For the first time in U.S. history, most of the nation’s babies are members of minority groups, according to new census figures that signal the dawn of an era in which whites no longer will be in the majority.

The latest estimates, which gauge changes since the last census, are a reflection of an immigration wave that began four decades ago. The transformation of the country’s racial and ethnic makeup has gathered steam as the white population grows collectively older, especially compared with Hispanics.

The census has forecast that non-Hispanic whites will be outnumbered in the United States by 2042, and social scientists consider that current status among infants a harbinger of the change.

“This is a watershed moment,” said Andrew Cherlin, a sociologist at Johns Hopkins University who specializes in family issues. “It shows us how multicultural we’ve become.”

Culture warrior Pat Buchanan  got himself a in alot of trouble by suggesting that Utah was a  truly “American” state because of its heavily Mormon population.  Mormons tend to marry within their religion and most Mormons are white.  In fact, it was this very notion that caused Buchanan’s departure from MSNBC, according to standard.net:

MSNBC President Phil Griffin told reporters in early January that Buchanan had been taken off the network because of comments Buchanan made in his latest book, “Suicide of a Superpower.” The New York Times quoted the book’s declaration that the “European and Christian core of our country is shrinking,” damaging the nation “ethnically, culturally, morally, politically.” It also noted that one chapter is called “The End of White America.” Griffin said, “The ideas he put forth aren’t really appropriate for national dialogue, much less the dialogue on MSNBC.”

It will be interesting to step back and watch the culture warriors. Will they accept that white won’t be the majority race in this America as of 2042?  Where does the ban on abortion fit in?  Will they reconsider their flag ship issues of banning abortion and defunding Planned Parenthood? Did they not realize that the majority of abortions are sought by non-white women? Will contraception still be an awkward topic that some  folks still quietly fight? These are all questions that no one likes to talk about and are loaded with dynamite. There are literally no right answers simply because whatever is said is grabbed up by the “other side” (whatever that is) and used to beat up the opposition as though  wielding  a lead pipe.

Obviously, discussion of America’s racial make up and reproductive rights is a toxic cocktail  and probably best avoided because it presents such a conundrum.

About once a year, I dig out my Ken Burns Lewis and Clark video to watch.  I always cry and I am not sure why.  I believe it just amazes me.  It amazes me that my homies were able to traverse this continent and make it back with only one death–from appendicitis.  The Corp of Discovery happened 250 years ago.  Amazing.  250 years ago we really knew nothing about the interior of  what is now the United States. 

I call them my homies because Meriwether Lewis is an Albemarle County guy. My cousins are closely related to him and his family.  He worked for TJ, another homie. How could I not cry?  How could the Corp of Discovery accomplish all this?    Why didn’t the Native Indians overpower these 38 men, take their weapons and possessions and rule the roost?  Watch the video.  The Corp of Discovery might be one of the top 5 most important events in American history.  It is totally amazing that this small band of men and eventually one woman, Sacajawea, could cross this vast continent and return with samples, notes, animals, and even dinosaur bones. 

The trip speaks to Virginians doing the near impossible.  Imagine, Virginia boys standing on the shores of the Pacific Ocean in what is now Oregon and Washington and looking at that huge river, the Columbia, as it spilled into the ocean.  Imagine their wonder as they looked upon people with flattened foreheads and trees so thick, tall and lush that you can barely see the tops.  Imagine spending a winter where one barely sees the sun because it rains every day.  

I have stood on those shores and I was humbled that the Corp of Discovery were our people–Virginians.  I was humbled by their accomplishments and I was in awe of their success.  I felt guilty that I had arrived first by plane, in only a matter of about 5 hours, and then by car.  The Corp didn’t have that luxury.  It is good to think of these things periodically.  It helps one keep ones bearings. 

Enjoy the video.

Undaunted  Courage is a great read.   At my age, I prefer the video, however.

Supervisor Candland has proposed elimating disrectionary funds.

On Tuesday, Candland presented the Board of County Supervisors with a rough draft of a resolution that would move their  donations to private entities or nonprofits into the annual budget process. Candland’s resolution is tentatively scheduled for more discussion at the board’s June 5 meeting.

Donations to schools would be excluded from this procedural change, said Candland. The Gainesville supervisor would also like to discuss what to do with annual funding carried over by some supervisors for future projects.

“We should be like other localities and handle this in the normal budget process,” Candland said.

When Moonhowlings did research on other localities, we did indeed find that no “sister” county had discretionary funds for each district Supervisor.  Supervisor Principi expressed concern regarding the complete elimination of discretionary funds.

