When the fan’s hit, the trees are down and the power out, society divides into those who can help and those who need it.

In “Bush warps Jeffersonian principles by prosecuting a ‘war of choice’,” (The Daily Progress, July 13), columnists R.K. Ramazani and Scott Harrop display an impressive familiarity with Jeffersonian quotations — and even with Jeffersonian thinking.

I am a dog owner, and I accept complete responsibility for my dog.

Congratulations to Princess R. Moss, Louisa success story.

I am pleased to write in response to a letter published July 7 (“County needs to build golf course,” The Daily Progress).

The author of “Liberal dismay for Bush in a nutshell” (The Daily Progress, July 11) employs specious sarcasm to castigate his “liberal” friends for their disagreements with President Bush.

The running of the bulls.

Local teens in the Civil Air Patrol are trained in ground search and rescue, and appreciate the focus and discipline the organization has taught them.

On July 4 a letter writer expresses his opinion that George W. Bush is a “thoroughly good and decent man” deserving of our respect (“Writer’s attack on Bush insulting,” The Daily Progress).

A kid cheats on an exam. Should there be any consequences?

President Monroe’s modest “Cabin Castle” — as he called Highland, later Ash Lawn-Highland — never attempted to compete with Jefferson’s Monticello or Madison’s Montpelier — except in the spring pea contest.

Pit bulls are lucky to have such dedicated advocates in Sara Meehan and the Charlottesville SPCA.

One hopes that the new American citizens sworn in at Monticello that day have a better understanding of our history.

I noticed in the news that our guys in Washington, D.C., have decided to bail out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage companies. Who knew? ’Most everybody I know thought that those organizations were government.

I am not a resident of Charlottesville and generally do not comment on how the residents of the city choose to run their government. However, the July 8 article “City to test its own efficiency” (The Daily Progress) prompts me to make some observations concerning the study.

Albemarle County police are enforcing the new speed limit on U.S. 29 just north of Charlottesville.

The Virginia Department Game and Inland Fisheries does not follow up on enough cougar sightings to become convinced that they are real.

Increased compensation for court-appointed lawyers: a solution in search of a problem?
Or, source of a new problem?

Charlottesville claims to be “a world-class city,” but as I read concerning the debate over New York sculptor Charles Keck’s Lewis and Clark statue on West Main Street, something is missing.

As a researcher, I am accustomed to basing conclusions on data and empirical observations. On July 4, I had the opportunity to be a participant observer at the naturalization ceremony at Monticello.

Maybe it won’t take decades after all to inspect overseas drug manufacturers.

We make this apology on behalf of what we believe to be the vast majority of the good citizens of Charlottesville and Albemarle County and offer it to the president of the
United States and to the 72 new U.S. citizens sworn in at Monticello on July 4.

Soon after we moved to Charlottesville in 1979, my wife joined the Charlottesville Municipal Band.

Yet another tragic story of a child forgotten in a vehicle, left to die in the summer heat:

Drive beyond the “dog crossing” sign, past the concrete cow and yield to the careening golf cart crammed with laughing children as it crosses the driveway, and you will arrive at Bocce Camp.

Like millions of other Americans, I was shocked and deeply saddened by the un-timely passing of Tim Russert of a heart attack.

Charlottesville officials have the right instincts in pursuing a review of governmental efficiency and quality of services.

Ironically, President Bush sought to don the Jefferson mantle by claiming, “We honor Jefferson’s legacy by aiding the rise of liberty in lands that do not know the blessings of freedom. ...” But no president before George Bush tried to make aggressive promotion of democracy the overarching strategy of U.S. foreign policy. And Jefferson “abhorred war,” and only reluctantly countenanced war in self-defense. He would turn over in his grave to hear that his beloved country had justified “a war of choice” and occupation in the name of pushing democracy.

A fundamental question for U.S. presidents and policymakers is this: Under what circumstances is the United States justified in going beyond economic sanctions and propaganda to the use of armed force to oust a dictatorship? The answer should be obvious: Only when a vital U.S. interest is at stake in that country.

What an incredible delight was in store for all those attending the opening night performance of “My Fair Lady” at Ash Lawn on July 5.