Shenandoah Valley ... Almost Heaven

(click on photos to enlarge)

I traveled the back roads of Augusta County today on another glorious spring day with temps in the low 80s. After visiting with friends I decided to meander through the western part of the county with the windows down and the wind blowing across my face ... it was almost Heaven.


The fields are very lush and green at this time of year, and the leaves are "greening up" on the mountains as the trees leaf out from the base of the hills upward.


I couldn't get enough of how beautiful everything was.


These longhorn cattle were in a field with a Civil War-era house in the background. A large bold stream was nearby with two white swans swimming in it, and bluebirds were busy along the fence line. I enjoyed my drive, just the wind and me ... and no cell phone service until I was almost home. I smiled when I saw there were messages backed up from my time away from it all....

Nate's home from Iraq!

Lance Cpl. Nate Salatin, United States Marine Corps, is back from Iraq! He arrived home over the weekend to American flags lining the driveway in rural Augusta County, a reminder of our thanks for his service to our country.

The lush green of the hillsides and mountains must certainly be a sharp contrast to the dull tan-colored sands of Iraq.

As the flags were put in place, Nate's beloved cat, Moofie, joined us to watch ... this elusive cat that won't let anyone but Nate near her ... but it was almost as if she sensed he was coming home. She even jumped up in the back of my van to check out the flags waiting to be put up.



Nate attended his freshman year at Virginia Military Institute and then his Marine Reserve Unit was activated in June 2006 to go to Iraq. His plans are to return to VMI in the fall to continue school.

Welcome home, my friend. You were missed and we're glad God kept you safe in his hands during your time at war. Thank you for your service ... your part ... in keeping us safe from terrorism.

Background posts about Nate are here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Semper Fi.

Hanger & Stosch: Out of touch with the voters....

Bearing Drift is paying attention as two RINO state senators dive deeper and deeper into denial

In his post "Republican" State Senators Experiencing Serious Foot-in-Mouth Disease, Jim compares Sen. Emmett Hanger's recent comments insinuating "the people" are inconsequential when it comes to matters of state business and Sen. Walter Stosch's comment that the 2004 tax increase was not "$1.4 billion."

Denial, not in touch with the people ... it sounds as if it's time for a change in the 12th District as well as the 24th District.

It's time for a change on June 12.

Scott's Morning Brew picks up on Hanger controversy

Scott at Scott's Morning Brew has picked up on the Hanger controversy with Hanger Kicks Off Campaign, Goes On Offensive (by being offensive).

Nate's coming home this weekend!

This weekend is when Lance Cpl. Nate Salatin will be returning home after the better part of a year in Iraq. His Marine Unit will arrive at the Lynchburg Armory where family and friends will greet them ... and then home to Augusta County where American flags, signs of welcome, and yellow ribbons will line the driveway. The homecoming plans are under way.

Nate is coming home....

More ... a voter thanking grassroots volunteers....

[More from a voter in Augusta County....]

"It is totally humbling to know how much we benefit from your efforts and do nothing to contribute (except care . . . well, and vote!)

But I am seething about this (I can't IMAGINE how you feel) and as I was doing my mundane work of making PB&J for my six little future Republicans of America it occurred to me how absolutely irrelevant and disposable I must be, just a common citizen, even more invisible and insignificant than you tireless workers. So much for a republican form of government when the people who are supposedly being represented aren't 'important enough' to count!!"

Elle accuses Hanger of negative campaign tone

Elle at In-Politically Correct has posted Hanger's 1st order of business -- go on the attack where she talks about the way he slammed the very volunteers who helped put him in office.

She ends by saying:

Senator Hanger has already set the tone for his campaign. He is negative and insulting. He mocks the people who work so hard to promote Republican principles. And, he has broken Reagan's 11th Commandment.

Sad but very true....

GOP voter thanks grassroots volunteers for their work....

[After reading about Emmett Hanger slamming the grassroots volunteers, a local voter sent the following note....]

I just wanted to thank you for sending this email. Those are UNBELIEVABLY ungrateful and back-stabbing statements that Hanger has made and I would have had no idea if not for this list.

... there is NO EXCUSE for these words that have been slung like razors at the very people who do the thousands of mundane tasks, often invisibly, to elect the likes of him. Not to mention alienating those of us who ride on your overworked and underpaid coattails but who believe in the cause of liberty, too, and vote accordingly.

I, for one, want to thank you (and all the others)--although that's not much thanks I hope it goes a little way toward knowing that what you do is both noticed and appreciated.

God bless and in gratitude,

M.M.
Fishersville

Send-off for the 116th out of Staunton - May 4th

It's one hour out of your life ...

... Friday morning, May 4, at 10:00 a.m. ...

... please come out to the Staunton Armory and be part of the send-off for our local soldiers heading to Iraq! We'll have American flags and signs and yellow ribbons ... it will be our way of saying ...

... THANK YOU!

"Thank you for your service, thank you for your dedication, thank you for your commitment to America. Thank you ... for keeping us free."

Mark your calendar -- FRIDAY, May 4, at 10:00 a.m. Come see them off and wish them well!

Info: SWAC.Girl@gmail.com

It's time for a CHANGE in the 24th District ... we need Sayre

It's time for a CHANGE in the

24th District.

We need SAYRE

to safeguard our tax money in Richmond!

Tragedy at Tech ... Ryan's story

[Ryan is an Augusta County resident, a home school graduate, who is a junior at Virginia Tech University. The following is his account of events on Monday, April 16, 2007, from his perspective while it was occurring.]

Firstly, I want to assure all of you that I am safe and uninjured. Although I was in close proximity to the massacre, thanks to God's protection, I walked away unscathed. I greatly appreciate your prayers and concern for my well being. ... I have recounted my experience on the day of Apri 16, 2007.

My day started early. Eight o'clock found me walking through a swirling snow shower to my first class. This semester Mondays are my heaviest class days. I have classes from 8:00 through 11:00 and then another class later in the day. At the time of the second shooting rampage I was in the middle of my second class located on the first floor of Randolph Hall.

Around 9:40 a.m., with only a few minutes of lecture remaining, a breathless classmate burst into the classroom. Hurriedly, he announced that he had heard a rumor that "there was a gunman on campus." According to his story, there had been several people killed in an incident at AJ (Ambler-Johnson residence hall).

Naturally, this caused a storm of confusion. Several students, including myself, thought that the latecomer's jumbled story was some sort of joke or an excuse for oversleeping. He had hardly finished speaking, however, when a police quad rushed in to secure the building. A heavily armed officer entered our classroom and informed us that there was a gunman (or possibly more than one) in the area. He told us to remain in the classroom, barricade the doors, and stay away from windows. With that, he left as abruptly as he came and continued down the hall.

By this point, I knew that something very serious was occurring. However, the authorities did not give us any additional information beyond the fact that "there might be a shooter in the area." No one knew exactly what to believe. Several students near me began calling friends via cell phone in an attempt to find out what was going on.

By 10:00 a.m. many different conflicting stories were flying around. One fact was clear, however: there was a shooting in Norris Hall and multiple gunmen might be at large. Around 10:30 a girl in our class was able to tune into the police and local media websites via her laptop wireless connection. We all gathered around her and listened to the incoming reports. Many of us were surprised to find out that there was a shooting earlier in the day. (As it turned out, students were notified by email around 9:30 a.m.) Our professor was just as clueless as we were.

