Christmas classics ...

Christmas is less than a week away. Are you feeling in the Christmasy spirit? Click on the links to listen to some classic Christmas songs including "Christmas Country Christmas" by hometown Staunton natives, the Statler Brothers ... and my favorite, "White Christmas."

A Holly Jolly Christmas
Burl Ives

Away In A Manger
Loretta Lynn

Christmas Alphabet
The McGuire Sisters

Christmas Country Christmas
The Statler Brothers

Christmas In My Hometown
Sonny James

Christmas Song
Alvin & The Chipmunks

Christmas Times A Coming
Bill Monroe and The Bluegrass Boys

Christmas Waltz
Frank Sinatra

Christmas Without You
Kenny RogersDolly Parton

Frosty The Snowman
Gene Autry

Grandma Got Run OverBy A Reindeer
Elmo & Patsy

Hard Rock Candy Christmas
Dolly Parton

Hark The Herald Angels Sing
Nat King Cole

Have Yourself A VeryMerry Christmas
Rosemary Clooney

Home For The Holidays
Perry Como

Its Beginning To LookA Lot Like Christmas
Bing Crosby &The Andrew Sisters

I Saw Mommy KissingSanta Claus
Jimmy Boyd

Its a Most WonderfulTime Of The Year
Johnny Mathis

Jingle Bell Rock
Bobby Helms

Jingle Bells
Roy Rogers (Most Interesting Middle!)

Jingle Bells
Perry Como

Jingle Bells
The Jingle Bell Piggie

Joy To The World
Nat King Cole

Leroy, the Redneck Reindeer
Joe Diffie

Let It Snow
Andy Williams

Lets Put ChristBack Into Christmas
Tammy Wynette

Little Drummer Boy
Neil Diamond

O Christmas Tree
Nat King Cole

Please Come Home
The Platters

Pretty Paper
Roy Orbison

Rocking Around TheChristmas Tree
Brenda Lee

Rudolph The RedNose Reindeer
Gene Autry

Rudolph The RedNose Reindeer
Unknown Group

Santa Baby
Cynthia Basinet

Santa Claus IsComing To Town
Bing Crosby

Santa Claus IsWatching You
Ray Stevens

Silver Bells
Bing Crosby/Peggy Lee

Silent Night
Dean Martin

Sleigh Ride
Johnny Mathis

The First Noel
Andy Williams

Up On The Housetop
Gene Autry

White Christmas
Bing Crosby

White Christmas
The Drifters (1954 - version used in "Home Alone" movie)

Winter Wonderland
Brenda Lee

Christmas With Elvis


H/T BT

Ginseng hunter died from exposure

A Staunton man who went missing in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Shenandoah National Park in September died of exposure, as reported by the medical examiner's office in Richmond.

Earl Funk, 49, who was hunting for ginseng, did not return at the appointed time to meet a friend, and his body was found two weeks later after an extensive search by over 150 people. The area where he was found is extremely rugged terrain.

Bacon's Rebellion and James Atticus Bowden

The new edition of Bacon's Rebellion e-zine is out under the management of the Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy with articles from Mike Thompson, Michele Sessions, John Palatiello, Michael Cecire, Patrick McSweeney, David Schnare, James Atticus Bowden, and Frank Kilgore.

Jim Bowden's contribution this month is Virginia Republicans' Challenge in 2009 as he ponders the past and future of the Republican Party:

If Virginia voted for a Democrat for President for the first time in 44 years, how can Virginia vote for a Republican for Governor for the first time in 12 years? Will the Democrats win the Virginia House like they did the Senate in ’07? What must Republican candidates do?

Run as conservatives. Repent for the past by running for an honest conservative future: spend less, tax less, fix transportation and let the market lead us to energy independence.

Good reading from Bacon's Rebellion.

Staunton City Council discusses concerns with Hanger, Saxman

Staunton's City Council members met with state legislators Thursday night to discuss the upcoming General Assembly session, providing a wish list of their concerns.

As reported in the News Leader, Sen. Emmett Hanger and Del. Chris Saxman offered assurance they would do what they could for some issues but were not in agreement with Council on others:

With significant education cuts looming during the upcoming General Assembly session, local legislators committed to help soften the burden for Staunton during a special meeting with City Council.

