Institute a comprehensive background check for all gun purchases in Virginia?

Just about all of the video on the so called Virginia shooting keep being taken down because when you play the video frame by frame, you see a lot of stuff that just does not add up.  The most often asked question is if this was a fake false flag event, why?  Gun Control or Gun grab is the simplest of answers.   Here is the proof of that.

Petition by Patrick Hope
Arlington, Virginia

Like many, I was shocked and deeply saddened to see the recent footage of the shooting of reporter Alison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward in Moneta, Virginia. As a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, I’ve seen gun control bills fail time and again in the state legislature, blocked by the power of the gun lobby. That ends now. We need to put our politics aside and finally institute a comprehensive background check for all gun purchases in Virginia, to stop the next tragedy before it happens.  Currently, Virginia has no law requiring a background check on the purchaser of a firearm when the seller is not a licensed dealer. That means that thousands of guns can be bought and sold without background checks by unlicensed dealers at gun shows and other events. The “gun show loophole” is a clear ploy to avoid taking common-sense precautions that can, and do, save lives. Without universal background check for gun purchases, many people can circumvent the law and easily access a gun -- giving them the opportunity to take away a life in seconds. The great people of Virginia have persevered through the Virginia Tech tragedy in 2007, but we as elected officials haven’t done enough to do better for them since then. We must get this right. Recent polling shows that more than 92 percent of voters in Virginia agree that background checks at gun shows are a good idea, but a small, vocal minority keeps them from becoming law.Governor McAuliffe is once again calling for the passage of this law in the wake of the tragedy. I know we can make a real, life-saving change if we work together right now to make our voices heard -- here in Virginia and across the country. So who is Patrick Hope anyway? Turns out he is a left wing progressive delegate here in Virginia. Progressives do not believe that people have rights, only the government has rights. But he also believes in liberal policies that are designed to make you think that he supports the rights of people. That is a common trick of progressives that so many people fall for.   The above picture shows the female reporter's so called boyfriend's tweet about her death 12 minutes before the on air live incident.  Look at the time and date stamps on the two pictures here.  Something just does not add up.   I suspect that the video at the top will be taken down as well as the pictures of the tweet from the reporters so called boyfriend.  I can't stop that, but you have to ask why do all the search engines keep doing this?  Well, the good news?  Gun sales are up in Virginia and everywhere else all across the nation.  People are not buying this stuff anymore.   Its a fight for your rights.  The progressives don't think you should have any.  You decide if you think you should have rights.  If not and you own a gun, go turn it in.  You can always throw rocks but that too will become illegal.  What are you anyway, a child?  Remember, progressives are smarter than you and think they should control every aspect of your life.  Want to let them?  Its all part of the New Virginia Economy as Terry would put it.

Utilities Yard In Bad Shape?

We keep hearing about how awful the conditions are at the utilities yard are and we seem to keep seeing evidence of it everywhere.  The guy above is seen at Hardee's at breakfast time because there just isn't any decent place at work to eat or even sit for the most part at the utilities yard.  

  The county can give away your tax dollars to private businesses but can not take care of its own infrastructure?  Or it's employees?  That is just embarrassing.  

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Constitutional Corner - And the Myths Go On

By:  Gary Porter

I have to hand it to Fairfax Free Citizen, their intrepid insistence that both sides of the Article V Convention issue be given an fair hearing is highly commendable.   Where else, I ask, do you find a site willing to put up with the flood of comments that a Convention of the States article, pro or con, invariably generates?

 

I was pondering what to write about this week when Judi Caler made it an easy decision: Convention of the States (COS).  Ms. Caler published a rather inept reply to an article posted by Rita Dunaway of the COS Project on the Blaze website.  Caler claims that Dunaway challenges five “myths” which are actually true, “while invoking at least 9 myths of her own.”  Call it “The Dueling Myths” exchange if you will.

 

I will deal with Caler’s claims in a moment.  First, I want to get two issues out of the way: this name thing, and the “runaway convention” claim.

 

I realize that even using that term (COS) make some conservatives apoplectic.  So be it.  What’s in a name?   I don’t care what you call it; Constitutional Convention (I don’t believe it fits Black’s definition of same since it has no power to “frame, revise or amend” the Constitution, only propose amendments, but I’m not hung up on the name), Convention of the States (that’s certainly one way of looking at the event), Article V Convention (aka “A5C,” the best label if you ask me, but then you didn’t).

 

The term “Convention of the States” was birthed (as far as I know) in a letter sent on February 21, 1783 by Major General Henry Knox to his old friend … (continue reading on constitutionleadership.org)

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Restoration of Rights for Over 10,000 People

RICHMOND – Today, Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that his administration restored the voting and civil rights of 10,009 individuals. The McAuliffe administration has restored the rights of more Virginians than any other Governor in a four year term.

