Category Archives: Guest posts

IS SMART GROWTH STILL AN ISSUE?

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[Promoted by Liz. I’d like to see where this discussion goes. I also edited it so that the links work. And I added a link to Burton’s opponent]

We may believe that “money can’t buy you love” or possibly even happiness (although more are beginning to doubt this), but we obviously do believe it can buy you an election. So much so, in fact, that campaign effectiveness is often judged almost solely on who has raised the most money in the shortest amount of time. Is that true? Should we just add up the total amount raised and declare the winners without going through all the bother of stuffing envelopes, “dialing” phones, and knocking on doors in 100 degree weather? (Receipents of those annoying robocalls are probably shouting “yes!” at this point.)

Maybe. Maybe not.

Large contributions do convey a message: In the Blue Ridge District of Loudoun, the Republican challenger had not only raised $44,730 as of June 30 (including in-kind donations), but had already spent $34,300 of it. www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=344&fmpath=/Electoral%20Board/2011%20Campaign%20Finance%20Reports. She obviously must be expecting much more to come in; November is still a long way off. Almost all of these contributions are from real estate developers, brokers, agents, builders, contractors, financial management, attorneys and insurance — many of whom are located outside the District: (There is one Round Hill contributor listed as “farmer,” but when I looked up the name and address, an entity appeared on the web as “Financial Management Services.”) Three donors are from outside the County: Herndon, VA, Alexandria, VA, and Catonsville, MD.

This clearly represents a full frontal attack on the current zoning of western Loudoun. More housing development, strip malls, chain stores, office buildings and traffic. Is that what you want?

We have over 30 million square feet of industrial and office space approved by the county and waiting to be constructed now, in addition to the 14% vacancy rate of existing buildings. A “no holds barred” approach to unfettered growth could likely result in more stalled commercial projects surrounded by houses which will be sold on the promise of a tranquil life in (rapidly disappearing) rural Loudoun. After which it will be even harder to convince businesses to fill the vacant buildings, considering our biggest draw is the beauty that surrounds us. So, the commerce we actually get may very well come in the form of fast food, strip malls and big box stores to service a sprawling residential demographic that works in Tysons Corner.

Are you really ready to give up the idea of Smart Growth? (Drive slowly by Rt. 15 N in the vicinity of WalMart and Target before you answer.)

Although outside money IS intent on buying access to the open space, if you disagree with this goal, you don’t need to dispair of being able to defeat that intention since the conventional wisdom about elections being all about money is not necessarily true: I noted with interest that in the Leesburg Town elections last year, Mayor Kristen Umstattd was re-elected even though she spent far less than other candidates during her campaign (approximately $2.60 per vote received compared to challenger Dunn’s $5.50.). Similarly Councilman Kevin Wright’s tally calculated at only $3.75 each, while Reid spent a whopping $7.00. Winning does not always require heavy fund raising and expenditures; it can be done with experienced name recognition and a history of trusted service.

The incumbant, Jim Burton (I) has a 16-year history on the Board of Supervisors as a strong supporter of Smart Growth and the county’s Comprehensive Plan. Contrary to the other Blue Ridge candidate, all of the donors on his recent financial report actually live in the Blue Ridge District that he represents.

Why did you move here? Why do you stay? This year’s elections, possibly more than any other, will determine the future shape of Loudoun County. The choice is between quick speculative profits for outside development firms — or sustainable economic development for a diversified area. It’s time to pick a side and make a stand.

What happened to Randy Minchew the “moderate”?

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I “liked” Randy Minchew’s campaign page on facebook and posted a few factual comments.  Within 30 minutes, the comments were removed and the campaign “de-liked” me.  What kind of transparency can we expect from Randy, none?  What kind of “virtue” can we expect?

Here’s a screen capture of the removed content.  It seems to me that a moderate candidate would at least be willing to discuss the root cause of the deficit and not lay the entire blame on President Obama, but not in Loudoun in 2011.  What a shame.

Mark Warner – Gang of Six

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Having just learned that Senator Mark Warner (D-Va) is a member of the gang of six, I’ve lost all hope in the Democratic party. Independents like Bernie Sanders are the future and our only hope within the predominately two-party system.

AMERICA IS NOT BROKE

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[Promoted by Liz, because YEAH! What she said!]

Below is a small sampling of financial data from three diverse corporations (Intel, Home Depot and Walmart). See for yourself. Research more if you like, by going to Google and typing in “company name, financials 2011 annual.”

