The hits just keep on coming. I’m so happy Governor and Mrs. Rolex are a tightly-knit, God-fearing family who serve as an example for the rest of us.
Further proof that nothing good happens after midnight:
http://www.wusa9.com/story/new…
Check out the mug shot.
My god, Virginia’s Attorney General has to waste his time on crap like this? On the other hand, I suppose in a warped way that “Sideshow Bob” Marshall continues to provide invaluable entertainment, in a freak show sorta way, for Virginia. And that’s gotta be worth something, ya know? 🙂
Joe Morrissey – No member of the Virginia House of Delegates dating back to the House of Burgesses has ever been forced to resign. No case or constitutional precedent. However, because of the respect he has for this institution and desire not to be a distraction, he has a few moments ago tendered his resignation as a delegate to the Clerk of the Virginia House of Delegates, effective January 13, 2015. A special election will, not coincidentally, be held on that same date – January 13, 2015. Morrissey then announces his candidacy for the special election! “It’s the voters who must decide…right now there is a bit of a cloud or a taint” over my seat. Morrissey says he will seek the Democratic nomination – firehouse primary, convention, whatever process is set, he’ll abide by them.
Here are a few national and Virginia news headlines, political and otherwise, for Thursday, December 18.
*Mr. Obama’s Historic Move on Cuba (“Mr. Obama could have taken modest, gradual steps toward a thaw. Instead, he has courageously gone as far as he can, within the constraints of an outmoded 1996 law that imposes stiff sanctions on Cuba in the pursuit of regime change.”)
*U.S., Cuba make historic move to ease Cold War stance
*Pope’s Intervention Helped Break Logjam in U.S.-Cuba Talks (I’m not a Catholic by any means, but Pope Francis truly rocks!)
*Cuba deal opens new front on political battlegrounds (“GOP critics denounced Obama’s move as overreaching and naive, but there’s growing public support to end the divide.”)
*Right-Wing Media Lash Out After Obama Announces Deal With Cuba (“Right-Wing Media Lash Out” – that’s the key phrase here, as that’s mostly what they seem to do.)
*The War on Reproductive Rights Will Get a Lot Uglier Next Year (Keep that in mind, all you Democrats who stayed home in November!)
*McAuliffe budget plan helps local governments but not state employees
*McAuliffe briefs lawmakers on Virginia budget cuts, spending (“If we are going to build the new Virginia economy, we must invest in our workforce, in savvy economic development strategies, in education and in infrastructure.”)
*McAuliffe budget would boost job fund, teacher pensions (“Despite a crippling budget crunch, Virginia’s governor offered big plans, including Medicaid expansion.” Actually, Medicaid expansion would help with the “crippling budget crunch!”)
*McAuliffe’s budget misses some needed cuts (“Conservative and liberal think tanks have pointed to the folly of sales tax holidays, and a 2011 report by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission highlighted more than $12 billion worth of tax preferences, many of which are ripe for repeal.”)
*Dollars and sense (“Of course, the revenue picture would look considerably different if the General Assembly had agreed to expand Medicaid, as McAuliffe struggled strenuously to do. The GOP-dominated House of Delegates refused.”)
*Terry McAuliffe Chances Gun Control in Virginia
*McAuliffe calling for tighter day care rules
*Salem pipeline open house an example of conviction, unity of opponents (“If conviction alone could halt a $3.2 billion interstate pipeline project, the proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline might just be dead in the water.”)
*Under McAuliffe, gifts to governor toned down
*Kaine on Cuba: ‘Engagement Rather Than Isolation’
*Joe Morrissey to announce his future today (“We expect that some time late this morning at the State Capitol in downtown Richmond.”)
*Goodlatte signs legal brief fighting Obama immigration action (BADlatte strikes again!)
*In Richmond area, immigrants view Obama plans with cautious optimism
*New Cuba policy met with cheers by immigrants in Roanoke Valley
*Sen. Kaine tours site of catastrophic rocket explosion (“The Virginia Democrat remained committed to private space industry after the recent mission’s failure.”)