“I am so proud of the work my team has done processing more than 10,000 of these important requests, and also making key changes to the process to make it more fair and accessible to Virginians,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Restoring the rights of Virginians who have made a mistake and paid the price is one of my Administration’s top priorities and I look forward to continuing to make history on this critical issue.”

Since the beginning of Governor McAuliffe’s term, he has implemented key changes to the restoration of rights process. First, he removed the requirement to pay court fees before submitting a restoration of rights application. Although individuals still have to pay the fees at a later time, it is no longer a barrier in the application process. Second, serious offenders are now required to wait three years instead of five years to apply. Third, the application is now one page long - down from 13 pages. Fourth, criminal records will have a restoration of rights notation once an individual has been restored. Fifth, all drug convictions are now classified as non-violent offenses.

“It is an honor to work with Governor McAuliffe and our talented team to help more Virginians who have made a mistake get a second chance at meaningful and productive lives,” said Secretary of the Commonwealth Levar Stoney. “Going forward we will continue to process as many applications as we can and  encourage the Virginians whose rights we restore to use them to the fullest by registering to vote and participating in the democratic process.” (Here is where we have issues with the information coming out of Richmond: Democratic process?  Sorry, we are a republic, not a socialist democracy but that is what the folks in Richmond are driving in here.  Full blown socialist and communist ideologies.)

If you or someone you know has been convicted of a felony and served their time, restoration of rights might be available. For more information, call 804-692-0104 or visit commonwealth.virginia.gov.

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Governor McAuliffe Signs Executive Directive to Strengthen Cybersecurity Protocol

~ Executive Directive would expand cyber-related risk management activities ~

RICHMOND – Today Governor McAuliffe signed Executive Directive 6 to strengthen the Commonwealth’s cybersecurity measures in order to protect personal information and sensitive data through the expansion of cyber-related risk management activities.

“A key ingredient to building a new Virginia economy is a solid cyber infrastructure,” said Governor McAuliffe. “That is why it’s vital that the Commonwealth take the proper precautions to protect and safeguard the information entrusted to our care. I am proud to sign this Directive, which initiates enhanced risk management processes that will increase our ability to mitigate the ever increasing flow of cyber threats.”

The Directive requires the Virginia Information Technologies Agency to provide an updated inventory of all data and computer systems while recommending strategies to strengthen and modernize agencies’ cyber security profiles.  

“Cybersecurity is a responsibility shared by every level of government,” said Secretary of Technology Karen Jackson. “These risk mitigation steps will allow the Commonwealth to take a more strategic approach to securing our systems and data.”

The full Executive Directive is below:

Executive Directive 6 (2015)

EXPANDING CYBER-RELATED RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

Importance of the Initiative

One of the primary responsibilities of the Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth of Virginia is to protect and safeguard citizen data.  In light of ever-increasing cybersecurity attacks on personal information, sensitive data, and systems, I am committed to expanding our cyber-related risk management activities and strengthening our ability to protect the information entrusted to our care.

I am directing the Secretaries of Technology and Finance and the Commonwealth’s Chief Information Officer to take the necessary steps to complete a review of all Commonwealth of Virginia systems and associated data in the following manner:

1. The Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA) shall provide an updated inventory of all data and computer systems to the Governor’s Office by October 15, 2015.   The inventory shall include but not be limited to:
   1. Determination of sensitivity and criticality of systems and data
   2. Risk prioritization and scope of systems and data, and
   3. Development of a risk-based approach to enhance protection of systems and data

2. The Secretary of Technology and VITA shall recommend strategies to strengthen and modernize agencies’ cyber-security profiles by October 15, 2015, including:
   1. Completion of security audits,
   2. Development of risk mitigation and resilience plans, and
   3. Plans for remediation with completion dates.

3. VITA shall provide a status report on the execution of the strategies, along with associated plans and actions, to the Governor and the Secretaries of Technology and Finance by October 1, 2016.

These risk-mitigation steps to strengthen our sensitive systems and data cannot be effectively and accurately completed without the cooperation of each executive branch agency.  For this reason, I am directing each executive branch agency to assist VITA by providing all requested information required to complete this inventory in a timely manner.

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Governor McAuliffe Celebrates Success of Virginia Values Veterans Program

Over 11,000 Veterans Hired by V3-Certified Employers

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe today recognized Virginia businesses for their ongoing commitment to creating employment opportunities for Virginia’s veterans.  The 350 businesses certified under the state’s Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program have hired over 11,000 veterans.

