It's a duty to the dignity of the human person to protect, and shame on NLS for not owning up to what he's done. Beyond that, there isn't much else to explain. I will not offer an apology, for none is deserved. Ben Tribbett -- if the attack was not calculated -- should explain why Miller's faith is an issue in the Democratic primary, and why he brought it up. Anything else is symptomatic of a guilty conscience. Archbishop Pell at ChristendomAddressing the topic of confronting pro-abortion Catholic politicians: Asked what lay people can do in the face of Catholic politicians who are 'clearly, directly contradicting the faith', Cardinal Pell said that 'if they're very significant issues, I think the lay people should tell the politicians that they're disappointed, and do it regularly, consistently and reasonably, not with hostility or a lack of charity.'People often forget that part of dialouge actually involves initiating the discussion. A charitable intent that never matures into dialouge can often be worse than a dialouge that evolves into a charitable understanding. The heart of ecumenism, I think. Well said. The Starry Night Above Me...Just got back from the house in Fluvanna, where the demolition of the interior is moving along well. I had to take the truck back to the house and retrieve my car (gas mileage and all) and had the opportunity to look up and see the Milky Way. Now for most of us in the 'burbs, we never even notice stars. We look up, we see light pollution, haze, and a handful of the brightest stars millions of miles away. Not too fantastic compared to what I could see as a kid in Caroline County. In Fluvanna though, you can look up and see the sky as Aristotle saw it, or the Monocan nation saw it, or as Jefferson, Kant, Jackson, Grant, or even our grandparents would have seen it. The only problem? In the east. Richmond is growing... and with it the light of progress that drowns out the stars. Monday, May 22, 2006FLS: Limousines searched during promNow here's a story for you, and whether or not you think it crosses the line or not is entirely up to you: He dropped off his passengers, Robert Hensel Jr. and Ashley Payne, at around 9:30 p.m, he said. And then agents pulled over his 2005 Lincoln stretch limousine and two other limousines. They asked for documents and identification, to make sure he was licensed to drive a limo. He was.Fifty minutes? Detained? By DMV agents? And only when his friend showed up, Belman was released? Perhaps I'm missing something, or perhaps my Jeffersonian values are off-center this week. Something here seems dangerously wrong, doesn't it? Feld Thoughts: Your First 25,000 Are IrrelevantSome interesting thoughts as to why your first 25,000 hits are irrelevant: Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs (and many VCs) confused one time “tryout users” with real sustainable users. As an analytics freak (I’ve invested in a number of web / Internet analytics related companies over the past 10 years, including NetGenesis, Service Metrics, and now FeedBurner), you only have to ask two more questions to know whether (a) the company really understands its traffic / user base and (b) whether they’ve got the "first 25,000 user problem."Naturally, whether or not you think a blog is interactive enough to be considered Web 2.0 is entirely up to you... but it is something to think about. Sunday, May 21, 2006OopsKarl Rove's upcoming indictment will not be occuring at it's regularly scheduled time. We now return you to the same news you've been hearing for the past two weeks. Jewbaiting Harris MillerRepublicans and Democrats need to be especially aware whenever the old hatreds of past generations seep into today's politics. It's intolerable, and a sin against the public square. In that spirit, I think this has gone far enough. I've always made the charge that there are certain Democrats who pay lip service to minorities if only to subjugate them, either by "keeping them in their place" through social programs, or when the rubber hits the road offering "mainstream" or "centrist" candidates as standard-bearers. We'll start with this instance from NLS: There might be nothing more uncomfortable than a candidate whose analogies don't come from personal experience. Harris Miller is Jewish and doesn't go to church!Now this comment, and comments like these have been circling ever since the "anti-Christ of outsourcing" slander was uttered by former Reagan Secretary James Webb. Virginia Virtucon picked up on it, as did J's Notes and Two Conservatives, coming to the same conclusion most of us are coming to: James Webb's supporters are making a caclulated effort to "jewbait" Harris Miller. Now some unsurprising people are rushing to the defense of Webb and attacking both Chad Dotson and myself for pointing out the obvious. So let's get into the details, shall we? Jewbaiting is a word created by the Germans in 1853 (literally Judenheutze) who's purpose is to use the Jewishness of an individual as part of his definition, usually as an epithet. In anti-Semitic Germany, you