Christmas cookie baking 2012 ... the tradition continues

 The family tradition continues....

 Florentine ...

 ... gingerbread buttons ...

 ... chocolate crinkles and sugar cutouts ...

 ... chocolate crinkles and snickerdoodles.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
December 8, 2012

Happy Hanukkah 2012

"It's not the size of our Army ... it's the strength of our faith."
--Judah Maccabee

Today is the beginning of Hanukkah ... a time of miracles, courage, and faith. Love and joy to all my Jewish friends on this holiday of lights with a thank you for your friendship and a wish for a wonderful New Year.

Two thousand years ago, one family led by one man stood between the mighty Greek army and the conquest of the Jewish people. The family was the Hasmoneans, and the man was Judah Maccabee.

The Greeks were different from other empires. They didn't just want your land, your resources and your riches -- they wanted your national essence, your culture. They wanted you to think like them, live like them and even be entertained like them. The problem was most Jews weren't buying, and the Greeks didn't appreciate that. So the Greeks brought pressure to bear on the Jews.

Women who insisted that their sons be circumcised were killed along with their babies. Brides were forced to sleep with Greek officers before they could be with their husbands. Jews were required to eat pork and sacrifice pigs to the Greek gods. The teaching of Torah became a capital crime.

The sages and their students went into hiding in order to study and preserve the Torah. Secret weddings were held. Most Jews did anything and everything to remain Jewish. Many were tortured and murdered for their defiance. A period of darkness and suffering descended upon the Jews of Israel.

And then came the Hasmoneans.

The Hasmonean family was led by Mattisyahu and his five sons: Shimon, Yochanan, Yehudah (Judah), Elazar and Yonasan. Mattisyahu was a devout man who could not bear to see Judaism and the Jewish spirit crushed. It was his family that led the revolt against the vastly superior Greek forces. Mattisyahu understood that the battle was far less for national liberation than it was for spiritual and religious liberation. ...

Judah Maccabee was a fearless leader, a brilliant battlefield tactician and a man capable of inspiring thousands to take up arms in the battle for the preservation of Judaism. It was Judah Maccabee who conceived of ways for the Jewish forces to out-maneuver the larger, better equipped and seasoned Greek army.

When at last the Jews captured Jerusalem, rededicated the Temple and witnessed the miracle of the oil, it was with Judah Maccabee as the leader of the Hasmonean family and at the head of the Jewish army of liberation.

In many ways the story of Chanukah is the story of how one man and one family can make all the difference in the world for an entire people. It was the inspiration of Mattisyahu, the leadership of Judah Maccabee and the stubborn tenacity of the dedicated Jews that literally saved the Jewish people and the Jewish way of life.

--From "Who Was Judah Maccabee" by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

Charlie Crist, former FL GOP governor, switches to Democratic Party

Charlie Crist, former Republican governor of Florida, has officially joined the Democratic Party. As James Joyner at Outside the Beltway noted:

Crist has long held views that clashed with the Republican orthodoxy and that became problematic in an era where purity and loyalty tests have been demanded.

The Tampa Bay Times noted that Crist had "relished the tough-on-crime nickname 'Chain Gang Charlie' and used to describe himself variously as a 'Ronald Reagan Republican' and a 'Jeb Bush Republican'..."

Crist found himself sideways with the Republican Party during the 2010 U.S. Senate election when he was bumped out by tea party favorite Marco Rubio who won the Republican nomination and went on to win the senate seat. Cross-posted at Bearing Drift

Pearl Harbor Day proclamation from Governor McDonnell

Governor Bob McDonnell has issued a proclamation recognizing December 7^th as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in Virginia.  He has also ordered that flags be flown at half-staff on all local, state, and federal buildings and grounds in Virginia.  The governor will be attending a remembrance ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial tomorrow, December 7, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. and place a wreath at the memorial.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

WHEREAS, December 7, 2012 marks the 71st anniversary of the attack on the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, early on the morning of December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was ambushed in a surprise attack by the Japanese Imperial Navy, and 2,403 American military personnel, including 44 Virginians, were killed while 1,178 others were wounded; and

WHEREAS, the attack on Pearl Harbor, a day that has since lived in infamy, is among the most destructive and unwarranted acts of war to take place on American soil, and its anniversary serves as a reminder of the vigilance and preparedness which our nation must always maintain; and

WHEREAS, Virginians and Americans everywhere owe a debt of gratitude to the members of the United States Armed Forces who died at Pearl Harbor, as well as to those who survived and fought with great honor and bravery in the Second World War while defending the people and principles of our nation; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting to observe a day in honor of everyone who served in the United States Armed Forces at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and to reflect upon their sacrifices and on the losses endured by their families and loved ones;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize December 7, 2012 as PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

Governor’s flag order for the Commonwealth of Virginia

In accordance with Public Law 103-308, as amended, designated December 7 of each year as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, I do hereby order that the flags of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia shall be flown at half-staff on all local, state, and federal buildings and grounds in the Commonwealth of Virginia in honor and respect of those who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.