*U-Va.: Outside review of sex assaults will be public when the investigation ends
*Arlington poised to close arts center in Rosslyn after years of losses (Yeah, that one just didn’t catch on.)
*Here comes the sun – and a nice breeze, too – for a couple of days
Note that on November 6, the Loudoun Times reported that Craig Parisot, who’s running against Democrat Kathleen Murphy to succeed Congresswoman-elect Barbara Comstock (R) in the Virginia House of Delegates had “said he’s making his first run with the forthcoming special.” To the contrary, it turns out that Parisot ran for mayor in Maryland town. Also note that Parisot received just four (4) votes in that election. Seriously, that is NOT a typo! The DPVA pounced on this story, as well they should have, asking: “Wonder why Craig conveniently failed to mention that he’s run before — maybe because it was in Maryland? What else will we find he hasn’t been truthful about?” Good questions; any answers?
The following email was sent by the young woman in the middle of the case against Del. Joe Morrissey. Although she’s 18 years old, ergo an adult, I’ve deleted her name, as I’d rather not be the one to publicly “out” her in such a sensitive case like this one. Her email is in response to this statement by the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, calling for Del. Morrissey to “resign from office immediately,” and including Senator Mamie Locke’s comment that Morrissey had “abused his position of authority and his continued service brings blight on an institution that has stood as an aspiration for democracies for over 400 year.” The email further cites the “basic human right to not be preyed upon, especially in the workplace.”
Dear Senator Locke,
My name is ***** ***** and I am the young woman in question in regards to the Joe Morrissey matter. I have come across your statement made in respect to the situation. First, let’s be clear about one thing, I have not been asked by anyone to comment back upon your statement. I would like to express my deep disappointment of your statement. You have made harsh comments to which you have absolutely no knowledge about. In your statement, you have stated two things that are troubling. 1. The Democratic Party cannot be an organization that stands for the rights and interests of women yet allow someone who has admitted to endangering a young woman to continue to serve as one of our colleagues in the General Assembly. 2.This includes the basic human right to not be preyed upon, especially in the workplace. I intend to make a few things clear.
1. I was NOT “preyed” upon, but rather given an opportunity to explore my passion of becoming and attorney and to pay for my college expenses that my father, whom I’ve been estranged from since 9 years old had no intentions of doing. For what’s its worth Mr. Morrissey and his law firm has been gracious and provided me with more than my father has in my entire life.
2. You have stated that YOU and your democratic colleagues stand to protect the rights and interests of women, however, if that’s so, where were YOU and YOUR colleagues when my father was physically abusing me? Where were YOU and YOUR colleagues when my father stole my tuition money, but yet YOU and YOUR colleagues are about “protecting the rights and interest of woman”.
Despite the circumstances that I raised in and yet again another tragic issue in my life, I have continued to move pass all evil. I was accepted into a governor high school and finished up in 3 years as an A student. While in high school, I was 1 of 3 students to be accepted to attend Stanford Law School to participate in a mock trial. I have gone on to attend college and still maintain straight A’s. I intend help Mr. Morrissey clear his name and reputation. If not for me lying about my age and my family intending to extort money from Mr. Morrissey, he would not be in this situation. I appreciate him dearly for making the decision to enter an Alfred plea (to which he has NOT ADMITTED GUILT), sparing me the trauma of a trial and the embarrassment of my family. Next time you decide to express your opinion and pass judgment, I suggest you reach out and have your facts straight and focus on young ladies who have been beaten, victimized and raped.
Excellent news, looooong overdue! I mean, heck, we have diplomatic relations with Russia, China, and many other unsavory regimes, but not Cuba? Crazy.
Today, the United States is taking historic steps to chart a new course in our relations with Cuba and to further engage and empower the Cuban people. We are separated by 90 miles of water, but brought together through the relationships between the two million Cubans and Americans of Cuban descent that live in the United States, and the 11 million Cubans who share similar hopes for a more positive future for Cuba.