“The one thing I picked up from my colleagues in both the House and the Senate is whatever happens in the area of education, we want to provide enough flexibility as possible to local governments and school boards so they can make their own decisions,” said Del. Chris Saxman, R-Staunton.

Cell phones banned while driving? Primary seat belt law? Beer tax? New arts center? Some were supported by Council; some were supported by the legislators. The meeting offered an opportunity for Staunton's governing body to pass along their concerns. More coverage can be found at WHSV TV-3.

It was a Rudolph kind of night ...

After a foggy, misty day in the Augusta County area, the night became even foggier and mistier.

Driving home tonight after meeting friends for dinner (and catching up on the news and exchanging Christmas gifts), it occurred to me it was a Rudolph night. The fog was thick and there was mist on the windshield, becoming more so the closer I got to home. I had my eyes peeled for deer and, though I saw a dead one on the shoulder of the bypass, I was home free until ...

... I pulled into my driveway ... and a deer shot across in front of me. I slammed on the brakes as it bolted to the other side of the yard, then stopped and looked at me. I looked where it had come from and there was another deer standing and watching.

I've had deer run across in front of me on the bypass. I've had deer run across in front of me on the main road. I've even had them run across in front of me on the street where I live.

But this was a first ... to have a deer bolt across in front of me in my own driveway. I could have used Rudolph's help seeing my way home through the fog ... but I didn't need the others.

Yep ... it was a Rudolph kind of night.

2008: A different Christmas poem ... thank you to our troops

May God bless our American Armed Forces.
This one's for Nate and his fellow Marines....

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."

"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at Pearl on a day in December."
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."

"My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam,
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile."

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
"I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.

"I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother

"Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.
So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."

"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

"For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

Random acts of kindness ...

Stacy over at Smart Girl Politics, a coalition of conservative women bloggers of which I am a member, has a great post up urging all to participate in random acts of kindness throughout the year ... but those acts of kindness may be even more touching during the holidays. She calls it "pay it forward" after a movie of the same name:

... a small boy ... starts a nationwide movement by doing one small good deed for someone in need. The only thing that he asks in return is for that person to pay it forward and do a good deed for someone else. The story continues with thousands of people helping out their fellow man.

Angel trees ... picking up the dinner tab for a military wife whose husband is in Iraq ... paying for a friend's birthday drinks ... sitting in the hospital with a neighbor ... taking a meal to someone who is alone ... corresponding with a military mom who has lost a son ... hugging a friend who is down ... opening your home to those who are alone for the holidays ... sending a card to a military member ... babysitting for a military wife so she can shop for Christmas ... donating to Goodwill and the Salvation Army ... give a large-print magazine subscription to an elderly aunt ... shovel a neighbor's driveway ... hold the door open for a fellow shopper ... drop a note to a pastor, teacher, friend who has stood by you at a time of need.

Stacy plans to provide lunch to the local recruiting station the week before Christmas and, as she says, they have already paid it forward. She writes:

I want to ask that those who read my blog or are members of Smart Girl Politics think of a way that they can pay it forward. Whether you pay for someone's lunch that is in a drive-thru line behind you or buy someone's groceries who are in line ahead of you, find a way to pay it forward for someone. You can even get one of those Dear Santa dead letters at your local post office and fulfill someone's dream.

I have always wanted to pay it forward and this Christmas I will finally complete the mission. If you choose this mission, I would love for you to come back and share with everyone what you did to pay it forward.

Random acts of kindness ... they can change someone's life....

George W endorses Jeb for U.S. Senate

“He would be an awesome U.S. senator.”
--President George W. Bush (interview with RealClearPolitics)

Politico is reporting that President George W. Bush is happy with the thought of his younger brother, Jeb, running as a representative from Florida to the U.S. Senate:

“I think the party would benefit a lot by having Jeb Bush in the U.S. Senate,” the president added. “I think Florida would benefit a lot. I think the country would benefit a lot. And I think the Republican Party would benefit a lot. He is a proven leader who, when given responsibilities, succeeded.”

Earlier this month Jeb, a former two-term governor of Florida, told Politico that he is “considering” a run for Martinez’s seat. The Florida senator announced his retirement on Dec. 2.

To rebuild the GOP brand, the former governor has said the party needs to embrace reform and broaden the party’s outreach, especially to Hispanics. He also suggests a renewed commitment to core Republican principles such as a limited scope of government.