Around 11:30 the police told us that the gunman was down. The tension of the situation lessened somewhat following the announcement. Students were permitted to venture out of the classroom. However, the building was still sealed and police strongly encouraged everyone to remain in secured classrooms.

At noon, university authorities conducted a press conference with reporters. It was only then that my clasmates, professor, and I learned the severity of the tragedy. Initially we had been told that there were one or two fatilities and eight people were injured. As the latest reports were made available via internet broadcast we were stunned. No one imagined that the death toll would be so great.

Finally, sometime after 1:00 the occupants of our building which included staff, professors, and other engineering classes were cleared to evacuate. Police directed us to exit through a basement level entrance in the rear of the building. I later learned that Randolph was the last building to be evacuated because it was so close to Norris. At last, I made my way back to my dorm skirting the perimeter of campus.

Again, I would like to thank everyone for their prayers and concern. I feel very blessed to have family and friends such as you. --Ryan

Saxman proposes putting teeth into already existing bomb threat laws

The Code of Virginia section §§18.2-83: Any person who makes any threat to bomb any place of assembly while knowing the claim to be false shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony. If that person is under fifteen years of age, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

It has been learned that the gunman involved in last week's VA Tech tragedy tested the university's official reaction to danger by making bomb threats in the days leading up to the horrific massacre on April 16.

In the wake of that rampage, a slew of bomb threats have been received by schools all across the country including right here in the Shenandoah Valley.

Delegate Chris Saxman has been paying attention. With four children in school, he is aware of the bomb threats called into many local schools causing young students to be emotionally traumatized and wasting the resources of our law enforcement officers. In most bomb scare cases, however, judges give a slap on the wrist to the offenders and let them go.

Delegate Saxman proposes putting teeth into existing bomb threat laws with legislation to include mandatory minimum sentences. There would be no more slaps on the wrist for someone who takes existing laws lightly.

Sounds like a good proposal to me. Read Delegate Saxman's press release below and make up your own mind.
---------------------
Delegate Saxman Wants Stronger Penalties for Bomb Threats: Will consider legislation to include mandatory minimum sentences - April 20, 2007

Staunton – Delegate Chris Saxman (R-Staunton) announced today that he wants to strengthen the Commonwealth’s penalties on making false bomb threats. He is considering legislation to be proposed in the 2008 session of the General Assembly which convenes in January.

In the past week, several false bomb threats have been called in to local area schools. In lieu of the recent bomb scares, Delegate Chris Saxman believes that Virginia needs to strengthen its laws on false bomb threat claims so parents feel safe sending their children to school and precious resources are not drained from our law enforcement community.

The Code of Virginia section §§18.2-83 states that any person who makes any threat to bomb any place of assembly while knowing the claim to be false shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony. If that person is under fifteen years of age, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

“These false bomb threats in the Shenandoah Valley and Virginia in the past week have highlighted the need to strengthen Virginia’s penalties on making these types of threats,” Delegate Saxman explained. “We need to make it known in Virginia that if you call in these false threats then you are going to be punished severely.”

Delegate Saxman will consider submitting legislation that will include mandatory minimum penalties for calling in false bomb threats for any person that commits such an act.

“These threats are a distraction to the students and unnecessarily frighten parents who expect their children to be safe at school. As a father of four, I understand the stress on a parent who learns of these threats made to a school. Not only do these threats affect our families but they also create a drain on our law enforcement officers – draining both time and resources to investigate them. I am going to study all avenues to toughen our laws on making these false threats. We must make it known that Virginia will not tolerate such criminal activity.”

This is no liberal actor ... he supports Bush, war, troops

Wow. Here's an interview with some common sense spoken by a Hollywood actor ... one with strong convictions about our role in Iraq. Radar.com interviewed actor Jon Voight shortly after a visit to Walter Reed Hospital to visit with U.S. troops wounded in Iraq. He supports President Bush and Vice President Cheney, he supports the war in Iraq, and he believes this is a religious war that affects the entire globe.

This war is not Vietnam, he told Radar.com.

"While you might not hear people say, 'I don't support the troops,' the country and the media on the whole are increasingly caustic and critical of the president and Iraq. ... It's sad for me. The attack on George Bush I find to be reprehensible. From the beginning it was politically motivated, and it's been very successful, the disrespect for our president and for our country and for our government. I have a great regard for our government. We have all sorts of checks and balances that are afforded to us by our constitution. We have a lot of wonderful hardworking people in the government. Once it gets to be partisan, it takes the energy in another direction."

Of his visit to Walter Reed, Voight said:

" ... the increase in troops that has been recommended by the president, [the wounded troops] say anybody who's over there knows the value of backup and we should be behind this. When you're out in that situation in danger, you want to know you've got backup. Only one guy said he wasn't going back to Iraq, and he had been wounded a couple times. But all the other guys wanted to go back. One young woman, a very attractive young woman, had her leg amputated. But she says she's going to find a way to get back into it. She just reupped and she said they would find something for her to do."

Saying that he agreed with the Patriot Act, Voight added:

"We know that Hezbollah is here; we know there are cells from different terrorist organizations that are here and operational and that there are others waiting too. So listen, it's a serious business. It's wartime, guys. Because we don't have a continuous attack on our shores, we can get complacent. We've got to all be alert now, we've got to be a part of it and be supportive of our troops for sure."

As far as the MSM and democrats politicizing those in leadership in the Bush Administration:

"It all gets distorted. Rumsfeld was maligned and villainized; he's a hardworking guy, doing the best he can. He's got such a huge responsibility, and if he makes the slightest error, people's lives are at stake. So, you don't think he carries a big weight? He does. Now they've gotten rid of Rumsfeld. Well okay, maybe he didn't have the answer, maybe there was a fresh answer required. But you've got to respect the guys who are out there, working hard as public servants. These guys are good guys. People don't like the war because we don't seem to be winning it. And these people think that if we just walk away everything will be fine, but that's not the case. "

Read the entire interview here.


H/T United Conservatives of Virginia

Fuhrman Manifesto

The Right-Wing Liberal has affectionately called From On High's post "We've Done Nothing All Right" the "Fuhrman Manifesto." In it Jerry tells of the 10,000 gun laws that are on the books to keep us safe and, yet, whenever a deranged act occurs such as the Virginia Tech massacre the liberals scream for tighter and more gun laws.

He starts out by saying:

We do nothing.

Nothing? We now have 10,000 gun laws in this country. That's nothing? Every time another notorious killing takes place, these guys drag out that same old, worn-out, failed argument.

We've done nothing. We need to do something. We need a gun law. We've sat back and allowed these depraved fools to convince us that we've done nothing - over and over again - about crime in this country and now, 10,000 laws later, the murders continue - and we are still accused of doing nothing.

Read his response. It is excellent.

Thanks, Jerry, for the common sense.

VCAP reports on Hanger finances

Check out Jamie Radke's post about Sen. Emmett Hanger's finances.

VA Tech ... a moment of silence - did you feel it?

At 12:00 Noon today the radio went silent. All was quiet around me as the nation paused to remember, mourn, and pray for the victims of Monday's massacre at Virginia Tech.

Did you feel it? I could sense the overwhelming power of prayer from millions around the Commonwealth of Virginia ... around the Nation ... around the world....

Did you feel it?

At the conclusion of the bells tolling ... you could almost hear the rebounding, proud swell from millions....

We are ... VIRGINIA TECH!!!