can only imagine what connotations it would have... "He's a shrewd businessman, but he's a Jew after all... He drove a tough bargain, but Jews are like that... I've never been able to trust that fellow, but Jews can help but be that way..." That's jewbaiting, and it's disgusting. Fast forward to today. In the midst of a negative attack campaign by James Webb, what purpose does it have to mention outsourcing, being a lobbyist for both Repubicans and Democrats, having no support from liberals and oh yes... he's a Jew that doesn't go to church? Simple answer? Webb is jewbaiting his opposition. Need some proof? Jews don't go to church, they go to synagouge. Small semantic (or semitic) difference, but one hell of a way to remind Virginians that Harris Miller is not one-of-us "churchgoing" Virginians, but in fact "other". "Other" as in Jewish. So not only does Webb have yellow star for Miller, Webb's campaign also seeks to play those supposedly ignorant Virginia Democrats in the Valley, in Southside, and in the Southwest against Miller -- and with the complicity of those who just seek to flick away concerns with "aww, you guys are taking this too seriously." Can't you see the giggling activists now? Playing the electorate against each other like their fools? Slick, isn't it? So don't try to sell me on the idea that certain Democrats aren't trying to jewbait Harris Miller, or that certain people still don't hold those prejudices close to their heart (on both sides of the aisle). The insinuations and reminders to Democratic primary voters that Miller isn't one-of-us is symptomatic of the entire Democratic Party's approach to minorities -- and probably why minority voters have endorsed Miller in the first place. Jewbaiting Harris Miller -- the last desperate tactic of a desperate campaign. Democrats deserve better than a candidate who spits upon minorities in order to gain power. UPDATE: Kilo over at Spark It Up! feels the same outrage all of us should feel. Saturday, May 20, 2006novatownhall blog: 10th District Convention LIVEWhat a fiasco this is. When the Rules of Order are ignored, why hold pretenses they apply? Disgusting. Spark It Up!!!: Jim Webb-Harris Miller Debate? Now Children.....Kilo on the Harris Miller vs. James Web-b-b-b debate: There was no class shown today and to argue that is futile. Who won the debate today? Sen George Allen did.Ditto on that. MunichI just finished watching Munich, the widely criticized movie based on the aftermath of the 1972 Munich Olympics terror attack. Best movie I've seen in a long time. Very gripping, and something that will make you think about violence and cycles of violence. Friday, May 19, 2006FedEx Thunderstorm DeviationsHumorous video from Google. Webb Spiraling Out of ControlReminiscent of Howard Dean's politics of rage, Webb loses his temper on the air against Democratic primary challenger Harris Miller: But the conversation quickly turned nasty, with Miller questioning Webb's partisan 'values' and Webb calling Miller 'the anti-Christ of outsourcing.' It ended at an impromptu press conference after the taping with a visibly frustrated Webb telling Miller to 'shut your mouth.'Heh heh heh... born fighting! "When we were fighting in the trenches to defeat George Bush and George Allen in 2000, you weren't just voting for them, you were endorsing them," Miller said, ignoring the question of the show's host, Joel Rubin.Very true... but the exchange gets even more heated when Webb is asked the question as to whether or not he'll endorse Miller in the event of Miller winning the primary: Asked whether he would support Webb against Allen in the general election, Miller said that he would. "That's what Democrats do," the former Fairfax County party chairman said.Miller reads as the classier of the two Democratic contenders, while Webb reads as angry, divisive, and unprofessional (the same qualities that drove him out of the Republican Party). I've said before that Miller will more than likely win the Democratic primary, and Republicans should be prepared for a Miller candidacy. Webb's performance illustrates why, though if the radical left truly holds sway within the DPVA, the difference in the general election is going to be akin to fighting Rocky Balboa or fighting one of those inflatable punching bags. Apologia Pro Steven ChapmanEnough. Just about everyone in the Virgnia blogosphere has blindly jumped onto the bandwagon, merrily bashing Steve Chapman along the way without giving it a second thought. People hate success, especially when it comes at a young age. Before folks start looking for things to pick on, I'd like to explain why I believe Steve Chapman to be an excellent candidate for public office. I have no knowledge of any of his opponents in the primary, and they could all be outstanding citizens in their own right. There is one immediate question I have though: why would candidates of character (or their supporters) go out of their way to attack a 29-year old young man? A neighbor and proven conservative? A successful businessman, trusted to do