THYME Magazine

Citizen Journalism with a Better Flavor


Volume III, Issue XXV

So What is a 'Baracket' Anyway

The 'other' weekly news magazine is analyzing the likely field of contenders for the Republican nomination. Their NCAA style 'baracket' pits the old guard (Romney, McCain) against the new upstarts (Palin, Bachmann), you get the idea.

Along the way they deduce that the new Conservatism is 'impractical.' Conservatives, according to TIME, are the new ivory tower academians. Their beef: "all they want to do is starve government and lower taxes." They obviously don't read publiccations like City Journal that wrestle with real ideas about funding legitimate government functions after years of distinctly non-conservative legislators kicking the can down the road. They missed the article in the latest issue about the necessity of funding the rebuilding of the Tappan Zee Bridge.

They missed Augusta County's Candidates' Forum Wednesday night, where a group of conservative thinking candidates from both parties presented a unified vision for funding public safety and education needs. They missed Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell committing state resources to rebuilding and upgrading crucial infrastructure.

I wish they would do an equally critical analysis of our young Keynesian President, steeped in the teachings of James Cone through Jeremiah Wright. A junior Senator who's previous experience as a 'community organizer' was left unchallenged while the experience of popular Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was constantly called into question during the last election.

Americans deserve better from their media. Dare to put out ideas and what the candidates are actually saying. Help people understand the Constitutionally mandated functions of (and limitations on) government. Let the voters make informed choices.

Infrastructure as Investment

The Economic Impact of Improved Tansportation


Interstate 66 in Vienna.

The Impact of 16 Infrastructure Projects
on the Commonwealth of Virginia Economy

This Report [click to read] by Stephen S. Fuller, Ph.D, makes the case. Virginia’s economy would expand by $4.1 billion and support 56,798 additional jobs if 16 infrastructure mega-projects being considered by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) are completed. The research conducted by Dr. Fuller, a George Mason University Professor in the School of Public Policy and Director of the Center for Regional Analysis, supports the Governor's proposed highway improvements as a long-term investment in Virginia's future.

THYME Magazine

Citizen Journalism with a Better Flavor


Volume II, Issue VI

Mr. Obama's War
[Its Not With the Terrorists]

This Story [click to read] in World Net Daily is consistant with a disturbing pattern:

"President Obama has picked to advise him on military actions inside the U.S. the Missouri governor whose state "Information Analysis Center" last year linked conservative organizations to domestic terrorism and said law enforcement officers should watch for suspicious individuals who may have bumper stickers from Ron Paul or Chuck Baldwin."

Military actions inside the U.S? What does Obama mean by that? Especially when foreign terrorists are being put into the civilian court system and their acts of war are being called "Man Caused Disasters."

One gets the distinct impression that Mr. Obama's war is not with the terrorists, but with the American people.

Consider the implications of government programs that are not about solving problems, such as the healthcare bill, but are all about growing government. 'Cap and Trade,' a tax on energy we can ill afford is another example. Who do these policies actually help? Who do they harm?

Indeed it is time for the President to stop lecturing us on 'bipartisanship' and actually listen to the concerns of the 'Loyal Opposition.' One gets the impression he's digging in for a long fight though.

The elections in Virginia, New Jersey and Massachussetts are a resounding mandate to change course. The well thought out proposals of Bob McDonnell, Newt Gingrich and Sarah Palin stand in stark contrast to those that promise "Hope and Change," but only if you let the government expand to unmanagable proportions to finance it.

Here is the 'companion' TIME Issue [click to read]. I was told that since many Conservatives don't bother to look at the 'Professional' weekly news magazine anymore, someone might miss the full impact of my 'cover commentary.'

Bob McDonnell's Response...

Virginia's Governor Delivers Republican Response
to the State of the Union Address


The Virginia Capitol designed by Thomas Jefferson.

Text of Governor McDonnell's Response
January 28, 2010

"Good evening. I'm Bob McDonnell. Eleven days ago I was honored to be sworn in as the 71st governor of Virginia.

I'm standing in the historic House Chamber of Virginia's Capitol, a building designed by Virginia's second governor, Thomas Jefferson.

It’s not easy to follow the President of the United States. And my twin 18-year old boys have added to the pressure, by giving me exactly ten minutes to finish before they leave to go watch SportsCenter.

I'm joined by fellow Virginians to share a Republican perspective on how to best address the challenges facing our nation today.

We were encouraged to hear President Obama speak this evening about the need to create jobs. All Americans should have the opportunity to find and keep meaningful work, and the dignity that comes with it. Many of us here, and many of you watching, have family or friends who have lost their jobs. 1 in 10 American workers is unemployed. That is unacceptable.

Here in Virginia we have faced our highest unemployment rate in more than 25 years, and bringing new jobs and more opportunities to our citizens is the top priority of my administration. Good government policy should spur economic growth, and strengthen the private sector’s ability to create new jobs.

We must enact policies that promote entrepreneurship and innovation, so America can better compete with the world. What government should not do is pile on more taxation, regulation, and litigation that kill jobs and hurt the middle class.

It was Thomas Jefferson who called for "A wise and frugal Government which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry ….and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned…" He was right.