Run, Jeb, run!

WRVA's Lee Brothers' second annual "Christmas Wishes from Home"

First, I would like to welcome the Lee Brothers to Blog Net News. These two radio personalities are two of the most patriotic people you will find anywhere. Their blog header says: "Right wing, Pro-Life, Pro-America, Pro-Buisness … any questions?"

The Lee Brothers will be hosting their second annual Christmas Wishes from Home next week for families and friends of our military men and women. If you are within the listening area of the WRVA 1140 AM signal, tune in for a program that will warm your heart and bring tears to your eyes.

Our thanks to Scott and Richard Lee for their patriotism, their conservative beliefs, and their support of our troops.

Here are details about the Christmas Wishes from Home program:

Please join us for the second annual Christmas Wishes from Home on Tuesday, Dec 23rd from 3-6pm on 1140 WRVA!

This segment is for families and friends who want to wish our troops a Merry Christmas on air! We will post the show at our site and www.wrva.com so that our troops can listen at their convenience. It will be like you are talking directly to them!

We will read e-mails and letters on the air during the show. If you can’t call in, please send an e-mail.

Spread the word and let us show our troops that we are thinking of them during these special Christmas season!

God Bless America!

And may God bless the Lee Brothers.

Sen. Mark Obenshain: Virginia needs to rein in spending

Sen. Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg) today expressed his disappointment in Governor Tim Kaine's revised state budget calling for increased taxes after saying he would not do so to balance the budget:

This morning, Gov. Tim Kaine issued a revised budget addressing the serious budget shortfall for the current biennium. In this period of economic downturn, the Governor and those of us in the General Assembly face hard choices, and I commend the governor for his proposals to reduce expenditures. I remain concerned, however, that this latest round of cuts may be insufficient, and I am disappointed to see that the Governor has reneged on his promise to balance the budget without raising taxes. Perhaps even more troubling is the Governor's reliance on bond issues, "saving" $350 million this biennium by passing along even greater debt to another year and the next gubernatorial administration.

When faced with a revenue shortfall, increasing the tax burden has a certain allure in its seeming simplicity. The reality, however, is that tax hikes penalize economic activity and place recovery itself in jeopardy, and funds raised by taking on new debts are not "savings." To raise taxes and go further into debt is to compound folly; it is an extension of the mistaken policies that led us to this point.

Make no mistake: through new bond issues, deferred payment of principle on existing bonds, and the shifting of payments to non-general fund sources, the Governor seeks to pass the bill on to another biennium and another governor rather than doing what it takes to solve the problem. Accounting tricks and new debt obligations can only deepen the crisis. We need to rein in spending, not hide it, and a government concerned about the Commonwealth's bond rating and invested in economic recovery cannot afford to engage in a high-dollar version of balancing the budget by putting everything on a charge card.

Declining revenues were inevitable in a recession that knows no political boundaries, but the scope of Virginia's shortfall is directly attributable to unrealistically high revenue projections and a budget that increased spending in the face of unmistakable signs of economic decline. Even now, the Governor's latest proposal relies on a presumption of 4% growth in the upcoming fiscal year, and his revenue projections are based upon a constant unemployment rate - even though the governor's own budget office expects the rate of unemployment to climb.

We cannot afford to close the gap incrementally, going back to find more savings each time revenues fail to meet projections, nor can we content ourselves to find "efficiencies." The situation we now face demands a thorough, top-to-bottom review of the entire budget. We should always seek to eliminate inefficiencies, but that is not enough. Any viable, long-term solution requires an assessment of the Commonwealth's priorities and a review of the best, most cost-effective ways to achieve them - an analysis based not on existing programs, but on desired outcomes.

In addition to $167 million in tax increases and $350 million in bonded debt, the Governor seeks permission to tap $490 million from the Commonwealth's Rainy Day Fund. We owe it to the taxpayers of Virginia to ensure that they need not continue to pay for a storm of our own making. To the extent that the Governor's Department of Planning and Budget has identified hundreds of millions in unnecessary administrative costs, I applaud this progress, but am disheartened that wasteful spending was deemed appropriate, or at least unimportant, until we faced a fiscal crisis.

