February 28, 2007Guess who the "senior administration official" isI know this won't be easy, but give it a try: Guess who the "senior administration official" is in this White House transcript. To make it a little easier, I've put one hint in bold face. SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: The reason the President wanted me to come, obviously, is because of the continuing threat that exists in this part of the world on both sides of the Afghan-Pakistan border -- a threat to Afghanistan, clearly, in our efforts there, the Taliban, cross-border operations; a threat to Musharraf and his government. There were something like seven or eight suicide bombings in the last week or two in Pakistan. And obviously also, the threat to the homeland from the standpoint of operations and activities of al Qaeda in this part of the world -- for example, you go back to the airliner plot last fall, second generation Pakistani militants living in the U.K., but with ties back in al Qaeda areas along the Pakistan-Afghan border. So we've all got an interest, obviously, in trying to address those issues. Let me just make one editorial comment here. I've seen some press reporting says, "Cheney went in to beat up on them, threaten them." That's not the way I work. I don't know who writes that, or maybe somebody gets it from some source who doesn't know what I'm doing, or isn't involved in it. But the idea that I'd go in and threaten someone is an invalid misreading of the way I do business. Ok, Ok ... here's one more clue: The dateline for the background session is "Aboard Air Force Two En Route Muscat, Oman." Anybody? Anybody? Biking and walking around RadfordFor my Sunday column, I'm writing about plans taking shape in Radford to develop a more extensive system of bike lanes and trails. Attorney general to blog live hereMark your calendars, and please join us from noon to 1 p.m. on April 5 as The RoundTable hosts its first live blog with a state official. DespicableWalter Reed patients told to keep quiet Hat tip to Talking Points Memo. Phones: the new credit cardI am planning soon to write a column about the deceptive fees that are popping up on cell phone bills from services such as Jamster. Here's how it works, you or your teen (as in my case) opt for a "free" or "complimentary" ringtone, song or some other download. You unwittingly agree to allow them to charge you $5.95 or $9.99 a month, and the charge appears on your cellphone bill. War supporter says 70 percent of Americans are duncesAlton over at "I'm Not Emeril" had this to say about polls that show 70 percent of the American people question the Iraq war: I reconcile it with the fact that the other 70% knows the names of every contestant and judge on American Idol, but can't name their own two Senators and their Representative. I really thought Alton was better than that. I'm in the 70 percent that think this war is a tragic error, and I can name both senators, my representative and most the rest in the state, and the entire U.S. Supreme Court. And I can only name a couple of the contestants on American Idol. I can name all the judges, though, I have to admit. It may be comforting in some weird way to think that the 70 percent of the American population that disagrees with you are all ignorant rubes. But it isn't true. U.S. talks with Iran and Syria are better late than neverAfter eschewing diplomatic talks with Iran and Syria in January, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice brightly told Congress on Tuesday that the U.S. will participate in regional talks on Iraq that will include Iran and Syria. At last. Transportation funding snag hits homeFor Thursday: Think the great state transportation debate has little to do with the Roanoke Valley? Think again. Botetourt County turned down a hotel at one of the I-81 interchanges because traffic is already too congested and there is no money available to ease it. Today: Allowing Walter Reed to deteriorateI shook my head, watching the parade of politicians rush to the gates of Walter Reed Army Medical Center after The Washington Post peeled back the layers and uncovered that wounded troops were living in deteriorating conditions. I was troubled to learn of conditions in which the war wounded were living at the Army's top medical facility. But I wasn't altogether shocked. Of mouse droppings and peeling wallpaper and mold? Yes. But of the deteriorating conditions? No. From ages 12 to 16, I received medical care at Walter Reed. As a military dependent, Walter Reed was where I had regular wellness checkups, had my tonsils removed. The quality of care there was never an issue, but physically, the medical center always appeared lacking. Comment on Wednesday's editorialsFamily and public deserve an explanation Comment on Wednesday's local commentary and lettersCelebrating black history, politically Letters can be read here. February 27, 2007I made a mistakeI just got off the phone with a gentleman who was upset with a column that ran yesterday by Marcia Weiss. Responding to a Jan. 31 letter by Pete Hamilton (click here, then scroll to the bottom), Weis wrote, "What is happening to our country when there are still people like Hamilton, who consider brains a defect and prefer a 'leader' who can crack jokes and act like one of the boys. This is akin to expecting your garbage collector to operate on your spine." The caller pointed out that nothing in Hamilton's original letter justified the conclusion that Hamilton "considers brains a defect" or