It is clear that decades of U.S. isolation of Cuba have failed to accomplish our enduring objective of promoting the emergence of a democratic, prosperous, and stable Cuba. At times, longstanding U.S. policy towards Cuba has isolated the United States from regional and international partners, constrained our ability to influence outcomes throughout the Western Hemisphere, and impaired the use of the full range of tools available to the United States to promote positive change in Cuba. Though this policy has been rooted in the best of intentions, it has had little effect – today, as in 1961, Cuba is governed by the Castros and the Communist party.
We cannot keep doing the same thing and expect a different result. It does not serve America’s interests, or the Cuban people, to try to push Cuba toward collapse. We know from hard-learned experience that it is better to encourage and support reform than to impose policies that will render a country a failed state. With our actions today, we are calling on Cuba to unleash the potential of 11 million Cubans by ending unnecessary restrictions on their political, social, and economic activities. In that spirit, we should not allow U.S. sanctions to add to the burden of Cuban citizens we seek to help.
Key Components of the Updated Policy Approach:
Since taking office in 2009, President Obama has taken steps aimed at supporting the ability of the Cuban people to gain greater control over their own lives and determine their country’s future. Today, the President announced additional measures to end our outdated approach, and to promote more effectively change in Cuba that is consistent with U.S. support for the Cuban people and in line with U.S. national security interests. Major elements of the President’s new approach include:
Establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba-
· The President has instructed the Secretary of State to immediately initiate discussions with Cuba on the re-establishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba, which were severed in January 1961.
· In the coming months, we will re-establish an embassy in Havana and carry out high-level exchanges and visits between our two governments as part of the normalization process. As an initial step, the Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs will lead the U.S. Delegation to the next round of U.S.-Cuba Migration Talks in January 2015, in Havana.
· U.S. engagement will be critical when appropriate and will include continued strong support for improved human rights conditions and democratic reforms in Cuba and other measures aimed at fostering improved conditions for the Cuban people.
· The United States will work with Cuba on matters of mutual concern and that advance U.S. national interests, such as migration, counternarcotics, environmental protection, and trafficking in persons, among other issues.
Adjusting regulations to more effectively empower the Cuban people-
· The changes announced today will soon be implemented via amendments to regulations of the Departments of the Treasury and Commerce. Our new policy changes will further enhance our goal of empowering the Cuban population.
· Our travel and remittance policies are helping Cubans by providing alternative sources of information and opportunities for self-employment and private property ownership, and by strengthening independent civil society.
· These measures will further increase people-to-people contact; further support civil society in Cuba; and further enhance the free flow of information to, from, and among the Cuban people. Persons must comply with all provisions of the revised regulations; violations of the terms and conditions are enforceable under U.S. law.
Facilitating an expansion of travel under general licenses for the 12 existing categories of travel to Cuba authorized by law-
· General licenses will be made available for all authorized travelers in the following existing categories: (1) family visits; (2) official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations; (3) journalistic activity; (4) professional research and professional meetings; (5) educational activities; (6) religious activities; (7) public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions; (8) support for the Cuban people; (9) humanitarian projects; (10) activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes; (11) exportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materials; and (12) certain export transactions that may be considered for authorization under existing regulations and guidelines.
· Travelers in the 12 categories of travel to Cuba authorized by law will be able to make arrangements through any service provider that complies with the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations governing travel services to Cuba, and general licenses will authorize provision of such services.
· The policy changes make it easier for Americans to provide business training for private Cuban businesses and small farmers and provide other support for the growth of Cuba’s nascent private sector. Additional options for promoting the growth of entrepreneurship and the private sector in Cuba will be explored.
Facilitating remittances to Cuba by U.S. persons-
· Remittance levels will be raised from $500 to $2,000 per quarter for general donative remittances to Cuban nationals (except to certain officials of the government or the Communist party); and donative remittances for humanitarian projects, support for the Cuban people, and support for the development of private businesses in Cuba will no longer require a specific license.
· Remittance forwarders will no longer require a specific license.
