Dear friends and fellow citizens,
Thomas Jefferson, in a letter to Roger Weightman, June 24, 1826
“may it [the Declaration] be to the world what I believe it will be, (to some parts sooner, to others later, but finally to all,) the Signal of arousing men to burst the chains, under which monkish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves, and to assume the blessings & security of self government. that form which we have substituted restores the free right to the unbounded exercise of reason and freedom of opinion. all eyes are opened, or opening to the rights of man. the general spread of the light of science has already laid open to every view the palpable truth that the mass of mankind has not been born, with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately, by the grace of god.”
God bless the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia!
Will McGurn
Interim President, The Virginia Council
Why the Declaration of Independence Still Matters
By Mark Guiney
(8) American Revolution Resurrected on X: "Today isn’t just about fireworks. It’s about fire. The kind that burned in the hearts of men who pledged “their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.” Let’s step inside the mind of 1776, where the real revolution began. 🧵🇺🇸 #AmRev https://t.co/gVSxreFG3e" / X
Declaration of Independence: A Transcription | National Archives
Virginia Election Updates:
Youngkin wrote a GOP playbook for winning Virginia. Republicans hope Earle-Sears can follow it | CNN Politics By Eva McKend
Virginia Republicans Rally Together for Upcoming Election By Joe Thomas
Sears, Reid and Miyares show united front for the first time | WVTF By Michael Pope
N.Va. leaders: Messaging will determine political success or failure in November | FFXnow By Scott McCaffrey
Miyares challenges Virginia's early release program, citing high recidivism data By Jon Burkett
(7) Marina Medvin 🇺🇸 on X: "After today’s antisemitism shock in northern Virginia, Jews are represented at the Republican governor rally for Winsome Sears. Republicans are the only party enforcing civil rights laws on behalf of Jews. https://t.co/BQ51xOqFhD" / X
Miyares’ office greenlights agreement preventing state from enforcing parts of VA’s ban on conversion therapy | WAVY.com By Tyler Englander
Virginia’s LGBTQ Caucus reacts to first openly gay candidate for statewide office | WVTF By Brad Kutner
Did AG Miyares Investigate LG Earle-Sears for Ethics Law Violations? By Josh Stanfield
At Northern Va. rally, GOP statewide ticket shows unity after months of party turmoil • Virginia Mercury By Markus Schmidt
State's first-ever audit of campaign finance report leaves many questions unanswered - Cardinal News By David M. Poole
(3) A Guy on X That's On a Mission. Live by the Code on X: "🚨Matt Moran Implodes: Drugs, Dirt, and Disappearance Confirmed by two independent sources: Matt Moran has been let go from Creative Direct. The company reportedly reached its limit with Moran’s alleged behavior, which includes: - Suspected drug use - Financial misconduct - The" / X
(2) Jason Miyares on X: "98 people from 40 countries became Americans at Fort Monroe this morning. On the 4th of July, there’s no better reminder of what makes this country special than welcoming new Americans to freedom and opportunity. Happy Birthday, America! 🇺🇸🇺🇸 https://t.co/fpDMgbkpSO" / X
Volunteers for The Virginia Council
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We're looking for folks to help with events, marketing, membership, and communications.
Help us to carry on Virginia's historic pursuit of truth in freedom through education and dialog.
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Virginia Assembly, Senate & Governor updates:
Ryan’s Downfall Began with Bipartisan Board Vote — The Jefferson Council By A Correspondent in Virginia
(3) ((( C'villeBubble ))) on X: "🚨@CivilRights is investigating Anti-Semitism at UVA. The "inquiry is unrelated to other matters," writes @HarmeetKDhillon, referencing the DEI investigation Three Jewish Civil Rights orgs sent UVA a letter of concern: @StandWithUs, the @ADL, and the @brandeiscenter From the https://t.co/kkwqm6YvFY" / X
UVA Resignation Prompts Discussion on Academic Independence By Joe Thomas
Univ. of Virginia president resigns amid Trump administration inquiry into diversity initiatives By Minyvonne Burke, Joe Kottke & Tyler Kingkade
Letters from DOJ reveal threats to U.Va. over admissions policies, Ryan’s leadership - The Cavalier Daily - University of Virginia's Student Newspaper
By Cecilia Mould
DOE to investigate LCPS over handling of Title IX complaint, Gov. Younkin says By Nick Minock
Former BOV member Bert Ellis says Ryan resignation an opportunity to move UVA to the right - Cville Right Now By Grace Wagner
Trump Admin Launches Anti-Semitism Probe Into George Mason University By Jessica Cotescu
George Mason University’s Disastrous President By Ian Kinsbury
Trump widens higher education fight to public colleges By Lexi Lonas Cochran
'They should be arrested': Youngkin holds firm on support for ICE raids at Virginia courthouses • Virginia Mercury By Markus Schmidt
Virginia reports 30% drop in homicides since 2021 and record fentanyl seizures | Just The News
By Shirleen Guerra
New Cardinal Care Managed Care program to serve Virginians with Medicaid By David Lance
Energy demands, regulations and federal funding challenge Virginia Clean Economy Act • Virginia Mercury By Shannon Heckt
Youngkin sets veto record as energy, AI fuel gridlock - Virginia Business By Kate Andrews
'Virginia Momnibus' legislation signed to improve maternal health care, outcomes By Web Staff
