色多多 speaks up: Letters to the editor for the week of Jun. 13, 2025
- Updated
Our weekly round-up of letters published in the 色多多.
- Updated
As a citizen who values open, honest communication from our elected leaders, I am increasingly concerned about the tools they use to reach us.
Our representatives in Congress and our president list social media sites on their official governmental websites. They regularly post messages, updates and report official actions on platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Truth Social, Instagram and YouTube 鈥 sites owned by powerful corporations, individuals who have donated to politicians, a 鈥渟pecial government employee,鈥 or in the case of Truth Social, an elected politician.
These platforms don鈥檛 just relay messages 鈥 they filter and amplify them through algorithms designed to keep us scrolling, not informed. Studies show these algorithms favor sensationalism and reinforce ideological echo chambers regardless of accuracy.
When our representatives rely on these platforms, they send our attention 鈥 and our trust 鈥 through systems that may distort their messages and enrich political donors and politicians. Their use of these platforms represents a clear conflict of interest.
This isn鈥檛 about silencing anyone or rejecting technology. It鈥檚 about fairness, transparency and restoring the integrity of public discourse. Our representatives should model the kind of communication we expect in a healthy democracy: open, nonpartisan and accountable.
I urge our elected officials to post all official updates first on their .gov websites; make use of their franking privilege; offer email, newsletter and RSS options; and consider using apolitical alternatives like Mastodon or Bluesky. Further, I encourage them to discontinue the use of biased and conflicted platforms until they are no longer in office. These changes wouldn鈥檛 limit access 鈥 they would enhance it, ensuring that every constituent has equal, unfiltered access to the information they need to make informed decisions.
If you agree, please write to your elected officials. Let鈥檚 hold our leaders to a higher standard 鈥 one that respects both the message and the medium.
Bob Falk
Gloucester
- Updated
I would like to thank and congratulate Scott Morris, director of the Richmond Department of Public Utilities, for his comprehensive and thorough memorandum to City Council on our struggling water system earlier this month.
Morris is laying out a solid path forward. Though lengthy, complicated and expensive, Morris' 10-year plan is frankly realistic聽鈥 no excuses, no politics, no games.
It won't be easy, it won't be fast聽鈥 but most importantly, it won't be just another stop-gap Band-Aid. We are indeed as he put it, "quite literally, rebuilding this plane while flying it." We are lucky to have him as our pilot.
Ellen LeCompte
搁颈肠丑尘辞苍诲听
- Updated
How Democrats can regain, maintain power
Democrat politicians and liberal newscasters are now coming out of the woodwork to reverse (or ignore) their previously stated denial that former President Joe Biden had any mental acuity issues when he was in office 鈥 and that it鈥檚 time to move forward.
You need not be a political savant to know that moving forward for the Democrats will require significant change. They need newer, younger leadership. The party needs to move more to the political center from the far left. And they need to develop a new platform and policies that are more relevant to voters.
To be successful, these changes must be accompanied by some commonsense thinking and actions. The Democrats should stop constantly attacking Trump and calling him Hitler. It hasn鈥檛 worked to date. And 鈥渘ot Trump鈥 is not a positive statement about plans or ideas that the Democrats have to offer.
The Democrats need to do a better job of listening to and understanding voters while minimizing the erroneous influence of the progressive Democratic coastal elites.
They also need to 鈥渙wn鈥 issues where the Republicans are vulnerable and where Democrats have substantial credibility: child care, health care, education and social issues.
The Democrats need to join the Republicans on issues where bipartisanship makes sense. Demonstrating the ability to work with Republicans is an optic that will serve them well in the midterm elections.
If the Democrats want to retain and maintain power, they need to stop putting 鈥渟pin鈥 on everything that doesn鈥檛 go their way, or with which they disagree. American voters are too smart and hardened to buy into all that nonsense. They should also stop obfuscating with Trump comparative 鈥渨hataboutisms鈥 and operate in a much more transparent way.
It鈥檚 all an uphill battle to be sure. But as Trump has demonstrated, uphill battles can be fought and won.
Bruce Kelley
Henrico
Richmond lucky to have Scott Morris
I would like to thank and congratulate Scott Morris, director of the Richmond Department of Public Utilities, for his comprehensive and thorough memorandum to City Council on our struggling water system earlier this month.
Morris is laying out a solid path forward. Though lengthy, complicated and expensive, Morris鈥 10-year plan is frankly realistic 鈥 no excuses, no politics, no games.
It won鈥檛 be easy, it won鈥檛 be fast 鈥 but most importantly, it won鈥檛 be just another stop-gap Band-Aid. We are indeed as he put it, 鈥渜uite literally, rebuilding this plane while flying it.鈥 We are lucky to have him as our pilot.
Ellen LeCompte
Richmond
Hold elected leaders accountable for messaging
As a citizen who values open, honest communication from our elected leaders, I am increasingly concerned about the tools they use to reach us.
Our representatives in Congress and our president list social media sites on their official governmental websites. They regularly post messages, updates and report official actions on platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Truth Social, Instagram and YouTube 鈥 sites owned by powerful corporations, individuals who have donated to politicians, a 鈥渟pecial government employee,鈥 or in the case of Truth Social, an elected politician.
These platforms don鈥檛 just relay messages 鈥 they filter and amplify them through algorithms designed to keep us scrolling, not informed. Studies show these algorithms favor sensationalism and reinforce ideological echo chambers regardless of accuracy.
When our representatives rely on these platforms, they send our attention 鈥 and our trust 鈥 through systems that may distort their messages and enrich political donors and politicians. Their use of these platforms represents a clear conflict of interest.
This isn鈥檛 about silencing anyone or rejecting technology. It鈥檚 about fairness, transparency and restoring the integrity of public discourse. Our representatives should model the kind of communication we expect in a healthy democracy: open, nonpartisan and accountable.
I urge our elected officials to post all official updates first on their .gov websites; make use of their franking privilege; offer email, newsletter and RSS options; and consider using apolitical alternatives like Mastodon or Bluesky. Further, I encourage them to discontinue the use of biased and conflicted platforms until they are no longer in office. These changes wouldn鈥檛 limit access 鈥 they would enhance it, ensuring that every constituent has equal, unfiltered access to the information they need to make informed decisions.
If you agree, please write to your elected officials. Let鈥檚 hold our leaders to a higher standard 鈥 one that respects both the message and the medium.
Bob Falk
Gloucester
Set an age limit for the presidency
I admire and respect old people. At 81 I am one. But recent reports about former President Joe Biden鈥檚 declining mental acuity during the latter part of his term and President Donald Trump鈥檚 incoherent, demented and delusional rantings make me think we should consider a constitutional age limit on the office of president.
Now the 25th Amendment to the Constitution was designed as one way to address the fitness issue, providing for the vice president and cabinet to certify to Congress that the president is unable to perform her or his duties. Sadly, it appears that former Vice President Kamala Harris and the cabinet did not do their duty. Equally saddening, given President Trump鈥檚 insistence on loyalty to him as the first requirement for the vice presidency and cabinet, it seems highly unlikely that Vice President JD Vance or cabinet members would ever act, no matter how bizarre the president鈥檚 behavior.
The first three articles of the Constitution impose a minimum age limit to hold office: 25 for the House, 30 for the Senate, 35 for the presidency. Arguably these are arbitrary, as setting a maximum age would be.
I don鈥檛 know what the upper age limit should be but we need to debate it and take action. Arbitrarily, I suggest we begin the discussion at 65 as the oldest age for someone to become president. If the president served two terms, she or he would leave office no older than 73.
Please join me in urging Congress to address this issue.
David Shufflebarger
North Chesterfield
- Updated
Democrat politicians and liberal newscasters are now coming out of the woodwork to reverse (or ignore) their previously stated denial that former President Joe Biden had any mental acuity issues when he was in office 鈥 and that it鈥檚 time to move forward.
You need not be a political savant to know that moving forward for the Democrats will require significant change. They need newer, younger leadership. The party needs to move more to the political center from the far left. And they need to develop a new platform and policies that are more relevant to voters.
To be successful, these changes must be accompanied by some commonsense thinking and actions. The Democrats should stop constantly attacking Trump and calling him Hitler. It hasn鈥檛 worked to date. And 鈥渘ot Trump鈥 is not a positive statement about plans or ideas that the Democrats have to offer.
The Democrats need to do a better job of listening to and understanding voters while minimizing the erroneous influence of the progressive Democratic coastal elites.
They also need to 鈥渙wn鈥 issues where the Republicans are vulnerable and where Democrats have substantial credibility: child care, health care, education and social issues.
The Democrats need to join the Republicans on issues where bipartisanship makes sense. Demonstrating the ability to work with Republicans is an optic that will serve them well in the midterm elections.
If the Democrats want to retain and maintain power, they need to stop putting 鈥渟pin鈥 on everything that doesn鈥檛 go their way, or with which they disagree. American voters are too smart and hardened to buy into all that nonsense. They should also stop obfuscating with Trump comparative 鈥渨hataboutisms" and operate in a much more transparent way.
It鈥檚 all an uphill battle to be sure. But as Trump has demonstrated, uphill battles can be fought and won.
Bruce Kelley
Henrico
- Updated
As a young Virginian, I often hear people say my generation is disengaged from politics, but I wholeheartedly disagree. We care deeply about the future of our communities, our economy and our country, and we pay attention to the leaders who continue to show up and do the work.
Congressman Rob Wittman has consistently focused on the issues that matter to young people. From promoting career and technical education to working for affordable energy solutions, he鈥檚 creating opportunities for the next generation. At a time when college tuition and the cost of living continue to rise, efforts to strengthen trade programs and support small businesses give young Virginians more options to succeed.
Even in an off-election year, Congressman Wittman hasn鈥檛 slowed down. While some politicians disappear between campaigns, he continues working on legislation that directly impacts our communities. Public service should not be about the next election. It should be about delivering results year-round, and that is exactly what he is doing.
Young people deserve leaders who prioritize long-term solutions and invest in our future. Thank you to Congressman Wittman for his hard work on behalf of my generation and for his commitment to building a better, stronger Virginia.