At a forum on the discretionary funds issue in February, Principi  defended the practice, saying it gives supervisors flexibility to respond to crises big and small. He said he spends just 3 percent of his district funds on outside nonprofits. Most of the money, he said, is allocated for office costs to serve his constituents.

Last September, supervisors were able to dip into those funds to react quickly after floods inundated Holly Acres Mobile Home Park, leaving dozens homeless, he said at the forum.

Here is my question, why doesn’t PWC  have an emergency fund for, well, EMERGENCIES!  As taxpayers we all contribute to the same kitty, why should our money be allocated as though each district is a separate entity.  We are one county, we are all Prince William County residents.

Our budget process should be streamlined, we should behave and react as one county, not as 8 distinct districts.  We look at discretionary funds not just as a means to promote favoritism, but also as a way to limit real cohesion as a county.  No more east vs west, we are one county, and that should be reflected in the very foundation of how we “operate” our core finances.

We expect these funds that are divided up into 8 separate pieces of the pie to be enfolded within the core budget and utilized to address the needs of residents, no matter what part of the county they reside.   This is not “extra” money, this is money that should have a process of allocation within the needs of the county.  If, in the future, there is an emergency, there should be an appropriate mechanism that deals with whatever crisis occurs within the county.

Contrary to Peter Candland though,  given the recent budget debate, we don’t believe there is too much money in the budget, we just believe it needs to be properly spent.   That Rainbow Riding has somehow become included in the budget for an additional 178 grand has not gone unremarked for sure!   Just because an item is in the budget, doesn’t mean it should be funded!

The Wall of Shame

“All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” Edmund Burke

Those who voted  NAY

Nays (31)

Richard L. Anderson, R-Prince William
Richard P. “Dickie” Bell, R-Staunton
Robert B. Bell, R-Albemarle
Kathy J. Byron, R-Campbell
Benjamin L. Cline, R-Rockbridge
Mark L. Cole, R-Spotsylvania
John A. Cosgrove, R-Chesapeake
John A. Cox, R-Hanover
L. Mark Dudenhefer, R-Stafford
James E. Edmunds II, R-Halifax
C. Matthew Fariss, R-Campbell
T. Scott Garrett, R-Lynchburg
Thomas A. “Tag” Greason, R-Loudoun
Gordon C. Helsel Jr., R-Poquoson
M. Keith Hodges, R-Middlesex
Timothy D. Hugo, R-Fairfax
Salvatore R. Iaquinto, R-Virginia Beach
Barry D. Knight, R-Virginia Beach
L. Scott Lingamfelter, R-Prince William
Daniel W. Marshall III, R-Danville
Robert G. Marshall, R-Prince William
Jimmie Massie, R-Henrico
Donald W. Merricks, R-Pittsylvania
James W. “Will” Morefield, R-Tazewell
Brenda L. Pogge, R-James City
Charles D. Poindexter, R-Franklin County
David I. Ramadan, R-Loudoun
Roxann L. Robinson, R-Chesterfield
Ron Villanueva, R-Virginia Beach
Michael B. Watson, R-Williamsburg
Tony O. Wilt, R-Rockingham

First they came for the Jews
and I did not speak out–
because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the communists
and I did not speak out–
because I was not a communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out–
because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me–
and there was no one left to speak out for me.

Pastor Martin Niemoller

The following legislators didn’t vote.  They simply withheld.  Can they look at themselves tomorrow morning in the mirror?  Why did they not vote?  They must have known that Tracy Thorne-Begland was highly qualified. 

Were they afraid of their “base”?  Were they afraid they would lose votes next election?  Were they afraid of their constituents who think public homophobia is a good thing?  Those who didn’t vote appear to belong on their own WALL OF SHAME.

“All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”  Edmund Burke

Not voting (26)

Robert H. Brink, D-Arlington
David L. Englin, D-Alexandria
C. Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah
Gregory D. Habeeb, R-Salem
Christopher T. Head, R-Roanoke
William J. Howell, R-Stafford
Johnny S. Joannou, D-Portsmouth
Joseph P. Johnson Jr., D-Washington County
S. Chris Jones, R-Suffolk
Joe T. May, R-Loudoun
Jackson H. Miller, R-Manassas
J. Randall “Randy” Minchew, R-Leesburg
Richard L. Morris, R-Isle of Wight
John M. O’Bannon III, R-Henrico
Robert D. Orrock Sr., R-Caroline
Christopher K. Peace, R-Hanover
Kenneth R. Plum, D-Fairfax
Harry R. Purkey, R-Virginia Beach
Margaret B. Ransone, R-Westmoreland
Robert Tata, R-Virginia Beach
Roslyn C. Tyler, D-Sussex
Onzlee Ware, D-Roanoke
R. Lee Ware Jr., R-Powhatan
Michael J. Webert, R-Fauquier
Thomas C. Wright Jr., R-Lunenberg
David E. Yancey, R-Newport News

Rich,  Scott and Jackson:

You allowed evil to triumph in Virginia this week

Bob, you led the pack. 

