By Brad Swanson: One week after disrupting a speech by Pres. Trump, although the headlines have faded from national news media, Ibraheem Samirah feels vindicated – and ready for more action. In an interview with The Blue View, the Virginia state delegate (D- 86) acknowledged criticism of his protest, from some Democrats as well as Republicans, but insisted that “most…
By Brandon Thurner: In today’s heated political atmosphere, Americans need to learn from successful married couples how to “fight in a way to preserve the union,” and to avoid demonizing each other. This message was delivered by prominent sociologist and former White House Advisor Amitai Etzioni at a recent northern Virginia seminar. Dr. Etizioni, former president of the American Sociological…
By Jerry Poje: Fairfax County’s future is on the line. As we saw in part I of this series, high housing costs are forcing lower income families, young adults and seniors to migrate out of our region. This cripples our diversity, clogs roadways and explodes our regional carbon footprint. But something can be done, and is being done, to address…
By Susan Laume: On the eve of a special state legislative session on gun violence, a roundtable in Leesburg hosted by state Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D- 33) on July 7 revealed the deep divide among the public on this critical issue – and the high personal cost of unrestricted gun use. Boysko hosted the event at the Rust Library to…
By Jerry Poje: Part 1 of a series on affordable housing. Coming soon, Part 2: Meeting the challenge. Affordable housing topped the list of issues among the Democratic candidates for Fairfax County Board of Supervisor chair in last month’s primary election, but easing the 31,000 unit gap in low-rent units will be a challenge. It is a challenge we must…
By Lola Quintela: Drummers, a parade, and rousing speeches gave last weekend’s northern Virginia Women’s Summit a charge of excitement while breakout sessions allowed participants to dive deep into important issues at the sold-out event. Northern Virginia lawmakers at both federal and state levels energized the estimated 1,000 participants at the 3-day event, June 28-30, and strategized on the campaign…
By Bill Edgin: Growing up in Tomball, TX, I knew I was gay by the time I entered high school. But I also knew to bury this secret deep and never tell anyone, as I had been taught from an early age that being gay was a sin in the eyes of God. I lived in constant fear I would…
By Ray Morrogh: Ray Morrogh is Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County and candidate for re-election in the Democratic primary on June 11. In my 35 years of experience as a prosecutor, I have approached each case with the same guiding principle: to seek justice in every case. I’m proud that my record has led hundreds of defense attorneys to endorse…
By Susan Laume: Support from the community, including from state Del. Kaye Kory (D-38), has saved a Latino woman-owned pet store in Barcroft Plaza shopping center from closure. The pet store, Chico’s Natural Pet Market, faced shutdown when the owner, Danielle Areco Veloso, was unable to engage the shopping center manager, Federal Realty Investment Trust, in negotiations to renew its…
By Steve Descano: Candidate for Commonwealth’s Attorney in the Democratic primary on June 11 Since the 1960s, Fairfax County’s criminal justice system has been led by the mistaken notion that “tough-on-crime” policies reduce criminal behavior and improve outcomes for our community. Instead, these policies harm our neighbors and perpetuate a cycle of decreased opportunity, increased poverty, and increased crime. The…
By Brad Swanson: Kofi Annan is puzzled. He’s the president of the Fairfax County NAACP, one of the largest and most active chapters in the Commonwealth, and winner of a prestigious prize as the best chapter in the country. Yet Gov. Ralph Northam’s office, much less the governor himself, won’t speak to him about how to deal with a racist…
By Brad Swanson: Democratic Party candidates for criminal prosecutor clashed in a debate Friday, May 24, as challenger Steve Descano painted a vision of “progressive justice” while incumbent Ray Morrogh, represented by a staff attorney, insisted on the importance of deciding each case on its individual merits. Morrogh, who was ill and sent Katherine Stott from his office as a…
By Brad Swanson: The Fairfax County Democratic Committee voted unanimously on Tuesday, May 21, to urge that Gov. Ralph Northam allow transgender troops to serve openly in the Virginia National Guard — not knowing that just a few hours earlier the Guard’s commander had confirmed it would abide by Pres. Trump’s transgender military ban. The FCDC resolution (see text here)…
In their own words, at-large candidates for Fairfax County School Board say what motivates them to seek a seat on the board, why they are qualified, and their plans to lift up all students. They made their comments at a recent forum. The FCDC Endorsement Vote is at 7:30 p.m. tonight, Tuesday, May 21, at Lake Braddock Secondary School, 9200 Burke…