Helen Sharpe
Glen Allen
- Updated
Letters to the editor
鈥楬ateful rhetoric鈥 toward Trump? How absurd
Is he kidding or just oblivious? Just like Trump, George Cranford鈥檚 letter to the editor (鈥淪top the hateful rhetoric toward Trump,鈥 May 28) is filled with inaccuracies and vitriol toward anyone not in his camp.
Cranford condemns without facts to support his accusations, yet calls for everyone who doesn鈥檛 think like him to tone it down. Mr. Cranford, can you not see the hypocrisy?
One of the biggest problems in our country 鈥 the divisiveness 鈥 is a direct result of Trump鈥檚 rise to power. I cannot think of anyone whose rhetoric is more hateful than Trump鈥檚.
I offer these headlines as examples: 鈥溾楬ate speech鈥 a common theme of Trump鈥檚 presidency鈥 鈥 USA Today; 鈥淭rump鈥檚 attacks on political adversaries are often followed by threats to their safety鈥 鈥 The Washington Post; 鈥淭rump鈥檚 attacks on Local Officials are Spearheading Hatred鈥 鈥 The New Yorker; 鈥淎BC News finds 54 cases invoking Trump in connection with violence, threats, alleged assaults.鈥 The list goes on.
Just recently Trump wished a happy Memorial Day to 鈥渢he scum that spent the last four years trying to destroy our country.鈥 Now, tell me that鈥檚 not hateful, not to mention totally unnecessary on a day that we are supposed to be honoring those who sacrificed for our country. And presidential? Hardly.
Trump spent years vilifying former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden. He鈥檚 still insulting Biden every chance he gets.
Why? Biden is no longer in power, no longer an opponent who might unseat him. Trump鈥檚 vindictiveness is truly over the top.
You say, Mr. Cranford, that 鈥渨e are better than that.鈥 I鈥檇 like to think so but you, like Trump, are not helping to make that a reality. Try practicing what you preach.
Lucia Malon
Petersburg
Wittman focuses on the issues that matter
As a young Virginian, I often hear people say my generation is disengaged from politics, but I wholeheartedly disagree. We care deeply about the future of our communities, our economy and our country, and we pay attention to the leaders who continue to show up and do the work.
Congressman Rob Wittman has consistently focused on the issues that matter to young people. From promoting career and technical education to working for affordable energy solutions, he鈥檚 creating opportunities for the next generation. At a time when college tuition and the cost of living continue to rise, efforts to strengthen trade programs and support small businesses give young Virginians more options to succeed.
Even in an off-election year, Congressman Wittman hasn鈥檛 slowed down. While some politicians disappear between campaigns, he continues working on legislation that directly impacts our communities.
Public service should not be about the next election. It should be about delivering results year-round, and that is exactly what he is doing.
Young people deserve leaders who prioritize long-term solutions and invest in our future. Thank you to Congressman Wittman for his hard work on behalf of my generation and for his commitment to building a better, stronger Virginia.
Helen Sharpe
Glen Allen
- Updated
Is he kidding or just oblivious? Just like Trump, George Cranford's letter to the editor ("Stop the hateful rhetoric toward Trump," May 28) is filled with inaccuracies and vitriol toward anyone not in his camp.
Cranford condemns without facts to support his accusations, yet calls for everyone who doesn鈥檛 think like him to tone it down. Mr. Cranford, can you not see the hypocrisy?
One of the biggest problems in our country 鈥 the divisiveness 鈥 is a direct result of Trump鈥檚 rise to power. I cannot think of anyone who鈥檚 rhetoric is more hateful than Trump鈥檚.
I offer these headlines as examples: 鈥'Hate speech' a common theme of Trump鈥檚 presidency鈥 鈥 USA Today; 鈥淭rump鈥檚 attacks on political adversaries are often followed by threats to their safety鈥 鈥 The Washington Post; 鈥淭rump鈥檚 attacks on Local Officials are Spearheading Hatred鈥 鈥 The New Yorker; 鈥淎BC News finds 54 cases invoking Trump in connection with violence, threats, alleged assaults.鈥 The list goes on.
Just recently Trump wished a happy Memorial Day to 鈥渢he scum that spent the last four years trying to destroy our country.鈥 Now, tell me that鈥檚 not hateful, not to mention totally unnecessary on a day that we are supposed to be honoring those who sacrificed for our country. And presidential? Hardly.
Trump spent years vilifying former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden. He鈥檚 still insulting Biden every chance he gets. Why? Biden is no longer in power, no longer an opponent who might unseat him. Trump鈥檚 vindictiveness is truly over the top.
You say, Mr. Cranford, that 鈥渨e are better than that.鈥 I鈥檇 like to think so but you, like Trump, are not helping to make that a reality. Try practicing what you preach.
Lucia Malon
Petersburg
- Updated
I was horrified to read in the Richmond Times-Dispatch about a 3-year-old toddler in Chesterfield County who fatally shot himself with an unsecured gun ("Chesterfield man charged after 3-year-old boy accidentally shoots, kills himself," May 2).
He was visiting a family friend. Sadly, statistics confirm that more children, from birth to age 17, are killed by guns than by any other means (i.e. disease, car wrecks). Brady, the oldest gun violence prevention organization in America, promotes June 21 as ASK Day, or "Asking Saves Kids Day."
All of us, gun owners and non-gun owners alike, have a role in preventing family fire. Family fire refers to a shooting that results from someone misusing an unsecured firearm taken from or used in the home. Unintentional shootings, firearm suicide and many intentional shootings are all forms of family fire.
Safe gun storage practices can significantly reduce fatalities among toddlers, children and youth. Gun locks and safes are easily purchased from gun stores and online. Some gun safes are small enough to house a pistol and sit on a bedside table. Biometric gun safes are sold for under $100 and can be preprogrammed to be opened only by the owner's fingerprint.
Over these summer months, if children are not at home, they are likely to be on a play date or staying with a relative. Please remember to ask before you drop off a child: "Is there a gun in the home? If so, is it secured?" There are ways to ask that question that are not in any way offensive. For instance, "My child is inordinately curious. If you own a gun, can you make sure it is stored safely?"
Asking simple questions can help ensure that our youngest population lives and thrives.
Rev. Gay Einstein
Richmond
- Updated
After World War II, the center of research excellence shifted from Europe to the U.S. The National Science Foundation was established to fund basic research beyond the reach of private enterprises. The National Institutes of Health vastly increased its support of medical research. Talented researchers flocked to American universities from all over the world.
Some stayed, increasing American research expertise. Others went home but maintained the bonds forged in school, thereby facilitating international collaborations to address big scientific problems, all to our benefit. As a result, research productivity expanded at an unprecedented rate, serving as the basis for medical and technological innovations and economic progress.
I can think of no more effective way to destroy this engine of American prosperity than the current administration鈥檚 vendetta against colleges and universities. Canceling research grants, trashing existing research programs, uprooting students鈥 lives and ambushing their futures 鈥 who will want to come here?
And who will stay? In the past, the U.S. has gained by attracting established researchers escaping oppressive environments. Now there is movement in the opposite direction.
The administration says that what led to this draconian response is Harvard's fostering of antisemitism, but the Anti-Defamation League has rebuked the administration, as have many Jewish student groups. This has nothing to do with antisemitism 鈥 it's a naked attempt to humble a perceived enemy who refuses to bend the knee. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said, "Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country." The administration wishes to make Harvard an example, a head on a stake.
What to do? The administration draws its power from legislation, such as the Immigration and Nationality Act. If your representative is Republican, offer reassurance that supporting legislation to limit the president鈥檚 actions in this area will not cost your vote.
Jeff Elhai
Richmond
- Updated
Millions of Americans are at risk of losing access to health care as Congress is considering a budget package with the largest Medicaid cuts in history.
Medicaid, a joint federal and state program, is the single largest source of health coverage in the country. Nearly 72 million Americans, including children, seniors, pregnant people, working families with limited income and resources and people with disabilities rely on Medicaid for essential care, including doctor visits, hospitalizations, long-term care, maternity care, mental health care and rural clinic services.
The current budget proposal requires the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to cut $880 billion over 10 years. As 93% of the committee鈥檚 non-Medicare mandatory spending is on Medicaid, a substantial portion of these cuts will be to Medicaid. This will require the states to raise revenues, cut spending elsewhere or reduce Medicaid coverage.
Medicaid ensures that Americans have access to basic health care regardless of their economic status or disability. Research shows that Medicaid coverage is associated with improved health, lower rates of disability in adulthood, less medical debt and long-term financial benefits for society.
Medicaid has broad bipartisan support with 77% of Americans holding a favorable view of the program. Polling also shows that cutting federal Medicaid funding is wildly unpopular across political affiliations.
We must protect Medicaid for the millions who rely on it. Tell Congress not to endanger the health of our country.
Joan Porte, president of the League of Women Voters of Virginia
Richmond
- Updated
I have lived in various places during my lifetime, and I can honestly say I have never met a more attentive congressman focused on the needs of his constituents than Rob Wittman.
Recent editorials and letters to the editor would have you believe Wittman is avoiding his constituents. There is nothing further from the truth. Wittman can be seen throughout the 1st District, whether it be a senior living facility, visiting hospitals, student groups, businesses or holding a telephone town hall with thousands of people. Wittman does not shy away from tough questions or people who disagree with him.
These editors are upset with Wittman because of Trump鈥檚 spending cuts and immigration policies. They think if they threaten Wittman, he will buckle in his support of Trump. But they are forgetting this is what the American people voted for last November.
Wittman believes like Trump that we cannot continue spending money we don鈥檛 have. Our national debt is $36 trillion, and this level of spending threatens the long-term stability of critical programs like Social Security and Medicare and jeopardizes our children鈥檚 future.
This isn鈥檛 a new idea. Former President Barack Obama proposed a freeze on government spending and pledged to root out inefficiencies and duplication of services. He deported three million undocumented immigrants, most without a chance to plead their cases in court.
Former President Bill Clinton cut 400,000 jobs from the federal workforce and deported 12 million. Donald Trump is doing the same by issuing executive orders to root out duplication and waste across federal agencies and deporting illegal immigrants.
