Opinions for Charlottesville Daily Progress

Political cartoon reaches new low

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:01:01 EDT

The political cartoon published in The Daily Progress, July 19 reaches a new low in tastelessness.

Statewide rail near reality?

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

Getting from a wish to a plan took plenty of effort. Going from a plan to a reality will require even more.

Tax policy should dictate land use

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

Land-use taxation and the ACE program are both touted by government as a way to preserve land. But for what purpose?

Don’t ignore West Main

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

West Main has been ignored long enough, as was the Corner before it, except for a series of studies that gather dust.

Court-appointed lawyers deserve fair pay

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

For many years Virginia provided the lowest compensation in the country for court-appointed lawyers.

Congress shares blame with Bush

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

Is President Bush to blame for all our woes?

A loud shout for freedom

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

Humanity. Decency. Righteous anger. Respect for freedom.

Something worth whining about

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

So let’s see …

Justice never is out of date

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:01:01 EDT

You’ve come a long way, Virginia.

Green roofs on Target for county

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

After reading the article in the July 17 Daily Progress (“County building’s green roof a tourist draw”), I wondered whether the County Office Building’s green roof success story might be applied to commercial buildings in Al-bemarle County — and whether Albemarle should incentivize builders to install green roofs.

Protesters have Jeffersonian roots

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

I would respectfully disagree with the author of “Protester needs to learn history” (The Daily Progress, July 18), who claims in his letter that Thomas Jefferson had nothing to do with our Constitution because he was in France at the time it was written.

Walking—in good health

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

One consequence of higher gasoline prices is that more people are walking or bicycling instead of driving.

Police prefer drunks to muggers

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

Shame on the Charlottesville Police Department for its confused priorities.

Can you help out in time of emergency?

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 22:11:00 EDT

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.

Area teacher’s achievement

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

Congratulations to Princess R. Moss, Louisa success story.

Dogs not the only annoying pets

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

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

War not about Iraqi democracy

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

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.

Roller girls, scooting Elvi

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

The running of the bulls.

‘Nutshell’ completely misses the point

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

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.

County doesn’t lack for golf

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

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

Air Patrol builds character from ground up

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 22:14:00 EDT

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.

Bush defenders need to wake up

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:52:00 EDT

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).

Getting away with cheating

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:01:01 EDT

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

Protester needs to learn history

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

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

People should get to know pit bulls

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

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

Monroe’s estate worth a return visit

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

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.

Bad at business? Get a D.C. bailout

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 22:50:00 EDT

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.

Pros, cons of city’s self-evaluation

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 22:48:00 EDT

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.

Slowing down speedsters

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 22:45:00 EDT

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

Compensation conundrum

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

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

Cougar sighting goes unheeded

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

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

Improving drug safety

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

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

Coverage of hecklers unbalanced

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

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.

Statue also needs note about York

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

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.

Tragedies all too common

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

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

Security AND hecklers mar event

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

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

Protestors don’t speak for region

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

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.

Family, fun abound at Bocce Camp

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 22:04:00 EDT

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.

Study requires outside help

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 12:01:00 EDT

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

Sticking to plants can save a life

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 12:01:00 EDT

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

Bush warps Jeffersonian principles by prosecuting a ‘war of choice’

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 12:00:01 EDT

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.

Jefferson, democracy and modern U.S. policy

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 11:54:00 EDT

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.

A true test of friendship

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 12:01:00 EDT

First, the attempt was to protect two friends.

Ceremony instills national pride

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 12:01:00 EDT

I was never more proud of my hometown and my country than to attend the Naturalization Ceremonies at Monti-cello this Independence Day.

‘My Fair Lady’ a terrific show

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 12:01:00 EDT

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.

Machine gun fire? No problem. But public speaking?

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 22:07:00 EDT

Attacked by vicious butterflies, Carl D. Proffitt Jr. cured his anxiety over leading Monticello’s Fourth of July celebration through the Pledge of Allegiance by shaking hands with President Bush, providing a crisp salute and receiving one in return.

Liberal dismay for Bush in a nutshell

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:40:00 EDT

Congratulations to the 72 men, women and children who became American citizens on July 4 at the 46th annual Independence Day and Naturalization Ceremony at Monticello, with their proud families and President Bush looking on.

Session far from ‘special’

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:36:00 EDT

What was so “special” about the special transportation session?

