Author: James A. Bacon
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Can We Call It the “War” for VMI Now?
The U.S. Department of War has issued a statement regarding a bill in the Virginia legislature that would transfer control of the Virginia Military Institute to the Board of Visitors of Virginia State University. “The Department of War is monitoring Virginia House Bill 1374, focused on the governance of the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), with…
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Larry Sabato for UVA President
by Scott Gerber On June 13, 2017, I published an op-ed in the Charlottesville Daily Progress nominating professor Larry Sabato to be the ninth president of the University of Virginia. Jim Ryan was selected instead. The seemingly never-ending scandals that have unfolded at UVA in recent years demonstrate the Board of Visitors should have picked Sabato. Indeed, Sabato…
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Bill & Ed’s Excellent Richmond Adventure
by Jon Baliles The end of 2025 in Richmond was a rough and painful one as the city lost two of our dearest friends, visionaries, change agents, and just down right kind-hearted people that collectively did more to inspire change and keep it on the front burner to make this city a better place. I…
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If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It
MEMORANDUM FOR RECORDSUBJECT: STATEMENT FROM CADET LEADERSHIP ON THE MEANING AND FUTURE OF THEVIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE We write neither in anger nor in defiance, but in duty. We represent the Virginia Military Institute Corps of Cadets as leaders entrusted with responsibility for the Corps’ discipline, morale, and welfare. We live daily under the system now…
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VMI & the Task Force
by Gordon C. Morse Virginia Military Institute, defined in the broadest sense of its extended community, may wish to reconsider its collective commitment to being correct and thoughtful. Meaning, under the circumstances, consider this to be a threat assessment. VMI’s loyalists should not confuse a proposed legislative “study”—a proposed task force, in this instance—for being…
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Court Reverses Intent of 2020 Do-Not-Compete Reform
by Chap Petersen In the 2020 legislative session, the General Assembly – with a new Democratic majority – passed A LOT of bills regarding labor rights. One of the most important and least noticed was SB 840, which protected “low wage” workers, i.e. those making under the average state wage, from being subject to “covenants…
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Establishment Rising?
Rockingham County turned around; Harrisonburg could. by Joe Fitzgerald The most significant thing about the most significant purely local political story of 2025 was not widely reported, possibly because there was no one to report it. A School Board member in Rockingham County was defeated by a candidate he had defeated to win his seat…
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Upholding the Rule of Law Is Everyone’s Responsibility
by J. Kennerly Davis All Virginians, regardless of their political affiliations, should welcome the decision issued this week by Circuit Court Judge Jack Hurley to block and void the Democrats’ brazen attempt to defy the clear requirements of the Virginia Constitution and unlawfully redraw the Commonwealth’s congressional districts to their disproportionate advantage. We all win…
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Political Activism Over ICE Creeps into Virginia’s Public Schools
The anti-ICE crowd is taking the fight against federal immigration enforcement to a school near you. by Shelly Norden Political activism attacking U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is increasingly showing up inside Virginia’s public schools, raising questions about where education ends and national political campaigning begins. In recent days, union-aligned posts have encouraged educators…
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Affordability or Gerrymandering?
Governor Spanberger campaigned on affordability. Her party is delivering gerrymandering. by Chris Saxman Virginia Democrats ran up huge numbers led by now Governor Abigail Spanberger who defeated former Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears by an astonishing 15+ points. The House Democrats gained 13 seats and now will have a 64-36 majority – a dramatic switch from…
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“I Can Say VMI Is the Most Inclusive Environment I Have Ever Been a Part of”
Is the Virginia Military Institute a racist institution that warrants General Assembly intervention? Maybe the Virginia legislators should ask these two young men.
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Cold? Who’s Cold?
by Kerry Dougherty It was late Sunday night when my son blew in the back door. I was standing just inside, fleece, rain jacket, hat and mittens on, leashes in hand, about to walk the dog. “Wanna come with me?” I asked. “Sure,” he replied to my surprise. It was about 38 degrees and drizzling. The exact…
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The Cabal Is at It Again
Written by the Jefferson Council A rumor circulated this week claiming that the Board of Visitors has developed a short list of candidates for a future University presidency, despite the recent appointment of Scott Beardsley. At the top of the list allegedly is Risa Goluboff, former Dean of UVA Law from 2016 – 2024. After…