I hereby order that the flags shall be lowered immediately on Friday, December 7, 2012, and remain at half-staff until sunset.

Ordered this the 6th day of December, 2012.

Sincerely,

Robert F. McDonnell

Breaking: Senator Jim DeMint to resign in January

Politico is breaking this news:

Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) is resigning his seat in January to become president of the Heritage Foundation, GOP aides confirmed to POLITICO. "This really gets my blood going again thinking about the possibilities. This is the time to elevate the conservative cause," the senator told the Wall Street Journal, which first reported the news. Republican South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley would appoint a replacement until a special election is held in 2014, the Journal reported.

Norm Leahy has more over at Bearing Drift.

Rob Bell to carry Tebow Bill in 2013 General Assembly

Delegate Rob Bell (R-58th House District) has carried the Tebow Bill, named after Tim Tebow, the 25-year-old quarterback for the New York Jets who was homeschooled, to the Virginia General Assembly the past two years.

The bill would expand options for homeschool students by allowing them to participate in sports and extracurricular activities at their local high schools, much as the homeschooled Tebow was allowed to play football with his local public high school team in Florida. For some, it's a way to participate in team sports that may not be available through their homeschool association. For others, it may be a means to earn a college sports scholarship to help pay for higher education.

Twenty-nine states already allow homeschoolers to play high school sports. In Virginia, that option is not available and, while some homeschool families are not interested in public school access, the Tebow Bill would provide a choice for families who are interested.

Bell wrote in the Home Educators Association of Virginia newsletter explaining why he is working to pass the Tebow Bill:

What stops homeschoolers from playing? Individual schools can set their own internal rules, but when the time comes for the actual game, the competition is governed by the Virginia High School League (VHSL). The VHSL has rules that effectively bar homeschoolers form playing, including the "take five, pass five" rule that requires students to take and pass certain classes in school. The VHSL prohibition applies even to those schools that want homeschoolers on their teams.

Opponents of the "Tebow Bill" claim that a student can't truly represent the school unless he attends classes in the building, or that it is unfair to have different rules for different students. Some fear that the homeschooler will take "a slot," thereby bumping another student from the team.

But we live here too!
These arguments miss the point. Homeschool students are being legally educated pursuant to Virginia law. Their parents pay taxes that support the school. Besides, not every athlete "walks the halls" of the school -- dual-enrolled public school students who take classes at a community college can play sports even if they never set foot inside the high school. It is only homeschoolers who are excluded.

How do we fix this?
For several years, I have proposed the "Tebow Bill," which would give local schools the authority to let homeschoolers play. To keep things fair, it includes requirements that sutdents pass their homeschooling tests, live in the school district, and follow all the rules of the team. There would be no reserved slots or quotas. This option is not for everyone, and the "Tebow Bill" would not require homeschoolers to join high school sports -- it would simply allow those homeschoolers who are interested to try out. From its beginning, the homeschool movement has emphasized providing choices and empowering parents, and this bill gives parents an option.

Although some homeschoolers worry that a "Tebow Bill" would open the door to new homeschooling regulations, I believe this is no longer the primary challenge for homeschoolers. In the last two decades, homeschooling has expanded eight-fold in Virginia, and has become a truly mainstream education choice. Many homeschool students access local schools for "partial enrollment" classes or extra-curricular programs not governed by the VHSL. All of these have made homeschooling more accessible to parents, and none have led to new homeschool regulations.

How you can help
As I visit co-ops and support groups, I hear that a clear majority of homeschool parents support the bill -- even if they don't plan to use it themselves. However, in the General Assembly we are still several votes shy of passage. You can help by contacting your state legislators, sharing your thoughts, and introducing them to your students so they can see who might benefit. You can also testify in Richmond.

If you want to stay involved, sign the online petition at www.VirginiaTebowBill.com.

With your help, we can make this change and expand choices for homeschoolers in Virginia!

The bill, defeated during last year's General Assembly after Bell's work for two years to reach some kind of consensus with opponents, will be reintroduced in January 2013 after consulting with the VaHomeschoolers Association.