business on arguably the most sacred of American icons -- Arlington National Cemetary? I have no question as to Steve Chapman's character or his commitment to the conservative cause. And I have no question as to his capacity to represent the 50th District. In fact, that's the one item folks should have the least cause to question. So why do people hate Steve Chapman? It's because he's a young, successful businessman who doesn't blink when it comes to defending conservative values. Boil it all down, and that's the real reason. Read through all of the rhetoric and you'll see the same theme: Steve is an outsider, Steve is a conservative, Steve is too pro-life, Steve is too concerned about taxpayers and not concerned enough about fat bureaucrats, Steve doesn't squelch on the issues. All criticism of Steve Chapman are variations on a theme; he's a conservative who won't back down. Let's be brutally honest for a moment. I'm sick and tired of politicians who run as conservatives and vote as liberals. I'm exhausted after supporting candidates who don't govern as they ran. And frankly, I'm tired of half-truths and weak-kneed Republicans at the state and national level. Steve Chapman is a known quantity, a proven conservative. That Steve Chapman is a proven conservative scares people, because they know he won't bend, won't cave in under pressure, and always do the thoughtful and right thing. If you want that type of candidate, that type of representation in the 50th District, vote for Steve Chapman. If you're content with the status quo, then vote for the status quo. I'm sure Chapman will continue to fight the good fight, as he's always done. But a vote for Steve Chapman will be a vote of character. Delegate Steve Chapman will fight for conservatives in Richmond. This I know. Steve is a good man being pilloried and attacked either by those who don't know him or those who just don't give a damn, because power is at stake. Again, I know little of the character or mettle of his opponents, and they may all be fine individuals. But I know Steve, and he'll do what's right by conservatives in Richmond. For that and all his accomplishments on behalf of conservatives in Northern Virginia, I heartily endorse Steve Chapman for his candidacy in the 50th District. Steve Chapman is a known quantity, a proven conservative of character who will get the job done and do what is right for Virginia. ...and cut it out with attacking Steve. It makes his opposition look childish to say the least. Us vs. ThemIran crosses the line. In an earlier day, this would have inspired a Crusade. Today, it inspires a shrug. Dialouge between countries is always the most perferable path, because it focuses on understanding differences. When one side refuses to engage in that dialouge -- separating between "us" and "them" -- there is a moral obligation to resist and assert. Iran is crossing this line, and if the ayatollah of Iran approves of this separation what should be the response of the West? From the secular arm, we must focus on the end of the Iranian regime in very clear, explicit terms. From the cultural arm, we must focus not just on the differences between Islam and West, but rather why Western values are better, more preferential, and why our values speak to the freedom of the individual over the power of the state. Chavez Taken to the WoodshedPope Benedict XVI held a 35-minute meeting with Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez, and essentially laid down the law: The Pope took the unusual step last week of using a private meeting with President Hugo Ch?vez of Venezuela at the Vatican to inform his visitor of what he saw as threats to the Venezuelan Church.That's no letter, Mr. Chavez. It's a to-do list. Venezuela has been wracked with corruption and violence against the Church and educational facilities since Chavez's suspect election. The result has been a closer relationship with socialist regimes such as Cuba and Communist China, ultimately destablizing Latin America thought the imposition of socialist and reactionary anti-American sentiment. Apart from miraculous reform, the sooner Chavez is removed from power the better. Hopefully those still loyal to the ideals of the open society still have the backbone to change things for the better in Venezuela. Escape from Cubicle Nation: Open letter to CEOs, COOs, CIOs and CFOs across the corporate worldIt could probably go well for folks in the political world as well: After ten years, I give up. I was banging my head against the wall trying to find ethical, creative ways to train your employees on the merits of your forced ranking compensation plan. No amount of creativity could overcome the fact that it is a stupid idea and does nothing but create an environment of competition, politics and resentment. Whoever sold you on that idea was wrong.Excellent post here. Read it all and apply 'em! 22nd Annual Lebanese Food FestivalThis Saturday, I will gain 15 pounds eating the best food in the world. Instead of traveling halfway across the globe to satisfy your grape leaf