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Virginia’s 3 Feet to Pass Cyclists Law Up for Final Vote in House

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On February 12, 2010

In Cycling, Law, Politics, Virginia

The always helpful Virginia Bicycling Federation reports that the proposed “3 feet to pass” bill, which provides that cars must give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing them, made it out of committee.  Barely:

After being reported out of Sub Committee yesterday by a 5-2 vote, HB1048, 3 foot passing & following too close, was reported out of the full House Transportation Committee this morning by a very tight 11-10 vote. Since the vote was electronically tallied and then taken down rather quickly, I’m not sure exactly who voted each way, but it appeared that all the D’s voted for the bill, joined by two or three R’s (which I think included Oder & Rust).

As in Sub Committee, there was even more discussion of how difficult it would be with the additional foot to legally pass a bicycle without going over the double center line on a two lane road. The strongest anti-cycling sentiment was expressed by Del. Cosgrove of Chesapeake, Del. Knight of Virginia Beach, who clearly voted against the bill, along with Del. Villanueva of Va Beach, even though the representative of that City and Bruce Drees of the Tidewater Bicycling Assn. both spoke in favor of it.

Remember, the Virginia Senate has already passed this bill, and it is an unlikely veto target.  So all that stands between this sensible idea becoming law is the Virginia House of Delegates.  VBF asks:

Now its on to the Full House floor (either on Saturday or Monday), where Chairman Joe May of Loudon (who also appeared to vote against the bill) wished our patron, Kaye Kory, a good-natured “Good luck on the floor” after he announced the result of the voting.

Now, we need EVERYONE to contact their delegate. If you don’t know who it is, you can find out at the VA General Assembly’s Who’s My Legislator page…

http://conview.state.va.us/whosmy.nsf/main?openform

Please take a few minutes to do this, even if you think you live in the district of someone who will certainly vote for it.  It would be a shame to get so close to success, yet lose because of a bit of complacency.

Vote Tuesday

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On June 8, 2009

In Personal, Politics, Virginia

If you live in Virginia, please vote tomorrow.  For any number of entirely uninteresting reasons, I’ve pretty much skipped covering the primary season in Virginia politics.  People like Mike@Blueweeds, Waldo, Vivian, and Steve have given you pretty much all you need to know, though.

I’ll be voting for Brian Moran for Democratic nominee for Governor, Michael Signer for Democratic nominee for Lt. Governor, and Miles Grant for Democratic nominee (i.e., general election winner) for delegate in the 47th District.   My first two choices are, perhaps, obvious.  I think Terry McAuliffe is a charlatan of the worst kind, and cringe at the idea of defending him against neo-troglodyte Bob McDonnell in the general election.  See the link to Waldo, above, for more about that.  As to Deeds, I refuse to reward pandering to bigotry when I have other choices.  No matter the infinite ways his supporters try to spin it to you, this man put our fundamental rights up for a popular vote when he supported the Marshall-Newman (anti-equality) amendment in 2006.  So, despite the fact that I think he is generally decent on all other issues and stands a good chance against McDonnell, I simply cannot vote for him.  That leaves Brian Moran.  Moran is a reliable and thoughtful Northern Virginia Democrat.  That means, to me, that his policy positions meet my threshold tests for most important issues (even while he fails in some, like the death penalty, or occasionally panders, as with the asinine move-Gitmo-detainees-to-NoVA matter).  Further, in my limited personal interactions with him, he strikes me as confident without being demanding or needing affirmation (an important quality in a candidate, I’ve decided.)  Further, I am confident that, given the chance, he can beat Bob McDonnell.  On the matter of Mike Signer, I’m going with him because Jody Wagner hasn’t given me any particular reason to vote *for* her.  My personal and public knowledge of Signer – as a competent individual who wants to try to use the generally-useless office of Lt. Gov. as a bully pulpit on some issues – gives me the comfort I need in casting that vote.

And that leaves us with the 47th District for the Virginia House of Delegates.  In conversation, I’ve termed my dilemma as being faced with “an embarrassment of riches.”  We have five candidates seeking the Democratic nomination, the gaining of which will almost certainly secure them the seat this fall.  Every candidate has appeared at my door (tho’ I haven’t always been around to answer it) many times.  I have, truthfully, wavered amongst four of the five candidates throughout the primary season.  And the only reason that that isn’t five out of five is that I think Parkhomenko needs some additional time on this planet before he can really represent the 47th (that may sound condescending, tho’ I really don’t mean it to be.  I expect good things out of him, and can imagine supporting him in future efforts).  Every one of the other candidates have strengths that I respect and would like to see brought to bear in Richmond.  That said, I can only cast my vote for one.  And that one will be Miles Grant.  To say that I’ve disagreed with Miles on many things would be an understatement.    I have never, however, been given reason to question his sincerity or commitment to his positions.  And be sure of this – his positions are Arlington’s positions.  There is no watering down of our ideals so they can past muster in Richmond or at some fundraiser on the southside.  In the course of the primary I’ve seen him articulate – forcefully – the idea that Arlington needs to send an outspoken voice to Richmond.  While I think that Tobar, Hope, and Howze would all do fine jobs, Grant’s willingness to act as a pointman for decency and forward-looking policy is what gains my nod.  I truly have no idea who will win this contest tomorrow, but I hope that the winner will seriously examine the constituencies of each candidate and bring them into not just the general election, but his ongoing representation of the 47th District.