Prejudices are at play in campaign

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:08:00 EDT

A letter to the editor takes Barack Obama to task for suggesting that race will play a role in the presidential campaign (“Obama making race an issue,” The Daily Progress, June 27).

Protesters need a reality check

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:07:00 EDT

One of the new citizens naturalized on July 4 at Monticello began his own remarks with “no demonstrations, please.” I suspect he was expressing the hearts’ desires of the whole group after their welcome to the United States was repeatedly interrupted by angry shouting and screaming.

GOP to blame for nation’s woes

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:06:00 EDT

In response to the letter that appeared in June 25 edition of The Daily Progress, “Democrats don’t talk bright side”:

Welfare system that really works

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:04:00 EDT

When, under the GOP Contract with America, Washington set limits on the length of time people could receive welfare, the need to move welfare recipients off the dole and into employment became even more urgent.

Fast move, slow speed

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

Last month VDOT officials met with area residents to discuss this dangerous piece of road.

Less demand will lower gas price

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

Even if we were to find and burn more fossil fuels, we would not be able to keep up with the increases in demand that are projected over the next 25 years.

Bureaucratic nightmare

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

This is bureaucratic nonsense at its most asinine.

What has become of our ideals?

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

Those who have power hunger for more. And those who have absolute power are insatiable.

McCain is broken, bent for a reason

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

Sen. McCain has the experience, the wisdom and strength necessary to be the president of this great nation.

Not just more, but better rail

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

A consortium dedicated to improving train travel in Central Virginia is gaining steam.

County needs to build golf course

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

Wake up, Albemarle County! “If you build it, they will come.”

Thank forefathers — and thank God

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

It is time to give pause to understand what liberty means to most Americans.

Third Street has the best bricks

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

It is time to replace the bricks to match Third Street.

Redesign would degrade Mall

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

Repairing the project as designed by Halprin rather than degrading it through redesign will help preserve this national landmark.

Voicing thoughts on patriotism, good and bad

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 23:26:00 EDT

It was an exciting weekend of patriotic fervor with a presidential appearance, minting of new citizens, protests and other fireworks.

State ignores deadly stretch

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

Unquestionably, the intersection at U.S. 29 and Ashwood Boulevard requires improvement.

Rivanna followed ill-advised plan

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

The Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority did an excellent job shepherding the current water-supply plan through the permitting process.

Thanks for boosting small venues

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:01:01 EDT

Big thanks to The Daily Progress for the “boost” for Gravity Lounge and other small live-entertainment venues (“Area should boost Gravity,” June 30).

The history of civilization

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

Party-hearty New Orleans has the reputation as a wild, brash, beer-guzzling kind of place. But the image is not the real New Orleans, say locals.

Protesters make point of diminishing event

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 23:35:01 EDT

Monticello’s Fourth of July presidential event was a success for the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, a feel-good opportunity for the president and a lesson in losing friends and influencing your enemies for shouting protesters.

America’s spirit shines

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

For some, President Bush’s visit today will enhance their experience of patriotism and pride.

Writer’s attack on Bush insulting

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

George W. Bush is a thoroughly good and decent man. He deserves our respect both as an individual and as our president. I

Remember dead, missing in Korea

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

You are not forgotten. Rest in peace.

What’s left to say about Obama?

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

According to recent news reports, Sen. Barack Obama has now established what he thinks his critics will use against him in his bid for the White House.

What’s good for farmers

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:46:00 EDT

Richmond continues to try innovative ideas to support Virginia’s farmers.

Without voting, this isn’t a democracy

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:44:00 EDT

Did you know that your right to vote is the first law of the land?

Victory over the battlefield

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:43:01 EDT

Another 189 acres of protected land has been added to the Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park near Middletown.

Bush’s Monticello visit an embarrassment

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:39:01 EDT

It was with great dismay that I learned of the decision to have President George W. Bush as the guest speaker at this year’s naturalization ceremony at Monticello on July 4.

Donors bring fresh blood

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:01:00 EDT

“I really don’t like needles.”

Area traffic needs to see the light

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:01:00 EDT

Kudos to the letter that appeared in the June 15 edition of The Daily Progress headlined “IRS, waiting at lights both taxing.”

If you can’t kill the flame, at least be cautious

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:39:01 EDT

Hey, you! Touching that flaming butane torch to that battery of bottle rockets is not only unsafe, it’s illegal.