craving, you can enjoy homemade Lebanese food right here in Richmond at St. Anthony's Maronite Catholic Church in Glen Allen this weekend.How cool is that? What's better is that I get to meet many of my fellow expatriated Lebanese Maronite Catholics, of which I am unfortunately not one (my grandmother was Maronite, but my grandfather was Latin Rite) but would leap at the chance to become one. It's a cultural thing I suppose, not to mention an opportunity outside of Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter to eat good food! A thriller, not a historical documentHere's one reviewer's take on The DaVinci Code: Why all the fuss over a fictional story? It's because Brown skillfully used real artwork, documents, buildings and people in his book, which has been read by an estimated 75 million people worldwide.Agreed, and hence the problem with the book and the movie. I've found it amazing that educated people accept it as it is (trash, even if somewhat entertaining to those with an axe to grind against the Church), yet the fear seems to be amongst the uneducated who will assume wrongly and live their lives accordingly. I don't know if that's a sad commentary on our society, or on our education system, or whatever culprit one might care to find. At least there's a silver lining behind the cloud: controversies such as these always lead the open-minded to truth, so long as they are willing to abandon the Hegelian dialectic (e.g. truth being in the middle) and accept that some explanations really are better than others (e.g. primacy of truth). After all, there's a reason gnosticism died out, not the least of which is that it's just plain silly. Thursday, May 18, 2006Apple Trailers - World Trade CenterOliver Stone's trailer for his new film World Trade Center debuts this week, disclaimer and all. Take a peek. The trailer isn't too bad, but it might be a bit close to home for those affected by 9/11. Archbishops say Da Vinci boycott not necessary... mostly because it's crap. But who am I to contradict the tastes of Cannes? Tuesday, May 16, 2006How the NSA does "social network analysis."Interesting article by Slate.com. Shades of Kelo in FredericksburgSome Fredericksburg residents enjoy telling others what they can and cannot operate on properly-zoned commercial property. In this case, the Sunken Well Tavern will keep it's current hours of 9am - 9pm rather than being allowed to expand it's hours. Some local residents want to curtail even those hours in what essentially amounts to an effort to shut down the restaurant, reminiscent of Kelo. The Tavern is located at 720 Littlepage Street on the corner of Littlepage and Hanover. Go patronize it, as I intend to do for many, many years. Richard Street, who grew up on nearby Weedon Street, said the restaurant has a been a positive addition to the area.Shamefully, there's about 13 people in my old neighborhood whose definition of "property rights" means they can tell others what to do with their property. Most communities would do cartwheels to have such an establishment within walking distance, but not so with the busybodies in Fairview who overstep the bounds of well-established property rights. Sunken Well is a neighborhood asset indeed. Leave it be. FLS: Newspapers vs. BlogsFrom the youth section of the Free Lance-Star comes a short diddy on blogs. The short synapses is as follows: For right now, newspapers still have the most real influence of all media forms, since TV and radio are not as lasting, while the Internet's reliability is questionable.There you have it. Why the MSM still has the edge, why blogs are gaining, why blogs are popular, and why so many potential bloggers find it so hard to break into the blogosphere. Blogging follows the same trends as opinion editorials, or the old style "men of letters". Bloggers cut through the smoke and mirrors, fact check reporting, and provide the essential on-the-ground reports that most journalists are too constrained by editors to offer. The only catch? If a journalist is caught in an ethical breach, they get fired. If a blogger is caught, they just change their pseudonym and start another blog.... CNN Cuts Early to President BushMistake? You be the judge. C-SPAN is my heroI haven't seen the President's speech (I was on the road unfortunately), but thanks to the marvels of cable television, I will be watching it momentarily. At the moment, Karl Rove is addressing AEI on the president's economic policy thus far. It's amazing to watch Rove and transpose President Bush upon his speech, movements, methodology in thought, etc. Almost perfect... you can tell Bush emulates this man. Good, bad, or otherwise -- it's the truth. Monday, May 15, 2006j's notes: Reading the Tea LeavesJason Kenney has a great post on the impact of endorsements for Webb and Miller. Great quote embedded from Margaret Edds of the Virginia Pilot: In a low-turnout primary, which most are, Miller enjoys one other advantage. As noted by Wise County Circuit Court Clerk Jack Kennedy, a stalwart of Democratic politics in the southwest: "Most of