Showing posts with label RICHMOND. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RICHMOND. Show all posts

Saturday, January 25, 2020

In State Constitutional Convention To Correct Richmond, VA Codes

(By: Chuck Thompson)

Section 1. That all men are by nature equally free and independent and have certain inherent rights, of which, when they enter into a state of society, they cannot, by any compact, deprive or divest their posterity; namely, the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.

Section 2. That all power is vested in, and consequently derived from, the people; that magistrates are their trustees and servants and at all times amenable to them.

MAG'ISTRATE, noun [Latin magistratus, from magister, master; magis, major, and ster, Teutonic steora, a director; steoran, to steer; the principal director.] A public civil officer, invested with the executive government of some branch of it. In this sense, a king is the highest or first magistrate as is the President of the United States. But the word is more particularly applied to subordinate officers, as governors, intendants, prefects, mayors, justices of the peace, and the like.

Section 3. That government is, or ought to be, instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation, or community; of all the various modes and forms of government, that is best which is capable of producing the greatest degree of happiness and safety and is most effectually secured against the danger of maladministration. And that, when any government shall be found inadequate or contrary to these purposes, a majority of the community has an indubitable, inalienable, and indefeasible right to reform, alter, or abolish it, in such manner as shall be judged most conducive to the public weal.

Section 4. None of mankind is entitled to exclusive or separate emoluments or privileges from the community, but in consideration of public services; which, not being descendible, neither ought the offices of magistrate, legislator, or judge to be hereditary.

Section 5. That the legislative and executive powers of the state should be separate and distinct from the judiciary; and that the members of the two first may be restrained from oppression, by feeling and participating the burdens of the people, they should, at fixed periods, be reduced to a private station, return into that body from which they were originally taken, and the vacancies be supplied by frequent, certain, and regular elections, in which all, or any part, of the former members, to be again eligible, or ineligible, as the laws shall direct.

Section 6. That elections of members to serve as representatives of the people, in assembly ought to be free; and that all men, having sufficient evidence of permanent common interest with, and attachment to, the community, have the right of suffrage and cannot be taxed or deprived of their property for public uses without their own consent or that of their representatives so elected, nor bound by any law to which they have not, in like manner, assented for the public good.

Section 7. That all power of suspending laws, or the execution of laws, by any authority, without consent of the representatives of the people, is injurious to their rights and ought not to be exercised.

Section 12. That the freedom of the press is one of the great bulwarks of liberty, and can never be restrained but by despotic governments.

Section 13. That a well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained to arms, is the proper, natural, and safe defense of a free state; that standing armies, in time of peace, should be avoided as dangerous to liberty; and that in all cases the military should be under strict subordination to, and governed by, the civil power.

2. Relating to any man as a member of a community; as civil power, civil rights, the power or rights which a man enjoys as a citizen. (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

Section 14. That the people have a right to uniform government; and, therefore, that no government separate from or independent of the government of Virginia ought to be erected or established within the limits thereof.
Section 15. That no free government, or the blessings of liberty, can be preserved to any people but by a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, frugality, and virtue and by frequent recurrence to fundamental principles.
Section 16. That religion, or the duty which we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence; and therefore all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience; and that it is the mutual duty of all to practise Christian forbearance, love, and charity toward each other.

It's time for something that has never been considered before.  An in state Constitutional Convention.  How is this done?  One representative from each county, city and or town is sent to a convention meeting place to look at the codes being considered and or passed in Richmond, Virginia and debate if they exceed the Constitution of the Commonwealth.  If any of them are in fact found to be in violation of the Commonwealth Constitution then they can be abolished by the convention.  There are no checks when the state legislators go to far.  Most of us here in Virginia believe our legislators have gone to far and have brought about these radical new changes against the will of "We The People".  This is a more than fair way to put in checks and balances without burdening our courts.  After all, we the people are the one's who created our government and Constitution as explained by Chief Justice John Marshall of the Supreme Court and reiterated by Chief Justice Joseph Story and others. That means the people are the final arbitrators of all the laws we will follow or not.  We don't have to wait for court decisions because if we do not think the court was right, we still have the ability to override the court being the final arbiters.  

  How would this work?  The same way it would work for the states and the Federal Government.  Two thirds of the localities have to agree in order to override what the Legislators may put forth and or vote in and or what gets passed into Virginia Codes.  Amendments to our Commonwealth can be added to ensure nothing like this ever happens again and should it, that the Governor is easily arrested for such.