Audit of city fuel cards finds at least $44K in ‘questionable’ spending By Graham Moomaw
Virginia police operation 'Caught in the Web' exposes online child predators, 16 arrested By Jessica James
Column: Teach all history? That's exactly what VA is doing By Rosa Atkins
ASM reaches commercial production at Virginia critical mineral processing operations - MINING.COM By Staff Writer
Virginia increases funding for agricultural conservation projects aimed at Chesapeake Bay cleanup • Virginia Mercury By Shannon Heckt
Trump nominates Gilbert for U.S. attorney post - Cardinal News By Cardinal Staff
Prisoners and families file more than 500 complaints against the Virginia Department of Corrections By Sandy Hausman
Here are the new laws going into effect in Virginia on July 1 By Kate Nuechterlein
(7) Virginia American Revolution 250 Commemoration on X: "🎆 Independence Day Through the Years 🎆 Here’s a timeline of key moments in the history of the Fourth of July: 📜 July 8, 1776 – The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence took place in Philadelphia, summoned by the ringing of the Liberty Bell. https://t.co/Z6o1JTznKg" / X
Articles, News, & Quotes:
The Founders Museum Is an Inspired Addition to the Launch of America 250 Celebrations – RedState By Jennifer Oliver O'Connell
Former campaign manager for Democrat Sens Kaine, Warner pleads guilty to embezzlement, tax evasion | Just The News By Tess Phillips
(3) Christian Heiens 🏛 on X: "My home state of Virginia is a prime example of the political realignment that has taken place over the last generation. On the left is the 1996 presidential election. Clinton won the blue-shaded areas of the map 46.7-43.3. Dole won the red-shaded areas 49.1-44.3. On the right https://t.co/Yko6rJ3HMV" / X
Smithsonian Institution Under Fire for Political and Social Commentary in American Pop Exhibit – JONATHAN TURLEY
Prestigious Virginia K-8 School Hit with Civil Rights Complaint over Environment 'Hostile to Jews' By Adam Kredo
Posh Virginia private school that allegedly praised Hitler expelled three Jewish students who faced antisemitic bullying: complaint By Caitlin McCormack
Complaint alleges 3 Jewish students were kicked out of Virginia school By Joshua Chapin
DeSantis Unveils New Thomas Jefferson Statue to Celebrate the Founder's Key Role 250 Years Ago By Randy DeSoto
(4) Rod D. Martin on X: "🧵5 Myths About the Founding Fathers 🇺🇸 The men who gave us the Constitution and Declaration of Independence are smeared, distorted, and misrepresented daily. Here are the real truths your school, your media, and even some Republicans won’t tell you: 🧵👇 https://t.co/VkM5DDdOB8" / X
A Big Dill - richmondmagazine.com By Lauren Vincelli
5 takeaways from the Richmond-Henrico water summit By Graham Moomaw
Guided Missile Destroyer Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129) The ship’s name honors former U.S. Sen. Jeremiah Denton Jr., a Vietnam War veteran who was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism as a prisoner of war.
TAKE ACTION — MENHADEN DEFENDERS Every East coast state — except Virginia — prohibits reduction fishing for menhaden within state waters (from the coastline to 3 nautical miles
Five years in, VCEA still gets the problem and solution wrong - Cardinal News By Glenn Davis
Roadless Rule rescission could open up Virginia forestland for road development, logging • Virginia Mercury By Shannon Heckt
Civics Education | Virginia Museum of History & Culture Virginia Civics Becomes Part of the VMHC creating the Preeminent Hub for Civics Education in the Commonwealth
The Navy puts admiral in charge of Norfolk Naval Shipyard amid growing maintenance backlog By Steve Walsh
Virginia's older population is growing as its younger cohort shrinks - Axios Richmond By Sabrina Moreno & Alex Fitzpatrick
(2) Virginia American Revolution 250 Commemoration on X: "🏛️ On This Day – July 5, 1776 🏛️ "The Great Seal of Virginia" was adopted, symbolizing the state's ideals of liberty and justice. The seal features Virginia's allegorical figure of Virtue, victorious over tyranny, and has become a defining emblem of the Commonwealth. https://t.co/zgJ3cnzFf2" / X
Interviews & Videos of Interest
(54) The Declaration of Independence | "The Story of America" | Episode 4 - YouTube
(3) (((Harry Enten))) on X: "On this July 4th, Democrats who are extremely/very proud to be American has fallen through the floor to a record low of 36%. Down from 80% in 2015. This is driven by Gen Z Dems of whom just 24% are proud to be American. Meanwhile, 92% of the GOP are proud to be American. https://t.co/vXdbXODc5f" / X
25 Places in Western Virginia That Could Shape the Governor’s Race | Podcast Episode on RSS.com By Dutchie Jessee
WATCH: The mystery of one bead - Fredericksburg Free Press By Ted Schubel
John Wayne's God Bless America 1970
Well Done, Sergeant Jay, and Thank You – JONATHAN TURLEY
(8) The White House on X: "On the eve of Independence Day, watch @Hillsdale College President @DrLarryArnn explain the true meaning of the Declaration of Independence in our “Story of America” video. 🇺🇸🦅 https://t.co/9PnAh6ViZH" / X
LISTEN: 4th of July at Ferry Farm in Stafford - Fredericksburg Free Press
The Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Liberty
Jefferson letter goes on sale for $90,000 | WVTF By Sandy Hausman
Fed’s hidden immigration weapon – Virginia’s surveillance network By Kunle Falayi
(2) USS CONSTITUTION on X: "Underway! Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸 https://t.co/lG5vukgDuP" / X
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.
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Manakin-Sabot, VA 23103, United States |
