Dear friends and fellow citizens,
Thomas Jefferson to William Ludlow, September 6, 1824
“I think myself that we have more machinery of government than is necessary, too many parasites living on the labor of the industrious. Government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have ... The course of history shows that as a government grows, liberty decreases. The two enemies of the people are criminals and government, so let us tie the second down with the chains of the constitution so the second will not become the legalized version of the first.”
Will McGurn
Director, The Virginia Council
Un-Cancelling History and Heroes: Thomas Jefferson
The Virginia Council symposium with the theme, “Jefferson Under Seige: Debunking the Hemings Hoax and Disarming the Slavery Charge” was held Saturday, May 10 at the historic Hanover Tavern, Hanover, Virginia.
Dr. Ann McLean, Vice Chairman, was the moderator of the event and Bill Byrd, Vice Chairman was the first presenter. Bill highlighted some of Thomas Jefferson's accomplishments and how his words and ideas ring true to this day, quoted by leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Ronald Reagan.
Dr. Mark Andrew Holowchak, philospher/historian, discussed how “Sloppy Historiography” has debased modern history and analysis to the detriment of the truth in the face of postmodern debasement of reason. Professor Robert F. Turner, Chairman of The Jefferson-Hemings Scholars Commission spoke in the morning on Jefferson's philosophical and moral abhorrence of slavery, and his thwarted efforts to legislate against it. In the afternoon Professor Turner's keynote address was a highly informative review of the findings of The Jefferson-Hemings Commission's contextual, evidence-based findings which refute the paternity allegations leveled by critics with political biases. The speakers are among the foremost Jefferson scholars in the nation and both are passionate defenders of the Founder and also responded to thoughtful questions from the audience.
Virginia Election Updates:
8News Exclusive: Abigail Spanberger says she won’t sign bill to fully repeal Virginia’s right-to-work law | WRIC ABC 8News By Tyler Englander
Earle-Sears wants Virginia to boost power with fossil fuels | News | princewilliamtimes.com By Cher Muzyk and Jill Palermo
Spanberger condemns 'shocking' ICE raid in Charlottesville By Dmitry Martirosov
Levar Stoney leaves no stone unturned on 'Untold - A WTVR Podcast' By Catie Beck & Mike Bergazzi
Spanberger: No solar mandates but state should take stronger role in helping local governments with solar decisions - Cardinal News By Dwayne Yancey
(10) A Guy on X That's On a Mission. Live by the Code on X: "🚨BREAKING: EXPLOSIVE UPDATE REGARDING ALLEGED @JohnReid4VA TUMBLR ACCOUNT🚨 🧵1/3 🚨@JohnReid4VA was COMPLETELY set up. Was it Matt Moran-Creative Direct & Spirit of Virginia, the Virginia Christian Alliance, or some other individual and entity? This is absolutely damaging to" / X
(6) Anna Bryson on X: "A new billboard on I-195 in Richmond is attacking former mayor Levar Stoney for the water crisis. It’s paid for by Blue Zone Watchdog, a conservative group that says it holds local officials in deep blue cities accountable. https://t.co/G43P2VNTTJ" / X
Gerry Connolly backs former chief of staff to fill his Northern Virginia seat - POLITICO By Gregory Svirnovskiy
Virginia Beach GOP chair ousted in bitter party feud over control and transparency • Virginia Mercury By Markus Schmidt
Virginia’s Car Tax is the Highest in the Nation and Democrats Want to Keep it That Way. › American Greatness By Hayden Ludwig
Virginia primaries 2025: Where, how to vote, plus key dates - Axios Richmond By Alex Fitzpatrick & Karri Peifer
Democrats reach historic goal: A full slate in Virginia House races • Virginia Mercury By Markus Schmidt
Virginia saw 73% voter turnout in 2024 - Axios Richmond By Karri Peifer
New Voter Registrations - April 2025 By VPAP.ORG
The Virginia Council meeting was held on Monday, May 5th at 12:00 PM at Park Lane Tavern - Short Pump.