  I for one believe "We The People" need to form militia's in every locality throughout the Commonwealth and every state for that matter.  https://www.nationallibertyalliance.org/militia  That can be done by clicking the link here.  Another option we have here in Virginia is the VEXIT option.  Vexit would allow Virginia localities to leave Virginia and become a part of the state of West Virginia.  That is a legal option thanks to a loophole that has never been closed from the Civil War.  

  Our last option that I see I do not like in the least.  Civil War 2.  I am averse to war of any form.  The issue with a Civil War 2 is lack of leadership.  No clear enemy.  Once the immediate threat is eliminated, there will still remain unclear immediate threats.  War is the biggest and fastest money maker out there folks and it would radically change the United States of America forever.  It's not a good option.  The left wins no matter what if war were to be considered an option.  Most people do not get this.  

Now getting back to the concept of an in state Constitutional Convention.  We already have the precedent to start this with all of the 2A sanctuary localities throughout the Commonwealth now.  The counties have spoken but our legislators are refusing to listen.  These issues could be tied up in courts for years all the while our Commonwealth is destroyed from within while waiting.  I don't like that option.  So let's get this done.  Contact your local Board and get them to read this article or print this out for them.  Spread the word.  Not only can it work here in Virginia.  It can work in any state.  Stop complaining and take action.  No one likes a sideline commentator that does nothing but complains.  You have to take action or you deserve what you get.

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Governor McAuliffe Launches Statewide Virtual Datathon Challenge


~ Teams from across Virginia will create new and innovative applications ~
(Or, How to get people to work for free)

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe today launched the 2015 Virtual Datathon Challenge, a competition that will bring together teams of innovators from across the Commonwealth to create new applications that improve government

“We can’t have an innovative new Virginia economy without an innovative government,” said Governor McAuliffe. “That’s why last year my administration launched Virginia’s first ever open data portal, and why last September we brought together state agencies to build brand new apps from scratch. This year, I’m challenging innovators across Virginia to use our state data in creative ways that will encourage collaboration and transparency within our government, enhance the services we provide our citizens, and build on our state’s reputation for innovative, efficient and customer-oriented government.”

Virginia Secretary of Technology Karen Jackson continued, “This Virtual Challenge will give all Virginians the opportunity to use data and technology to improve their government and how it serves their communities.  Apps are changing lives; we are seeing a movement where longstanding challenges are being solved by technology solutions developed by a growing population of civic coders. We want Virginia to lead the way.”

The Virtual Challenge winner will advance to the final round of competition at the statewide competition where they will compete for the Governor’s Cup.

For more information and competition registration, please visit data.virginia.gov.  To join the big data conversation, follow @DataVirginia and #TechInVA.


Thursday, November 27, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Accepts Tax Tribute from Virginia Indian Tribes

RICHMOND – Governor and Mrs. McAuliffe today welcomed Assistant Chief Mark Custalow of the Mattaponi Tribe, Chief Kevin Brown of the Pamunkey Tribe, and other tribal members to the Patrick Henry Building to observe the 337th tax tribute ceremony. The ceremony is the oldest continuing nation-to-nation ceremony in the United States.

“Virginia is home to the some of the richest historical beginnings of our nation, and the Mattaponi and Pamunkey Indian Tribes exemplify what it means to be Virginians,” said Governor McAuliffe. “I also would like to recognize the Hunters for the Hungry organization for their exceptional leadership in helping families around the Commonwealth receive quality meals.”

The traditional Indian taxpaying ceremony traces its legal antecedents to a treaty signed on May 29, 1677 between Governor Herbert Jeffreys, Esq., and several Indian leaders representing the Pamunkey, Nansemond, Nottoway, Appomattox and other tribes.

Today, Chiefs of the Pamunkey and Mattaponi tribes honor the spirit of Article 16, which required each Indian King and Queen to visit the Governor every March "at the place of his residence to pay the accustomed rent,” yearly by bringing wild game and hand-crafted gifts for the Governor and First Lady at their official place of residence on Capitol Square. Traditional Indian music and dancing are part of the tax ceremony, held each November on Capitol Square in honor of American Indian history month.

In the tribute ceremony, tribal members honor their ancestors who negotiated the Treaty of Middle Plantation to preserve Virginia Indian lands and the rich heritage they enjoy to this day.