The budget proposal released by the Governor today is a start, but much work remains to be done. We cannot rely, as this proposal does, on unsubstantiated hopes of better days ahead, nor can we afford to delay the deepest cuts until 2010. Such tactics will only exacerbate the problem and necessitate more drastic cuts in the future. In times such as these, we cannot further burden Virginia's taxpayers - and we cannot push the hardest decisions down the road.

The time has come to restore the fiscal integrity of that Commonwealth. The decisions that lie ahead will require careful discretion, and the decisions we must make may at times be unpleasant, but I look forward to working with both Republicans and Democrats to adopt budget amendments that are both responsible and taxpayer-friendly.

Cross-posted at SixtyFour81.com

Nooks and crannies of the Homestead ...

The beauty and history of the Homestead is set off by the nooks and crannies that can be found throughout the hotel. Dozens of seating areas are available for quiet conversations with friends, romantic moments with loved ones, business discussions, and people watching.

In December the Homestead is decorated for Christmas with pointsettias, outdoor lighting, trains, and Christmas trees.





SWAC Daughter enjoys a quiet moment in one of the conversational areas.

Murals above the doorway leading into the hallway from the Grand Ballroom.

The Grand Ballroom.

Murals on the walls depict the history of the Homestead beginning in 1766.



Chess or checkers ... game tables are located throughout the seating areas.

Photos by SWAC Girl

More grim news for Waynesboro ... "all Invista workers notified of layoffs"

The headline is splashed across the top of the Waynesboro News Virginan this morning:

"All Invista workers notified of layoffs"

On the heels of Friday's unexpected layoffs of 210 workers, today's news will likely send the River City reeling as Invista workers receive notices alerting them to the possibility of being laid off in February.

The company downplayed the action ... a union spokesman said they were erring on the side of caution. According to the News Virginian:

That figure is three times higher than the 210 layoffs announced by the company last week. Invista spokeswoman Jodie Stutzman said today that because the company has not identified specifically which workers will be laid off, it included all employees in the notice. The company has said an undisclosed number of contract workers also will be laid off as part of a plan to idle nylon production.

“While we can’t estimate the exact number of contractors, we can tell you that the combination of employees and contractors to remain at the site will still exceed 500,” Stutzman said. “We’re still not sure just what those proportions will be.”

Jim Flickinger, president of United Local Workers Local 381 of the International Brotherhood of DuPont Workers, said Monday that the union would try to minimize the impact on its workers and called the current notification a precaution.

“I think they were erring on notifying too many rather than too few,” Flickinger said.

Read the entire story here.

White House Barney Cam features Olympian Michael Phelps

Barney and Miss Beazley

President Bush takes Barney Bush riding on the ranch.

Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps guest stars in this year's Christmas Barney Cam, the annual tour of the White House through the eyes of the President's Scottie, Barney. He is joined by his fellow Scottie, Miss Beazley.

As the White House is decorated, Michael Phelps tells Barney, "I'm glad the decorations are finally coming together and you're using my favorite color, gold."

It is a light-hearted video that has been used every year since the Bush family took up residence at the White House. Catch it at the White House website.

Our agile President ...

How about our President Bush quick-stepping away from those flying shoes thrown by a rude Iraqi journalist in Iraq? If you saw the video, the shoe-launcher slung those things from about 10-12 feet away like a hard ball, leaving little reaction time.

Someone not as athletic or alert would have been hit up-side the head by the flying footwear ... but not the President.

And speaking of which ... that journalist, instead of slinging shoes at George W. Bush, should have kissed his feet in thanks for the fact that his country now offers freedom of speech (and expression). If he had tried that trick with Saddam Hussein, he would have been dead.

Meanwhile, the President continues to be extremely popular with American troops and they were able to relay their respect for him during this trip, his last as President of the United States visiting his troops on the battle ground.

Thank you, President Bush. Thank you to our military men and women.

AFP shines sunlight onto 2009 VA General Assembly

Americans for Prosperity – Virginia Applauds House Republicans’ Move To Record Subcommittee Votes ... with the Virginia legislative session a month away, House Republicans set a tone of transparency for the 2009 General Assembly session.

RICHMOND – The Virginia chapter of Americans for Prosperity (AFP-VA) today commended House Republicans for making transparent and accountable government a state priority by requiring recorded subcommittee votes, giving Virginians public access to individual delegate votes on crucial legislation in subcommittees.