Bell, an attorney and Virginia legislator who is running for Attorney General whose younger siblings were homeschooled, is not giving up. For those interested in helping, find your representative  here and ask that they s/he support the Tebow Bill.

Tim Tebow is a professional athlete who is a Christian role model for others including the homeschool students who look up to him. This post tells of the many things he has done to reach out to those less fortunate than he.
--------
 Delegate Rob Bell (R-58th House) is the patron of the Tebow Bill (HB 947). He was the recipient of HEAV's 2006 award for "Outstanding Leadership in Advancing the Rights of Home-Educating Parents." He was an Honors Graduate from the University of Virginia and UVA Law School. A candidate for Virginia Attorney General in 2013, Delegate Bell lives in Albemarle County with his wife and two young children.

Kate Middleton released from hospital: It's more serious than just morning sickness

Morning sickness. We all get it, right? It's estimated that 90 percent of pregnant women suffer some form of what is commonly known as morning sickness consisting of nausea and vomiting due to an increase in hormone levels during pregnancy.

Duchess Kate Middleton has taught the world that two percent of pregnant women develop acute morning sickness, known as hyperemesis gravidarum or, as one doctor put it, "morning sickness on steroids." Morning sickness in the extreme, it is a horrible, debilitating condition that causes excessive vomiting and severe dehydration that can be harmful to the mother and baby if not treated. As we learned with the Duchess, it can land expectant moms in the hospital.

Thankfully, after four days of treatment, Kate was released this morning and left with her husband, William. Here's wishing them well and something else that may be more difficult to obtain ... a little privacy away from the prying eyes of the world.

2 U.S. soldiers killed in Afghanistan

Two American soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan's Helmand province. They were killed December 3 after suffering wounds when enemy forces attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device (IED).

Sgt. 1st Class Darren  M. Linde, 41, of Sidney, Montana, and Spc. Tyler J. Orgaard, 20, of Bismarck, N.D., were assigned to the 818th Engineer Company, 164th Engineer Battalion, out of Williston, N.D.

Prayers go to their families and friends with solemn gratitude for their sacrifice. Freedom is not free....

Virginia: AutoZone employee stops armed robbery, gets fired

Every time I hear stories like this, it's frustrating to think of the ridiculous zero-tolerance policies out there that have no room for common sense. Here is yet another, and it took place in York County, Virginia. 

AutoZone employee Devin McLean, 23, an Air Force veteran, was fired by his company after thwarting an armed robber as he and his manager prepared to close the store. The masked bandit pulled a gun, pointed it at their heads, and demanded money.

While his boss was busy opening the safe, McLean was able to slip out to the parking lot, retrieve a Glock 40 from his vehicle, and return to the store. Fox News reported:

“I told him to freeze and to drop his weapon,” McLean told Fox News.

Instead, the robber took off – last seen running down the street from the store.

“I watched him run down the street,” he said. “I came back inside and made sure my manager was okay and he called the police.”

AutoZone's response was to fire him the week before Thanksgiving because he "violated" their zero tolerance policy on employees having weapons inside the store. Now that word has spread about the hero who was fired, AutoZone officials refuse to talk about it or explain further why they fired an employee who save another employee's life.

Mr. McLean talked with Fox News about his dismissal:

“It was a surprise to me,” McLean said. “I did the right thing. I saved the company $2,000. I saved one of their manager’s lives – and you’re letting me go? It was a slap in the face.”

McLean said the firing came at a difficult time. He’s about to be a first-time father.

“We’re having a little boy,” he said. “I remember when the guy came in with that gun. My initial thought was I want to make it home to my family. I want to have the opportunity to meet my son and for my son to meet his dad. And for someone to come in and shove a gun in your face?”

So why not just keep running? Why go back inside the store – and risk your own life?

“I regard them as my family,” McLean said of his co-workers. “You’re not going to leave your brother or sister behind.”

It’s a lesson he learned in the Air Force.

“Never leave a man behind,” he said. “I’m not going to leave my brother in a room with a guy with a gun – that’s threatening his life.”

Local law enforcement called Mr. McLean a hero and noted AutoZone's actions sent the wrong message to the robber:

Sheriff Diggs said AutoZone has also sent an unintended message to the community.

“The company has now sent a message to every would-be robber out there – ‘Hey we’re open for business and unarmed. Come on in and take our money,’” he said.

Some are coming to McLean's side as word spreads of the unfair firing.

NRA News called it an injustice. A boycott against AutoZone has been spread on Facebook. A petition is out there calling for McLean's reinstatement by AutoZone.