Today, the federal government is simply trying to do too much.

Last year, we were told that massive new federal spending would create more jobs 'immediately' and hold unemployment below 8%.

In the past year, over three million Americans have lost their jobs, yet the Democratic Congress continues deficit spending, adding to the bureaucracy, and increasing the national debt on our children and grandchildren. The amount of this debt is on pace to double in five years, and triple in ten. The federal debt is already over $100,000 per household. This is simply unsustainable.

The President's partial freeze on discretionary spending is a laudable step, but a small one. The circumstances of our time demand that we reconsider and restore the proper, limited role of government at every level. Without reform, the excessive growth of government threatens our very liberty and prosperity. In recent months, the American people have made clear that they want government leaders to listen and act on the issues most important to them. We want results, not rhetoric. We want cooperation, not partisanship. There is much common ground.

All Americans agree, we need a health care system that is affordable, accessible, and high quality. But most Americans do not want to turn over the best medical care system in the world to the federal government. Republicans in Congress have offered legislation to reform healthcare, without shifting Medicaid costs to the states, without cutting Medicare, and without raising your taxes. We will do that by implementing common sense reforms, like letting families and businesses buy health insurance policies across state lines, and ending frivolous lawsuits against doctors and hospitals that drive up the cost of your healthcare. And our solutions aren't thousand-page bills that no one has fully read, after being crafted behind closed doors with special interests. In fact, many of our proposals are available online at solutions.gop.gov, and we welcome your ideas on Facebook and Twitter.

All Americans agree, this nation must become more energy independent and secure. We are blessed here in America with vast natural resources, and we must use them all. Advances in technology can unleash more natural gas, nuclear, wind, coal, and alternative energy to lower your utility bills. Here in Virginia, we have the opportunity to be the first state on the East Coast to explore for and produce oil and natural gas offshore. But this Administration’s policies are delaying offshore production, hindering nuclear energy expansion, and seeking to impose job-killing cap and trade energy taxes. Now is the time to adopt innovative energy policies that create jobs and lower energy prices.

All Americans agree, that a young person needs a world-class education to compete in the global economy. As a kid my dad told me, "Son, to get a good job, you need a good education." That’s even more true today. The President and I agree on expanding the number of high-quality charter schools, and rewarding teachers for excellent performance. More school choices for parents and students mean more accountability and greater achievement. A child's educational opportunity should be determined by her intellect and work ethic, not by her zip code.

All Americans agree, we must maintain a strong national defense. The courage and success of our Armed Forces is allowing us to draw down troop levels in Iraq as that government is increasingly able to step up. My oldest daughter, Jeanine, was an Army platoon leader in Iraq, so I'm personally grateful for the service and the sacrifice of all of our men and women in uniform, and a grateful nation thanks them. We applaud President Obama's decision to deploy 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan. We agree that victory there is a national security imperative. But we have serious concerns over recent steps the Administration has taken regarding suspected terrorists.

Americans were shocked on Christmas Day to learn of the attempted bombing of a flight to Detroit. This foreign terror suspect was given the same legal rights as a U.S. citizen, and immediately stopped providing critical intelligence. As Senator-elect Scott Brown says, we should be spending taxpayer dollars to defeat terrorists, not to protect them.

Here at home government must help foster a society in which all our people can use their G-d-given talents in liberty to pursue the American Dream. Republicans know that government cannot guarantee individual outcomes, but we strongly believe that it must guarantee equality of opportunity for all. That opportunity exists best in a democracy which promotes free enterprise, economic growth, strong families, and individual achievement. Many Americans are concerned about this Administration's efforts to exert greater control over car companies, banks, energy and health care. Over-regulating employers won’t create more employment; overtaxing investors won’t foster more investment.

Top-down one-size fits all decision making should not replace the personal choices of free people in a free market, nor undermine the proper role of state and local governments in our system of federalism. As our Founders clearly stated, and we Governors understand, government closest to the people governs best. And no government program can replace the actions of caring Americans freely choosing to help one another. The Scriptures say "To whom much is given, much will be required." As the most generous and prosperous nation on Earth, it is heartwarming to see Americans giving much time and money to the people of Haiti. Thank you for your ongoing compassion.

Some people are afraid that America is no longer the great land of promise that she has always been. They should not be. America will always blaze the trail of opportunity and prosperity. America must always be a land where liberty and property are valued and respected, and innocent human life is protected. Government should have this clear goal: Where opportunity is absent, we must create it. Where opportunity is limited, we must expand it. Where opportunity is unequal, we must make it open to everyone. Our Founders pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor to create this nation. Now, we should pledge as Democrats, Republicans and Independents--Americans all---to work together to leave this nation a better place than we found it.

G-d Bless you, and G-d Bless our great nation."

The Era of Reagan... Continues!

Virginia, New Jersey and Massachusetts Weigh In

New Jersey's Chris Christie [click to read] is discussed by Steven Malanga in City Journal.