We are VA TECH! Today - Hokie Hope Day ... wear maroon & orange

Today ... here at home, around the country, and around the world ... we are all Hokies. In memory of the 32 students and faculty killed in Monday's senseless tragedy at Virginia Tech, many will wear the school colors of maroon and orange. A moment of silence will be observed at 12:00 Noon Eastern Daylight Time.

Five instructors, 27 students ... we remember:

Ross Abdallah Alameddine, 20, Saugus, MA.
Christopher "Jamie" Bishop, 35, Blacksburg, VA.
Brian Roy Bluhm, 25, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Ryan Clark, 22, Marinez, Georgia.
Austin Cloyd, 18, Blacksburg, VA.
Daniel Perez Cueva, 21, Lima, Peru.
Kevin P. Granata, 46, Blacksburg, VA.
Matthew G. Gwaltney, 24, Chester, VA.
Caitlin Hammaren, 19, Westtown, NY.
Jeremy Herbstritt, 27, Bellefonte, PA.
Rachael Elizabeth Hill, 18, Glen Allen, VA.
Emily Jane Hilscher, 19, Woodville, VA.
Jarrett Lane, 22, Narrows, VA.
Matthew J. La Porte, 20, Dumont, NJ.
Henh "Henry" Lee, 20, Roanoke, VA.
Liviu Librescu, 76, Blacksburg, VA.
G. V. Loganathan, 51, Blacksburg, VA.
Partahi Lumbantoruan, 34, Indonesia.
Lauren McCain, 20, Hampton, VA.
Jocelyn Couture-Nowak, Blacksburg, VA.
Daniel O'Neil, 22, Lincoln, RI.
Juan Ramon Ortiz Ortiz, 26, Puerto Rico.
Minal Panchal, 26, India.
Erin Peterson, 18, Centreville, VA.
Michael Pohle, 23, Raritan Township, NJ.
Julia Pryde, 23, Middletown, NJ.
Mary Karen Read, 19, Annandale, VA.
Reema Samaha, 18, Centreville, VA.
Waleed Mohamed Shaalan, 32, Egypt.
Leslie Sherman, 20, Springfield, VA.
Maxine Turner, 22, Vienna, VA.
Nicole White, 20, Carrollton, VA.

Democrat Harry Reid, be a man and tell the military to their faces "this war is lost"

As reported by Virginia Virtucon, democrat Senator Harry Reid proclaimed, “this war is lost.” Be a man, Harry Reid. Go to Iraq, walk up to one of those soldiers or Marines face-to-face, and tell them this war is lost.

Memorial service for VA Tech victims tonight at Blue Ridge Community College

My kids, including John Maxfield (I clump him in with "my kids" these days), will be attending a candle light memorial service tonight at Blue Ridge Community College located here in the Valley. The 9 pm service will honor and remember the victims of Monday's senseless tragedy at Virginia Tech when students and instructors were gunned down by a deranged student. Similar memorials are being held around the state at universities, colleges, and churches.

VA Tech Tragedy: Home school community mourns one of its own....

The home schooling community has been touched by the senseless tragedy Monday at Virginia Tech.

Lauren McCain, 20, of Hampton, was friends with one of our SWAC area home schoolers and often babysat for the children of one of their professors. She was an undergraduate majoring in international studies and she, too, had been educated at home.

On her MySpace page, Lauren listed “the love of my life” as Jesus Christ. Her family said she became a Christian some time ago.

“Her life since that time has been filled with His love that continued to overflow to touch everyone who knew her,” the family said in a statement.

Her uncle Jeff Elliott told The Oklahoman newspaper that she was an avid reader, was learning German and had almost mastered Latin. She ... had worked at a department store for about a year to save money for college.

She spent several years of her childhood in Oklahoma, but her father’s Navy career also took the family to Florida, Texas, and then to Virginia.

"Lauren had such a sweet innocent heart," Jeanne Meadows, who attended church with her, wrote to MSNBC.com. "I can bet you at the last moment of her life she was most likely praying for the gunman and forgiving him."

Our thoughts and prayers are with Lauren's family.

Source: MSNBC

Two friends in danger ... one in Iraq and one at VA Tech

The irony of the situation washed all over me Monday....

Two home school friends who had graduated in the same year were in danger ... two young men who had grown up with my kids, spent hours at my house, whose families are part of my family. I had addressed their small home school class at their commencement ceremony ... I knew them well.

One, Nate, a Lance Corporal in the Marine Corps, was returning home from Iraq on Monday, winging his way to Europe and then on to California. We were grateful for his safety after spending months in the mine fields of Iraq.

The other, Ryan, a junior at Virginia Tech, in the mountains of Virginia only two hours from home and supposedly out of danger, but suddenly caught up in the middle of a horrific act by a deranged fellow student.

Both, thankfully, are safe.

Last night I received emails from both families with news of each son. As I read them I couldn't help but think again of the irony of it all, the angst that was felt by the local home school community on Monday wondering in the hours after the shooting rampage if Ryan was safe ... and at the same time praying for Nate's safe journey back to the States.

Two young men who have taken different paths and yet the dangers of the world interrupted both their lives. Thankfully, both came safely home to us....

"He was a loner"....

How many times over the years have we had violent incidences that were caused by "a loner"? Virginia Tech's massacre on Monday was yet another.

I've often laughed and said I'm a "pack animal" -- that is, I travel in herds. Not that I don't like to have my down time away from the hustle and bustle but, for the most part, I enjoy the interaction of friends and colleagues. I like to have people around me.

Perhaps by hashing out ideas, venting frustration, and being collectively creative it prevents the build-up of anger that happens to "loners" who have no one to talk with ... who have no friends to listen to them or advise them ... and, therefore, they plot and plan and build up perceived injustices ... and then explode into violence.

Riley at Virginia Virtucon has information about the VA Tech gunman's suicide note with this post. It's his opinion, thoughts about the reasons behind the shooting. Some are overreacting to it which only results in shutting down the discussion.

Updates:

-- DJ at Right-Wing Liberal has weighed in here, and has an excellent background piece about the Biblical history of the "Ismail Ax" name inscribed in red ink on gunman Cho's arm here.
-- Greg at Black Velvet Bruce Li weighs in here.
-- Grumpy's Gripes weighs in here.
-- Ward adds his thoughts here.-- Leslie Carbone has her thoughts here.

Bill Bolling's remarks at 59th Annual Shad Planking

Thank you all very much and good afternoon.

What a pleasure it is to be back at the Shad Planking, Virginia’s annual political rite of spring.

I want to thank the Wakefield Ruritan’s Club for inviting me to be here today and giving me a chance to serve as the keynote speaker for this year’s event. I’ve enjoyed attending this event for many years, but you honor me greatly today by giving me a chance to stand atop this old flatbed trailer and give the keynote address.

And I want to thank the Ruritans, here in Wakefield and hundreds of other places all across Virginia, for the hard work you do every day to reach out and serve your community. You do good work, and that sense of community spirit is one of the things that make Virginia a very special place.

I want to thank my good friend and colleague Fred Quayle for being here today to introduce me. I have served with Fred Quayle in state government for the past 12 years, and I can tell you that he does a great job representing the people of the 13th district in the State Senate.

Now my friends, I know that this is supposed to be a light hearted event and the keynote speaker generally takes his time to poke fun at our state’s politicos and fire up the crowd for the fall campaigns. I assure you that I had a number of very good zingers all lined up for you today, but quite frankly, in light of the events of the past few days, this is not a time for light heartedness and poking fun. So, I want to spend my time this afternoon speaking to you from the bottom of my heart about a much more serious situation.