These editors and writers apparently forgot about the Obama and Clinton policies they once voted for and supported.
Gail Mitchell
Hardyville
- Updated
Wittman isn鈥檛 ducking his constituents
I have lived in various places during my lifetime, and I can honestly say I have never met a more attentive congressman focused on the needs of his constituents than Rob Wittman.
Recent editorials and letters to the editor would have you believe Wittman is avoiding his constituents. There is nothing further from the truth. Wittman can be seen throughout the 1st District, whether it be a senior living facility, visiting hospitals, student groups, businesses or holding a telephone town hall with thousands of people. Wittman does not shy away from tough questions or people who disagree with him.
These editors are upset with Wittman because of Trump鈥檚 spending cuts and immigration policies. They think if they threaten Wittman, he will buckle in his support of Trump. But they are forgetting this is what the American people voted for last November.
Wittman believes like Trump that we cannot continue spending money we don鈥檛 have. Our national debt is $36 trillion, and this level of spending threatens the long-term stability of critical programs like Social Security and Medicare and jeopardizes our children鈥檚 future.
This isn鈥檛 a new idea. Former President Barack Obama proposed a freeze on government spending and pledged to root out inefficiencies and duplication of services. He deported three million undocumented immigrants, most without a chance to plead their cases in court.
Former President Bill Clinton cut 400,000 jobs from the federal workforce and deported 12 million. Donald Trump is doing the same by issuing executive orders to root out duplication and waste across federal agencies and deporting illegal immigrants.
These editors and writers apparently forgot about the Obama and Clinton policies they once voted for and supported.
Gail Mitchell
Hardyville
Protect children from 鈥榝amily fire鈥
I was horrified to read in the Richmond Times-Dispatch about a 3-year-old toddler in Chesterfield County who fatally shot himself with an unsecured gun (鈥淐hesterfield man charged after 3-year-old boy accidentally shoots, kills himself,鈥 May 2).
He was visiting a family friend. Sadly, statistics confirm that more children, from birth to age 17, are killed by guns than by any other means (i.e. disease, car wrecks). Brady, the oldest gun violence prevention organization in America, promotes June 21 as ASK Day, or 鈥淎sking Saves Kids Day.鈥
All of us, gun owners and non-gun owners alike, have a role in preventing family fire. Family fire refers to a shooting that results from someone misusing an unsecured firearm taken from or used in the home. Unintentional shootings, firearm suicide and many intentional shootings are all forms of family fire.
Safe gun storage practices can significantly reduce fatalities among toddlers, children and youth. Gun locks and safes are easily purchased from gun stores and online. Some gun safes are small enough to house a pistol and sit on a bedside table. Biometric gun safes are sold for under $100 and can be preprogrammed to be opened only by the owner鈥檚 fingerprint.
Over these summer months, if children are not at home, they are likely to be on a play date or staying with a relative. Please remember to ask before you drop off a child: 鈥淚s there a gun in the home? If so, is it secured?鈥 There are ways to ask that question that are not in any way offensive. For instance, 鈥淢y child is inordinately curious. If you own a gun, can you make sure it is stored safely?鈥
Asking simple questions can help ensure that our youngest population lives and thrives.
Rev. Gay Einstein
Richmond
Millions at risk of losing health care
Millions of Americans are at risk of losing access to health care as Congress is considering a budget package with the largest Medicaid cuts in history.
Medicaid, a joint federal and state program, is the single largest source of health coverage in the country. Nearly 72 million Americans, including children, seniors, pregnant people, working families with limited income and resources and people with disabilities rely on Medicaid for essential care, including doctor visits, hospitalizations, long-term care, maternity care, mental health care and rural clinic services.
The current budget proposal requires the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to cut $880 billion over 10 years. As 93% of the committee鈥檚 non-Medicare mandatory spending is on Medicaid, a substantial portion of these cuts will be to Medicaid. This will require the states to raise revenues, cut spending elsewhere or reduce Medicaid coverage.
Medicaid ensures that Americans have access to basic health care regardless of their economic status or disability. Research shows that Medicaid coverage is associated with improved health, lower rates of disability in adulthood, less medical debt and long-term financial benefits for society.
Medicaid has broad bipartisan support with 77% of Americans holding a favorable view of the program. Polling also shows that cutting federal Medicaid funding is wildly unpopular across political affiliations.
We must protect Medicaid for the millions who rely on it. Tell Congress not to endanger the health of our country.
Joan Porte, president of the League of Women Voters of Virginia
Richmond
鈥楬ateful rhetoric鈥 toward Trump? How absurd
Is he kidding or just oblivious? Just like Trump, George Cranford鈥檚 letter to the editor (鈥淪top the hateful rhetoric toward Trump,鈥 May 28) is filled with inaccuracies and vitriol toward anyone not in his camp.
Cranford condemns without facts to support his accusations, yet calls for everyone who doesn鈥檛 think like him to tone it down. Mr. Cranford, can you not see the hypocrisy?
One of the biggest problems in our country 鈥 the divisiveness 鈥 is a direct result of Trump鈥檚 rise to power. I cannot think of anyone who鈥檚 rhetoric is more hateful than Trump鈥檚.
I offer these headlines as examples: 鈥溾楬ate speech鈥 a common theme of Trump鈥檚 presidency鈥 鈥 USA Today; 鈥淭rump鈥檚 attacks on political adversaries are often followed by threats to their safety鈥 鈥 The Washington Post; 鈥淭rump鈥檚 attacks on Local Officials are Spearheading Hatred鈥 鈥 The New Yorker; 鈥淎BC News finds 54 cases invoking Trump in connection with violence, threats, alleged assaults.鈥 The list goes on.
Just recently Trump wished a happy Memorial Day to 鈥渢he scum that spent the last four years trying to destroy our country.鈥 Now, tell me that鈥檚 not hateful, not to mention totally unnecessary on a day that we are supposed to be honoring those who sacrificed for our country. And presidential? Hardly.
Trump spent years vilifying former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden. He鈥檚 still insulting Biden every chance he gets. Why? Biden is no longer in power, no longer an opponent who might unseat him. Trump鈥檚 vindictiveness is truly over the top.
You say, Mr. Cranford, that 鈥渨e are better than that.鈥 I鈥檇 like to think so but you, like Trump, are not helping to make that a reality. Try practicing what you preach.
Lucia Malon
Petersburg
Wittman focuses on the issues that matter
As a young Virginian, I often hear people say my generation is disengaged from politics, but I wholeheartedly disagree. We care deeply about the future of our communities, our economy and our country, and we pay attention to the leaders who continue to show up and do the work.
Congressman Rob Wittman has consistently focused on the issues that matter to young people. From promoting career and technical education to working for affordable energy solutions, he鈥檚 creating opportunities for the next generation. At a time when college tuition and the cost of living continue to rise, efforts to strengthen trade programs and support small businesses give young Virginians more options to succeed.
Even in an off-election year, Congressman Wittman hasn鈥檛 slowed down. While some politicians disappear between campaigns, he continues working on legislation that directly impacts our communities. Public service should not be about the next election. It should be about delivering results year-round, and that is exactly what he is doing.
Young people deserve leaders who prioritize long-term solutions and invest in our future. Thank you to Congressman Wittman for his hard work on behalf of my generation and for his commitment to building a better, stronger Virginia.
Helen Sharpe
Glen Allen
Not all price hikes are due to tariffs
I cannot be the only person who notices all prices are going up and they blame it on the new tariffs even if the products don鈥檛 come from China!
Drug prices have gone up right after President Donald Trump said he was going to do something about them. A $9 prescription of mine went to $23. Do we get them from China? Corn and animal grains have gone up, even the lottery joined in by raising Mega Millions tickets from $2 to $5, a 150% increase. They all are using the tariffs as an excuse to raise everything,
Walmart has a valid excuse being almost everything they sell is from China. We elected President Trump to curtail prices and clear the swamp; seems the swamp is the only priority now. With all these new increases and the cost of food? How long can we sustain this lifestyle? People on fixed incomes are getting hit the hardest now. The powers that be need to step up and get something done about this or we are going to crash!
Daniel Buonocore, Rocky Mount
Williamson Road story lacked business input
A story on the Williamson Road diet plan told maybe half the story (鈥淲illiamson Road to go on a diet,鈥 May 21).
There is another side that needs to be covered.
The 色多多 Business Group (RBG) represents most of the businesses along Williamson. We have been involved with Williamson issues since 2002 and several of us are past members of the Williamson Road Business Association.
Our outreach has resulted in more than 100 Williamson businesses signing our petition to oppose the road diet and advocate for other better improvements. Over 92% of all businesses we met with support our position.
While we support alternative improvements, we are not opposed to the city doing a three-lane test this summer. But we are strongly supporting a list of over a dozen improvements that RBG has advocated for years.
We also question the crash data provided by the city. We have asked for more relevant data comparing their five-year numbers with other five-year periods and gotten no response. RBG feels the data is biased.
Virtually no major improvements have been made to Williamson for more than 30 years, despite calls for the same things year after year. For example, safer crosswalks, traffic light timing, sidewalks, bus stops, public parking, warning signage, and much more.
The Times should do more outreach to businesses and RBG to get a more informative input and a more balanced news story.
If anyone has questions don鈥檛 hesitate to call or write.
Bill Tanger, Director, 色多多 Business Group
Teacher bonuses are nice, but not enough
I would like to congratulate the Bedford County School Board on finalizing its 2025-26 budget, which included a $1,000 one-time retention bonus for teachers choosing to return in the fall. Retaining talent is a continuous challenge every school division faces.
Of the $1,000 bonus paid with teachers鈥 May paycheck, let鈥檚 say they get to keep $750 after taxes and deductions. In today鈥檚 world, that $750 divides out to $14 per week. This tidy bonus will allow a teacher to purchase for his/her family three dozen eggs (every week) or possibly four gallons of gasoline (every week). As I just saw yesterday that a tin of store-brand coffee is now $17, a teacher will have to put two weeks of bonus toward an item like that. A $1,000 bonus sounds like quite a heroic outlay on behalf of our heroic teachers, and it鈥檚 better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick. But please, let鈥檚 not lose our heads about what today鈥檚 $1,000 is or isn鈥檛.
