Virginia Referendum

I don't think yesterday's referendum in Virginia was as much a victory for the country as a whole as it may have been for Democrats. Yes, gerrymandering is bad. But so, too, is totalitarianism. A democracy can still function with gerrymandering.  Poorly, to be sure. It cannot when ruled by a tyrant. 

Drive-By

Vote Yes

I think it is important that voters understand the limits this referendum proposal would set for redrawing congressional districts. I’ve added the italicized bits to emphasize what I believe are the sensible limits. Yes, it’s partisan gerrymandering, but only for a limited time and, importantly, in response to the same GOP gerrymandering in other states.

"The proposed amendment would give the General Assembly the authority to redraw one or more of Virginia's congressional districts before 2031 in limited circumstances. In the event that another state redraws its own congressional districts before 2031, without being ordered by a court to do so, the General Assembly would then be able to redraw Virginia's congressional districts. The General Assembly's power to do so would continue until October 31, 2030, and the Virginia Redistricting Commission would reassume the responsibility of drawing the congressional districts in 2031.

The proposed district map has been approved by the General Assembly and would take effect only if the constitutional amendment is approved by the voters.

A "yes" vote would allow the General Assembly to redraw Virginia's congressional districts, since other states have done so, in addition to giving effect to the proposed district map in time for the 2026 Congressional elections, and return the responsibility of drawing the congressional districts in 2031 to the Virginia Redistricting Commission." -- Virginia Department of Elections

Kool-Aid

 

Yass

Resist, Persist, Fight for Justice

ALT+RIGHT+DEL

Speak Up, Speak Out

No Kings protest in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Organize

Organize: to form into a coherent unity or functioning whole : INTEGRATE.

No Kings III

Just back from the #NoKings protest here in the cradle of our democracy. Lots of energy! Lots of talk about the current referendum, people encouraging people to #VoteYes.

I'm as committed to ending gerrymandering as anyone else, but I will still vote yes in Virginia's referendum. If I were to vote no and Democrats were to lose the midterms, I would forever regret that decision. #NoKings #VirginiaRedistricting

King's Colour

"The flag of Great Britain, often referred to as the King's Colour, Union Flag, Union Jack, and British flag (retroactively prefixed as being the 'first' such flag, in order to distinguish it from the modern flag of the United Kingdom), was used at sea from 1606 then more generally from 1707 until 1801 as the flag of the Kingdom of Great Britain, and is the precursor to the modern Union Jack." -- Wikipedia

Scotland St

Fire Tower

Private Property

The High Knob Tower Trail in the George Washington National Forest borders private property in places.

1021

There often comes a moment when you're hiking summit trails when you begin to wonder how much farther you will have to hike to reach the top. This was one of those moments, especially as I began to ponder what possible meaning should be attached to the number "1021." Usually, distances on these signs are indicated in miles. Or, occasionally, I've seen references to feet. Sometimes, though, trail signs will indicate elevation above sea level. So what was I to make of "1021." I still don't have any idea, although I suppose that 1021 feet to the top can't be ruled out entirely. But if that was the case, then why not just say so?  In any case, I just pressed on, mystery in mind.

Trail Signs

 High Knob Tower Trail

George Washington National Forest

High Knob Tower Trail

The High Knob Tower Trail, part of the Great Eastern Trail, lies west of Harrisonburg, Virginia, on the border with West Virginia and in the George Washington National Forest.

Joining Skywatch Friday.

Hotel Madison

The Hotel Madison in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Hightop

It's been too long. I realized that as soon as I stepped out of my car onto the Hightop Mountain Parking Area in Shenandoah National Park. I used to hike the park's trails regularly. Now, because of their distance from me, it's something I do maybe, if I'm lucky, once or twice a year. I'd like to promise myself to return more frequently, but I know I can't. I can only make the most of the opportunities I have. So here I am about to embark upon another adventure up the Hightop Mountain Trail.

Blueberry Patch

 

 

Ah, this is what people are after!