Greta Van Susteran talked with McLean Tuesday on her Fox News show.

Glen Beck has spread the news of McLean's firing on his Blaze news.

Local TV station WTKR covered the story with almost 500 comments from readers including some who actually agree with AutoZone's actions.

Perhaps companies, schools, and other organizations should understand there are exceptions to rules. A company employee saving another employee's life should definitely qualify as an exception.  Mr. McLean should be rewarded and receive a hero's ticker tape parade because, quite frankly, the world needs more Devin McLeans.

Cross-posted at Bearing Drift

Trouble in the tea leaves ... Dick Armey quits Freedom Works -- UPDATED

Dick Armey's work with Freedom Works was a big part of the tea party movement but now the conservative former House majority leader has quit the group. Reported in a number of media outlets including Politico, Mother Jones, and the Washington Post's Post Politics, Armey said he disagreed with the direction the group was going.

Dick Armey is not alone in leaving the organization. Max Pappas, Freedom Works' former vice president for public policy and government affairs, has also left.

In an email dated November 30, 2012, Armey appeared to leave on less than friendly terms as he demands that Freedom Works stop using his name, that he receive payment through the end of 2012, and prohibiting them from using any part of his book, "Hitting the Ground Running," without his explicit permission.

Freedom Works is headed up by Matt Kibbe who is libertarian.

Dick Armey's resignation letter to Freedom Works:

This is to inform you that as of 5:00 P.M. ET on November 30, 2012 I resign my position of Trustee at FreedomWorks, Inc. and my positions of Chairman of FreedomWorks and FreedomWorks Foundation.

As I resign from all board positions and duties, please see below a list of dispositions on outstanding issues: I expect to be fully compensated through the expiration date (December 31, 2012) of my current consulting contract with FreedomWorks. Henceforth FreedomWorks shall be prohibited from using my name, image, or signature in any way or for any purpose without my written permission or in the event of my death, without my heirs written permission.

Effective immediately I expect that Freedom Works shall remove my name, image, and signature from all its letters, print media, postings, web sites, videos, testimonials, endorsements, fund raising materials, and social media, including but not limited to Facebook and Twitter. I expect to receive via email at [redacted] by the close of business, December 4, 2012, all user names, passwords, security questions, and security answers for all accounts, web sites and social media, including but not limited to Facebook and Twitter, created in my name.

Effective immediately FreedomWorks is prohibited from using my booklet or any updated versions of my booklet "Hitting the Ground Running" without my written permission which I innovated while still in congress and trusted to Max Pappas to update for new member orientation. I request that FreedomWorks deliver the copy of my official congressional portrait to my home in Texas.

It will be interesting to hear the rest of the story when it finally comes out....

UPDATE: Roll Call has more on Dick Armey leaving Freedom Works and other staffers who are departing, too. Sadly, Freedom Works did not endorse Mitt Romney for the presidential election. In my book, that means they are partly responsible for the re-election of Barack Obama. The latest:

Several top FreedomWorks staffers are leaving the conservative advocacy group in the wake of former House Majority Leader Dick Armey’s resignation, the organization confirmed Tuesday.

Max Pappas, the group’s former vice president for public policy and government affairs, has left the organization, and Brendan Steinhauser, director of campaigns, will depart on Friday. Two of his staffers, Amanda Shell and David Spielman, have also resigned.

Armey had been co-chairman of the group since 2003. Roll Call added:

In the past year, FreedomWorks’ leaders have become increasingly divided over the direction of the organization, multiple sources close to the group told Roll Call Tuesday.

Stay tuned....

Photos: Revisit snowy January 2011 in Shenandoah Valley of Virginia

Central Shenandoah Valley farm with Appalachian Mountains in background. It's a breath-takingly beautiful area where we live ... we are blessed. How much snow will 2012-13 bring?

He curiously watched from his snowy field as I took his photo.

The fields and woods were beautiful on a cold winter morning.

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — I took the one less traveled by,
and that has made all the difference."

"The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep."

A frozen stream on a wintry January day....

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
29 January 2011
Augusta County, Virginia

Downy woodpecker on the wisteria

I was inside the house today when there was some kind of knocking sound -- or maybe even the sound of a rocking rocking chair -- coming from the front porch. I slowly opened the door to peer outside and there on the wisteria was a downy woodpecker pecking away at a bug smorgasboard. I quietly retreated from the door, found my camera, and slipped back over to snap a photo of my visitor. What a beauty!

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
December 4, 2012

Jim Gilmore explains the fiscal cliff

Talk of a looming "fiscal cliff" is all over the news these days, and some may wonder what exactly is a fiscal cliff.