"This is a victory for Virginia voters." said AFP – Virginia State Director Ben Marchi. "Accountable and transparent government is where good government begins, and it is encouraging that both Virginia voters and delegates are in agreement."

AFP-Virginia’s fight for recorded subcommittee votes included a petition supporting transparency in state government signed by Virginia activists, along with an influx of phone calls and letters voicing concern to legislators.

"Having recorded votes in subcommittees will allow Virginians to check and make sure we are doing the job they put us here to do," said Delegate Ben Cline (R-Lexington) who has authored transparency legislation to be introduced in the 45 day session beginning next month.

AFP-Virginia was also glad to hear that House Republicans made difficult but necessary cuts in their budget – saving Virginia taxpayers over $1 million-- and pledged to oppose any earmarks in the 2008-2010 biennial budgets.

Over the next few months, AFP will take its message of transparent, accountable, and limited government on the road, holding town hall meetings with legislators at the local, state, and federal levels.

"The 2009 session has not yet started and Virginia taxpaying citizens are already winning," said Marchi. "With the support of our over 13,000 members, I know the voices of Virginians will continue to be heard.”

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen leaders committed to advancing every individual's right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and scope of government is the best safeguard to ensuring individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens in support of restraining state and federal government growth, and returning government to its constitutional limits. For more information, visit Americans For Prosperity.

Visit Bethlehem village at Afton ... the Bethlehem Project

A tradition and an experience that takes us back in time 2,000 years to the birth of Christ ... from The Bethlehem Project website:

Imagine a little village that existed long before colored lights, reindeer, or Santa Claus. Roman Soldiers walk the streets, Wise Men appear with their camels, shop keepers are going about their everyday lives yet this village is on the brink of something immense, the birth of one who would forever change the course of human history. Experience this village as it really was. Come to Bethlehem and see for yourself the magic and wonder of the first Christmas.

Step back in time as you enter the gates of Bethlehem of Judea. The Roman emperor has issued an order that a census be taken throughout the Empire and every citizen must register. On a cold winter’s night you are traveling streets illuminated by torchlight, wandering deeper into the heart of a village where cautious Roman soldiers patrol the crowd, Wise men, shepherds, livestock are among the many passersby, shops and shopkeepers inhabit a bustling marketplace, and welcoming cheer abounds. Now, far away from the tinseled trees and crowded malls that most commonly usher in the Christmas holiday season, this is an event no one should miss.

Open daily Friday, December 19 thru Tuesday, December 23, from 6-9 pm. Admission is free to the public. Donations are accepted for the Village and Restaurant to help with costs. Gift shop.

Hispanic Tour: This year we will have a guided tour in Spanish starting at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, December 23.

Communion Service: Join us for Communion in the Village on Tuesday, December 23, at 8:30 pm.

Special Afternoon Hours: This year we will open at 4:00 pm on Sunday, December 21 (one day only) to allow visitors to enjoy the Village during day light hours.

Location: We are located near the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in central Virginia just minutes from Interstates 64 and 81. Our street address is:

Hebron Baptist Church
66 Tanbark Drive
Afton, Va. 22920

Click here for a map to Hebron Baptist Church. For more information call (540)456-6863.

Background: The Bethlehem Village Project is a community effort of local churches and friends from the Afton, Waynesboro and Charlottesville, Virginia, area. The village is located on the grounds of Hebron Baptist Church in Afton, Virginia, and is maintained by the generous efforts of this fellowship.

History: Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains a highly dedicated group of volunteers is transporting delighted spectators back to the 1st century with one of the longest continuous running "Village of Bethlehem" productions in the country. The Bethlehem Project was conceived in 1999 by Rev. Jim Ailor (Hebron Baptist Church pastor at the time), who, having studied a miniature model of Bethlehem and the nativity, decided to recreate historic Bethlehem for people to experience firsthand. He rallied members of Hebron and surrounding churches together to create a temporary village during those first few years. It began with just a few shops and characters in the parking lot of the church. Each year the village was erected and dismantled for the event.

In 2004 Hebron Baptist donated land to allow the village to be constructed as a permanent collection of buildings and stables. It continues to grow each year in its scope and dramatic portrayals while still maintaining the authentic feel of a small village around the 1st century.

