Letter: Choosing Wisely In November
Letter to the Editor
Franklin Roosevelt stated, “Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to do so wisely.” I recommend we choose Barbara Comstock instead of John Foust in the November election for our representative to the U. S. House of Representatives from the Virginia 10th District.
Letter: Walker Road ‘After’
Letter to the Editor
I was pleased to see that the traffic lanes that were taken away from Walker Road at Georgetown Pike are being put to good use. So far I've seen the pedestrian crossing and single traffic lane blocked with a tanker truck filling up with water at the fire hydrant, and lawn-service trucks & trailers. Political protest is a bit ironic because it was probably $1M in "stimulus" funding that was used to reduce the number of lanes on Walker.
Letter: Supporting Comstock
Letter to the Editor
Delegate Barbara Comstock has run a positive campaign that discusses her legislative accomplishments in the Virginia House of Delegates, her record as a small businesswoman, her time as a senior official at the Justice Department and as a senior aide to our current well-respected Congressman, Frank Wolf. She highlights common sense solutions and has engaged communities all across the 10th District.
Editorial: Tragic Consequences
Money lost by refusal to expand health coverage, but also life, health and livelihood.
The Virginia General Assembly’s refusal to expand Medicaid, extending health coverage to as many as 400,000 Virginians has resulted in the loss of about $1 billion in direct payments. But that understates the loss, failing to calculate the cost of the lost health of thousands of Virginians.
Letter: Addressing Outages in Great Falls
To the Editor
My wife and I have lived at 347 Walker Road, Great Falls, for 22 years. I understand that the semi-rural nature of the area, which includes significant tree cover, creates hazards to providing reliable electrical service that may not exist in more urban locations.
Editorial: Save a Little, Help Others Prepare for School
Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies is a good reminder to donate supplies and dollars for children who need help arriving at school prepared.
Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies and clothing is Aug. 1-3, and it makes sense to take advantage of the savings, and to spread the wealth around.
Not That I’ll Ever Be Out, But…
“Just when I thought I was out…they pull me back in.” Although this quote is from Michael Corleone from “The Godfather: Part III,” it very much characterizes my daily struggle being a terminal cancer patient; non small cell lung cancer, NSCLC, is like that, almost always. Even though I don’t want to think about the fact that I have cancer, or not let it affect my judgment on life – or perspective; or let it impede my path to a happier existence, more often than not, it does.
Editorial: Hurray for Full Day Mondays
Hoping that later start times for high schoolers follows quickly.
For decades, Fairfax County schools have sent elementary school students home after half a day on Mondays. This was never a good idea, and it has been more damaging to family schedules and student learning with the increase over the years of two-income households and greater economic diversity.
Letter: Campaign Experience
I recently had the opportunity to volunteer on the John Foust for Congress Campaign – a small office with a small army of professionals, interns, and volunteers – and I’m pleased to say that it was an extremely positive experience.
Letter: Senator Who Gets It
As a small-business owner, I appreciate Mark Warner's work to foster the right environment to attract and retain new businesses.
Look Out Below
I think I know what a rampaging bull feels like; and I don’t mean one on Wall Street, either. I mean one in the figurative sense: when one has a need, an overwhelming, unstoppable-type urge, to scratch that itch, to gratify that which has been delayed. What am I talking about? (You sound like my wife, Dina.) I am talking about food. More specifically, I am talking about a side effect I’ve been experiencing of late from the chemotherapy drug Alimta, with which I’ve been infused every three weeks since late September, 2013 (successfully I may add, given the shrinkage noted in my most recent CT Scan).
Letter: Protecting Great Falls Trees
I commend the Great Falls Connection for doing everything to protect and expand the White Oaks in Great Falls [Protecting the White Oak, Great Falls Connection, June 18-24, 2014].
Opinion: Small Acts of Kindness
Evidence of the long-lasting effects of kindness to others in daily life.
A foster child alumni recently told me that what helps her to keep moving forward are the happy memories she has stored in her heart. Curious, I asked if she would share a few with me.
Editorial: Safe Fourth
Talking and planning are the best safety measures; SoberRide offers a safety net.
Independence Day is a national celebration, and for many, that celebration includes alcohol. The summer overall and July 4 in particular are times of greater risk for drinking and driving.
"One Less Thing"
Forrest Gump knew when he voiced over: "Mama got the cancer and died on a Tuesday. I bought her a new hat with little flowers on it. And that’s all I have to say about that." And if you watched the movie as often as I did (it was one of my mother’s favorites), you may also recall "Mama always said you got to put the past behind you before you can move on."