Memorial Day: Bedford, Virginia

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On June 6, 2009

In Personal, Society, Travel

[This was originally posted on May 25, 2007.  I’m posting it again, having just seen that the memorial is in dire need of funding support.  I’m in for $50.  I hope you’ll consider contributing, too.  See dday.org.]

A few weeks ago, I spent a weekend as support crew for the Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon. I mention that because it was the only reason I would ever have to travel through Bedford, Virginia. I’d never even heard the name before, and imagine that I’d never have a reason to head through it again. But I was glad I did discover it, as it is home to the National D-Day Memorial.

When I saw the sign for the Memorial, my first thought was that it was some outsized project of the local VFW or something. But no, in fact, it is the national memorial for the soliders that died on the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944. Why Bedford, of all places?

Like eleven other Virginia communities, Bedford provided a company of soldiers (Company A) to the 29th Infantry Division when the National Guard’s 116th Infantry Regiment was activated on 3 February 1941. Some thirty Bedford soldiers were still in that company on D-Day; several more from Bedford were in other D-Day companies, including one who, two years earlier, had been reassigned from the 116th Infantry to the First Infantry Division. Thus he had already landed in both Northern Africa and Sicily before coming ashore on D-Day at Omaha Beach with the Big Red One. Company A of the 116th Infantry assaulted Omaha Beach as part of the First Division’s Task Force O. By day’s end, nineteen of the company’s Bedford soldiers were dead. Two more Bedford soldiers died later in the Normandy campaign, as did yet another two assigned to other 116th Infantry companies. Bedford’s population in 1944 was about 3,200. Proportionally this community suffered the nation’s severest D-Day losses. Recognizing Bedford as emblematic of all communities, large and small, whose citizen-soldiers served on D-Day, Congress warranted the establishment of the National D-Day Memorial here.

The memorial itself is . . . not like most memorials. Typically, memorials reach for symbolism, and not recreation. Think of, say, the WWII and Vietnam Memorials on the Mall. This one, however, illustrated exactly what Normandy was about. Landing. Death on the beach. Death on the cliffs. I’ve traveled a lot, and seen many a military memorial, but I can’t think of the last one I saw that showed the real price that was paid by soliders. Here, in Bedford, there is a bronze sculpture of a dead solider half in the water, representing all those young men that died just as the day started. The bluntness of it surprised me. But it’s also something I appreciated. With all of the glorification of the military and combat service, I’m not sure that people really understand the real price it extracts. I give the D-Day Memorial Foundation much credit for helping illustrate that.

The other surprising thing was the recognition of all Allied soldiers. American memorials usually exclusively focus on American soldiers. In this case, however, the contributions of all Allies were recognized. It may be a small point for some, but as someone who had family fight and fall for a number of countries, it’s something I appreciate.

[I’d started this in the hope that there would be some clear way that I could tie in my very personal respect for the sacrifices of the memorialized soldiers with those of those who have died in this second Gulf War. But I’m just too angry. Every time I head through an airport and see a bunch of kids who don’t look old enough to drive but have the tell-tale haircuts of recent boot camp vintage, I careen between grief and rage. And until I find a cogent way to express that, I think I’ll just leave it at this.]

U.S. Air Force Cycling Classic Photos

By

On June 2, 2009

In Cycling

Large format gallery now up here.  Always appreciate feedback on my cycling photography.

What’s Important in Virginia Politics

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On May 5, 2009

In Politics, Virginia

here:

Step away from the polls, go outside and get some perspective. Find a hobby, hire a hooker. It doesn’t matter, but at some point, everyone needs to calm the fuck down and stop living or dying by Virginia politics. It’s not a skillful sport; it comes down to money, connections, and not being a fuckup.

[ . . . ]

Quit taking yourselves and this race seriously. The fact that you put so much energy into these things should probably tell you (and will demonstrate to your court-ordered psychiatrist) that the Virginia political machine is so filled with it’s own self-replicating ego bullshit that it can’t possibly work for the people. You. Are. Not. Important.

What’s important to recognize is that while you’re donating 500 bucks to a candidate, there is a homeless guy down the street who hasn’t eaten a decent meal in a few days, or a food bank that has empty shelves. Think about that while you stress about some two-bit poll, you selfish bastard.

