Virginia Beach Progressives

It’s Clear, We Need to Close the Gun Show Loophole

Joel McDonald — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 01:01:08 +0000

You know, I’ve never written about guns or gun control. On more than one occasion I’ve mentioned that I don’t have a problem with people owning guns or even being licensed to conceal them. This isn’t an issue that is close to home for me, and I don’t swing to what some would say is the radical left in demanding that citizens not be allowed to acquire guns. I do, however, believe in gun control.

I feel that, just as with anything in society that could cause significant harm or death, there should be a process through which a person should go through to purchase or carry a weapon. I wouldn’t want to board a flight with untrained and irresponsible pilots or share the highway with unproven drivers; why would I want to live in a society that did nothing to keep untrained, irresponsible, and unproven people from acquiring guns, especially when guns were developed for the sole purpose of killing or maiming.

We have a problem in Virginia. The problem is that our state legislature keeps allowing guns to be sold without any sort of protections in place. No background checks, no sales records, nothing. These types of sales happen at gun shows throughout the state, and even though the problem is known, and there are those who are fighting to solve this problem, Virginia is such a place where anyone can walk up to to a dealer at a gun show and purchase a deadly weapon; possibly untrained, irresponsible, and unproven.

To understand the depth and reality of this problem, please watch this video.

Blogging going the way of the telephone?

Joel McDonald — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:05:51 +0000

“A new study has found that young people are losing interest in long-form blogging, as their communication habits have become increasingly brief and mobile. Tech experts say it doesn’t mean blogging is going away. Rather, it has gone the way of the telephone and e-mail — still useful, just not sexy.” (Martha Irvine, The Associated Press)

At first, I was somewhat shocked that blogging was being called old fashioned, but then I realized that there are really two types of blogs, personal and niche. I’m thinking this study was based more on the former rather than the latter, especially considering how social networking is cited as a replacement to blogging.

Anyway, felt it was worth sharing!

Two City Council Candidates from Chesapeake and Norfolk

Joel McDonald — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:22:43 +0000

It’s rare that I pay much attention to local politics outside of Virginia Beach; after all, this is Virginia Beach Progressives, right? However, I’ve had the opportunity to learn about and meet two candidates for city council, in two neighboring cities: Chesapeake and Norfolk. I wanted share a bit about these two candidates and their campaigns, and ask that you consider supporting them in any way you are able to.

Brian White – Chesapeake

I met Brian at the Democratic Unity Rally in Virginia Beach held prior to the special election for the 8thSenate District. What I thought was both somewhat funny and quite effective was that he had friended me on Facebook earlier that day. The fact that he is active on social media and is smartly targeting likely supporters is definitely a plus in my book.

Of course, I visited his website, look over his bio, and was very impressed. Here’s a candidate who simply says he’s running for city council as a continuation of his public service, and I fully believe him. Brian White has deep roots in Chesapeake as a 5th generation citizen, earned a degree in Urban Studies from Norfolk State University, is a member of the Military Intelligence Corps of the Virginia Army National Guard, and is local law enforcement out of the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office. As if that wasn’t enough, he also has been a substitute teacher with Chesapeake City Public Schools, a real estate agent, and fulfilled a graduate internship with the Chesapeake Department of Economic Development.

Committed and qualified, Brian White is an excellent candidate for the Chesapeake City Council. Won’t you join me in contributing $10, $15, or $25 to Brian’s campaign?

Tommy Smigiel – Norfolk

I attended the Norfolk City Democratic Committee breakfast last Saturday and had the opportunity to hear from Tommy Smigiel who is running for the Norfolk City Council, 5th Ward. Not knowing really anything at all about Norfolk politics, I had assumed the guy giving out Smigiel campaign stickers was a campaign volunteer and was surprised to see him stand and start speaking after Smigiel was introduced. There’s a very unassumingdemeanour about him, but his passion for serving both the Democratic Party and the City of Norfolk was clear when he spoke.

