Be careful with the power to rezone
There has been much discussion about rezoning issues recently. For example, there are proposals to rezone in the Powhatan Creek watershed, which I think is a very bad idea. It would damage the environment of this beautiful natural area and would lower the value of local houses and lots.
When a developer wants to build more housing and asks for a rezoning, many people are resistant. And rightly so, because rezoning violates the assumptions we had when we bought our houses: that the surrounding neighborhood would stay somewhat constant.
Citizens expect a certain amount of stability in zoning laws and comprehensive plans. This is why some proposed zoning variances are bad ideas. They are not being done for the common good. Repeated polls and letters to the editor show our citizens want to preserve the county’s open spaces and keep the road traffic to a manageable level.
Supervisors, please pay attention to your duty and power to rezone — it must only be done for the common good of all and not just for the value to the developer.
Mac Mestayer, James City County
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Elect civil candidates
Why can’t the American voters get the facts and clear description of plans instead of name-calling, unsupported allegations and pure politics in place of plain truth? The statement by Trump that he wanted unity was a good sign and he was in a great position to do so. But, alas, he meant unity within the Republican Party, not American unity. We hear words like “corrupt” and “crooked,” which can only mean that Americans had elected a criminal to represent them. It’s a direct assault on the citizenry and a contribution to the extreme polarization that divides us. Do we prefer to decide on facts and reliable statements or do we prefer nastiness? Has anyone heard anyone say, “I respectfully disagree” or admit that he or she just spouts party stuff but not anything civil? It’s easy enough to disagree with Senator or President so-and-so without making him a bad guy — after all he’s presumably doing his job as he sees it. So the first thing for us voters to do is easy: elect candidates who are civil and have clear, workable plans.
Richard Dunn, Williamsburg
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Who threw civility away?
Having just seen the striking images of an assassination attempt on a former president, certainly Professor (Joseph) Filko has done us a service, trying to tamp down the rhetoric between citizens at this time.
He speaks about mutual vilification, calling a political opponent “evil.” If you call me evil, well you must be. He speaks of “demonization of all who oppose us.” He correctly mentions “the temptation of the most emotionally committed or unstable to engage in acts of violence …”
He goes on with a dissertation of necessary interdependence. Agreed. Most of all he inveighs against incendiary “bomb throwers” warning not to follow their lead. “Repeat a narrative-reinforcing lie often enough and we will believe it.” “We must listen to each other with the intent of understanding …”
I agree with all that, remembering arguing with college classmates who were Democrats but remaining friends. That time needs to return. Civil discussion is more important than ever.
I rarely agree with the professor, but I believe he is well meaning. But something is missing, discernment which he must possess. Are there no differences between the Trump forces and the Democrats?
Who made political opponents enemies? Newt Gingrich. I found out I was a “RINO.”
Descending the escalator, Trump, a hatemonger, became the primary bomb thrower, bashing immigrants and refugees, mocking the disabled, calling our nation’s fallen “losers,” while a draft dodger himself, lighting in flames tinder, our middle class and below. Many do not realize they are unfairly taxed while the wealthiest get the biggest tax breaks.
As to our “unstable,” this nation has supplied their AR-15s.
Professor?
Ronald Ruszkowski, Williamsburg
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On TV, truth isn’t always in the script
I am concerned that many people lack the true facts and/or dismiss facts as Democratic Party propaganda. I watch several TV channels for the news, and I fear that those who watch only Fox News are being brainwashed into a dark corner. Fox often criticizes President Biden for various problems, but omits the underlying facts, and then sugarcoats a Trump presidency as the fixer. Although there are numerous examples, I offer the following two for your consideration.
The problem: inflation. Factual omissions by most Fox TV hosts: the root causes included labor shortages followed by wage increases, shortages of raw materials and components, extreme weather devastations and pent-up demand from the COVID period. The outlook: inferences that Trump would solve the problem, but I have yet to hear a specific game plan by Trump to reduce prices. No president can simply issue an executive order to decrease prices.
The problem: immigrants flooding into our country. Factual omissions by most Fox TV hosts: the Senate passed a tough bipartisan bill for immigration reform earlier this year, but the Republican House Speaker has refused to even bring that bill to the floor of the House (supposedly due to pressure from Trump, who wants it to be a campaign issue). Trump could have made reforms when he was president, but he gave it lip service and failed to find a solution. The outlook: mass deportations proposed by Trump.
Page Brinkley, James City County
