Saturday, October 17, 2009
Only those who have fought understand war
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Only those who have fought understand war
Two thousand, five hundred years ago, the Chinese Gen. Sun Tzu said: "It is only one who is thoroughly acquainted with the evils of war that can thoroughly understand the profitable way of carrying it on." Our political leaders are at this time considering sending more of America's best and brightest into harm's way. Most of our politicians are neither acquainted nor understand how to carry on a successful campaign.
At the risk of being branded a radical warmonger, but also having seen war firsthand, I can say that no troops should be sent until three criteria are met: a clear-cut and defined victory; a definite exit strategy; rules of engagement whereby our troops can use whatever means necessary to eliminate a threat.
Our politicians have not learned that you cannot release the dogs of war just to run to the end of their chain and bark. To those who feel this is harsh, I say sleep well tonight because harsh men stand ready to do violence on your behalf.
Cuccinelli's record recommends him
State Sen. Ken Cuccinelli is an established conservative who deserves our support for attorney general.
Cuccinelli is unabashedly pro-life, having cast the tie-breaking vote overriding Gov. Mark Warner's veto to ban the partial-birth abortion procedure. He also authored the Senate version of the parental consent law and led the way to defund Planned Parenthood of Virginia tax dollars.
Cuccinelli is a strong opponent of illegal immigration, having sponsored legislation making it easier to convict those who traffic in illegal aliens. He also succeeded in having a law passed enabling cities and counties authority to investigate illegal boarding houses, which jeopardize public safety and harm property values.
Cuccinelli has a strong record of opposing tax increases, having successfully led the fight against those proposed by Govs. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. Also, in 2004, Cuccinelli opposed the largest tax increase in Virginia history. This record afforded him the title "Hero of the Taxpayer" by Americans for Tax Reform and a 100 percent rating from the National Federation of Independent Businesses.
This Election Day, Nov. 3, I challenge Virginia conservatives to show up and vote Cuccinelli for attorney general.
Turner would be a public servant
Del. Morgan Griffith has represented the 8th House District for many years, but instead of serving the voters, he serves big companies like Dominion Virginia Power and Northrop Grumman, which reward him with thousands in campaign contributions. Salem native Carter Turner, whom I know as a colleague and friend, refuses corporate contributions and has proven leadership and commitment, most recently in the Glenvar asphalt plant debate.
He is endorsed by leaders and organizations from both parties, including past and present mayors of Salem. In what columnist Dan Casey calls a David and Goliath contest ("'David' is taking on GOP 'Goliath,'" Sept. 20), the 8th District can choose a public servant who listens and cares: Turner.
Holland has proven himself in office
I would like to express the hard work Sherman Holland has done as the current commissioner of revenue for the city of Roanoke. He has 12 years of direct work experience in the office and 28 years of service with the city. It's very difficult for another candidate to match Holland's work experience.
Holland makes sure everyone is assessed fairly and that everyone's paying taxes correctly, as this impacts all. His office procedures are reviewed yearly by an independent auditor and by the Virginia auditor of public accounts. Direct work experience, extensive knowledge of city and state tax codes, personal and real estate taxation are what we need to continue to achieve to make Roanoke the best.
Why elect someone who has never served this local area, such as Douglas Walker, the Republican candidate? Why not re-elect someone who has knowledge, experience and knows what Roanoke needs, as Holland has proven?