Massachusetts' Scott Brown [click to read] now makes the message pretty clear. Add this to the clear victory in Virginia of Bob McDonnell and the reports of the death of the era of Reagan are 'greatly exaggerated' to say the least. Brown and McDonnell both presented a clear alternative to bigger government and runaway taxation and deficits. Both stayed on message even when their opponents tried to muddy the discussion. They educated when others obfuscated. Then they repeated the message again. They took nothing for granted and used every opportunity to bring the voters into the discussion. On election day their tireless efforts were rewarded.

The people have entered the game and are talking intelligent policy. Will the academy recognize the strength of free markets and the weakness of government solutions. This Article in City Journal [click to read] points out how many of Europe's best free market thinkers have found a place in American Universities. Could it be that fuure leaders will be better schooled in the failure of Marxism and Keynes and embrace a more pro-market philosophy?

Sitting here in the 'Commonwealth of Opportunity' listening to results from the very blue state of Massachusetts, things in our future seem brighter than we hoped for!

Bob McDonnell, Our 71st Governor

His Inaugural Speech: 'A Commonwealth of Opportunity'


The Virginia Capitol designed by Thomas Jefferson.

Full text of McDonnell’s Inaugural address
Jan 16, 2010

Thank you.

Mr. Speaker.

Lt. Governor Bolling.

Attorney General Cuccinelli
.
Members of the General Assembly.

Distinguished guests from around the world and across the country, family and friends, my fellow Virginians.

Good afternoon!

We gather today on the steps of our magnificent and newly renovated State Capitol.

From this hill the land rolls gently down to the James River, the waterway of the Settlers in 1607.

From this place, the sweep of history has moved us forward to today.

This is the cradle of democracy for Virginia and America.

Governor Thomas Jefferson designed this Capitol building.

Governor Patrick Henry came here for the laying of its cornerstone.

I am humbled today to follow in their historic footsteps.

The General Assembly first convened in this new building during the first term of America's first President, Virginia's George Washington.

Behind me, in the Rotunda, are the busts of the eight Virginians who became President.

It was here that Robert E. Lee, the son of a Virginia Governor, was commissioned as Commander of the Commonwealth's military forces as a young nation split into war.

It was here, just four years later, that President Abraham Lincoln came to begin the process of reuniting our war-torn nation, walking the streets of still smoldering Richmond.

And it was here, 125 years after Lincoln's visit that a grandson of slaves, L. Douglas Wilder, took the Oath of Office as the nation's first African-American Governor.

And it is here, today, that an average middle class kid from Fairfax County, a grandson of Irish immigrants, is given the enormous honor of becoming the 71st Governor of Virginia.

As it turns out, I succeed another descendent of Irish immigrants, Governor Timothy Kaine.

On behalf of the grateful people of Virginia, I thank Governor Kaine for his leadership and service to our Commonwealth.

Today's Virginia is a thriving and diverse home of nearly 8 million people, with one in ten born outside the United States.

A state of rich history and strong people, we do face many challenges together.
We do not face the challenges of forming a new government or securing a young nation, as did Washington, Jefferson and Henry.

We do not encounter the devastation and destruction of Civil War, as did Lincoln and Lee.

We do not struggle with the injustice of slavery and its legacy of segregation as did Governor Wilder as a young man.

We do not march into bullets and artillery shells, as did the Greatest Generation on the beaches of Normandy and the islands of the Pacific. Two members of that generation, who served in World War II, my father Jack McDonnell and my father-in-law Frank Gardner, join us here today.

On behalf of a grateful Commonwealth I thank them, and all military members and veterans, for their incredible sacrifice and service to our nation that continues today.

The actions of those patriots that came before us had a common purpose to create and expand freedom and opportunity for the generations that came behind them.

The creation of, and desire for, new opportunity has shaped Virginia from its foundation.

It was in seeking the Opportunity of a New World that Captain John Smith and 104 settlers braved the perilous Atlantic to step onto the sands of Cape Henry in April 1607.

It was in securing the Opportunity of a New Nation that Virginia patriots joined together with their fellow colonists in the first fight for freedom and independence, and thus was born a country of ordered liberty that, 234 years later, is the beacon of hope for the world.

It was in seizing the Opportunity of equality and education that a courageous 16 year-old girl named Barbara Johns, memorialized behind this majestic Capitol at the Virginia Civil Rights Memorial, stood up and walked out of Moton High School in Farmville 59 years ago this spring.

New opportunity helped them meet the challenges of their time.

Greater opportunity will help us meet the challenges of ours.

Together we must create jobs and economic opportunities.

Provide new educational opportunities for all Virginians.

And enhance family and community opportunities by easing government burdens on free people.

As Virginians, we believe that government must help foster a society in which all our people can use their G-d-given talents in liberty to pursue the American Dream.

Where opportunity is absent, we must create it. Where opportunity is limited, we must expand it. Where opportunity is unequal, we must make it open to everyone.

Our Administration will be dedicated to building "A Commonwealth of Opportunity" for all Virginians.

It starts with restoring economic opportunity to Virginians in every corner of our Commonwealth.

Tens of thousands of our family members, friends and neighbors have lost their jobs.

Thousands more worry they could be next.

