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Opinions

Engage with diverse voices in Lexington, VA – The News-Gazette's Opinion page offers insightful perspectives on local and regional issues.

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Cline’s ‘Nose Extenders’ Examined
Cline’s ‘Nose Extenders’ Examined
Jan. 22, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: In his Jan. 19 newsletter, Rep. Ben Cline made several statements that, were he Pinocchio, would qualify him for rhinoplasty. 01/31/2023 11:00 PM
Lee-Jackson Ceremony ‘Solemn Occasion’
Lee-Jackson Ceremony ‘Solemn Occasion’
Jan. 29, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: In response to the letter of Jan. 25 by Ann Olson of Rockbridge Baths, her remarks regarding the photographs The News-Gazette printed of the service that was held at the cemetery of “the glum assortment” (Ms. Olsen’s words), I take personal umbrage. 01/31/2023 11:00 PM
Corporate Y Board ‘Thumbed Noses’ At Rockbridge
Corporate Y Board ‘Thumbed Noses’ At Rockbridge
Jan. 30, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: Recently I received a letter from the YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, parent organization to the Rockbridge Area YMCA. After thanking me for my “generous support” in 2022, the “Vice President of Development” continued: “… the Y does so much … to strengthen the communities it serves …” Not lately, Madame Vice President. The popular director of the Rockbridge Area YMCA was terminated in a corporate ambush with no justification given. In doing so, regional executives thumbed their noses at Rockbridge County, Lexington, the local board of directors, the employees, membership and area youth. Consequently, our aspirations for a new building are crippled. As of last November, the same executives had endorsed the enterprise. So much for development and strengthening communities. 01/31/2023 11:00 PM
Let’s ‘Let Go Of Romantic Notion Of Confederacy’
Let’s ‘Let Go Of Romantic Notion Of Confederacy’
Jan. 23, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: Thank you for your coverage of the CARE Rockbridge Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, which was inspiring and captured the forward-looking nature of the parade and its participants. Thank you, too, for your coverage of Ben Crump’s visit to Washington and Lee University and of the MLK celebration at First Baptist Church. 01/31/2023 11:00 PM
Disappointed By Letter
Disappointed By Letter
Jan. 27, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: I am disappointed at the letter submitted by Ann Olsen disparaging the marchers at the Lee-Jackson parade. 01/31/2023 11:00 PM
Do You Know How Sen. Deeds Is Voting?
Do You Know How Sen. Deeds Is Voting?
Jan. 27, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: The General Assembly is in session right now; are you aware of how our state senator, Creigh Deeds, is voting? Check out his Twitter page (@ CreighDeeds). 01/31/2023 11:00 PM
Lee, Jackson Coverage Appreciated
Lee, Jackson Coverage Appreciated
Jan. 27, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: Thank you for the Gazette’s coverage of the Lee-Jackson Family Reunion. 01/31/2023 11:00 PM
Traffic Impact Study Needed
Traffic Impact Study Needed
Jan. 30, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: As Lexington engages with Echelon on the development for the Spotswood site, one hopes that they would evaluate other issues with the project that are equally as significant as the building’s ascetics. It was good to learn of the progress that has been made as reported by The News-Gazette. It was also distressing to learn “that the design was still a contemporary design, and that was something Echelon was set on.” That position by Echelon begs the question as to who is driving this project – Echelon or the city of Lexington? Who will be the final determinant – Echelon or the city of Lexington? 01/31/2023 11:00 PM
Politician’s Comment On Black History Rejected
Politician’s Comment On Black History Rejected
Jan. 27, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: We have enjoyed a week of meaningful and well-organized activities commemorating Dr. King’s life, and now we hear from a southern governor that Black history lacks educational value. 01/31/2023 11:00 PM
Voting In Church Not Un-American
Voting In Church Not Un-American
Jan. 25, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: I was sorry to read that Cynthia Atkins experienced extreme dismay upon discovering that she would have to enter a church to cast her vote in the Jan. 11 special election. Her discomfort increased when she pulled into the church parking lot. Once inside the church, she became uncomfortable as she “felt the heavy power and symbolism.” 01/31/2023 11:00 PM