Congrats, Krystle!

She's at the top of the Blog Net News influence rankings this week and going strong! Congrats to Krystle over at Crystal Clear Conservative for being # 1! I'm sending warm congratulatory wishes her way because I discovered at the Republican Advance that Krystle does not like cold weather.

Krystle, Jason Kenney, and I were attending the New Media Saturday afternoon session at the Republican Advance earlier this month when my daughter sent a text: "It's snowing outside." I immediately wrote that message on a piece of paper and showed it first to Jason, then to Krystle.

Krystle wrote back, "Not ready for snow! Warm weather please! :) "

I responded, "Let it snow ... let it snow ... let it snow!" and drew a picture of a snowman.

She wrote back, "Palm trees, beaches, sunshine, and a great breeze. My type of weather."

So here's to tropical breezes and palm trees for you, Krystle! Keep up the good work in the Virginia blogosphere.

Bacon's Rebellion e-zine now with Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy

Mike Thompson sent out an email Sunday evening saying the Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy has assumed the management of Bacon's Rebellion e-zine:

Since the November election I have been spending much of my time at the Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy, the state's most respected independent public policy foundation which I founded several years ago. One of our projects has been our effort to assume the management of Virginia's highly acclaimed public policy electronic magazine (or e-zine) called Bacon's Rebellion after its founder and six year editor, James Bacon.

This is a public policy journal of opinions on various issues facing our state. A variety of writers participate and subjects include everything from politics, to state and local budgets, to education, to election analysis, to business issues and environmental ideas. The idea is to present a range of ideas and issues which will elevate the oveall public policy discussion here inVirginia. Bacon's Rebellion is read by many of the top opinion leaders in our state and I hope you will become one of these.

You will be recieving Bacon's Rebellion beginning this week. I hope you like it. You won't agree with everything that is written. I don't agree with everything either. The idea is to bring a variety of ideas to the table for discussion. And I am sure you will find, as I have in reading Bacon's Rebellion for the past six years, that there are a lot of good solid ideas rolling around out there in our state, and even those who we might disagree with have well reasoned ideas in many cases.

You can unsubscribe just as you have been able to do with these emails. Simply follow the instructions and you will be taken off the list. However, I do hope you will allow us to send this to you every time we publish. The first edition under our management at the Thomas Jefferson Institute will come later this week and we hope to publish twice monthly beginning in January. There is an associated Bacon's Rebellion Blog which Jim Bacon will continue to manage and for which the Jefferson Institute will have no formal relationship.

You can find out more about our work at the Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy by visiting our website.

Thanks for listening.

Mike Thompson, Chairman and President
Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy

It's good to know Bacon's Rebellion e-zine will still be available.

Christmas in the Valley ... Gypsy Hill Park light display

A Christmas tradition each year with SWAC Niece is to drive through Gypsy Hill Park and see the light display provided by various churches, civic organizations, realty companies, and other in the community. We went Saturday night after attending "The Nutcracker" ballet ... and were not disappointed. With more displays added annually, it offers lots to entertain young and old alike ... from sacred to whimsical to joyful.

It's Christmas in the Shenandoah Valley....

Photos by SWAC Girl

NRA updates for Virginia ...

The National Rifle Association of America's latest newsletter has updates on Virginia:

Update on Virginia Crime Commission Hearing: On Tuesday, December 9, the Virginia Crime Commission held a hearing on possible legislation for the 2009 session. The Crime Commission's mission was to analyze the difference between Federal and State law regarding the definition of a dealer and determine if Virginia may possibly regulate the sale of firearms by private individuals. The Commission ruled that no recommendations will be voted upon, but it has set a meeting date of Tuesday, January 13, for a vote on legislative proposals. Please continue checking your email and www.NRAILA.org for any updates on this matter.

Right-to-Carry Permit Process Streamlined in Spotsylvania County: Also on Tuesday, December 9, the Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to remove the fingerprinting stage of requirements to obtain a Right-to-Carry permit. The removal of this clause will not only make things easier for applicants, but it will also ease the burden on the County Sheriff due to the dramatic spike in permit applications this year. Thank you to all of the NRA members who answered the call and either contacted the Board of Supervisors or attended the hearing. Without you, this victory would not have been possible.