Kristi Way, Vice Chair of the Republican Party of Virginia, gave an informative overview of the statewide races in Virginia, including a spotlight on highly contested congressional contests. who will offer insight into the critical races shaping Virginia's 2025 election cycle. Kristi took questions from the audience about election strategy, demographics, and funding. This was a timely and important conversation about our important ‘off-year’ elections in the commonwealth.
Virginia Assembly, Senate & Governor updates:
Youngkin’s signature sets stage for Virginia health insurance to cover IVF treatment in the future • Virginia Mercury By Charlotte Rene Woods
GOP Gov Signs Law That Would Set Daily Time Limit For Kids On Social Media By Amanda Prestigiacomo
Youngkin reaffirms Trump support, acknowledges short term hurt for Virginia By Associated Press
Virginia schools assure compliance with parental rights laws • Virginia Mercury By Nathaniel Cline
Virginia consumers will soon see less of costly ‘junk’ fees after governor approves bills By Marlin Adams
Exclusive: LCPS investigates boys uncomfortable with female student in boys locker room By Nick Minock
Insanity: Loudoun County Opens Title IX Investigation into Boys Who Expressed Concern Over 'Male Identifying' Biological Female Using Boy's Locker Room and Recording Reactions-Governor Youngkin Responds | The Gateway Pundit | by Margaret Flavin
Gov. Youngkin and Miyares announce new investigation into Loudoun County Public Schools By Nick Minock
Youngkin signs bipartisan bills to charge fentanyl dealers with involuntary manslaughter if the drugs they sell cause an overdose | WRIC ABC 8News
By Tyler Englander
(2) Rapid Response 47 on X: ".@FBIDirectorKash highlights the success of the Virginia Homeland Security Task Force: "What we did in one month was arrest 500 individuals and violent felons in the state of Virginia... we want to take that model to other states across this country." https://t.co/Zb0vjmw56U" / X
Va. AG launches investigation into Loudoun schools after ‘uncomfortable’ boys’ locker room incident • Virginia Mercury By Nathaniel Cline
Gov. Youngkin signs Save Local Pharmacies Act | 13newsnow.com By Kathleen Lundy
DOJ grants University of Virginia extension on DEI response - Virginia Business By Kate Andrews
(2) Ian Prior on X: "Loudoun County Public Schools relies on the 4th Circuit decision in the Gavin Grimm case to say its hands are tied by the equal protection clause with respect to its transgender bathroom policy. But it is VERY likely that SCOTUS decides this June in the Skrmetti case that being" / X
Grant Watch reports National Science Foundation grant terminations at UVA By Kate Nuechterlein
Locker room latest: Dad says family may leave Loudon County over Title IX investigation By Nick Minock
Articles, News, & Quotes:
EXCLUSIVE: Federal Grand Jury Investigates Letitia James' Virginia Mortgage Declaration — Attorney's Defense Letter Backfires - White Collar Fraud By White Collar Fraud
Bert Ellis reflects on time as member of Board of Visitors - The Cavalier Daily - University of Virginia's Student Newspaper By Cecilia Mould
(2) Harmeet K. Dhillon on X: "What on earth" / X A student at the University of Virginia is facing hate crime charges for pulling a gun on his Jewish housemate to “Free Palestine.”
