Opinions

Among the concessions made by Rep. Kevin McCarthy to win over the Republican backbenchers who were holding up his election as House speaker was one that most members of Congress will probably oppose — but that their constituents overwhelmingly endorse. He agreed to schedule a vote on a proposed constitutional amendment to establish term limits for members of Congress.

Feral cats used to be a big problem at Glen Maury Park in Buena Vista. In 2014, there were a couple of hundred such cats roaming the park’s grounds. Mary Huffman, long a local cat advocate, decided to do something about it. With assistance from Cats Unlimited, a local advocacy group, Huffman launched a concerted effort to trap, neuter/spay and return the feral felines.

Feb. 3, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: On Saturday, Feb. 11, at 3 p.m., CARE (Community Anti-Racism Effort) Rockbridge will hold a public vigil at Hopkins Green to honor the memory of Tyre Nichols, a young Black American who was murdered by law enforcement in Memphis, Tenn., the city where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968.

Jan. 26, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: CRT – do we really know what CRT is and why they want to teach it in our schools?

Feb. 6, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: A lot of false information is being made against Congressman Ben Cline in an apparent organized letter to the editor campaign.

In his newsletter to constituents this week, state Sen. Creigh Deed warns that the General Assembly is heading toward a stalemate over Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s proposed $1 billion in tax cuts. Deeds is worried that a legislative logjam is going to delay approval of a state budget for the second session in a row. Last year, a state budget impasse wasn’t resolved until June, creating havoc for local jurisdictions since they did not know what state funding to anticipate.

Some wag once opined that what this country needed was a good five-cent cigar. That was back when cigars were strangely regarded as a sign of affluence, or at least an acceptable arrogance of affluence.

Jan. 18, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: I am so grateful to everyone who participated in the 2022 Be a Santa to a Senior program. This was my fifth year serving as coordinator, and I was once again overwhelmed and inspired by the generosity of our community.

Jan. 25, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: I was sorry to read that Cynthia Atkins experienced extreme dismay upon discovering that she would have to enter a church to cast her vote in the Jan. 11 special election. Her discomfort increased when she pulled into the church parking lot. Once inside the church, she became uncomfortable as she “felt the heavy power and symbolism.”

Jan. 27, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: We have enjoyed a week of meaningful and well-organized activities commemorating Dr. King’s life, and now we hear from a southern governor that Black history lacks educational value.

Jan. 30, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: As Lexington engages with Echelon on the development for the Spotswood site, one hopes that they would evaluate other issues with the project that are equally as significant as the building’s ascetics. It was good to learn of the progress that has been made as reported by The News-Gazette. It was also distressing to learn “that the design was still a contemporary design, and that was something Echelon was set on.” That position by Echelon begs the question as to who is driving this project – Echelon or the city of Lexington? Who will be the final determinant – Echelon or the city of Lexington?

Jan. 27, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: Thank you for the Gazette’s coverage of the Lee-Jackson Family Reunion.

Jan. 27, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: The General Assembly is in session right now; are you aware of how our state senator, Creigh Deeds, is voting? Check out his Twitter page (@ CreighDeeds).

Jan. 27, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: I am disappointed at the letter submitted by Ann Olsen disparaging the marchers at the Lee-Jackson parade.

Jan. 23, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: Thank you for your coverage of the CARE Rockbridge Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, which was inspiring and captured the forward-looking nature of the parade and its participants. Thank you, too, for your coverage of Ben Crump’s visit to Washington and Lee University and of the MLK celebration at First Baptist Church.

Jan. 30, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: Recently I received a letter from the YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, parent organization to the Rockbridge Area YMCA. After thanking me for my “generous support” in 2022, the “Vice President of Development” continued: “… the Y does so much … to strengthen the communities it serves …” Not lately, Madame Vice President. The popular director of the Rockbridge Area YMCA was terminated in a corporate ambush with no justification given. In doing so, regional executives thumbed their noses at Rockbridge County, Lexington, the local board of directors, the employees, membership and area youth. Consequently, our aspirations for a new building are crippled. As of last November, the same executives had endorsed the enterprise. So much for development and strengthening communities.

Jan. 29, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: In response to the letter of Jan. 25 by Ann Olson of Rockbridge Baths, her remarks regarding the photographs The News-Gazette printed of the service that was held at the cemetery of “the glum assortment” (Ms. Olsen’s words), I take personal umbrage.

Jan. 22, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: In his Jan. 19 newsletter, Rep. Ben Cline made several statements that, were he Pinocchio, would qualify him for rhinoplasty.

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We are already heading into another election cycle. We just held a special election to fill the seat formerly held by the late Del. Ronnie Campbell and now plans are being made for the next elections. There will be no less than 25 local offices up for grabs in this fall’s elections. (See page 1 story for details.)