Authorizing expanded commercial sales/exports from the United States of certain goods and services-
· The expansion will seek to empower the nascent Cuban private sector. Items that will be authorized for export include certain building materials for private residential construction, goods for use by private sector Cuban entrepreneurs, and agricultural equipment for small farmers. This change will make it easier for Cuban citizens to have access to certain lower-priced goods to improve their living standards and gain greater economic independence from the state.
Authorizing American citizens to import additional goods from Cuba-
· Licensed U.S. travelers to Cuba will be authorized to import $400 worth of goods from Cuba, of which no more than $100 can consist of tobacco products and alcohol combined.
Facilitating authorized transactions between the United States and Cuba-
· U.S. institutions will be permitted to open correspondent accounts at Cuban financial institutions to facilitate the processing of authorized transactions.
· The regulatory definition of the statutory term “cash in advance” will be revised to specify that it means “cash before transfer of title”; this will provide more efficient financing of authorized trade with Cuba.
· U.S. credit and debit cards will be permitted for use by travelers to Cuba.
· These measures will improve the speed, efficiency, and oversight of authorized payments between the United States and Cuba.
Initiating new efforts to increase Cubans’ access to communications and their ability to communicate freely-
· Cuba has an internet penetration of about five percent—one of the lowest rates in the world. The cost of telecommunications in Cuba is exorbitantly high, while the services offered are extremely limited.
· The commercial export of certain items that will contribute to the ability of the Cuban people to communicate with people in the United States and the rest of the world will be authorized. This will include the commercial sale of certain consumer communications devices, related software, applications, hardware, and services, and items for the establishment and update of communications-related systems.
· Telecommunications providers will be allowed to establish the necessary mechanisms, including infrastructure, in Cuba to provide commercial telecommunications and internet services, which will improve telecommunications between the United States and Cuba.
Updating the application of Cuba sanctions in third countries-
· U.S.-owned or — controlled entities in third countries will be generally licensed to provide services to, and engage in financial transactions with, Cuban individuals in third countries. In addition, general licenses will unblock the accounts at U.S. banks of Cuban nationals who have relocated outside of Cuba; permit U.S. persons to participate in third-country professional meetings and conferences related to Cuba; and, allow foreign vessels to enter the United States after engaging in certain humanitarian trade with Cuba, among other measures.
Pursuing discussions with the Cuban and Mexican governments to discuss our unresolved maritime boundary in the Gulf of Mexico-
· Previous agreements between the United States and Cuba delimit the maritime space between the two countries within 200 nautical miles from shore. The United States, Cuba, and Mexico have extended continental shelf in an area within the Gulf of Mexico where the three countries have not yet delimited any boundaries.
· The United States is prepared to invite the governments of Cuba and Mexico to discuss shared maritime boundaries in the Gulf of Mexico.
Initiating a review of Cuba’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism-
· The President has instructed the Secretary of State to immediately launch such a review, and provide a report to the President within six months regarding Cuba’s support for international terrorism. Cuba was placed on the list in 1982.
Addressing Cuba’s participation in the 2015 Summit of the Americas in Panama-
· President Obama will participate in the Summit of the Americas in Panama. Human rights and democracy will be key Summit themes. Cuban civil society must be allowed to participate along with civil society from other countries participating in the Summit, consistent with the region’s commitments under the Inter-American Democratic Charter. The United States welcomes a constructive dialogue among Summit governments on the Summit’s principles.
Unwavering Commitment to Democracy, Human Rights, and Civil Society
A critical focus of our increased engagement will include continued strong support by the United States for improved human rights conditions and democratic reforms in Cuba. The promotion of democracy supports universal human rights by empowering civil society and a person’s right to speak freely, peacefully assemble, and associate, and by supporting the ability of people to freely determine their future. Our efforts are aimed at promoting the independence of the Cuban people so they do not need to rely on the Cuban state.
The U.S. Congress funds democracy programming in Cuba to provide humanitarian assistance, promote human rights and fundamental freedoms, and support the free flow of information in places where it is restricted and censored. The Administration will continue to implement U.S. programs aimed at promoting positive change in Cuba, and we will encourage reforms in our high level engagement with Cuban officials.