Smigiel is an award winning educator, having been recognized in 2007 at the Norfolk Teacher of the Year, was the Virginia Teacher of the Year in 2008, and was a finalist for National Teacher of the Year. He is currently the Assistant Principal of Granby High School in Norfolk.

In the community, Smigiel coordinated neighborhood clean-ups and edited and designed the community newsletter and web site. Because of his activism, Tommy was appointed by City Council to the Norfolk Environmental Commission and is active in promoting a cleaner, environmentally friendly city. In 2007, after a gang mob attack in his neighborhood, Tommy worked with his neighbors to coordinate a town hall forum which drew over 500 citizens.

Passionate and dedicated, Tommy Smigiel would be a valuable asset for the people of Norfolk if elected to City Council. Please join me in contributing $10, $15, or $25 to Tommy’s campaign.

Both of these men are outstanding candidates, and I hope you will support them in their campaigns to become members of their city council.

Flip-Flop McCain, and Why He’s Angry

Joel McDonald — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:59:53 +0000

I am disappointed at the deplorable conduct of Senator McCain during the ”Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) hearing with Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen. It was a clear demonstration of the bitterness that GOP leaders have toward the current administration and evidence that they do not understand that the laws of our nation should protect all people, equally, no matter how small the minority may be.

The repeal of DADT is a no brainer, just as the desegregation of the military and admission of women into the ranks were. Additionally, I’m disappointed that it is accepted that the study on the effect of the repeal will take a year, as if the entire foundation of the world would shift when servicemen are allowed to mention that they are calling their boyfriend, instead of having to dodge the issue. Equality is actually a rather simple issue. Just do it. The difficulty is the piecemeal way we have to go about it; the legalities of repealing DADT and continuing to dance around Defense of Marriage Act DOMA.

Let’s take a look at McCain’s behavior and comments during the hearing:

Let’s take a look at why his behavior and comments make him a flip-flopper on the issue of DADT:

And now, let’s see why he’s so angry:

That’s right, that’s John McCain’s beloved meal ticket wife, who’s supporting gay rights by participating in the No H8 Campaign. There’s obviously a difference of opinion in the McCain home.

Well, Cindy’s photoshoots may not be the only reason McCain is playing the angry man in the room. He’s facing an ultra-conservative primary challenger in the form of JD Hayworth and polling has at points shown the two to be even, although McCains seems to have a pretty good lead now. With pressure to show Republicans in Arizona that he’s still their man, McCain has been swinging to the right, establishing himself firmly as a leader within the Party of No, and giving in to corporate interests in the name of false openess.

For McCain, his anger isn’t about military readiness or congressional oversight; it’s about politics. His actions aren’t about getting things done; they are about scoring points. I hope Hayworth gives him a run for his money, and a strong Democrat has a chance at taking this seat and actually work to move this nation forward.

From the State of the Union to action: “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” targeted

Joel McDonald — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:20:24 +0000

Last year was a roller coaster for advocates of LGBT equality in the United States. We began the year celebrating in inauguration of President Barack Obama, and also licking our wounds from the Proposition 8 battle in California. A major accomplishment was the passage of the Matthew Shepard Act, but then we saw gay marriage struck down in places we thought were safe, and passed in some of the most unlikely places. Many questioned whether or not civil rights for LGBT peoples in our nation was a sure thing that would inevitably happen with effort over time.

Though we became more critical of President Obama’s promises unfulfilled last year, and frustrated that more elected officials were not willing to step out and fight for equality. Well, this year that seems to be changing, and it’s changing from the top. During President Obama’s first State of the Union address, within a section on protecting civil rights, President Obama committed the US Military to work toward the repeal of the infamous “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy that has led to thousands of armed service members being discharged simply because of who they chose to spend their lives with.

The floodgates for LGBT equality may indeed be opening. 2010 may prove to be a historic year for this community. In addition to the repeal of DADT, just last week Congressman Glenn Nye (D-Virginia 2nd) co-signed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). A version of this bill is in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and could likely face a vote soon. This bill would prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. I would personally like to thank Congressman Nye for the many discussions we’ve had regarding ENDA and his co-signing the bill.

