| Dear friends, President James Monroe, from his inaugural address given March 28, 1817: "What raised us to the present happy state? How did we accomplish the Revolution? How remedy the defects of the first instrument of our Union, by infusing into the National Government sufficient power for national purposes, without impairing the just rights of the States or affecting those of individuals? How sustain and pass with glory through the late war? The Government has been in the hands of the people. To the people, therefore, and to the faithful and able depositaries of their trust is the credit due. Had the people of the United States been educated in different principles, had they been less intelligent, less independent, or less virtuous can it be believed that we should have maintained the same steady and consistent career or been blessed with the same success? While, then, the constituent body retains its present sound and healthful state everything will be safe. They will choose competent and faithful representatives for every department. It is only when the people become ignorant and corrupt, when they degenerate into a populace, that they are incapable of exercising the sovereignty. Usurpation is then an easy attainment, and an usurper soon found. The people themselves become the willing instruments of their own debasement and ruin. Let us, then, look to the great cause, and endeavor to preserve it in full force. Let us by all wise and constitutional measures promote intelligence among the people as the best means of preserving our liberties." President Monroe's birthday is Monday, April 28th and will be celebrated by the James Monroe Memorial Association at Hollywood Cemetery. If you would like to attend, here's the information on the event: Instagram. The site for the Memorial Association is here. And President Monroe's entire Inaugural address is here.  Will McGurn Director, The Virginia Council The next monthly meeting of The Virginia Council will be on Monday, May 5th at 12:00 PM at Park Lane Tavern. Our featured speaker this month is Kristi Way, Vice Chair of the Republican Party of Virginia, who will offer insight into the critical races shaping Virginia's 2025 election cycle. This is a timely and important conversation you won't want to miss. This event is free to attend, but please RSVP to help us plan accordingly. 🗓 Date: Monday, May 5 🕛 Time: 12:00 PM 📍 Location: Park Lane Tavern - Short Pump 🎤 Speaker: Kristi Way, RPV Vice Chair 🎯 Topic: “The Critical Races in Virginia – 2025 Outlook” We look forward to seeing you there and continuing our work to advance the principles that strengthen Virginia. Virginia Election Updates: ‘I will not back down’: Reid says he has no plans to exit LG race, despite governor’s request • Virginia Mercury By Charlotte Rene Woods & Samantha Willis Virginia's high-stakes governor race is set for 2025 By Savannah Kuchar Sears and Spanberger Part Four: Communications By Brandon Jarvis Women candidates pack Virginia’s House of Delegates elections, tee up historic governor’s race • Virginia Mercury By Charlotte Rene Woods Lack of statewide GOP primary might diminish turnout for down ballot primaries | WVTF By Michael Pope (24) Roanoke Spotlight - Lt. Governor Forum - YouTube Democrat Lt. Governor forum sponsored by Red Wine & Blue in Roanoke Out of State Donations for Governor: Q1 2025 By VPAP.ORG  Virginia Assembly, Senate & Governor updates: Youngkin touts success of Virginia gang and immigration sweep with over 500 arrests • Virginia Mercury By Markus Schmidt Virginia governor shifts support to stronger language for baby food safety bill By Lisa Fletcher, Andrea Nejman, & Trevor Taylor New law will allow Virginia bridges and tunnels to be replaced or repaired sooner • Virginia Mercury By Nathaniel Cline (2) C'villeBubble on X: "🔶⚔️🔷UVA Research Funding 2016-2024 Orange = funds from Nat'l Institute of Health and Health & Human Services, led by UVA Law alum @SecKennedy Federal funding can be pulled if DEI programs don't end https://t.co/mtsr86UaVX https://t.co/CcCGZRWxX8" / X  The Virginia Council presents Un-Cancelling History and Heroes Symposium  RESERVE TICKETS HERE Tickets per event: $30 and includes: 10:30am Welcome coffee & presentations 12:30-1:30pm Lunch with speaker 1:30-2:30pm Additional presentation and discussion Hanover Tavern 13181 Hanover Courthouse Rd Hanover, Va 23069 Articles, News, & Quotes: Federal reports paint conflicting Virginia jobs pictures By Jahd Khalil Richmond Catholics mourn Pope Francis: 'A man who served the Lord' By Elizabeth Holmes Virginia sees nation's largest spike in abortions - Axios Richmond By Sabrina Moreno The Opportunity-for-All Candidate | Bacon's Rebellion - By James A. Bacon FAFO: George Mason University Student Who