Recent Posts: Transformational Citizenship
Author Archives: Bennett Minton
Revolution in Virginia: the legislature cedes a spoil of partisan advantage
It’s been a bad month for Virginia’s government, with controversies around racism, sexual assault and the “Virginia way” enveloping its three elected state leaders, and the legislature unable to formulate a response. As if to affirm Virginia is still mired … Continue reading
Posted in gerrymandering, Supreme Court, Uncategorized, Virginia legislature
Tagged League of Women Voters, OneVirginia2021
New maps and a new reality in Virginia
The four-year, twisting tale of 11 Virginia House districts judged to be racially gerrymandered is reaching its climax, as the federal court presiding over the case has drawn new lines for 26 districts, both those at issue and 15 adjacent … Continue reading
Posted in gerrymandering, Supreme Court, Uncategorized, Virginia legislature
George Bush and the politics of prudence
What George Bush, who died yesterday, regarded as the biggest mistake of his presidency was his most courageous political act. It was also the last time the Republican Party engaged in responsible budget policy. I was Capitol Hill reporter when … Continue reading
Posted in Congress, federal budget, Tax, Uncategorized
Tagged federal budget, George H.W. Bush, Leon Panetta, Newt Gingrich, Richard Darman
What I ponder at the Lincoln Memorial
What have I learned in 60 years? Take little for granted, other than that I will (likely) return home from a bike ride. At dawn I took my customary solstice/birthday pilgrimage to the Lincoln Memorial and faced the Washington Monument, … Continue reading
Standing agape in an undivided current
Thoughts on Yosemite, from bikerben58.wordpress.com: The vision of Abraham Lincoln and John Muir
Posted in Abraham Lincoln, National Park Service, Uncategorized
Tagged John Muir, Yosemite
On cue, Virginia punts on redistricting reform
Virginia’s legislative attempt to address gerrymandering came to its expected futile end May 18 when Democratic Governor Ralph Northam vetoed a bill that would have made minor changes in the criteria the (for now) GOP-controlled General Assembly must use to … Continue reading
Posted in gerrymandering, Obamacare, Uncategorized, Virginia legislature
Tagged gerrymandering, Medicaid
In the afterglow
Reflections on a short trip to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
Posted in Uncategorized