the people who’ve endorsed him can vote in that primary."Most of the legislators are from Northern Virginia as well, and unfortunately for Webb, Harry Reid doesn't exactly have a voting machine in Virginia. No matter who wins, if those supporting Webb are true to their word, it looks as if a divided Democratic Party will be approaching Senator Allen in November 2006. If Webb wins, he runs knowing a number of influential Democratic state office holders are lukewarm at best about having a former Republican at the helm. Still, the tea leaves are reading Miller. We'll see. Perri-airIt's being sold in Japan! Excuses, excuses...Not only did I lose my voice halfway through the week, I also managed to spend quite a bit of time at the plush Kenney estate (i.e. I burned old wood and other nonsensical items left by the previous owners). The new camper on the property, which will temporarily be our digs while there on weekends. Not a bad buy either -- if you ever want a good used RV, go to Southern RV in Richmond and ask to talk to Mike. Great people. The contractors start work today, so I'll be heading down there at some point in time to set up a small office in the camper, then praying that the 15amp line I've run to a 30amp receiver will power a laptop, a small printer, a fridge, and possibly an A/C. Otherwise it's a matter of asking for a 30amp line to be run out to a camper I won't need in two months.... Saturday, May 13, 2006Newspaper snippet generatorFor your Saturday morning viewing pleasure. British Inventor Unveils 8000 MPG Car - May 13, 2006Check this out: "A British inventor unveils the world's most fuel-efficient vehicle, a three-wheel ?TeamGreen? car capable of doing 8,000 miles to the gallon.Of course, no report on how much power it gets, whether it could be adaptable to larger vehicles, etc. If it can ever be adapted to a mid-size sedan or mini-van... Thursday, May 11, 2006Spark It Up!!!: Howard Dean with Pat RobertsonI like Kilo: I wonder if honesty ever crossed Dean's mind as a way to gain support.Heh! Read this quickly. TORNADO!A tornado has touched down in Stafford County along Rt. 17, and folks here in Fredericksburg are being told to hunker down. I'll let you know if I find Oz. Waldo Jaquith: Summit attendees, speakers.Sorenson is going to rock. I'm really looking forward to June 16-17. If you haven't signed up already, take a moment to do so. More news to come! The Jaded JD: Gettin' old schoolYes, the two-tiered setup within the Virginia blogosphere is emerging. In one corner, the up and comers. In the other, the old guard bloggers consisting mostly of Chad Dotson, Waldo Jaquith, Norm Leahy, Jay Hughes, Jim Riley, and of course, Jaded JD: That I'm an elitist bastard is well documented on this site. Perhaps that's why I can't help but notice, particularly with Mr. Leahy's recent post on the subject, that those bloggers most displeased with Mr. Jaquith et al.'s work on the 2006 Blogger Conference seem to be newish bloggers, compared to people like Messrs. Jaquith, Leahy, Dotson, and, well, me, who have all been blogging since before the 2004 Presidential Convention season. Perhaps, too, that's why the revolt against the conference seems so much more like an adolescent temper tantrum than a legitimate, objective problem.The whole debacle over the Sorenson Institute's Conference sounds silly to me. Certain bloggers feel snubbed they were not consulted before hand. I take the opposite opinion. Kudos to the Sorenson Institute for not consulting me! It's great -- for $50 I don't have to worry about speakers, location, venues, hotels, invitations, namecards, etc. Sounds like a deal to me. As for the other regional conferences springing up, that's a great thing as well. I encourage it, but let's not start throwing babies out with the bathwater... we have a good thing going on at Sorenson. Virginia Virtucon: Don't call it "Rocky VI"Rocky's lookin' a bit rough around the edges, eh? Nevertheless, I will see Rocky VI! Rocky IV featuring Ivan Drago was, of course, the best of the series... but that has nothing to do with the fact Rocky was beating up on a commie. Tuesday, May 09, 2006Not Commonwealth Conservative?Ben Tribbett has a stunning piece of information here. Rarely am I blindsided by what goes on in Virginia politics (or the blogosphere), but this one is a surprise indeed. The first unscrupulous Republican blogger who claims to assume the mantle of Commonwealth Conservative will be skinned... alive. If true though, it will be interesting to see who steps up on the right. Waldo is correct in saying the Democrats have a much healthier blogosphere on the left than we do on the right (at least in terms of volume, though I think Waldo has more to do with that on the quality scale). Virginia Virtucon: One word comes to mindJim Riley has it right: treason. novatownhall blog: The Virginia Blog CarnivalWell done! Monday, May 08, 2006Oscar De La HoyaYour new WBC champion. Awesome. The comeback is for real! Sunday, May 07, 2006Cardinal Arinze on the DaVinci CodeAppropriate words from Cardinal Arinze: 