In this year’s ceremony, Assistant Chief Mark Custalow presented the Governor and First Lady with a pair of handmade earrings, a traditional Indian dancing stick with a turkey claw at the tip and an eight point buck deer. Chief Kevin Brown presented them with a handmade necklace and a deer. Drumming and dancing followed the presentation of gifts, led by Assistant Chief Mark Custalow.

Governor McAuliffe Announces First Mid-Atlantic Commercial Hops Processing Operation

~ Loudoun County’s Black Hops Farm To Become Largest Hopsyard and Processing Facility in Commonwealth ~
Project Enhances Virginia’s Position in Fast Growing Craft Beer Industry
LEESBURG – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that Black Hops Farm, LLC will initially convert 15 acres of former pasture land into a hops yard and build a new processing facility, thus becoming the largest hops yard in Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic’s first commercial-scale hops production and processing facility.  The new Black Hops Farm facility will revolutionize the hops industry in Virginia, allowing hops growers to harvest and process efficiently their hops for market.  The new processing capacity will enable existing Virginia producers to move assuredly in expanding their production and will encourage new producers to enter the market by removing key barriers to the profitable production and marketing of local hops.  In addition to supporting current and prospective hops producers, the facility will benefit Virginia’s craft brewery industry as a whole by increasing the amount of hops produced in the state, as well as their quality and their ability to be used by a greater number of brewers. 
Speaking at Black Hops Farm about the announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “I am pleased to announce that Virginia, thanks to this important investment by Black Hops Farm, will be home to the first commercial-scale hops processing operation in the Mid-Atlantic region.  This is a significant win for the Commonwealth as it fills a critical need for current and future craft brewers and builds on my administration’s efforts to increase Virginia’s position in the fast growing craft beer industry.  In addition, this entrepreneurial venture is an excellent example of the important role that our diverse agricultural industry can and will play in my economic development strategic plan to build a New Virginia Economy.”
The company, providing important hops processing services for the entire region, will invest about $1 million, create 11 new jobs in Loudoun County, and source more than 60 percent of their hops from Virginia over the next three years.  The Commonwealth of Virginia is partnering with Loudoun County and Black Hops Farm on this project through the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund (AFID). 
“This one-of-a-kind facility in Loudoun County represents another step forward for Virginia as we become bigger players in the nation’s fast growing craft beer industry, which saw sales increase by more than 17 percent in 2013,” said Todd Haymore, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry.  “This project enhances the Commonwealth’s position in the industry, which had an economic impact of just under $625 million last year, by promoting the research and production of hops, a huge potential cash crop for our agricultural producers.”
Black Hops Farms will invest in the site improvements, buildings, and equipment needed to convert the former residence and horse farm into a commercial hops production and processing facility.  A key role for the new processing facility will be to provide hops for Commonwealth Gin, as it is one of the important botanicals used in the production, so it can eventually be a 100 percent Virginia-sourced spirit.
“We’re so excited to be playing a part in the growth of the hops industry in Virginia here in partnership with Loudoun County,” said Jonathan Staples of Black Hops Farm. “Our collaboration with Solomon Rose and Organarchy Hops from Maryland has already made this a regional hops project with the benefit of their skills, expertise, and knowledge of the industry.  The Governor’s leading role in projects as large as Stone in Richmond, to our facility in Lucketts, makes clear to us that the state is committed to being a major player in the beer and spirits world and has allowed us to accelerate this project by several years. With so many farmers already growing hops across the state, we’re hoping that we can play a part in making Virginia the hops capital of the East Coast.”
In supporting the AFID grant to Black Hops Farm, LLC, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Vice-Chairman Shawn Williams said, “This state-of-the-art hops processing facility will sustain the quality and function of Loudoun-grown hops past the harvest season and will set Loudoun as a premier grower of hops on the East Coast.  This type of agricultural business exactly fits the Board of Supervisors’ Rural Economy Business Development Strategy, and will contribute to the economic vibrancy of Loudoun County.”
Loudoun County Economic Development Director Buddy Rizer added, “The construction of this hops drying and pelletizing facility will support Loudoun’s emerging farm brewery sector, and strengthen the link between the county’s rural and urban economies. It will encourage more local entrepreneurs to grow hops, because having the ability to process them will expand the market for them. This is the catalyst that we need to increase agricultural production of hops in Loudoun County.”
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) worked with Loudoun County to secure this expansion for Virginia.  Governor McAuliffe approved a $40,000 grant from the AFID Fund to assist Loudoun County with the project.  Black Hops Farm is also committing to purchase at least 3,500 pounds of Virginia hops over the next three years, an average of 61% of their purchases.
According to a 2013 economic impact study conducted by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia, agriculture and forestry are two of Virginia’s largest industries with a combined economic impact of $70 billion annually.  Agriculture generates more than $52 billion per annum, while forestry induces over $17 billion.  The industries also provide more than 400,000 jobs in the Commonwealth.  More information about the Weldon Cooper Center’s study can be found at http://www.coopercenter.org/node/2/publications/economic-impacts-agriculture-and-forestry-virginia-revised-2012.
About the Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund
The AFID Fund was created during the 2012 session of the General Assembly and is being embraced by the McAuliffe Administration as an important tool in growing the Commonwealth’s agriculture and forestry sector and helping to make Virginia the leading exporter of agricultural and forest products on the East Coast.  More information about the AFID grant, which has the flexibility to assist projects large and small throughout Virginia, can be found at http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/agribusiness/afid.shtml.

