Editorials for Stafford County Sun

Someone’s ‘eyes’ are watching us

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:41:00 EDT

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.

BPOL tax would have negative effect

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:44:00 EDT

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.

Housing: Issue just takes time

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:42:00 EDT

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.

Democratic governors can’t keep promises

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:33:00 EDT

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?

Good news and bad, on Virginia’s rivers and streams

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:20:00 EDT

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

City loses a hero

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:50:01 EDT

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?

Strive to live for others

Wed, 28 May 2008 16:20:00 EDT

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.

High fuel cost changes driving

Wed, 21 May 2008 14:29:00 EDT

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

Reach out to those in need

Wed, 14 May 2008 18:34:01 EDT

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.

Off and running

Wed, 07 May 2008 17:44:00 EDT

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.

Teenage drinking a continued epidemic

Thu, 01 May 2008 10:29:00 EDT

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

Teen touched many during his short life

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:50:00 EDT

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.

Hokies, Virginians unite on anniversary

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:44:00 EDT

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.

A second chance at a career

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:17:00 EDT

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.

Candidates’ focus missing the mark

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:47:00 EDT

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.

Some thoughts on a gallon of gas

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:03:17 EDT

Just after World War I the Congress, concerned about the price of gasoline, held a series of hearings. Leaders were worried that demand, which was reaching, by standards of the time, unimaginable levels, would outstrip supply. The fear was that the price of a gallon of gas might possibly reach as high as 25 cents.

Service clubs good, for others

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 12:03:34 EDT

Was it my fault- The stock market has tanked and so have house sales, while gas prices remain outrageous.

A farewell to George Gordon

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 12:03:00 EDT

The small museum at the Stafford County School Board offices isn't fancy. But with a few glass cases, some wonderful old pictures, even a school bell from times gone by, it paints a warm picture of Stafford County in the early part of the 20th century.

BLANKENSHIP: End of an era, but life is good

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:02:53 EDT

HOLLIFIELD: Devil toads a big threat

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:02:14 EDT

Virginia inhospitable to Hillary

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 10:02:49 EDT

HOLLIFIELD: Where are my political suitors-

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 10:02:32 EDT

KENT: Trace Adkins: large, in charge

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 10:02:17 EDT

KERR: Putting some controls on payday lending

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 10:02:08 EDT

HOLLIFIELD: Media glare causes mom to go &Britney&

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:02:56 EDT

My mama has gone Britney in the glare of the media spotlight.

KENT: The Influx II: Jethro Tull Henley

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 09:02:17 EDT

HOLLIFIELD: I ask, Tim Conway answers

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:02:36 EDT

CALLANDER: Who we are voting for

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:02:49 EDT

On Abraham Lincoln's birthday, Feb. 12, we have a chance to change the course of American history by voting in the 2008 Virginia Presidential primary. We vote at our usual polling places during the usual hours, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

HOLLIFIELD: Media glare causes mom to go &Britney’&

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:02:55 EDT

My mama has gone Britney in the glare of the media spotlight.

STEGON: No better choice for Hall of Fame than Art Monk

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:02:25 EDT

When I was in the fourth grade my teacher assigned the students to write a letter to our favorite Redskins player the week before Super Bowl XXVI against the Buffalo Bills.

KENT: Musicians Jumping On The Country Bandwagon

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:02:20 EDT

I open a music magazine and Jewel is discussing her new country album, being put out on the new offshoot of Big Machine Records and how she's always been country.

BLANKENSHIP: Latest on politics and dim bulbs

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:02:11 EDT

From Slick Willie to Trick Hillie: Elect one and get both. How could we be so stupid- I'll vote for anybody who can beat that pair. Bill is due to reap $30 million soon from a recent financial deal and Hillary has more skeletons in their closet than Mafia bosses ever did.

KERR: The fall and rise of Virginia’s Democrats

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 10:01:57 EDT

There are times in politics when your prospects get so bad that there is nowhere to go but up. No matter how trite that may sound, it's exactly what happened to Virginia Democrats in the 1990s. They didn't face a total collapse, but rather a slow but steady decline. In politics, that can be one of the most painful experiences imaginable

HOLLIFIELD: Oh no Mom, say you didn’t

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 10:01:55 EDT

As a small town's newspaper editor, it's never pleasant when you're scooped on your own Mom.

STEGON: Bring back the Opie and Anthony Show

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 10:01:24 EDT

Some things are just stupid, kind of like when I sewed a home economics project to my shirt in the seventh grade. Other things are just dumb, kind of like anything Homer Simpson has ever said.

KENT: Keith Urban, Ambassador of Hope

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 10:01:01 EDT

There's only one thing we get from that grim sense of satisfaction of being there to watch someone rise to the top ' watching someone fall back down again. We love underdogs, but we HATE former underdogs. Some of that falls on them becoming the establishment; some of that is having a new underdog to root for. We love Britney as a fresh-faced-if-naughty teenager; we make fun of her as she goes nuclear.

Blankenship: Now a word from our sponsor

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:01:00 EDT

CALLANDER: Orleans House closing marks dying way of life

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 10:01:23 EDT

KERR: Washington’s whiskey brings back the past

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:01:53 EDT

STEGON: If I want to pretend like I am rocking out, I am going to do that

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:01:38 EDT

HOLLIFIELD: Sick children hate clowns

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:01:02 EDT

With This Ring, I Freak Out

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:01:56 EDT

It's almost wedding season! This might not make sense to the unmarried masses. "But Paul," they say with an eyebrow reaching for the heavens, "isn't wedding season in the summer-"

Coming: County Taxes for Dog Parks-

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:01:45 EDT

If you're like me, when the idea first surfaced that our community of Aquia Harbour should finance and build a dog exercise park, I snorted--much as a bulldog often does-- but more in derision than habit.

If writers strike continues, what will happen to Oscar-

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:01:42 EDT

So how awesome were the Golden Globes- All those celebrities dressed to the nines, the great acceptance speeches and, of course, you heard about how what's his name showed up with old you know who- Oh right. None of that happened.

Kalahari not right for Virginia

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:01:38 EDT

Celebrate Virginia South (in Fredericksburg) is hoping to open a Kalahari water park. Are you wondering what this has to do with celebrating Virginia- So am I.

Those who doubt Brooke Point need to think twice

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:01:09 EDT

For those who thought the Brooke Point High School girls' basketball team would not win a fourth straight district crown, you might want to think again. After dealing Mountain View High School - their first district loss on January 11 - Brooke Point is just two games out of first place.