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.”
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