If these companies and others like them are not creating jobs, it is because they don’t want to. Giving them tax-free money won’t change that. (Is it possible that the only entity that will actually create jobs would be government projects for infrastructure, education and research?)

Further, when looking at financial statements, keep in mind that the net profit shown on an Income Statement is NOT the net income reported to the IRS. There are markedly different rules for depreciation between Generally Accepted Accounting Principles required for SEC filing and the rules for IRS reporting: http://www.section179.org/ (on tax reports, a company can write off 100% of new equipment purchased and placed in service this year…. And $500,000 more of used equipment.)
AND yet the corporate world thinks the only way to balance the US budget is to refuse to honor the Federal contract with its elderly—the workforce that built this wealth over the last 50 years, while paying into funds to ease their end of life.

Think about it.

What kind of people are we?
_____________________
Intel (December 2010) Earnings per share doubled over last two years; and cash and cash equivalents: $21,000,000,000 +
http://www.intc.com/intelAR2010/financial/balance/

Home Depot (January 2011) Earnings per share increased 150% over last two years; cash and cash equivalents: $545,000,000
http://www.homedepotar.com/financials.html

Walmart (January 2011)
Net Cash provided by operating activities: $23,643,000,000

http://walmartstores.com/sites/annualreport/2011/financials.aspx
“In fiscal 2011, we recorded $434 million in net tax benefits that resulted primarily
from the repatriation of certain non-U.S. earnings that increased U.S. foreign tax
credits and favorable adjustments to transfer pricing agreements.” – Annual report
Dividends paid to stockholders doubled over the previous 5 years.

David Ramadan has a “Transportation Plan” press release

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The David Ramadan campaign just sent out an email boasting that he has a “Transportation Plan”.  Specifically, his email says:

South Riding, VA | July 12, 2011—David Ramadan, Republican candidate for the 87th District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates, today put forward a major package of strategic and achievable transportation solutions he will work to implement if elected.

Check out his web site.  It links to a press release that contains a list of work items.  They aren’t work items, per se.  Some are just wishes, for example, (emphasis mine):

Ask VDOT to study ways to improve traffic flow on Rt. 7 and Rt. 50…

…

Fix the Rt. 28 and Pacific Boulevard and Waxpool Road choke-point – Find a workable solution to the Rt. 28 and Pacific Boulevard/Waxpool Road bottleneck that will smooth traffic flow, as well as reduce gridlock and long delays at traffic lights.

“Wish list”, “brain fart”, “transportation plan”, “achievable”, “fluff”.  They’re all words aren’t they?  I guess Ramadan can say whatever he wants.  If he calls it a transportation plan, by golly it’s a transportation plan.  That sounds a lot better than a “fluff press release”.

I was hoping for something like this or this.  Anybody who knows anything about transportation and quality of life should use the terms “network” and “multimodal”.  Of course, neither word or concept is found in Ramadan’s “plan”.  Here’s a short translation of David Ramadan’s “plan”.

“Hey citizens, let’s spend lots of taxpayer dollars on asphalt and concrete because the road builders are big Republican donors.  I have a plan to spend your money and you’re going to love the results.  Trust me.”

Sign litter courtesy of the Black campaign

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[Promoted by Liz, because it’s awfully early in the season for signs on the roadways. Yards, yes. Roads, no.]

The photo below was taken on July 8, 2011 at 11:07 AM at the intersection of Rte 7 and Rte 287.  The driver was littering the highway right of way with Dick Black campaign signs.  The campaign worker’s car was facing North on Rte 287 in Purcellville.  At the time the photo was taken, the young man was littering the South side of the Westbound entrance ramp – behind me.  I would have liked to have snapped his picture, but Dick Black supporters are virulent homophobes and I didn’t want deal with additional filth.  Please click on the image to view a full size image.

Isn’t littering a crime?  I wonder if Dick Black knows?

Dick Black campaign places signs at Rtes 287 and 7 in Purcellville

Update on Roeder Campaign

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June was very, very active  — as usual.   Thanks to the wonderful team of volunteers supporting our campaign.

I spoke to around 500 Islamic parishioners, mostly voters.   These people are wonderful citizens who enrich our society.  Very sad that there are so many misperceptions of their values and aspirations.   Also spoke to many in the Hispanic community, who as with the Islamic community, feel a great deal of distrust of the Republican agenda.