Former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore, President and CEO of Free Congress, defined it in an easy-to-understand way, and discussed on CNBC on Tuesday common sense ways to avoid it when he faced off against former Democratic Governor Gray David of California:

In an interview, Governor Gilmore explains the Fiscal Cliff, the potential consequences of inaction and the simple solution to the economic crisis.

Q: What is the Fiscal Cliff?

A: As a result of Congressional negotiations over the debt ceiling expansion, both parties in the US Congress agreed that they would form a bipartisan Super Committee to present a fiscal plan to Congress on how to resolve the debt crisis. If the committee failed to reach an agreement on a plan, then there would be an automatic increase in taxes by allowing the “Bush Tax Cuts” to expire. If those cuts expire then the rate of taxation will go up on every American. In addition to the income tax hike, a break on the payroll tax will be allowed to expire, increasing the cost to all businesses, including small businesses which are the most vulnerable to changes in their taxes.

In November of last year, the Super Committee deliberated and failed to reach an agreement on how to resolve the financial crisis. If no further action is taken by the end of December, the country will go off the fiscal “cliff”. Federal spending will be cut 25% across the board, including in the defense budget. At this time of great international instability, this move would weaken our military and threaten national security. As it stands now, though federal spending will be slashed, taxes on individuals and businesses will still rise. The crisis is called a cliff because of the numerous and simultaneous changes that will injure the taxpayer.

Q: How do you think that the debate is being framed in the US Congress and in the media right now on how to resolve the controversy about the Fiscal Cliff?

A: I believe that those who want to increase taxes have been dominating the debate in Congress and the media by using the strongest rhetoric. No one wants to go over a “cliff”. Those who are pushing for tax increases are claiming to compromise by accepting federal spending reductions in return for higher taxes. By resorting to the fear of going over the cliff, then calling for fairness and compromise, those who want higher taxes are playing off of the emotions of the public to achieve their agenda without fairly informing the taxpayers of the potential disastrous consequences.

Q: What is the GOP’s argument and what is its effectiveness?

A: What few in the media remember is that the Republicans in Congress have been arguing for several years to reduce the deficit in the US Federal budget and to reduce our country’s dauntingly high debt. The challenge is that some liberals can argue that debt can be reduced just by cutting taxes. Further, Republicans are making a good argument for fairness in calling for no one to have the burden of increased taxes in this recession. The Democratic leadership has countered this simply by calling for a tax on the “rich”, defined as anyone earning over $250 K. This divisive argument has appeal to all Americans who are earning less than $250K and drives a wedge between fellow American citizens, but ignores the fact that many in the middle class and small business owners will see their taxes increase.

Q: What is the right message for conservatives who want to control spending and reduce taxes

A: The right message for conservatives is “Don’t tax economic growth.” Though we are recovering slowly, the nation is still in an historic recession with almost 8% of working Americans with no job. Our message should be not to increase taxes which will reduce economic growth and cause an even greater loss of jobs.

Q: What are the consequences on increased taxation, even as a form of compromise?

A: The fundamental problem of raising taxes is that it will reduce economic growth, increase unemployment and prolong the already painfully drawn-out recession. The result of the compromises that are being offered is that government spending will be cut at the same time taxes are increased. If neither the government nor the taxpayers are spending that money, then that money is doing nothing to benefit the economy. Ideally, the money saved from any spending cuts should be returned to the taxpayers in the form of reduced taxes so that they can spend it on groceries and other goods and put the money back into circulation.

Under the proposed Bowles-Simpson compromise, that saved money will not be spent by anyone. Bowles-Simpson will instead increase taxes, particularly on small business owners, who will then have reduced capital to invest in new plants, equipment and employees. The real danger to the nation here is that a compromise will be reached that increases taxes. The result of such an action will undoubtedly be a derailing of the recovery and a fall back into recession. That outcome is one that we all desperately want to avoid.

Check out Free Congress for more info on fiscal responsibility and common sense solutions.

Holiday Lantern Tours at Frontier Culture Museum

With the cold Shenandoah Valley night air reminiscent of Christmas past, enhance the season by joining one of the Holiday Lantern tours at the Frontier Culture Museum in the central Shenandoah Valley. This annual favorite will return December 15-23, from 6-8:00 nightly, with tours leaving the Visitor Center every 30 minutes.