As we confront the worst economy in generations, the creation of new job opportunities for all our citizens is the obligation of our time, so all Virginians who seek a good job can find meaningful work and the dignity that comes with it.

Virginia has received high rankings over the years for being a business-friendly state.
Those rankings speak well of our past. They do not determine our future.

Competition for jobs is intense among the states, and between nations. States are aggressively positioning themselves to best appeal to job creators and entrepreneurs.

We must make this the best state in which to start and grow a small business.

It is why we will reduce burdensome taxation and regulation that impede job-creation.

And, it is why, even in these tough times, we will have the foresight to invest today in ideas and policies that increase economic prosperity tomorrow.

This economic crisis has touched every Virginian.

Declining home values and diminished retirement accounts have wiped away in just a few months the accumulated savings of many years.

As jobs are lost and consumer confidence remains low, state revenues have declined, and an historic budget shortfall has stretched into the billions. Thus, like so many households and businesses across the Commonwealth, state government needs to devise new ways to operate and find savings.

This austerity won't be easy, but it is necessary. The circumstances of our time demand that we reconsider and restore the proper role of government. Without reform the continued growth of government threatens our very prosperity.

We must properly fund the core priorities of government, but — equally important — we must utilize innovation, privatization, and consolidations to deliver government services more effectively.

And as we enact these reforms we must remember this: that government cannot guarantee individual outcomes, but equality of opportunity must be guaranteed for all.

All Virginians must have the same fundamental opportunities to work hard, live free and succeed.

Access to a quality education is the foundation of future opportunity. My Dad stressed to me as a child that to get a good job, you need a good education. It was true then and even more true today.

Virginians are blessed with many great schools with dedicated, professional teachers like my sister Nancy in Amherst, who work tirelessly to mold the minds and character of the next generation.

To compete in this global economy every young Virginian must have the opportunity of a world-class education from pre-school to college.

A child's future prospects should be as unlimited as his intelligence, integrity and work ethic can take him. No child in Virginia should have her future determined by her place of birth or zip code.

We will work with President Obama to expand high-quality charter schools and institute performance pay to our great teachers.

More money must go to the classroom and less into administration, and new opportunities in science, technology, engineering, math and healthcare must be created through our schools and colleges.

And let us recognize that a high school degree is no longer the finish line in a global economy. We must create affordable new pathways to earning a college degree and make a commitment to confer 100,000 additional degrees over the next 15 years. We must make our community colleges national leaders in workforce development and career training.

These are investments that will pay individual and societal dividends for many years to come.
Barbara Johns was willing to risk everything for the simple opportunity of a good education.

Surely, sixty years later, we can work together to provide that opportunity to all Virginia children.

Our Administration will demand excellence, reward performance, provide choices and celebrate achievement.

G-d has bestowed upon our Commonwealth an amazing wealth of natural resources. Virginians have the intellectual capital to use these resources to create new jobs, reduce our energy bills, and make our nation more energy independent.

We will make Virginia the "Energy Capital of the East Coast." By growing the natural gas and coal industries, expanding the use of nuclear power, and promoting new energy technologies like wind, solar and biomass.

And we will champion environmentally-safe offshore energy exploration and production, bringing with it thousands of new jobs, hundreds of millions in new state revenue and billions in new investment.

We must also seize the opportunity to improve our transportation system by getting long overdue projects under way, and utilizing innovative ideas to build the roads, bridges, rail and ports we need.

A better transportation system will create new opportunities for Virginians across the state.

These are policies focused on addressing the real problems our people face, and delivering results.

I've had people tell me they fear that America may no longer be the land of opportunity it has always been, and that Virginia's history in playing a leading role in the life of our nation may be just thathistory. I say: They are wrong.

Working together — Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike — Virginia will continue to blaze the trail of opportunity and prosperity.

And like the mechanic looking to the owner's manual to troubleshoot the automobile, we should look to the Founders and their writings for wisdom.

The Founders capstone on the Constitution is the Bill of Rights. No federal mandate nor program crafted by either political party should undermine the central principle of federalism, enshrined in the birth certificate of America by those who pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor.
The Founders recognized that the government closest to the people governs best. More often than not, Richmond knows better about the hopes and dreams of the people than Washington. And Galax and Fairfax and Virginia Beach know far better than Richmond.

As we enthusiastically pursue the vision of "A Commonwealth of Opportunity", I ask all Virginians to continue to seek your own opportunities to get involved in the life of our Commonwealth.

Half a century ago President Kennedy challenged the American people to "ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." Today, I ask all Virginians to rise up to meet this timeless challenge.

We live in the most generous nation on Earth. So many Virginians give sacrificially of their time, talents and treasure, and rightly so. The Scriptures say, "To whom much is given, much will be required."

Right now, much is required in the nation of Haiti. And I urge all Virginians to donate to the relief efforts under way.

Here in our Commonwealth, I urge business owners to look for opportunities to sponsor a little league team, help a charity, and promote corporate responsibility in the communities in which you live and work.

I urge all the leaders of our faith communities to expand your selfless work of helping the homeless, feeding the poor, and comforting the broken hearted.

I urge the young people of Virginia to use your talents and energy to fully engage in the future of this Commonwealth.

