McLean Opinion

McLean Opinion

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Editorial: Finally, Marriage Rights Protected in Virginia

On July 28, 2014, in affirming that Virginia’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, Circuit Judge Henry F. Floyd writes: “We recognize that same-sex marriage makes some people deeply uncomfortable. However, inertia and apprehension are not legitimate bases for denying same-sex couples due process and equal protection of the laws.

Letter: Government In Bedrooms

We need Supervisor John Foust to represent us in Congress, a public servant who listens to his constituents and fights for their causes.

Letter: Checking the Letters

I have read both letters to the editor in the July 16, 2014, McLean edition, in which Anne C. Gruner and Macy Anderson, as residents of McLean, enthusiastically endorse Barbara Comstock for Congress.

Letter: A Different Picture

A recent letter to the editor about Delegate Barbara Comstock claims that she’s focused on job creation and helping struggling college students.

Letter: Following the Rule of Honor

Letter to the Editor

The recent story in McLean Connection about Governor Terry McAuliffe signing special legislation that would focus on helping military personnel and their families underscored the importance of what these fine Americans do for our country. A grateful nation and state should acknowledge their sacrifice by helping them when possible.

Editorial: Tragic Consequences

Money lost by refusal to expand health coverage, but also life, health and livelihood.

The Virginia General Assembly’s refusal to expand Medicaid, extending health coverage to as many as 400,000 Virginians has resulted in the loss of about $1 billion in direct payments. But that understates the loss, failing to calculate the cost of the lost health of thousands of Virginians.

Letter: ‘Go To’ Delegate for Congress

To the Editor

It’s been sad to see that in the congressional race for the 10th District, the only thing the Democrats have done is go on attack instead of offer constructive solutions. Even NPR noticed the relentlessly negative tone of Supervisor John Foust’s campaign rhetoric saying they are using “old-fashioned fear mongering” and noting that he was mouthing the Democrat Congressional Campaign Committee’s talking points.

Letter: A Job-creation Candidate

To the Editor

I have known Delegate Barbara Comstock, candidate for Congress from Virginia’s 10th District, for over a year now. She has always impressed me as a bright, serious and pragmatic candidate who was focused on addressing the important issues affecting our community rather than just giving speeches, repeating talking points or pandering to specific groups.

Editorial: Save a Little, Help Others Prepare for School

Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies is a good reminder to donate supplies and dollars for children who need help arriving at school prepared.

Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies and clothing is Aug. 1-3, and it makes sense to take advantage of the savings, and to spread the wealth around.

Not That I’ll Ever Be Out, But…

“Just when I thought I was out…they pull me back in.” Although this quote is from Michael Corleone from “The Godfather: Part III,” it very much characterizes my daily struggle being a terminal cancer patient; non small cell lung cancer, NSCLC, is like that, almost always. Even though I don’t want to think about the fact that I have cancer, or not let it affect my judgment on life – or perspective; or let it impede my path to a happier existence, more often than not, it does.

Editorial: Hurray for Full Day Mondays

Hoping that later start times for high schoolers follows quickly.

For decades, Fairfax County schools have sent elementary school students home after half a day on Mondays. This was never a good idea, and it has been more damaging to family schedules and student learning with the increase over the years of two-income households and greater economic diversity.

Letter: Campaign Experience

I recently had the opportunity to volunteer on the John Foust for Congress Campaign – a small office with a small army of professionals, interns, and volunteers – and I’m pleased to say that it was an extremely positive experience.

Look Out Below

I think I know what a rampaging bull feels like; and I don’t mean one on Wall Street, either. I mean one in the figurative sense: when one has a need, an overwhelming, unstoppable-type urge, to scratch that itch, to gratify that which has been delayed. What am I talking about? (You sound like my wife, Dina.) I am talking about food. More specifically, I am talking about a side effect I’ve been experiencing of late from the chemotherapy drug Alimta, with which I’ve been infused every three weeks since late September, 2013 (successfully I may add, given the shrinkage noted in my most recent CT Scan).

Editorial: Safe Fourth

Talking and planning are the best safety measures; SoberRide offers a safety net.

Independence Day is a national celebration, and for many, that celebration includes alcohol. The summer overall and July 4 in particular are times of greater risk for drinking and driving.

"One Less Thing"

Forrest Gump knew when he voiced over: "Mama got the cancer and died on a Tuesday. I bought her a new hat with little flowers on it. And that’s all I have to say about that." And if you watched the movie as often as I did (it was one of my mother’s favorites), you may also recall "Mama always said you got to put the past behind you before you can move on."