The spirit of Christmas past comes to life as you walk the Museum grounds and experience holidays in history on this lantern-lit tour through the Olde World farmsteads decorated in a traditional manner. Each will present a vignette/play about Christmas past in England, Ireland, Germany, and the American farm in the New World. Horse-drawn wagons will transport visitors from the Olde World to America and back. Live music and refreshments will round out the evening at the Dairy Barn Lecture Hall.

Reservations are required and tours fill quickly. Contact the Frontier Culture Museum at (540) 332-7850. Tickets are $12 for adults age 13 & over, and $8 for children age 12 and under.

Getting ready for Christmas

On this fourth day of December, it's already 54 degrees at 9:00 a.m. and I will once again take advantage of the mild weather to work outdoors on Christmas decor. Monday's 68-degree temperature was a delight as we worked miniature white lights into bushes and replaced burned-out bulbs in the trees.

There have been years when my fingers were numb trying to wind lights through tree limbs in the cold and, according to the weather forecast, those temps will return later this week. So while it's mild -- I took off my sweater and was working in a tee shirt and jeans yesterday -- we'll make hay while the sun shines, as my mom says.

We're getting ready for a Shenandoah Valley Christmas with friends and family. Fresh greens, nandina berries, fir boughs and other evergreens will be decked out with bows and ribbon. It's my favorite time of year.

But today, while it's warm, there are some late-falling leaves on the ground that need to be raked so we have work to do along with the fun of decorating our corner of the world as we prepare for winter and the first snowfall that, hopefully, will be here soon. I have put in my order for a white Christmas.

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

U.S. House schedule for Tuesday, December 4, 2012

From Majority Leader Eric Cantor's office....

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4TH
On Tuesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning and hour and 12:00 p.m. for
legislative business. First and last votes expected: 1:45-2:45 p.m.

One Minute Speeches 

H.R. 6582 - To allow for innovations and alternative technologies that meet or exceed desired energy efficiency goals, and to make technical corrections to existing Federal energy efficiency laws to allow American manufacturers to remain competitive, as amended (Suspension, 40 Minutes of Debate) (Sponsored by Rep. Robert Aderholt / Energy and Commerce Committee)

Postponed Vote on H.R. 5817 - Eliminate Privacy Notice Confusion Act (Suspension) (Sponsored by Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer / Financial Services Committee)

Special Order Speeches

COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE DAY
Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on “Wading through Warehouses of Paper: The Challenges of Transitioning Veterans Records to Paperless Technology” (Tuesday, December 4, at 2:00 p.m.)

Printable PDF

Bill Bolling says 'thank you' to his supporters

Friends,

Just a quick note to say “Thank You” to the hundreds of people who have reached out to Jean Ann and me over the past week.  We truly appreciate the thoughtfulness you have shown us in the days following the decision to suspend my campaign for the Republican Party’s nomination for Governor of Virginia. 

As I’ve said before, this was a very difficult decision for me – probably the most difficult personal or professional decision I’ve ever had to make.  However, I know it was the right decision and we are at peace with the decision we made. 

I wish all of our candidates well as they move forward with their campaigns in 2013.  I encourage them to keep their focus on the issues that matter most to the people of Virginia and offer a positive vision for the future of our state. 

I truly want to see the Republican Party rebuild and become a big tent party that can win elections and get things done to better the people of Virginia.  That's what Governor McDonnell and I have done, and the results speak for themselves.

That's why I intend to focus on being a more independent voice for Virginia in the months to come, speaking out more objectively on the important issues facing our state and on the future of the Republican Party. 

My focus will now turn to the upcoming General Assembly session and the work that remains to be done in the McDonnell/Bolling administration.  Governor McDonnell and I have accomplished a lot over the past three years, but we have a lot of work left to do and we won’t stop working until we turn out the lights on January 11, 2014.

Thanks again for your friendship, confidence and support.  If I don’t see you before the holidays, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Sincerely,

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling

2010: 'Va. Lt. Gov. Bolling stands up for small businesses, while Obama plans closed event in Richmond'

Originally published in the Washington Examiner on September 28, 2010, by Lynn R. Mitchell....

Virginia's chief jobs creator is Republican Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, and on Tuesday he stood up for the small businesses of the Commonwealth and took on the President of the United States.

With many changes in federal regulations that have been passed by the Democratically-controlled Congress since President Barack Obama (D) took office 20 months ago, employers have been negatively affected in a way that has caused layoffs and cutbacks.

Bolling, who heads up the Governor's Commission on Economic Development and Job Creation, made it clear that government cannot continue to prosper at the expense of the private sector and, specifically, the small business people who are so important to communities across the nation.