I urge Virginians who came here from other lands to contribute your culture, your history and your traditions to our rich tapestry of life.

I urge every Virginian to take every opportunity to thank a man or woman in a law enforcement or military uniform for the preservation of our freedoms.

There is so much each one of us can do to leave this Commonwealth a better place than we found it.

No government program can substitute for the incredible good done through voluntary actions performed freely by caring individuals every day.

And while government can help provide opportunities, it is every person's responsibility to take advantage of them.

In recent weeks I've seen people exercising that responsibility, and changing lives at:

The Healing Place in Richmond.
The Carpenter's Shelter in Alexandria.
Food Banks in Abingdon, Norfolk and Richmond.
The Boys and Girls Club in Virginia Beach.
The USO in Norfolk.

As a Commonwealth, we must do the same ... and we will.

Standing here today, on the steps of our State Capitol, in the inspiring shadows of the shared history behind us, we embrace the limitless future opportunities stretching out far before us.
And now it is here, in this place, that we pledge to work together to create "A Commonwealth of Opportunity" ... for all Virginians, and to add our steps to Virginia's journey.

It was George Washington who noted, in his first Inaugural Address, "The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected to remain on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained."

It is right to help one another.

It is right to work together to get results and solve problems.

It is right to provide opportunities for all.

Let us heed the words of the Father of our Country, employ these eternal rules of order and right, and get to work for the good of the people of Virginia.

Thank you and G-d Bless the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Here is the Official Site [click to read]. ht/Lynn

Virginia's Tomorrow

With the Right Vision it Could Be Bright Indeed!


Innovative structures might house offshore energy workers. The towers turn to catch the advantage of sun and wind...

Virginians resoundingly voted for a new tomorrow [1.] this past November.The election of Bob McDonnell alone would signify that. The sweep byMcDonnell, Bolling and Cuccinelli is more like a mandate. There is clearly support for a Reagan-like revolution in the direction of stateleadership. Here is a look at what the future might hold for the Commonwealth.

1. A Push for Energy Independence

It’s no secret that Governor McDonnell wants to see Virginia’s natural resources, including offshore drilling rights, fully exploited. In a letter to Ken Salazar [2.] he makes that very clear. Offshore drilling can be done safely and would provide new jobs in the energy sector for the state. Drilling revenues would energize the state’s economy and, if managed well, lead to sustained economic health.

Cheaper, locally produced energy must be a priority. North Anna’s remaining reactor needs to be built. A healthy mixture of ‘new’ and old technologies must be put into play to ensure reasonably priced and readily available power.

2. Leaner Government Expenditures

The states in the Union with the worst economic situations such as California and New York are the ones with the most unsustainable spending. The only alternative to cutting spending is a round of job-killing tax hikes which create reduced revenues in the long run as industry is hobbled by rising costs.

With surveys showing that the average government worker salaries are higher than those in the private sector it is time for some wage freezes in government. Some functions would be more affordable if outsourced to private contractors. A hard eye needs to be applied to requests for ‘new’ computer systems to ‘increase efficiency.’ Often the new system creates learning curve inefficiency and incompatibility issues. It might make more sense to procure smaller ‘off the shelf’ solutions for known issues. By doing so you reduce the learning curve loss to one department and target the solution. The ensuing ‘compatibility issues’ are of a much more manageable size.

3. Private Enterprise Taking Over

In the socialist country of France, one sees fine highways and bridges that have been built and are operated through private companies that are contracted to build and maintain them. Virginia already has the Dulles Toll Road operating under a similar contract. Interstate 66 from the beltway into Washington presents a similar opportunity.

A private contractor should be charged to operate the facility with congestion tolls and elimination of the HOV only status. Additional lane capacity should be considered and paid for by bonds to be retired through the toll.

Privatization of ‘public’ transportation should be considered as well.

4. Freedom and Market Principles in Education

Educational choice should become a real force in Virginia’s preparation for her future. Tax credits for those pursuing alternatives to public education would put real market competition into play. More importantly, this move would put real opportunity inthe hands of Virginia students.

5. Medical Reimbursement Reform on a State Level

The state can promote policies such as tort reform and increased market competition in the insurance industry. Medical savings accounts should be not only encouraged but rewarded through tax treatment.


...and provide new alternatives to building on agricultural land.


Virginia's greatest resource is a creative and diverse population. Xaver Wilhelmy, a transplanted Austrian, developed these innovative glass organ pipes...


...and even envisioned them integrated into church windows!


This piece of innovative architecture captures water that would ordinarily be lost to the street and storm drain.


Projects like the Village at Afton [3.] would create jobs and encourage tourism in our area.

1. Based on 'New York's Tomorrow' special edition of City Journal. Many of the principles outlined therin would be applicable to Virginia's future.

North Slope Jobs for Virginia

Energy Independence's Time has Come

Governor-elect Bob McDonnell [click to read] is calling for the development of Virginia's offshore energy resources. SWAC Girl has the details.

