Barton’s comments praised

I was never more ashamed to have once been a member of the Hanover County Republican Party than I was today by the craven behavior of Congressman Eric Cantor of the 7th District.

The condemnation by Texas Congressman Joe Barton of the president’s extra-constitutional shakedown of British Petroleum for $20 billion in assets, to be doled out at the administration’s sole discretion, was the only honest moment in the Stalinist show trials that were held on Capitol Hill.

Yet Cantor and his fellow Republican leaders in the House immediately threw Barton under the bus in the quixotic hope that it would somehow prevent the national media from branding the GOP as tools of Big Oil.

BP may be negligent in the events that caused the spill. They surely have much to answer for in their actions since. But even Eichmann got a trial.

As this president accelerates the rush toward despotism begun under his predecessor, the leadership of the Republican party in Washington continues to abet the dismantling of the legal protections and processes afforded by our Republican form of government.

A recent Rassmussen poll found that 72 percent of Republicans believe that GOP members of Congress are out of touch with the views of the base of the party. Nothing illustrates this more clearly than the actions of the Republican leaders in the House toward Congressman Barton.

It is little wonder that Cantor enjoys a position of leadership within a minority party.

Joseph Pierro
Mechanicsville

Be mindful of speed limit

I live on Rutlandshire Drive where the speed limit is posted at 25 mph, not 35, not 45, or even 55.

I understand it’s used as a cut-through, but it would be nice for people to at least respect those who reside on the street and maintain a safe 25 mph.

I invite all Hanover County police officers who are looking for a few good tickets to sit on the street anytime throughout the day. You won’t have to sit long, I promise you!

Oh, and for those that don’t know what the big red octagon means at the end of the street, it’s a STOP sign, not a slow down and turn sign.

Kevin Patterson
Mechanicsville

Facts, evidence, empowerment

I’ve always considered myself an informed voter.

While I researched politicians in the past, I most often paid close attention to actions instead of words.

In the last 14 years, I have seen this great nation go through a terrific amount of change, and most of it has been for the worst.

Each year’s political scandal gets out done by another. So many scandals have occurred, the public has grown apathetic to the escalation in depravity, which has been tremendously detrimental!

I was driving home, listening to WRVA’s Doc Thompson Show and heard the announcement that Mechanicsville had a T.E.A. Party meeting that night. I made a point to make this meeting; it was in reasonable driving distance and was willing to listen to what this group had to say.

This happenstance has allowed me to meet some of the most kind, open and informed citizens that are Republicans, Democrats, Independents and even political atheists.

The meetings have been educational, relevant and strategic relating to making a difference with our politicians.

There are a lot of people out there allowing Chris Matthews, Keith Olbermann and other left-biased media outlets to form their opinions, which is a real shame.

I prefer to think for myself and form my own opinions about important matters instead of allowing fools and uniformed (but well-meaning) friends to influence my decisions.

And for that, I have been discriminated against, cursed at, slandered and threatened (while driving down Mechanicsville Turnpike by a car full of high schoolers) because I believe in liberty, self-determination, freedom and abhor tyranny, socialism/communism and injustice!

It’s ironic that—in the very county and town Patrick Henry lived—this type of behavior is being openly exhibited fostered by ignorance and fear!

Now is the time for everyone to do a gut-check. This state and county were critical in forming the foundation of this wonderful and great nation.

Thomas Jefferson and the 55 signers of the Declaration didn’t stay home to avoid doing the right thing because it was too hot or it was rainy or they didn’t feel good or were too busy.

How can the unimaginable losses of these great men have they been so easily forgotten or avoided in the classrooms?

Are you going to be “the” generation that will be remembered as the ones who did nothing and allowed freedom and liberty to die?

The time has come for you to make a critical decision. What are you willing to be responsible for?

Gina Jernigan
Mechanicsville

VBS and Red Cross are not affiliated

Thank you for recently highlighting Virginia Blood Services’ (VBS) new program: Bloodlifeline.com.

I wanted to clarify that VBS is not affiliated with the Red Cross, nor were they any part in the creation and implementation of the Blood Lifeline program, as they were mentioned and linked in the story.

VBS is the sole provider of blood to 22 hospitals throughout Central Virginia—12 of which are right here in Richmond such as VCU Medical Center and Memorial Regional Medical Center.

VBS has four donor centers in the Richmond area: Innsbrook, Arboretum, Chester, and Emerywood Parkway. There are also over 20 blood collection teams that are out in our community recruiting blood donors seven days a week.

While the Red Cross does have a chapter in Richmond, their purpose is emergency preparedness. That chapter does not collect blood.

Thank you for keeping the Mechanicsville community informed.

Marly Fausz
Richmond