Much care dedicated to Treesdale

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:35:00 EDT

We were pleased to see Treesdale Park as the subject of a front-page article (“Housing project denied tax help,” The Daily Progress, June 10), but were dismayed by the gloomy impression it left on readers.

Area should boost Gravity

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:24:00 EDT

Another sign that Charlottesville may have overbuilt its entertainment and cultural landscape:

Habeas ruling can aid America’s global image

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:26:00 EDT

The U.S. Supreme Court decision of June 12 to extend habeas corpus, the power of courts to review detention by the executive, to Guantanamo Bay detainees improves America’s world image and enhances its security.

History really comes alive

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:01:00 EDT

Capt. John Smith is running for president, and Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross are getting married.

Service held in high regard

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:01:00 EDT

A new Gallup poll about the mood of America contains some stunning results, such as:

Imprisonment shackling society

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:01:00 EDT

I find it interesting that on The Daily Progress Opinion page of July 22, in which George Will defends the U.S. position as the world’s most prolific incarcerator, the editorial just to the left considers the challenge of the Virginia Department of Corrections in operating its prison system without the revenue generated by renting out space to other states. In the same edition is a story regarding the General Assembly’s failure to fund proper road maintenance and construction.

Intersection could be much safer

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:13:00 EDT

Last March I was involved in a serious auto accident at the intersection of Route 53 (Thomas Jefferson Parkway) and Route 729 (Milton Road).

Fight the good fight against poverty

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:12:00 EDT

Poverty deprives people of those things that determine the quality of life, including food, clothing, shelter, safe drinking water and the opportunity to learn, engage in meaningful employment and enjoy a feeling of self-worth and independence.

‘Deserving Christian youth’ net a grand for college

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 23:48:00 EDT

There are many ways to get into college, from hitting a ball or tackling a large man running at full speed to studying hard to reciting poetry while wearing a beret and smoking a fancy French cigarette.

Albemarle needs to clean up litter

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:01:01 EDT

I have been looking around Hillsdale Drive where I live. Litter is strewn everywhere, especially beside the bus stops.

Non-profits profit Virginia

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:01:00 EDT

We knew that Charlottesville-Albemarle is a preferred address for many non-profit agencies, but we didn’t know just how popular.

Obama is making race an issue

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:01:00 EDT

Sen. Obama needs to take a hard look at the McCarthy example and decide whether he wants to continue down the path he has adopted.

Gasoline tax best road fix

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:01:00 EDT

It is not going to be a smooth trip.

It’s time to join the revolution

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:01:00 EDT

I am beginning to understand the frustrations the Colonies must have experienced when they decided to revolt against English rule.

Democrats don’t talk bright side

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:59:00 EDT

As we look back on the political primary season, it is interesting how the most dominant issue (Iraq) for the Democrats has virtually faded from view.

An institute’s anniversary

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:59:01 EDT

One of Charlottesville’s “best-kept secrets” got a little more visibility last week when the Federal Executive Institute celebrated its 40th anniversary.

Board doesn’t listen to the music

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:50:00 EDT

What a disappointing decision made by the Albemarle School Board. The strings program has been undercut. One hundred thirty-eight thousand dollars was robbed from the String Orchestra Initiative, which was begun ap-proximately 10 years ago in exchange for $168,000 for the planning of the math and specialty centers and the Inter-national Baccalaureate initiative.

Not that easy fielding green

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:43:01 EDT

A spectacular vision for a botanical garden in the center of Charlottesville is being promoted by a local group. The proposed 40 acres of trees, flowers, shrubs and pathways would attract tourists and rival the famed Lewis Ginter gardens in Richmond, supporters say.

Citizen power on display

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:44:00 EDT

A few years ago, this Nelson County couple grew curious about why the state game department was shutting down activities at the Montebello Fish Hatchery, a tourist attraction and de facto park for local residents.

Pass gun, not barking, ordinance

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:01:01 EDT

Dogs understand a lot of things, like leading a blind person or dragging a drowning child from a pool or lake or warding off burglars.

Spend wealth on Earth, not space

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:01:00 EDT

Recently a statement released by the Rev. Jose Funes, director of the Vatican Observatory, said that not to believe that life exists beyond our planet would be to “set limits on the creative liberty of God.”