Virginia’s recent legislative elections proved that all voters are equal. That said, a closer analysis of the results reveals that some voters are more equal than others. Why? Because Virginia has single-member districts, which are represented by only one lawmaker. Consider that control of the House of Delegates rested upon…
In 1797, Thomas Paine wrote a pamphlet titled, “Agrarian Justice.” In it, Paine proposed the creation of what we now call Social Security. Paine also proposed providing every American — regardless of sex or race — with a stake. That stake was to be a sum of £15, or about…
It’s 2020, and former Vice President Joe Biden has struggled to defeat President Donald Trump. Democrats didn’t think it would be this way. However, given the results thus far, it’s clear that Americans are frustrated with Democrats. Why? Consider President Barack Obama’s two signature legislative accomplishments: the Dodd-Frank Wall Street…
The recent letter from Del. Mark Levine, D-Alexandria, “Delegate argues against amending Virginia Code,” is dripping in cynicism. What’s striking about Levine’s letter is its appeal to fear. This is an old play often utilized by politicians and their apparatchiks. He might as well be saying, “You can’t trust those…
It is absurd and outrageous that West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice would invite counties from Virginia to secede and join West Virginia. That said, that a sitting governor of a neighboring state would make such an invitation speaks to how broken our political system has become. Justice’s remarks make it…
Too often, Americans think our country can’t afford nice things. Several recent letters have exemplified such thinking. In “’Free money’ could kill jobs, boost inflation,” Erich Reimer argues a universal basic income (UBI) is unaffordable. In “President working to lower drug prices,” Marvin Rosman argues that we can’t afford Medicare…
If Democrats want to win the presidency and both houses of Congress in 2020, they’ll need a bold agenda. Simply being anti-Trump will not suffice. So, here’s an idea for that agenda: Eliminate federal income taxes for anyone making less than $50,000 per year. Consider the numbers. In 2017, the…
During the 2018 election, many candidates emphasized campaign finance reform. One of those candidates, Abigail Spanberger, is now our representative-elect. I’m proud to say that I voted and volunteered for her. I also donated $350 to her campaign. She will represent our district well. That said, after Election Day but…
In 1971, Virginia’s Constitution limited the General Assembly to 100 delegates and 40 senators. That constitution continued a long tradition — at least as old as 1900 — of having 100 delegates and 40 senators. However, times change. In 1900, per the U.S. Census, Virginia had 1,854,184 people. Delegates represented…
Rep. Dave Brat makes a simple argument in his recent Op/Ed column, “What happens when red states go blue.” His point is that the economic policies of liberal-leaning states and communities are driving people out, while conservative-leaning states and communities are enacting policies that are bringing people in. It’s an…