Be A Santa Support Appreciated
Be A Santa Support Appreciated
Jan. 18, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: I am so grateful to everyone who participated in the 2022 Be a Santa to a Senior program. This was my fifth year serving as coordinator, and I was once again overwhelmed and inspired by the generosity of our community. 01/31/2023 11:00 PM
Witch Hunt
Witch Hunt
Some wag once opined that what this country needed was a good five-cent cigar. That was back when cigars were strangely regarded as a sign of affluence, or at least an acceptable arrogance of affluence. 01/31/2023 11:00 PM
Out Of the Past
Out Of the Past
01/31/2023 11:00 PM
Ruminating On Richmond
Ruminating On Richmond
In his newsletter to constituents this week, state Sen. Creigh Deed warns that the General Assembly is heading toward a stalemate over Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s proposed $1 billion in tax cuts. Deeds is worried that a legislative logjam is going to delay approval of a state budget for the second session in a row. Last year, a state budget impasse wasn’t resolved until June, creating havoc for local jurisdictions since they did not know what state funding to anticipate. 01/31/2023 11:00 PM
Electoral Board Responds To Letter
Electoral Board Responds To Letter
Jan. 23, 2023 Editor, The News Gazette: I am writing in response to a letter to the editor in the Jan. 18 edition from Cynthia Atkins regarding a polling precinct being located in a religious facility. On behalf of the Rockbridge Electoral Board, I would like to address several concerns Ms. Atkins expressed in her letter. 01/24/2023 11:00 PM
Cline Not Fighting For Free, Fair Elections
Cline Not Fighting For Free, Fair Elections
Jan. 23, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: When Ben Cline was our Virginia state delegate, I met with him several times requesting his support of antigerrymandering legislation in Richmond. Although he acknowledged the tacit unfairness of politicians selecting their own voters, and claimed he would work to find a compromise, he never followed through. Instead, he fell in line with his political party and opposed any efforts to establish fair redistricting rules. Despite their stonewalling, a groundbreaking anti-gerrymandering law was passed by our state legislature, which now serves as a template for other states. 01/24/2023 11:00 PM
Coverage Of MLK Parade Appreciated
Coverage Of MLK Parade Appreciated
Jan. 22, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: Since I was not able to attend the MLK march on the 16th, I really enjoyed your photographic coverage of the event. The pictures really told the story: a huge turnout of local folks celebrating the progress toward justice we’ve made so far and committed to the ongoing work of righting age-old and persistent wrongs. It is great to see a full page of good news! Thanks to all those who organized these events. ANNE HANSEN Rockbridge Baths 01/24/2023 11:00 PM
Lee-Jackson Day Coverage ‘Sad Statement’
Lee-Jackson Day Coverage ‘Sad Statement’
Jan. 22, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: After enjoying the full coverage of the community’s Martin Luther King Parade in last week’s paper, it was surprising to turn the page and see a massive spread devoted to a step back in history. Apparently, The News-Gazette never received the news that our commonwealth abolished Lee-Jackson Day in 2020. 01/24/2023 11:00 PM
Reader: Ben Cline, Did You Know?
Reader: Ben Cline, Did You Know?
Jan. 19, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: Sing this to the tune, “Mary Did You Know …” Ben Cline: did you know $600 billion in taxes has gone uncollected? 01/24/2023 11:00 PM
‘Tails Wagging The Dog’ In D.C.
‘Tails Wagging The Dog’ In D.C.
Jan. 19, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: America is now a tale of tails wagging the dog. 01/24/2023 11:00 PM
Reasonable Childhood Independence Bill Backed
Reasonable Childhood Independence Bill Backed
Jan. 23, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: When we lived in Northern Virginia, my wife and I joked that neighbors might call Child Protective Services on us for letting our girls play in the front yard without us. That’s a sad sort of gallows humor for simply fostering independence in our kids. 01/24/2023 11:00 PM

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