We know that it is important for companies to track the behavior of consumers. We know that with this information, they are better able to target customers and “meet their needs.” But when video cameras get involved, we think marketing research has gone too far.

Right now, businesses across our nation and our Commonwealth are facing very challenging times. Stafford County’s businesses are not immune from the uncertainties that are affecting companies large and small across America. Indeed, the pressures of difficult economic times are keenly felt by every Stafford business.

So the housing market has plunged and people are having economic difficulties. Many people are losing their homes and other people can’t get loans. That doesn’t mean that the government needs to step in. 

On June 19, Gov. Tim Kaine hosted a meeting in Fredericksburg to promote his transportation agenda that would raise taxes by $1.1 billion.  Can it be a coincidence that he chose to end his “Transportation Town Hall Tour” in Speaker Bill Howell’s legislative district? 

The state’s latest report on the quality of Virginia rivers and streams contained more good news than bad.

Many law enforcement personnel have been sworn in for duty over the years, but what must they think when they step out each day or night on the job?

On Memorial Day, America remembered.  As the nation mourned those who made the highest sacrifice, its sorrow translated into sweet celebration. We are sad because those we have lost were so good. Their virtue has not disappeared but remains to comfort survivors and to guide them. 

Gas prices continue to creep upward like ivy up a tree, strangling consumers’ ability to travel.

In the wake of destruction, many south Stafford families are left to pick up the pieces of their lives after a tornado ripped through their homes late last week.

Democrat Mark Warner officially has launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate. Virginia Republicans will nominate their candidate later this month. Most observers expect Jim Gilmore easily to defeat Del. Bob Marshall. If all goes according to assumptions, two former governors will compete for the seat now held by John Warner, who will retire at the end of his term. 

There are no quick fixes to solving the current underage-drinking epidemic.

Justin Whitaker seemed to touch many people in his short life. He lived for 18 years, but it seems to be that of a life lived longer, because he was able to reach and inspire so many people in the time that he was here. 

Wednesday was the one-year anniversary of the tragedy at Virginia Tech. On April 16, 2007, Seung-Hui Cho killed 32 people and wounded two dozen others at the Blacksburg college, before killing himself. 

The Middle College program at Germanna helps high school dropouts transition into college and the work force, meeting an important and easily overlooked need in the community. 

Hillary Clinton did not have to dodge sniper fire in Bosnia. Barack Obama thinks his grandmother is a “typical white person,” whatever that is. John McCain can’t keep the factions in the Mideast straight. These are interesting gotcha moments, but they are not nearly so important as what each of the candidates proposes to do about the nation’s entitlement crisis.