Opinions

Editor’s note: The following editorial is adapted from a letter from Judy Casteele, executive director of Project Horizon.

Swedish Defense Chief Visits VMI

Jan. 17, 2024 Editor, The News-Gazette: President Trump pressured Vice President Pence to disregard his constitutional duty to certify the Electoral College results on January 6th, 2020. Trump also schemed to create false electors in states where the Electoral College named his opponent the winner. In my opinion, those actions constitute a form of insurrection as Trump tried to stop the peaceful transfer of power and reverse election results.

Braver Angels Debate Brings Local College Students Together

I know people who despise snow; I am not one of those people. But I can certainly u n d e r stand why people don’t like it. It’s cold, slippery and let’s face it, driving in it can be dangerous. Shoveling it is backbreaking work.

Jan. 17, 2024 Editor, The News-Gazette: There are few second chances in life, whether it be for an individual or for a community. Now our community has a second chance to do what we failed to do 30 years ago. The money is still on the table, along with the need. As for our moral compass, it is still pointing in the right direction.

Jan. 22, 2024 Editor, The News-Gazette: If the 58-year-old earthen dam, holding back the 450acre Boy Scout lake in Goshen, whose overall condition has been listed as “fair” in recent years, suffered catastrophic failure, the East Lexington bridge, according to official reports, would be 20 feet underwater within four to six hours.

Jan. 20, 2024 Editor, The News-Gazette: Sensitivities, you bet! I saw photos in The NewsGazette of the many people who marched in support of MLK Day and what he stood for. Our paper was filled with evidence of caring people, people who embrace the ideals for which our country was formed, opportunities for all people and a civil society. Along with the MLK parade was the Lee-Jackson parade showing that we can differ peacefully and celebrate our freedoms together.

Jan. 18, 2024 Editor, The News-Gazette: I want to alleviate some of Glenn Rose’s “WOKE: WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE-of-EVERYTHING.”

Jan. 19, 2024 Editor, The News-Gazette: This letter is to inform property owners who live along the whole length of the Maury River, that the latest Emergency Action Plan and Inundation Study (2020), can be found on the Rockbridge Regional Library website. Go to rrlib.net, then click on Lake Merriweather Files.

50 Years Ago

On the 95th anniversary of the birth of Martin Luther King Jr. this week – nearly 56 years after his death – we continue to celebrate the legacy of this great American and civil rights leader.

Ink Spots

Jan. 10, 2023 Editor, The News Gazette: I am thankful to N-G columnist Glenn Rose for reassuring us that there is no immigration crisis at our borders. During the last three years, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), over 6 million illegal immigrants have entered the United States from countries around the world. Data from the U.S. Border Patrol and Office of Field Operations show that the average number of encounters under the current administration reached totals of approximately 189,000 per month, more than three times higher than the average of 51,000 per month under the previous administration.

Jan. 11, 2024 Editor, The News-Gazette: We agree with Supervisor Bob Day! “Why build an airport for private planes?” And, we might add, why use public money — a hefty sum of it — to even study the idea?

Jan. 15, 2024 Editor, The News-Gazette: Being opposed to Donald Trump does not make anyone the opposite of Donald Trump. The presumptive candidates in the upcoming presidential election, Trump and Biden, are unfortunately more alike than different.

Jan. 12, 2024 Editor, The News-Gazette: Liberals this week were very about Rep. Cline’s endorsement of Donald Trump. The concern in coming out of Lexington was palpable. Really just off the chart concern… Let me tell you what those of us in the real world are concerned about. We can’t afford groceries. Food prices are over 20% higher than 2020. The Biden administration has spent more money in the first three years of a presidency than any in American history. Where did this money come from? The Federal Reserve printed it, ballooned the money supply, and created the worst inflation crises in our lifetimes.

Jan. 3, 2024 Editor, The News-Gazette: The CARE Rockbridge Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Parade has for the past seven years brought us together in our fight for justice and the common good. As we prepare for a new year, we ask that you mark your calendars for our eighth annual community parade on Jan. 15, stepping off at 10:30 a.m. in front of Randolph Street United Methodist Church, at 118 S. Randolph St. in Lexington.

The 2024 session of the Virginia General Assembly convenes today. With divided government in Richmond, we are optimistic that the narrow Democratic majorities in the state Senate and House of Delegates will be able to work cooperatively with their Republican colleagues in each chamber and Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

Jan. 4, 2024 Editor, The News-Gazette: I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the continued veneration of Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson by the Sons of Confederate Veterans, the Daughters of the Confederacy and their comrades. While I respect the importance of understanding our nation’s history, it is imperative that we critically assess the actions of historical figures, particularly those who chose to betray their oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States.