“... it is time to develop our offshore energy resources to create new jobs and provide necessary new revenue for schools, roads, public safety and alternative energy research and development in Virginia.” -- Virginia Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell

THYME Magazine

Citizen Journalism with a Better Flavor


Volume I, Issue XI

Not Much Time to Savor the View

There's too much work to be done. With unemployment at 10.2% [and that probably underreported] and Congress moving rapidly to permenantly alter America [Amerika?], we have to snap a few pictures and move on. Such is the nature of scaling mountains.

As you might have noticed, THYME is a fairly direct caricature of the 'other' newsmagazine. This week was a bit of a challenge. Secretary of State Clinton was the subject and, may I be blunt, "I'm just not that into her right now." But, didn't she say she was named for Sir Edmund... well, following that logic I had a mountaintop to go to.

There is a lot Bob McDonnell's policies can do to help make Virginia a business friendly environment. We need to do our part to relocate healthy businesses from overtaxed regions like California. Virginia is the land of opportunity right now if we can just turn back the Federal monster in time to avoid a repeat of the 1930's.

Lessons from Virginia for the GOP

How Bob McDonnell Won the Governor's Race

Ed Gillespie [click to read] in the Washington Post.

"There are lessons in the Virginia governor's race for both parties, but Republicans nationally would do well to take a few pages from McDonnell's playbook."

Here's One That's Hard to Beat:

"-- Convert conservative principles into practical policies -- and finish the sentence. All year, McDonnell laid out a steady stream of policy initiatives rooted in a commitment to lower taxes, less regulation and innovation. Too often, however, Republicans don't "finish the sentence" and remind voters outside our base why such conservative policies are better. McDonnell's campaign attracted crucial independent voters by focusing on the benefits of his policies: better elementary schools, more college degrees, less time stuck in traffic, more affordable gas and electricity, and most important, jobs, jobs, jobs."

It's Not About You, Barry!

Since You Were Not Watching Anyway...

I hope you enjoyed the Bulls game. We enjoyed the game we were watching last night. OK, it's NOT about you, Mr. Obama. Let me tell you who it IS...

The Governor's race in Virginia and New Jersey... there was passion there as the people went to the polls. You went in for Corzine and in the end you were in the game briefly for Deeds, but for most of this one you were on the bench! We were in there playing the entire game.

Remember when we all came to town on September 12. You know, "We the people," well, we were concerned about things like the Constitution and limited government. You were in Wisconsin, I think. Here's why we came: We'd like to see the greatest sanctuary of freedom the world has ever known remain just that. We want government to facilitate solutions for healthcare compensation without simply taking it over.

We're smart enough to know that government spending can't pull us out of a recession and ultimately prolongs the misery. We want Washington to do its Constitutionally mandated functions [such as defense] extremely well and leave the rest of our lives alone. We have read enough to know that government policies and regulation have actually made things worse in many cases.

No, Mr.President, it wasn't about you at all... but your policies got plenty of attention!


On September 12, citizens march down Pennsylvania Avenue past the First Amendment carved in stone.




The people came seeking to be represented by their representatives.

And it wasn't just about Republicans beating Democrats. New York's 23rd District race proved to be a One Million Dollar Learning Experience [click to read] for those who would place party affiliation above standing for their core beliefs. The Conservative movement that the MSM so gleefully pronounced dead mere months ago just roared loudly!

More to Come: Congressional House Call Tomorrow

Come to Washington, DC for a national “Congressional House Call” on the steps of the Capitol with Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, Dr. Tom Price, and many, many more Americans from across the nation. November 5th, 12:00 noon.

The Sweep is Official!

Bob McDonnell, Bill Bolling and Ken Cuccinelli Win Big

What a historic night! Lynn is live-blogging from Richmond and Big-government [that's YOU, Mr. Obama] took a serious hit! It's pretty clear that McDonnell won with his clear message. Yes, Virginia, there ARE great communicators.

Congratulations to our next Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General!

Today is the Poll That Counts!

A New Day Dawns in Virginia...


A swirl of activity as Bob McDonnell enters Shenandoah Valley Airport for a brief stop on Sunday.


Bill Bolling takes time to sign an autograph.


Ken Cuccinelli is ready with his broom. Richmond needs a good 'sweep!'


Dickie Bell, with his wife Anne, ready to represent the 20th!


The crowd in the general aviation terminal.

How the Media Will 'Spin' a Win...

If the Republicans Capture Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General They'll Be Ready with an 'Explaination'

Remember the 'angry white male' from the 1994 elections when Congress was taken from one-party domination? That was the 'explaination' given for the upset. No doubt, he'll be back as an explaination of any new surge for Consevatives in election results.

Public Servants who lose touch with their constituents probably won't get a mention. There is a REASON the voters are upset with elected representatives.

I grew up with Davy Crockett as a hero. I still remember the part where he rode through the night to defeat the Indian Bill, a bad piece of legislation that cost him his congressional career for opposing it. Davy Crockett was one of us! There was no question. Saying: "you can go to hell, I'll go to Texas!," Crockett was probably the first angry white male! he, unlike many politicians today, refused to leave his roots and join the 'elite.'

Fast forward to 2008 and you have two 'public servants' who let their hair down with their elite buddies and say things like: "You go into some of these small towns in Pennsylvania, and like a lot of small towns in the Midwest, the jobs have been gone now for 25 years and nothing’s replaced them. … And it’s not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren’t like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."