Needless to say, this is a difficult time for our Commonwealth.

On Monday of this week a young man who obviously had many deep and dark problems went on a shooting spree on the campus of Virginia Tech and killed 32 innocent people.

I have served in the public life of this Commonwealth for the past 16 years, and I can honestly tell you that the past two days have been the most difficult days of that service.

We’ve heard of tragedies of this nature before, in other places, but we never thought they could strike here, not in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and certainly not on the peaceful, safe, rural campus of a great University like Virginia Tech.

But the truth is that events of this nature can occur anywhere at anytime, and the shootings on the Virginia Tech campus vividly remind us that we not immune from these events.

Virginia Tech is one of our nation’s finest institutions of higher education. The students, faculty, staff and alumni of Virginia Tech are a close family, and as the father of a 2006 graduate of Virginia Tech, I consider myself a part of that family as well. In difficult times families pull together, and I have no doubt that the Virginia Tech family will pull together as well in this difficult time.

Likewise, the people of Virginia are a resilient people, and I have no doubt that we will pull together in this difficult time, but the truth is that there is a big hole in the heart of Virginia today.

It is said that tragedies and the difficult times of life make us stronger, and I believe that’s true. By relying on our faith, our families and friends, I am confident that we will endue these present troubles, and emerge from this tragedy stronger that ever.

Yesterday I had the honor of traveling to Blacksburg to attend a Memorial Service with President Bush and Governor Kaine. It was a wonderful event, and it showed the persistent Hokie pride and spirit like it has never been showed before. I was proud to there, and I was proud to be a Hokie.

While there I had a chance to meet with some of the families who lost loved ones in Monday’s shooting, and their stories are just beginning to emerge.

And I can tell you that the magnitude of this event does not sink in until you look into eyes of moms and dads, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, who have lost loved ones.

We’ve learned the story of Liviu Librescu, a 76 year old internationally respected aeronautical engineer. Mr. Librescu was a survivor of the Holocaust, and was gunned down while he tried to barricade a door to save his students.

We’ve learned the story of Ryan Clark, a 22 year old Resident Assistant, who we believe was killed when he responded to the first shooting in the Ambler Johnston Residence Hall, trying to assist another student who was also killed.

We’ve learned the story of Jarrett Lane, a senior civil engineering major who was the Valedictorian of his class in Narrows, Virginia. His friends described him as “fun loving” and “full of spirt”, and they said that “he had a caring heart and was a friend to everyone he met.”

These victims, and 29 others, did nothing to deserve their fate, and there is nothing or no one who was responsible for the fate other than the evil that entered the heart of the one who committed this senseless act.

Today, as we gather together in this field we must remember them, for that is the thing that matters most.

In the face of a tragedy of this nature it is natural for us to look for an explanation for why things like this happen, but there is no explanation that will suffice.

Time will tell what prompted someone to commit these senseless acts, and there are a number of questions that have been raised about what, if anything could have been done to prevent these acts or reduce their magnitude. These are legitimate questions and I assure you that we will find answers to these questions when the investigation has been completed, but this is not the time for questions – this is a time for hurting and crying and mourning and supporting those who need our help.

In his Word God does not tell us that we will be immune from difficulties of this nature, but he does promise that He will enable us to endure them and overcome them if we rely on Him.

I have been reminded of this many times in these past three days.

In 1968, Robert Kennedy, in speaking at a Memorial Service for Dr. Martin Luther King, quoted the Greek play writer Aeschylus, who said, ‘In our sleep, pain that we cannot forget falls drop by drop upon our hearts, and in our despair, and against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God.’

I have been reminded of those words many times in these past three days.

And in a more contemporary song, one of America’s favorite bands, The Eagles, sing these words that I have also been reminded of often:

There’s a hole in the world tonight

A hole of pain and sorrow

There’s a hole in the world tonight

Don’t let there be a hole in the world tomorrow

Yes, this is a time of hurting, pain, crying and mourning – and there is a hold in our world today - but if we do our work right, it can also be a time of coming together and of strength.

Now I want to ask you all to help me with something. I’d like to ask that you turn to the person next to you and ask that they quiet themselves for a moment of silence in honor and memory of those who lost their lives at Virginia Tech on Monday.

PAUSE FOR A MOMENT OF SILENCE

My friends we are all Virginians, and today we are all Hokies!

May God bless you all.

Shad Planking today.....

I was supposed to attend the Shad Planking in Wakefield today with Spank That Donkey and Johnathan Maxfield ... but stayed home because I was sick. Just talked with them on the phone as they were driving back and heard about their experiences.

They met up with Alton (I'm Not Emeril); saw Whitney Duff of Americans For Prosperity (AFP) and Delegate Chris Saxman from the 20th House District in the Valley. Spanky said Bill Bolling gave a great speech and concluded it with a remembrance of the victims of the Virginia Tech massacre by proclaiming everyone Virginians ... and then proclaiming everyone Hokies. His oldest son, Matt, graduated from VA Tech last May so they are part of the Hokie family.

Sorry I missed the fun but I'll be there next year....

"He was a loner"....

How many times over the years have we had violent incidences that were caused by "a loner"? Virginia Tech's massacre on Monday was yet another.

I've often laughed and said I'm a "pack animal" -- that is, I travel in herds. Not that I don't like to have my down time away from the hustle and bustle but, for the most part, I enjoy the interaction of friends and colleagues. I like to have people around me.

Perhaps by hashing out ideas, venting frustration, and being collectively creative it prevents the build-up of anger that happens to "loners" who have no one to talk with ... who have no friends to listen to them or advise them ... and, therefore, they plot and plan and build up perceived injustices ... and then explode into violence.

Riley at Virginia Virtucon has information about the VA Tech gunman's suicide note with this post. It's his opinion, thoughts about the reasons behind the shooting. Some are overreacting to it which only results in shutting down the discussion.

Update:
DJ at Right-Wing Liberal has weighed in here.
Greg at Black Velvet Bruce Li weighs in here.
Grumpy's Gripes weighs in here.

Friday: VA Tech Memorial Day - Wear Orange & Maroon

Virginia Tech family members across the country have united to declare this Friday, April 20th, an "Orange and Maroon Effect" day to honor those killed in the tragic events on campus Monday, and to show support for Virginia Tech students, faculty, administrators, staff, alumni, and friends.

"Orange and Maroon Effect" was born several years ago as an invitation to Tech fans to wear orange and maroon to Virginia Tech athletic events.

We invite everyone from all over the country to be a part of the Virginia Tech family this Friday, to wear orange and maroon to support the families of those who were lost, and to support the school and community we all love so much.

VA Tech Memorial Service live now....

Virginia Tech President Charles Steger, who has come under attack since the senseless shootings, received applause and a standing ovation of support from students and families attending the memorial service.

Addressing a sea of Hokie burgandy and orange, Dr. Steger said sentiments of support and grief have poured in from all around the world and touched their hearts. He especially thanked the Virginia Tech, Blackburg, and Virginia State police as well as all the emergency responders who rushed to their campus to assist in the emergency.

Those in attendance include United States President George W. Bush and Mrs. Bush, Governor Tim Kaine, Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, Attorney General Bob McDonnell, senators, congressmen, and others in leadership in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Standing ovation and applause for President Bush.... "Laura and I have come to Blacksburg today with hearts full of sorrow. ... It is a day of sadness for our entire nation. ... At this time of anguish I hope you know that people from all over the country are thinking of you...."

