Dear Fellow Patriots,
Perhaps you’ll agree with me when I say that the American political landscape has been troubling for a long time, but students of history know our people have been challenged before and fought to survive and thrive against tyrants and barbarians.
You know the riotous destruction of our Virginia monuments in 2020 was one of the catalysts for our formation in 2021 and it continues to be one of our key areas of concern.
We have memorials and monuments to remember our past and to light an inspirational path through conflict towards a victorious future.
At the Virginia Council we have focused on advocating for proven policies to bring prosperity, but we also want to preserve and remember our history.
This weekend it has been amazing to see the new World War One memorial unveiled in Washington DC. (photo by Will McGurn)
In contrast to the arrogant and angry people who want to rewrite, denigrate and erase history and destroy the landmarks of the past, we encourage the creation of additional inspiring and heroic examples of public art. We applaud this amazing new landmark and the stories of bravery and sacrifice it will tell to generations of Americans not yet born.
We welcome you to join us as we help those who believe in preserving and studying the past and the leaders who are committed to the actions and things that lead to peace and prosperity in a healthy society. And please be with us for The Virginia Forum on Wednesday, September 25, as we hear from noted author Xi Van Fleet, an eyewitness to possibly the most horrific acts of historical erasure and vandalism in the 20th Century – Mao’s violent and murderous Cultural Revolution in 1960s China.
Xi has lived in the United States for almost four decades now and deeply loves our Founders, our literature, our way of life. She has a unique ability to see the dangerous parallels between the historical destruction now raging through America and the mayhem unleashed on China by Mao and his fanatics. You can get tickets to hear Xi’s important message to our country by clicking HERE.
And I look forward to seeing many of you in person for our monthly meeting this Wednesday, September 18, when we’ll hear from Robert Stilson of the Capital Research Center on the dangers of the “dark money” now distorting U.S. politics. Please RSVP for the meeting by clicking HERE. Seating is limited so act soon!
And let’s all keep speaking out and working for the respectful and successful society that will eclipse our momentary political conflicts
John Reid, Founding Chairman
The Virginia Council
Monthly Meeting: Dark Money with Robert Stilson
Wednesday, September 18th, 12 noon at Park Lane Tavern, Short Pump, Va
Join The Virginia Council's monthly meeting to hear from our guest Robert Stilson of Capital Research Center as he delves into Dark Money in Politics: Influence, Sources and Threats.
About Robert Stilson
Robert Stilson is a senior research analyst at the Capital Research Center. He specializes in investigating nonprofit activism and funding. He has a B.A. from Hanover College and a J.D. from University of Richmond School of Law, where he graduated magna cum laude.
To register for this event, please click here.
Please pre-register since seating is limited.
Virginia Assembly, Senate & Governor Updates:
- Glenn Youngkin blames Harris for ‘shocking’ reality of illegal immigrants in Virginia - Washington Examiner
- Va. attorney general to be alerted on possible non-citizen voting - Gazette Leader
- Questions over Vindman’s military records evolve into campaign finance probe for super PAC ties | Fox News
- Lawsuit threat looms over West's inclusion on Virginia ballot | WRIC ABC 8News
- Climate protesters interrupt Youngkin’s remarks remembering 9/11: ‘Disrespectful to our nation’ | Fox News
- Where do Virginia congressional candidates in key districts stand on top policy issues? • Virginia Mercury
- 17 reports from Richmond government watchdog detail embezzlement, forgery and other rule violations | WRIC ABC 8News
- Mark Warner warns neither party has 'credibility' with taxes, debt (thehill.com)
- Virginia joins AG coalition pushing for Surgeon General warning on social media | WRIC ABC 8News
- Virginia House Speaker Don Scott endorses Abigail Spanberger for governor • Virginia Mercury
- On-campus orgs navigate free expression policy changes | News | breezejmu.org
- Docs Up in Arms | Bacon's Rebellion - Democracy Thrives in Sunlight (baconsrebellion.com)
Articles, News & Quotes:
Office of Admission interns replaced the Guide Service — are their tours any different? - The Cavalier Daily - University of Virginia's Student Newspaper By Merrill Hart & Thomas Baxter
Henrico supervisor proposes ending ‘The Henrico Way’ - The Henrico Citizen By Tom Lappas
Belgians honor Roanoke soldier who died liberating their town 80 years ago - Cardinal News By Dylan Carter
Ahead of Harris-Trump debate, Virginia sees low number of new voters - Axios Richmond By Sabrina Moreno
With Mountain Valley Pipeline flowing, Roanoke Gas eyes expansion - Cardinal News By Matt Busse
Rockingham County School Board permanently removes seven books from classrooms and school libraries (whsv.com) By Shelby Martin
Granite Community Festival aims to revive the memory of a Black neighborhood (richmonder.org) By Michael Phillips
Fairfax County passes measure to regulate where data centers can be built | DC News Now By Max Marcilla
Louise Lucas, Do Better. — Kerry: (kerrydougherty.com) By Kerry Dougherty
For quarter-century, Bristol museum has helped visitors remember country music's roots — and their own - Cardinal News By Ralph Berrier Jr.