Governor McAuliffe presented 15 awards to individuals and announced significant veteran hiring milestones made by V3-certified companies.  Since 2010, over 80,000 veterans have been added to Virginia’s labor force – more than all other states combined.

“The V3 program is a true example of what we can achieve when the public and private sectors work together for the good of our Commonwealth,” said Governor McAuliffe. “I am so proud to announce that we met my goal of hiring 11,000 veterans through the V3 program 900 days ahead of schedule, and that today we are raising the bar to hire 20,000 before the end of my term. It is an honor to work with these companies to leverage the unique training and talents of our veterans so that they can lead happy and productive lives in a new Virginia economy.”

Making veterans a part of the new Virginia economy is a top priority for Governor McAuliffe.  To ensure that veterans have the opportunity to find challenging, well-paying jobs that capitalize on their talent, skill, and drive, the Governor in 2014 (via Executive Order 23) charged the Virginia Department of Veterans Services to ensure that V3-certified companies had hired 11,000 veterans before the end of his term.

“More service members are leaving the military now than at any time in recent history,” Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs John C. Harvey, Jr. said.  “Businesses have a great opportunity to capitalize on these highly trained men and women leaving the military to help their businesses grow and succeed.  The V3 Program helps Virginia companies implement solutions for filling urgent work force demands with a very high-quality supply of talented veterans.”

To recognize the significant commitment of Virginia businesses to hiring veterans, Governor McAuliffe presented fifteen awards to companies in two categories:  the V3 Governor’s Award recognized companies for the total number of veterans hired in Virginia, while the V3 Perseverando award recognized companies for their perseverance in making Virginia the most veteran-friendly state in the nation in which to work.

The V3 Governor’s Award winners are:

Enterprise Employer Category (1,001+ employees)

·         Apex Systems, Inc.

·         CACI International, Inc.

Large Employer Category (301 – 1,000 employees)

·         C.R. England

·         Norfolk Sheriff’s Office

Medium Employer Category (51 – 300 employees)

·         PD Systems, Inc.

·         ITA International, LLC

Small Employer Category (1 – 50 employees)

·         Command Post Technologies

·         Veteran Reporters, Inc.

State Agency Category

·         Virginia Tech

·         Virginia Department of Transportation

The winners of the V3 Perseverando Award are:

·         Enterprise Category (1,001+ employees):  Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries

·         Large Category (301 – 1,000 employees):  Stratford University

·         Medium Business (51 – 300 employees):  PD Systems

·         Small Business (1 – 50 employees):  G2 Global Solutions

·         State Agency: Virginia Department of Transportation

“Veterans have the knowledge, skills, and ability to help Virginia businesses succeed,” said Virginia Department of Veterans Services Commissioner John L. Newby II.  “We are honored to recognize these 15 companies at today’s ceremony, and are excited to see even more great things from more great companies in the future.”

The Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program is a Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Veterans Services Program. V3 helps employers understand, design, and implement nationally recognized best practices in recruiting, hiring, and retaining veterans.  For more information about the V3 Program, contact Andrew Schwartz at Andrew.Schwartz@dvs.virginia.gov or visit us athttps://www.dvsv3.com/.

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Constitution Seminar for Youth Announced

On September 9, 1777, future Chief Justice of the U.S Supreme Court John Jay had the opportunity to address the Grand Jury of Ulster County, NY.  Among his remarks, he said: “Every member of the State ought diligently to read and to study the constitution of his country and teach the rising generation to be free. By knowing their rights, they will sooner perceive when they are violated, and be the better prepared to defend and assert them.” 

At the Constitution Leadership Initiative, we have taken John Jay's charge to heart.

Although I've had to cancel the previously announced seminar planned for 29 August due to low registrations, I have rescheduled it for 19 September (two days after Constitution Day) and moved to a new location.

The seminar is built around the book "Our Constitution Rocks" by Juliette Turner, and each participant age 14-18 will receive a free copy.  This is an explanation of the Constitution written by a teen for teens.  In addition, each child will receive a free box lunch and Pocket Constitution.  All this is made possible by generous donations to CLI's Young Patriot's Fund.

This will be a wonderful opportunity for students to study the entire U.S. Constitution in one sitting and learn of the events which led to it as well. 

There will be a special guest appearance (via Skype) by Constituting America President and Founder Janine Turner (mother of Juliette).

Parents who wish to audit the seminar with their children will be asked to pay $10 to cover the cost of their lunch.

All participants must be pre-registered to participate.  The seminar is limited to 30 participants.  Register via email to Gary@constitutionleadership.org or by calling 757-867-9120.

Request your assistance in publicizing this important and worthwhile event.