(Continuing the growth of corporate welfare against the wishes of the people.  Maybe it's time to stop funding the Governor's office.)

Friday, November 21, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Statement on the President's Executive Actions on Immigration


RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe released the following statement following President Obama’s executive actions on immigration:

“I applaud President Obama’s efforts to ensure that undocumented workers who are living, working, and paying taxes in the United States are no longer under constant threat of deportation. Families come here to achieve the American Dream and to provide a better future for their children. Over the last few years, Virginia has become increasingly diverse, with many first-generation Americans, and I believe this diversity adds value to our Commonwealth. 

“I also have spoken with business leaders across the Commonwealth and the nation who have called for skilled worker immigration reform to ensure that top international talent who have come to the United States are encouraged to stay here to pursue their careers. In order to build a new Virginia economy, we must make sure that international entrepreneurs have opportunities to start their businesses and create jobs here. The actions President Obama took today will help us achieve those goals.

“While these are important steps, it is clear that comprehensive immigration reform is still needed. Senators Kaine and Warner have shown great leadership on this issue, and it is my hope that Congress put their differences aside and take decisive action to build upon the progress President Obama announced today.”

(Guess that means we can keep our housekeeper and gardener for now.  Sweating bullets over that.  Just hated putting down the Rolling Stones magazine and High Times to watch the news broadcast.  Now it's on to Mad Magazine.)

Governor McAuliffe Statement on Campus Sexual Violence

Sex and Violence (album)
Sex and Violence (album) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
RICHMOND – I was deeply disturbed to read about the sexual assault allegations outlined in Rolling Stone magazine. Sexual violence is a nationwide problem, and it is critical that our schools acknowledge that this is a pervasive issue and take bold action to end it. 

Earlier today, I spoke to the university leadership and conveyed my deep concerns with what has been reported. We are in agreement that a full and fair investigation must be pursued, and I have called for a zero tolerance strategy to combat campus sexual assault. I have asked university officials to conduct a full review of all of their policies and procedures and if decided, to bring in outside experts to assist in this effort. 

We must also find ways that our local law enforcement and prosecution efforts can better align with university actions. Earlier this year, I signed Executive Order 25 establishing the Governor’s Task Force on Combating Campus Sexual Violence, sending a message that Virginia will not tolerate sexual violence on our campuses or in our communities. Now is the time to act — we must ensure that survivors are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve, and we must do more to hold perpetrators accountable.

As the parents of five children, this is an issue Dorothy and I care deeply about.  I look forward to seeing strong recommendations from the task force that will help keep more Virginians safe and ensure that our students are free from the threat of sexual violence. 

(Never mind the fact that we promote sexual violence in every aspect of our society.  You are not supposed to act on what we teach you.)

{Anyone getting a kick out of the news source Terry McAuliffe uses?  Rolling Stones magazine?  Does he also get news from High Times magazine?}

Governor McAuliffe Signs Executive Order Establishing Commonwealth Council on Bridging the Nutritional Divide

RICHMOND – Today, Governor Terry McAuliffe signed an executive order establishing the Commonwealth Council on Bridging the Nutritional Divide, which will be chaired by First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe.