Interviews of Interest:
Checking In With KAROLINE LEAVITT About the Trump Campaign (audacy.com) Karoline, spokesperson for the Trump campaign, discusses the presidential debate, fact-checking, and the follow-up polling.
The Latest UVA News From JIM BACON (audacy.com) Jim discusses the lack of civility, attacks on a UVA board member, and the University Guide shake up.
Checking in With U.S. Senate Candidate HUNG CAO (audacy.com) Hung, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, talks about the debate and how it may affect his race to represent the Commonwealth.
PAUL GOLDMAN on Fixing Richmond's Problems (audacy.com) Paul, candidate for Richmond city council, talks about cutting taxes, repairing roads, and fiscal mismanagement.
HUW SHAKESHAFT Reflects on the Presidential Race (audacy.com) Huw provides the British perspective on what he felt was a less than informative presidential debate.
Ep 143: Sabin Howard on WWI, A - School of War - Apple Podcasts
A preview of the new World War I Memorial in DC — and why it’ll hit you hard - WTOP News
WWI Memorial in DC is complete, and the nation is invited to a weekend-long celebration | Stars and Stripes
New sculpture unveiled at World War I Memorial in Washington D.C. | Watch (msn.com)
This is a guest editorial from Don Smith concerning the National Park System's treatment of the Stonewall Jackson Death Site in Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park.
The National Park Service is revising how it depicts the history and legacy of Stonewall Jackson, at the very spot where he died.After he was mortally wounded at the Battle of Chancellorsville, General Jackson was taken to a small office building on the Fairfield Plantation, near Spotsylvania Court House. Jackson died there. The National Park Service (NPS) preserves the office building, as part of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. For decades the site was known as the Stonewall Jackson Shrine; recently the NPS renamed it the Stonewall Jackson Death Site.In August, visitors to the Death Site saw these three hand-lettered signs inside the building:
After members of the Confederate heritage community complained, the park changed the wording on the three signs to this:
In response to questions from The Virginia Council on why FSNMP had erected the signs in the first place, FSNMP said the following:
For decades, the Park has focused our interpretation of the Stonewall Jackson Death Site on the details of Jackson’s last days. Our interpretive team, many of whom have spent years serving visitors at the Jackson Death Site, conceived of and developed these temporary and changeable signs to spark conversations and to broaden the story of the site and context for Jackson’s death and memory. Our intent is to remain 100% factual and also to be respectful of the feelings and viewpoints of others. We are collecting feedback for more conversations among the staff once the building closes for the season in mid-October.
The Park is committed to telling a fuller, more inclusive history of the Stonewall Jackson Death Site. As we seek to better understand the legacy of the Civil War, including the places and stories associated with figures like Gen. Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, we are using an interactive form of interpretation to create a dialogue with the public. We are taking a fresh look at our interpretation at the Park overall, but this is not organized into some sort of plan or timetable. It is still too early in the process for that.
We welcome and appreciate feedback. Our goal in adding this kind of interpretation is to help us all, visitors and staff alike, to build better conversations. Small exhibit updates like these individual signs often do not include a formal public comment period or review, but please reach out to us and continue to share your questions and comments with us.
All of The Virginia Council’s communications with FSNMP have been professional and positive. Having said that, over the past few years, many activists across Virginia have treated with skepticism, or even contempt, any positive portrayal of any Confederate in the public sphere. Is this initiative at FSNMP part of that pattern? We do not think so.
Nevertheless, it is important that Council members and their friends contact FSNMP and provide feedback on what these signs say now, and what you think they should say in the future.
Please politely and respectfully contact Ranger Beth Parnicza at FSNMP, at Elizabeth_Parnicza@nps.gov.
“Now They’re Going After Our Signs” (Bacon’s Rebellion)
Join Us!
The Virginia Council has been blessed with unwavering support from the community since its founding a few years ago. And we decided to add some new ways to thank you for your ongoing assistance in our efforts to educate and inform Virginians.
Announcing The Virginia Council membership reward program.
Sign up today on our website for the various levels of support!"
- Member level: Simple membership is free when you sign up for our email newsletter or attend a monthly meeting.
- Liberty level: For an annual contribution of $100 you get the newsletter, access to our monthly meetings and a commemorative Virginia Council lapel pin.
- Patriot level: When you step up to make an annual contribution of $250 you receive first access to tickets to our annual Christmas and Patriot Parties, the commemorative Virginia Council pin, and the newsletter and monthly meeting access.
- President's Council level: For a commitment of $1000 you receive the newsletter, access to our monthly meetings, 2 lapel pins, 2 invitations to both of our annual parties, and 2 VIP tickets to one Virginia Forum lecture of your choice.
To become a Liberty, Patriot, or President's Council member, please make a contribution here.To volunteer, click here.
We hope you'll find these rewards an added incentive to help fund our efforts to restore a full view of Virginia's history, monuments & role that government plays in our lives. We appreciate all your support and encouragement and look forward to bringing you more compelling voices of liberty, freedom, and conscience over the next year.
- The Executive Board of the Virginia Council