P.S. I learned how to do all of that math from a fourth grade teacher.
Jason Cohen, Blue Ridge
Come protest during Trump鈥檚 parade
June 14 has become a very important day this year. It is the 250th anniversary of the United States Army and the birthday of Mr. Trump. I don鈥檛 know if it鈥檚 Trump鈥檚 250th birthday or not 鈥 he has only been in office for 200 days 鈥 but it seems he has been telling people what to do for a long time.
At any rate, the Trump administration is organizing a large military parade that will pass by the front of the White House on June 14. The parade will consist of numerous tanks, missiles, military bands and a large number of marching units.
Everything is set to satisfy anyone and everyone who enjoys a $50 million parade. The only thing that is in doubt is if Morgan Griffith and Vladimir Putin will be there with Trump to review the troops
Many people are concerned that the United States is being turned in a military state with no worries about deficit spending and social ills.
A large number of people in Christiansburg (NRV) are concerned about what is going on in the country. On June 14, from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., a rally will be held in downtown Christiansburg. The theme for the protest will be 鈥淣o Kings.鈥
Citizens are encouraged to make your feelings heard. Bring a sign, and your enthusiasm to help show the public everyone does not need tanks to speak for America.
On June 14, Christiansburg will one of 800 communities across the country protesting, showing the country and the world that we stand for Democracy.
Steve Huppert, Christiansburg
Where in the world is Dan Casey?
Where is Dan Casey and his columns? Have I overlooked a news account regarding his whereabouts? Has he undergone another surgery and is on medical leave? Has he linked up with Waldo of 鈥淲here鈥檚 Waldo鈥 fame? Did Dan acquire a new position with another newspaper? Did Lee Enterprises falsely blame the February 2025 cybersecurity attack on him which placed Dan on Homeland Security鈥檚 deportation list? So, Dan if you鈥檝e become a fugitive, or become imprisoned stateside or taken up involuntary residence overseas, please know that your 色多多鈥 readers miss your columns.
Michael Hicks, 色多多
Editor鈥檚 note: The Dano indeed has been on leave, and like Donald Trump, he鈥檒l be back ... starting this week.
Letter: Vote Franklin for reproductive rights
My name is Evelyn Bolling. I鈥檓 a sophomore at Virginia Tech, and a 色多多r born and raised. I鈥檓 writing to express concern about Gov. Glen Youngkin鈥檚 veto of the Right to Contraception Act in the Virginia Constitution. This bill would have codified the right to obtain contraception here in Virginia.
Unfortunately, Chris Obenshain, delegate of the 41st House District, voted against this bill. Obenshain represents all of Virginia Tech鈥檚 campus, and many students have reproductive freedom and education at the forefront of their priorities and needs.
This bill matters to everyone, whether they know it or not. Before the overturning of Roe v. Wade, we didn鈥檛 have to think about the possibility of our reproductive health care being threatened. Contraception has been used for more than reproductive care. It鈥檚 used for severe menstrual cramping, an alternative to acne medications, and regulating menstrual cycles. Women depend on access to these medications and no politician should take that right away from us.
As we progress into the Trump Administration, decisions such as contraception are being left to the states. We cannot trust that the federal government will protect such rights, so we have to demand that protection from our state legislators. Del. Obenshain has demonstrated he will not protect Virginia鈥檚 right to contraception, health care, and education freedom. That is why I am voting for Lily Franklin this fall.
Lily Franklin knows contraception is not a privilege, but a right. She鈥檚 made contraception and reproductive care a key part of her platform. Obenshain has shown that he only cares about inflicting his agenda onto us, and I don鈥檛 trust him to protect our rights if re-elected. Lily Franklin will work to not only protect the right to contraception, but expand access to reproductive healthcare and protect our freedom to choose what we do with our own bodies.
I urge Virginia Tech students to register in the 41st District for this election. We live here, pay rent, taxes, and education here. We deserve a say in who will oversee our home. Lily Franklin has my vote in the fall. Will she have yours?
Evelyn Bolling, 色多多
Teacher bonuses are nice, but not enough
I would like to congratulate the Bedford County School Board on finalizing its 2025-26 budget, which included a $1,000 one-time retention bonus for teachers choosing to return in the fall. Retaining talent is a continuous challenge every school division faces.
Of the $1,000 bonus paid with teachers鈥 May paycheck, let鈥檚 say they get to keep $750 after taxes and deductions. In today鈥檚 world, that $750 divides out to $14 per week. This tidy bonus will allow a teacher to purchase for his/her family three dozen eggs (every week) or possibly four gallons of gasoline (every week). As I just saw yesterday that a tin of store-brand coffee is now $17, a teacher will have to put two weeks of bonus toward an item like that. A $1,000 bonus sounds like quite a heroic outlay on behalf of our heroic teachers, and it鈥檚 better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick. But please, let鈥檚 not lose our heads about what today鈥檚 $1,000 is or isn鈥檛.
P.S. I learned how to do all of that math from a fourth grade teacher.
Jason Cohen, Blue Ridge
Williamson Road story lacked business input
A story on the Williamson Road diet plan told maybe half the story (鈥淲illiamson Road to go on a diet,鈥 May 21).
There is another side that needs to be covered.
The 色多多 Business Group (RBG) represents most of the businesses along Williamson. We have been involved with Williamson issues since 2002 and several of us are past members of the Williamson Road Business Association.
Our outreach has resulted in more than 100 Williamson businesses signing our petition to oppose the road diet and advocate for other better improvements. Over 92% of all businesses we met with support our position.
While we support alternative improvements, we are not opposed to the city doing a three-lane test this summer. But we are strongly supporting a list of over a dozen improvements that RBG has advocated for years.
We also question the crash data provided by the city. We have asked for more relevant data comparing their five-year numbers with other five-year periods and gotten no response. RBG feels the data is biased.
Virtually no major improvements have been made to Williamson for more than 30 years, despite calls for the same things year after year. For example, safer crosswalks, traffic light timing, sidewalks, bus stops, public parking, warning signage, and much more.
The Times should do more outreach to businesses and RBG to get a more informative input and a more balanced news story.
If anyone has questions don鈥檛 hesitate to call or write.
Bill Tanger, Director,
色多多 Business Group
Come protest during Trump鈥檚 parade
June 14 has become a very important day this year. It is the 250th anniversary of the United States Army and the birthday of Mr. Trump. I don鈥檛 know if it鈥檚 Trump鈥檚 250th birthday or not 鈥 he has only been in office for 200 days 鈥 but it seems he has been telling people what to do for a long time.
At any rate, the Trump administration is organizing a large military parade that will pass by the front of the White House on June 14. The parade will consist of numerous tanks, missiles, military bands and a large number of marching units.
Everything is set to satisfy anyone and everyone who enjoys a $50 million parade. The only thing that is in doubt is if Morgan Griffith and Vladimir Putin will be there with Trump to review the troops
Many people are concerned that the United States is being turned in a military state with no worries about deficit spending and social ills.
A large number of people in Christiansburg (NRV) are concerned about what is going on in the country. On June 14, from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., a rally will be held in downtown Christiansburg. The theme for the protest will be 鈥淣o Kings.鈥
Citizens are encouraged to make your feelings heard. Bring a sign, and your enthusiasm to help show the public everyone does not need tanks to speak for America.
On June 14, Christiansburg will one of 800 communities across the country protesting, showing the country and the world that we stand for Democracy.
Steve Huppert,
Christiansburg
Not all price hikes are due to tariffs
I cannot be the only person who notices all prices are going up and they blame it on the new tariffs even if the products don鈥檛 come from China!
Drug prices have gone up right after President Donald Trump said he was going to do something about them. A $9 prescription of mine went to $23. Do we get them from China? Corn and animal grains have gone up, even the lottery joined in by raising Mega Millions tickets from $2 to $5, a 150% increase. They all are using the tariffs as an excuse to raise everything,
Walmart has a valid excuse being almost everything they sell is from China. We elected President Trump to curtail prices and clear the swamp; seems the swamp is the only priority now. With all these new increases and the cost of food? How long can we sustain this lifestyle? People on fixed incomes are getting hit the hardest now.
The powers that be need to step up and get something done about this or we are going to crash!
Daniel Buonocore, Rocky Mount
Letter: Vote Franklin for reproductive rights
My name is Evelyn Bolling. I鈥檓 a sophomore at Virginia Tech, and a 色多多r born and raised. I鈥檓 writing to express concern about Gov. Glen Youngkin鈥檚 veto of the Right to Contraception Act in the Virginia Constitution. This bill would have codified the right to obtain contraception here in Virginia.
Unfortunately, Chris Obenshain, delegate of the 41st House District, voted against this bill. Obenshain represents all of Virginia Tech鈥檚 campus, and many students have reproductive freedom and education at the forefront of their priorities and needs.
This bill matters to everyone, whether they know it or not. Before the overturning of Roe v. Wade, we didn鈥檛 have to think about the possibility of our reproductive health care being threatened. Contraception has been used for more than reproductive care. It鈥檚 used for severe menstrual cramping, an alternative to acne medications, and regulating menstrual cycles. Women depend on access to these medications and no politician should take that right away from us.
As we progress into the Trump Administration, decisions such as contraception are being left to the states. We cannot trust that the federal government will protect such rights, so we have to demand that protection from our state legislators. Del. Obenshain has demonstrated he will not protect Virginia鈥檚 right to contraception, health care, and education freedom. That is why I am voting for Lily Franklin this fall.
Lily Franklin knows contraception is not a privilege, but a right. She鈥檚 made contraception and reproductive care a key part of her platform. Obenshain has shown that he only cares about inflicting his agenda onto us, and I don鈥檛 trust him to protect our rights if re-elected. Lily Franklin will work to not only protect the right to contraception, but expand access to reproductive healthcare and protect our freedom to choose what we do with our own bodies.