Now that President Obama has thrown down the gauntlet on DADT, we should be seeing military and elected leaders step up and push for the repeal of this policy. Just today, it was reported the nation’s top uniformed officer, Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, publicly backs the ending of DADT. Hopefully we’re on track to finally ending our history of intolerance in our armed forces.

Yes, I’m still alive

Joel McDonald — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:52:26 +0000

I’m sorry it seems that Virginia Beach Progressives seems to have gone dark over the last few weeks. I’ve run into many who follow VBP, and all have commented on the fact that I don’t write as much as I used to. They would be correct. In January 2009, there were 35 posts on Virginia Beach Progressives. This past January only saw 10 posts.

It’s not that there hasn’t been anything to write about. In fact, an additional two posts that I started last month are sitting in draft form. The main post I’ve been working on explores the pillars of Obama’s 2008 campaign compared to what the administration is doing today, and how populism is at play in crafting the direction of the nation. I hope to get this out soon, but if not, the post can be summed up as this: Obama has been and still is on target.

It’s been a busy couple of months. Anyone who knows me understands that I’ve basically split my life into thirds: work, politics, and theatre. Attached to each third is some sort of additional responsibility. I’m a PTA Treasurer, Member Chair for a community theatre, and Treasurer and Webmaster of the Virginia Beach Democratic Committee. This past month, all three have converged to where I’ve dealt with the difficult fiscal reality of fundraising goals not being met, co-stage managed a show, and began my tern as VBDC Treasurer. In addition, I’ve been working with the LGBT Caucus of the Democratic Party of Virginia establishing a communications plan assisting laying the groundwork for statewide efforts to meet caucus goals.

I keep telling myself I need to sit down and write something, anything, just to get something out there. I’m going to try better at doing this.

On that note, if you’re interested in guest posting or even becoming a regular blogger on Virginia Beach Progressives, I welcome you. Send me an email, and we’ll get you up and running!

No related posts.

Bob McDonnell forgets about transportation

Joel McDonald — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 04:58:48 +0000

For all his grandstanding about his ideas to improve transportation in Virginia, Governor Bob McDonnell won’t bring any of them to the General Assembly this legislative session, according to the Washington-Post.

What? You mean to tell me that his brilliant ideas to our transportation woes aren’t ready to be worked on?

Where’s that infamous blank paper you waved around while mocking Creigh Deeds’ plan, Governor?

The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund: Immediate and long term effort to aid Haiti

Joel McDonald — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 03:47:52 +0000

You’ve likely been bombarded with emails and online posts calling for your help in the form of contributions toward relief efforts in Haiti. The response has been amazing. Even the American Red Cross is overwhelmed with the generosity shown, especially the amount being contributed through text messaging.

Yesterday, President Barack Obama and former Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush, announced the creation of the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. The goal of this fund is to provide immediate relief and long-term support to earthquake survivors by channeling the collective goodwill around the globe to help the people of Haiti rebuild their cities, their neighborhoods, and their families.

It’s important that we look at not only the immediate relief effort, but also look at the long term rebuilding efforts in Haiti. The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund is being established in order to manage the integrity of relief and rebuilding efforts over the long term.

I hope you’ll join with me in contributing to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.

Disasters arent about religion, and neither is charity

Joel McDonald — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:14:50 +0000

Here in Virginia Beach we are uniquely blessed to have a prophet amongst us who not only speaks for God, but also apparently for Satan himself. Watch this video and see that Pat Robertson quotes the Devil in recounting the deal that Haiti made with Beelzebub!

This is ridiculous, and the whole of Christianity, from the Right to the Left, should be admonishing Robertson to issue and apology for his ignorance and that he exit his sound stage for good. They should do this because this incident is not the first example of Robertson’s gaffes on behalf of God, as many have pointed out.

Robertson’s views on the judgments of Haiti, or any area which has faced a disaster where he has quickly given credit to the wrath of God, natural or man made, are irrational, illogical, and hateful.

