RSS Readers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O75KrZSZl_E

Virgil Goode (R-Inc.)

Bernard Baker is reporting in the Danville Register and Bee that Linwood Duncan, Virgil Goode’s Press Secretary, has resigned from the Congressman’s staff.

Duncan, whose work for the North Theater Group had recently been questioned due to the ‘thank-you’ credit on the movie “Eden’s Curve”, resigned for health reasons, it was reported.

As this was being written, it was also discovered by another blogger that Linwood Duncan’s name has also disappeared from the Board of Directors of the North Theater Group.

More on this as it develops.

H/T: Waldo Jaquith, Lloyd Snook

Senator Tom Daschle

Senator Tom Daschle, former Majority Leader of the US Senate, will appear in Farmville for an Economic Townhall meeting with residents on Monday, October 27th.

Mr. Daschle is a senior adviser to Senator Barack Obama, the 2008 Democratic Candidate for President.

Senator Daschle has been touring the country holding meetings with residents and helping with fundraising and training events. He brings to this campaign decades of experience in campaigning and public policy.

This is a feature of Senator Obama’s that I really like. His staff are already going around the country to listen to the concerns of everyday people. The economic situation is not as bad in places in Virginia as it is elsewhere, but in talking about these issues, we must remember to help those in need wherever they are.

When: 10:00 AM Monday, October 27, 2008

Where: Farmville Historic Train Station 510 W. Third Street (Rt. 15W)

$ - Free

This is what pure hate looks like. This is so vile, I have delayed publishing this in order to try to gain some perspective on it. Someone, or many someones, wrote ‘KKK’ on signs in the Fifth District. It was reported that another sign had the ‘n’ word sprayed on it, and the people who reported it remarked that the hateful message was misspelled, a testament to the perpetrators’ lack of education.

Near Highway 26 in Appomattox County

In case you are not convinced, here is another source:

WSLS Channel 10, Roanoke

Excerpts:

It may be the place where our nation was re-united after the Civil War, but it’s another sign that’s attracting attention this week.

Racial Slurs on Barack Obama’s campaign signs.

Frank Poynter is Chairman of the Appomattox County Democratic Committee.

“I was sick at my stomach. I had hoped we were beyond this in this county in the 21st century, he said.

Only 1 batch of signs was targeted—in a field along Route 26 7 miles north of the Town of Appomattox.

And, in the unintended consequences department, it seems some Republicans have actually had enough of the race-baiting behavior.

The vandalized signs have been replaced by a new sign and ironically, if whoever did this was trying to sway voters it may have had the opposite effect. The Democratic party tells me they’ve been contacted by some Republicans who say they will vote for Obama.

“We had people coming in all day long—phone calls—from Republicans saying ok, we’ve had enough. We’re voting Democrat, what can we do to help,” said Poynter.

He says the issue has made the entire state take notice. “The whole state party all the way to the top, including the governor are talking about it. … It’s not acceptable.”

My friend Frank Poynter is a great guy, and a great leader in Appomattox. He has made progress there where so many have failed before. It’s a shame that something like this had to mar this successful election season.

I hope the numbers of the bigoted, racist scum in Virginia continue to dwindle. They are a blight on the earth, and should not be allowed to walk among us in free society. There should be no tolerance for this behavior, no matter who is the guilty party.

Follow-up note: Other residents of the 5th District have reported many instances of sign destruction and defacing. I have agreed to keep those communications private, since the names would not add anything to this story. The intent here is to serve notice that we are watching our property. Like everyone, we intend to protect our property, just as we do every other season of the year.

For those who can’t see the video due to RSS or a variety of reasons, the video is here.

My article that day, and links to others.

Virgil Goode has a way of talking out of both sides of his mouth that we just can’t afford in this District or this country anymore. We need efficient Congresspersons that know that ultimately they work for the people, not the fat cat lobbyists in Washington.

This news doesn’t surprise me, but reminds me that I am very ashamed of my Congressman, in his actions and words. He reflects badly on all of us in the 5th District.

You might remember from yesterday’s recommended diaries on Daily Kos about Bobby May, the Republican from Buchanan County, Virginia. He had posted what he evidently thought were funny and satirical remarks in a newspaper in Buchanan County, The Voice.

Today comes word that he has indeed been fired from his position on the McCain Campaign.

The Shad Plank, the blog of the Daily Press in Virginia (Hampton Roads) has reported today that Bobby May has been fired from his position as Buchanan County’s McCain Chair: (quoting an LAT article)

Gail Gitcho, a McCain campaign spokeswoman, told the Times that May’s attempts at humor “are offensive, insulting and have no place in political discourse. Mr. May’s comments in no way reflect the views or opinions held by John McCain or his campaign. The McCain campaign wholeheartedly disavows Mr. May’s column. Source: LA Times

Yesterday’s recommended diary on DK here.

Another, by A Siegal.