I urge Virginia Tech students to register in the 41st District for this election. We live here, pay rent, taxes, and education here. We deserve a say in who will oversee our home. Lily Franklin has my vote in the fall. Will she have yours?
Evelyn Bolling, 色多多
More like this...
As a citizen who values open, honest communication from our elected leaders, I am increasingly concerned about the tools they use to reach us.
Our representatives in Congress and our president list social media sites on their official governmental websites. They regularly post messages, updates and report official actions on platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Truth Social, Instagram and YouTube 鈥 sites owned by powerful corporations, individuals who have donated to politicians, a 鈥渟pecial government employee,鈥 or in the case of Truth Social, an elected politician.
These platforms don鈥檛 just relay messages 鈥 they filter and amplify them through algorithms designed to keep us scrolling, not informed. Studies show these algorithms favor sensationalism and reinforce ideological echo chambers regardless of accuracy.
When our representatives rely on these platforms, they send our attention 鈥 and our trust 鈥 through systems that may distort their messages and enrich political donors and politicians. Their use of these platforms represents a clear conflict of interest.
This isn鈥檛 about silencing anyone or rejecting technology. It鈥檚 about fairness, transparency and restoring the integrity of public discourse. Our representatives should model the kind of communication we expect in a healthy democracy: open, nonpartisan and accountable.
I urge our elected officials to post all official updates first on their .gov websites; make use of their franking privilege; offer email, newsletter and RSS options; and consider using apolitical alternatives like Mastodon or Bluesky. Further, I encourage them to discontinue the use of biased and conflicted platforms until they are no longer in office. These changes wouldn鈥檛 limit access 鈥 they would enhance it, ensuring that every constituent has equal, unfiltered access to the information they need to make informed decisions.
If you agree, please write to your elected officials. Let鈥檚 hold our leaders to a higher standard 鈥 one that respects both the message and the medium.
Bob Falk
Gloucester
I would like to thank and congratulate Scott Morris, director of the Richmond Department of Public Utilities, for his comprehensive and thorough memorandum to City Council on our struggling water system earlier this month.
Morris is laying out a solid path forward. Though lengthy, complicated and expensive, Morris' 10-year plan is frankly realistic聽鈥 no excuses, no politics, no games.
It won't be easy, it won't be fast聽鈥 but most importantly, it won't be just another stop-gap Band-Aid. We are indeed as he put it, "quite literally, rebuilding this plane while flying it." We are lucky to have him as our pilot.
Ellen LeCompte
搁颈肠丑尘辞苍诲听
How Democrats can regain, maintain power
Democrat politicians and liberal newscasters are now coming out of the woodwork to reverse (or ignore) their previously stated denial that former President Joe Biden had any mental acuity issues when he was in office 鈥 and that it鈥檚 time to move forward.
You need not be a political savant to know that moving forward for the Democrats will require significant change. They need newer, younger leadership. The party needs to move more to the political center from the far left. And they need to develop a new platform and policies that are more relevant to voters.
To be successful, these changes must be accompanied by some commonsense thinking and actions. The Democrats should stop constantly attacking Trump and calling him Hitler. It hasn鈥檛 worked to date. And 鈥渘ot Trump鈥 is not a positive statement about plans or ideas that the Democrats have to offer.
The Democrats need to do a better job of listening to and understanding voters while minimizing the erroneous influence of the progressive Democratic coastal elites.
They also need to 鈥渙wn鈥 issues where the Republicans are vulnerable and where Democrats have substantial credibility: child care, health care, education and social issues.
The Democrats need to join the Republicans on issues where bipartisanship makes sense. Demonstrating the ability to work with Republicans is an optic that will serve them well in the midterm elections.
If the Democrats want to retain and maintain power, they need to stop putting 鈥渟pin鈥 on everything that doesn鈥檛 go their way, or with which they disagree. American voters are too smart and hardened to buy into all that nonsense. They should also stop obfuscating with Trump comparative 鈥渨hataboutisms鈥 and operate in a much more transparent way.
It鈥檚 all an uphill battle to be sure. But as Trump has demonstrated, uphill battles can be fought and won.
Bruce Kelley
Henrico
Richmond lucky to have Scott Morris
I would like to thank and congratulate Scott Morris, director of the Richmond Department of Public Utilities, for his comprehensive and thorough memorandum to City Council on our struggling water system earlier this month.
Morris is laying out a solid path forward. Though lengthy, complicated and expensive, Morris鈥 10-year plan is frankly realistic 鈥 no excuses, no politics, no games.
It won鈥檛 be easy, it won鈥檛 be fast 鈥 but most importantly, it won鈥檛 be just another stop-gap Band-Aid. We are indeed as he put it, 鈥渜uite literally, rebuilding this plane while flying it.鈥 We are lucky to have him as our pilot.
Ellen LeCompte
Richmond
Hold elected leaders accountable for messaging
As a citizen who values open, honest communication from our elected leaders, I am increasingly concerned about the tools they use to reach us.
Our representatives in Congress and our president list social media sites on their official governmental websites. They regularly post messages, updates and report official actions on platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Truth Social, Instagram and YouTube 鈥 sites owned by powerful corporations, individuals who have donated to politicians, a 鈥渟pecial government employee,鈥 or in the case of Truth Social, an elected politician.
These platforms don鈥檛 just relay messages 鈥 they filter and amplify them through algorithms designed to keep us scrolling, not informed. Studies show these algorithms favor sensationalism and reinforce ideological echo chambers regardless of accuracy.
When our representatives rely on these platforms, they send our attention 鈥 and our trust 鈥 through systems that may distort their messages and enrich political donors and politicians. Their use of these platforms represents a clear conflict of interest.
This isn鈥檛 about silencing anyone or rejecting technology. It鈥檚 about fairness, transparency and restoring the integrity of public discourse. Our representatives should model the kind of communication we expect in a healthy democracy: open, nonpartisan and accountable.
I urge our elected officials to post all official updates first on their .gov websites; make use of their franking privilege; offer email, newsletter and RSS options; and consider using apolitical alternatives like Mastodon or Bluesky. Further, I encourage them to discontinue the use of biased and conflicted platforms until they are no longer in office. These changes wouldn鈥檛 limit access 鈥 they would enhance it, ensuring that every constituent has equal, unfiltered access to the information they need to make informed decisions.
If you agree, please write to your elected officials. Let鈥檚 hold our leaders to a higher standard 鈥 one that respects both the message and the medium.
Bob Falk
Gloucester
Set an age limit for the presidency
I admire and respect old people. At 81 I am one. But recent reports about former President Joe Biden鈥檚 declining mental acuity during the latter part of his term and President Donald Trump鈥檚 incoherent, demented and delusional rantings make me think we should consider a constitutional age limit on the office of president.
Now the 25th Amendment to the Constitution was designed as one way to address the fitness issue, providing for the vice president and cabinet to certify to Congress that the president is unable to perform her or his duties. Sadly, it appears that former Vice President Kamala Harris and the cabinet did not do their duty. Equally saddening, given President Trump鈥檚 insistence on loyalty to him as the first requirement for the vice presidency and cabinet, it seems highly unlikely that Vice President JD Vance or cabinet members would ever act, no matter how bizarre the president鈥檚 behavior.
The first three articles of the Constitution impose a minimum age limit to hold office: 25 for the House, 30 for the Senate, 35 for the presidency. Arguably these are arbitrary, as setting a maximum age would be.
I don鈥檛 know what the upper age limit should be but we need to debate it and take action. Arbitrarily, I suggest we begin the discussion at 65 as the oldest age for someone to become president. If the president served two terms, she or he would leave office no older than 73.
Please join me in urging Congress to address this issue.
David Shufflebarger
North Chesterfield
Democrat politicians and liberal newscasters are now coming out of the woodwork to reverse (or ignore) their previously stated denial that former President Joe Biden had any mental acuity issues when he was in office 鈥 and that it鈥檚 time to move forward.
You need not be a political savant to know that moving forward for the Democrats will require significant change. They need newer, younger leadership. The party needs to move more to the political center from the far left. And they need to develop a new platform and policies that are more relevant to voters.
To be successful, these changes must be accompanied by some commonsense thinking and actions. The Democrats should stop constantly attacking Trump and calling him Hitler. It hasn鈥檛 worked to date. And 鈥渘ot Trump鈥 is not a positive statement about plans or ideas that the Democrats have to offer.
The Democrats need to do a better job of listening to and understanding voters while minimizing the erroneous influence of the progressive Democratic coastal elites.
They also need to 鈥渙wn鈥 issues where the Republicans are vulnerable and where Democrats have substantial credibility: child care, health care, education and social issues.
The Democrats need to join the Republicans on issues where bipartisanship makes sense. Demonstrating the ability to work with Republicans is an optic that will serve them well in the midterm elections.
If the Democrats want to retain and maintain power, they need to stop putting 鈥渟pin鈥 on everything that doesn鈥檛 go their way, or with which they disagree. American voters are too smart and hardened to buy into all that nonsense. They should also stop obfuscating with Trump comparative 鈥渨hataboutisms" and operate in a much more transparent way.
It鈥檚 all an uphill battle to be sure. But as Trump has demonstrated, uphill battles can be fought and won.
Bruce Kelley
Henrico
As a young Virginian, I often hear people say my generation is disengaged from politics, but I wholeheartedly disagree. We care deeply about the future of our communities, our economy and our country, and we pay attention to the leaders who continue to show up and do the work.
Congressman Rob Wittman has consistently focused on the issues that matter to young people. From promoting career and technical education to working for affordable energy solutions, he鈥檚 creating opportunities for the next generation. At a time when college tuition and the cost of living continue to rise, efforts to strengthen trade programs and support small businesses give young Virginians more options to succeed.
Even in an off-election year, Congressman Wittman hasn鈥檛 slowed down. While some politicians disappear between campaigns, he continues working on legislation that directly impacts our communities. Public service should not be about the next election. It should be about delivering results year-round, and that is exactly what he is doing.
Young people deserve leaders who prioritize long-term solutions and invest in our future. Thank you to Congressman Wittman for his hard work on behalf of my generation and for his commitment to building a better, stronger Virginia.