prefers "a 'leader' who can crack jokes and act like one of the boys." He said writing a letter in support of Bush should not open someone to such broad character assassination. Hamilton wrote this: "Frankly, I am proud and grateful that we have a president who does what he thinks is right and best for the long-term interest of our country, despite the shrill cries of his critics." Mostly, though, his letter was taking us to task for sending inconsistent messages in our editorial cartoons - which led me at the time to point out in this blog that cartoons represent the opinion of the cartoonist, not our editorial position. I wish I had gone back to the original letter when I was reading Weiss' piece, as I should have done. I hope I would have then recognized that paragraph for the cheap shot it was. Rezoning the Plaisades for denser developmentFor Sunday's Current, we'll be writing about the withdrawn Palisades development proposal in Giles County. It almost certainly will resurface in a revised form. If it is at all similar to the current proposal, county officials should pass on the rezone. It's not a good use of land so close to the New River and would violate the implied promise that is zoning. College transfer grantsComing soon: Lawmakers agreed to give community college graduates financial help in continuing their education at four-year schools. While Virginia won't cover the full difference in tuition, it will give most students meeting financial and academic requirements $1,000 a year. Plus, lawmakers agreed to an extra $1,000 for students pursuing degrees in certain fields. The governor should make short work of signing this bill. Virginia takes much-needed steps to assure poor defendants a defense in courtWe're working on this as-yet unscheduled editorial: Virginia lawmakers came together at the just-ended General Assembly to lift caps on fees for defense attorneys appointed by the courts to represent poor people charged with crimes. The change is a first step in reforming a system that mocked the idea of equal justice under the law. Comment on Tuesday's editorialLawmakers chose politics over substance Comment on Tuesday's local commentary and lettersLawmakers' silver lining is a mirage Tuesday's letters can be read here. February 26, 2007Coming soon: Arriba!Family Service of Roanoke Valley on Monday announced Project Arriba!, a weekly mentoring program for students in Roanoke's middle schools that aims to increase the city's sagging graduation rate. That someone is walking the walk, not just talking about how to address the needs of students who may be destined to join the dropout ranks, is encouraging. The program will be funded with at $25,000 grant from State Farm Insurance. Still, it is troubling that urban cities in Virginia such as Roanoke that are faced with increasing challenges have to clamor and compete for relatively small, short-term corporate grants to address real community needs. Understanding the editorial pageAs promised in another thread, here are pdfs of the recent feature we did introducing the editorial page staff and explaining the pages. I'll try to get them in a more permanent location, as well.
Legislative roundupFor Tuesday, we'll have a roundup of what the General Assembly did and did not accomplish this session. From the misguided transportation plan, which passed, to payday lending reform, which didn't, it was a session in which most lawmakers seemed more focused on the Novermber elections than the good of the commonwealth. Botetourt sherrif's office suedA couple has filed a lawsuit seeking to find out why a Botetourt County sheriff's deputy and an unknown man were found in the middle of the night in their 10-year-old daughter's bedroom. The sheriff owes Mark and Cheryl Hunsberger and the public an explanation. Comment on Monday's editorialsCulture of corruption continues in D.C. Paying to run Comment on Monday's local commentary and lettersThe Decider isn't as smart as his wisecracks Monday's letters can be read here. February 25, 2007Comment on Sunday's editorialsMisfortunes of war Virginia gets serious about mercury
Comment on Sunday's letters and local commentaryThe court's continuing challenge A call to protect the forest Living memorials to King Sunday's letters can be read here. Comment on Radmacher's columnHow best to support the troops? Comment on Trejbal's columnRumors dog Radford University president -- Ever since The RT editorial blog launched, we've been taking comments on my columns here. We've also had the message board linked directly from the column. As a result, threre were two places for the online conversation to take place. Starting this week, we've consolidated. On this site, there we'll have the opportunity for more give and take. For those of you who have not been here before, this site works a little differently from the old message board. Your comments will not appear instantly because all comments must be approved by a member of the editorial board. Typically this takes only a few minutes, but if you post at an odd hour when none of us are online, it can take a little longer. Don't panic. Your comment will appear. And if you haven't checked out The RT before, take a minute to browse some of the other threads. Feel free to jump in into some of the lively conversations. February 24, 2007Comment on Saturday's editorialsPotts served with honor State Sen. Russ Potts says he is retiring this year. This is a loss not just for his 27th District up around Winchester, but for Virginia.