The United States encourages all nations and organizations engaged in diplomatic dialogue with the Cuban government to take every opportunity both publicly and privately to support increased respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Cuba.
Ultimately, it will be the Cuban people who drive economic and political reforms. That is why President Obama took steps to increase the flow of resources and information to ordinary Cuban citizens in 2009, 2011, and today. The Cuban people deserve the support of the United States and of an entire region that has committed to promote and defend democracy through the Inter-American Democratic Charter.
Here are a few national and Virginia news headlines, political and otherwise, for Wednesday, December 17. Also, check out the video of President Obama announcing his “action to protect one of America’s greatest natural treasures by signing a Presidential Memorandum to protect Bristol Bay.” Good news!
*Ruble remains volatile as fear grips Russia
*Dick Cheney’s tortured logic (The face of evil.)
*America should set torture out of bounds (“…the application of basic humanity and restraint should not depend exclusively on who’s in the White House, or even on the letter of the law, which has more protections now but which creative lawyers could still try to manipulate. It must be a moral and political expectation, built into the country’s mores.”)
*Clinton denounces torture, says black lives matter (She’s absolutely right on both counts.)
*Rand Paul is Already Running an Ad Against Jeb Bush (The one who should be running ads is Chris Christie, who is probably the most harmed by Jeb Bush’s entry into the race.)
*We Finally Have A Surgeon General Again. Here’s What He’ll Do Now.
*Is Obama destroying the Russian economy? (So, all the right wingers cheering Vladimir Putin and mocking our president got it totally backwards? Shocker!)
*Cuccinelli Has A ‘Funny Feeling’ GOPers Might Face Primary Challengers In 2016 (Cooch has a lot of “funny” feelings. Heh.)
*Thousands of miles of Va. rivers are polluted, report shows (“Chris Moore, a senior scientist for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation…called on Gov. Terry McAuliffe and the General Assembly to fund efforts to reduce pollution from farms, lawns and streets.”)
*Virginia GOP labels Gov. McAuliffe’s plan as ‘unconstitutional gun grab’ (Riiiight, because background checks are…oh forget it, let’s not even try to pretend right wingers are being rational here.)
*Expulsion of convicted Virginia lawmaker would be first since 1876 (“Del. Joseph Morrissey, convicted of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, has resisted calls to resign.”)
*Editorial: Morrissey tries gator defense
*Schapiro: Running out of friends, Morrissey finds a new one (“It’s not that lawmakers want to do this; it’s that they have to, lest they hand their opponents ammunition for the primary and general elections.”)
*Grassley now seeks answers from Fairfax prosecutor on John Geer police slaying (“After getting little new information from Fairfax police or the Justice Department, Grassley asks why the case moved to the feds.”)
*Futrell out of race for delegate in Stafford; will run for Senate set instead (The problem: “Stafford County’s Mark Dudenhefer’s path back to his old delegate seat just got easier.”)
*Sororities call U-Va. freeze a ‘violation’ of student rights
*Va. officials: Psychiatric bed registry not effective enough
*Research, environmental efforts in Hampton Roads benefit from federal spending plan
*Senator asks for state review of PETA after dog taken, put down
*Peninsula’s Jewish community gathers for menorah lighting in Newport News
*This weekend’s storm may not pack such a wallop, but it’s worth watching
From the Virginia General Assembly Special Session on November 10, you’ve just gotta love this one. What happened was this: “During Monday’s one-day special session, [Del. Bob] Marshall warned House leaders of dire political consequences after Speaker William J. Howell, R-Stafford, blocked consideration of an amendment that Marshall proposed to prevent wholesale gasoline prices from rising Jan. 1 if Congress does not enact legislation to allow collection of sales taxes for Internet transactions, as provided in the transportation bill Howell sponsored last year.” You can watch how the man we affectionately call “Sideshow Bob” for his craaaaazy antics responded to that! Seriously, though, you’ve got to love Bob Marshall basically being one of only two Republicans (the other being Del. Mark J. Berg) willing to fight to block a tax increase, while just about all the rest of them went along with it. So what’s the deal, Virginia House Republicans, are you big-time “tax-and-spenders” or what? Heh.