Helen Sharpe
Glen Allen
Letters to the editor
鈥楬ateful rhetoric鈥 toward Trump? How absurd
Is he kidding or just oblivious? Just like Trump, George Cranford鈥檚 letter to the editor (鈥淪top the hateful rhetoric toward Trump,鈥 May 28) is filled with inaccuracies and vitriol toward anyone not in his camp.
Cranford condemns without facts to support his accusations, yet calls for everyone who doesn鈥檛 think like him to tone it down. Mr. Cranford, can you not see the hypocrisy?
One of the biggest problems in our country 鈥 the divisiveness 鈥 is a direct result of Trump鈥檚 rise to power. I cannot think of anyone whose rhetoric is more hateful than Trump鈥檚.
I offer these headlines as examples: 鈥溾楬ate speech鈥 a common theme of Trump鈥檚 presidency鈥 鈥 USA Today; 鈥淭rump鈥檚 attacks on political adversaries are often followed by threats to their safety鈥 鈥 The Washington Post; 鈥淭rump鈥檚 attacks on Local Officials are Spearheading Hatred鈥 鈥 The New Yorker; 鈥淎BC News finds 54 cases invoking Trump in connection with violence, threats, alleged assaults.鈥 The list goes on.
Just recently Trump wished a happy Memorial Day to 鈥渢he scum that spent the last four years trying to destroy our country.鈥 Now, tell me that鈥檚 not hateful, not to mention totally unnecessary on a day that we are supposed to be honoring those who sacrificed for our country. And presidential? Hardly.
Trump spent years vilifying former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden. He鈥檚 still insulting Biden every chance he gets.
Why? Biden is no longer in power, no longer an opponent who might unseat him. Trump鈥檚 vindictiveness is truly over the top.
You say, Mr. Cranford, that 鈥渨e are better than that.鈥 I鈥檇 like to think so but you, like Trump, are not helping to make that a reality. Try practicing what you preach.
Lucia Malon
Petersburg
Wittman focuses on the issues that matter
As a young Virginian, I often hear people say my generation is disengaged from politics, but I wholeheartedly disagree. We care deeply about the future of our communities, our economy and our country, and we pay attention to the leaders who continue to show up and do the work.
Congressman Rob Wittman has consistently focused on the issues that matter to young people. From promoting career and technical education to working for affordable energy solutions, he鈥檚 creating opportunities for the next generation. At a time when college tuition and the cost of living continue to rise, efforts to strengthen trade programs and support small businesses give young Virginians more options to succeed.
Even in an off-election year, Congressman Wittman hasn鈥檛 slowed down. While some politicians disappear between campaigns, he continues working on legislation that directly impacts our communities.
Public service should not be about the next election. It should be about delivering results year-round, and that is exactly what he is doing.
Young people deserve leaders who prioritize long-term solutions and invest in our future. Thank you to Congressman Wittman for his hard work on behalf of my generation and for his commitment to building a better, stronger Virginia.
Helen Sharpe
Glen Allen
Is he kidding or just oblivious? Just like Trump, George Cranford's letter to the editor ("Stop the hateful rhetoric toward Trump," May 28) is filled with inaccuracies and vitriol toward anyone not in his camp.
Cranford condemns without facts to support his accusations, yet calls for everyone who doesn鈥檛 think like him to tone it down. Mr. Cranford, can you not see the hypocrisy?
One of the biggest problems in our country 鈥 the divisiveness 鈥 is a direct result of Trump鈥檚 rise to power. I cannot think of anyone who鈥檚 rhetoric is more hateful than Trump鈥檚.
I offer these headlines as examples: 鈥'Hate speech' a common theme of Trump鈥檚 presidency鈥 鈥 USA Today; 鈥淭rump鈥檚 attacks on political adversaries are often followed by threats to their safety鈥 鈥 The Washington Post; 鈥淭rump鈥檚 attacks on Local Officials are Spearheading Hatred鈥 鈥 The New Yorker; 鈥淎BC News finds 54 cases invoking Trump in connection with violence, threats, alleged assaults.鈥 The list goes on.
Just recently Trump wished a happy Memorial Day to 鈥渢he scum that spent the last four years trying to destroy our country.鈥 Now, tell me that鈥檚 not hateful, not to mention totally unnecessary on a day that we are supposed to be honoring those who sacrificed for our country. And presidential? Hardly.
Trump spent years vilifying former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden. He鈥檚 still insulting Biden every chance he gets. Why? Biden is no longer in power, no longer an opponent who might unseat him. Trump鈥檚 vindictiveness is truly over the top.
You say, Mr. Cranford, that 鈥渨e are better than that.鈥 I鈥檇 like to think so but you, like Trump, are not helping to make that a reality. Try practicing what you preach.
Lucia Malon
Petersburg
I was horrified to read in the Richmond Times-Dispatch about a 3-year-old toddler in Chesterfield County who fatally shot himself with an unsecured gun ("Chesterfield man charged after 3-year-old boy accidentally shoots, kills himself," May 2).
He was visiting a family friend. Sadly, statistics confirm that more children, from birth to age 17, are killed by guns than by any other means (i.e. disease, car wrecks). Brady, the oldest gun violence prevention organization in America, promotes June 21 as ASK Day, or "Asking Saves Kids Day."
All of us, gun owners and non-gun owners alike, have a role in preventing family fire. Family fire refers to a shooting that results from someone misusing an unsecured firearm taken from or used in the home. Unintentional shootings, firearm suicide and many intentional shootings are all forms of family fire.
Safe gun storage practices can significantly reduce fatalities among toddlers, children and youth. Gun locks and safes are easily purchased from gun stores and online. Some gun safes are small enough to house a pistol and sit on a bedside table. Biometric gun safes are sold for under $100 and can be preprogrammed to be opened only by the owner's fingerprint.
Over these summer months, if children are not at home, they are likely to be on a play date or staying with a relative. Please remember to ask before you drop off a child: "Is there a gun in the home? If so, is it secured?" There are ways to ask that question that are not in any way offensive. For instance, "My child is inordinately curious. If you own a gun, can you make sure it is stored safely?"
Asking simple questions can help ensure that our youngest population lives and thrives.
Rev. Gay Einstein
Richmond
After World War II, the center of research excellence shifted from Europe to the U.S. The National Science Foundation was established to fund basic research beyond the reach of private enterprises. The National Institutes of Health vastly increased its support of medical research. Talented researchers flocked to American universities from all over the world.
Some stayed, increasing American research expertise. Others went home but maintained the bonds forged in school, thereby facilitating international collaborations to address big scientific problems, all to our benefit. As a result, research productivity expanded at an unprecedented rate, serving as the basis for medical and technological innovations and economic progress.
I can think of no more effective way to destroy this engine of American prosperity than the current administration鈥檚 vendetta against colleges and universities. Canceling research grants, trashing existing research programs, uprooting students鈥 lives and ambushing their futures 鈥 who will want to come here?
And who will stay? In the past, the U.S. has gained by attracting established researchers escaping oppressive environments. Now there is movement in the opposite direction.
The administration says that what led to this draconian response is Harvard's fostering of antisemitism, but the Anti-Defamation League has rebuked the administration, as have many Jewish student groups. This has nothing to do with antisemitism 鈥 it's a naked attempt to humble a perceived enemy who refuses to bend the knee. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said, "Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country." The administration wishes to make Harvard an example, a head on a stake.
What to do? The administration draws its power from legislation, such as the Immigration and Nationality Act. If your representative is Republican, offer reassurance that supporting legislation to limit the president鈥檚 actions in this area will not cost your vote.
Jeff Elhai
Richmond
Millions of Americans are at risk of losing access to health care as Congress is considering a budget package with the largest Medicaid cuts in history.
Medicaid, a joint federal and state program, is the single largest source of health coverage in the country. Nearly 72 million Americans, including children, seniors, pregnant people, working families with limited income and resources and people with disabilities rely on Medicaid for essential care, including doctor visits, hospitalizations, long-term care, maternity care, mental health care and rural clinic services.
The current budget proposal requires the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to cut $880 billion over 10 years. As 93% of the committee鈥檚 non-Medicare mandatory spending is on Medicaid, a substantial portion of these cuts will be to Medicaid. This will require the states to raise revenues, cut spending elsewhere or reduce Medicaid coverage.
Medicaid ensures that Americans have access to basic health care regardless of their economic status or disability. Research shows that Medicaid coverage is associated with improved health, lower rates of disability in adulthood, less medical debt and long-term financial benefits for society.
Medicaid has broad bipartisan support with 77% of Americans holding a favorable view of the program. Polling also shows that cutting federal Medicaid funding is wildly unpopular across political affiliations.
We must protect Medicaid for the millions who rely on it. Tell Congress not to endanger the health of our country.
Joan Porte, president of the League of Women Voters of Virginia
Richmond
I have lived in various places during my lifetime, and I can honestly say I have never met a more attentive congressman focused on the needs of his constituents than Rob Wittman.
Recent editorials and letters to the editor would have you believe Wittman is avoiding his constituents. There is nothing further from the truth. Wittman can be seen throughout the 1st District, whether it be a senior living facility, visiting hospitals, student groups, businesses or holding a telephone town hall with thousands of people. Wittman does not shy away from tough questions or people who disagree with him.
These editors are upset with Wittman because of Trump鈥檚 spending cuts and immigration policies. They think if they threaten Wittman, he will buckle in his support of Trump. But they are forgetting this is what the American people voted for last November.
Wittman believes like Trump that we cannot continue spending money we don鈥檛 have. Our national debt is $36 trillion, and this level of spending threatens the long-term stability of critical programs like Social Security and Medicare and jeopardizes our children鈥檚 future.
This isn鈥檛 a new idea. Former President Barack Obama proposed a freeze on government spending and pledged to root out inefficiencies and duplication of services. He deported three million undocumented immigrants, most without a chance to plead their cases in court.
Former President Bill Clinton cut 400,000 jobs from the federal workforce and deported 12 million. Donald Trump is doing the same by issuing executive orders to root out duplication and waste across federal agencies and deporting illegal immigrants.
These editors and writers apparently forgot about the Obama and Clinton policies they once voted for and supported.