Called for Violence Against Trump Administration Gets Evicted and Referred to Law Enforcement by School | The Gateway Pundit | by Mike LaChance When billions in emergency funds were stalled, the Trump administration sped FEMA money to some GOP-led states | CNN Politics By Gabe Cohen & Annie Grayer Virginia vice mayor faces criminal investigation | wusa9.com By Alanea Cremen Steelhead trout, not salmon, will now be raised at the aquaculture farm being developed in Southwest Virginia - Cardinal News By Susan Cameron (2) Nick Minock on X: "🚨New exclusive video I obtained via FOIA shows the moments a male registered sex offender entered women’s locker rooms in Fairfax County rec centers and being within close proximity of children. Richard Cox claims he’s transgender and witnesses say he exposed himself in women’s https://t.co/K1rn4I2VvW" / X Ag/Forestal Committee recommends multi-pronged plan to protect farms and forestland; News roundup by Tammy Purcell Virginia Beach residents react to school board’s decision to eliminate DEI By Cianna Morales Welcome guests: Churches hosted KKK recruitment a hundred years ago. - Cardinal News By Dean-Paul Stephens Gunston Hall: Home of a Founding Father | The Epoch Times By Deena Bouknight (1) C'villeBubble on X: "🚨DWI: Charlottesville activists obstructed @ICEgov during arrests on 4/22. Pablo Aparicio-Marcelino is Mexican & was in court for DWI. Guilty. He & Honduran Teodoro Dominguez-Rodriguez (👇 vid) are at Farmville Detention Center. https://t.co/JYvt8zwVxZ https://t.co/iysNNCGzIn" / X 200 college leaders decry Trump's "undue government intrusion" in education By April Rubin Former Gov. Doug Wilder accused ex-Wilder School adviser Bill Leighty of ‘prejudicial’ conduct before he was fired, emails show By Graham Moomaw 250 years ago today, Virginia's royal governor seized Colonists' gunpowder. Now, the building that (literally) sparked the Revolution is being restored. - Cardinal News By Brandy Centolenza Traveling Exhibitions | Virginia Museum of History & Culture If your library, museum, cultural center or other public space is interested in bringing one of our shows to your venue, click the cards below to learn more about specific exhibitions. White House Launches 'The Story of America' Video Series Ahead of America's 250th Birthday | The Gateway Pundit | by James Rose Rapid Response 47 on X: "On July 4, 2026, we will celebrate 250 years of American Independence. The White House has partnered with @Hillsdale to tell our story of a rag-tag army defeating the world's mightiest empire and establishing the greatest republic ever to exist. Here is the first installment. https://t.co/TPbyBEAyht" / X America 250 – The White House This is the story of America.  Interviews & Videos of Interest ‘Things are changing:’ Pet pygmy goat wins approval to move to Henrico neighborhood By Sarah Chakales Virginia elections with Brandon Jarvis and 24sight News Tom LoBianco, Kaylie Klausing, & Brandon Jarvis the upcoming Virginia elections from a statewide focus, then drill down on some district races as well. Primer on Illusory Truth Effect: Inside the Numbers “People's Pundit”, Rich Baris gives a primer on the Illusory Truth Effect. His theme is ‘most people cannot admit when they’ve been duped.' Port of Virginia container traffic steady despite tariff anxiety By WHRO Public Media Rapid Response 47 on X: "On July 4, 2026, we will celebrate 250 years of American Independence. The White House has partnered with @Hillsdale to tell our story of a rag-tag army defeating the world's mightiest empire and establishing the greatest republic ever to exist. Here is the first installment. https://t.co/TPbyBEAyht" / X The Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Liberty Book publishers see surging interest in the US Constitution and print new editions | AP News By Hillel Italie Biden's National Censorship Regime - American Thinker By Wendi Strauch Mahoney Cardinal News wins FOIA battle for Flock footage in Roanoke Circuit Court - Cardinal News By Samantha Verrelli ‘Landmark’ decision made in Google antitrust lawsuit in Virginia court | WRIC ABC 8News By Darreon Barner 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. 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. To become a Liberty, Patriot, or President's Council member, please make a contribution here. To volunteer, click here. The Executive Board of the Virginia Council If you are interested in donating appreciated securities, we now have an account to make it easy for you (see the information below). Contact us HERE for more details.  The Virginia Council Preserving Virginia’s history and creating a more prosperous future for all Virginians. Stay Hopeful. Stay Connected. P. O. Box 5 Manakin-Sabot, VA 23103, United States |