I encourage each of you to take a day you would normally volunteer for a campaign and instead, after calling and politely telling the campaign volunteer coordinator to go fuck himself, find a worth charity or cause and donate your time to making a difference in the world and in the lives of others. Because, honestly, the rest of us think you people are real pricks.

Now GTFO and do something useful with your lives.

Hear, hear.  I have to admit that I’ve got multiple drafts of posts related to the Virginia governor’s race generated over the last month.  But halfway through each, I realize that it just won’t matter.  Plus, Angry Potato’s probably already written what I’ve wanted to say, and is (usually) funnier in saying it.   So I’m just going to keep leaving it alone, for the time being.  Except for saying that I hope you’re not suckered by the McAuliffe machine.

Someone Should Ask Creigh Deeds . . .

By

On April 3, 2009

In Personal, Politics, Society

whether he will be helping Iowa politicians put forward a constitutional amendment to ensure that discrimination is built into the Iowa Constitution.  He’s got relevant experience.

My Bike Stolen in Arlington – $200 Reward

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On April 1, 2009

In Cycling, DC, Virginia

Son of a )(*#$@#@.  This bike was stolen from the Arlington Central Library on the evening of March 31st. I’d really like it back, and I will pay $200 (no questions asked) for information that results in its recovery.

'00 GT Rebound - Blue and White

Bike Details:

• ’00 GT Rebound – blue/white
• Continental Town & Country slick tires (different from those pictured)
• Neon green water bottle cage (extra style points, no?)
• Arlington County Police Department bicycle registration sticker

Please email me at bike @ blacknell.net with any information. Thank you.

(And yes, here’s the part that really sucks – no, it wasn’t locked up.  M. had just arrived on it, came into the WABA annual meeting to get the keys from me (to use the lock securing my other bike) and in about the time that that took?  Gone.   So, uh, make my lesson yours.  Or something like that.)

Update: I seriously appreciate the support that’s come my way for this.  This bike has been well loved not just by us, but also many of my friends – as a borrowed daily commuter, adventure race finisher, and all around solid piece of fun and transportation.  Here’s hope that it can continue to serve as that, even if it doesn’t come back.

Credit to Kaine: Vetoing the Death Penalty Expansions

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On March 31, 2009

In Law, Politics, Society

I missed this last Friday, and think it’s worth repeating:

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine vetoed several bills Friday, including those that would have expanded the death penalty to criminals who assist in murders or who kill fire marshals or auxiliary police officers.

“Virginia is already second in the nation in the number of executions we carry out,” Kaine said in a statement. “While the nature of the offenses targeted by this legislation is very serious, I do not believe that further expansion of the death penalty is necessary to protect human life.”

The death penalty is an abomination, but it’s one that has become a fundamental part of this country’s psyche and politics.  It won’t be defeated any time soon, yet the (slow) trend is in that direction.  Credit to Kaine and other politicians who brave the cheap rhetoric of its supporters and do the right thing.

Aww, Blue Commonwealth Quits

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On March 28, 2009

In Politics, Virginia

Blue Commonwealth collapsed under a pile of childishness, self-obsession, and pointlessness today, and it appears to be done for.  If you’re a reader looking for an alternative, I suggest checking out the New Dominion Project.  I’m a fan of the primary authors, and while there are still some rough edges in the site itself, I think that place has a good future.  If you’re a regular BC front-pager?  Please don’t go over to NDP.  Just sit and think about what a ridiculous mess you made, and go do penance by doing something useful, for once.   Like volunteering.  Offline.  For a while.   Through June, at least.

[Update: While I’m recommending places, I might as well toss in a link to the Angry Potato.   Funny and foul, but most of all – smart.  Not a combination I’ve seen anywhere else in VA online Dem politics (well, Blueweeds gets the funny and smart nod, but it gets totally outclassed in the foul dept.)]

Virginia Political Ridiculousness, Afternoon Edition

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On March 19, 2009

In Personal, Politics, Society

Vivian Paige, in the context of some shameful personal attacks on a candidate for Lieutenant Governor, says:

The people have been lulled – by their own inaction – into a sense that politics is dirty and that’s just the way it is. But it doesn’t have to be. There are a lot more of us than there are of them. If we wanted to, we could change the way politics is done. But far too many are “too busy” to get involved, the result being the kind of attacks that Pat Edmonson and others experience, attacks that divert the candidate’s attention away from the real issues of jobs, healthcare, education and others.

People like to blame the candidates for the state of politics, but the candidates do it for a reason – it works with voters.  And it takes the focus away from things that are hard: jobs, healthcare, education; and onto things that are easy: playground insults and identity politics.   Now, as a fan of the occasional playground insult, I’m hardly hoping for some idealized world of policy debates (although if it could keep me from ever having to endure another pearl-clutching kabuki dance about how shocked and offended a Virginian was by language, all the while gliding over the ugliness of their ideas, I might sign up).  Rather, I’d like us all to be a little more conscious of our own tolerance for the form-over-substance approach to politics.

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