Ongoing....

A candlelight vigil will be held tonight.

VA Tech tragedy: "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills...."

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh mine help...." Psalm 121

Today we're all Hokies ... my kids left for college this morning wearing Virginia Tech apparel in solidarity with their fellow students in Blacksburg. The grieving has just begun....

VA Tech gunman identified as 23-year-old Cho Seung-Hui

American flags to be flown at half-staff remainder of week in honor of those who perished at VA Tech

Cho Seung-Hui, a 23-year-old resident alien from South Korea, has been identified as the gunman responsible for Virginia Tech's shooting rampage. He was a senior English major living on campus at Tech with a home town listing of Centreville, VA.

Reports coming from other students are he was a loner. How many times have we heard that about someone who was a loner who snapped and caused tragedy in the past?

More info at SWAC Girl.

NewsMax.com

George Allen's statement regarding VA Tech shooting

Alexandria, Virginia – Former Governor and U.S. Senator, George Allen issued the following statement regarding the tragic shooting at Virginia Tech today:

“As parents of a college student in Virginia, Susan and I ache for the heart-broken families and friends who have lost loved ones today at Virginia Tech due to this heinous, despicable mayhem. Our prayers are with them. Their sons, daughters, brothers and sisters were learning and improving their young lives on the vibrant, close knit and beautiful campus.

“All of America is in grief for the families whose lives and dreams were shattered.

“As many of us know, Virginia Tech is not just a school, it is close and caring community. The students, alumni and loyal supporters will be drawn together in mourning but also praying for the recovery of their classmates who suffered terrible injuries but have survived.

“Susan and I will join them and the rest of Virginia as we pray for the lives we’ve lost today and for the recovery of the students who survived this senseless, terrible tragedy.”

VA Tech gunman identified

Cho Seung-Hui, a 23-year-old resident alien from South Korea, has been identified as the gunman responsible for Virginia Tech's shooting rampage. He was a senior English major living on campus at Tech with a home town listing of Centreville, VA. Developing....

VA Tech - Classes cancelled the remainder of this week - Norris Hall closed through end of semester

VA Tech classes are cancelled the remainder of this week.

Norris Hall is closed through the end of the semester.

Virginia Tech News

Notice: The Collegiate Times main server is down. CollegeMedia.com is the website of the parent company. Check for latest news here.

VA Tech student Derek O'Dell ... story of a survivor and hero....

"Something takes over your body to survive...."

Derek O'Dell, VA Tech student and hero

Derek O'Dell is a Virginia Tech student who was interviewed this morning by Shepherd Smith of Fox News. Shot in the arm during yesterday's shooting rampage, he relayed the story of what happened in his classroom....

The gunman entered the classroom of about 17 students and shot the professor first, then turned the gun on students sitting on the front row. Derek said 5-10 students were critically injured and he believes some of those on the front row are among the dead. Derek was shot in the arm and dove under his desk to find protection ... and as students fell to the floor after being shot the gunman continued to shoot them.

The male Asian six-foot-tall gunman reloaded his handgun and continued shooting in a calm, determined, methodical way. Wearing a leather jacket, his ammo supply was in his pockets as he pulled out a clip to reload and continue his horrific act, finally stepping into the hallway to reload yet again...

And that's when Derek and others jumped up and barricaded the door. They pushed everything they could find against the door, then put themselves against it ("shoes and hands and feet," he said) to prevent the gunman from reentering even as he shot at the door.

Repeated over and over by Derek and other student was the memory of the sound of gunshots echoing throughout the school, the hallways, outdoors....

Derek said he most remembers the face of the gunman, calm during his heinous act, and the blood-covered faces of his fellow students. A sense of survival automatically takes over in such a situation, he said ... an instinct even while experiencing a sense of disbelief at the scene that seems like something out of the news or a movie. He said the need for survival takes over your body ... these are all split-second decisions made by a young man mature beyond his years and now, sadly, he has become a part of history in what is now known as the deadliest shooting rampage ever in the U.S.

Derek, from Roanoke, said his parents were on their way to campus today. He is in a state of shock as the reality of the event hasn't completely settled over him. He placed no blame on school administrators, saying it was almost impossible to prevent a tragedy like that.

Our prayers are with Derek and his family, and the families of the victims who will be identified as the day unfolds.

Virginia Tech ... pray for them.

VA Tech tragedy ... the day after....

"Today, our nation grieves with those who have lost loved ones at Virginia Tech. We hold the victims in our hearts, we lift them up in our prayers, and we ask a loving God to comfort those who are suffering today."

President George W. Bush

Apirl 16, 2007

Today is a sad day in the Commonwealth of Virginia. A dark cloud hangs over us as the names of the victims from yesterday's shooting carnage are coming out ... names of students and faculty members.

Stories of herorism are coming out as well ... professors protecting students ... students protecting each other. This tale has just begun. Every corner of Virginia is touched by the horror because someone knows someone who knows someone. Virginia Tech's campus is two hours south of Staunton so many students are from the SWAC area.

Word is still trickling in from students but Johnathan Maxfield, a first-year college student, has stories of personal contacts with his friends who attend Tech.

Shepherd Smith of Fox News reported he had never seen anything like this before ... literally hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of news satellite trucks on the Tech campus.

President and Mrs. Bush will be arriving on campus later today. A memorial service is to be held this afternoon with the governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general of Virginia attending.

I've got to say that as my two college-age children left for school this morning I felt a moment's hesitation ... something I've not felt before. Yes, the campuses are huge and spread out and, in this post-9/11 world we're always aware that a terrorism event could occur. But the gunman at Virginia Tech was a student, it has now been discovered, which makes it even more chilling to me. He was among those students, those professors ... and yet in a cold-hearted way he was able to gun down and take the lives of dozens before turning the gun on himself.

If you've never been to Tech's campus you've missed one of the most beautiful schools in the country ... literally hundreds of acres of green lawns, school buildings, and dorms. Many buildings are stone ... my step-dad was a cadet there in the 1940s in one of the older stone buildings.

Blacksburg is located on a high mountain plain ... they have snow when it's not occurring in other parts of the state. The mountains surround it ... beautiful Mountain Lake is not too far away. Radford University where one of my sisters graduated is down the road.

Chris at Spank That Donkey has a comparison between the Tech tragedy and the shooting at Appalachian Law School in Grundy several years ago. Good piece.

May God bless the Virginia Tech Family....

This story will be front-and-center in the news for days to come because of the magnitude of the tragedy....

Statement from Atty. General Bob McDonnell regarding Va Tech shootings

Attorney General Bob McDonnell issued the following statement regarding the fatal shootings today at Virginia Tech.

“My prayers are with the families and friends of those killed in today’s tragic shootings at Virginia Tech. We pray for all those injured, that they will recover from their injuries. I urge my fellow Virginians to pray for all those impacted by this heartbreaking occurrence.

The Office of the Attorney General will work with the administration of Virginia Tech, the Virginia State Police, the Governor and all of our client agencies to provide the best legal help possible as the investigation into this situation unfolds.”

Note: The Attorney General’s public schedule for the rest of today, Tuesday April 17th and Wednesday April 18th is cancelled.

*The Attorney General will attend the memorial event in Blacksburg at noon tomorrow.

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling's statement regarding shootings at VA Tech

[Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling spoke with Fox News' John Gibson at 5:20 p.m. His son, Matt, graduated from Va Tech in the spring of 2006.]

