In today's Washington Post, Tim Craig has a column entitled, "Republicans Stumbling Against 'Virginia Values'." The big question, as Craig writes, is this: "What are Virginia values?" Is the Republican definition of those values "doing [them] more harm than good?" As Craig notes, "history doesn't always offer a flattering portrait of Virginia's values, including its segregationist past."So, here we have House Speaker Bill Howell implying that LEGAL newcomers to Virginia "might not be accustomed to the 'shared values we have in Virginia.'" Worst of all, they might vote Democratic -- and we can't have that now, can we? So what does Howell mean by "shared values?" He's not saying; in fact, according to Craig, "Asked by a Washington Post reporter on Monday to explain what he meant by 'shared values,' Howell hung up the phone." Nice. Even worse for Howell and the Republicans, "At least one business leader who attended the event described Howell's comments as appalling."
And appalling they are, no doubt. As Brian Moran says, "When you have the speaker, a GOP leader, insulting new residents, I do not think that is good for our commonwealth."
On immigration, Craig makes the excellent point that "The influx of supposedly illegal immigrants into Virginia in recent years occurred under the watch of President Bush, a Republican." In addition, Republicans controlled Congress for much of the past 13 years, and also "have controlled the [Virginia] General Assembly since 1999." During that time, they've done what exactly on illegal immigration? Is that the sound of chirping crickets we all hear? Yes, indeed it is!
So, what are Republican "Virginia values?" Are they values of a state that is rapidly changing, a state that will become "majority minority" within a few decades, a state whose economy is being driven largely by newcomers and high technology, much of which is centered in politically moderate Northern Virginia? Do Republicans seriously think that a message of "macaca," Muslim bashing, homophobia and Jerry Falwell Part II is an effective answer to the Democrats' inclusive vision of "Moving Virginia Forward...Together?" If so, do Republicans seriously think they are going to have any chance politically in this state in coming years?
OK, those were rhetorical questions. As far as I can tell, the Virginia Republican Party is in the midst of a civil war, with extreme right wingers battling regular right wingers, while moderates like Russ Potts are excoriated as RINOs, traitors, or worst of all "liberals." Is that the Republicans' strategy for building a "big tent" party in Virginia? And is bashing newcomers to our state the way they hope to win more voters for their party? In sum, what ARE these people thinking? It's baffling, but maybe hanging onto the past and not facing the real world of the future is part of the Republicans' old "Virginia values" as well?
Brown calls on Frederick to denounce Speaker Howell's controversial commentsDel. Frederick continues to back his leader, despite backwards comments
DUMFRIES - Democratic Delegate candidate Chris Brown requested Wednesday that Del. Jeff Frederick (R-Woodbridge) condemn offensive comments made by the Republican Speaker of the House.
Brown, who is running against Frederick in Virginia's 52nd House District, called Speaker Bill Howell's (R-Stafford) comments "offensive." Brown asked Frederick to explain his continued support of the Speaker.
Last week, Howell commented at a Virginia Free meeting that new residents to Virginia from other states may not embrace "the shared values we have in Virginia." Brown said Howell's statement demonstrates that Republicans in Richmond are out-of-touch with the Commonwealth's values.
"Speaker Howell's offensive comments show that the Richmond Republicans just don't get Prince William," Brown said. "I have lived on the same street all my life, and my neighbors, new and old, work hard to provide for their families and protect their quality of life. Those are Virginia's values."
"Prince William County residents deserve to know where Jeff Frederick stands," Brown added. "Does he stand for working together to address the issues that affect us all? Or does he stand for the divisive opinions of Speaker Howell?"
Jeff Frederick definitely does NOT represent 21st century Virginia values if he stands by Bill Howell's blast from the past. That's sad, and hopefully voters will replace him on November 6.
Jeff likes to bolster his "tolerance points" by stressing his half-Latino background since his mother is Colombian. However, bigotry and ignorance know no boundaries in race or ethnicity. My Colombian partner is ashamed of people in his home country who tolerate violence and corruption, and he's also ashamed of people like Jeff Frederick who question the strength and goodwill of the diversity that makes America so great, especially when they end up bashing their own.
Soon, no doubt, we will hear some obfuscating "explanation" of what Howell really meant to say, combined with the usual bashing of liberals and the "liberal media" for catching Howell out, just as they did for Allen and his macaca slip. Didn't work, then, and won't work now.