The lists may be found in the Richmond Times Dispatch.  There is also a list of those who abstained.  Not sure what the difference is.  Luke Torian from Prince William County voted yes.

WaPo:  Bigotry Triumphs in Virginia

Abstentions:

Abstensions (10)

M. Kirkland Cox, R-Colonial Heights
Anne B. Crockett-Stark, R-Wythe
Riley E. Ingram, R-Hopewell
R. Steven Landes, R-Augusta
Israel D. O’Quinn, R-Bristol
Lacey E. Putney, I-Bedford
Larry N. Rush, R-Montgomery
Edward T. Scott, R-Madison
Beverly J. Sherwood, R-Frederick
Chris Stolle, R-Virginia Beach

Del. Robert G. Marshall (R-Prince William), who is running for U.S. Senate, said he will seek to remove the name of “homosexual activist” Tracy Thorne-Begland from the list of 41 nominees for judgeships that the General Assembly will consider appointing Monday afternoon.

Thorne-Begland, Richmond prosecutor for the past 12 years, came out as a gay Naval officer on national TV 20 years ago to challenge the military’s now-abandoned “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. A former board member of the gay rights group Equality Virginia, he has since spoken out in favor of same-sex marriage. He and his partner, a Richmond lawyer, are raising twins.

Marshall called him “an aggressive activist for the pro-homosexual agenda.”

“After more than a week of pleading by some Republican Caucus members, the House Republican leadership has so far declined to [remove] Mr. Thorne-Begland’s name from the block of nominees,” Marshall in a written statement. “If this situation remains unchanged, I will offer an amendment to remove his name.”

Marshall’s statement followed one issued Friday by the Family Foundation of Virginia, which also contended that Thorne-Begland was unfit for the bench because he had spoken out against “don’t ask, don’t tell” and in favor of same-sex marriage. The latter is not legal in Virginia.

Does it surprise us that Sideshow Bob Marshall is leading the pack against this man?  Does he ever think that he is being biased? Basically, I doubt if he cares.  He has his own agenda.  He would be the first person to howl if someone spoke this way against him because of his…oh…religion.  He would be right.  You cannot discriminate on the basis of religion.  We need to add sexual orientation to that list of attibutes that excempt people from discrimination.

Marshall stated that Mr. Thorne-Begland had spoken out against DADT and in favor of same sex marriage and emphasiszed that the later is not leal in Virginia.  Being a native Virginian, I am curious.  How do we change laws unless we speak out against them? 

Would I become unfit for office if I advocated for medical marijuana?  How about lowering the drinking age to 20?  How about drunk driving limit changed to 0.1 rather than 0.08?  All those things are illegal at present. 

As I see it, anyone can advocate for laws to be changed.  To intimate that Americans asking for change are anything less than good Americans is…UnAmerican.

From lex18.com:

A Lexington Catholic High School student claims she was barred from prom because she planned to bring a date of the same sex.

Hope Decker, 18, told LEX 18 administrators sat her down Friday and told her she could not attend with her girlfriend, Tiffany Wright, who is also a student at the school.

“What I experienced in the Dean’s Office was blatant homophobia,” said Hope Decker, a senior at the school. “We were told that this school has catholic principles and so they couldn’t let it happen.”

“At first I was really upset,” said Tiffany Wright, Decker’s date for the dance. “I mean, we both cried and then I was like, this is ridiculous. There’s gotta be something we could do about this.”

Decker, Wright, and dozens of their friends still dressed up for the occasion and even attempted to get into the school for prom. When turned away, they decided to have their own outdoor version outside of the school.

“I just think it’s ridiculous that a school that claims to foster love and equality is doing something like this to its own students,” said Wright.

Apparently the time has come. I feel like we are having the Stonewall Uprising all over again. Some questions come to mind. What is the difference between these 2 ladies going to prom and a bunch of girls just going as friends because they don’t have dates? That happens all the time. If you ban people without dates, then you are discriminating against those who don’t have dates.

