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The Odds Are Stacked Against Free Enterprise

As we continue weathering the coronavirus pandemic, some forward-thinking states and their leaders are preparing a pivot that puts their people back to work and brightens the economic outlook for the long term. And then there is Virginia, which appears poised to pursue shortsighted business decisions that will ultimately cost it jobs, tax revenues and respect. A landmark bill to bring casino gaming to Virginia is awaiting signature by Governor Ralph Northam. Northam is perhaps best known on the national stage for his controversial yearbook photo showing two men: one in blackface and ...

Life Is Just A Highlight Reel

Tom Cochrane recorded a popular song titled, “Life is a Highway,” with lyrics. “I wanna “ride it all night long.” Life is a highway and we all hope we log lots of mileage on that road, piling up many highlights along the way. In these uncertain times, taking stock of our blessings (people, places, events, opportunities), seems to be happening a lot. If we had to list our life’s highlights, that list could be almost endless, but maybe if we picked one line of memories for each year we’ve been on this earth, it might be a little easier. So, I thought I’d try to do ...

The Ups And Downs Of Quarantine

My husband and I have, until now, never spent this much consecutive time together. We are, like the rest of the world, stuck in the house 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s been an interesting experiment in getting along, but also investigating one another’s coping mechanisms. We seem to take turns having bad days. He’s having a bad day today: quiet, grumpy, and a little mad at the world. He never liked being listless before the coronavirus and would invent all kinds of tasks to keep himself busy on the weekends. But I’ve been impressed with his quarantine temperament. ...

Remember To Enjoy The Simpler Times While You Can

It seems like simpler times have been forced on all of us. The pollution in some areas is down because there is less travel. Gas prices have dropped because nobody is purchasing much these days of confinement. Families are actually together for meals. We are all using the computer and other devices more than usual to play games and to work. Just last week my son said that life is more like when they grew up. People are home. There is time to do things as a family. He told me he had his wife dress up while he made dinner. The dinner even included a pie. They sat and ate in peace — ...

Take Some Time And Get To Know Saint George

I have no memory of Barcelona. I do remember — vaguely — the boat to Majorca, at least dinner which was fish stew/soup. All I recall of that was the floating eye balls in the bowl. (I know I had a lovely visit on that tropical isle with my cousin and her family, understanding more of the Spanish I heard than I dared to attempt. Something from my high school years returned as a benefit.) Earlier, walking through the streets of Barcelona, I passed an art store, feet drawn to an etching which came home with me, was framed in East Aurora and still hangs beside my bed. St. George. ...

China’s Tech Totalitarianism

The media tell us China “beat coronavirus.” I don’t believe it. The Chinese government lies. AEI’s Derrek Scissors argues that they’ve underreported the number of COVID-19 cases by millions. Still, it’s possible that China has the virus under control. But at what cost? Most of us in America now practice “social distancing.” I’ve barely left my house in a month. I do that voluntarily. Forty-two states do have some sort of shelter-in-place orders, but most of American’s social distancing is voluntary. Not so in China. China’s dictators are quick to take ...