Virginia House Speaker Bill Howell: “…since the floor amendment addresses a subject matter beyond the scope of House Bill 5010, I’m going to rule that the floor amendment is not germane.”
Del. Bob Marshall: “Mr. Speaker, I respectfully will appeal the decision of the chair.”
Howell: “The gentleman has that option.”
Marshall: “And I’ll take whatever consequences the Republican caucus wants to impose upon me.”
Howell: “Oh no you wouldn’t.” (laughter)
Marshall: “Oh yes I will. Make my day and kick me out, because at this point I really don’t care Mr. Speaker.”
Howell: “OK” (uncomfortable laughter)
Here are a few national and Virginia news headlines, political and otherwise, for Tuesday, December 16. As for the news story on Gov. McAuliffe’s gun proposals, I’m including it mostly because they interview Lori Haas, whose daughter Emily was shot and wounded at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007.
*Taliban storm Pakistan school; at least 100 dead (Have I mentioned recently how much I despise religious extremists of all kinds?)
*Dick Cheney’s grotesque legacy: Why the record is so much worse than reported (“He was an unpopular VP, whom history won’t remember kindly. But this is Dick Cheney’s real contribution to America.” He needs to be tried for war crimes, as does anyone else who ordered torture or participated in it.)
*Ted Cruz reignites GOP civil war (Thank goodness for Ted Cruz. Oh, and please — don’t ever change! LOL)
*Poll: Dems want Hillary primary challenge (“The poll of Democrats nationwide finds that 48 percent say it is better if there is an active primary challenge to Clinton, compared to 43 percent who say it is better if Democrats coalesce behind Clinton early.” Jim Webb and Martin O’Malley both have net unfavorable ratings and basically no support in this poll.)
*Sorry, Putin. Russia’s economy is doomed (No sympathy for Putin, but unfortunately, the people of Russia will suffer.)
*Climate deniers get even more ridiculous (“The industry now says we need more CO2 in our lives, not less.” Utterly insane people who should be completely ignored – and certainly not elected to anything, that’s for sure!)
*Virginia Gov. McAuliffe to renew push to expand Medicaid (Lots of “red” states have expanded Medicaid, including three just since the midterms. What are Virginia Republicans waiting for?)
*Vivek Murthy confirmed as surgeon general (Finally!)
*McAuliffe takes bite out of tax preferences to deal with revenue shortfall (“The governor will propose on Wednesday to limit the tax credits and deductions that electric utilities and coal companies take for coalfield production and employment, property owners take for land preservation, and individuals take for purchase of long-term care insurance.”)
*McAuliffe rolls out gun reforms (How could anyone, including law-abiding gun owners, be against background checks?)
*Virginia governor announces new voting machines statewide (“Gov. Terry McAuliffe said he plans to include $28 million in his budget for new voting machines statewide. The move, he said, would create a paper trail for individual votes.”)
*Del. Michael Futrell joins race for open Virginia Senate seat (Did the Post do separate stories for Atif Qarni and Jeremy McPike when they entered the race? If not, why not?)
*After McDonnell conviction, Virginia needs to get tougher on ethics
*A lawmaker by day and a jailbird by night? You’ve got to be kidding. (Seems appropriate in anything-goes, no-ethics-laws-to-speak-of Virginia.)
*House’s Fightin’ Joe must go (“Del. Joe Morrissey was facing felony child porn and sex-related charges involving a 17-year-old staffer at his law office. Last week, he instead entered an Alford plea – maintaining his innocence but acknowledging prosecutors had enough evidence to convict him – for a count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.”)
*As Morrissey hangs on, challenger backs off recall plan
*Jail for Joe (“Joe Morrissey has not attained the legendary status of Marion Barry, the late mayor of D.C., or Rob Ford, the former mayor of Toronto. But that is not for lack of trying.”)
*Colleges, including U-Va., rarely expel attackers after sex assaults (That’s crazy.)
*Arlington may give Signature $5 million loan and a break on rent
*A winter story may be ahead, but today it’s going to be rainy and mild