Gail Mitchell
Hardyville
Wittman isn鈥檛 ducking his constituents
I have lived in various places during my lifetime, and I can honestly say I have never met a more attentive congressman focused on the needs of his constituents than Rob Wittman.
Recent editorials and letters to the editor would have you believe Wittman is avoiding his constituents. There is nothing further from the truth. Wittman can be seen throughout the 1st District, whether it be a senior living facility, visiting hospitals, student groups, businesses or holding a telephone town hall with thousands of people. Wittman does not shy away from tough questions or people who disagree with him.
These editors are upset with Wittman because of Trump鈥檚 spending cuts and immigration policies. They think if they threaten Wittman, he will buckle in his support of Trump. But they are forgetting this is what the American people voted for last November.
Wittman believes like Trump that we cannot continue spending money we don鈥檛 have. Our national debt is $36 trillion, and this level of spending threatens the long-term stability of critical programs like Social Security and Medicare and jeopardizes our children鈥檚 future.
This isn鈥檛 a new idea. Former President Barack Obama proposed a freeze on government spending and pledged to root out inefficiencies and duplication of services. He deported three million undocumented immigrants, most without a chance to plead their cases in court.
Former President Bill Clinton cut 400,000 jobs from the federal workforce and deported 12 million. Donald Trump is doing the same by issuing executive orders to root out duplication and waste across federal agencies and deporting illegal immigrants.
These editors and writers apparently forgot about the Obama and Clinton policies they once voted for and supported.
Gail Mitchell
Hardyville
Protect children from 鈥榝amily fire鈥
I was horrified to read in the Richmond Times-Dispatch about a 3-year-old toddler in Chesterfield County who fatally shot himself with an unsecured gun (鈥淐hesterfield man charged after 3-year-old boy accidentally shoots, kills himself,鈥 May 2).
He was visiting a family friend. Sadly, statistics confirm that more children, from birth to age 17, are killed by guns than by any other means (i.e. disease, car wrecks). Brady, the oldest gun violence prevention organization in America, promotes June 21 as ASK Day, or 鈥淎sking Saves Kids Day.鈥
All of us, gun owners and non-gun owners alike, have a role in preventing family fire. Family fire refers to a shooting that results from someone misusing an unsecured firearm taken from or used in the home. Unintentional shootings, firearm suicide and many intentional shootings are all forms of family fire.
Safe gun storage practices can significantly reduce fatalities among toddlers, children and youth. Gun locks and safes are easily purchased from gun stores and online. Some gun safes are small enough to house a pistol and sit on a bedside table. Biometric gun safes are sold for under $100 and can be preprogrammed to be opened only by the owner鈥檚 fingerprint.
Over these summer months, if children are not at home, they are likely to be on a play date or staying with a relative. Please remember to ask before you drop off a child: 鈥淚s there a gun in the home? If so, is it secured?鈥 There are ways to ask that question that are not in any way offensive. For instance, 鈥淢y child is inordinately curious. If you own a gun, can you make sure it is stored safely?鈥
Asking simple questions can help ensure that our youngest population lives and thrives.
Rev. Gay Einstein
Richmond
Millions at risk of losing health care
Millions of Americans are at risk of losing access to health care as Congress is considering a budget package with the largest Medicaid cuts in history.
Medicaid, a joint federal and state program, is the single largest source of health coverage in the country. Nearly 72 million Americans, including children, seniors, pregnant people, working families with limited income and resources and people with disabilities rely on Medicaid for essential care, including doctor visits, hospitalizations, long-term care, maternity care, mental health care and rural clinic services.
The current budget proposal requires the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to cut $880 billion over 10 years. As 93% of the committee鈥檚 non-Medicare mandatory spending is on Medicaid, a substantial portion of these cuts will be to Medicaid. This will require the states to raise revenues, cut spending elsewhere or reduce Medicaid coverage.
Medicaid ensures that Americans have access to basic health care regardless of their economic status or disability. Research shows that Medicaid coverage is associated with improved health, lower rates of disability in adulthood, less medical debt and long-term financial benefits for society.
Medicaid has broad bipartisan support with 77% of Americans holding a favorable view of the program. Polling also shows that cutting federal Medicaid funding is wildly unpopular across political affiliations.
We must protect Medicaid for the millions who rely on it. Tell Congress not to endanger the health of our country.
Joan Porte, president of the League of Women Voters of Virginia
Richmond
鈥楬ateful rhetoric鈥 toward Trump? How absurd
Is he kidding or just oblivious? Just like Trump, George Cranford鈥檚 letter to the editor (鈥淪top the hateful rhetoric toward Trump,鈥 May 28) is filled with inaccuracies and vitriol toward anyone not in his camp.
Cranford condemns without facts to support his accusations, yet calls for everyone who doesn鈥檛 think like him to tone it down. Mr. Cranford, can you not see the hypocrisy?
One of the biggest problems in our country 鈥 the divisiveness 鈥 is a direct result of Trump鈥檚 rise to power. I cannot think of anyone who鈥檚 rhetoric is more hateful than Trump鈥檚.
I offer these headlines as examples: 鈥溾楬ate speech鈥 a common theme of Trump鈥檚 presidency鈥 鈥 USA Today; 鈥淭rump鈥檚 attacks on political adversaries are often followed by threats to their safety鈥 鈥 The Washington Post; 鈥淭rump鈥檚 attacks on Local Officials are Spearheading Hatred鈥 鈥 The New Yorker; 鈥淎BC News finds 54 cases invoking Trump in connection with violence, threats, alleged assaults.鈥 The list goes on.
Just recently Trump wished a happy Memorial Day to 鈥渢he scum that spent the last four years trying to destroy our country.鈥 Now, tell me that鈥檚 not hateful, not to mention totally unnecessary on a day that we are supposed to be honoring those who sacrificed for our country. And presidential? Hardly.
Trump spent years vilifying former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden. He鈥檚 still insulting Biden every chance he gets. Why? Biden is no longer in power, no longer an opponent who might unseat him. Trump鈥檚 vindictiveness is truly over the top.
You say, Mr. Cranford, that 鈥渨e are better than that.鈥 I鈥檇 like to think so but you, like Trump, are not helping to make that a reality. Try practicing what you preach.
Lucia Malon
Petersburg
Wittman focuses on the issues that matter
As a young Virginian, I often hear people say my generation is disengaged from politics, but I wholeheartedly disagree. We care deeply about the future of our communities, our economy and our country, and we pay attention to the leaders who continue to show up and do the work.
Congressman Rob Wittman has consistently focused on the issues that matter to young people. From promoting career and technical education to working for affordable energy solutions, he鈥檚 creating opportunities for the next generation. At a time when college tuition and the cost of living continue to rise, efforts to strengthen trade programs and support small businesses give young Virginians more options to succeed.
Even in an off-election year, Congressman Wittman hasn鈥檛 slowed down. While some politicians disappear between campaigns, he continues working on legislation that directly impacts our communities. Public service should not be about the next election. It should be about delivering results year-round, and that is exactly what he is doing.
Young people deserve leaders who prioritize long-term solutions and invest in our future. Thank you to Congressman Wittman for his hard work on behalf of my generation and for his commitment to building a better, stronger Virginia.
Helen Sharpe
Glen Allen
Not all price hikes are due to tariffs
I cannot be the only person who notices all prices are going up and they blame it on the new tariffs even if the products don鈥檛 come from China!
Drug prices have gone up right after President Donald Trump said he was going to do something about them. A $9 prescription of mine went to $23. Do we get them from China? Corn and animal grains have gone up, even the lottery joined in by raising Mega Millions tickets from $2 to $5, a 150% increase. They all are using the tariffs as an excuse to raise everything,
Walmart has a valid excuse being almost everything they sell is from China. We elected President Trump to curtail prices and clear the swamp; seems the swamp is the only priority now. With all these new increases and the cost of food? How long can we sustain this lifestyle? People on fixed incomes are getting hit the hardest now. The powers that be need to step up and get something done about this or we are going to crash!
Daniel Buonocore, Rocky Mount
Williamson Road story lacked business input
A story on the Williamson Road diet plan told maybe half the story (鈥淲illiamson Road to go on a diet,鈥 May 21).
There is another side that needs to be covered.
The 色多多 Business Group (RBG) represents most of the businesses along Williamson. We have been involved with Williamson issues since 2002 and several of us are past members of the Williamson Road Business Association.
Our outreach has resulted in more than 100 Williamson businesses signing our petition to oppose the road diet and advocate for other better improvements. Over 92% of all businesses we met with support our position.
While we support alternative improvements, we are not opposed to the city doing a three-lane test this summer. But we are strongly supporting a list of over a dozen improvements that RBG has advocated for years.
We also question the crash data provided by the city. We have asked for more relevant data comparing their five-year numbers with other five-year periods and gotten no response. RBG feels the data is biased.
Virtually no major improvements have been made to Williamson for more than 30 years, despite calls for the same things year after year. For example, safer crosswalks, traffic light timing, sidewalks, bus stops, public parking, warning signage, and much more.
The Times should do more outreach to businesses and RBG to get a more informative input and a more balanced news story.
If anyone has questions don鈥檛 hesitate to call or write.
Bill Tanger, Director, 色多多 Business Group
Teacher bonuses are nice, but not enough
I would like to congratulate the Bedford County School Board on finalizing its 2025-26 budget, which included a $1,000 one-time retention bonus for teachers choosing to return in the fall. Retaining talent is a continuous challenge every school division faces.
Of the $1,000 bonus paid with teachers鈥 May paycheck, let鈥檚 say they get to keep $750 after taxes and deductions. In today鈥檚 world, that $750 divides out to $14 per week. This tidy bonus will allow a teacher to purchase for his/her family three dozen eggs (every week) or possibly four gallons of gasoline (every week). As I just saw yesterday that a tin of store-brand coffee is now $17, a teacher will have to put two weeks of bonus toward an item like that. A $1,000 bonus sounds like quite a heroic outlay on behalf of our heroic teachers, and it鈥檚 better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick. But please, let鈥檚 not lose our heads about what today鈥檚 $1,000 is or isn鈥檛.