I had said yesterday that I thought this would bleed over into the 5th District, and I am working to try to do that. Bobby May provides the advertising specialties for the candidate in the 5th, Virgil Goode. He also is a well known pol in the south end of the state. How well known? Well, here he is with candidate for Governor Bob McDonnell:

Racist John McCain Supporter Bobby May, with Attorney General Bob McDonnell

Bob McDonnell already has a hard election campaign in front of him. He is running for Governor next year in Virginia.

One last note, I am researching right now, but it appears that the Buchanan County Republican Blog might have been scrubbed of some items. This above photo was found in cache from the blog, whose accompanying page is now blank.

We can’t sit idly by and listen and watch as racists try to change this election. We must be vigilant and call people on their racism, their excess, and their lies.

I almost forgot: Bobby May is also Buchanan County Republican Party Treasurer.

5th Congressional District Convention 2008 from HOV on Vimeo

Funny and sad all at once.

From the Perriello Campaign:

Perriello Campaign Launches First TV Ad

September 12, 2008–Ivy, VA–Today, the Perriello campaign goes up on the air with its first television ad, called “What’s Important.” The ad plays on the candidate’s name with a humorous twist. The two versions of the ad can be viewed here:

“What’s Important” 1

“What’s Important” 2

The ad will be running in Charlottesville and Roanoke-Lynchburg markets.

Glenn Nye is having a great run for the Congress. His race is out of my area, but I have been aware of it, partly due to the national attention it gets. He needs more attention to make this race a sure thing win. This is where you come in.

State Democratic Convention Hampton VA

Glenn checks the list for his box sent to a soldier. (at Netroots Nation)

Recently, some of the attendees of Netroots Nation in Austin TX. had a 24-hour marathon posting on DailyKos for Glenn, and pictures from Netroots Nation/Netroots for the Troops efforts going on during that time in Austin. A huge amount of money was not raised, but I am sure some was, and there was a raising of awareness in Glenn’s background, plus many people on DailyKos got to chat with him.

He was at Vivian’s Memorial Day Bash at her home in Norfolk at the end of May. He talked with lots of people there, posed for some pictures, met some candidates for next year’s state races, and generally had a good time.

He spoke eloquently at the Democratic Convention in Hampton as well. His grasp of the issues of our times, especially foreign policy, makes him an ideal ally to the Obama Administration as they try to clean up the mess created by Bush and people like Thelma Drake and Virgil Goode. He was warmly received at the convention, and again, you could see him all over the place shaking hands and talking to people.

He will be a great replacement for Thelma Drake, who has done nothing but revel in the damage and destruction done by her buddy, George W. Bush.

I like Glenn, and he needs a chance to win this. If you can, go over to the Coordinated Campaign office opening in Norfolk this weekend. Drop some money off while you are there. After all, we can’t have ‘Congress Guy Glenn Nye’ unless we help him compete on an even playing field. Drop some for the other candidates too, if you have some to spare.

Thank You.

This is a quote from the Franklin News Post concerning a recent visit by Attorney General and candidate for the office of Governor, Republican Bob McDonnell. His observation is that Virgil Goode is a great supporter of veterans flies in the face of evidence to the contrary. More on the evidence soon.

McDonnell praised Kubasak (a fallen veteran) and pointed to his name on the memorial, the only one on the side of the memorial that honors those fallen in the war on terror.

While never forgetting the sacrifice made by Kubasak, “let’s hope we never have another name on that wall,” he said.

McDonnell stressed the need to treat veterans well and appreciate what they have done. How veterans are treated has a direct impact on future recruitment efforts, he said.

Rep. Virgil Goode (R-Rocky Mount) also attended the ceremony. McDonnell praised Goode for his efforts on behalf of veterans.

“Congressman Goode is a great supporter of veterans,” he said.

And by the way Mr. McDonnell? There will be many who will still fall due to the so called ‘war on terror’, which is a huge hardship on our country’s military and our citizens. Your buddy, Republican George W. Bush, has seen to it that over 4,000 Americans have died for a war over oil. For Bush to please his corporate masters and Dick (’Dick”) Cheney, we will suffer the physical, mental, and financial scars for decades to come. They, and you by extension, have put this country in a terrible hole. Please stop pontificating on the war.

It makes you sound well, out of touch.

Changing minds is not easy.
It’s all well and good to talk about fundraising, and how much money candidates have. It is only half the equation in my estimation. I am thrilled with the fundraising here in the 5th Congressional District race. However, Democrats need to change a lot of minds for a Democrat to be elected President, Congressman, Senator or Governor.

There is a general misconception that the 5th District is unwinnable, due to Virgil Goode’s hold on the District and the history here. I do not agree with that, although it would make things a lot easier for Democrats in this district. No campaigns, no fundraising, you get the idea.

There are lots of problems disseminating information in the district. Overall, there is one of the lowest usages of the internet in the entire state. Poverty and illiteracy are higher than average here. The district itself is huge, encompassing a land mass area the size of some states.

