In these pandemic times, the pressure on everyday folks to “pitch in” during the emergency reminds many of the Cold War.

There is no doubt in our minds that the Democrats on the ballot for Virginia’s three statewide officers are vastly preferred over their Republican counterparts.

As with last year’s presidential election, voters do not need any reason to vote early. Simply show up with a valid form of ID such as a driver’s license or state ID card, Voter Information Notice or utility bill with your name and address matching your voter registration address and we’ll issue you your ballot so you can cast it here in our office.

“Thanks to President Biden and Democrats, and no thanks to a single Republican in Congress, American families will receive their third direct payment through the Child Tax Credit, putting money in the pockets of millions of families,” a statement from the Democratic National Committee announced Wednesday.

Fans of old movies may remember that characters sometimes included a “cop on the beat,” who seemed to know everyone and rarely used his nightstick or weapon.

The nearly-two-century-old Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, a 184-mile one time engineering marvel that now charms D.C. and Maryland hikers, is a familiar landmark to most Arlingtonians.

“When I was sworn into the Virginia House of Delegates in January of 2014, I was one of 33 House Democrats – a super-minority incapable of even sustaining a veto by the recently elected Democratic Governor, Terry McAuliffe.”

Pop quiz: Which place in Virginia has stronger Covid-19 safety protocols — a public school or a state prison? If you answered a state prison, you are correct! And if you think that is crazy, then you understand why I am writing this.
I am a public school teacher in Fairfax County.

More and more, given the last year’s pandemic, voter registration mobilizations and changes to the law, voters in Virginia are enjoying greater opportunities to cast their ballot for this November’s election earlier and more conveniently. As a result, those in the City of Falls Church (who routinely produce the highest voter turnout in all Virginia) have a wide range of options to vote beginning just next week, starting Friday, Sept. 17.

Labor Day, historically, marks the end of summer and a return to normal autumn activities. This year, the return to “normal” activities will have to wait another weekend, as this Saturday commemorates the 20th anniversary of the jetliner attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon here in Northern Virginia, and a suspected attempt on the Capitol that ended in a crash in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.