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling today released the following statement on the shooting tragedy at Virginia Tech.

“This is a very difficult day for Virginia Tech, the Virginia Tech family and the Commonwealth as a whole.”

“Our deepest and most sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of all those who have lost loved ones this day in the senseless and inexplicable tragedy that has occurred on the campus of Virginia Tech. They are in our constant thoughts and prayers.

“In addition, our prayers and best wishes go out to all those who were wounded for a full and speedy recovery.

“We have been in constant contact this morning with Governor Kaine’s office. They have kept us fully informed of the events at Virginia Tech as they have occurred.

“In addition, I have personally spoken with Dr. Charles Steger, the President of Virginia Tech, and I have expressed to him our willingness to assist the university in this difficult time in whatever way we can. We will stand ready to do so in the days and weeks to come as well.

“Virginia Tech is one of our nation’s finest institutions of higher education. The students, faculty, staff and alumni of Virginia Tech are a close family. As the father of a 2005 graduate of Virginia Tech, I consider myself a part of this family as well. In difficult times like these families pull together, and I have no doubt that the Virginia Tech family will pull together as well in this difficult time.

“In the face of a tragedy of this nature, it is natural for us to look for an explanation for why things like this happen, but there is no explanation that will suffice. Time will tell what prompted someone to commit these senseless acts, but now is a time for mourning and supporting those who need our help.

“It is said that tragedies and the difficult times of life make us stronger, and I believe that is true. By relying on our faith, our family and our friends, I am confident that we will emerge from this tragedy stronger as well.”

President Bush shocked, saddened by shootings at Va Tech

Video (Windows) Video (Windows) White House News
4:01 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:
Our nation is shocked and saddened by the news of the shootings at Virginia Tech today. The exact total has not yet been confirmed, but it appears that more than 30 people were killed and many more were wounded.

I've spoken with Governor Tim Kaine and Virginia Tech President Charles Steger. I told them that Laura and I and many across our nation are praying for the victims and their families and all the members of the university community who have been devastated by this terrible tragedy. I told them that my administration would do everything possible to assist with the investigation, and that I pledged that we would stand ready to help local law enforcement and the local community in any way we can during this time of sorrow.

Schools should be places of safety and sanctuary and learning. When that sanctuary is violated, the impact is felt in every American classroom and every American community.

Today, our nation grieves with those who have lost loved ones at Virginia Tech. We hold the victims in our hearts, we lift them up in our prayers, and we ask a loving God to comfort those who are suffering today.

Thank you.

Deadliest shooting rampage in U.S. history ... VA Tech campus in lock-down ... 33 confirmed dead

Virginians and the nation mourn as the story unfolds about the deadly massacre on Virginia Tech's campus this morning. Many stories are coming out from surviving students and will be told in the news and blogs in the days to come.

We were thankful to finally hear that our fellow home school friends' son Ryan was safe as well as others who are friends of my college-aged children. We're in shock now as the reality of the situation tries to settle down on us ... parents calling parents ... friends calling friends ... as we try to confirm the safety of those we know. The relief is immense as yet another name is passed along of yet another student who is safe.

Survivors have horror stories of students around them being gunned down ... stories of heroism are coming out ... stories of escape.  The sad distinction is that Virginia Tech, my step-dad's alma mater, will now be known as the site of the worst shooting in U.S. history.

With three weeks of school left, it remains to be seen if classes will finish out. At this time plans by Tech officials call for classses to resume tomorrow ... but that may change.

Our prayers are with the families of those who were slain and with all of those at Virginia Tech. May God bless them all.

Massacre at Virginia Tech ... 22 students reported dead ... developing

News reports coming in are sketchy about this morning's shooting on Virginia Tech's campus where 22 students are now reported dead. Fox News has this report that also says 28 have been injured and the gunman is dead ... it's developing.

My family knows many students at Virginia Tech and we're waiting now to hear if everyone we know is safe as I'm sure others are doing all over the state. Our prayers are with the families at this horrific time....

Conservative ODBA blogger Elephant Ears (GOP Hokie) is a student at Tech. He is blogging from there with a report here. Thank God he's safe....

Fox News reports:

"Today the university was struck by a tragedy we consider of monumental proportions," Virginia Tech President Charles Steger said during a press conference shortly after noon. "I cannot begin to convey my own personal sense of loss over this senseless, incomprehensible, heinous act."

At least one person was killed at West Ambler Johnston, a residence hall, but several others were injured in that shooting. At least 20 were killed at Norris Hall, an engineering building. The dead shooter puts the death toll so far at 22.

A spokeswoman at Montgomery Regional Hospital said 17 students were being treated there for gunshot wounds, and Carilion New River Valley Medical Center in Christiansburg reports that four people with gunshot wounds were being treated there. Carilion spokeswoman Sharon Honaker said one was in critical condition and three others were stable.

Developing....

Snowflakes in April ... what's that about global warming?

As I look out the window, renegade snowflakes are swirling around, blowing over from West Virginia on this blustery morning. I believe one of their county schools is closed today due to snow. RightsideVA has headed for warmer climes to fish and, while we don't have a big snow event planned here ... the temp is supposed to rise to the upper 40s later ... I'm looking at those snowflakes and thinking about that global warming....

Bill Bolling: Feature speaker at Wednesday's shad planking

59th Annual Shad Planking

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Featured Speaker: Lt. Governor Bill Bolling

2:00 p.m.

Wakefield Sportsmen's Club
Wakefield, VA

Bundle up today while you protest global warming....

Hope they bundle up today while protesting global warming. It's cold (temp in 40s) and wet out there -- brrr.

Staunton Armory's 116th prepares for Iraq....

There's a great article about the 116th Infantry Brigade of the Virginia National Guard based out of the Staunton Armory and their training for the upcoming Iraq deployment in today's Waynesboro News-Virginian written by Alicia Petska.

These are our neighbors, friends, family members in the SWAC area. These are the men and women who sacrifice so we may go about our lives in freedom.

Major Alan Carter, 37, of Waynesboro is typical of the many who have signed up to the service of this country. His reaction upon receiving news of deployment was "ecstatic." Even though he will be leaving his wife and four-month-old daughter behind, he said:

“I’m actually looking forward to it,” the 37-year-old Waynesboro man said cheerfully. “… This is one [mission] I finally get to go on.”

As a full-time personnel manager for the Staunton-based 116th Infantry Brigade, Maj. Carter has already helped send six battalions to Iraq and Afghanistan over the last four years. But, the 18-year National Guard member has never been called himself - this will be his first overseas assignment.

“It’s kind of hard sitting back, watching everyone else go, not being needed,” he reflected Saturday. His wife, he added, was supportive when his marching orders arrived. A former Guard member herself - the two met while serving in the 116th - she understood the call of duty all to well.

“She’s just praying for our safe return,” said Carter.

Among those training and preparing are husband-and-wife team Spcs. Christina and Landon Phillips who will be leaving their one- and two-year-old daughters behind with family members. It will be Landon's second deployment and Christina's first. They are examples of the many citizen soldiers who are willing to do their duty to preserve our freedoms and safety here on the homefront.

Thank you, 116th, for your service and dedication and love of country. We salute you and will keep you in our prayers.

Check out the rest of the article here.

Nate's returning from Iraq! Semper Fi....

Nate's coming home!

He and his Marine buddies have left Iraq and are on their way back to the States where they will debrief after their stay in Iraq ... and then return to their base in Lynchburg around the end of April.