Thanks for your help in the cause of freedom.

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Governor McAuliffe Launches Governor’s Council on Youth Entrepreneurship

~ Council is latest Administration initiative to catalyze entrepreneurism in Virginia ~

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe today signed Executive Order 47 establishing the Governor’s Council on Youth Entrepreneurship, which shall be responsible for coordinating and implementing youth entrepreneurship initiatives and fostering the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem for young people in Virginia.

“The foundation of the new Virginia economy rests on the strength of Virginia’s young people,” said Governor McAuliffe.  “This Council will work to grow the Commonwealth’s innovation ecosystem and ensure that Virginia is the best state in the nation for young people to innovate, create, and start a business.”

The Council, which will be co-chaired by Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones, will include student entrepreneurs and leaders from education, business and startup communities. Working with higher education and other public and private sector resources, the Council will conduct a comprehensive assessment of current local, state and federal programs and services available to young entrepreneurs, connect local business leaders and job creators with young entrepreneurs to help grow ecosystems in their communities and provide recommendations to support the goals and priorities of the Council.

“Entrepreneurism is a vital strategy for job and economic growth in the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones.  “In order to attract the best and brightest talent to Virginia, we need to create an ecosystem that fosters entrepreneurism and innovation.  This Council is another step in achieving that goal.”

The Council is the outgrowth of several roundtables and meetings Governor McAuliffe and his Administration held with student innovators and higher education faculty to learn about the challenges and opportunities facing young entrepreneurs in Virginia.  As a result of these discussions, Governor McAuliffe identified the following initial priorities for the Council:

1. Expand students’ intellectual property (IP) rights – The Council shall work with Boards of Visitors, administrators and faculty at institutions of higher education to craft policies that give students more rights over their own research and IP. 
2. Promote the formation of collaborative spaces for entrepreneurs and students to meet – Entrepreneurs consistently cite physical space as a priority in deciding where to start a business.  The Council shall work with partners in education and business to identify opportunities for expanded space for entrepreneurs and students to collaborate. 
3. Encourage schools to offer courses in entrepreneurship that are easily accessible to all students and to integrate innovation into the curriculum – The Council shall evaluate strategies to further integrate entrepreneurship into classroom environments and curricula in higher education and work to ensure that entrepreneurship courses are accessible to all students regardless of their concentration of study. 
4. Identify ways for colleges and universities to award academic credit to students for starting a business – The Council shall work with Boards of Visitors, administrators and faculty to determine criteria for awarding academic credit to students for starting a business, similar to existing policies awarding academic credit for an internship, independent study or co-op, to allow students to remain in school on a graduation track while still pursuing business ventures.   
5. Remove unnecessary costs for students starting a business in Virginia – The Council shall consider ways to remove regulations and fees that create unnecessary burdens or obstacles for individuals who are starting a new business.

The Council will work closely with institutions of higher education and other state agencies to make progress toward achieving these priorities, while supporting opportunities to advance research, innovation and commercialization at Virginia’s colleges and universities.  

Expanding entrepreneurial enterprises in Virginia has been a top priority of Governor McAuliffe and his Administration.  Governor McAuliffe’s “New Virginia Economy” Strategic Economic Development Plan identified entrepreneurism as one of the five key pillars for growth in Virginia.  In June, Governor McAuliffe launched Virginia Velocity, a first-class business plan competition designed to encourage entrepreneurs in key sectors to bring their ideas and grow their businesses in Virginia.  The Council is the next step to further catalyze Virginia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The initial report of the Council’s assessments and recommendations is due to the Governor no later than December 1, 2015.

The full text of Executive Order 47 is below:

NUMBER FORTY SEVEN (2015)

ESTABLISHING THE GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL ON YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Importance of the Initiative

            Entrepreneurship and innovation are among the central pillars of Governor McAuliffe’s economic development platform.  The foundation for a new Virginia economy rests upon the strength of Virginia’s young people.  In order to stimulate future economic prosperity for all Virginians, young people must have the support and resources they need to become economically secure and successful.

In Virginia, the unemployment rate for young adults was 8.4 percent, double the unemployment rate for Virginians over age 35.  At the same time, the majority of new jobs come from startup firms (firms less than five years old), estimated at about 3 million jobs per year nationally.

Virginia is home to some of the best colleges, universities and community colleges in the world.  By investing in our young people, we can provide them the tools they need to thrive in the 21^st century workforce.  We can ensure that they have the foundation to become creative and innovative leaders of the new Virginia economy.  In classrooms and businesses across the Commonwealth, our young people are already developing the ideas that will transform our future.  We have achieved great success in supporting young entrepreneurs, but we also have an outstanding opportunity for improvement and growth.  Virginia should work to strengthen the innovation infrastructure for young people by engaging with leaders in the public and private sectors, the education and business communities, and entrepreneurship ecosystems.   