The biggest job we have of changing minds is that people sometimes vote the way they do because they know nothing different. Families vote one way sometimes. Also, the attitude is out there that it doesn’t matter if we vote or not, and/or ‘they’re all crooks anyway’. I would much rather know for myself what the character of someone is without Chris Mathews or any of the pundits or talking heads telling me what to think.

I want to see for myself what the differences are in candidates, what they stand for or against, their voting record if they have one, and their comportment in the community. Better the crook you know, if you insist on thinking that way.

I don’t know how successful voter registration drives will be this summer and fall. If Pennsylvania and Texas are any indication, there should be more people voting this fall. As I write this, I am wondering what the special problems would be if 70-80% of registered voters came out on Election Day . It would be bedlam.

I guess what I am saying in my own rambling way, is that people should have gotten the idea by now that things are totally messed up in government. If they vote their self-interest, maybe things will change for the better.

I don’t care who you vote for, just vote.

The House of Representatives has acted unwisely, in my opinion, by voting to
pass legislation that mandates that group health plans provide the same benefits for mental and physical illness in all companies with at least 51 employees that provide group health insurance. This covers substance abuse and mandates coverage for disorders such as incest, jet lag, gender identity disorder, necrophilia (erotic desire for dead bodies), transvestite fetishes (someone who adopts the dress or manner or sexual role of the opposite sex), and pedophilia (sexual desire in an adult for a child). This bill passed 268-to-148. I voted “No.”

Prior to this bill’s passage, some of us supported an alternative bill that had passed the Senate. The legislation that I voted for supported a mental health parity bill that provided discretion rather than mandates for determining mental disorders to be covered. I do not believe that the federal government should mandate coverage for jet lag, incest, gender identity disorders, pedophilia and the like. This bill failed 196-to-221.

Please keep in touch with me on issues that are important to you. You may write Congressman Virgil Goode, 70 East Court Street, Room 215, Rocky Mount , VA 24151 ; or fax to 1-540-484-1459; or call toll-free to the Danville office, 1-800-535-4008.

Virgil Goode is my Congressman. He does not do anything about issues I think are important. That is a given, just the way things are.

I am dismayed however, at how wrong this is. Not only do those people who suffer from mental illness of one sort or another deserve to be treated, we, as a society, have a duty to help take care of those who are sick and less fortunate than ourselves.

I have a mental illness. While it doesn’t rise to the level of the other psychiatric illnesses mentioned above, it is a serious mental illness. I live with it every day.

Depression.

Depression often has associated illnesses that accompany it. Anxiety, lack of interest in life activities, employment problems, and sleep disorders are just a few. Then we could talk about side effects.

But let’s not. Congressman Goode would have us believe that those of us, clearly the overwhelming majority, who are not afflicted with the above maladies, should not have parity in insurance coverage because that minority also need treatment. Those in that minority also deserve treatment.

Diseases of the mind, or brain, are just a physiological as a broken arm or gall bladder surgery. Why not treat them that way?

For Mr. Goode to equate the treatment of all people in Virginia with mental illnesses, with a minority of those people with incredibly serious disorders, is unfair and disingenuous at best. For Mr. Goode, most of the time he can’t support a bill due to reasons like it spends too much money on something, or that it allows the humane treatment of illegal immigrants (or at least in his head it allows it). When he doesn’t support those bills, he lets his district down.

We are in the 21^st century, Mr. Goode. We need a new leader that will recognize that sometimes sacrifice of ideas and ideals is necessary to achieve progress for the greater good. We need a Congressman who will take today’s problems seriously and help find solutions. I am through fighting the battle of morality and so-called ‘values, especially when the values I see expressed by my representative are ones that rightfully belong in the 19^th century, not the 21^st.

I have a feeling there will be a lot more said about this, rightfully so.

One of the shames of the week was the performance of the Republican Caucus in the House. John Boehner of Ohio stood up and declared they didn’t have to take it anymore, and left for a prearranged news conference on the steps of the Capital.

Of course, Virgil lined up with all the other good little boys and girls and did what his masters told him to do. You know, kind of like when Virgil votes a certain way on something.

I am so over Virgil Goode and his pandering to racists and xenophobes in our society. His obsession with the so-called ‘North American Union’ is straight out of looney-tunes land. But when he refuses to give his vote, whether he agrees or not, he is not doing the job we sent him there to do for us.

He would rather walk out, play patty-cake for the cameras and the reporters, and say it was a principled stand. His buddies on that side of the aisle, hard not to find someone either retiring or under investigation. People who joined him are the cream of the rancid crop of House obstructionist Republicans, whose motto is, ‘We’d rather walk out than perform our responsibility.’

Honestly, I shouldn’t be surprised. After all, this from a man who thinks the Qu’ran belongs in some other country. A man who thinks he should vote against health care for Virginia children, because the bill didn’t pass his muster, or that of his handlers.

There is no way Virgil Goode should remain in Congress. He has had his chances, and all we got were table scraps. It’s time to elect someone who will get us a little of the brass ring.

Tom Perriello for Congress