Or consider this quote: "One of the things you are going to see is a coalition that is just about completely taken over the Republican Party in this state and if they have their way it’s going to take overstate government. It is made up of the Christian Coalition, but not just them. It is made up of the right-to-lifers, but not just them. It’s made up of the NRA, but not just them. It is made up of the Home-schoolers but not just them. It’s made up of a whole coalition of people that have all sorts of differing views that I think most of us in this room would find threatening to what it means to be an American." [1.]

Scary stuff! The man responsible for the second quote is a Senator from the State of Virginia. If you are a person of faith, believe in G-d, understand the Second Amendment, hold unborn human life sacred or educate your children at home you are 'threatening to what it means to be an American' to the ruling 'elite.'

But they disrespect the American people and their long-held values at their own peril. The first remark above cost Barack Obama the Pennsylvania primary. The second cost Mark Warner his credibility as a representative of Virginia's people. Even a fawning press can only protect you so much when you lose touch with the people you are elected to serve.

The 2009 Governor's race has seen a steady stream of negative advertising aimed at making you think Bob McDonnell is 'threatening to what it means to be an American.' He's been excoriated for his pro-life stance [which many of us share with him]. He's been painted as 'anti-woman' [though I know a lot of intelligent women who support him]. He's been painted as the 'tax and spend' candidate in advertisements delivered in a 'folksy voice' so we'll believe he's one of us. The ad goes on to tell us McDonnel supported the Bush tax cuts 'for the rich' and that his plan for transportation is to raid money from education. Wow, all that in one ad! Problem is the ad assumes we the voters aren't all that smart. If he's going to raise all those taxes and power company rates he's creating whole new revenue streams. Why would he have to "steal" money from education? -- except it sounds vlllainous in a sound byte. Even as the press debunked the ad's points pretty thouroughly it continued to play on the Christian Radio station I listen to. The ad had actually very little to say about political matters and a lot to say about how intelligent the Deeds Campaign thought the voters were. They just didn't seem to think we were all that smart.
***
The polls would tell you otherwise though. Just like in 1994 there is a message of limited government and respect for the people's instincts in a free market. That is key. That is coupled with a respect for the values that have long been the bedrock of our way of life. That will be the real reason for a strong showing on Tuesday. Success is NOT guaranteed, by the way. It is time for all of us to step up to the plate. Tuesday's election must be the 'shot heard around the world' for Conservative principles in government.

But don't expect the media pundits to get it right the first time. We'll need to remind them again in 2010.

Eternal Vigilance Department

A Lot Hangs in the Balance in This Election...

"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it." -- Thomas Paine

There is a lot of importance to your vote this time. All eyes are on Virginia as in a few days we will elect our Governor, Attorney General and Lieutenant Governor. What we say by our support of those candidates who hold to our values as Americans will resonate across the country. This must be our finest hour. We cannot let our country down.

The polls, while reassurring, only speak of the passion that must yet be channelled into the struggle to preserve our Nation. The Virginia election results must be the next "shot heard around the world" in our fight.

The election in New Jersey is also very important. Now the emergence of Doug Hoffman, Conservative Party candidate as a serious contender in the New York special election give us the opportunity to begin turning the tide. Now is the time to make ourselves heard... LOUDLY!

"Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote . . . that he is executing on of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country." -- Samuel Adams

THYME Magazine

Citizen Journalism with a Better Flavor


Volume I, Issue VIIIA

A Conservative Voice [Clearly speaking]!

And Here are the Poll Numbers [click to read] ht/Lynn.

Judge them by their Deeds...

...Not Their Words

Newspapers from The Roanoke Times to The Virginian-Pilot to The Richmond Times-Dispatch to the Waynesboro News Virginian have lambasted Deeds for running an “overwhelmingly negative” campaign, airing “deceitful” television spots, promoting an “outright lie”, and for the fact that he has “put forward absolutely no concrete set of proposals on any of the critical issues in this race, not transportation, not education, not economic development ... not a one."

Over and over, the "folksy voice" tells you that "Bob Mcdonnell is going to raise your taxes." But look here: In an op-ed piece for The Washington Post Wednesday, Bob's opponent finally came clean with voters that his first act if elected will be to raise taxes on Virginians. You can't fault a guy for doing what you think is right! The Washington Post editorial page noted, “R. Creigh Deeds, the Democrat running for governor in Virginia, has now unequivocally committed himself to support higher taxes…,” The Washington Post (September 24, 2009).

How about using the "folksy voice" to let us know your vision for the Commonwealth. Here's a novel idea: Let's make this Governor's race about IDEAS. ht/Ed Gillespie

It's hard to endorse a moving target.

Teller of Tall Tales

A Lie Lays Better in a Downhome, Folksy Sort of Voice

The News Virginian Offers This Perspective [click to read] on the latest set of... ummm... 'misrepresentations' in the Virginia Governor's race. On WNLR, the Christian radio station, the steady stream of ads characterizing Bob McDonnell as the 'tax and spend' candidate continues. This in spite of the fact that the substance of the ads has been gutted by responsible journalism. Actually, this is probably a nice waste of money since most of the station's listeners actually like the fact that McDonnell is a real social conservative and his true fiscal record indicates he would be a good choice for Governor.