Establishment of the Governor’s Council on Youth Entrepreneurship

            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, including, but not limited to §§ 2.2-134 and 2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia, and subject to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility to act in such matters, I hereby establish the Governor’s Council on Youth Entrepreneurship. 

Governor’s Council on Youth Entrepreneurship

            The Governor’s Council on Youth Entrepreneurship (Council) shall be responsible for coordinating and implementing youth entrepreneurship initiatives and fostering the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem for young people in Virginia.  Specifically, the Council is charged with:

• Conducting a comprehensive, statewide assessment of current programs, services, and local, state, and federal resources that support Virginia’s young entrepreneurs and innovators;
• Developing a website that aggregates these resources to provide a one-stop location for young entrepreneurs, businesses and educators to easily access information;
• Connecting young entrepreneurs to assets in their communities through a series of roundtables, town halls or other collaborative events to bring together local business leaders and job creators with young entrepreneurs to help grow these ecosystems; and
• Providing additional recommendations to achieve the goals of this Council and reporting regularly to the Governor. 

Additionally, the Council will address five significant priorities related to youth entrepreneurship: 

1. Expand students’ intellectual property (IP) rights – The Council shall work with Boards of Visitors, presidents, administration, and faculty at institutions of higher education to craft policies that give students more rights over their own research and IP.  In considering possible alternatives, the Council shall consider model policies of institutions that have expanded student IP rights with the goal of strengthening innovation ecosystems and stimulating economic growth. 
2. Promote the formation of collaborative spaces for entrepreneurs and students to meet – The Council shall work with partners in education and business to identify opportunities for expanded space for entrepreneurs and students to collaborate.  Entrepreneurs consistently cite physical space as a priority in deciding where to start a business.  The Council shall consider model collaborative spaces across Virginia and the nation.  
3. Encourage schools to offer courses in entrepreneurship that are easily accessible to all students and to integrate innovation into curriculum – The Council shall research and evaluate strategies for integrating entrepreneurship into classroom environments and curricula in higher education.  It shall explore best practices, such as entrepreneurs-in-residence and out-of-classroom curricular programs.  It shall work to ensure that entrepreneurship courses are easily accessible and available to all students at institutions of higher education regardless of a student’s concentration of study. 
4. Identify ways for colleges and universities to award academic credit to students for starting a business – The Council shall work with Boards of Visitors, presidents, administrators, and faculty at institutions of higher education to determine criteria for awarding academic credit to students for starting a business.  In the new Virginia economy, it is critical to recognize the important skills and training that students receive from launching a new business venture.  Similar to awarding academic credit for an internship or co-op, awarding academic credit to students for starting a business provides crucial workforce development opportunities that allow students to remain in school on a graduation track while still pursuing business ventures.  
5. Remove unnecessary costs for students starting a business in Virginia – The Council shall consider ways to remove regulations and fees that create unnecessary burdens or obstacles for individuals who are starting a new business.

Composition of the Council

            The Council will be led by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade and include leaders in higher education and business, innovators and entrepreneurs, and others with appropriate expertise, as appointed by the Governor.  In coordination with relevant state agencies, the Council will serve as a central coordinating entity to identify opportunities and develop recommendations for improvement, including but not limited to: 1) entrepreneurship education, 2) support from the business community for young entrepreneurs, 3) strategies for keeping the ‘best and the brightest’ young innovators in Virginia, 4) opportunities for strengthening institutional support for student creativity and innovation, and 5) the growth of entrepreneurial ecosystems across Virginia.  The Council will also collaborate with other entities as appropriate and seek participation from relevant stakeholders, including the business and education communities, nonprofit groups, and advocacy organizations.

Staffing

            Staff support for the Council will be provided by the Office of the Governor, and any other Secretariats, agencies or offices as designated by the Governor, including staff from institutions of higher education if appropriate. The Council will serve in an advisory role to the Governor, in accordance with § 2.2-2100 of theCode of Virginia.  The initial report of the Council’s assessments and recommendations is due to the Governor no later than December 1, 2015.  Subsequent annual reports from the Council are due to the Governor on December 1^st each year.  In coordination with the Council, each public institution of higher education will report annually to the Governor on its progress towards these goals.

Effective Date

            This Executive Order shall be effective upon its signing and, pursuant to §§ 2.2-134 and 2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia, shall remain in full force and effect from its signing until superseded or rescinded.

            Given under my hand and under the seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 24th day of August, 2015.    

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