Dear friends and fellow citizens,
“Of all the enemies to public liberty war is, perhaps, the most to be dreaded, because it comprises and develops the germ of every other. War is the parent of armies; from these proceed debts and taxes; and armies, and debts, and taxes are the known instruments for bringing the many under the domination of the few. In war, too, the discretionary power of the Executive is extended; its influence in dealing out offices, honors, and emoluments is multiplied; and all the means of seducing the minds, are added to those of subduing the force, of the people. The same malignant aspect in republicanism may be traced in the inequality of fortunes, and the opportunities of fraud, growing out of a state of war, and in the degeneracy of manners and of morals, engendered by both. No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare.
Those truths are well established. They are read in every page which records the progression from a less arbitrary to a more arbitrary government, or the transition from a popular government to an aristocracy or a monarchy.
It must be evident, then, that in the same degree as the friends of the propositions were jealous of armies, and debts, and prerogative, as dangerous to a republican Constitution, they must have been averse to war, as favourable to armies and debts, and prerogative.”
-- from James Madison, Political Observations April 20, 1795
Printed copy owned by Thomas Jefferson
Will McGurn
Director, The Virginia Council
Virginia Election Updates:
Meet the six Democrats running for lieutenant governor By Margaret Barthel
How the Virginia GOP's diverse ticket came together -- and what it means | AP News By Olivia Diaz
Meet the Democrats in the Virginia Attorney General Primary By Margaret Barthel
‘I love my job.’ Miyares fighting for second term as Virginia Attorney General By Kate Nuechterlein
Virginia: Stoney launches four ads in Dems' Lt. Gov. primary By Anna Bryson
GOP presents plan to capture Democratic seats in Virginia and New Jersey legislatures By Annabella Rosciglione
These non-traditional candidates say they represent the evolving politics of Virginia | WVTF By Brad Kutner
John Curran relaunches LG bid as write-in, alleging signature sabotage • Virginia Mercury By Markus Schmidt
The Board of Directors of The Virginia Council would like to thank Dr. Ann McLean for all her hard work, dedication, and educational efforts in support of the Commonwealth's historical traditions. Dr. McLean has decided to dedicate her time to other important endeavors and organizations and we wish her well.
Virginia Assembly, Senate & Governor updates:
Virginia House clerk rejects three of Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s vetoes • Virginia Mercury By Charlotte Rene Woods
Youngkin signs bills designed to improve foster care in Virginia | WRIC ABC 8News By Tyler Englander
Youngkin signs bipartisan child welfare reforms and sets new goals for foster care • Virginia Mercury By Markus Schmidt
Virginia governor’s rights restoration authority debated at federal appeals court By Brad Kutner
Weapons scanners coming to Chesterfield schools after threats - Axios Richmond By Sabrina Moreno
Three Virginia farmers describe 'blessings' and challenges - Cardinal News By Matt Busse
Articles, News, & Quotes:
Damascus, hit hard by Helene, is now ready to welcome hikers again - Cardinal News By Carolyn Wilson
Virginia overhauls SOL testing to boost student achievement • Virginia Mercury By Nathaniel Cline
Vice President Vance makes surprise visit to Washington, Va. | Politics & Government | rappnews.com By Ireland Hayes
Commencement Season And Conservatives — Kerry: By Kerry Dougherty
‘It’s absolutely absurd’: VCU withholds degrees of several students over Pro-Palestinian gathering | WRIC ABC 8News By Victoria Lucas
RESETUVA The Jefferson Council is taking a bold step to protect the University of Virginia’s legacy. We’ve published a full-page ad in the Richmond Times-Dispatch (and are launching a companion campaign online) calling on the Board of Visitors to pursue new leadership at UVA.