P.S. I learned how to do all of that math from a fourth grade teacher.
Jason Cohen, Blue Ridge
Come protest during Trump鈥檚 parade
June 14 has become a very important day this year. It is the 250th anniversary of the United States Army and the birthday of Mr. Trump. I don鈥檛 know if it鈥檚 Trump鈥檚 250th birthday or not 鈥 he has only been in office for 200 days 鈥 but it seems he has been telling people what to do for a long time.
At any rate, the Trump administration is organizing a large military parade that will pass by the front of the White House on June 14. The parade will consist of numerous tanks, missiles, military bands and a large number of marching units.
Everything is set to satisfy anyone and everyone who enjoys a $50 million parade. The only thing that is in doubt is if Morgan Griffith and Vladimir Putin will be there with Trump to review the troops
Many people are concerned that the United States is being turned in a military state with no worries about deficit spending and social ills.
A large number of people in Christiansburg (NRV) are concerned about what is going on in the country. On June 14, from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., a rally will be held in downtown Christiansburg. The theme for the protest will be 鈥淣o Kings.鈥
Citizens are encouraged to make your feelings heard. Bring a sign, and your enthusiasm to help show the public everyone does not need tanks to speak for America.
On June 14, Christiansburg will one of 800 communities across the country protesting, showing the country and the world that we stand for Democracy.
Steve Huppert, Christiansburg
Where in the world is Dan Casey?
Where is Dan Casey and his columns? Have I overlooked a news account regarding his whereabouts? Has he undergone another surgery and is on medical leave? Has he linked up with Waldo of 鈥淲here鈥檚 Waldo鈥 fame? Did Dan acquire a new position with another newspaper? Did Lee Enterprises falsely blame the February 2025 cybersecurity attack on him which placed Dan on Homeland Security鈥檚 deportation list? So, Dan if you鈥檝e become a fugitive, or become imprisoned stateside or taken up involuntary residence overseas, please know that your 色多多鈥 readers miss your columns.
Michael Hicks, 色多多
Editor鈥檚 note: The Dano indeed has been on leave, and like Donald Trump, he鈥檒l be back ... starting this week.
Letter: Vote Franklin for reproductive rights
My name is Evelyn Bolling. I鈥檓 a sophomore at Virginia Tech, and a 色多多r born and raised. I鈥檓 writing to express concern about Gov. Glen Youngkin鈥檚 veto of the Right to Contraception Act in the Virginia Constitution. This bill would have codified the right to obtain contraception here in Virginia.
Unfortunately, Chris Obenshain, delegate of the 41st House District, voted against this bill. Obenshain represents all of Virginia Tech鈥檚 campus, and many students have reproductive freedom and education at the forefront of their priorities and needs.
This bill matters to everyone, whether they know it or not. Before the overturning of Roe v. Wade, we didn鈥檛 have to think about the possibility of our reproductive health care being threatened. Contraception has been used for more than reproductive care. It鈥檚 used for severe menstrual cramping, an alternative to acne medications, and regulating menstrual cycles. Women depend on access to these medications and no politician should take that right away from us.
As we progress into the Trump Administration, decisions such as contraception are being left to the states. We cannot trust that the federal government will protect such rights, so we have to demand that protection from our state legislators. Del. Obenshain has demonstrated he will not protect Virginia鈥檚 right to contraception, health care, and education freedom. That is why I am voting for Lily Franklin this fall.
Lily Franklin knows contraception is not a privilege, but a right. She鈥檚 made contraception and reproductive care a key part of her platform. Obenshain has shown that he only cares about inflicting his agenda onto us, and I don鈥檛 trust him to protect our rights if re-elected. Lily Franklin will work to not only protect the right to contraception, but expand access to reproductive healthcare and protect our freedom to choose what we do with our own bodies.
I urge Virginia Tech students to register in the 41st District for this election. We live here, pay rent, taxes, and education here. We deserve a say in who will oversee our home. Lily Franklin has my vote in the fall. Will she have yours?
Evelyn Bolling, 色多多
Teacher bonuses are nice, but not enough
I would like to congratulate the Bedford County School Board on finalizing its 2025-26 budget, which included a $1,000 one-time retention bonus for teachers choosing to return in the fall. Retaining talent is a continuous challenge every school division faces.
Of the $1,000 bonus paid with teachers鈥 May paycheck, let鈥檚 say they get to keep $750 after taxes and deductions. In today鈥檚 world, that $750 divides out to $14 per week. This tidy bonus will allow a teacher to purchase for his/her family three dozen eggs (every week) or possibly four gallons of gasoline (every week). As I just saw yesterday that a tin of store-brand coffee is now $17, a teacher will have to put two weeks of bonus toward an item like that. A $1,000 bonus sounds like quite a heroic outlay on behalf of our heroic teachers, and it鈥檚 better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick. But please, let鈥檚 not lose our heads about what today鈥檚 $1,000 is or isn鈥檛.
P.S. I learned how to do all of that math from a fourth grade teacher.
Jason Cohen, Blue Ridge
Williamson Road story lacked business input
A story on the Williamson Road diet plan told maybe half the story (鈥淲illiamson Road to go on a diet,鈥 May 21).
There is another side that needs to be covered.
The 色多多 Business Group (RBG) represents most of the businesses along Williamson. We have been involved with Williamson issues since 2002 and several of us are past members of the Williamson Road Business Association.
Our outreach has resulted in more than 100 Williamson businesses signing our petition to oppose the road diet and advocate for other better improvements. Over 92% of all businesses we met with support our position.
While we support alternative improvements, we are not opposed to the city doing a three-lane test this summer. But we are strongly supporting a list of over a dozen improvements that RBG has advocated for years.
We also question the crash data provided by the city. We have asked for more relevant data comparing their five-year numbers with other five-year periods and gotten no response. RBG feels the data is biased.
Virtually no major improvements have been made to Williamson for more than 30 years, despite calls for the same things year after year. For example, safer crosswalks, traffic light timing, sidewalks, bus stops, public parking, warning signage, and much more.
The Times should do more outreach to businesses and RBG to get a more informative input and a more balanced news story.
If anyone has questions don鈥檛 hesitate to call or write.
Bill Tanger, Director,
色多多 Business Group
Come protest during Trump鈥檚 parade
June 14 has become a very important day this year. It is the 250th anniversary of the United States Army and the birthday of Mr. Trump. I don鈥檛 know if it鈥檚 Trump鈥檚 250th birthday or not 鈥 he has only been in office for 200 days 鈥 but it seems he has been telling people what to do for a long time.
At any rate, the Trump administration is organizing a large military parade that will pass by the front of the White House on June 14. The parade will consist of numerous tanks, missiles, military bands and a large number of marching units.
Everything is set to satisfy anyone and everyone who enjoys a $50 million parade. The only thing that is in doubt is if Morgan Griffith and Vladimir Putin will be there with Trump to review the troops
Many people are concerned that the United States is being turned in a military state with no worries about deficit spending and social ills.
A large number of people in Christiansburg (NRV) are concerned about what is going on in the country. On June 14, from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., a rally will be held in downtown Christiansburg. The theme for the protest will be 鈥淣o Kings.鈥
Citizens are encouraged to make your feelings heard. Bring a sign, and your enthusiasm to help show the public everyone does not need tanks to speak for America.
On June 14, Christiansburg will one of 800 communities across the country protesting, showing the country and the world that we stand for Democracy.
Steve Huppert,
Christiansburg
Not all price hikes are due to tariffs
I cannot be the only person who notices all prices are going up and they blame it on the new tariffs even if the products don鈥檛 come from China!
Drug prices have gone up right after President Donald Trump said he was going to do something about them. A $9 prescription of mine went to $23. Do we get them from China? Corn and animal grains have gone up, even the lottery joined in by raising Mega Millions tickets from $2 to $5, a 150% increase. They all are using the tariffs as an excuse to raise everything,
Walmart has a valid excuse being almost everything they sell is from China. We elected President Trump to curtail prices and clear the swamp; seems the swamp is the only priority now. With all these new increases and the cost of food? How long can we sustain this lifestyle? People on fixed incomes are getting hit the hardest now.
The powers that be need to step up and get something done about this or we are going to crash!
Daniel Buonocore, Rocky Mount
Letter: Vote Franklin for reproductive rights
My name is Evelyn Bolling. I鈥檓 a sophomore at Virginia Tech, and a 色多多r born and raised. I鈥檓 writing to express concern about Gov. Glen Youngkin鈥檚 veto of the Right to Contraception Act in the Virginia Constitution. This bill would have codified the right to obtain contraception here in Virginia.
Unfortunately, Chris Obenshain, delegate of the 41st House District, voted against this bill. Obenshain represents all of Virginia Tech鈥檚 campus, and many students have reproductive freedom and education at the forefront of their priorities and needs.
This bill matters to everyone, whether they know it or not. Before the overturning of Roe v. Wade, we didn鈥檛 have to think about the possibility of our reproductive health care being threatened. Contraception has been used for more than reproductive care. It鈥檚 used for severe menstrual cramping, an alternative to acne medications, and regulating menstrual cycles. Women depend on access to these medications and no politician should take that right away from us.
As we progress into the Trump Administration, decisions such as contraception are being left to the states. We cannot trust that the federal government will protect such rights, so we have to demand that protection from our state legislators. Del. Obenshain has demonstrated he will not protect Virginia鈥檚 right to contraception, health care, and education freedom. That is why I am voting for Lily Franklin this fall.
Lily Franklin knows contraception is not a privilege, but a right. She鈥檚 made contraception and reproductive care a key part of her platform. Obenshain has shown that he only cares about inflicting his agenda onto us, and I don鈥檛 trust him to protect our rights if re-elected. Lily Franklin will work to not only protect the right to contraception, but expand access to reproductive healthcare and protect our freedom to choose what we do with our own bodies.
I urge Virginia Tech students to register in the 41st District for this election. We live here, pay rent, taxes, and education here. We deserve a say in who will oversee our home. Lily Franklin has my vote in the fall. Will she have yours?
Evelyn Bolling, 色多多
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