The more politicians and churches try to discriminate against gays, the more people are going to see the importance of pushing back.  Maybe the time has come for people of good will to draw a line in the sand, like these kids did for their prom, and just say NO to blatant, codified discrimination.   It will be the young people who guide us, as a nation, to accept people for who they are rather than what they are. 

Meanwhile, kudos to Bull Run Unitarian Universalist Church for sponsoring a  LGBT prom evening for young folks who fit into that community.  What do local high schools do around here?  Public?  Private?  Does anyone know?  Will the ACLU jump in on behalf of Decker  and Wright?

Arizona is rapidly becoming the model for bad behavior, from its governor’s bad grammar to its rude Ron Paul supporters.  have we left out oppressive abortion  and  immigration laws?

Far be it from me to take copy from Glenn Beck but this behavior has been documented everywhere on the internet.  According to the Blaze.com:

The state’s convention was to elect delegates for the national convention in August, where the former Massachusetts governor is expected to wrap up the nomination to take on President Barack Obama.

“We cannot afford four more years of President Obama,” said Josh Romney, the third of Mitt Romney’s five sons. “We need someone to step in there and turn things around.”

But Josh had to stop repeatedly as people booed and yelled for Paul, who has continued campaigning in the Republican primary. All other challengers, including Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich, have dropped out of the race, and Romney has a commanding lead over Paul in the estimated delegate count.

But Paul supporters have begun flooding state conventions, recently winning control of delegate majorities in Nevada and Maine.

Josh Romney tried to pacify the crowd by taking a moment to recognize his father’s former rivals. It appeared to have little effect: Telling delegates to vote for his dad as he finished up, the crowd “exploded with competing boos and cheers, cutting him short.”

According to the Republic, some attendees said they heard Paul supporters chanting outside that Mitt Romney was “the white Obama.”

So help me out here.  Are the Ron Paul delegates just uncouth or is this something out of Arizona?  Mitt Romney has won the points needed for convention.  Doesn’t that count for anything?  All the candidates certainly spent loads of money and time attempting to secure this nomination.  Are Ron Paul people just anarchists who feel they don’t have to play by the rules?  Is this Arizona just once again showing bad behavior? 

I would say its time for real Republicans to step up to the plate and smack these miscreants down.  They need to take back control of their party from several groups of people.  Might as well start here.

Yuck.  What’s left to say?

Openly gay judicial nominee Tracy Thorne-Begland who currently serves as a  well-respected deputy prosecutor,   has been targeted by legislators and conservative groups simply because he is gay.  Tracy Thorne-Begland  is currently a deputy prosecutor in Richmond.

From the Washington Post:

Thorne-Begland, the deputy commonwealth attorney for Richmond, has been nominated to serve as a judge for the city’s 13th General District Court.

On Friday, the Family Foundation of Virginia issued a statement opposing his appointment, arguing that his public work on behalf of gay rights makes him unsuitable for the impartial role of judge.

“The question is, will his personal political agenda take precedent over Virginia law and the Constitution?” the Family Foundation statement reads. “Is he going to uphold laws he clearly and very publicly disagrees with? What does he believe is the role of the courts in moving in a more ‘progressive’ direction?”

Thorne-Begland declined comment Saturday, saying via e-mail that it would be improper for him to do so as a judicial nominee. He referred questions to his sponsor in the House of Delegates, Del. G. Manoli Loupassi (R-Richmond).

Loupassi described Thorne-Begland, a prosecutor for 12 years, as someone who is highly regarded by judges and defense attorneys alike.

“He is absolutely well qualified,”Loupassi said, contending that Thorne-Begland’s public statements about gay rights do nothing to diminish his fitness for the bench.

To declare someone ineligible for a judgeship purely on the basis their sexual orientation seems to be discriminatory to me.  Are we going to have to change our logo from Virginia is for Lovers to Virginia is for Bigots? 

Apparently Delegate Bob Marshall has also gotten in the act.  He has described Thorne-Begland as “One District Court applicant, Tracy Thorne-Begland, has been an aggressive activist for the pro-homosexual agenda, lives with his “partner” and two adopted children.”  Marshall plans on proposing an amendment if his fellow Republicans don’t block this man’s name from the list of appointees.  Marshall also spoke to President Bill Clinton’s pro  homosexual policy. 

I am embarrassed to live in the 13th District.  No, Bob Marshall, open discrimination is not ok with most Virginians.  Homophobia is a personal thing and should not be part of Virginia policy.  Appoint Tracy Thorne-Begland and let’s move on.  Being openly gay and an activist for civil rights should not disqualify anyone for a judgeship.

Warning: some of the language is graphic if you are in a public place.

There will be a test in an hour.  I hope you studied.