Wouldn't a true representation of the community include someone considered ethical who is NOT a member of an organized religion? Known for being a doctor, a volunteer, or just being? A poet or tradesman. A poetic tradesman.
With self reported weekly church attendance around 30% and less than half of Americans belonging to a house of worship - seems worth asking.....
Regarding Ms Durant and Mr Griffin. I'm going to give Ms Durant a pass on this one. Have made no secret of my support for Griffin and reason why.
But it did confuse me to learn that Mr Griffin has been "whining" about abortion rights only.
They are a central part of his campaign. No doubt. Many Americans were shocked to see the partisan judges forced through by the machinations of Mitch McConnell overturn a right established and proclaimed by those very judges during their nominations as settled law that is so basic and affecting of citizens. Not like freedom to assemble - how many times do most Americans attend protests in their lives? When's the last time the government tried to quarter troops in your house?
Yet you want to minimize the impact of an arbitrary decision that affects every woman of child bearing age once a month? As someone who will never face that risk? How magnanimous.
Still, I was confused. I had just seen a commercial last night from Mr Griffin, talking about his support for affordable housing. In light of the excellent and informative column from Mr Pullen last evening that noted that Fredericksburg bears the burden of 40% of affordable housing, and Mr Griffin has been working toward increasing affordable housing in Stafford.
I went to the Blue Virginia website to learn more about Mr Griffin's positions. His strongest position was in challenge to the other serious Republican contender - Matt Strickland - due to his positions regarding the January 6th insurrection actions. I shared and share those concerns, which was my main reason for supporting him. And why I question all Republicans about the issue, as the leading cause of that incident is their current leader and presumed nominee. It's a valid question. As much one of the future as of the past.
I invite those reading this column to go to the website, read it, and make your own decisions.
I found his answers reasonable, pragmatic, and hopeful. Hardly the "whining" characterized here as a raison d'etre for this column. Nice theme, but is it true?
Look, from what I've seen, Ms Durant doesn't wear horns on her head. Schoolteacher, nurse, even Mr Griffin has contributed to her in the past in a bipartisan spirit. In another time, I might support her. But, same as Mr Griffin clearly sees, there is an existential threat posed to our country due to Republicans continual embracement of MAGA.
I truly wish it weren't true, and we could think that whether Mr Griffin or Ms Durant wins, it doesn't really matter. But with that existential threat - can we say that?
I think not.
I am in agreement regarding Mr Kenney's contributions.
Though I fear he has given himself a Sisyphean task - of trying to defend the indefensible.
Whether it be denying or equivocating the threat which is charged felon Donald Trump and his coconspirators. Minimizing the damage done when our governor makes every decision based upon appealing to that MAGA klan. The lack of character shown by Ms Durant when she meekly rides on his coattails. Or school boards as they outrage their communities, as you have reported so well and clearly here.
I couldn't do it. Then again, I wouldn't do it. Still, you do have to admire his optimism. I hope he doesn't break under the strain.
Oh, and as you celebrate the time change this weekend, please say a prayer for the thousands of Americans that will die as a result. Or if you're a businessman, the half billion we lose in productivity every spring.
Some of us who believe in science and the value of money see little reason to celebrate. But America is a land of freedom OF religion, and should also be FROM religion - so enjoy.....
Wouldn't a true representation of the community include someone considered ethical who is NOT a member of an organized religion? Known for being a doctor, a volunteer, or just being? A poet or tradesman. A poetic tradesman.
With self reported weekly church attendance around 30% and less than half of Americans belonging to a house of worship - seems worth asking.....
Regarding Ms Durant and Mr Griffin. I'm going to give Ms Durant a pass on this one. Have made no secret of my support for Griffin and reason why.
But it did confuse me to learn that Mr Griffin has been "whining" about abortion rights only.
They are a central part of his campaign. No doubt. Many Americans were shocked to see the partisan judges forced through by the machinations of Mitch McConnell overturn a right established and proclaimed by those very judges during their nominations as settled law that is so basic and affecting of citizens. Not like freedom to assemble - how many times do most Americans attend protests in their lives? When's the last time the government tried to quarter troops in your house?
Yet you want to minimize the impact of an arbitrary decision that affects every woman of child bearing age once a month? As someone who will never face that risk? How magnanimous.
Still, I was confused. I had just seen a commercial last night from Mr Griffin, talking about his support for affordable housing. In light of the excellent and informative column from Mr Pullen last evening that noted that Fredericksburg bears the burden of 40% of affordable housing, and Mr Griffin has been working toward increasing affordable housing in Stafford.
I went to the Blue Virginia website to learn more about Mr Griffin's positions. His strongest position was in challenge to the other serious Republican contender - Matt Strickland - due to his positions regarding the January 6th insurrection actions. I shared and share those concerns, which was my main reason for supporting him. And why I question all Republicans about the issue, as the leading cause of that incident is their current leader and presumed nominee. It's a valid question. As much one of the future as of the past.
I invite those reading this column to go to the website, read it, and make your own decisions.
https://bluevirginia.us/2023/05/sd27-democratic-candidate-joel-griffins-responses-to-blue-virginias-candidate-questionnaire
I found his answers reasonable, pragmatic, and hopeful. Hardly the "whining" characterized here as a raison d'etre for this column. Nice theme, but is it true?
Look, from what I've seen, Ms Durant doesn't wear horns on her head. Schoolteacher, nurse, even Mr Griffin has contributed to her in the past in a bipartisan spirit. In another time, I might support her. But, same as Mr Griffin clearly sees, there is an existential threat posed to our country due to Republicans continual embracement of MAGA.
I truly wish it weren't true, and we could think that whether Mr Griffin or Ms Durant wins, it doesn't really matter. But with that existential threat - can we say that?
I think not.
I am in agreement regarding Mr Kenney's contributions.
Though I fear he has given himself a Sisyphean task - of trying to defend the indefensible.
Whether it be denying or equivocating the threat which is charged felon Donald Trump and his coconspirators. Minimizing the damage done when our governor makes every decision based upon appealing to that MAGA klan. The lack of character shown by Ms Durant when she meekly rides on his coattails. Or school boards as they outrage their communities, as you have reported so well and clearly here.
I couldn't do it. Then again, I wouldn't do it. Still, you do have to admire his optimism. I hope he doesn't break under the strain.
Oh, and as you celebrate the time change this weekend, please say a prayer for the thousands of Americans that will die as a result. Or if you're a businessman, the half billion we lose in productivity every spring.
Some of us who believe in science and the value of money see little reason to celebrate. But America is a land of freedom OF religion, and should also be FROM religion - so enjoy.....