5 Virginia prison guards are injured by inmates accused of being MS-13 members | AP News
Calls Grow To Ditch 250th Chair Who Called Mexico 'My Country' By Brianna Lyman
States’ nuclear energy growth needs federal action to follow Trump’s vocal support • Virginia Mercury By Allison Prang
(2) Virginians 4 Safe Communities on X: "Yes, Really— Fairfax Va Soros DA Steve Descano dropped ALL Illegal Immigrant & Convicted s*x offender with 30+ Charges who tried to kidnap / r*pe 4 year old. *ALL CHARGES* because judges rejected his lenient plea deal. https://t.co/IVGCgAn2qz" / X
‘Tasteless’: NYC Tears Down Statue Of Thomas Jefferson, Erects 12-foot Statue of 'Overweight Black Woman' – RedState By
Record reveals Richmond water plant employee's report about fluoride overflow By Tyler Lane
As the city cracks down on nonprofit funding, one group got $250k outside of the traditional application process By Victoria A Ifatusin
MRSA outbreak in Henrico NICU lasted over 3 years, infected 94 babies By Melissa Hipolit
UVA Police investigating fatal firearm incident on Grounds By 29News Staff
Lee Enterprises says cybersecurity incident cost millions - Cardinal News By Matt Busse
China no longer ‘viable’ for Smithfield Foods exports due to tariffs, executives say - Smithfield Times | Smithfield Times By Stephen Faleski
Search warrant: Spotsylvania teens were fleeing after prank when shots fired; resident could face murder charge - Fredericksburg Free Press By Taft Coghill Jr.
Virginia sees spike in superintendent turnover - Axios Richmond By Karri Peifer & Russell Contreras
Family Matters - richmondmagazine.com Local families and organizations work to improve the lives of foster kids by Laura Anders Lee
(2) Samuel B. Parker on X: "In the span of a week, my real estate tax rebate check bounced, but my car tax checks were issued to the correct names and address. That’s probably what @KenyaRVA means when she says “the city is really good at taking (residents’) money, but not so good at giving it back.”" / X
After ousting first Black superintendent, VMI appoints interim as search continues for new leader • Virginia Mercury By Nathaniel Cline
Former NICU nurse now facing 20 charges, attorney weighs in on why it’s impossible to predict more | WRIC ABC 8News By Victoria Lucas
The USS Truman loses a second fighter jet in just over a week By Steve Walsh
Why we must listen to Virginia’s governors — even when they don’t reflect our full story • Virginia Mercury By Sophia Nelson
Vandalism damages several headstones at city cemetery - Fredericksburg Free Press By Joey LoMonaco
9.1% of Virginia Roads Are in Poor Condition | State | cbs19news.com By CBS19 News
District of Columbia | Rioter Sentenced for Damaging U.S. Government Property During Protest at Union Station | United States Department of Justice
James Blair Middle's name will remain for now By Williamsburg Watch
Lego announces plans for massive distribution center in Prince George - Richmond BizSense By Jack Jacobs
Lego to invest $366 million in Virginia warehouse | Fox Business By Alexandra Koch
(2) Virginia Tech on X: "Enter Sandman. Live in Lane Stadium. Put it in the history books. 🤘 Video courtesy of @Metallica #M72VirginiaTech https://t.co/mVzuySAZZk" / X
Virginia Museum of History & Culture Join the Richmond Symphony and the Virginia Museum of History & Culture for a special evening of history and music
Virginia native Gabby Douglas becomes a Hall of Famer By 12 On Your Side
Interviews & Videos of Interest
Editorial: Virginia should move to purchase, preserve Monroe estate – The Virginian-Pilot By the Editorial Board
Levar Stoney leaves no stone unturned on 'Untold - A WTVR Podcast' By Catie Beck & Mike Bergazzi
The Jefferson Council | In a thoughtful and civil debate, Glenn Greenwald and Chris Rufo explored the purpose of higher education and the legacy of Thomas... | Instagram
Introducing "The Tribe" podcast - Fredericksburg Free Press By FFP Staff
250th Anniversary Reenactment of General George Washington’s Decampment from Mount Vernon in 1775 Held This Past Weekend — Exclusive TGP Footage | The Gateway Pundit | by James Rose
Atlantic menhaden board continues to discuss possible restrictions on controversial Chesapeake Ba... By WHRO Public Media
Student facing investigation for questioning biological girl in boys' locker room | Fox News Video By Fox News
The Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Liberty
Youngkin vetoes Confederate tax break roll back, but First Amendment scholar says that might be best By Brad Kutner
ACLU seeks injunction to block book bans in military schools • Virginia Mercury By Markus Schmidt
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.
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Manakin-Sabot, VA 23103, United States |