I campaign every day, even on Sunday.  In June, knocked on most of the doors in Loudoun Valley Estates, plus many below Braddock and lots in Stone Ridge and South Riding.  Lots of  friends also helped on weekends.    Lots of non-HOA citizens and stores along Route 50 got attention.   Also attended events.  Sponsored a hole at a PTSA golf tournament with proceeds going to help children, plus many meetings with leaders in Stone Ridge and Brambleton, unions, Loudoun Valley Estates and some national Democratic leaders.  More on that later on.  Spoke to the Board of Supervisors on our plan to build jobs in Dulles and expand our tax base without raising taxes.  Lots more.  A very busy month indeed.

Disappointing seeing the Republican party breaking rules and acting in a rude manner in South Riding.  Just don’t see how they think such behavior will gain votes or respect.

Visit us on facebook or come to loudoun4roeder.org.  Larry Roeder

South Riding Citizens Endorse Full-Time Supervisor Model

Why I like Ayn Rand

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“The abortion industry claims that abortions do not cause psychological harm to either women or men.”

Chuck Colson

Colson was describing the horrible fifth month botched abortion of Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler’s girlfriend.  I’m not sure Tyler would appreciate being portrayed as a victim of the “abortion industry”.  Real people make these difficult decisions, and it’s best to allow them to do so without the “help” of a nanny-state.  It’s also best that they make informed decisions and that they understand the consequences.  This is where family, friends, spouses, significant others, counselors and doctors can provide vital information if their liberty to do so is not abridged.

Thinking about how deeply personal these choices are, it’s hard to imagine that the decision making process is controlled by an “industry” and that women don’t “own” their own bodies.  If women don’t own their own bodies, what do they own?

“If you have an IRA or a 401K, chances are, you own an energy company”

Television commercial sponsored by energytommorow.org.

Energy tomorrow explains that energy is integral to our lives and our economy.  This advocacy arm of the American Petroleum Institute admits that there is an energy industry, but they claim that the industry is owned by all of us.  Isn’t that what socialism is, public ownership of the means of production?

I wonder what Ayn Rand would think if she saw women being degraded as passive victims of an “industry” while energy production/consumption is portrayed as the publicly owned consequence of progress and human nature.  I think she’d look at our transportation system – the mixing bowl and other “natural features” of that public ownership – and ask how a modern-day American politburo decided to build these monstrosities.  She’d visit repeated copies of new subdivisions of three story townhouses and vinyl sided colonials, from New York to Los Angeles and notice that they all look the same.

She’d shake her head and ask where Howard Roark is today and how “capitalism” produced the same outcome that she attributed to socialism in her writings.  She’d have words for the propaganda mills at the API and Colson Center and their “second hander” stranglehold over individual liberty and innovation.  She’d wonder why her world has turned into its opposite.

Protecting Children

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The ROEDER FOR SUPERVISOR Campaign is pleased to announce its support for the Loudoun Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of Leesburg, which services the needs of abused children throughout Loudoun County.

As someone long interested in preventng abuse, and through my own work on the Loudoun County Criminal Justice Board, I have come to know that the Loudoun CAC is a wonderful institution that receives too little attention from the public and politicians.  I call on all politicians of all political parties to step up and advocate for full funding for this program, as well as other programs that protect children, especially our schools, teachers and PTSAs.

CAC is a public/private partnership among Loudoun County agencies and organizations dedicated to child victims of abuse and/or neglect.  It supports the continued development of children in a child-centered approach when investigating cases of child abuse and neglect.  This work is critical.  Victims of child abuse feel the emotional scars the rest of their lives.

Larry Roeder, Democratic Candidate for County Supervisor, the Dulles District

“Experience Matters,”   www.loudoun4roeder.org

Neo-nazi group names PHC “next best choice”

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(Promoted by Epluribusunum)

The neo-nazi group Stormfront.org has honored Patrick Henry College. “Since there are no more pro-white colleges, the next best choice are conservative colleges.”  Stormfront has moved on from pure unadulterated racism to the kinder gentler worship of Kinder, Küche, Kirche, or in their their own words “If you are going to spend money on your kid’s college at least pick a place that does not have Feminist Studies.”  FYI, the phrase Kinder, Küche, Kirche, was invented in the U.S.A.  Hitler never used it.  He did argue that a woman’s “world is her husband, her family, her children, and her home,”.

Stormfront found a photo of armed and booted state troopers, lined up against a small Soulforce prayer group to their liking.  The caption reads “Protest against Patrick Henry College for “bigotry.” The college permits nonwhite students, I do not know what they are complaining about.”

It’s good to know that modern day bigots no longer need to be pro-white.  As long as they are anti-woman and anti-gay, they are ok.  Good to know.  It’s also good to know that even in the most conservative of “Christian colleges”, they have to use force against their own student body to keep them from talking to people outside the cocoon.