'Those who blaspheme Christ and get away with it are exploiting the Christian readiness to forgive and to love even those who insult us. There are some other religions which if you insult their founder they will not be just talking. They will make it painfully clear to you,' Arinze said.If something similar were produced about Muhummad, what do you think the reaction of the Muslim world would be? Likewise, if something similar were produced about any marginalized group in America, what would the reaction be? Anti-Catholicism; the last acceptable prejudice. Spark It Up!!!: Harris Miller vs Jim WebbKilo on Miller and Webb: Many people have said Miller is the stronger threat to Sen Allen. The last polls showed he is gaining ground. I have noticed when asked questions Webb has replied many times that he cant address that because he has not researched enough to form an opinion or plan. His speeches are vague to say the least. Both candidates had better school up if they want to debate Sen Allen. The Pilot is right. After the anti war, anti Bush talk, Webb offers nothing. The upcoming debate will be revealing. I predict Miller will take Webb to school. I also predict that when either stand on a stage with Sen Allen for a debate they will look like lambs in the midst of a lion.Ditto, and precisely why many outsiders argue that Miller is the stronger candidate against Allen. ...not that it matters. Still, all of this political chess from the GOP side of the blogosphere is just contingency planning in action. You almost get a sense that a Webb candidacy would be a "WE WANT DALLAS" episode. And we all know what the Skins did to Dallas last season. Saturday, May 06, 20062006 Blog SummitJune 16-17th. The agenda looks really good too, especially the "Ethics of Politics" part (of which I can think of a few Virginia bloggers who would benefit from such a course). Sign up! Friday, May 05, 2006Pope declares diplomatic war with Communist ChinaAny doubts the Vatican was not serious about Communist China have now been eradicated: Vatican spokesman, Dr Joaquin Navarro-Valls, said in a statement released yesterday that the episcopal ordinations, 'without pontifical mandate, are illegitimate' and contrary to the consciences of those participating in the ceremony.Excommunications on this order have been performed before, most recently with the Lefebvrists in 1985. The consequences of the Communist Chinese interfering in Vatican affairs are legion. Votes at the United Nations will not go well, Catholic priests could be encouraged to speak against the regime, offenses against human rights will receive the full attention of the Catholic community, missionaries will feel encouraged to come and evangelize, other nations could feel compelled to insist on religious freedom and other liberalizing issues. More importantly, given the Cardinal Kung Foundations' call for the Olympics to be withdrawn from Beijing, the entire 2008 Olympics could be placed under a dark cloud of criticism from the Catholic West -- or even withdrawn entirely. The Catholic Church is not Falun Gong. The PRC would do well to set the example; if they do not wish for Western powers to interfere in China, the Communists must respect the integrity of the Catholic Church. Spark It Up!!!: Who Are You?Kilo confirms what we all knew, and what Kenney the Younger and I have discussed and concluded months ago: Miller and Webb are neck-and-neck, and the lefty Virginia blogs are blowing smoke about Webb's strength. Hence the comparisons to the Howard Dean candidacy in '04. The echo chamber convinced themselves of a Dean victory... The question becomes: if the Webb candidacy is being held captive by the echo chamber, and the Miller candidacy is grounded in reality, what then does this speak to the strength of either campaign? I've been preaching that Harris Miller - and not James Webb - is the stronger Democratic candidate and the one we need to watch for in '06. The polls are reflecting that assessment. Virginia BeachI'm in Virginia Beach at the Cavalier Hotel for the Knights of Columbus State Convention this weekend. The view is great, with a carrier just off the coast, a few F-18's flying overhead (which the kids love), and a view of the shoreline. No one at the beach today, but I imagine that may change come the weekend. Thursday, May 04, 2006So how's the US economy doing nowadays?Remember all the chatter from the Democrats during the 2004 elections? About the sluggish economy, those terrible 5.5% unemployment numbers? Last quarter, the U.S. economy jumped 4.8%, and that's not all: Most economists are expecting economic growth to slow from a torrid first-quarter pace of 4.8 per cent, yet the latest figures showed no hints of slowing and appeared likely to keep the Federal Reserve leaning toward further rate rises. Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said last week a pause in the rate-hike cycle was possible.So why does Bush have a 33% approval rating? Because conservatives are upset about immigration. Minus that, the economy is flourishing under President Bush, despite the pressures of terrorism and war. novatownhall blog: Jim Rich At It Again...First the false endorsement of a resolution against he Marriage Amendment (at a State Central meeting in which Jim was never present), now we have more deceptive campaigning on behalf of Jim Rich. Rich's handlers certainly aren't doing him any favors. This isn't slick, it's infuriating if you are a Stirrup supporter. Tuesday, May 02, 2006Fredericksburg City CouncilWhat's at stake in Fredericksburg? After the defeat of the old Howson-Beck coalition in 2005, the old guard has slowly been encroaching back into the halls of power. No return to the days of secret meetings and FOIA requests, but few holdovers from the 2003 still remain. This election wasn't as contentious as years prior. Central Park and Celebrate Virginia are online and pouring money into city coffers. Downtown is thriving, two pools are being built, the downtown parking garage has arrived, Dixon Park is slowly coming about, and schools are going up. What remains is a tax rate disproportionately high, a riverwalk unfinished, Sophia Street still undeveloped, the hotel still facing a skeptical eye, and a general "what's next" feeling among Fredericksburg residents. RESULTS: Ward 1: Marvin Dixon won with 56% of the vote. Braun came in a strong second, but the big surprise is Moss. Surprisingly low... Ward 2: Solley beat McAfee nearly 2-1. Ward 3: Old timers will know that I bowed out of the last Fredericksburg City Council race to help Matt Kelly get elected four years ago. I am glad to hear he has won a second term with 56% of the vote. The downside is that I know John and Brenda Harris as well... what a tough race, and well run on Harris' part. Matt Kelly is about as good a friend to Fredericksburg as there ever could be, and I'm glad to see him re-elected. Ward 4: No surprise here. Running unopposed, Rev. Hashmel Turner has won a second term on City Council. Turner is the current torchbearer for religion in the public square, having been challenged by the ACLU for mentioning Jesus Christ in his prayer before City Council meetings. If anyone ever tells you Democrats have no principles, come to Fredericksburg -- I'll introduce you to Reverend Turner. Fredericksburg School Board races were all unopposed. In the end, no real surprises from Fredericksburg, and the votes were convincing enough. Looking fowrard to seeing what the new direction of Council will be. CNA: Cardinal Zen Asks Vatican to End TalksThe Communist Chinese are at it again: China’s newly elevated Cardinal Joseph Zen has called for the Vatican to cut talks with his country’s government in light of the state’s decision to elevate Father Ma Yinglin to bishop on Sunday--something it did without the Holy See’s approval.Obviously, the right thing for the PRC to do would be to allow the Church to manage her internal affairs. After all, if the Communist Chinese will not allow the Catholic Church to manage its own affairs, why should the Communists demand special treatment from the involvement of other nations? Welcome to the tightrope. The Virginia Progressive: Damn Proud to be a VirginianWhy do I like James Martin over at Virginia Progressive? Because of comments like this, in response to Vince Thoms defense of the flying the Confederate battle flag: Vince at Too Conservative says of the Confederate Flag, "People died defending the flag."Heh. Yes, I know the history of the Confederate flag. That history will always be a dual one. It was a defense of the indefensible that trampled states rights in its wake. I remember an occasion where someone asked me to wear a Confederate flag lapel sticker. I instantly refused, and the gentleman was shocked. Forced to explain, I told him that no true Southerner would wear the emblem of the Confederacy. Virginia is my home -- Mother of Presidents and the Old Dominion herself. If one truly believed in "states rights", then wear your state seal. I fly the Virginia flag from my home proudly. Its past lives into the present. The Confederate battle flag is a reminder of noble ideas (states rights) being used for ignoble ends (the preservation of slavery). That our forefathers did not have the moral courage to end slavery in the South should be a stark reminder to those who compromise on the moral questions of today. I wonder what symbols and ideas we will consider relics tomorrow? Monday, May 01, 2006OMT: Who Reads Blogs?Norman has the scoop, courtesy of the WaPo. Virginia Political BlogsWaldo Jaquith's benevolence shines upon us all. This is quickly going to become the entry point for all neophytes of the Virginia blogosphere. Well done.
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JEFFERSONIAD POLL: Whom do you support for Virginia Attorney General?1) John Brownlee2) Ken Cuccinelli AboutShaunKenney.com is one of Virginia's oldest political blogs, focusing on the role of religion and politics in public life. Shaun Kenney, 30, lives in Fluvanna County, Virginia.ContactThe Jeffersoniad
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