Oh, joy! Lance Cpl. Nate Salatin is on his way....

Homecoming celebration? You bet! Plans are underway; the bigger, the better! "Welcome Home" banners, signs of support for our military, American flags ... it will be good!

Nate's coming home. Thank God for his safe tour of duty in Iraq and for a safe return to Lynchburg. Nate's coming home....

Chris Saxman & John Cosgrove on Bearing Drift Sunday night

April 15. Tax day. Day of dread.

But bringing us hope in the Virginia General Assembly are our two guests tomorrow night on Bearing Drift Radio: Dels. John Cosgrove and Chris Saxman!

Both Republicans have been strong advocates of holding the line on spending and reducing the tax-burden.

Turn up your computer speakers and listen to their take on taxes and what we can do as Virginian's to hold government accountable.

As always, the show is recorded live at 7 p.m. You are welcome to call in with your questions at (718) 664-9599.

But since this is also "Virginia Politics On-Demand," you can listen to the archive program at your convenience a couple hours after recording, or by using our feed in your podcatcher.

Link for the show
Link for the feed

You're a Republican??? Part 5

You're a Republican??? Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

WHAT I AM ... is a voter tired of politicians who, everytime their voting records are subjected to public scrutiny, try to divert attention from their political and legislative failures by accusing their opponents of "attack ads" and "negative campaigning" ... and the news media who allow them to get away with it.

WHAT I AM ... is a Catholic who loves his God and his Faith ... and who's been taught to respect all religions whose teachings are based in love, peace and charity. As such, I am embarrassed and ashamed of those individuals, in both private and public life, whose decisions and actions are devoid of any sense of character or morals; individuals who are only driven by what's best for them ... rather than what's right ... often times at the expense of many ... including our national security.

WHAT I AM ... is a realist who understands that the terrorist attack that murdered hundreds of innocent Russian children could have occurred here, in our heartland. That's why I sincerely believe America needs now, more than ever, a President who sees with a clear and focused vision and who speaks with a voice when heard by both friend and foe alike, is understood, respected and believed.

More to come....

[By George J. Esseff, Sr. Originally appeared in the Washington Post October 20, 2004.]

Words from the past....

"A man's character is his fate."
-- Heraclitus

Tricia Stall to challenge Marty Williams in 1st Senatorial District - Newport News

My fellow State Central Committee member James Atticus Bowden is supporting Tricia Stall in her challenge to Marty Williams in the 1st Senate District. Here is her announcement.

Patricia Stall Announces Candidacy for Virginia's 1st Senatorial District
Newport News, Virginia

Patricia Stall, a well known community leader, announced today that she will seek the Republican nomination for Virginia's 1st Senatorial District.

Senator Martin Williams currently holds the seat and the nomination for the Republican Party will be decided by a primary that will be held on June 12th, 2007.

Patricia "Tricia" Stall, mother of two, is happily married to her high school sweetheart, Dr. Mark Stall, for 31 years and they are members of Liberty Baptist in Hampton, Virginia. They reside in Newport News with their two children, Kelsey and Tyler. Mrs. Stall has served in various volunteer capacities in Newport News Public Schools and in her community for 18 years.

Patricia 'Tricia' Stall is a past member of the Republican Party of Virginia's State Central Committee. She has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer in the Newport News Juvenile Courts and is a past member of the Newport News Bar Association's Judicial Screening Committee.

Mrs. Stall served as the Newport News "kNOw Campaign" and "Ax the Tax" coordinator that defeated the Sales Tax Referendum November 5, 2002. She also helped establish and served as Executive Director of the Hampton Roads Taxpayer Coalition, an umbrella organization for all Taxpayer Alliances in Hampton Roads.

Most recently, Mrs. Stall has joined the efforts of RETRO, Real Estate Tax Reduction Organization, to reduce the skyrocketing real estate tax rate burden on Newport News citizens.

Mrs. Stall Pledges, "I will be a faithful Public Servant to the voters and taxpayers of the 1st Senate District of Virginia and protect them from unfair higher taxes and regional government run by unaccountable bureaucrats".

CONTACT: To schedule an interview with Patricia Stall, contact Pat Murphy at 757-761-5260 or by email at patmurphysw@yahoo.com

Military Mom goes to the Rose Garden....

Received an email today from our former SWAC area Military Mom who now lives in Northern Virginia. Her daughter, stationed with the Air Force in South Korea in 2003, was the one who saw the anti-war protesters' picture online in the local newspaper and asked what was going on in Staunton. Her daughter was one of the reasons we stood on the streets to show support for our troops ... and have continued to do so right up through the recent rally held on March 17.

Military Mom was ecstatic that she and Military Dad have been invited to the White House Rose Garden next Monday to hear President George W. Bush speak. They were invited because of their connection with the military. (Military Mom is an Air Force veteran herself.) She wrote:

Imagine my surprise when I, "the Military Mom," received an invitation from the WHITE HOUSE to hear the President speak in the Rose Garden! Excited ... YOU BET! My daughter, Brandi, has proudly served this country in the USAF for almost 10 years now. It will be such an honor to meet her boss and the man I supported in both elections ... our great President George W. Bush.

Congratulations, Military Mom ... and please tell President Bush how much we respect the job he has done keeping our country safe since 9/11. Not many men have had to shoulder that responsibility but he has shown outstanding leadership while enduring a constant stream of criticism from the Left. God bless you and Brandi, and God bless our country and our President. Have fun with W!

Shad Planking next week

Good grief ... time flies! It's already time for the annual Shad Planking and, from the sounds of it, a number of Virginia political bloggers will be in attendance. What about you? Will you be joining in the fun by planking your shad?

New SWAC blogger joins the blogosphere

It's great to have a new SWAC area blogger join our ranks. Yankee Philip will be adding his thoughts and concerns to the discussion so we look forward to having his input. Be sure to check out his blog on a regular basis.

Heard from Nate on Easter Sunday....

Nate and his fellow Marine buddies are in their final days before leaving Iraq to return to the States. The following email was written by him on Easter:

Hey, look who is writing lol. We just moved from our cans into the holding tents yesterday. Our flight window is about a week away, or maybe in as few as three days. We are all pretty excited and kind of bored I guess. We are so ready to head home! ...

It was a great feeling to clear my rifle for the last time and finally take the combat sappy plates and side sappies (body armor) off of my flak jacket. ... It is starting to get pretty hot here, figures since we just moved into the stuffy holding tents.

Oh, Happy Easter. I was on guard all morning so I didn't get to go to church or get dressed up in nice clothes or anything but they did have some chocolate bunnies at the chow hall....

Nate's coming home. Keep praying for our armed forces. They're over there so the terrorists won't be over here, and they're doing a hell of a job. We are very appreciative of their dedication and sacrifice for our freedoms here at home.

Thanks Nate ... thanks Salatin family. You are all our heroes. Semper Fi.

Other posts about Nate: here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here.

Thank a soldier or Marine ... this is his reality....

Has your Easter been nice? Were you able to attend church in peace today with no worry of bombs going off or homicide bombers invading the congregation? Did you enjoy a meal with family or friends ... did you hide eggs for the kids to hunt in your yard ... did you fellowship with friends and visit with family all in the safety and comfort of a country safe from terror?

Thank a soldier ... thank a Marine ... thank their families. Say a prayer for them because their lives are in danger even as ours are safe. United Conservatives had the following as a reminder of what our military does ... for us.