Jefferson Council calls for new leadership at UVA | News | cbs19news.com By Sarah Allen
C'villeBubble on X: "🚨Update - Criminal charges for Robert Romer, the @UVA student charged with an Anti-Semitic felony Hate Crime, were affirmed at a preliminary hearing on 5/15. ➡️Commonwealth's Attorney Joe Platania will set the dates in Charlottesville Circuit Court for both Grand Jury and https://t.co/4e0xgVyBL7" / X
In the World’s Data Center Hotbed, How Close Is Too Close, and Who Should Pay? - Inside Climate News By Charles Paullin
Virginia leads science-backed solutions to the opioid epidemic - Cardinal News By Lauren Sisler
Audit: Richmond Retirement System lost $415K from payments to dead people By Graham Moomaw
Richmond's Avula has ‘no appetite’ to pursue $56M from failed VCU Health deal By Dean Mirshahi
Richmond’s inspector general is out at City Hall. Leaders aren’t explaining why. By Graham Moomaw
Richmond real estate tax bills were sent to residents with mortgages; city is working on next steps By Michael Phillips
Richmond receives Notice of Alleged Violation from Virginia Department of Health for fluoride spike | WRIC ABC 8News By Katelyn Harlow
Amazon breaks ground on 3 million-square-foot Goochland fulfillment center - Richmond BizSense By Jackie DiBartolomeo
(1) Nick Minock on X: "🚨WATCH WJLA-TV @ 5pm Friday🚨 For the first time you’ll see the video “evidence” in Loudoun County Public Schools’ Title IX investigation into three boys who were uncomfortable with a girl in the boys locker room. I exclusively obtained the video. Read: https://t.co/f16lvrVX5u https://t.co/LEXDKME6LZ" / X
Finance department at Birth Injury Fund gutted by departures By Luca Powell
Quantico EOD called to remove WWII-era mortar from Virginia home By Hope Hodge Seck
Fairfax Co. board approves 4% meals tax increase in 2026 budget despite opposition By John Gonzalez
Rural communities are keeping Virginia from becoming an exporter of people. That's where the population growth is. - Cardinal News By Dwayne Yancey
Hotline between military and air traffic controllers in Washington hasn't worked for over 3 years | AP News By Josh Funk
Pamunkey Reservation listed as one of the nation’s most endangered historic places By Pamela D'Angelo
J6er Charged with Burglary in Varina, Was Living in Northside - RVA Mag By Goad Gatsby
Virginia leads the nation in coastal flooding 'by a wide margin,' analysis says By Katherine Hafner
Dispatch from 1775: Henry marches on Williamsburg; Virginia comes to brink of revolution, but conflict averted for now - Cardinal News By Dwayne Yancey
Virginia and East coast fishery managers remain vigilant over status of Atlantic striped bass • Virginia Mercury By Evan Visconti
Interviews & Videos of Interest
Virginia county restricts its police dept. from contacting ICE to arrest immigrants in US illegally By Nick Minock
From Ruin to Recovery: Virginia's Flood Disaster | Podcast Episode on RSS.com Dutchie Jessee with Susan Cameron
(1) The Jefferson Council on X: "Reddit is buzzing about the Spring Honor Committee update and a wave of cheating incidents at UVA—especially at the Darden School of Business. This comes as no surprise to us. At our annual meeting in April, TJC President Joel Gardner warned: "Cheating is so bad at Darden that https://t.co/PZQTxkVZnx" / X
Marbury v. Madison: How Much Power Does the Supreme Court Have? | PragerU By Haley Proctor
Gunther Eagleman™ on X: "🚨BREAKING: ICE authorities have arrested a documented MS-13 gang member in Fairfax, VA! He has been placed on a detainer hold 16 times, but the requests were ignored due to their sanctuary city status. He has also been arrested THIRTY TIMES. This is who the Democrats protect! https://t.co/C6VRFXexUE" / X
The Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Liberty
It’s Time to End Federal Control of Education and Restore Parental Authority › American Greatness By Sam Sorbo
BREAKING: ‘Shocking’ verdict after Alexandria Police Department officer awarded full compensatory damages in racial discrimination lawsuit against the city | ALXnow By James Cullum
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 |