Without mincing words, Bolling laid it on the line:

"If someone had devised a plan to destroy American business, it would look very much like the policies that have been pursued in Washington for the past 18 months," he said. "We have to change course."

By constantly crisscrossing the Commonwealth and talking with businesses, Bolling has a keen insight into the damage they have endured and the consequences that will occur if the federal government continues to stick its nose into the private sector.

Working closely with Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell since both were sworn in eight months ago, Bolling has worked hard to bring jobs, new corporations, and expansions that will provide a whopping $1.7 billion in capital investment to the Commonwealth.

Successes so far have included Fortune 100 company Northrup Grumman who decided to relocate its headquarters from Los Angeles to Falls Church, cyber tech Harris Corporation locating an office in Harrisonburg, new manufacturing jobs in Wytheville, MeadWestvaco moving its packaging division from NC to Richmond, and many more. The work of creating jobs has just begun for the team of McDonnell and Bolling.

While Virginia is trying to create jobs, however, the Democratic Congress continues to pass legislation to squash growth by over-regulating private businesses. A disappointment was the Obama administration's announcement that they intended to close the Norfolk Joint Forces Command Center which would do away with 5,000 jobs.

Bill Bolling pointed out the problems with heavier federal regulations on corporations and Mom-and-Pop companies:

Bolling's advice to Obama included abandoning portions of the health-care overhaul, including fines and penalties on business owners who do not provide health insurance for all employees.
...
He also suggested relaxing environmental and financial regulations to allow businesses to grow sooner rather than later.

"We have to get the federal regulators off the backs of the banks so they can loan the money they already have to the people who need it the most," he said. Finally, Bolling asked that Obama pledge to reduce federal spending by a minimum of 5 percent a year with a goal of trimming back to 2006 levels.

Bolling noted that Americans know the country cannot sustain a $14 trillion national debt.

Meanwhile, Obama planned a stop in Richmond Wednesday afternoon to tout all the issues that Republicans consider the wrong approach. Stumping in Republican Congressional Whip Eric Cantor's district, the President will make the pitch to do away with the Bush tax cuts for those making more than $250,000, to bash Republicans' "Pledge to America," and to talk up ObamaCare, stimulus, and other massive government programs.

Many Richmonders are concerned about gridlock during the President's visit to a neighborhood with small, winding roads across the James River from downtown Richmond. All area airports will be shut down for three hours, an inconvenience that was noted by one area airport worker:

"That's 3 hours and 15 minutes of unproductive time," said Thomas T. "Mike" Mickel Jr., president and CEO of Dominion Aviation Services Inc., which provides air-charter, maintenance and aircraft-fueling services at Chesterfield.

"The president is here touting jobs creation an economic recovery, and the people he is holding up are the ones out in the trenches actually making an effort to do these things."

Others in the Richmond area communicated on Facebook about blocked roads, inaccessible highways, and the lock-down of the surrounding neighborhood. Many were not happy that the Commander-in-Chief would cause so much inconvenience while talking with only a small group of supporters and not those in the community at large about the ills of the country.

Perhaps Lt. Governor Bolling said it best:

"I realize that there are no silver bullets that will get our economy moving again," Bolling said, but he added: "There's an old saying that when you find yourself in a hole -- and our economy is definitely in a hole -- the first step in getting out of the hole is to stop digging."

Sage advice.

November will show if citizens like the President’s brand of change, or if they are ready for change of a different kind.

2011: Virginia bloggers go to Richmond ... Bill Bolling's 4th annual Bloggers Day

Repost by Lynn R. Mitchell from February 17, 2011, in the Washington Examiner....

While some politicians cast a wary eye toward bloggers, Virginia's top Republican office holders have spent the past five years recognizing these writers who report on government and often talk one-on-one with elected officials.

It's a great idea. The first impromptu meeting five years ago at the Republican Advance with then-Attorney General Bob McDonnell brought together a dozen conservative bloggers to talk about this rising form of communication. That continued with the annual gatherings hosted by Republican Lt. Governor Bill Bolling at the Capitol for the past four years which has provided a means of fostering the lines of communication with the eclectic group of writers.

Wednesday's program offered bloggers the chance to talk with lawmakers and sit in on House and Senate sessions, photo ops, an update from political analyst Dr. Bob Holsworth who authors the Virginia Tomorrow blog, and a look into political consultant Boyd Marcus' crystal ball (he has consulted on some of Virginia's highest profile Republicans including U.S. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, Congressman Tom Bliley, Governor Jim Gilmore, and Governor George Allen). That was followed with up-to-the-minute briefings and commentary from House Republican Whip Bill Janis and the Senate Republican Caucus Leader Pro Tempore Ryan McDougle who had just finished sessions in the House and Senate.