Most towns have kitschy landmarks. Their popularity baffles newcomers, but they are dear to the hearts of residents. Roanoke is blessed with at least three such monuments: the Mill Mountain Star, the Texas Tavern and the Roanoke Weiner Stand. Comment on Saturdays local commentariesReporting on Democratic Committee was lacking Suzanne Osborne Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems to me The Roanoke Times has a responsibility to the community it serves for accurate, impartial reporting of events; anything other than that should appear on the opinion or commentary pages of the paper. What has prompted me to make that observation has been the re-reading of the articles on Roanoke Mayor Nelson Harris and City Council member Beverly Fitzpatrick regarding their ex officio positions on the city Democratic Committee.
February 23, 2007State Sen. Russell Potts' retirement will be a loss for VirginiaOn Saturday, we will pay tribute to state Sen. Russell Potts, a Republican from up the Valley who announced Thursday that he will not seek re-election this year. For all the controversy he stirred with his maverick run for governor in 2005, Potts has been a force for moderation and reason in Virginia's General Assembly. He'll be missed. Save the Weiner StandFor Saturday, we'll be writing about the threat to the Weiner Stand. It's a downtown landmark that ought to be preserved. For Monday: Democrats flub ethics testFor Monday, we're working on an editorial about a great golfing trip U.S. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer is taking to Puerto Rico. Unlike the bad, lobbyist-paid golfing trip former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay took to Scotland, Hoyer's trip isn't paid for by lobbyists. Well, actually, it is. But the money is funneled through Hoyer's leadership PAC, which means it doesn't technically violate House Ethics rules. But it's still Hoyer selling access to lobbyists in exchange for money and lavish trips. Democrats ran - and won - in part because they promised a more ethical Congress. This is not the way to deliver it. Comment on Friday's editorialsA bill to comfort the afflicted Veto this premature mandate Comment on Friday's local commentary and lettersLocomotive sale is poor decision Reporting on Democratic Committee was lacking Friday's letters can be read here. February 22, 2007Patients' right to visitorsFor Friday: Gov. Kaine should waste no time in signing a bill that will allow hospital patients to decide who can visit them. New River Valley airportsThe New River Valley has two public airports, one in Blacksburg and one in Dublin. Both are facing large bills for needed upgrades. NRV communities should seiously question whether the money is well spent. Could one airport not serve the needs of less than a quarter of a million people in the region? Coming Friday: Too soon for a mandated HPV vaccineThe push in Virginia - and in other states - for legislation requiring adolescent girls to be vaccinated against viruses that cause cervical cancer certainly is well-intended. But the requirement, the mandate, carries the good intentions too far. Legislation is headed to Gov. Tim Kaine's desk. The governor's spokesman, according to today's Richmond Times-Dispatch, said Kaine wants to review the bill, with particular focus on the legislation's opt-out provision. That perhaps hints to his concern for the requirement. He should be concerned, particularly now that vaccine maker Merck & Co. has vowed to drop its lobbying campaign to persuade states to mandate use of the vaccine. Let the focus, for now, be on educating the public. Let the health community and parents know of the vaccine's potential in the fight against cancer. Comment on Thursday's editorialsThere's a pox on the global health care system On the hunt Comment on Thursday's local commentary and lettersHazy truisms cloud smoke-free debate Fearful for Iraqis who believed If we don't build an amphitheater, no one can come Thursday's letters can be read here. February 21, 2007What does the U.S. owe Iraqi war refugees? A lotWe're working on an unscheduled editorial about the Bush administration's plans to allow more Iraqi war refugees to come to the United States. The administration also agreed to contribute millions of dollars to a worldwide resettlement and relief effort. The U.S. started this war, and owes at least this much to Iraqis forced to flee their homeland as a result. Beware fake drugsFor Thursday: The World Health Organization estimates 200,000 annual deaths can be attributed to people taking counterfeit drugs to combat malaria and other diseases. The Global Fund must change its practice of giving money to countries that hook up with unscrupulous suppliers. For Thursday: A bounty on killed coyotesThe Franklin County Board of Supervisors ignored the advice of the state Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and rushed, by majority vote Tuesday, to put a price on the heads of coyotes. But bounty programs aren't effective. Animal control officers in 14 Virginia localities that have bounty programs in place can attest to their ineffectiveness, supervisors were told. Yet they voted 4-3 to hold a public hearing on a plan to pay |