If memory serves me, which sometimes it doesn’t and you’re free to correct me in the comments below, major judgements of God recorded in the Bible usually allow for the escape of the righteous. Noah was commanded to build an Arc, which saved his family, Lot was commanded to flee Sodom and Gomorrah, which were destroyed with no righteous people living in the cities.

If truly God’s judgement was upon the people of Haiti in this earthquake, I would like to know why God didn’t save those who have committed their lives ministering to others who live on the streets, orphanages, or hospitals. Surely a righteous man could have been found. Why did God not save them like he has before when delivering his wrath?

The reality as I see it is this: The earthquake in Haiti had nothing to do with the wrath of God, and everything to do with the laws of nature which have created areas on earth where things like earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis happen.

I think it’s telling that Jesus Christ in Matthew 5:44-45 tells his diciples, “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.“

Bad things happen to good people, and good things happen to bad people. We are all subject to what has been placed into motion at creation. It doesn’t have anything to do with religion, and religion also has nothing to do with our choice in how we treat others.

We have the choice to reach out and do something to help those who’s lives have been shattered by the earthquake in Haiti. Please consider contributing to the Red Cross as a way to help. The easiest way is to send a $10 donation by Texting ‘Haiti’ to 90999.

This isn’t the wrath of God, but through our contributions to helping these people, we can be the hands of God that will work to comfort these people and begin to rebuild their lives.

Responding to McWaters’ Response

Joel McDonald — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:35:35 +0000

After Jeff McWater’s won the special election in the 8th Senate District on Tueday, I wrote that he had been pulled up from the top due to his generous contributions to the GOP. As evidence of this, and to show just how close buddies McWaters is with McDonnell et al., he was honored with the task of spewing forth conservative talking points after Kaine’s final State of the Commonwealth address. (BTW, the address is well worth the read if you have a few minutes)

Let’s review a few of those points, shall we?

“Streamline government regulations and protect the Right to Work laws that help create a favorable business climate in the Commonwealth. These policies are already a strong draw for businesses looking to locate in the Commonwealth. With the assault on business from Washington in the form of Obamacare, card check and cap and trade, Virginia’s business-friendly policies will be even more important as a last line of defense.”

So the Republican agenda in Virginia is going to be to prevent workers from organizing to decrease their ability to negotiate terms of their employment in response to the over 1 million of uninsured Virginian’s having access to health care and the national shift away from environmentally harmful methods of energy and product production? By the way, I just love how McWater’s tapped into the right fringe with his labeling health care reform as Obamacare. Real classy.

“…invest more in the Governor’s Opportunity Fund and aggressively pursue global opportunities. When it comes to attracting new businesses, Virginia is facing stronger competition from other states and countries. The Governor’s Opportunity Fund allows us to provide greater incentives for companies to locate and create jobs in Virginia.”

Here we can agree. The Governor’s Opportunity Fund was created under Gov. Wilder, a Democrat, as a method to create jobs. I’m glad Republicans are coming around to this idea, because its working. Unfortunately, Gov-Elect McDonnell voted twice to cut money from the fund, and intended to vote for a third bill. He was one of 63 House members who voted for a 2002 bill to cut $8 million from the fund. A 2004 amendment that he voted for also eliminated $3 million of a proposed $5.5 million increase to the fund. He missed, but had planned to vote for, a separate bill on funding cuts for the program in 2004.

McDonnell says times have changed. I guess so. Nice to see Republicans taking ahold of Democratic ideas and making them their own.

“Prepare Virginia’s future workforce to take on the jobs of the 21st century by recruiting the best teachers and rewarding them based on their success. Our schools must focus more on science, technology, engineering, health care and mathematics, subjects that will be the base of the jobs of the future.”

I’m interested in how the McDonnell administration is going to accomplish these goals when education in Virginia has been or is being hit by $1.4 billion in cuts, and may face a larger cut if McDonnell stays true to his pledge not to raise taxes. This decision will have to be made soon, as Kaine’s proposed budget calls for $1.9 billion in increased taxes. Bob, Jeff…we’re watching.