The event kicked off in the morning as thirty-five bloggers, representing some of the best that Virginia has to offer, gathered in Gov. McDonnell's conference room as Bolling provided an informative briefing and presided over a round table discussion of topics on everyone's minds: jobs, the budget, transportation, and ABC privatization. He was flanked by his Chief of Staff Randy Marcus and McDonnell Communications Director Tucker Martin who joined in the conversation.  Included in the group was fellow Washington Examiner LOZ and EOZ blogger Norm Leahy.

There is much to write about with a Republican administration that has brought fiscal restraint back to Virginia and put an emphasis on jobs at a time when many had been lost ... and, boy, can Bill Bolling talk jobs! As the Commonwealth's chief jobs officer, he enjoys what he does and likes to share what has been accomplished in the first year of the McDonnell administration. His outgoing personality and work ethic make the pairing of McDonnell-Bolling perfect for putting Virginia on a positive employment track, now ranking fourth in the nation for number of new jobs after languishing in 35th place during the four years of Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine's administration.

That's important because the buzz on everyone's lips throughout the day was speculation over the possibility that Kaine may jump into the U.S. Senate race after Democrat Jim Webb announced he was retiring after only one term. With George Allen already running, an Allen-Kaine race would pit two former governors against one another, spotlighting Virginia at the national level. The opinion of Holsworth as well as Boyd Marcus seemed to be that Kaine would become a candidate because "they will twist his arm until he says yes," adding that he has the highest name recognition of any Virginia Democrat.

For the inner political geek that resides in every political blogger, observing the Virginia General Assembly at work is both an exercise in politics and patience. The senate chamber is more staid as 40 representatives carry out the business of the day presided by Bolling, sometimes dragging but other times moving at breakneck speed to accomplish everything in the 45 days of this year's short session.

The House of Delegates offers more excitement with its 100 members sometimes engaging in spirited exchanges, providing entertainment for visitors. Elected every two years to assure they remain in close touch with their constituents, they represent the citizens in the manner prescribed by Virginia's founders who walked the halls of the Capitol before them ... Patrick Henry, Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe ... who chose to have citizen legislators govern the Commonwealth by spending most of their time at home and not in Richmond.

The wonder of cell phones has made it possible to communicate with representatives during session, something those of us visiting in the gallery took advantage of in the past and did so again this time.  After sending a message to Del. Ben Cline (R-Lexington) that said, "Look up," he joined us, greeted and thanked everyone for being there, and explained the bill on the floor at that moment.

A text message sent to former blogger and new Del. Greg Habeeb (R-Salem), who won his seat in a special election held in January to replace Morgan Griffith who won the 9th Congressional seat in November, resulted in this young representative smiling and tweeting that there were bloggers in the House.

On the Senate side of the state house, Sen. Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg) saw us from his desk on the floor and joined us in the gallery to talk about how conservative senators have taken a stand in the Democratically-controlled Senate even though they are constantly outvoted. With redistricting on everyone's minds, many wonder if the Senate will switch to a GOP majority in the future.

At the end of the day, all gathered for a reception at the Executive Mansion that was co-hosted by McDonnell and Bolling, and offered a unique opportunity to admire Virginia's historic governor's house from the inside. Jean Ann Bolling was also there, joining her husband and the Governor to mingle with those at the reception. Many bloggers, carrying plates with roast beef, shrimp, and other goodies that were provided, talked with the Governor, Lt. Governor, fellow bloggers, and executive staffers as they swapped stories and exchanged business cards.

The reception highlighted the comfortable working relationship between McDonnell and Bolling as the two bantered back and forth in a good-natured and easy manner. These two political allies avoided becoming political enemies two years ago when Bolling put his gubernatorial aspirations on hold, clearing the way for McDonnell to run unopposed, and providing a much-needed respite instead of a bloody primary that could have damaged the Party. In November 2009, McDonnell won by historic proportions with Bolling easily winning reelection. Together, they have made a good team for Virginia with both recognizing the importance of cultivating a relationship not just with Virginia's citizens but also with Virginia's citizen journalists.

Grand Illumination 2012 today in Colonial Williamsburg

Take a step back into the eighteenth century at today's Grand Illumination in Colonial Williamsburg.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell

Williamsburg, Virginia

December 2012

Sea scenes

"We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch - we are going back from whence we came." --John F. Kennedy

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
Virginia Beach, VA
December 1, 2012

December ocean breeze

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
December 1, 2012