“A critical component in building a new Virginia economy is ensuring that no Virginia child or family goes hungry,” said Governor McAuliffe. “By using the assets unique to Virginia, we can bridge this nutritional divide, put more Virginians on pathways to success, and at the same time grow our local agriculture economies. I look forward to the great work the Council will do to benefit our communities and all Virginia children and families. “

“With the formation of this council, we are making clear our belief that, in order to cultivate and sustain economic success, all Virginians must have access to nutritious foods that will enable them to learn, grow, and thrive,” said First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe. “With the formation of this Council we’re saying enough with the tightrope, now we start building a bridge.”

The Commonwealth Council on Bridging the Nutritional Divide will work to help solve childhood hunger in the Commonwealth, promote Virginia’s agriculture economy, and support local programs related to community nutrition, food access, and health strategies. 

The Council will include representatives from both the McAuliffe administration and the private sector. This public-private partnership will be tasked with finding innovative ways to ensure that Virginia pursues new opportunities, as well as every federal dollar and program currently available that promotes healthy living, nutrition, and our local food programs. 

The full text of Executive Order 34 is below.

NUMBER THIRTY FOUR (2014)

THE COMMONWEALTH COUNCIL ON
BRIDGING THE NUTRITIONAL DIVIDE

Importance of the Initiative

            The foundation for a new Virginia economy rests upon the pillars of a world-class education system, infrastructure, business climate, and workforce. In order to cultivate and sustain economic success, all Virginians, especially children and young adults, must have access to nutritious, affordable, and locally-sourced foods that will enable them to learn, grow, and thrive. We must work to bridge the nutritional divide in Virginia by pursuing these objectives with a cross-Secretariat, public-private approach, relying on the Commonwealth’s vast resources and the vibrancy of our large agriculture sector.

Establishment of the Council

            Accordingly, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, and subject to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility to act in such matters, I hereby establish the Commonwealth Council on Bridging the Nutritional Divide (“Council”).

Initiative

            The Council will seek to achieve three major objectives through partnerships across the Governor’s Cabinet, with state agencies, national, regional, and local nonprofits, local governments, schools, and private businesses, and with increased data sharing and research:

1.      Eliminate childhood hunger in Virginia by increasing participation in nutrition assistance programs:

·       Increase school division and community participation in a) the Community Eligibility Provision, b) the Summer Food Service Program, c) the Child and Adult Care Food Program, d) alternative breakfast models, and e) additional pathways to expand meal access as determined by the Council.
·       Increase eligible household participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition  Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

2.      Promote Virginia’s leading industry – agriculture – and increase access to affordable, healthy, and local foods:

·       Improve food distribution systems to better serve a diversifying Virginia agricultural economy
·       Improve accessibility to farmers’ markets
·       Increase acceptance of SNAP/Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) and WIC/EBT at farmers’ markets
·       Encourage the development of innovative and sustainable retail models to provide access to healthy foods in areas classified as food deserts
·       Increase farm-to-school and other farm-to-institution programs

3.      Facilitate efficient and effective local initiatives related to community nutrition, food access, and health strategies and programs across the Commonwealth:

·       Support the development of regional agricultural councils, nutrition education programs, and additional community and learning gardens
·       Serve as a communications hub for initiatives and convener of partners, and recognize and promote innovative local programs, that align with the council’s mission

Composition of the Council

            The Chair of the Council will be the First Lady of Virginia and consist of representatives of the Secretaries of Agriculture and Forestry, Commerce and Trade, Education, Health and Human Resources, Veterans and Defense Affairs, state and local agencies, the agriculture and business communities, leaders in education and health, and others with appropriate expertise, as appointed by the Governor.

Staffing

Staff support for the Council will be provided by the Office of the Governor, and any other agencies or offices as may be designated by the Governor. The Council will serve in an advisory role, in accordance with § 2.2-2100 of the Code of Virginia, and will meet upon the call of the Chair at least four times per year.

Accountability

The Council shall develop a three-year plan to achieve its objectives and shall regularly report to the Governor and the Children’s Cabinet. The plan shall include quantifiable metrics and associated goals for each objective, and progress toward achieving these goals shall be made available to the public via an online scorecard.

Effective Date of the Executive Order

This Executive Order shall be effective upon its signing and shall remain in force and effect until January 12, 2018, unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.

Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia, this 20th day of November, 2014.





Terence R. McAuliffe, Governor






Attest:             _______________________________________
                        Levar M. Stoney, Secretary of the Commonwealth




(Now does this sound good?  It does until you realize that it may just mean the government takeover of local farmers markets and farmers.  But you don't think this could ever happen now do you?  Or could it?  Stick around and find out.)