A day in your life ... and a soldier's:

Your alarm sounds, and you hit the snooze button … again.
After the last attack, he was on patrol for two days without sleep.

You take a warm shower to help you wake up.
He goes days—or weeks—without running water.

You complain of a “headache”, and call out sick from work.
He gets shot at, as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.

You put on your anti-war shirt, and go shopping with friends.
He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.

You make sure that your fake fingernails look just right.
He clutches the Cross hanging on the chain next to his dog tags.

You talk trash about your “buddies” that aren’t at the bar with you.
He knows that he may never see some of his buddies again.

You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.
He patrols the streets, searching for bombs and snipers.

You complain about how hot it is in the mall parking lot.
He wears heavy gear, not daring to remove his helmet to wipe his brow.

You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.
He does not get to eat today, but was thankful for the one meal that he had yesterday.

Your mom makes your bed and washes your clothes during Spring Break.
He wears the same things for several days, but his weapons are clean.

You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
He doesn’t have time to brush his teeth today.

You are upset because your class ran five minutes over.
He just learned that his unit’s tour was extended by two months.

You call your girlfriend, and set a date for that night.
He waits for the mail, to see if there is a letter from home.

You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.
He holds this week’s letter close and smells his love’s perfume.

You roll your eyes as a baby cries in the restaurant.
He gets a photo of his new child, and wonders if they’ll ever meet.

You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
He sees innocent people tortured and killed, and remembers why he’s fighting.

You hear your classmates criticize the war.
He hears the gunfire, the bombs, and the screams.

You see only the failures that the news media want you to see.
He sees the successes, even amidst the destruction all around him.

You are asked to go to the store by your parents, and complain.
He follows orders without hesitation, but longs to hear his father’s voice once more.

You choose to stay home, watch TV, and snack on the couch.
He is given one hour to eat, write home, pray, … and sleep.

You crawl into your bed, fluff the pillows, and try to get comfortable.
He crawls under a tank for shade and a 5-minute nap, only to be awakened by gun fire.

You sit there and judge him, saying that he is a fool for doing what he does.
If only there were more men like him, then fewer would need to do what he does.

Easter miracle....

"Up from the grave He arose...."

Support the troops? Watch this video ... I dare you

Dear Libs,

You always proclaim to "support the troops" even when on the streets with anti-war signs or dressed as the Grim Reaper or holding the latest number of dead from the war in Iraq.

Prove you "support the troops" ... watch this video. I dare you.

~~SWAC Girl

Easter ... Thank you, American troops, for my freedom

Christian Golczynski, 8, accepts flag from his father's casket

Spank That Donkey has a post, Easter: Be Thankful To Those Who Sacrifice All, about the death this past week of SSgt. Marc Golczynski, 30, from Wheeler, TN. Pictured above is his eight-year-old son, Christian, accepting the flag that covered his father's casket. Thank you to Christian and his father for their sacrifice in keeping my family safe and free. May God bless them.

Olde Towne Midlothian....

Spent much of today at my cousins' church, Bethel Baptist, with my 11-year-old niece and my sister and mom. Bethel, located in Midlothian in Chesterfield County, is such an historic and beautiful old church ... started in 1799 with the building dedicated in 1817. It still houses a bustling congregation ... and currently an addition is being added that will double the size of the original sanctuary.

Today the place was hopping with members, visitors, and youngsters. I'm a family-oriented person and love getting together with my siblings, cousins, and parents so today was something I thoroughly enjoyed.

Bethel Baptist is located just behind Hallsborough Tavern which sits prominently on Midlothian Turnpike ... one of the old-time taverns used in the days when these were dirt roads and travel from Richmond to that point was a two- or three-day journey. Chesterfield County is very historic ... it is my birthplace and where I was raised ... and where most of my family still lives.

My niece enjoyed Bible stories, crafts, and an old-fashioned Easter egg hunt. The rest of us enjoyed the antics of the younger set and the fellowship of being with friends and family. It was fun and gave an excuse for us all to spend time together....

State Police: Gun owners' info to remain private

Jerry at From On High has this interesting follow-up post, Oh Those Unintended Consequences, about the recent fallout at the Roanoke Times when they published the names of gun owners licensed to carry a concealed weapon ... and then backtracked. It seems, as Jerry says, they've done gun owners a favor because State Police have recognized the fact there is sensitive information in those records that should be kept private. Check it out here.

Snow! ... in Midlothian ... on Easter weekend!

Easter weekend ... drove over from the Valley to visit with my folks who live in the Richmond area ... and I woke this morning to find snow all over the place ... in the Richmond area ... on April 7!

Yesterday after I arrived we walked around outside admiring everything blooming in my parents' yard. Today all those blooming things are covered in an inch or two of snow.

I remember once when I was around 12 years old when my Canadian cousins came to visit for Easter ... and the same thing happened. I remember driving to my grandparents' house for Easter dinner with snow all over the ground. I was telling that to my 11-year-old niece a while ago as she and I laughed about the Easter bunny having to wear snowshoes in his journeys tonight ... and then concluded that he already had his on....

Back in the Valley my son reported snow showers last night but it wasn't sticking when I talked with him at midnight.

It's supposed to warm to the upper 40s later today so the snow won't last long. I've already taken photos to remember it in the event we go another 25-30 years before there's another white Easter in Richmond.

Easter in Iraq ... thoughts of Nate

Lance Cpl. Nate Salatin, USMC

It's Easter weekend ... Lance Cpl. Nate Salatin of Augusta County is nearing the end of his deployment to Iraq. On this holiest of Christian holidays my thoughts turn to him more often, praying for his safety ... wondering how he's spending his time while on patrol ... wondering about his thoughts on this Easter weekend so far from home.

As the son of missionaries, he has spent many Easters in church with his family ... worshiping and remembering the sacrifices that Christ made not far from where Nate patrols for terrorist bombs....

May God keep him safely in His hands. Semper Fi.

France sitting on a powder keg

Spank That Donkey has more on the unrest in France, a story he has been following since last year's riots. Check out France Sitting on a Powder Keg.

Easter

“Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”
-- Luke 23:34

SWAC area resident missing after tragic boating accident on Smith Mtn Lake

A boating accident on Smith Mountain Lake has left one man dead and another missing. Two men, including well-known Harrisonburg entrepreneur and philanthropist Walter Curt, and Bridgewater resident Dennis Zimmerman, were rescued from the water, treated, and released.

Richard Williams Smith was killed, and Grottoes resident David Reynolds, 44, has been missing since the accident occurred. He is a volunteer with the New Hope Fire Department ... and someone my husband has known the past several years from his job delivering freight to Walter Curt's home.

Conditions on the lake Wednesday afternoon were reported to be windy with choppy waters. No official reason has been given for the accident but alcohol use and collision have been ruled out.

Walter Curt is a friend to the Valley Family Forum and conservative candidates in the Valley. Our prayers go out to him and his wife, Martha, and to the families of David Reynolds and Richard Smith.

Related stories:
Harrisonburg Daily News Record
Staunton News Leader
Waynesboro News-Virginian

Israel: Pelosi not representing them

" ... that country [Syria] continues to be part of the Axis of Evil and a force that encourages terror in the entire Middle East."

-- Ehud Olmert, Israel's Prime Minister
(In response to Nancy Pelosi's self-imposed impression that she should be the courier of peace messages between Israel and Syria ... he also said Syria should stop supporting terrorism and "act like a normal country," and then Israel would be willing to talk about peace.)