***

Also they would be likely to remember the tendency of Democratic candidates as they rise closer to national level politics, to embrace the 'wisdom' of its left leaning leaders [1.]. They run in local races as Pro-life, but as soon as they hit the national stage they suddenly find themselves 'Pro-choice,' not wanting to suffer the fate of Pennsylvania's Governor Casey. Casey, you may remember, held to his Pro-life beliefs as Governor and was 'rewarded' for his integrity by being denied the opportunity to speak at the Democratic National Convention.

***

Remember that candidate Obama talked a good centrist message and when elected veered left almost as soon as the promise to be President to 'those who didn't vote for me too.' had left his lips. We need to ignore the folksy announcer and look at the real record of those we would place in public office. ht/SWAC Girl

THYME Magazine

Citizen Journalism with a Better Flavor


Volume I, Issue I

The 'Time' has Come

When professional journalists ignore important stories, such as the beliefs of 'Green Jobs Czar' Van Jones, someone has to step up to the plate. When major media outlets such as the Washington Post push 'their' man in the Virginia Governor's race, we think 'THYME's' time has come. Please enjoy the first issue.

A 'Blessing for the Czar'

"May the Lord bless... and keep the Czar... far away from us!" -- Rebbe in 'Fiddler on the Roof'

Seeing some of the 'qualifications' of some of the President's men, one is tempted to claim that blessing for oneself. Consider Cass Sunstien, University of Chicago law professor and Obama Czar appointee. Sunstien is a big-time animal rights advocate. He believes animals should have the right to legal representation. Talk about clogging up the courts with frivolous lawsuits! My dog Lucy could keep him busy for a year. Sunstien believes hunting should be banned.

Now it shouldn't be surprising that Obama is giving a place at the table to the far left, but he 'promised' to reach out to the half of the country that didn't vote for him. Mr. President, what does fulfilling that promise actually LOOK like?

Virginia Governor's Race: 'Debate Thyself?'

You've got to hand it to Creigh Deeds for creativity. This is the first time I've EVER heard of a candidate wanting to debate HIMSELF! Considering statements that Deeds has already made that he 'won't/will' raise certain taxes, his debate with himself could actually be interesting. Also, his folksy commercials trying to brand Bob McDonnell as the 'tax and spend' candidate qualify as 'high grade Kabuki.' But read on. Phil Cox reports:

With six weeks to go until Election Day, a lot hangs in the balance. While we always expected this race to tighten in the final weeks, we didn’t expect Creigh Deeds would sink to such incredible lows.

Deeds is now running blatantly false, negative attack ads with “facts” that have even been debunked by the Washington Post. The Lynchburg News & Advance called his recent ad on electricity rates “an outright lie” and the Virginian-Pilot trained its sights on another, editorializing that, “Deeds has deliberately concocted disingenuous and deceitful ads because he thinks voters are too stupid to know better.”

Creigh Deeds also made a last minute demand to NOT appear on stage with Bob McDonnell at a community candidate forum tomorrow at Virginia Union University. He insisted he appear alone instead.

Six weeks is not much time, but unfortunately, it’s plenty of time for Deeds to continue to engage in tactics to mislead voters.

Bad Timing?

The President's announcement that we will NOT be providing a missle shield to Poland and Czechoslovakia coming on the eve of the anniversary of the Soviet occupation of Poland? What kind of statement is that?

A Journey to Washington: The March

As Seen by Those Who Were There [click to read].

Life in Iraq:

As Seen by Those Who Are There [click to read]. SWAC Girl

Nate's Photos and descriptions of life in Iraq.

Liberals to Boycott South Carolina, Let's Go There!

Yes, they're upset at Joe Wilson and talking about boycotting the state's tourist industry. Just imagine!... those beautiful beaches and mountains... and none of those 'Obama' stickers. Pack up the SUV and plan your South Carolina Vacation now.

South Carolina Department of Tourism [click to read].

Here is the 'companion' TIME Issue [click to read]. I was told that since many Conservatives don't bother to look at the 'Professional' weekly news magazine anymore, someone might miss the full impact of my 'cover commentary.' Here is Rush's Cover Idea [click to read] for TIME.

Say Again???

I Thought the 'Fairness' Doctrine Had Taken Effect...

This morning I was listening to WNLR, the Christian radio station in Churchville and what I heard made me think the 'Fairness' Doctrine had been passed during the night. Creigh Deeds was on the air with a spot trying to convince you that Bob McDonnell was the 'tax and spend' candidate. Kool-Aid anyone? The spot was followed by an explaination that the station was required to take all political advertising from all sides. I assume they run the explaination every time after the advertisement.

Fishersville Mike Has These Thoughts [click to read] about the desperation in the Deeds camp as polls show McDonnell holding a respectable lead. I guess an impassioned plea to the 'radical' 'threatening to what it means to most of us to be an American' 'religious right' [1.] has to be seen in that light.